DM-Tareth's Modified Kingmaker Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Tareth

The priest nods to Anwel, "You may take as much time preparing as you need."

Will: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27

will: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18

Andrei allows himself to sprawling as the high priest make contact with him. Natala Surtova, not my first target, but certainly a worthy one. Andrei scrabbles in attempts to stand again getting the high priest while making look accidental. Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Perhaps the Lebedas are removing obstacles Elanna and the crown, they'll have to leave Noleski alive for while while she cements her position, shame about that. Andrei thinks smiling to himself. Once it become obvious if delays the priest any more he stumble out of her way and tries to make his way to somewhere with a view of the fighting.

The sounds of footsteps echo out of two of the archways, moments later both Andrei and Phedre step through their own exit. More time passes and Vrag stumbles through another archway. His eyes slightly wild and confused. Seeing the rest of the party he visibly relaxes a little before tensing again as he realizes what the next test entails.

"Now that your friends are here, do you wish to proceed?" The priest says with a smile.

"One moment longer, please." Anwel smiles welcomingly at Andrei, Phedre, and Vrag. "I am so glad you all made it." He gestures at the priest. "Our friend told Warren and me that the corridors we just passed through represented a trial of the mind. We can speak of our visions later, if you wish. Going by his speech earlier, that makes this a trial of the spirit. He also called these the 'flames of purification.'"

Anwel holds out a hand and grasps the first hand that reaches out to take it. "I would be honored if you all stepped through with me." He turns to face the fire, his gaze lingering for a moment on the priest. "And I hope to see you on the other side." He knows Phedre wants to interview the old man. Anwel takes a deep breath and steps into the fire.

Will: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 3 = 24

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

A trial of spirit may be about working together, but anyway showing confidence in my companions is equally valuable. Andrei nods as he steps up and takes Anwel's hand and in turn offering his own. "As would I."

Warren offers a hand to Vrag and then completes the circle and steps through.

will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Phedre joins hands with her companions and steps through the flames as well. "To the other side."

You all join hands and step forward through the fire. Your feet land on soft red sand as you find yourselves on a vast open plain surrounded by great pillars of churning fire. The plain goes off in every direction and there is no sign of the chamber or the priest.

"Flames of purification indeed," Anwel mutters. Out loud he says "Remember, this is merely another vision. It cannot harm you unless you let it." He keeps his voice calm and measured, not at all the tone of someone being burned alive. "Close your eyes if you have to, and listen to my voice. There is no pain. There is no heat. There are no fumes. There is only you, me, our friends, and our task. Focus on that. Know it. Believe it."

Tareth, you asked me to make a perception the in your previous post, which I made. Was there something you wanted to tell me or was it in the current post?

Andrei closes his eyes and concentrates "Of course you could be the illusion and the fire could be real." Andrei says with a grin.

Will: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 3 = 9

Warren touches his holy symbol to the flames.
will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Will: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 3 = 27

"Do you see a path out of here?" Phedre asks Anwel quietly.

Good question! Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"Not as such, no," admits Anwel. "But that does not mean there is no way out. The last vision simply ended when it failed to convince, after all. At least it did for me."

Phedre and Anwel both keep the flames at bay while searching for a way forward in the hellish landscape. At first there is nothing, but then Anwel notices a path leading off to the left.

At the same time, the flames retreat from Warren's holy symbol as his faith in Erastil appears stronger than the magical fire. However, Andrei is not so lucky when the fires sweep up his legs and body. A few more seconds and he will be fully engulfed.

Everyone needs to make another Will Save (DC15) at +4 (Anwel's words offer another +1 bonus).

Will: 1d20 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 15 plus an additional +1 if the effect is mind-affecting.

"Well. It appears I spoke too soon. That could be a way out." Anwel gestures at the path with the hand Andrei had been holding, then notices that Andrei is no longer holding it. He quickly turns back to the storyteller and reaches out to grab him again. "Come, Andrei, step out," he pleads.

Will: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 4 + 1 = 21

Phedre smirks at Andrei's last remark. "I may have to hurt you if you'd rather believe that then."

As the flames begin reaching up to engulf him, Phedre reaches out to him. "Come now, Andrei, don't give in to the flames."

Andrei pulls his hands towards him involuntarily Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21. Then he closes his eyes again and concentrating to ignore the pain. Will: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 4 = 24 Opening them he rushes to follow the others without making a comment.

will: 1d20 + 7 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 4 + 1 = 31

Warren moves past the flames.

Andrei begins to pull away from the others as his mind falls victim to the illusionary flames. However, he quickly recovers as the flames he sees wrapping around his arms and body quickly disperse.

The group follows the dusty dry pathway for several hours. Marching across the dry, hot, dusty plain. Finally a simple stone archway appears on the horizon. It stands by itself. Neither connected to wall, building, or any other structure. The pathway lead up to the opening of the archway. An opening that doesn't continue across the plain, but instead is filled with complete darkness.

It had turned out the flames left no burns or blisters, even on Andrei, but Anwel was still keen to give them a wide berth. Fortunately, the path had seemed to keep them at bay, and the party remained safe as long as they stayed on it. Unfortunately, however, that was the only solace the path gave. It had seemed to stretch without end into the distance. The oppressive heat and the barrenness of the plains had lengthened the walking hours into what felt like days or weeks. It got so that Anwel began to question whether they were even going the right way. He had even wished someone else had spotted the path, if only so they could have decided to follow it, and what direction to take. His own track record did not inspire confidence, and his navigational tools were useless in this mindscape.

Finally, a dark protuberance had appeared on the horizon. It lifted the party's spirits and quickened their pace; any sight other than torrid flatness was a welcome one. By the time they had reached it, however, Anwel had gone quite parched.

He had examined the archway from all angles, and now leans against the side for a moment, looking into the darkness. The rock is no cooler than the air, and with the fire whirls on all sides it provides no shade, unless one were to step into the threshold. But it is a support, and it lets Anwel catch his breath and wet his chapping lips. "Does this look familiar?" he says, patting the rock. It reminds him of the archways they had passed through to begin, and end, the first trial. Hopefully this is another of that kind. "It does to me, and, frankly, ours seems like the kind of situation in which any development is an improvement. Shall we go through? I do not think there is anything to fear from the darkness."

"You know this all reminds me of what the demon was doing to us. Making us see things that doing exist. Maybe will should just stop believing in what we see. I have no idea how this works but we could be going in circles risking our lives, well at least our minds."

Following Anwel, the party steps through the archway. Someone quickly produces a dim light revealing a winding, narrow stone passageway leading further down into the bowels of the hill. Behind is nothing but a stone wall.

As you start forward the old priest appears before you once again. He bows and then presents the sign of Iomedae. "Your minds have been successfully prepared to face the demon. However, nothing can truly and completely prevent or block the creature's abilities. You will still be in grave danger if you decide to proceed."

He turns and gestures down the main passage. "If you wish to continue to seek Pashitel's chamber, then follow the passage to its conclusion. If you would rather return to the surface, then you may take the passage to you right."

As he finishes speaking another archway appears a few paces away on the right side of the corridor. Bright daylight flows through, and you are forced to squint with the sudden infusion of light. Your horses are grazing peacefully near the entrance to the mine while a slight breeze causes the tall grasses to softly sway. As your eyes recover from the sudden bright light, the priest has once again disappeared.

In the Mindscape

"We were warned of that possibility, Andrei, right at the outset. I did not witness Pashtiel's visions, and cannot compare, but from what I saw those who did were never offered that kindness. Nor, I imagine, were you promised the possibility of escape." Anwel has other arguments—for one, no particular course of action follows from Andrei's premise, so they might as well try the arch—but sees no point in offering them. Persuasion and cajolery had yet to get him anywhere in these lands. Accomplished facts, however, demand a response. Anwel steps through the door.

* * *

In Reality

Anwel flinches at the sudden brightness, but composes himself and returns the bow. He would have preferred no obeisance either way, but it was better than simply accepting the priest's. "If we leave, will we still be prepared upon our return? I would hate to have faced that trial for nothing. Nor is the prospect of doing so again a pleasant one.

"Either way, I believe Phedre wanted to stay and speak with you for a spell? If we may, can we have your name?"

"Well, nothing important tends to be easy."
He looks to Vrag. "Let's hit this creature before it magicks us."

He turns to the priest: "Thank you. When this is over, would you like to come with us. There is a settlement of people who could use your help. Our paladin left us, and we do have another, but there is a place for you after this evil is defeated. Perhaps you wish to help us fight it?"

Before entering, Warren makes sure he is ready, changing into his eagle form and growing strong.

Andrei draws his sword. "I'm as ready as I ever will be." And this will make a great story, I hope I can find a way to prove it that we killed a demon.

Phedre thanks the priest in Celestial and nods in agreement with the others. "I'm ready." She answers simply.

Frowning after the priest's disappearance, she speaks. "I don't think the priest will be able to help us physically in this fight. I feel like once the demon is slain the priest will have no further purpose in this world and will return to Iomedae's side." She sighs with a touch of melancholy.
Hopefully he will share some wisdom before he departs... she prays.

The priest shakes his head at Anwel's question, "While the cleansing does last for a time, it is not permanent." He shrugs slightly, "For once reentering the world above, there would be new experiences, fears, losses, that would make one vulnerable again to the demon's manipulations."

He then smiles knowingly at Phedre. "You are correct. My physical body has long since returned to elements from which it came. My oath to guard the prison and offer cleansing to those who would seek audieance with the creature keeps my spirit here until Iomedae releases me or the demon is banished from this plane."

He offers the sign of Iomedae, "The blessings of Iomedae be upon you." He says and then turns to Warren, "And also to those who have followed you to this land. As I said, I am bound here until my duty is completed after which I will seek the long rest for this tired soul."

He bows to you all one last time. "May you succeed in you efforts and gain honor, wisdom, and compassion along the way." He then vanishes leaving you alone in the small room.

The right hand archway disappears as you all turn away, and move through the left and toward the demon's chamber.

The passage winds its way deeper into the bowels of the earth. Judging from the thick layers of dust and dirt, nothing has passed along these stone corridors for many, many years.

After nearly an hour of continuous walking, the passage ends, a simple iron door stands partially open and falling off its upper hinge. Several runic symbols mark the door and the surrounding stone arch which it once blocked.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Watch out, the rune look like they might be to keep people out. Give me a moment and I'll describe magical auras to Anwel." Andrei concentrates says "Ytila Areh teest AhT Seye" and casts detect magic.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Spellcraft to interpret Andrei's description: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

I'll deliver some dialogue when Tareth gives the results of the Spellcraft check.

When Andrei finishes uttering his incantation, several of the runes briefly flare to life but then flicker and sputter back into darkness.

"If you can't dispel it, I may have to find a creature from the celestial plane to make a sacrifice."

Because Andrei's busy at work, and because his plan was to describe what he saw to me, I've taken the liberty of opening the spoiler. Spellcraft roll is given above.

Anwel holds up a hand. "That should not be necessary. The runes are meant to impede magics that heighten and extend perception, as well as magics that cloud it. But they are no barrier to people, and the ward they form is damaged in any case." He brushes his hair back. "That damage was likely seismic in nature. When Avistan shifted, it allowed the demon to reach beyond its prison, create pockets of its influence like the one we encountered, and kill the miners. It is a shame the binders did not foresee that possibility. Very little is as stable as it appears."

He tries to open the door, calling Vrag, Warren, and Phedre over if he cannot make it budge. "We should simply be able to walk in. Walking out is, of course, another matter."

You carefully push the door open the rest of the way with little trouble but you quickly notice the hinge is even more damaged and unstable. It is probable that the door will not close again without some serious repairs.

There is a short hall beyond the door the quickly opens into a larger chamber. As you step into the chamber several runic symbols flare to life providing light in the form of a deep red glow. The feel of magic fills the room as hair stands on end and the faint smell of sulfur drifts across the air.

There is no furniture or other decoration of any kind in the chamber except for an extremely large glass globe sitting directly in the center of the room on a low dais. The globe is filled with an opaque mist or gas that swirls with a variety of colors.

Anwel takes a moment to steel himself against the binding chamber. Its assault on the senses—of smell and of rightness—is more subtle than the fiery tornadoes of Iomedae's trial, but more horrible for all that. The desert had been neither real nor malevolent. This was both.

Still, deadly danger is nothing new to Anwel or his friends, they are more protected now than they have ever been, and there is no going back. If the door will not close again, they cannot allow Pashtiel the possibility of manifesting bodily and striding through. Which means coaxing it out to its end, now. Anwel steps up to the glass globe and lays a hand on its surface.

"Pashtiel," he intones, his reedy voice somehow managing to echo, "We have not met. Your good fortune, however, is at an end. Come out."

Through the worst at work. Still lacking sleep but able to odo other things.

Andrei prepares himself and follows. Standing on the inside of the door he scans the room with his detect magic. "Ready friends, this battle will be told for generations to come." Activate Inspire courage. 10/11 rounds remaining.

Phedre's eyes flash as she searches the room for the taint of evil. Sword drawn, she prepares to smite the demon. "I'm ready. May the glory of Iomedae bless us for this battle."

Anwel steps up to the globe and calls out to the creature within as both Andrei and Phedre make their own qucik assessments of the situation. Vrag draws his weapon, nervous sweat dripping from his brow.

The echoes of Anwel's summoning drift away and nothing changes for several heartbeats. Then the mist within the globe begins to swirl and part. Revealed beyond is a tranquil, beautiful woman floating meditatively in the lotus position at the center of the globe. Her eyes remain closed, but as her lips move a voice sounds within the chamber.

"Who interrupts the rest and thoughts of Pashitel?" The woman asks is a clear, melodic voice. "Do you seek wisdom and guidance in your material efforts? Let us move to a more comfortable setting."

You then feel a familiar pressure in your mind as Pashitel makes a quick attempt to infiltrate the parties thoughts again.

Will Save DC(17). Everyone is still at +5.

Will: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 4 = 24

"Alright, that thing has serious power we better work quickly. Any ideas of the best approach?" Andrei says moving to the opposite side of the sphere from Anwel.

Will: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 5 = 16 18 if enchantment, 17 if mind-affecting, 19 if enchantment and mind-affecting

"Close your ears," offers Anwel, fighting the pressure on his temples. He crosses his arms and glares icily at Pashtiel. "You have nothing to offer. We only want you gone."

Warren tries to resist the powerful evil.
Will: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 5 = 31

He gives himself the strength of a bull as he grows claws and beak ready to attack the creature.

Will: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 5 = 30
Steeling her mind, she answers Andrei,
"Kill it, and be done with it quickly."

"I, Phedre Runario, disturb your rest and meditation. Prepare to be banished from this realm, demon!" She threatens Pashitel as she circles around to flank the creature.

"Iomedae, I call upon your blessings to aid in delivering this demon back to the abyss." Swift action to activate Smite Evil

Anwel struggles at first, but manages to shrug off the demon's initial attack while the others use their previous experience to quickly deny Pashitel access to their minds.

"So you walk the path many others have tread. But to achieve your goal of killing me, you must first free me." She says ending her statement with a wild laugh.

Her eyes open and they are a striking gold color that glow with power. The eyes focus in on Anwel, "You, I have not met yet. Let us see what you hide within your mind."

Anwel Will Roll DC(25). You are at +5 and it is a mind affecting effect.

Will: 1d20 + 3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 5 + 1 = 28
Spellcraft to identify the effect: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

"Let us not," says Anwel firmly, locking Pashtiel's golden orbs with his own gray eyes. "As for your freedom, be sure to savor it. It will be brief." With a swift motion of his hands, Anwel shapes the shadows of the chamber into a long-bladed sword. His feet settle into a wide stance in preparation for a swing at the demon as it emerges from its prison. He would break the glass, but even damaged as it is his new weapon might not shatter it.

Cast shadow weapon.

Andrei nods to the others "Ready?" He asks then swings with all his might at the sphere.

Maintains inspire courage. 9/11 rounds remaining.

Although it appears fragile the crystal prison is still quite strong. Your blows rain down and after a few seconds you can see more cracks developing and growing. However, it is going to take some time to actually shatter the globe.

Meanwhile the demon turns her attention away from Anwel and this time focuses on Andrei.

Andrei - Will DC(22) you are at +5. If you fail take 6 points of damage.

Warren slams at the barrier with majorly strengthened claws and beak.