"So now we are the cleanup crew. We are supposed to go in and murder people. Never mind defending ourselves. Was this what you were expecting to do? We keep getting dragged further and further down the hole. When do we say enough is enough?"Lief looks at the dancer, suddenly worried about the man's well-being. "Are you alright, Dimitrio? Did you hit your head somewhere I didn't see? We're assisting in war. If you're having second thoughts, I'm glad you're speaking up now, before we return. They might have need for entertaining the wounded here. Perhaps you should stay, and rest."
"Now listen. I know exactly what we are doing but it's hard for me to see how we went from associates in a gambling place to saving the world. I just want to make sure we are all aware that we got ourselves dragged in to a racial war that has apparently been going on for ages."
He looks at Lief, "It wasn't that long ago that you got off your boat with a bunch of books so just pause and make sure this is where you want to be."
Dimitrio nods, "Another curing stick would be good."
He was still worried about the drow-demon connection and wanted to find out more. He asks an elven captain who had just dispatched some troops, "So we have faced dretches and their stink this time. What else is out there? Besides the green dragon that is."
"It wasn't that long ago that you got off your boat with a bunch of books so just pause and make sure this is where you want to be."
"Ah, I get it now. You're scared. It's alright to be scared, Dimitrio. Where battle rages, Death lurks. We all know that. I'll simply tell you to stop projecting your fear on others. My older sister would constantly try and drag away my younger sister, claiming she had to make water, to avoid social calls from ugly boys. I won't be used as your excuse to avoid the fight, Dimitrio. If you are unsure you want to be here, speak plainly. Eviana will not judge you. She'll likely thank you for your service up until now, in fact."
Lief produces the talking sphere, and hands it directly to Eviana. "In the Library, we were able to retrieve this. It's been quite elaborate in its descriptions. Sorry. Not sure how long it will continue. As for the laboratory, is it new to Celwynvian? Or is it part of the ancient city? I am not sure if I can participate in that kind of desecration. If it's purely drow, alright. Speaking of which, what does your intelligence tell you of the denizens of this lab? We came across spiders, dretches, as well as the drow, in the Library. We'd be grateful to learn of what we may encounter."
She thanks you for the sphere and sets it aside, but as it continues to tone on, she has someone remove it to another chamber.
"The lab building is ancient, but the contents are almost certainly new. I'm not asking you to destroy the building, nor to simply dump the noxious chemicals into the watershed. You'll have to be creative."
Between her and the elven captain with Dimitrio, you're given something of a litany of what has been discovered so far. They do not know what's in the lab specifically, but they suspect at least one drider.
In case you don't know, they explain that a drider is the body of a giant (large) spider with the torso of a drow. They're 'made' creatures they think, and very dangerous.
Other than that, lots of drow, dretches, and even a drake or two. Troglodytes, demons of all sorts of varieties and even a drider was spotted, though from a distance (near the lab).
Also some undead - the remnants of the fallen on both sides, shocker lizards, and a will-o-wisp. Probably more, but that's what they've seen so far...
Allarnon is able to lay his hands on only one wand of cure light wounds, though they do charge half price. That said, he's reminded that the injured are welcome to healing among the other wounded as well in the large tent. They have priests channelling at the top of every hour.
"Ah, I get it now. You're scared. It's alright to be scared, Dimitrio. Where battle rages, Death lurks. We all know that. I'll simply tell you to stop projecting your fear on others..."
Kaylayne whistles at the comment, but keeps her mouth shut.
And they think I'm abrasive at times...
"It wasn't that long ago that you got off your boat with a bunch of books so just pause and make sure this is where you want to be.""Ah, I get it now. You're scared. It's alright to be scared, Dimitrio. Where battle rages, Death lurks. We all know that. I'll simply tell you to stop projecting your fear on others. My older sister would constantly try and drag away my younger sister, claiming she had to make water, to avoid social calls from ugly boys. I won't be used as your excuse to avoid the fight, Dimitrio. If you are unsure you want to be here, speak plainly. Eviana will not judge you. She'll likely thank you for your service up until now, in fact."
Dimitrio looks smug, "For all your book smarts, you're still quite naive. I'm not scared. If I was scared, I would never have come here. All I want to know is that I am doing this for the right reasons."
He continues, "We have just been tasked to go to a place and basically blow it up. That is quite different from getting revenge on Saul because he tried to kill us. You are intrinsically taking sides in a war that you know very little of."
He shakes his had, "There are lots of ways to do good in this world. I want to make sure this is the correct one."
Kaylayne listens to Dimitrio's diplomatic response and bob her head, mentally appreciating the tone and conviction. She even makes a mental note to try to do the same the next time Lief is...Lief.
"We're all takin' sides Carini, it's what we've been doin' since we came out here. I know you like to question everything mate, but what did you expect we'd be doin?" Ederin shakes his head.
"We're attack' this building because it's gonna cut the drow supplies, it's smart tactically, and they're usin' us cause we've been effective so far. If you don't like it, I ain't gonna judge you for backin' out, but I don't understand what your gripe is mate. Life ain't a curtain show, sometimes you gotta get your hands dirty."
"For all your book smarts, you're still quite naive. I'm not scared. If I was scared, I would never have come here. All I want to know is that I am doing this for the right reasons. We have just been tasked to go to a place and basically blow it up. That is quite different from getting revenge on Saul because he tried to kill us. You are intrinsically taking sides in a war that you know very little of. There are lots of ways to do good in this world. I want to make sure this is the correct one."
Lief looks up, having thought he was done addressing Dimitrio. "'Naive'? You're calling me 'naive'? I'm at a loss, Dimitrio. Calling me 'naive' is admitting that you yourself lack judgment as well. We're both acting on the same intelligence here, and somehow you're more aware of the consequences than I am? You're deluded if you don't have fear running through your veins. I'm scared, but you don't see me looking for alternate ways to 'do good' in the world, somewhere other than here. You witnessed the Plucking of the Star, for gods sake. You understand that the drow are responsible for it, and here we are, confronting the drow, with the support of an elven army, no less. Whatever it takes to convince you that this is the correct choice, find it, Dimitrio, and find it fast. Your missing confidence should be sitting next to it."
Lief looks at Ederin, and sighs with relief as someone else with sense speaks up.
You again travel through the forest, and thanks to Ederin have no trouble following the animal tracks toward your destination. You see the city looming in the distance and stop to prepare (Kaylayne’s spells are cast) and then continue on.
Suddenly from the fog swirling around you - an arc of electricity lashes out at Ederin from empty air!
Allarnon
Dimitrio
Ederin (+2 in urban terrain)
Kaylayne (acts in surprise round)
Lief
Good Guys
Lief looks up, having thought he was done addressing Dimitrio. "'Naive'? You're calling me 'naive'? I'm at a loss, Dimitrio. Calling me 'naive' is admitting that you yourself lack judgment as well. We're both acting on the same intelligence here, and somehow you're more aware of the consequences than I am? You're deluded if you don't have fear running through your veins. I'm scared, but you don't see me looking for alternate ways to 'do good' in the world, somewhere other than here. You witnessed the Plucking of the Star, for gods sake. You understand that the drow are responsible for it, and here we are, confronting the drow, with the support of an elven army, no less. Whatever it takes to convince you that this is the correct choice, find it, Dimitrio, and find it fast. Your missing confidence should be sitting next to it."
Lief looks at Ederin, and sighs with relief as someone else with sense speaks up.
Dimitrio looks at them both and shakes his head, "You just don't get it. Everything is black and white to you."
His voice firms up, "I am here and you can count on me and my blade. Should there ever be a time when that is not the case, I will let you know and make it loud and clear. However, rest assured that it won't happen in the middle of a compromising situation. I pray you are both right and that we are doing the right thing by involving ourselves in this war."
The bard then steps away and starts praying to Desna for both guidance and forgiveness for the lives he's about to take.
Round Surprise, Init 18-
Kaylayne grunts as the situation repeats itself.
Freakin' that thing again.
Kaylayne 5' steps away from the source and casts Resist Energy (Electricity 20) and prepares to go toe to toe with the thing.
+1 haste +2 for MCPfE10'
[ dice]1d20+10-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+5 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 20 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Kaylayne prepares herself and steps up.
Surprising no one, a shock reaches out to Ederin yet again, from the same spot (immediately west of Ederin on the map).
|
After visiting the healing tent Allarnon returns with the single wand and holds it aloft. he sees the group having a scolding debate among themselves and only catches bits and pieces as he checks over his gear.
As the city begins to loom into place Allarnon once again shifts into his bear form and with Ederin's assistance he gets buckled into his armor. "They caught me off guard once already. It won't happen again."
During the walk Allarnon listens to Dimitrio go on about sides and the war. He nudges the man's elbow as he looks up at him. "It is ok. I am scared too."
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|
Allarnon leaps as Ederin screams in pain from electrical shocks. Looking up he doesn't see lightning. Looking for guidance Allarnon follows Kaylayn's lead and makes himself more resistant to electricity as be barrels into the area.
Holding a paw up he tells Tarkir to stay in place.
Tarkir ignores his command and happily follows along behind him.
Allarnon (AC 22/TCH 20/FF 24 [+5 Armor; +1 Dex; +4 Natural; +1 Deflection; +1 Dodge;
Tarkir (AC 18/ TCH 16/ FF 20 [+2 Dex; +6 Natural; +3 Enhance Barkskin; +1 Haste) | HP 25/48 | Greater Magic Fang; Barkskin; Haste;)
Dimitrio dips his hand in his spell pouch, "I can bathe that thing in glowing dust so we can see it but it may affect your eyesight for a bit..."
__________________
Round 1; 18+
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+7/+2 Bab
+2 Str
+1 Weapon
"F+*&! This thing again?" Ederin shouts as he drops his bow and draws the sword hanging at his hip. He wasn't going to waste arrows before even making it to the target. He swings at where he thinks the thing may be.
Ederin whiffs at empty air, unable to connect with the invisible creature.
The bard's rapier is in his hands and he saunters over to where everyone was striking.
______________
Round 1, Init 18-
Kaylayne, feeling protected, moves around where the spark shot from, hoping to draw the creature into showing itself for others. She moves forward, hoping that her movement will provoke it.
If she is attacked, she will call upon the Other Kaylayne to sprinkle dust upon the square, highlighting whatever is within.
If Kaylayne fails to draw the AoO, Kaylayne will ready for the same dusting with her standard action.
+1 haste +2 for MCPfE10'
[ dice]1d20+10-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+5 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 20 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
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Kaylayne's movement does not provoke a response, but Dimitrio's does...
The glowing skull appears in Kaylyane's dust, just to the east of Lief and 5' up.
From the creature page.
"Natural Invisibility (Ex) Will-o'-wisps have the ability to extinguish their natural glow as a move action, effectively becoming invisible, as per the spell."
No where does it say it becomes visible when it attacks, or stays invisible when it attacks. The board do not agree either. Some say that the phrase 'as per the spell' means (from the spell description):
"The spell ends if the subject attacks any creature."
Some disagree noting that with natural invisibility there is no spell to end. Natural invisibility is just that, natural. With a Will-o-Wisp, it's hiding it's light, not activating invisibility.
I agree with this view, with some reservations. Still, in my world, the Will-o-Wisp does not become visible when it attacks. They're tough little creatures as a result, but not impossible - and your party has at least two methods to 'light it up' that I know of, maybe more.
Of course the 'light' from the 'electricity' when it attacks is totally visible, supported by lots of text. So at the point of attack, you know which square it's in. So you can ready an attack/spell/whatever, but I still get 50% miss due to invisibility within that square.
Which is what Kaylayne did in this case. This Will-o-Wisp is now visible, and not liking it...
Round 1, Init 7
AC = 18
HP = 38/38
Weapon Equipped = +1 Rapier
Condition(s) = None
When the Will O' Wisp appears dangerously close, Lief drops his hand crossbow, and draws his rapier, thrusting at the creature once he's seen its anatomy. He steps to the side, hoping Ederin can pop the creature with a couple of arrows.
Allarnon prepares himself as Kaylayne had done and wades in. Ederin switches to melee, but fails to connect. Kaylayne moves around and readies to illuminate the pest - and does so! Dimitrio moves into position, drawing an attack from the will-o-wisp. Lief tries his best to hit the now visible creature, but he fails to connect.
The creature, quite upset at being made so visible again, arcs to Lief and then attempts to flee the battlefield, skimming overhead and around trees looking to escape!
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Allarnon begins to whistle through his sharp teeth. Within moments the forest comes to life and begins to grow at an immense rate around the Will-o-wisp. While the vines begin to grow Allarnon takes off through the forest. The thick vines and shrubs don't seem to impede his movement at all.
Looking over he still sees Tarkir following him. "I said to stay. It is too dangerous fool."
Tarkir stops in his tracks as he cocks his head in confusion.
Dimitrio curses as he sees his singed clothes.
A dagger is soon on his right hand and the Ring of Fire pointed towards the apparition in his left. But in the end, he decides to save his dagger and charge.
He sticks his middle finger at the will o wisp and draws his rapier, "Try that again, fool."
________
HP 52/59
AC: 23 or 25 if evil = 10 +3(DEX) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+1) +1(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions:n/a
Melee (rapier+1): +11/+6 = +6(base) +3(dex) +1 (magic) +1(weapon focus)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+9 = +1(weapon) +3 (dex) +2 (arcane strike) +3 (precise strike), 18-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 4/4 panache, 1/3 charmed life, 15/18 bardic performance, 4/4 1st level, 1/2 2nd level spells, ring of fire 1/5
Round 2, Init 18-
Kaylayne hefts some stones, but has no desire to toss them so far. Instead, pulls out her newest fetish and recalls the magics from her Resist Energy.
"I would like to kill that. Annoyingly cowardly thing, it is," Kaylayne hisses. "Ederin, put some holes in it. Teach it that we can harm it. And now we know to expect it."
[ dice]1d20+10-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+5 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 1/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 20 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Frustrated again at missing, Lief reinforces his jab with another surge of inspiration.
The young man looks on, hoping Ederin can take it out. "No pressure, Ederin. Steady hand, and pop that thing like a balloon, please."
Round 2, 18+
HP: 24/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite Longbow (+2)
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+7/+2 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
+4 Hit/Dmg Rangers Focus
Arrows (10 Adamantite/10Silver/10Ghost Salt/59Cold Iron)/20 Blunt Arrows (12 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
Muttering a number of curses under his breath Ederin once again drops the weapon he's holding, letting the sword fall to the ground as he retrieves his bow and fires a single arrow at the retreating creature hoping to finally end this so he doesn't need to constantly fear electrocution.
vs DC 14
Allarnon casts creatively and the very trees themselves bend toward the sphere, trying to halt it’s progress. Alas it is too slippery, and evades the most clingy of the vines. Ederin switches weapons quickly, but it hampers his aim and he misses. Kaylayne refreshes herself, frustrated at the creatures distance. Dimitrio readies an attack should it close. Lief is the first to actually connect, and harm the creature, but it is not enough to down it.
The Will-o-Wisp flies straight up through the ‘difficult’ terrain of the forest until it’s clear (30’ so 60’ of movement), and then flies another 40’ away across the tops of the writhing trees. The party can no longer even see the dim glow of the globe at such a distance, with so much forest, fog, and smoke in the way. It has, I think, escaped.
Kaylayne lets it go, confident that if it comes back again, the group will kill it.
"Let's get Ederin healed and move on."
Dimitrio shakes his head, "Forget about it. Let's keep our eyes out and make sure it doesn't come back."
He sheathes his weapon and prepares to move on.
Ederin shakes his head as he lowers his bow. "Need to be on the lookout for that thing. Ain't to fond of getting shocked like that again." He pulls a potion from his bag drinks it and then takes two charges of healing from one of their cure wands.
The stinging feeling gone, he picks up his sword and sheathes it then nods his head at everyone. "Let's go, nothin' we can do about that thing now, might as well finish the job."
You make your way through the last couple hundred yards of forest without incident.
As you approach, the laboratory is revealed to have once been a much larger structure, but today, only one crumbling dome remains. A hole in its top belches forth a noxious cloud of sickly green smoke, and pools of smoking liquid cover the area around the ruins. Clearly the drow are not concerned about ruining the local region in pursuit of their alchemical weapons.
The area in front of the dome is full of ruined stone and debris. To make matters worse, the drow also use it as a dumping ground for all of their waste. Moving through the green area on the map requires 15 feet of movement for every 5 feet traveled. In addition, the smell of the place is quite strong, and you’ll be making a DC 15 fort save (poison effect) as soon as you get within 30 feet or so of the structure.
You think you can hear singing coming from inside the dome, but it’s hard to tell for sure. I’ve updated the map, but am assuming, for now, you’re ~50’ away and being stealthy - or trying anyway. You're coming from the north, but can approach from any direction.
Approaching from the south means moving deeper into the city before looping back around and so might be a bit more dangerous.
Kaylayne looks over the toxic sludge and the building, not get wanting to get too close.
"Lief, you think that stuff is flammable? Or inflammable? Can you stick it with one of them fire bolts you got?"
She looks up and down, seeing no windows.
"If you want, I'll climb to the top and see if there is a way in from above," Kaylayne suggests. "Ederin, I'll be exposed out there, but you can cover me with your bow, right?"
If others agree, she will climb up the side of the building, slowly and stealthily, until she can peek over the top.
Stealth
Fort (antitoxin, heroism)
Edit: Perception
"Yeah, I can cover you love, just be quick." He draws his bow and moves closer to the building, but not too close. He crouches low and keeps an eye on the area and Kaylayne as she climbs.
The place reeked. Again. And Dimitrio was not happy.
he did his best to breathe shallow and magicked his handkerchief to filter out most of the stink.
He nods to Layne, "Be careful."
Lief readies himself with several quick flicks of formulae and alchemical.
2 Antitoxins, 3 Smelling Salts, 4 Sunrods, and 2 Adamantium Weapon Blanches
Lief tosses an antitoxin to Ederin and Allarnon. "You'll likely need them. The fumes alone..."
"Lief, you think that stuff is flammable? Or inflammable? Can you stick it with one of them fire bolts you got?"
Lief tries to get a closer look, so moves up, and studies the sludge.
Kaylayne and Lief walk up to the building with Kaylayne up onto the larger dome and Lief examining the grounds - both without apparent incident.
Kaylayne listens and looks again from her perch, about 25' feet up.
Perception
Assuming nothing scary/bad is scene, she will indicate to the party to move over to near the entrance (marked on the map in red).
When the party has moved over, Kaylayne will move over on the wall (but not on the dome) to near the entrance.
Stealth
Perception
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Allarnon opens his mouth as Lief pours the antitoxin in. He licks his lips. "What is this mixture? It tastes like the berry patch from back home?"
Seeing Kaylane wave them forward Allarnon moves forward. Seeing the green sludge he sniffs at it and crinkles his nose. He stifles a cough as the fumes burn his lungs.
Dimitrio takes a deep breath and follows Layne towards the building entrance.
Lief moves closer, and perceives.
If he senses any kind of danger, he signals the others. He does not step into the muck yet.
Ederin joins the rest, bow at the ready, keeping his eyes open and ready for any of the things the elves warned them about.
- - -
As you approach the building the stench becomes something really horrid! DC 15 Fort save - just need Allarnon and Tarkir at this time.
You get closer when, from thin air, another electrical jolt occurs behind Ederin, again, but this one widens and lengthens… a lighting bolt! (remember some of you may still have resistance in place from the last fight from ~12 minutes ago). It hits Dimitrio and Ederin.
DC 16 for half
The dry rasping of spidery legs brings this hideous monstrosity into view - a nightmarish, centaurian fusion of drow and spider - a Drider! It appears on the dome bow in hand.
Allarnon
Dimitrio
Ederin (+2 in urban terrain)
Kaylayne (acts in surprise round)
Lief
Good Guys
Round Surprise, Init 10
Kaylayne tosses a stone in stunned reaction to horror appearing beneath her.
to hit;
magic damage.
[ dice]1d20+10-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+5 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 4/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 1/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 17 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Round 1, Init 22
AC = 18
HP = 38/38
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Cat's Grace, Expeditious Retreat, Antitoxin
Lief looks up, suddenly aware of the drider, so overcomes his sudden need to urinate, and gives the monstrosity a good looking over.
Aware that this creature is very much like the drow themselves, Lief produces his Light, then loads his hand crossbow with a fire bolt.
He calls out what he knows about what the team should expect.
Kaylayne hurls a stone, but the spider deftly slides out of the way, a close call, but a miss. Lief announces to the party what the Drider can do as he prepares for the battle.
...and of course there's the lightning bolt, so apparently this one can cast spells as well.
"Why yes, yes I can!"
And the Drider turns invisible, after casting a spell of some kind…
Round 2, Init 22
AC = 18
HP = 38/38
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Cat's Grace, Expeditious Retreat, Antitoxin
"Ugh. It talks." Lief looks skyward, imagining himself taking a shot only when the thing exposes itself again. "Avoid giving him lines of attack. He may be ready with more lightning."
, save, 14 hp
Dimitrio moved aside but still felt the electricity, his luscious mane frizzled up. "God damn. I feel your pain Shorty!"
He then heeds Lief's advise and moves south, his rapier ready to attack.
_______________
HP 38/59
AC: 23 = 10 +3(DEX) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+1) +1(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions:n/a
Melee (rapier+1): +11/+6 = +6(base) +3(dex) +1 (magic) +1(weapon focus)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+9 = +1(weapon) +3 (dex) +2 (arcane strike) +3 (precise strike), 18-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 4/4 panache, 1/3 charmed life, 15/18 bardic performance, 4/4 1st level, 1/2 2nd level spells, ring of fire 1/5