GMF's Shattered Star (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

@Clem: You find claw marks. Big ones. Something large passed this way in the not too distant past. (Which isn't surprising considering you are following the trail of a blue dragon.) At the moment from your vantage point, you don't see anything in or above the water.

Resting is an option, but you probably shouldn't do it at the water's edge.

Bibic will walk back with the others to a safer spot to camp. (Maybe C13?) He'll help stand watch while resting with the others, still concerned about how they'll overcome the water. With magic, there's always a way, so he trusts in his companions to solve the problem.

Spasi moves the party back to safe spot well away from the water's edge to find a place to rest.

You set camp and recover your energy, preparing yourselves to venture further into the depths.

The rest period passes uneventfully.

In the morning, Bibic and Koriah replenish their adventuring spells as they get ready for their next sojourn.

”So how should we get past the lake? I don’t have a folding boat, though I like the idea. Very handy in situations such as this.”

Spasi mulls over the problem. Well, Clem can already fly, and unless Rhesus is going to go back and earn his wings (by destroying the evil altar), and so...

”Well, I can already fly, you know? Because that’s why the Doctor put me in charge. I’m smart like that,” Spasi looks at Rhesus and Bibic. ”Depending on how far we have to go, I can get us some short flight...won’t last long. Maybe a quarter hour? Shall we give it a go after breakfast? I haven’t had my bacon yet.”

Overland Flight for Spasi, Fly *2 on Bibs and Rhesus in addition to the usual magics: extended heroism on Spasi, Heroism on Rhesus, Mage Armor & False Life on Spasi. 1d1 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 temp hp

Clement had plenty of healing to ensure all would be at full HP.

Clement brushes the debris from his bedroll and folds it up neatly before allowing his magical haversack to gobble it up faster than a snack by an atol.

"I'm starving, how about you guys?"

Rubbing his hands together, he conjures the now typical morning feast for all to enjoy.

Heroes Feast. Shield Other + Lifelink on Rhesus. Hopefully a Heroism from Bibic.

Rhesus rubs his hands together. "Alright, let's do this." He jumps into the air and immediately crashes face first into the ground.
"Uh, have you already cast the spell Spasi?"

Sure, Clement may also have a heroism from Bibic. Another goes to Rhesus.

Bibic hands his potion fo Fly to Koriah, ”Koriah, you wait here, but here’s a potion just in case things go sideways.”

He’s ready to go once the Fly is cast. Clement, what are the temp hp from Heroes Feast?

Ah yes, the temp HP!

Heroes Feast: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

As the party breaks down their camp and picks the last meat from the bones of their morning feast, Clement rests his hands on his growing gut before flapping his wings and still managing to lift his armor-laden self from the ground.

"Back down the path to the lake then? What kind of dragon was it? Blue? Those breath lightning, right Bibs?"

As the group approaches the lake again, Clem will apply a communal resist energy on the group vs electricity as well.

Flying it is. Take a look at the map and let me know your plan of action. Please note that D3's entrance is below the waterline, so the PCs wouldn't be immediately aware of its existance.

Bibic note that Spasi got Rhesus with Heroism already.

Rhesus holds his earthbreaker in front of him while flying, doing his best to look Heroic. "NOW WHAT!"

”Well, let’s go to that center island and see what’s there?” Spasi offers, pointing to the center. He’ll try to stay at least 20’ above the water line while scouring for threats. (D5)

Bibic nods and takes to the air, somewhat clumsily really, as he tries to keep pace with Spasi and the others. He worries a bit, and hopes Koriah will be alright, but there's little he can do other than keep his eyes open.

Perception: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 22 + 2 = 41 (heroism)

Clement takes to a similar height at Spasi but glides slightly ahead with Rhesus, his eyes trained on the island ahead and fully expecting to be engulfed in lightning at any moment.

We probably head right to D5, maybe glancing towards D4 to ensure nothing comes at us from there as we head to the middle.

Following the remnants of the broken bridge makes the most sense. There's' no other light sources visible in the cavern, so unless you fan out, you probably aren't aware of the other island. The cavern is huge (the scale is 25' per square on the map), so you can't really see much.

Also, what are you using for light, or do you all have darkvision at this point?

Koriah is less than pleased at being left behind, but accepts is stoically, muttering about investing in some scrolls for next time. Looking over her provisions she says, "If you're not back in 2 days, I'm heading topside. I'll wait another 3 days after that before heading back to civilization."

Following the line of broken pilings, you cautiously head out over the black water. A short while later, you approach an island that gradually appears out of the darkness.

A water laps the barren isle's rocky shores, which rise up to a thirty-foot-high peak. Upon its top, lies the cracked foundations of a long-crumbled structure of some sort.

Bibic apologizes to Koriah adding, "Oh, we shouldn't be gone that long I shouldn't think. Good plan though just in case."

Bibic has Darkvision and Low Light Vision if there is a light source.

Spasi can cast Light and is feeling pretty sheepish about forgetting Koriah for a moment.

"Oh, I have a Fly for you too. I thought, uh, I, uh, thought Bibic going to carry you...yeah, that's it. C'mere, let's get you airborne..."

Sorry. Doy.

Spasi continues to stay up in the air, letting others examine things.

Bibic laughs, "And here I thought we'd found your limits, but there's always just one more isn't there?"

Koriah smirks but takes the fly and follows the group, watching the rear.

Clement observes Spasi conjuring some light for the others that don't have the benefits of seeing in the dark as he does.

"Ah, light. Of course. For you..", Clements tongue rattles off a word he hadn't used before to describe his companions, "mortals."

Waving his hand, his shield suddenly glows as if it's wrapped with holy flames.

Discovery Torch

@Party within 20ft: +2 enhancement bonus on Perception and Sense Motive checks, as well as on Knowledge checks to identify monsters that are also within the area and their special powers and vulnerabilities.

Thanks for the update on the illumination. What's the game plan regarding the ruins?

Ah yes, the structure at the top of this island...

Shrugging as he sees no reason not to proceed further to the top of this island, Clement gestures towards Rhesus as he continues to glide ahead.

I don't think we're touching ground here, probably maintaining a 30ft height so we're on an even plane with the top as we get within sight range. Clem had 60ft darkvision prior to the torch for what that's worth. I imagine the light is just painting a bullseye on our backs at this stage!

Spasi agrees with Clem’s intentions, using the light to scout and look around. He’s not getting close to the water if he can help it.

Bibic hangs back a little more, maybe 40' up off the water, and 10' back of Clement and, presumably, Rhesus. He scans the area (low light vision) as they approach.

Perception: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 22 + 2 = 29 (heroism)

The ruins appear to be the foundations of what must of have once been an impressive keep. The seismic upheaval following starfall most-likely resulted in the keep being shaken into rubble.

@Bibic: You notice that there is a conspicuous area in the center for the island that lacks any of the scattered blocks of stone that tumbled from the keep during its collapse and cover most of the rest of the area.

"Hey, check that out there. There's a bit near the centre, you see it? It's all clear. No blocks. I bet someone's been digging, let's check it out."

He'll fly over with the others (if they do) to examine the area.

Clement glides ahead and holds up a hand as Bibic skirts ahead.

"Whoa, whoa! Let Rhesus and I take a look. You can hang back with Spasi and have your bow ready!"

Clem gestures to Rhesus to follow (and lead) the way down to the central area for a closer look.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 18 + 2 = 21

Rhesus does his best to check out the spot indicated. He looks rather foolish with his legs pumping in mid-air but he does eventually make it. "What do you think Clem? Some kind of dirt monsters? Maybe devils? I bet there's another statue."

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Spasi prepares magic to help with Clem and Rhesus’ explorations.

”Yeah, that’s going on there?”

Assuming everyone is staying airborne.

Moving towards the area, you see that it is a perfect 20'x20' square of smooth stone. The area is completely clear of any rubble and even lacks the dust, mould and damp patches of moisture characteristic of the other stones and ruined structures you've seen in the cavern so far.

Out in the darkness you hear the sudden splash of waves against the shoreline, but they begin to fade almost as soon as they begin.

Spasi waits from a far, hoping others get closer first. He can summon something to investigate, but there are other methods.

Bibc too waits for the others to advance.

Rhesus faces towards the noise. "I'm sure that was harmless, right?"

"You think that smooth stone is some sort of lid? Maybe the trapdoor to where this dragon lives?"

As the group all hears the splash, Clement shrugs.

"We probably scared something off? I suppose we should take a closer look?"

It sounded like there's debris about. Clem will do the "pick up a rock, cast the Light cantrip on it and toss it into the water in the direction the splash came from. All while still flying mostly above the island with the rest of the group.

"Hold on a sec, let me generate some distraction down there and see what happens," Spasi puts a hold on things as he stays well away the water.

He casts Summon Monster IV for a loud mouthed, slobbering, grotesque, SpasiSimulacrum: a Gibbering Mouther. As it has both a land and swim speed, and can talk...Spasi will set it down and see if that attracts anything of interest on the island.

Spasi summons a horrid abomination into the clearing. As soon as it materializes on to this plane, it falls through the stone of the ground and completely disappears, leaving behind the smooth, unmarred stone.

The sound of the mouther persists for a while, coming from below the ground, but it fades very quickly and the island is soon bathed in silence once more.

"What just happened!?" Spasi says, looking at others. "Did j'all see that?"

Bibic is impressed, though he keeps his distance, "Is the stone illusory?"

"Let's see..."

Narrowing his eyes at the stone, Clement summons some of his mystical power to see the truth of all things.

While he could just try to disbelieve it, Clem's growing fond of his power. True Seeing on self.

Effects: Lifelink (Rhesus, Bibic, Spasi), Shield Other (Rhesus), Heroes Feast, True Seeing
**
Spells Left Today: 1st - 8/8 | 2nd - 7/8 | 3rd - 6/7 | 4th - 7/7 | 5th - 6/7 | 6th - 5/6 | 7th - 3/3

Spasi waits to see what Clem sees, thinking this is a good plan.

”Yeah, Clem. There you go.”

@Clem: With your enhanced sight, you pierce the veil of illusion. Masked by the false stone lies a square shaft of worked stone that descends deep into the island. Just how far it extends, you cannot tell.

Once he doesn't see a gaping maw masked by magic, Clement floats a little and gestures at the lild.

"Yep, an illusion. Looks like it goes deeper into the island."

He smirks at Rhesus.

"Probably something evil living down there."

"Before we go down there," Bibic points to the block, "And while we're still flying, let's check out this cave, shall we?"

Bibic suggests flying to the far wall and circling the cave to see if there is anything else around.

"Sure Bibic, let's check out the cave first. How long can you see through that illusion Clem?"

”Ah, the cave? Yes, the cave!” Spasi agrees as if forgetting where he was. He looks around for a destination that might prove worth of exploration.

He begins to follow Bibic towards the far wall as if that is a good idea.

"Longer than Spasi's music will keep you flying!"

Clem waves his hand dismissively at the illusory stone as he glides in the general direction of the cavern.

"Let's go!"

Moving east or west once you make it to the far wall?

Ignoring the curious shaft, the party continues to move to the southern end of the cavern. As you move back out over the water, Rhesus suggests that everyone should move closer to the water and begins to descend.

Bibic starts following Rhesus down toward the water reflexively. Always accustomed to following the big man wherever he leads.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 26 + 2 = 34 (heroism)

But then he stops, "Hey, Rehsus, wait up a second, I have something in my shoe!" He fiddles with his footwear as he buys time to think. He begins casting Break Enchantment on Rhesus, and in fact the entire party.

Bluff: 1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 26 + 2 = 37

Note: One minute casting time... so Rhesus has to wait for it...

Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 (Not sure if heroism applies. If so, +2 more)

"You're going to what the what now?" Spasi asks, trying to figure out what is going on. "What is wrong with your shoe? I thought you wore boots?"

"Hey now, no sense waiting, aye Bibic? Don't you worry, me and Clem can handle it. Let's go Spasi, you can see what it looks like on the front for once!"

Rhesus floats slightly towards the water, waiting for Clem and Spasi to come with.