DM Delmoth's Strange Aeons (Inactive)

Game Master Delmoth

Its down but that's fine.

The dancing, prancing lights float down into the darkness but are consumed by it rather than dispelling it. If Theo didn't know better he'd say he just sent the spell out of range causing the spell to cease.

Mara looked down the hole to see if she could see anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

Mara's Void Adaption greater spirit ability allows her to see in supernatural darkness.

"If we can't see through it, then we go through together."

"Hmmmm.... very well. I am with you."

Dervak will cast Long Arm, Shield, and Cat's Grace.

He will Dex-Rage just before going through. Just in case there are any saving throws to make... the +3 Luck bonus is really important to have.

Most likely a portal to Hell.

Theophilus plugs his nose and jumps in....

Ci Ci pulls out her darkwood club, and places her hand on the head of the cudgel. "Bright as day," she says, calling on her power.

(Casting daylight on the club)

She offers the glowing club to the others. "Does anyone wish to follow our impetuous friend, or shall I?"

Dervak rages and follows Theophilus.

I believe Pocky is wearing the Feather Fall Ring and holding the Escape Rod. But whether that’s the case or not, Pocky says, “Going though together, as Allegra suggested, is fine by me.” She then follows Theo as well.

Theo thought he was following Dervak...lol.

Allegra grunts with frustration at Theo diving in before checking to see if everyone was ready while doing a quick check of herself, then steps through carefully afterward.

"Alrighty, then," Ci Ci replies with a shrug, as everyone in the group ignores her suggestion, and carries the magically lit club herself into the darkness.

Mara clearly sees the otherworldly distortion and it twists her brain into knots. It it weren't for her familiarity with tearing reality to shreds she would have been driven mad.

Everyone jumps through without a thought:

You experience darkness washing over your vision and feel light as a feather as you slowly float into the space below then gently land. Your vision clears and see a vast stone chamber that is lit with large burning braziers set in nooks at each corner. A number of grand podiums set throughout the room hold enormous books, and other massive tomes hang from the ceiling on iron chains like condemned prisoners. Despite the burning fires, the air feels cool and crisp, and the scent of old books and flickering flame hangs in the air.

The walls of this chamber are built of what appears to be sandstone that has been polished as smooth as glass. The floor is tiled, and a depression in the center sits 2 feet lower than the outside of edges of the room. A single book chain hangs broken and empty.

A massive humanoid figure with no mouth and wielding a large flaming sword seems to have noticed your intrusion. Its flesh looks scared in places and flayed in others, revealing bone and musculature.

Initiative
Allegra: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Ci Ci: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Dervak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Mara: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Mara, Temporal Celerity: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Pocky: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Theo: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
The Keeper: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Round 1, no one is surprised
Mara <--------------
The Keeper
Theo
Ci Ci
Pocky
Allegra
Dervak

In a surprise turn Mara wins initiative! Which means she's the first to look at it...

Baleful Gaze, at the start of your turn DC 23 Fortitude

Mara looked around the chamber. Is this place really big or did we just shrink?

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 | +1 vs extraordinary, spell-like and supernatural abilities of aberrations

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

She was just about to tell the others about her vision when she saw the massive grotesque humanoid. She gasped as she felt some of her vitality drain away. Quickly recovering her wits, she called out, "Mommy, give us an orcish warrior's blessing!", and then flew back away from the creature.

Casting Blessing of Fervor on the party:
Each round for the duration of this spell, each PC can choose one of the following bonuses for that round at the beginning of its turn (their choice).
-Increase its speed by 30 feet.
-Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
-Take one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
-Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
-Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.

She cast Overland Flight on herself at the beginning of the day. Gaining 10ft altitude as she flies back.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Ci Ci also takes to the air (casts overland flight), and moves in the opposite direction as Mara, trying to get behind the Thing and out of its line of sight.

The creature lets out a loud soul-wrenching wail. And then approaches.

Agonized Wail, DC 23 Will save, sonic, mind-affecting, fear

Action to the PCs, except Ci Ci, who already took her action. I will need a save vs Gaze from my prior post for everyone except Mara and Ci Ci at the start of their turn.

I think I roll damage against each of you individually.

After the first save, success or fail, you are immune to this effect for now.

Will Save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Current Conditions: shaken, 4 points of Str, Con, and Cha drain, current HP due to Con drain: 38)

I'm assuming Mara is in range of the wail.

Will: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23 | +1 vs extraordinary, spell-like and supernatural abilities of aberrations

Mara covered her ears against the wail. It was soul-wrenching, but nothing compared to the horror of Bokrug.

Bokrug is a Great Old One, who tore Mara apart in the Dreamlands.

Will DC 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Theophilus winces as the terrible sounds of nails on a chalkboard scream at him!
If only I had levels in Fighter! Oh how I envy their Bravery!

The Witch may have peed himself a bit. The White Rabbit definitely did indeed wet himself!

Theo Evil Eye Hex the big meanie!
Will DC 22 -4 Attacks 2 Rounds

He then backs the f@+* up!
No AoO because of Cover, I believe

I forgot! Four-leaf clover...+2 makes the DC! Suck it Beastie!

Pocky does not fear the wail.

Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 + 2 = 28, if vs Fear

“I’ll give you something to scream about, demon.”

She sinks into her battle stance and attacks, extending her flurry of jabs thanks to Mommy’s blessed fervor!

Flying Kick, Hero: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 20 + 3 = 35
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
(Damage is bashing, magic, cold iron, silver and law)

Kick, Hero: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 20 + 3 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (3, 2) = 18

Kick, Hero: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 20 + 3 = 33
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + (3, 6, 5, 6) = 36
(25 if a 33 misses)

Kick, Hero: 1d20 + 20 - 5 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 20 - 5 + 3 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (2, 5, 3, 5) = 25

@Theo, @Pocky, don't forget there is also a DC 23 Fort save for the Gaze attack. Which is nasty. Okay, I've got several things to roll, and I think this is the right order.

First Mara casts Blessing of Fervor, but Dervak can't choose a benefit until his turn. Dervak winces slightly at the insinuation that battle prowess is an orc virtue, recalling his father's 'bargain.'

Then the monster screams.
DC 23 Will vs Fear: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 = 34
Dervak is not afraid.

The creature moves closer, provoking an AOO (Dervak has Long Arm up and has Combat Reflexes).
AOO, no PA, Heroism: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 20 + 3 = 41
Damage, no PA or Arcane Strike: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (4, 3) + 12 = 19
Confirm?: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 3 = 28
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (4, 3) + 12 = 19

Then Dervak's turn starts and he has to save vs the gaze.
DC 23 Fort: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

All that done, Dervak finally gets his turn. He takes the +2 AC, attacks, and Reflex saves from Blessing of Fervor and attacks with the Furious Falchion. He is more defensive than Pocky, choosing to not take the extra attack this round.

Attack, Heroism, Fervor: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 3 + 2 = 36
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (4, 1) + 24 = 29

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 3 + 2 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (3, 1) + 24 = 28

AC is 38.

So, no fort save means my attack didn’t happen???

(EDIT - triple drain. That’s arguably worse!)

Not on my watch!
Fort: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

…*phew*

Oh, your attack would have happened; it just wouldn't have been as effective. It's not a nice one to fail.

Mara cried, "What is that thing?" She flew back down to the floor and concentrated, speeding up the flow of time for everyone except Ci Ci.

Using Speed or Slow Time (Haste) on herself, Allegra, Dervak, Pocky and Theo. Ci Ci is too far away from both Dervak and Theo for Mara to include her.
You can't gain an extra attack from both Haste and Blessing of Fervor.

On the ground, for faster movement to get to people to cast Breath of Life. :)

Mara missed the knowledge check about the creature by one. :(

Ci Ci, don't forget to declare your option each round for Blessing of Fervor. If nothing else, you can choose the one that gives +2 to reflex saves.

(I'll take the +2 to AC, Attack, and Reflex Saves for this first round, in case it matters.)

Fortitude vs Gaze: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Will vs. Wail, +2 v Fear: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 = 22

Allegra meets the creature's gaze unperturbed, but its mournful call sends chills down her spine. Shaken

Allegra calls on Torag to strengthen her arms and armor, then begins to swing at the creature.

Swift action Sacred Armor, spending a fervor to use Sacred Weapon as well. +2 to her weapon and her armor, Sacred Armor 2/10, Sacred Weapon 3/10. Taking Blessing of Fervor's +2 to Attack and AC.
AC 37 after Haste

Attack 1, Power Attack, Shaken: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 = 321d12 + 9 + 2 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 6 - 2 = 23
Attack 2, Power Attack, Shaken: 1d20 + 15 - 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 15 - 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 = 291d12 + 9 + 2 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 + 6 - 2 = 24
Attack 2 Confirmation: 1d20 + 15 - 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 15 - 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 = 222d12 + 18 + 4 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (8, 3) + 18 + 4 + 12 - 4 = 41

Allegra, don't forget that Mara's Heroism spell gives you +3 morale bonus on saving throws (encouraging metamagic rod). By my count your Will save should be at least +18: 7(class) + 3(Wis) + 3(resistance) +3(Heroism) +2(trait). So I think you should have made the saving throw.

I either didn't realize or forgot that I had heroism, that would boost all the attack rolls even more: 37, 34, 27.

Theo gazes at the monster, shaken: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 = 22

Unless Theo can scrounge up another +1 on his fort he takes 4 str, con, and cha drain.

Will vs Evil Eye: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Theo gets his foot into the door of the shattered outsider causing doubt to creep into its mind. Pocky’s jabbing kicks strike the corrupted flesh unerringly but she finds that is like punching adamant. Dervak cuts into the monster as it approaches, he nearly manages to cut it’s throat but his falchion is parried at the last second causing only a graze across the shoulder. His follow up cuts into its chest but his final swing is too weak to break its skin. Then Allegra plants an axe into its left leg, plucks it out and repeats, if it were a tree it would have fallen but the creature still stands. DR 10/??? Pocky total 56, Dervak total 28, Allegra total 27. No crits confirmed.

Concentration: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

It points its finger past Allegra and Dervak and a small bead of fire shoots to a space between Theo and Allegra. The room explodes in a torrent of fire. When the smoke clears the creature is completely unharmed.

Fireball Reflex DC 19, half, from everyone but Ci Ci
Fire: 10d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3, 1, 6, 1, 3, 6, 4, 5) = 37 Half -> 18

Round 2! PCs go!

Reflex, BoF: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 = 31
The Bloodrager dodges most of the flames.
"It'll take more than that."

He retaliates with his falchion. Blessing of Fervor for +2 to attack/AC/reflex saves, Haste for extra attack. Using Destined Strike 3 of 3 on the iterative.

Attack, Heroism, Fervor: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 3 + 2 = 38
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (1, 4) + 24 = 29
Crit?: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (2, 2) + 24 = 28

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 3 + 2 = 40
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (3, 4) + 24 = 31
Crit?: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (3, 4) + 24 = 31

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 + 3 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 3 + 2 + 5 = 39
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (3, 3) + 24 = 30
Crit?: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (2, 1) + 24 = 27

Wow... those are some rolls. Looks like 57, 62, and 57 damage.
DR 10? So looks like 146 damage after DR.

Reflex: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40
+2 atk/AC/refx

The little nun easily evades the blast, rolling out from under the billowing unscathed. Her habit is a bit singed, to her mild annoyance.

“Such anger. To what end?”

Pocky asks this knowing full well her rapid kicks will only piss him off more.

Kick: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 0d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (-) = 12

Kick: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (1, 3) = 14

Kick: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (9) + 9 + (2, 6, 5, 2) = 33

Kick: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + (5, 5, 1, 4) = 31

I still need saves from people but don't bother attacking it further. I'm a little distracted from a full post now that I peaked my head out from under a rock.

Missed the post about not attacking further. I rescind this action.

Ci Ci watches as her companions mercilessly assault the massive otherworldly creature.

Theophilus activates his sweet ass (Thanks Dervak!) Four Leaf Clover!
+2 luck bonus!

He then begins moonwalking around the flames of a fireball!
Reflex: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30

Reflex + Heroism + Haste: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 3 + 1 = 32

Allegra avoids the worst of the fire and...catches her breath.

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Mara got a little too close to the action, and go caught in a fireball. Luckily she dodged the worst of the blast.

Dervak only slightly singed by the outsider's spell hacks into it again and again until its torso is a bloody mash of destroyed muscles and rent bone. It collapses before dissolving entirely.

Combat over

Lowls is no where to be found but Mara, Dervak, and Theo have received a vision showing what happened. The Necronomicon is missing, stolen by the Count. The danger to the Mysterium while not completely eliminated has been abated a great deal.

Pocky brushes off bits of ash from her kimono. She looks around the room a bit, and can’t help but notice its lack of doors.

“I don’t suppose the fireman has a ladder, by any chance?”

Should we use Blessed Fervor to fly outta here? Or will we look around a bit?

The elder explains what she can...

”In order to make the Mysterium safe you must venture into the depths of the building, the Soul, a chamber at the very core of the library. To venture to the Soul find the angel statues that have heads that can turn, turn them to face their backs. When you have turned all the statues on each floor it will open the way to the next. When you reach the Soul find an angel statue without eyes, and insert your fingers into the eye sockets. A bell will signify the wards have been reset. ”

"Anyone see this statue of an eyeless angel?"

Dervak ends his Rage and starts looking around for the statue.
Take 10 on Perception for a 27.

I am beginning to think we will be chasing Lowls for eternity! Or until we die. Definitely one of those.

Theo begins searching for an eyeless angel.

Allegra taps herself with her infernal healing wand and will offer it around before she joins in the search.

Scanning with detect magic, detect chaos.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Perc: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31
Pocky helps search for the eyeless statue. If she can, she uses Mommy’s blessing to fly around the room!

Do we get any more rounds of Blessed Fervor outside of combat? If yes, can we use the free spells to heal?

Blessing of Fervor lasts 8 more rounds. Every round, an individual can cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell — doesn't really help with healing.

Mara healed herself and several others in the aftermath of the battle.

Healing Hex (Dervak): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 3) + 10 = 17
Healing Hex (Mara): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 7) + 10 = 22
Healing Hex(Theo): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15

I don't think Ci Ci is wounded.

She told everyone about her vision when she appeared in the Mysterium, "Lowls grabbed the Necronomicon and teleported away. Then I saw a steep-walled, cylindrical building brimming with gnolls and topped with a lush garden. I heard a tired voice say, 'Come. He may have the tome, but it is not too late. Come now.'' We'll have to consult with Elder Thyrr about where that location might be."

She turned her attention to the contents of the room and scanned for magic auras.

Casting Detect Magic.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38

(No actual wounds, but 4 points of Str, Con, and Cha drain.)

Ci Ci helps in the search for the statue.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

(Casting detect magic, also.)

“The voice… is it the elder? He speaks to you telepathically,” she says, though in an inquisitive (or perhaps curious) tone.

Do we get any more rounds of Blessed Fervor outside of combat? If yes, can we use the free spells to heal?

They aren't actually extra free spells - just applying metamagic to spells that you cast.

Dervak nods to Mara. "Thanks. Anybody have any idea what that thing was that we fought?"

"And yeah, I heard the voice too. We heard it before. At least I think we did. It wasn't the Elder, but someone else giving us guidance."

Theophilus will offer the Wand of Cure Moderate or Light to any that needs it.
clwx2: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8

Theo looks a bit confused when the others begin speaking about voices in their heads...

Mara quickly finds the statue the Elder referred to and resets the wards to the Mysterium. It seems your business here is concluded. You return to Elder Thyrr and give her the news about Elder Lythiin's fate, "At least you were able to recover his body. As promised here is your reward for helping us, I wish I could give you more but our funds have been limited as of late. It is the amount that Count Lowls paid us to gain access." She hands you a bag of platinum pieces 1000 in all. "If you need it, you may access the library for a week." Without anything you need to research plot wise you can use this time to research spells or something else related to the arcane or divine.

When the Necronomicon is reported as stolen she implores you, "The book can't fall into the wrong hands. The creature you encountered in the Soul was an Exscinder Archon, but it sounds like it was corrupted somehow. They specifically seek out and destroy texts that are dangerously evil, if the Soul was compromised it was bound to destroy the Necronomicon."

From past clues you know that Lowls was planning on buying slaves from the gnoll controlled city of Okeno. You surmise that this was the location Derva, Mara, and Theo saw in their vision.

Exactly how far from here is Okeno? We have immediate business there...

The White Rabbit seems to be packing.

After their meeting with Elder Thyrr, Mara met with the rest of the party. "The reward should at least be enough to cover our costs for Restoration spells, with enough left over for Kat's funeral. Can someone help me pulverize one of our diamonds for the material components? It will take three days for me to cast all the spells. Meanwhile, lets find out more about the city of Okeno."

Each Restoration spell can restore the ability points drained from one stat. I believe we will need 9 castings of Restoration, requiring 900 gp of diamond dust. Mara is limited to 4 fourth level spells/day (not counting Spirit Spells).

During the next few days, she contacted the spirits of Kat and Marianna, and explained each other's current situation to them. She wanted to make sure what Mari's wishes were before doing anything irreversible.

Will speak with dead allow Mara to contact Mari?