Round 8 Init 9 AC:19 (haste)
Eri cracks his knuckles and tries magic missile using a runestone of power.
AC 14 or 18 [dex +3, amu +1, m. armor +4]
CMD 18
BAB +5
Defensive casting = +15 (@7th)
Spell Penetration= +9 (@7th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (2/7 per day 3/4 stones) (Burning Disarm, Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (5/7 per day) (Acid Arrow, Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (1/4 per day) (Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt)
Thunder staff charges: 4/7 (extra d6 dam, 3 rnds ea.)
Shock rounds 0/3
Quick Runner’s Shirt Charge 0/1
Weapon equipped = +2 Composite Long Bow
+11 or +9/+9 (fight+1, sorc +3, ElKn +1, WF, +1, dex +3 bow +2)
+12 or +10/+10 within 30' with +1 dam
Damage bump: +8 [+2 (bow) +2(str) +2 (feat ex pull) +2 (feat arcane weap)]
Eri attempts a different attack, but fails to overcome the creature's natural resistance to magic. Ascaria takes a chance, and heals the dagger man. Mortimer manages glancing blows that do nothing against the hide of the creature. Solrisa waits. Tynan continues a slew of successful attacks from flank, injuring the creature further. Eidi almost fully restores the bladesman to health, hoping to see him finish the foul work against the demon.
The maiden is left to her own devices in the northern section of the hallway, when something novel occurs. From down the ulgurstasta hallway, something that has the rough form of the many-eyed creature appears, yet it looks more insubstantial. Yellowish-green, and gaseous. It moves into the fray, enveloping Eidi in its noxious form.
The creature has taken a new Cloudkill form.
While the gas has its fun, the hezrou has its. This time, it targets Ascaria, for his role in restoring Tynan to health.
Round 11, Init 22
AC 27, 31 on AoO, 24 Touch -- CMD 31
Static (Saves etc) below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
AC 25 , 29 on AoO, 22 Touch; 67/67 HP h
BAB = +9/+3 (level 9)
ToHit = 1d20+13+1
RHit = 1d20+14-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+14-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+9-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
FHit = 1d20+4-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20+13
Fort+8 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+11
Will+6
Initiative +4
CMD=29 (10+ BAB + Str bonus + Dex bonus, 30 Maneuver Training Grapple +2, 30 Manuever training Disarm, +2 class feature "AC Bonus" at level 4/9)
+1 Grapple (Armbands), +2 Grapple MT, +2 Improved Grapple (+5 total)
Mortimer stares at his hands for a second, then abruptly launches himself at ThReptile.
I was happier being closer to It anyway.
for
Round: 10, Initiative: 8
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (+2 ench AC)(1/9h), Sickened (6/10r), Hasted (4/8r), Prayer (4/9r)
Life Link (9)(100’) = None
Channel Energy (0/9)(6/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (5d6+1+2d6)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (0/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 9, Concentration +15)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (4/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (5/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (2/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (1/5) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration
Ascaria feels the brunt of the creatures attacks this round, and remembers why he prefers the life-link to actual combat.
He casts defensively, to heal himself of the injury.
vs DC 23
Haste (everyone)
Prayer
Round 10 Init 9 AC:19 (haste)
”Frak it.”
Eri takes a 5’ step, winces in anticipation, and tries to shoot some arrows into the behemoth.
for
for
for
AC 14 or 18 [dex +3, amu +1, m. armor +4]
CMD 18
BAB +5
Defensive casting = +15 (@7th)
Spell Penetration= +9 (@7th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (2/7 per day 3/4 stones) (Burning Disarm, Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (5/7 per day) (Acid Arrow, Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (1/4 per day) (Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt)
Thunder staff charges: 4/7 (extra d6 dam, 3 rnds ea.)
Shock rounds 0/3
Quick Runner’s Shirt Charge 0/1
Weapon equipped = +2 Composite Long Bow
+11 or +9/+9 (fight+1, sorc +3, ElKn +1, WF, +1, dex +3 bow +2)
+12 or +10/+10 within 30' with +1 dam
Damage bump: +8 [+2 (bow) +2(str) +2 (feat ex pull) +2 (feat arcane weap)]
Eidi is surprised by the cloud but his healthy nature helps him partially overcome the horrible gas. Nevertheless, he feels himself weakened by the noxious creature "Damn it, more enemies?"
"What is this now?" he yells then "Help! That thing become a weakening clooooud! Argh!"
Eidi steps further back, using calming touch to remove his own sickness. He then places a hand on his nose attempting to hold his breath and avoid smelling the thing.
Round 11, Init 21
Seeing the beast turn on Ascaria, tynan stabs furiously with his swords.
"Over here you fiend!"
CMD:25, FFCMD:21
Fort: +8, Ref: +12, Will: +6
Hit Points: 53/58
Haste, Prayer
Eri remembers that he forgot something.
Eri manages to land a single arrow into the side of the demon. Ascaria heals himself cautiously, while remaining within the creature's reach. Mortimer manages to get his arms around the hezrou, bringing a little burn to its scaly hide.
Solrisa GMPC almost remains in her position, waiting on her cold friend to return, when she hears Eidi call for help. Rae would have made that demon turn around and meet her facesy-to-facesy. She has a way with friends and enemies alike. She moves down the hallway, unable to charge through Eri, arriving in the room to look over the new cloudy guest.
Tynan rips the large demon to shreds, hitting all four times! The creature sways, in loss of its black blood, though it continues to stand. For how long is anyone's guess. Eidi cures himself of the hezrou's sickening cloud, moving away from the yellowish-green cloud while clutching at his orifices.
The cloud continues to assault Eidi, enveloping him again.
The hezrou lashes out, likely for the last time, at Tynan.
Round: 11, Initiative: 8
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (+2 ench AC)(1/9h), Sickened (7/10r), Hasted (5/8r), Prayer (5/9r)
Life Link (9)(100’) = None
Channel Energy (0/9)(5/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (5d6+1+2d6)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (0/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 9, Concentration +15)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (4/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (5/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (2/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (1/5) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration
Ascaria worries about the cloud, ”How do we fight mist? Is it a spell? Can we dispel it?” he wonders aloud, hoping the the smarter Eri and Eidi have the answer, for surely he does not.
He does what he can though, channeling to heal Tynan, Eidi, and himself of their injuries, while avoiding healing the scaly one. Not sure what the gas is, but if it is a creature, he excludes that as well. Might not know however - DM call.
Haste (everyone)
Prayer
Round 12, Init 22
AC 27, 31 on AoO, 24 Touch -- CMD 31
Static (Saves etc) below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
AC 25 , 29 on AoO, 22 Touch; 67/67 HP h
BAB = +9/+3 (level 9)
ToHit = 1d20+13+1
RHit = 1d20+14-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+14-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
THit = 1d20+9-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
FHit = 1d20+4-2 (-3 more to hit on Power Attack, +1 Weapon Focus, +6 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20+13
Fort+8 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+11
Will+6
Initiative +4
CMD=29 (10+ BAB + Str bonus + Dex bonus, 30 Maneuver Training Grapple +2, 30 Manuever training Disarm, +2 class feature "AC Bonus" at level 4/9)
+1 Grapple (Armbands), +2 Grapple MT, +2 Improved Grapple (+5 total)
"Aaaarrrghhh!" Mortimer growls.
for
and
Take that you dirtbag!
Round 11 Init 9 AC:19 (haste)
”Hmm. OK then.”
Eri stands and delivers
for
for
for
AC 14 or 18 [dex +3, amu +1, m. armor +4]
CMD 18
BAB +5
Defensive casting = +15 (@7th)
Spell Penetration= +9 (@7th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:14(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation)
First Level: DC:15 (2/7 per day 3/4 stones) (Burning Disarm, Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:16 (5/7 per day) (Acid Arrow, Admonishing Ray, Glitterdust, Gust of Wind)
Third Level: DC:17 (1/4 per day) (Dispel Magic, Fireball, Lightning Bolt)
Thunder staff charges: 4/7 (extra d6 dam, 3 rnds ea.)
Shock rounds 0/3
Quick Runner’s Shirt Charge 0/1
Weapon equipped = +2 Composite Long Bow
+11 or +9/+9 (fight+1, sorc +3, ElKn +1, WF, +1, dex +3 bow +2)
+12 or +10/+10 within 30' with +1 dam
Damage bump: +8 [+2 (bow) +2(str) +2 (feat ex pull) +2 (feat arcane weap)]
Round 12, Init 21
"WOULD..."
"...YOU..."
"...DIE..."
"...ALREADY!!!"
CMD:25, FFCMD:21
Fort: +8, Ref: +12, Will: +6
Hit Points: 38/58
Haste, Prayer
The combined damage of Eri and Mortimer, compounded with Tynan's last barrage, downs the hezrou mightily.
Something speaks sentience to the maiden, as the yellowish-green miasma moves to follow the half-elf. "Oooo, bad cloudsy." Solrisa GMPC waits for Eidi to move, before swinging her blade several times, trusting the Dragon to destroy the intelligent, poisonous cloud. The cloud sinks to the floor, congealing in its space, regaining its earlier, many-eyed corporeal form of demon. It, too, lies dead on the floor.
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment on Buckler (+2 ench AC)(1/9h), Sickened (7/10r), Hasted (5/8r), Prayer (5/9r)
Life Link (9)(100’) = None
Channel Energy (0/9)(5/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (5d6+1+2d6)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (0/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 9, Concentration +15)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (4/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (4/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (2/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (1/5) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration
Ascaria is surprised when Sol reappears, her sword in the mist. He's pleased when it congeals, dead at her feet.
"Well done everyone!" he says nervously, still unsure about the whole mist thing.
He plies Tynan with healing, and relinks everyone to his life link just as quickly has he can.
He then turns to Eidi, "Here, let me help..." He takes a little while to cast Lesser Restoration trying to remove his damage.
When he's done, and has some sense that everyone is OK, he suggests, "Let's see what that nasty thing was guarding."
"Thanks Ascaria."
Tynan leads the others back to the curtained off alcove, and quickly searches the area for traps before turning the others loose to search the area.
CMD:25, FFCMD:21
Fort: +8, Ref: +12, Will: +6
Hit Points: 54/58
Haste, Prayer
Mortimer points to a spot on the wall.
"Over here? Maybe this is a door of some kind?"
There aren't any traps that you can tell, from the alcove's recesses, or the large urn previously occupied by the many-eyed monster ooze. You do catch a glimmer of observation, however. From the one side of the curtain, the alcove is opaque and unseeable. From within the alcove, you can look through the curtain, unobstructed. Very interesting construction of a spidersilk curtain.
With Tynan's reassurance, the spot that Mortimer points to on the wall spins freely enough, knowing where to push. Beyond the wall section lies a black hallway that extends north.
Solrisa's gaze goes from the disapating smoke to the emergent and slain demon-thing.
"Oh, that bad cloudsy was the demon. I did not know they could do that," Solrisa says cheerily after vanquishing the foe. She looks around once more for more foes to slay, then sheathes BluespRae and her shield.
Uninjured, she waits for others to be healed and ready to move on.
When others are ready, she will lead the way north if that's where the party wants to go. Given the choice, she would return to the surface to explore again another day.
"Should we return back? We have a big fight tomorrow and want to be ready for that as well."
"Yeah, I worry too Sol, but, I don't know when we can make it back down here, and what we might find when we do. I think it's best to press on, if we can, before we sneak back out. We might not have another chance like this."
He peers down the hall, and is ready to proceed when others are - if everyone agrees.
"Let's take this curtain with us. It has some sort of enchantment that lets you see through it in one direction, but not in the other. It would probably sell decently."
Tynan heads north down the dark passage, leading Mort, Sol and the others. He searches for traps as they proceed.
The room to the west is a commode. The curtain is easily detached from its rod, and for its quality, surprisingly easy to fold up and store away, despite the fact that it can cover a wall 10'x 15'.
Tynan takes the lead down the hallway, which goes on for some time, before turning left, and extending a little ways, until you arrive at a step of stairs. From the little traveling you've done, you imagine that you're below the northern section of the Catafalque's understructure. The same section that is generally regarding as Loris Raknian's living quarters for the duration of the Gauntlet.
"Ufff... that was tough" Eidi moves away from the cloud while Solrisa surprisingly finishes it.
The theurge thanks Ascaria as his healthy is fully restored.
"I was barely prepared for a fight, but I agree with Ascaria, it is best if we keep moving" the half-elf turns towards Mortimer with a smile "So you now know why licorice root is so addictive"
Mortimer retrieves and packs his punching daggers and worry stone while the others heal. He checks out the curtain, grunts in surprise then packs it away as well.
"It would probably sell decently."
"Or, we could make a cape out of it and hide a gnome under it," he adds mischievously, winking at the gnome.
"So you now know why licorice root is so addictive"
Mort smiles broadly at Eidi, a gleam in his eye and nods.
"Yes! I could do that again anytime!"He follows Tynan and the others down the dark passage.
"Just a second." Ascaria looks concerned, "Not to throw a damper on things, especially as I've just suggested we press on - but are we ready to confront Loris Raknian? 'cause I think that's where we're headed."
"I'm fine continuing on, but I hesitate, and want to make sure we're all ready."
If everyone agrees, more or less, he'll cast another light to brighten the hall and press on with the group.
"Just a second." Ascaria looks concerned, "Not to throw a damper on things, especially as I've just suggested we press on - but are we ready to confront Loris Raknian? 'cause I think that's where we're headed."
Solrisa thinks not and she has said as such. After all, she can't protect all of you if you are all tired. She's willing to continue, of course, but feels that discretion is the better part of valor here.
"I'm fine continuing on, but I hesitate, and want to make sure we're all ready."
Mortimer looks down at his hands ruefully, and pulls out his Cold Iron short sword. He rapidly rotates it through the air like a swashbuckler while he thinks.
"Well, on one hand that is what we came for, but on the other hand -- " he stops the sword motion abruptly. "is he Demonic too? Because, I can't seem to touch or hit much down here."
"Should we return back? We have a big fight tomorrow and want to be ready for that as well."
He looks at Sol. She does look ... a little tired...
He turns to Ascaria. "Is that what worries you? Do you think we should get Ekaym to help us prepare for fighting Demons down here and above?" he asks, peering up as if he could see through several tens of feet of earth to the Arena above. "I sure could use something, but I don't know what. We will confront him, one way or the other. I don't think he's going anywhere soon."
He turns to Ascaria. "Is that what worries you? Do you think we should get Ekaym to help us prepare for fighting Demons down here and above?" he asks, peering up as if he could see through several tens of feet of earth to the Arena above. "I sure could use something, but I don't know what. We will confront him, one way or the other. I don't think he's going anywhere soon."
"Yeah, it would be nice to be fresh for our confrontation with him, but on the other hand, this might be our best shot."
"I've a couple more fights in me I think, but only one more really tough one. Still, if this passage ends up in his boudoir, peachy. But if we've waves of defenders yet, that might not be great."
He turns to the others, especially Eidi and Eri, who may be low on resources, "What of you two, do you still have some juice left if we encounter something tough?"
Eidi taps his staff and scrolls "We must press on, even if that means getting a large hand from the reserves"
"Oh, and I still have that third invisibility spell remaining. If we find something beyond our current capacity, just gather around me and we will attempt to leave before they can notice us"
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"What of you two, do you still have some juice left if we encounter something tough?"
"I still have some juice left. I'm concerned that if Raknian finds his defenses down he might react in a way to make it harder to get t him."
Mortimer looks at Solrisa briefly with some concern.
I'll have to watch myself so as not to task her unnecessarily.
"O.K. Why don't we press on a bit? If we run into anything too untoward, just pile on Eidi."
Sword still drawn, he gestures with his free hand for Tynan to resume the lead down the dark hallway.
"OK, I'm game. Let's press on and see what there is to see, but fall back as needed."
Ascaria is, well maybe not happy to proceed, but ready to proceed. He follows the others down the hallway.
Solrisa has stated her position firmly, and will continue on as the party desires. She follows Mort down the hallway, happy to turn around when others are ready.
The stairs at the end of the hallway continue in ancient stonework, leading upwards, roughly to the level of the Catafalque's understructure floor. The temperature rises noticeably from the cold passage below, as you reach a stone wall interface at the top of the stairs.
As Tynan opens the secret door, a light smell of vanilla and almond greets you. The light of the party illuminates a small library, with a central table and leather chair. The door leaving the room is currently closed.
Unable to see around the corner, Ascaria whispers, "What do you see? Is there any magic?"
If it seems safe, he'll make his way into the room (after someone with more muscles than he) and cast Detect Magic.
A mundane library. It is devoid of magic.
"No magic in here. Tynan, what say ye?"
Solrisa waits to see what is happening, happy to return.
As Tynan opens the secret door, a light smell of vanilla and almond greets you.
Mortimer starts.
Smells like the pipe in my backpack...He abruptly darts into the room, swinging to the corner of the bookcase, staring at the tomes in wonder.
"Look!" he gasps, nearly inaudibly. "Books!"
Tynan quickly scans the room for any traps.
Eidi is quickly catched up by the large collection of books "Wow, I wonder who possess all this"
The half-elf passes his hands over the titles checking if something would be of enough use to make a halt.
Ascaria stays out of the way, so as not to fill the already small chamber. "Do you hear anything beyond the secret door?" he whispers, worrying about what lies beyond.
Room seems clean, save for the secret door behind the bookcase you've just used to enter the library.
The library is a wonderful collection on war and political machinations. Certain books focus on various melee fighting styles, while others speak on Asmodean Law, and committing truces and alliances to contract.
Only one or four books seem to dabble in more lurid subject matters.
The party is able to more or less easily hear a muffled conversation, between two females, beyond the library door.
Mortimer pulls out his homemade clay earpiece and quietly presses it against the door. He puts his ear up to it and listens.
The sound your earpiece provides is somewhat acoustic, as if the room beyond the door is large. The voices sound pleasant enough. They seem to be discussing the Gauntlet, and their favorite Legios. Also, a touch of frustration, as they wait for the next chance to take in the spectacle.
"Anyone know if Loris is married or anything? There's a couple of ladies behind this door chatting about us being their favorite team in the gauntlet. Should we entertain them, or head back?"
He thinks for a moment, prying his earpiece off of the door.
"Or, maybe we're not their favorite. Either way, maybe they'd be impressed that we made it down here at all!"
"Brace of Birds." Ascaria mutters, "What if it's the Queen? What do we do then?"
He looks at the group, worried. "We can't reveal ourselves if they're innocents. Maybe we should head back."
It's clear from the look on his face, he really wants to know what's on the other side of the door, but doesn't think it's worth the risk...
" Can someone give me a boost while I try to remember some facts about Loris?"
"Also, I agree with Canary. I think it might be time to head up. I am not into the collateral damage game. Nor do I like innocents risking their lives because we are not yet able to move all the way into Loris' chest cavity and take something out."