Aldebert Piddlespot |
Aldebert turns to the party, "If we can get out, and now, I suggest we do so. Who knows what damage is being wrought outside, and the longer we wait, the worse it might get. I say we do it."
He doesn't ask what he's thinking because some part of him doesn't want to know. Why are you helping us Obherak? He wonders, but only to himself.
Pent Arotha |
Pent looks from Aldebert, to Mahdi, the fount of knowledge for most things elemental. "Mahdi, do you think this is too risky? The half's feeling frisky. I don't want to miss key aspects to this mystery."
The gnome waits as patiently as is permissible, with the audience at hand, and Obherak demonstrating a possible path out of Kakishon.
Otah Cragsmith |
Otah follows, holding Zenzirad as unthreateningly as possible.
He nods along with Aldebert, "We've been dabbling around this scroll-land when there's been an exit here the whole time? We should use it! There's no reason for us to stay, and every reason to risk leaving."
Mahdi al-Jabira |
Kn planes: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Mahdi studies the portal darkly, silently mulling, and out of habit casts his ever-useful cantrip, then studies the portal as well with that.
Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
He finds himself too frustrated to bring his full intellect to bear. He also looks with some withering distaste at the shaitan for the third option of the 'embrace' - in general, threatening the arrogant fire mage never makes him keen to cooperate.
Sense motive, pride drawback: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 2 = 9
Unable to get any sort of direct bead on Obherak, Mahdi shrugs his impatience. "I don't really like him," he says with a pointed wave of his hand at Obherak, uncaring of what response Obherak might have to that, "and between the two I'd rather deal with the proteans, even if they have been a bit.... tight... with their knowledge. But this charade has gone on long enough. If you're all willing to trust the shaitan and take the risk, so be it: we have Jhavhul to deal with.
"As far as planar magics in specific, this method is beyond the scope of my studies. I couldn't say much about it."
Aldebert Piddlespot |
Aldebert shrugs, "I do not trust Obherak, nor do I trust the others who sent us on this wild goose-chase. I say we leave this plane, and we leave now. Jhavhul is the real problem in my opinion and that should be our main focus."
He steps up to the shaitan, "Obherak, we wish to leave."
Pent Arotha |
Pent watches Mahdi shrug, then watches Aldebert shrug. He hears nothing from Amiamble, and affirmation from Otah. The gnome flies forward.
"Obherak, you have dealt with us fairly, for our intrusion. I'll accept that our initial conflict was distasteful, and that the motives of the proteans are beyond our ken, as are your motives, though I ken ask you directly, and I feel that you might answer clearly enough for us to not need further explanation." Pent pauses, though not long enough for Obherak to fill the pause with his own thoughts.
"There is risk in life, and we're understanding of it. You are directly offering a way forward, where the proteans kept from us their means of sending us away, though they demanded us gather all intelligent inhabitants to abandon Kakishon willingly, and purge by death those unwilling to leave." Pent refrains from adding another shrug to the mix.
"I think we will accept the path that threatens danger of planar travel through your rock, master Obherak. Your time in Kakishon is distempered by its very creators seeking to unweave it. We give you this knowledge, if you didn't already possess it, we can confirm it."
"How do we leave, what do we do, where do we go, how can we minimize our risk?"
Mahdi al-Jabira |
Does anyone who has a better sense motive than Mahdi want to take a crack at it?
Mahdi snorts a little at Pent's questions. "I don't know why you think he'd be any more helpful than he's been so far. Let's just get this over with. Yes, we'll use your doorway."
Pent Arotha |
Already engaged in Sense Motive earlier. Updated roll, just in case...
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Pent waits to hear what Obherak offers, brushing off Mahdi's rudeness for a spot of hope.
Mahdi al-Jabira |
Sorry, must have missed your earlier Sense Motive!
Otah Cragsmith |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Is worth a shot. Or not.
"If the dangers can be overcome, then yes. The less time spent here, the better."
GM Lareg |
"It seems to me that there is not agreement among you. Holding up a hand, halting the approach of those that move as the halfling does, he looks at Aldebert. You are free to go. The ways out are not toward me. I believe you know what you invite with your approach. Is that truly what you wish for? Looking at Pent. Are you sure you speak for all your fellows? Unless you have a means to make your selves like your dwarven friend there is little protection that I know of from the experience."
GM Lareg |
"I see, you mean to head toward the stone. Very well. Are you all ready?"
Pent Arotha |
"Are you sure...?"
Pent scrunches his face, almost as if his eyebrows and his beard thought to meet in the middle. "Thank you, I think we've little choice but to accept the risk of 'the experience'. It is here, and now. Jhavhul is there, right now. If there's no way to protect ourselves before we make this journey, so be it." The gnome looks the dwarf over, thinking on how to make themselves more like the burly one.
Already have a beard, so that's not what Obherak insinuates. My mast and marbles are easily bigger than Odie's, so that's not what Obherak insinuates. Haven't showered in days, so that's not what Obherak insinuates. Suppose the only thing would be the reputation of dwarves like Odie, so keeping in with dwarves, we're looking at 'hardy', 'stubborn', 'prejudice against goblinkin'... I'm guessing 'hardy'. For the journey.
Pent looks to Obherak, and nods. "I'm sure. As I can be. Because, who really knows what qualifies as 'sure', right? Sure. If one has to go first, I'll be the one."
GM Lareg |
Just as Pent finishes speaking light brightens from above, quickly followed by the sound of wings flapping. Moments later a gargoyle depends holding Rayhan. "This one says he is with those one." The gargoyle gestures toward Pent and the others. Obherak responds, "Is this true? Does he return with you?"
Pent Arotha |
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The entire frame of the gnome sags, as he realizes the folly in their desperation to leave Kakishon with such immediacy. Rayhan. Of course. He might have been able to follow us, had he learned our path, but we've lost sight of our humanity a little when we lose touch with our allies so easily.
"Yes, yes, a thousand times over, yes. In my haste, not to abuse your hospitality sans hostility, I forgot that we traveled with that learned man, and that he awaited us in our return. I'm only too grateful that he's managed to time his arrival with our departure."
GM Lareg |
Rayhan looks relived. "The legends are true then. This rock, this was the stone around this entire world's land was formed. Why are you all gathering around it?"
Pent Arotha |
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"Master Obherak has graciously offered to see us exited from Kakishon by this very rock, master Rayhan. He promises risk, but also reward. It may take a stony toll on us all, as we try to weather the form. We're willing to chance it, and leave all this behind, so we may pursue the true foe here, Jhavhul." The gnome looks back to Obherak, hoping he didn't speak anything untowards.
GM Lareg |
Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
"It is as Master Obherak says. These markings, this stone, he can use it as a gate of sorts. I'd suggest we make use of any means to increase our fortitude before using it. The journey is likely to stretch in a way that will test each of us."
Aldebert Piddlespot |
Rayhan! Aldebert breaks into a sweat guiltily thinking of what might have happened had they left without the gaunt mage. Damn that was close!
When the conversation comes back to the stone he says, "I've nothing among my gear or limited spell list to help with such a thing. I wonder, can I summon Gretiem across this boundary? Do I dare leave him behind and summon him forth on the other side to save him the journey?"
"If it's as perilous as you say, that might be best. What do you think Rayhan?"
As it doesn't say it won't work across planes, so I think it would. This place is special however and I don't want to lose my mount, or worse, feel as if I must return to save him, if I leave him behind. So how do you rule? Do I bring Gretiem with us, or leave him here and summon him back?
- - -
Pent Arotha |
Pent hears wisdom in Rayhan's words, but hopes it doesn't sound an imposition to Obherak and his horde.
"If Master Obherak et al would be amenable to a brief stay before our travel through the Gravel, I could petition my Lady Sarah for some energies that would strengthen our mettle before attempting the trip. I'd need to rest and pray first."
Pent could acquire a round of Bear's Endurance for all, given the time.
Aldebert Piddlespot |
"Oh good call. I can cast Good Hope upon us all as well giving us another edge against the experience, and whatever we find on the other side."
"Yes, Obherak, we would rest - outside so as not to disturb you - and leave in the morning with preparations for all in place to survive your method of travel."
A part of him is angry for having to ask this creature, surely evil, for assistance. But the joy of going home to fight a greater evil fills him and he is slightly blinded by the expectation. And the growing sense of imprisonment he feels on this plane...
Amiamble Piddlespot |
Ami looks confused as Rayhan comes flying in. Mostly, because if they had forgotten him, they would have felt pretty silly. I mean, to forget Rayhan but be sure to save the kitty?
Ami makes sure the kitty is upon his person/cat before he follows his brother through. He, too, is done with this silly dimension.
Seeing the need to prepare for what might be a difficult trip through the portal, Ami dismounts Yeen and begins to scan the skies for portents and omens that might be used to prepare for what is to come. 10 min for Natural Divination.
He will also magically protect Yeen as best he can. Air bubble and MCPfE10'.
If we are resting beforehand, Ami will recast the following in the morning: barkskins (Yeen, Ami, Get'im, Aldebert), AirWalk (Yeen, Get'im), Magic Vestment (Ami, Yeen, Aldebert).
GM Lareg |
Dismissing and then summoning Gretim seems fine to me.
Obherak pauses contemplating before responding, "I will wait no more than an hour, assuming you do not disrespect my hospitality." With a wave of his hand all those gathered return the way they came, including the gargoyles who had deposit Rayhan on a ledge.
Aldebert Piddlespot |
Aldebert spends the hour in contemplation, trying to build himself up for what's to come. When it's time he tells Gretiem, "Now you wait here. Stay. I'll summon you on the other side if I can."
He scrapes off some freshly molted scales and pats Gretiem on the flank. He then moves over to the stone, ready to leave.
"I'm ready to go."
Pent Arotha |
"...an hour..."
Pent nods, unable to find words worthy enough to wring another day from the shaitan, in order to strengthen his own group.
As Aldebert proclaims the group's readiness, the gnome stands firm, and waits for what is to come.
Mahdi al-Jabira |
"Master Rayhan," Mahdi says with a blink and a slightly sheepish look. He consoles himself by thinking that had they left him, Rayhan would have been able to get the proteans to send him home, perhaps. ...then he consoles himself by thinking of how he tried to apologize to Rayhan once and was not even permitted to see the man. Fear Mahdi's catty little piqued ego.
"Thank you for your insights into the method we're about to attempt. I have nothing that can increase my fortitude, or that of others. I suggest we go while the going is good."
Mahdi will cast air bubble from a scroll on himself before we activate whatever it is we must activate, duration 1 minute, beyond that there's not much I can do. Mahdi's stoneskin should still be up.
GM Lareg |
Pending Ami's reply I'll move us on with roll results taken into account.
Within the hour the party is prepared. Obherak nods, speaking quickly before moving toward the floating stone. "Once I have joined the stone touch it, thinking of the scroll." With those bit of instructions Obherak joins with the stones, the runes covering it giving off a slight glow.
Pent Arotha |
Fortitude Save v DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Pent does as he’s told, perceives what can be, then looks about for the Scroll...
Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
Aldebert Piddlespot |
Aldebert thinks of the scroll, trying to remember every detail, all the way down to its odor.
Fort: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Immediately on the other side, he looks around for danger, his hand going to the pommel of his blade, but until he gets his bearings, he does not draw.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Amiamble Piddlespot |
Yeah, not sure that's meant to be taken literally, but Yeen and Ami can hunt for something to kill (and for Yeen to eat) to make it work.
1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15 Fort - Ami
1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 5 = 33 Fort
Yeen and Ami arrive and immediately look around for danger. They are not sure where they are, but relax some when Aldebert is nearby.
Mahdi al-Jabira |
Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Mahdi takes a deep breath, envisions the scroll as he last saw it-- half disappeared, damaged, faded-- and touches the stone....
When the world filters in again he looks around sharply for any threat.
Otah Cragsmith |
Otah's mind fills with gratitude that the party is finally able to leave this silly place and it's silly inhabitants. He speaks no words for fear of insulting Obherak and ruining his offer. He does, however, nod at him when his dwarven status is mentioned.
He stands ready to touch the stone, fighting thoughts of lunch and caves of home that try to intrude on his focus of the scroll.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
When arriving on the other side, he almost stumbles.
"Silly place, that ride almost made me lose my lunch. Dwarven-like indeed."
He collects himself, "Where are we?"
GM Lareg |
The walls of this high-ceilinged room are made of of shining brass. Arched passageways obscured by curtains of orange fire lead out in the center of each wall—above each arch, a large rune is inscribed, each different from the others. An oppressive heat covers the room like a blanket, something more than what could be provided by the four curtains of flame. A jumble of open chests, overturned amphorae, and and scattered mounds of coins and gems lie scattered on the floor against the walls. A single phrase in florid script is inscribed along the domed ceiling above in runes similar to those that mark the arches, under which is a stylized rune that resembles an animal.
Pent Arotha |
Pent takes a long look around, unconcerned about the daunting heat. That concern will come next, after he's had a good long look at the runes, four door ones, and one ceiling one, single phrase as it may be.
His mind rolls through the number of languages he has at his disposal, as well as possibly applying a little knowledge of his own to force understanding of what's so important, it's been etched in brass.
The mounds of gem and coin underfoot doesn't seem to attract his attention, at all.
Linguistics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Abyssal, Aklo, Ancient Osiriani, Aquan, Auran, Celestial, Common, Daemonic, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Gnoll, Gnome, Halfling, Ignan, Infernal, Kelish, Osiriani, Protean, Read Lips, Shae, Sylvan, Terran, Tien, Vudrani
Amiamble Piddlespot |
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Survival
Ami guts a mouse.
* * *
Ami and Yeen snuff about the room for dangers. Ami casts Detect Magic over the loot as well, pointing out anything magical to Mahdi.
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 Perception
Aldebert Piddlespot |
Conditions: Endure Elements (24h), Magic Vestment (+2, 2/20h)
Weapon Equipped: None
GreatSword Attack BAB +10/+5, Str +2, Focus +1, Magic +1, Size +1, (Power Attack -3) Damage Str +3 (1.5x), Magic +1, (Power Attack +9 (1.5x))
Summon Mount: 1/2 (Full round)
Smite Evil: 4/4 (Swift, +4 attack, +10 damage, +4 AC)
Lay on Hands: 7/9 (Swift, 5d6 healing +1d6 if not fatigued, diseased, or poisoned)
Pearl of Power (first) 1/2
Spells (caster level 7, concentration +11, DC 14+)
1) Bed of Iron, Hero’s Defiance,
2) Mirror Image, Paladin’s Sacrifice
3)
- - -
Gretiem Lord of the Green
HP: 68/68 AC: 26 (F22/T14) (included: +4 mage armor)
Fort: 8 Reflex: 8 Will: 5 BAB: +6 CMB: 10 CMD: 23 Move: 40’
Conditions: Mage Armor (2/8h)
Tricks: Aid, Air Walk, Attack x2, Come, Defend, Deliver, Down, Fetch, Flank, Flee, Get Help, Guard, Heal, Hunt, Sneak, Stay, Watch, Work
Bite Attack BAB +6, Str +4, Amulet +1 Damage Str +6 (1.5x), Amulet +1
Seeing everybody present and accounted for, Aldebert breathes out the breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding in.
He concentrates, focusing on Gretiem, and tries to summon him...
(Assuming he's successful)
He hugs the great neck of his lizard fondly, and mounts up, drawing his blade as he does so. "This is all very posh, but where's the scroll? It is supposed to be here."
He looks for it using his earlier roll. If a fresh roll is required...
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Pent Arotha |
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Pent doesn't turn his head, as the noble half speaks up. "Uh, not as worried about where the Scroll is, when we don't understand where we are. If we're where the Scroll is, then the Scroll has been moved by someone who definitely knows where we are, here, but doesn't necessarily know that we're here, having followed the Scroll to the place where it's been moved, while the Scroll-mover wasn't expecting us to have followed, unless the Scroll-mover is Jhavhul himself, then we have every reason to think that he knows we might return, since the Scroll was or is our only way to return from Kakishon, and he knows this, because he set eyes upon us as we got sucked down, and he got sucked out. Like poison."
Pent waves his hands in annoyance at Aldebert. "Now, go on and shush. You're distracting me. I'm trying to read here, and I can't dedicate a goodly part of my mind formulating answers to your exploratory questions concurrently."
Mahdi al-Jabira |
Mahdi finds the heat relatively pleasant.... but is aware the others may not. "We should be ready for further flame, if we really are on Jhahvul's trail," he says. "For now, however..."
Casting communal resist energy on the party, resist fire 20 for everyone for ten minutes, thirty minutes on himself
He also looks at the runic script that has Pent's attention, and casts a spell to detect magic, studying the apparent treasures in the room.
Kn Planes: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 If he can use that to tell if we're back on the material plane or not
GM Lareg |
As the group emerges, noticing the surroundings it is also clear that the scroll has finally been damaged beyond what it can endure. It writhes and smokes near by, crackling and burning as it consumes itself from within. In moments, nothing is left but ash.
Pent Arotha |
"OooOOooo. That's Ignan. Mahdi, that's Ignan, right? Took my eyes a minute to fully adjust, what with all the reflection off the brass, but those look like numbers. '2' on that one, '3' on this one, so that must be a '4', and the last one is the '1' one." The gnome looks satisfied enough to continue his deciphering of the ceiling inscription.
"Not sure I want to take a stab at that, not without hearing how Mahdi thinks it should be read. I can see the words in it, but I can see two ways of interpreting it, and I don't want to be wrong."
Pent looks at Mahdi, and waits.
GM Lareg |
As Pent points out the script and its numerical meaning the space at least has some means of navigation. Roughly sixty feet square, the numbers each designate a cardinal direction: '4' west, '1' north, '2' east, and '3' south.
Though the rune resembling an animal, which everyone realizes looks a bit like Gretim - a lizard, remains motionless four shiny metallic men—adorned with intricate runes and symbols—immediately step out of each of the four fiery curtains and approach the group.
Pent Arotha |
Knowledge(Planes or Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
"What do we have here? I'm thinking you're not interested in talking to intruders, are you? We're not here of our own volition, mind you. We come in peace. Take us to your leader. We won't struggle, if you need us to follow. Just... not the face, alright?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Feels like a fight's 'bout to unleash here... We blessed with a map of our final resting place?
Mahdi al-Jabira |
"Yes, it is Ignan," Mahdi echoes Pent, his own brow furrowed as he considers the riddle. " 'Half, or Triple, plus One...' Some sort of mathematical riddle...." Before the fire-mage offers a guess, however, more figures appear.
"... now what?" Mahdi says with a jaundiced gaze. In Ignan he says, "Yes? Hello?"
Kn to identify: 1d20 ⇒ 17 Plus whatever the relevant skill would be. Total of 34 for planes or arcana, less for others
GM Lareg |
Will get a map up tonight. The room is a square, sixty feet on each side. The group is in the center. Midway on each side of the square is a fire curtain where one of the metal humanoids has appeared.
Initiative
Mahdi: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Aldebert: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Pent: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Amiamble: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 (with Yeenoghu)
Otah: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Round OneMahdi now acting.