Zeladiel Araxyll's page

Dan can be somewhat busy, but it does look grim.

Zeladiel frowns.
"Of course it is. What did you expect?"

Well, I'm back. Now all we have to do is find Dan again. :-/

Zeladiel frowns.
"Very well... Emercy. If we are all in agreeance, we shall make our way to breakfast."
Zeladiel leads everyone through the streets, something that would be a lot quicker if he would actually walk in front of Khalid instead of beside him and half a step back. The building they arrive at is a fine looking establishment, with silks and curtains adorning the walls, but also serving as walls for smaller areas to grant a degree of at least visual privacy. Low tables are scattered about with plush cushions surrounding each, and soft voices drift through the scented air. Zeladiel hands a few extra coins to a smiling boy who shows them through a small maze of fabric to a table to which no voices carry. The boy quickly returns with drinks and platters.
"Mas... Emercy. I was just discussing with my companions some investigations I am conducting into this Sunset Ship affair. They have their own activities to attend to also, but since it has been suggested we stick together I may presume upon them to accommodate my activities for now. Master Khalid may still wish to list our tasks to undertake over the next few days. As a skilled merchant, Emercy, I would ask that you talk to your contacts on my behalf concerning the Sunset Ship, while keeping my name, and my companions names, unspoken due to some recent misunderstandings with some of the more evil elemental planar forces."
Zeladiel turns to Grall.
"Despite appearances, the position of Master Hammertime can command a degree of respect. Should you choose to have him assist you with what may be prove to be a delicate meeting in the near future, he is unlikely to make matters worse."
Zeladiel takes a sip of his spiced coffee and closes his eyes.

"Ma... Emercy. As a merchant you may be able to assist me. Do you know of the Sunset Ship and the dock it recently used that lays idle?"
Before he can answer, Zeladiel adds, "Forgive me, we were about to breakfast. I would be glad to accommodate you in return for any information. Should my companions see fit."
Zeladiel looks askance to the others.

Zeladiel frowns for a fraction of a second.
"Master Hammertime." Zeladiel bows stiffly.
"My companions and I are currently consulting with Master Rayhan on matters of arcane lore."
Zeladiel pauses a moment. And another moment. His shoulders slump imperceptibly.
"Permit me to introduce my companions, the Heroes of Kelmarane. Our leader, Khalid Al Ha'zareen, tactician, warrior and chosen one. Grall, freed gladiator and deathbringer to those who do evil. And Nuveril, gnollslayer, who drove the tribes of the Carrion King fleeing before her. Their skill in battle is matched only by their determination to protect innocents from evil's spread."

So very sorry. Away on holidays. Life has been busy busy busy.
So, my job is being upgraded and advertised. So I've spent the week before going on holidays applying for it. If I don't get it, I'll get shifted elsewhere, but I'd like to get it, so busy. Then I went on holidays to New Zealand for PaizoCon Oz. Seriously.
Apologies for not warning everyone.
Posting will continue to be erratic until Nov 1 while my lovely and I visit our cousins across the ditch. (We do not have actual cousins here... :-)

"Thank you for your hospitality, Master," Zeladiel bows politely.
"We shall take our breakfasting elsewhere so as not to disturb you."
Zeladiel looks to Khalid.

"If it will not disturb you, Master, my companions and I will accept your offer to stay here. That way we can... stick together."
Zeladiel glances from Khalid to Grall.
"And raise less suspicion than we might in an otherwise more public setting."

Hm, Nuveril claimed that ring here when we were divvying up loot and "paid" for it at the time, though I see that Zeladiel had said he put it on here, after identifying it.

If Zeladiel wants it, I'll have to do shopping for Nuveril.

There is no doubt in my mind that you are correct and that I have erred.

Sorry I haven't had a chance to sort out equipment.
From Shiz we got bracers of armour + 3, ring of protection + 2, cloak of resistance + 1, longspear +1 of shocking.
And the Merchant paid us 1000gp.

Zeladiel is sitting pretty on over 35,000gp of stuff already. And I don't see anyone else taking those Bracers +3. Even if the ring of lesser fire protection is party treasure, that's 12,000gp Zeladiel is wearing that will stop him burning.
So I won't be buying any stuff, and you guys may even want to go through my inventory and sell some stuff.

That said, I would like to copy some spells, which will cost some gold.
Who is sharing in that 1000gp and
Khalid, did I ever pay you back that 175gp?

Linah makes a pained noise.

We are all in this together Zeladiel. You need help and you need the rest of us.
Besides with Zayifid potentially about, should anyone be doing anything alone?

Zeladiel narrows his eyes.

I will say I'm a bit leery of that Zeladiel character though. My guess is he's nothing but trouble. Is he any relation to Braddon? ;)

"Trouble? You're obviously new here so I shall choose to overlook your impolitic suggestion, but I, sir, am a problem solver. I resolve troubles. And I find your comparison of me to that loud, ignorant, boorish, unsophisticated, uneducated, crude and obnoxious thug to be entirely offensive."

Glad to have you on board. Looking forward to even more gaming with you.

:-D

.
.
.
..
... Hammertime?
Oh puh-lease! :-)

"We?"
Zeladiel turns slowly to the others.
"This business is mine. I will let you know if I am mistaken."

Zeladiel nods slowly.
"That is most pertinent. Perhaps I should visit the dock before it returns."
Zeladiel holds his hand out for the letter. "If I'm invited then there shouldn't be any problems and I can... clarify... the issue."

It worked... :-)

"I don't know what to make of it. As you say, little is known and we hoped you may be able to tell us more."
Zeladiel pauses, then sighs.
"I... I did not think this was related. But, now..."
Zeladiel pulls out the letter he received and briefly scans it.
"Master. I don't know."
He shakes his head and offers the letter to his mentor.

"We do know of Andrathi. I have reason to believe Nuveril here is linked to him in some way. She wears what may be his legacy, though I have gleaned little of the device. And Nuveril's talent for magic is akin to the desert's talent for glaciers."

Zeladiel smiles faintly at the well tended garden and bows low to his Master.
"Indeed. Pazhvann himself appeared to us on our way here, requesting the Scroll for Nefeshti. Given the recent failed attacks on both our persons and our reputations by Zayifid, Khalid has decided the article is safer with us."

Despite his even voice and ongoing monologue, some of Zeladiel's hostility seems to fade as he points out the various buildings and markets. His long winded overview of each is soon interrupted by the next spectacle, which he begins to describe anew until the next, and so on.
When he pauses, it is usually to remind his companions to check their pouches and pockets regularly and to not look like newcomers. His eyes focus on Nuveril as he says this.
"It is best we seek out Master Rayhan at once and hear what guidance he may give us. Nothing changes in Katapesh except the details. We should avail ourselves of them quickly if we are to survive."

Hugs to you and baby Dan. We'll be patient. :-)

"For the right price, you can buy anything in Katapesh," Zeladiel reiterates.
"I told you to prepare yourself. There will be far worse to come. And they're not exactly my people, either."

"They are statues. But yes, they live. They are powered by the souls of the condemned and obey the guards. Another reason to avoid drawing attention. This way to our destination."
Zeladiel gestures into the city throng.

To Zeladiel he hands a fat pouch of gold and gems, the agreed thousand gold pieces fee for guarding the wagon as agreed.

I thank you Master Elf. I take it I can find you at the villa of Master Rayhan?

"I shall be taking my own accommodation, but a message can be left for me at the Master's house and it will reach me."

Zeladiel joins the others. "The man has witnessed our power and is unlikely to betray us for mere gold. Master Rayhan may have better contacts though. Here is our pay. I suggest you each take a share. You can buy anything in Katapesh, and if you desire nothing, at least take it to bribe the guards and officials when they start making demands."

Zeladiel looks blankly ahead, waiting patiently.

Zeladiel seems to notice Nuveril and looks down his nose at her.
"In Pale Mountain, we knew our enemies. They attacked us and we defeated them using strength and skill. In Katapesh we will be attacked with lies and deception. Friends will be tricked into harming us. Our enemies will hide behind the weak and the innocent. They will be... like gnomes... that we cannot see."
Zeladiel shakes his head.
"In Pale Mountain, I could respect you. I could call Grall my friend. If I do these things in Katapesh, our enemies will use it to drive others against us."
Zeladiel sighs.
"If I liked my home, I would have stayed there."

Zeladiel looms nearby.
"That attack was their last attempt before Katapesh. The caravan is safe now. The real danger will be when we get to Katapesh."

Zeladiel talks past Grall, addressing Khalid. "Grall's appearance will be less of a problem than you think. His attitude will be the problem. There are two types of Gnolls in Katapesh and he will not pass as a slaver. If we are seen to be treating him with anything less than contempt, it will draw notice. And we will always be watched."

Zeladiel's eyes dart towards Nuveril. "While the rest of us are less likely to be spat upon for our appearance, a wrong word to the wrong fat, pompous merchant and we could be arrested and locked up on charges that may as well be real. We can trust no one (which I suppose will be easy for some). Not even Almah or my master Rayhan."

Zeladiel looks back to Khalid. "I'm sure they'll try to help. Master Rayhan is a master of divination magic, which serves him almost as well as his own wisdom. But they have their own agendas. And they will almost certainly not want their enemies to see them helping us."

Zeladiel sighs and takes a seat where he is, idly turning the items and assessing them.

Spellcraft: Take 10 + 14 + 2 (elven magic) = 26

Zeladiel points out the magic items on Shiz.
"She may not help us, but these may."
He removes the items, if Grall lets him, and returns to Pazhvann.

Zeladiel shows no emotion at Khalid's decree but adds, "It has been... an honour... to meet another Templar who has resisted corruption. Is there any way for us to contact you?"

Zeladiel makes his way over to the fallen Shiz.
"Another pawn," he mutters, his lip curling.
"I can't help her," Zeladiel states in a voice remarkably absent of regret.
He glances back to Pazhvann then casts detect magic and gazes about the battlefield.

Zeladiel curses as Haleen's fire is ignored. He furrows his brow and nods to Grall who levitates 20' into the air. Zeladiel steps forward (M7) and strings an arrow to his bow, ready for Shiz to cast again.

(Move action- levitate Grall 20', 5' step to M7, ready to fire an arrow at Shiz when she casts a spell.)

Zeladiel glances to Linah and Haleen, then curses and darts off towards Shiz. (N8)

He loads another glowing arrow on his bow and again readies for the flying Shiz to cast another spell.

(Move action to N8, ready to cast magic missile at Shiz when she casts a spell.)

When Khalid is attacked, doesn't he get an AoO for reach as a Large critter?
I'll dismiss it when I get a free action.
Maybe at the end of the fight... :-)

Reflex (protection from evil +2, DC17): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18

Zeladiel staggers under the blast as it tears at him, but he focuses on levitating the giant Grall out of the pit. He loads a glowing arrow on his bow and, stepping away from Grall, readies for the flying Shiz to cast another spell.

(Move action- levitate Grall from pit, 5' step to N13, ready to cast empowered magic missile at Shiz when she casts a spell. Am I right protection from evil adds +2 to that save?)

Zeladiel finishes his spell and his companions grow in size, lending to their strength and hampering the tentacles' hold on them.
(The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a –2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a –1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size but a +1 special size modifier to their CMB and CMD)

Zeladiel rushes forwards to the edge of the pit Grall has fallen into and points an arrow at Grall before firing it into the air. As if suspended by the arrow, Grall slowly rises out of the pit.
(Finish full round casting and I should have been in L20 to include the others in the spell range. Regardless, move action to M14 so I can see Grall, and be in range, and cast levitate on Grall. Hope my Sandals of Spider Climbing stop me falling in the pit. If not I'll deal with the fall etc.)

Farewell. Thanks for some great moments. Enjoy the hols.

Zeladiel races towards his companions (L20) stopping short of the tentacles.
"I'll help them," he tells Grall. "Her spell won't last long, but maybe long enough. Bring her down."
Zeladiel points an arrow at the others and they begin to grow in size.
(Cast Mass enlarge person at Khalid, Linah and Nuveril)

Zeladiel switches to a nearer target and unleashes two more arrows.
(Shoot G20. If it falls switch to E19)

+1 Longbow (+1 to hit from haste): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16
Damage (gravity bow): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 1 = 9

+1 Longbow (extra attack from haste, +1 to hit from haste): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
Damage (gravity bow): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 = 8

Hopefully this will help, Master Elf.

Zeladiel almost flinches at Haleen's touch, but nods his head briefly.

He focuses on the archers and draws back an arrow.
"And you may have this," he mutters bitterly, unleashing the missile.

+1 Longbow (+1 to hit from haste, -2 range): 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 13
Damage (gravity bow): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 1 = 9

+1 Longbow (extra attack from haste, +1 to hit from haste, -2 range): 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 11
Damage (gravity bow): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 = 6

(Shoot the archer in J1. Switch to the archer in H1 if the first falls.)

Zeladiel scowls as another arrow strikes him, and fires back at the two southernmost archers. The arrow falls at their feet, curiously short, and suddenly the ground beneath them vanishes. A pit, 30' deep appears beneath them, its sloping edge just catching a choking swordsman.

(Cast create pit at the intersection of P4/Q5. DC16. 10'wide with another 5' of sloping edges.)

(Okay, back home looking at the map. Now I can see the cluster of hyenas. Can I ignore those other 4 and target I5/J6 instead. Thanks)

Zeladiel shoots a flaming arrow among the baying hyenas that emerged from over the ridge. With a dull roar it blossoms to engulf them.

Zeladiel shoots a flaming arrow among the two archers and the choking swordsman that emerged from his cloud. With a dull roar it blossoms to engulf them.

Fireball (Ref DC 17): 7d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 6, 6, 3, 3) + 3 = 30

(At work again and unable to access the map. IIRC there were those 4 that got out the cloud. Blast them and squeeze in anyone else I can... :-)

*gives Zeladiel dirty look* Fort vs. haste 1d20+12

Whoo! Go, natural one!

I don't remember our characters having this argument yet. Though it has been 5ish years IRL.

Once again, Zeladiel sweeps his bow in a wide, low arc and a surge of energy sweeps forth and fills the party, each member becoming as swift as an arrow. He steps forward as he does and his own actions speed up.

(Zeladiel casts haste on the PCs after 5' step to O22 to include himself in the spell)

Zeladiel grunts as the arrow catches him and unleashes his own. It lands among the enemy and explodes into a stinking cloud, which billows out and engulfs them.
"Now they have no choice but to come to us," Zeladiel smirks bitterly.
(Centre the stinking cloud (DC 17, 20' radius) 4 squares up from the bottom one on the ridge. Sorry, no access to map at work but I memorised the best place to centre it. :-)

"They won't get much of a chance."
Zeladiel sets an arrow to his bow and it glows dull brown as greenish smoke furls from it.

If you guys are happy with the following starting positions then we'll get going.

MAP ROUND 0

Sweet. Pretty much what I envisioned. :-)

Meh. Zeladiel could have probably chosen his spells better.
I'll live. :-)

Zeladiel glares at Khalid but turns his gaze to the dust cloud in the distance and his focus shifts.
"Get the non-combatants out of the way. Put them in here with Pazhvann. Form a defensive perimeter to protect them. Grall and Nuveril, take the flanks. Khalid, take point. My magics can provide some help, if you wish it."
Zeladiel's fingers move over and about his bow as he starts bringing his powers to bear.

(Pearl of Power to recall then cast Mage Armour, then cast Mass Enlarge Person, Gravity Bow, Bull's Strength and Blur. If you want one of those spells (except Gravity Bow, set it in your Current Effect with Zeladiel's name, as below, and I'll cross it from my spell list. So if no one wants that Mage Armour, I'll keep the Pearl on my list. Depending on where the enemy arrive, I can start with spells like Haste, Fireball and Stinking Cloud as required.)

Current Effects: Mage Armour (Zeladiel), Gravity Bow (Zeladiel), Bless (Linah), Protection from Evil (Linah), Guidance (Linah)

"The Plane of Air would be difficult to reach," Zeladiel agrees reluctantly.