Jelani's The Witchwar Legacy (Inactive)

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

Watching Gror, Poppy's eyes bug out of her head. "What kind of creature are YOU? How marvelous!" She doesn't feel worried or fazed by the strangeness and huge size of his new form. She can see he is troubled, however, and she scurries up to him. She pats him on a huge stone arm and offers cheerfully, "You look so cool! I bet you could smash fifteen giants!"

She turns away toward the pebbles and stands with her arms at her sides in a relaxed posture, as though she were about to settle down for the next few hours to watch an opera or play. All her nervous energy leaves her body, and her excited outbursts subside. She stands as still and serene as Vega. Reaching out one hand, she says, "I, Poppy Petunia Pumpernickel Pumpkinseed Parsnip Persnickety Parchment Paper Kitchen Counter Pendleton, call you!"

When nothing happens, Poppy sighs. I suppose the pebbles have NO sense of humor. "Fine. I, Poppy Petunia Pendleton, call you!"

The glowing elf and the fabulous gnome are somehow just what Gror needs to come back to the present. He shakes himself off, takes Ophelia's outstretched hand, gingerly, in his own, and smiles a granite smile.

To Ophelia:
"Yes, comrade. I'm alright. My prayers have been answered...though in a very unsettling fashion."

To Poppy, smiling wider:
"Smashing 15 giants, eh? I look forward to putting that to the test."

Josiah just grins in response to Ophelia's questioning glance.

When poppy calls her eidolon, there is another tense period of waiting before a tiny pebble flies up in an arc from behind the patch of green in the center of the garden. It begins pulsating with, and leaving a trail of rainbow colored light as it approaches the gnome's tiny palm. As it settles on her palm, the glowing, glittery rainbow marble begins to slowly rotate. As it does so it sinks into Poppy's palm, sending a jolt of crackling strength up her arm towards her chest, and rapidly beating heart...

Go for it.

As the pebble's energy reaches her chest, a brilliant white light bursts out of a single point on her sternum, then begins to spread up and down her chest, creating a fault line of white light. The pristine white color slowly begins to change, first into blue, then into indigo, then purple, pink, then red, then orange, yellow, and green. Finally, it changes back into white and becomes so blindingly bright that Poppy has to shield her eyes. As she lifts her hands to her face, however, more fault lines begin to appear all over her arms, legs, torso, head, and neck, as though her body were a puzzle and each piece were separating from all the others. Her right shoulder cracks open and a blazing orange hue pours out like sparkling lava. Her left thigh splits in two and a torrent of neon purple rushes out. Her head appears to separate from her body as a searing streak of royal blue appears across her throat. With each new color bursting from her body, her mind also fractures in an overwhelming cacophony of color. Just when she can't take any more of the confusion, she shatters into a thousand tiny prismatic shards, each reflecting all the colors of the rainbow simultaneously. The shards further fragment into miniscule particles of pure color, and what was once Poppy is now a pile of rainbow powder.

The powder slowly begins to spiral up into the air, into a glittering rainbow cone about two meters tall. The cone starts to twirl faster and faster, until the tip separates from the rest of the shape. The tip spins impossibly fast and eventually hardens into what appears to be a polished rainbow-colored horn. The bottom of the powdery cone takes on another form. In the tumult of the rainbow dust storm, the shape of a pony starts to emerge. In an instant, the rainbow powder explodes in a sparkly cloud and settles down to the ground. A majestic white pony with a rainbow mane, tail, and hooves stands on the glittering pile. The rainbow horn fits itself snugly onto the pony's forehead.

"OUCH!" Poppy's voice comes out in a slightly deeper, strangely metallic tone. She feels a searing pain under her new horn as a rainbow spiral manifests on her forehead. Large dots spiral out into smaller dots, forming her eidolon's symbol. "Is that a TATTOO? Mother would have me for lunch." It's the middle left symbol, the one that looks like a hurricane symbol or spiral galaxy.

She peers down at her rainbow hooves, admiring the bright colors. "How did I get SO LUCKY!?!??" She leaps for joy, but is shocked when her hooves skip off the ground and don't touch down again. Suddenly, she's fifty feet in the air. "But I don't have wings! SO cool, SO lucky, SO whaaat is going on, so MAJASON," she babbles in wonder and bewilderment. She soars over to the pond to catch a full glimpse of herself, and the group can hear robotic shrieks of delight from across the garden.

When returns to the group and lands gracefully in front of the others, she feels something happening to her tail. She turns her magnificent head back, her rainbow mane flowing in the breeze, and sees a tentacle grow from inside her tail. The end of the tentacle has rainbow hair on it, too. "I wonder what that's for?" She uses her tentacle to pick up a delicate yellow blossom that had just fallen from a tree. "That's so useful! So majason!"

She feels a strange pushing sensation under her horn, as though something were trying to escape from her skull. She doesn't resist it, and a moment later, a cascade of grass green sparkles pours out from her horn. She considers this thoroughly. "Way better than when they come out of my hands."

She faces the others, prancing and preening. "Who's next?"

How discreet. I think you get to be the public relations spokesperson. She finds herself surprised, and concerned over the degree of transformation. OF course she is used to a more subtle approach to solving issues.

Stepping to the edge of the garden, Dori looks at the other three now transformed. Hesitantly, she extends her own hand forward, please no rainbows. I, Dorialis Vdalik, call you!

As Dorialis summons her stone there is another minute long pause before anything happens. Finally a smooth round pebble, one of the larger ones present, begins to soar through air toward her outstretched palm. As it approaches it starts to pulse with a deep purple hue. Almost as if it is radiating purple shadows rather than light. Within seconds the izmir colored amethyst globe settles into her palm. It sinks in, just as the other previously did. A jolt of power rockets up Dorialis' arm and into her chest....

:)

Dorialis watched with awe and trepidation as the gem flew towards her. Resolved by her word to accept this joining she kept her arm held forward as the gem settled into her palm.

A purple wave of energy encases her palm and flows up her arm like flames engulfing a twig. Dorialis curls her hand and stares at her curled fingers as her already grey skin turns black and dissolves. Where her hand was, only a shadowy outline of smoke remains.

As the purple flames and smoke reach her chest she thrusts her hands out to the sky, one the grey skin of a kayal, the other no more than smoke dissipating in the air. She throws her head back and opens her mouth in a silent scream, whether of joy or fear she knows not.

Speeding up, the purple flames quickly spread across her entire body. As they do, she rises slowly into the air, even as her physical form dissolves into only a vaguely humanoid outline.

The shadow stops floating several feet above the ground and slowly rotates in a circle, what was two arms held up to the sky splits into four upraised tendrils of smokey shadows. A long thin trail of shadow extends out from the back of the head and curls around the body, it twitches with a life of it's own.

As the purple flames extend to the ends of Dori's feet and her transformation completes itself, a pulse of purple energy flashes through the smokey shadows and coalesces in the forehead as a lemniscate that glows purple for a moment before fading into darkness.

The shadow suddenly streaks off across the garden, weaving and dodging around trees and bushes. Returning it streaks towards the group and stops suddenly near Gror, momentarily disappearing from view completely in Gror's shadow.

Floating serenely to where she was standing before, the shadow drops to float a few inches off the ground. With some effort the form becomes more distinct, though her form does not completely solidify.

For a moment there, I thought I was returning home. This will do.

Having been silently watching the others, there was so far an impassive look of detachment on Cho'ankai's face. While diametrically opposite of Poppy's jubilant exuberance, there is no disrespect in Cho'ankai's silence. Rather, he sees this reservedness as a measure of respect to the spirits that have given their very essence to bind themselves to these people for a specific, important, cause. Cho'ankai was not only witnessing the birth of these "eidolons," but also the deaths of many souls, transformed into something otherwise alien.

With Doralis' transformation complete, Cho'ankai finally steps forward. With head bowed reverently, the shaman of his people drives his staff into the ground with a slam of both hands, wedging it securely in place. Lifting both of his palms, Cho closes his eyes and tilts his chin upward.

"I, Cho'ankai, son of Aju-Taash, spirit caller of the Rankoshka, call you!"

Vega watches with respectful curiosity as each person goes through the rite, and notices how similar yet unique to each person the process is. While not as detached as Cho'ankai, he is equally reverent.

Ophelia cannot help but alternate glances from Vega to Cho'ankai every so often. At times, it felt like seeing double. As she had first noted upon seeing the two (presumably) human men, they have many similar characteristics. Even excluding a number of similar physical features they share, both have a serene reverence and feeling of stoic discipline to how they carried themselves. Granted, Vega looks as if he acquired those attributes through years of intense study while Cho'ankai seems more self-taught in that regard.

Unlike what happened with Gror, Poppy's and Dorialis' transformations feel much more inline with what she has seen of their characters. The former becoming a living shadow is oddly fitting, and the longer Ophelia maintains her current form, the more she feels like her own Eidolon has similar abilities to that of the fetchling. The Sapphire Angel glances up into the air at Poppy, who is prancing around and having the time of her life. The sight brings a light smile to Ophelia's shimmering face.

As Cho'Ankai makes his call, there is another long pause. Josiah seems to be pleased with how things are going, looking back and forth between the newly fused chosen and the waiting Arcadian. Soon enough the time comes and a speckled pebble works its way free from beneath two others. It takes to the air, floating towards the waiting spirit caller. As it approaches, the stone begins to pulse with a deep earthen red hue. Between pulses it appears as a tightly compacted globe of carmine colored powder. The red sphere settles into Cho'Ankai's palm, pooling as it begins to sink into his hand. As the stone disappears a wave of crackling vitality shoots up his arm and into his chest, heading for his heart...

Poppy lands next to Ophelia to watch Dorialis's transformation. When the purple flames engulfing the little fetchling dissipate and she emerges as a shadow, Poppy wonders how she can still see her. Oooh. Maybe this eidolon has better vision than I used to have. Dorialis disappears into Gror's shadow, and Poppy stamps the ground in appreciation. What a good trick!

The others' transformations had been awe-inspiring, plesant, and all based around their individual preconceptions about what binding to a spirit would be like. Cho'anki has different preconcieved notions about spirits, the spirit world, and what it is like to have one dwelling inside one's self. Skinwalkers are the only reference he has to such transformations, and it is that inspiration along with a pang of guilt over fusing with a once-mortal soul that fuels the horrifying transfiguration that takes place.

Cho'ankai screams as the orb sinks into his palm, an involuntary reaction to imagined pain. His muscles undulate beneath his skin, shifting like snakes squirming under flesh. He drops to his knees as a burning symbol of a jagged maze appears in a deep earthen hue on his brow. Eyes wrenched shut, Cho'ankai's scream turns to a howl as his jaw dislocates and splits open revealing a snarling wolf's muzzle forcing its way out of his now distended jaw. His skin splits as two bulging mounds appear on his shoulders, and from beneath Cho'ankai's flesh erupts the form of a three-headed wolf with bristly black fur and eyes that radiate the same carmine colored light.

The wolf sloughs out of Cho'ankai's skin, and as the flesh falls away it dissolves into shimmering motes of carmine colored light, even the blood does not remain behind. The three-headed wolf lets loose a frightening howl as its heads pitch back, and it digs its wicked claws into the ground. Growling, the creature is not any larger than Cho'ankai was, looking little more than a muscular, shaggy wolf with three snarling heads.

They speak, in unison, and each with Cho'ankai's voice layered upon by a deeper and more resonant tone. "Amazing."

While in his Eidolon form, can Cho even use his staff since it doesn't have hands? If not, I'll gladly allow anyone who has the proper appendages to use it. It is useful to all of us.

No he could not use it, though it would be absorbed into your form along with the rest of your gear if you were carrying it when you fuse.

Good to know. Would anyone like to use the staff of eidolons?

I think Ophelia would be best for that. She is extreme mobile with many Dimension Door/Teleport usages a day, and aside from her Summons, she has near zero damage output and thus spends most of the battle buffing.

I'm good with that!

Vega cannot help but cock an eyebrow at the latest spectacle. He calmly begins to move forwards, passing by the others. At Cho'ankai, he stops and gives his new form a once over.

"Your anima is terrifying, yet I see it is also not to be feared by us."

Vega gives Cho'ankai a short yet solemn bow, then proceeds to the platform of worked stone at the edge of the zen garden. There, he enters a Shizentai-dachi, a martial arts stance that is one of the most simple and basic of forms. Vega takes in a deep breath and smiles as he views the garden from this vantage point. All of his muscles relax, and he becomes a seemingly natural part of the scene. With the fluid grace and natural buoyancy of cloth rising in water, Vega lifts his right arm towards the center of the garden with his palm down and fingers together like the beak of a crane, then he - with the same fluidity and grace - spins his wrist to bring his fingers pointing up, then lets his fingers fall naturally and relax, thus opening his palm up to the sky and all those before him.

Vega does not exclaim the now familiar words, yet they hold authority still. His tone is gentle, yet firm. He speaks as if the only one needing to hear him was directly before him, soft in volume and placement of the syllables well spaced, yet there is no question of the respect they still command and the power they hold, and with that the words still travel across to garden and to all present.

"I, Vega Surtova, call you."

Vega breaths deeply and slowly through his nose as he awaits the next phase of the rite, and maintains his pose perfectly.

Dorialis first starts talking, then breaks into a stage whisper, as expected of a living shadow How much time do we have? I'd like to excercise these abilities before I must test them in the dark of combat.

Floating over to Ophelia, I have these memories, and a sight that I have only rarely experienced before. Then I needed the help of a mage to see what I can now. Raising a shadowy hand and waving it across her eyes, Dori mutters a few words in Draconic, a language she didn't know ten minutes ago. Her eyes glow blue briefly as she now can see the aura's of magic about her. And now I am also a mage?

Turning to Josiah, you did not mention these other abilities, they are part of this merging?

Dorialis first starts talking, then breaks into a stage whisper, as expected of a living shadow How much time do we have? I'd like to exercise these abilities before I must test them in the dark of combat.

Floating over to Ophelia, I have these memories, and a sight that I have only rarely experienced before. Then I needed the help of a mage to see what I can now. Raising a shadowy hand and waving it across her eyes, Dori mutters a few words in Draconic, a language she didn't know ten minutes ago. Her eyes glow blue briefly as she now can see the aura's of magic about her. And now I am also a mage?

Turning to Josiah, you did not mention these other abilities, they are part of this merging?

After putting a slender hand to her mouth, Ophelia gives the shadowy fetchling a look of mock surprise.

"Such assumptions, Dorialis! Who ever said I was a mage- Yeah, it's pretty obvious, isn't it? Anyone with a decent familiarity of Magnimar probably knows that about me," giggles the chatty elf as she pats her shadowy acquaintance on the shoulder. "And I certainly can help~"

Ophelia keenly listens to Dorialis address Josiah and nods her head in agreement, causing her glistening sunshine hair to flow like a gentle wind.

"Now that Dori - I can call you Dori, right? - mentions it, I do feel like I spontaneously become half sorcerer, which is odd considering that these eidolons are former paladins. For example, right now, I feel like I could belt out Haste a few times in a row, take a nap, and then do it again without consulting any of my books."

Josiah replies to the small shadow by saying, "I said you would be empowered. Being able to cast spells is part of that, yes. Don't worry about time, it passes differently in this place."

I will post Vega's thingy when I get home from work later.

Poppy's jaw drops when Cho'Ankai jumps out of his own skin. "Who knew? Wolves in your belly! I wonder if you can eat three times as much food now, or if it will be three times as delicious. Do you only have one stomach?" Poppy resists an incredible urge to go pet the doggy. He would be insulted! And I don't even have hands right now!

Vega's summons is answered when a stone lifts itself from amongst the others and arcs its way toward the monk's palm. The rock is the largest one yet, it's the size of a small plumb. It pulses with a green light as it draws near, the stone itself grows continuously more smooth and globular. When it lands in Vega's palm it is a perfectly round sphere, deep jade green in color, that streaks and sparkles white in the light. The sphere sinks into his palm by degrees, each notch following a beat of his heart. As it does so warmth and ki-like energy flow up Vega's arm towards his heart...

As the stone lands upon his open palm, Vega smiles at it, then closes his eyes. Rather than watching the event, reacting to it, and instinctively struggling against the inevitable change, Vega surrenders himself completely to it. His body, his mind, his very essence becomes open to the power and will of the spirit binding itself to him. He freely accepts the merging of spirits, and allows it guide him in this step of the journey to enlightenment.

As the warmth moves up through his arms, Vega allows the spirit to control him and guide his movements. When the Jade Sphere completely absorbs into him, Vega's hand closes into a fist and his forearm rises slowly. As the energy nears his heart, the spirits begin to guide his movements. Without moving from his position on the platform, his body begins to flow into a kata that he never studied, a kata guided by the spirits. It is slow and graceful, like to controlled movements of Tai Chi. As he is guided through the kata, the energy circles his heart, and for an instant forms the symbol of opposites united to create a whole, the yin-yang.

Vega's hands then push towards the ground, and the glowing energy seems to accelerate downwards to the ground as well, but vanishes as it accelerates. Time itself seems to stop, and for a moment no sound is heard or can be made. Then, a shockwave erupts from the ground at Vega's feet! A mix of white sand and green foliage jumps up into the air around Vega, and begins to swirl about him. If viewed from above, the swirl of leaves and sand would form a yin-yang with Vega at the center. A light that pulses in time with Vega's heart beat begins to emanate from him as he continues the spirit-guided kata. As the pulsing light expands from Vega, everything it (the light) touches changes. The foliage of the garden begin to glow with their own light, and the sand made to look like water actually transforms into living water that flows and ripples about the garden, reflecting the life essences of all the other stones, everyone nearby, and Vega himself.

While the kata remains smooth and flowing, it sporadically erupts into bursts of speed and precision, one by one going through 108 different movements and techniques essential to the perfection of the body and mind in martial arts. During each burst of fast movement, one of the leaves and some sand that swirl about Vega speeds towards him, and pierce his body. Each point of contact lines up with one of the 108 main acupuncture/acupressure points, and each time the spirits in the form of leaves and sand merge with Vega at one of these points, it erupts in a flare of light that continues to flow like a lick of flame burning in slow motion.

As the ritualistic kata progresses, the sand flowing around Vega subtly transforms to represent the 5 external elements of the world as described by Kung-fu: earth, wood, metal, water, and fire. That is the order that the changes occur as well, so that at the beginning, sand (earth) flowed with the leaves to merge with Vega, then what appeared to be bits of bark (wood), then fragments of minerals (metal), droplets of water, and the final few were small balls of actual fire.

Despite the many movements - each more complex than the one before it - and the gradual merging of spirits, it only takes about one minute before the final form of the kata is performed, and the last bit of fire (sand) and leaves are absorbed into Vega's body, merging with his essence. He returns to the Shizentai-dachi stance that he started in, and takes a deep breath. The slow moving streams of fire that seem to be erupting from his body continue to burn, and an inner light continues to radiate from him. A breeze seems to blow over him, and his robes flow out behind him like the tail of a large snake. Indeed, his feet can no longer be seen. Slowly, he opens his eyes, revealing snake like slits instead of regular round pupils of most humanoids.

The glowing foliage of the garden dims until it no longer illuminates, and the water returns to the white sand it was before, still combed to imitate natural water without actually being so. All is as it once was, save for Vega. The living fire continues to flow from him, streaming from and pulsating about him continuously in slow motion. His legs are now a part of his long robes that flow into a tail behind him. And finally there blazes a symbol, the yin-yang, apparently made of leaves yet glowing like a fire of green flame, rests upon his forehead.

He turns from the zen garden's platform and moves back to the others. His movement is fast and smooth, like that of an actual snake, yet he himself remains upright. He looks at each person present, as calm and serene as he was before the transformation, yet a bit more enlightened and pleasant. A small smile now accompanies his gentle and wise eyes. He finally looks up to Josiah, becoming even more upright in his posture as he addresses the celestial being. He bows slightly as he speaks to show his respect.

"It is done."

For some reason I expect to see a noisy cricket... Dori floats over to Vega and circles about him, pretty slick.

Gliding back into some semblance of a line with the others she turns back to Josiah, I'm assuming you can get us into the vicinity. I'd rather not land on top of any opposition. Give us room to look around, get a lay of the land, so to speak.

Cho'ankai's three heads move slowly, trying to find rhythm and synergy in appendages he has never had to control before. Looking up to Poppy, his glowing eyes narrow slightly, then soften in expression. When Vega is regarded, it is more with curiosity than the others. Vega, in mannerism, seemed to much like Cho'ankai that he was intrigued by how similar their bindings may be. The answer, as it turns out, is not at all.

"Fascinating," the wolf notes in tripartate voice. "Reflections of ourselves from within; distorted. Like looking into an unstilled pond."

Reflections of ourselves from within, as Cho'ankai says? Is this form my own creation? A body that seems it was carved from the granite of the Stormspear Mountains...that's something to praise Angradd for, as is the strength to finally go on the offensive. Wings though...could Cho'ankai be right that they too reflect who I am? And if so, will Torag still accept me?

While watching the others' transformations Gror is a bit subdued at first...but his curiosity starts to grow after hearing Poppy and Ophelia's kind words. He removes himself slightly (though still within sight) and starts to exercise his new form. He feels true pleasure in his strength...always a failing of his as a warrior, until now. He finds joy in running as twice his normal speed, and in pouncing to attack. As he practices running and leaping with six limbs, he finds without realizing it that a leap has turned to flying...and it's thrilling.

Torag forgive me, maybe I *am* an abomination at heart. I like this.

He comes back to the group (forcing himself back onto the ground, reassured by his Dwarven connection to it's solidity...but also feeling some slight regret) and replies,

"Maybe you're right. Maybe this is me inside." His expression betrays a complicated mix of pride and self-reproach. "At any rate, I accept this gift as it was offered: as a tool to be of greater use. And given that, I second Dori's suggestion. Let's see what we can do, and prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead. Tactical preparation will be of utmost importance."

By virtue of each of us being here, summoned by the powers of good, and successfully accepted and completed the ritual of binding... these are individuals I can trust, share with, and learn from.

"A sparring session or two would be most enlightening." Vega nods to Gror and the others. "If time is indeed on our side while in this garden, then this opportunity to hone our new skills must not be passed by."

Switching ooc here, to write more compactly and include things you’d see as well as what Gror will say.

Gror is clearly best in melee, and if he can charge & pounce on a foe within 80’ he’ll do so. When fighting a mix of casters and non, he’ll often target the casters, and see if he can grapple them to make casting that much harder for them. His AC should be reasonable...but is significantly lower than some in the party. His saves on the other hand are very strong, especially against spells and spell-like effects.

Support he can offer:
* Melee support! If you want an incentive for foes to stop attacking you and pay attention to someone else, Gror’s your dwarf. For foes he can successfully grapple, he'll be able to make attacking others hard to do. And foes he hits will often be shaken for the following round.
* Litany of Righteousness doubles damage of all hits from Good attackers for one round to one foe. The foe gets SR but no save. If all goes well, Gror will be using this for as many as he can of his 3rd level spells, and maybe his 4th as well. When there’s a big baddy (assuming he’s evil) these’ll be rounds where it makes sense for all to strike them while they’re under the effect of the litany.
* Flanking - since he's large, he can offer flank to several other.

Support he may need:
* Healing - I expect him to be a target often, due to his high melee damage output. He carries wands of CLW and Lesser Rejuvenate Eidolon, but they don’t help much if he’s getting dangerously low in combat.
* Transport - if a foe is very far away and would be hard to reach without several rounds of 80’ double moves, a shortcut (e.g. Dimension door/teleport) will help him start dealing damage sooner
* Buffs that improve to hit or dam / hit (enlarge, heroism, gr. magic fang) will always be appreciated, and ones that improve AC can’t hurt either.

OOC in the OOC thread please. Hoping to keep it as minimum as possible in the gameplay thread so that this reads as much like a chopped up novel as we can make it.

Post incoming shortly that will sort of derail any sparring that might be about to take place.

As Vega's transformation finishes Josiah spends a moment considering the newly transformed group. "Well done. You all look good. You are now strong enough to face the task ahead. However you are new to these forms, and not yet a team. My brothers and I have set up a little practice match for you. It is nothing compared to what you will likely face in the Veil, but the opponents will be enough to practice on. Fight carefully, and work together and you will succeed. Should one of you allow yourselves to fall here, I will resurrect you. However, the experience will teach you what death is and to remember I won't always be there to pull you back from Pharasma's couldron." Josiah floats down to a few inches above the grass, and holds out his hands to either side. "Come, link hands to form a circle with me. If you don't have hands, touching will do. I will take you to a practice arena where you will collect your belongings and then fight."

He waits for everyone to link hands and then the group is whisked away in another dizzying flash of light.

***

The room they find themselves in is rectangular, stone and spartan. There is a long granite bench, carved from a single block running down the long central axis of the room. A few feet from the bench on one side is a row of six large wooden chests, each with a glowing symbol on it. The chosen recognize the symbols as the same ones that are on their new eidolon forms. On the opposite side of the bench there is an unadorned stone doorway, and a set of roofless stairs leading up about twenty feet before opening into an empty outdoor space. The angle prevents any view of what's up there, other than the cloudless blue sky. Josiah has also appeared in the room. He motions to the chests and says, "Here is your equipment. We made some additions and subtractions based on our anticipations of your new forms' needs. When you are fully equipped, please head up the stairs and face your challenge! Good luck, I am eager to see what Iomedae has wrought this day." With a final smile, he disappears with a popping sound and a flash.

All your purchased gear is in the chests.

Poppy squeals, "Thanks!" and gallops right to her chest, not even stopping to admire the room. She opens it with her tentacle and inspects the contents, finding a wand, a strange glowing rod, and a beautiful iridescent cloak. All of the items rest inside a blue leather saddle bag, which appears to be her old backpack, only repurposed. "Cool!" She throws the cloak over her back with her tentacle, and feels the strangest tingling sensation as it is absorbed into her pristine white fur. She immediately feels tougher and more nimble. She tosses the saddle bag onto her back, and it appears to fasten itself to absolutely nothing. "How does it work?" she asks no one in particular.

After gathering her items, she looks up at the sky and thanks Josiah again. She stares down the stairway and her impulsiveness dissipates knowing she's headed for battle and that others are depending on her. She gets herself ready for the fight. She mumbles in her new robotic voice and a waterfall of tiny silver stars comes pouring out of her horn, covering her entire body until all of her fur is lightly dusted with glitter.

Conjuring Coat of Many Stars.

Gror examines the new items in his chest, the eidolon harness and two wands of eidolon restoration.

Having the luxury of time before facing his unknown foe, he decides it's prudent to prepare in advance and so casts the following on himself:

• Barkskin: +5 Nat Armor
  
• Magic Fang, Greater: +1 enhancement bonus to each claw
  
• Mage Armor: +4 Armor, then just before heading up the stairs
  
• Divine Favor: +3 luck bonus to hit/damage
  

He looks at his companions and smiles, "Time to put our new forms through their paces! Anyone have an objection to me being at the front of the pack going up the stairs? Unless one stealthier than I wants to risk scouting a bit first?"

Cho'ankai seems less concerned with preparations than some of the others. Padding alongside Josiah, the three-headed wolf watches and listens to the others but seems to be willing to take this trial as it happens. He passes by the chest of goods, sniffing at it once in cursory investigation, then looks back to where his staff lies, cast off on the floor after the group's transportation.

"Ophelia," Cho'ankai growls, "that staff belonged to my ancestors, it is a font of magical power containing the essences of... spirits," one of the three heads dips down and closes its eyes. "I believe, spirits like these. As I have little call, or capability, to use it I was hoping that perhaps you would carry that ancestral staff into battle with us."

Cho's burning eyes narrow and his ears fold back as he awaits the woman's response.

Like Cho'ankai, Vega feels little need for more than what he already has with him... but he goes to the chest with his symbol nonetheless.

I can only accept so much before the accepting becomes selfish instead of honored... but it would be rude to not at least look.

He opens it up, and a golden glow emanates from within to illuminate his face. As he peers in, he sees the chest in virtually empty, but the bottom is lined with a sheet of gold cloth that reflects his own image as he looks down upon it.

There is no secret equipment, it's just me.

Vega smiles at the inside of his chest. This is a good gift. Then Vega begins to notice a few oddities around the perimeter of the golden cloth within. Mystical runes and characters describe the words and movements to unlock many of the powers of this new form, and a number of shuriken are hidden within the lining of the chests lid. He bows to the chest, then takes the few shuriken from the inner lining, placing them within the folds of his flowing robe... and odd sensation when he realizes that his "robe" is a part of his new form, his actual body, shaped now to simply look like flowing cloth.

That is interesting.

Finally, with the chest still open so he can see the characters within, Vega goes over the movements described. They are easily mastered, and a few of them he repeats in earnest. Each one is like a very short kata, a series of quick movements accompanied by a mantra of sorts, mixing martial arts and vocal meditation/prayer. The light that radiates from him flashes with increased energy briefly after each one is performed.

Afterwards, he takes a single step towards Josiah rather than heading up the stairs, though he replies to Gror first.

"You will do what you will do, and I see the wisdom of having your strength lead they way. Just know that not all life deserves death, and sometimes a gentler approach is what can actually save lives."

A trail where we can go full out will be a wonderful test... but I cannot do so against just any hapless foe. It would go agaisnt everything I believe.. everything I stand for...

With that, Vega turns to Josiah and continues. "I have always felt that all life has the right to it, and even the most bestial and - on first impressions - vile, has the potential to be and to do good, if given the guidance and chance. I've always believed that to indiscriminately snuff another is a right that no mortal can possess. Even the physical punishment of an unrestrained beating can leave permanent damage, physically and mentally, possibly ruining any chance there was of a good life, in all senses of the phrase. Because there is opportunity to gain this insight from you before this battle, I have to follow up on it... These opponents that await us... do they face us of their own will? While you said you can reverse death here, I could not in good conscious inflict even temporary pain and, what could essentially become the torture of slaves, upon any who actually live."

Vega's eyes shows that he means no disrespect whatsoever, and that he actually does value all life, even those of potential enemies, and is only asking now because the current situation provides the circumstances to allow such open affirmation of events.

__________

As tempted as I am to use as many buffs as possible, I think for now I'll just do the basic long lasting buff of Mage Armor, as well as the easily/infinitely repeatable ones of Resistance and Guidance until it starts (hurray for cantrips!)... then I'll maybe add a few as we go if this test trial lasts long enough.

Skittering along the corners near the ceiling, the shadow Dorialis slides over to the chests, noting that each chest bears a symbol, it is a quick process of elimination to identify the symbol on her own forehead, since she couldn't see it...

Opening the chest, she quickly rummages through it, picking up each piece of gear, noting the instructions on the tag, and secreting the item on her body.

Nearly ready, Dorialis casts greater evolution surge, granting her spell resistance and rend.

Standing before the door, she looks up, ready, I am.

Despite the fact that he already teleported away, I will respond for Josiah. We'll say Vega caught him just before he left.

The archon raises one eyebrow. "You assume much young man. Is not my very essence that of good and law? I literally cannot harm an innocent, nor would I have you do so in my stead. Nobody said anything about living opponents. Now stop worrying and concentrate on the task before you." With that, Josiah is gone.
____________________________________

I honestly have no idea how long this fight is going to last. This is a test run for me as well. I need to gauge just how powerful the monsters I've created are (and by that I mean y'all).

Do I need to activate Detect Evil, or is it always on? If the latter, I'll activate it before going up.

Yes, you need to activate it. It's a spell just like any other, you just get it at will. It's a standard action to cast, with a duration of concentration.

The spell lasts as long as you concentrate on it. Concentrating to maintain a spell is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Anything that could break your concentration when casting a spell can also break your concentration while you're maintaining one, causing the spell to end. See concentration.

You can't cast a spell while concentrating on another one. Some spells last for a short time after you cease concentrating.

Detect Evil

Gror leads the way up the steps after having activated a spell that lets him see evil. As he surmounts the last few steps, a huge arena comes into view. It's nearly three hundred feet across to the other end of the oval space. The ground is covered in sandy red dirt, raked smooth. There are rows of empty stone benches arranged in stadium seating fashion emanating out from the top of the twelve foot high wall surrounding the combat floor. Four more stairways lead up into the arena from other rooms at the cardinal points.

A transparent golden dome of shimmering force covers the entire lowered combat area, separating it from the empty spectator's seats. It creates a forty foot high ceiling on the space. In the center of the ring are two fifteen foot tall, perfectly cylindrical, silver pillars with about a hundred feet separating them. Standing in between the two pillars are two of the strangest statues Gror has ever laid eyes on. They appear to depict the fusion of a gorilla with a pillbug, cast in what his dwarven eyes instantly recognize as precious mithril. They stand silently, not reacting to the dwarf. The mithril statues are the only apparent 'creatures' in the arena. On Gror's left, between two of the stairwells, up and behind the wall of force, there is a raised dais with a simple wooden throne on it. Josiah lounges there. He perks up when he sees Gror, smiling and waving.

As the rest of the group files up the stairs behind Gror he shuffles forward a few paces to make room for them. As soon as the last of them step off the stairs into the sand there is a loud metallic creaking noise as the statues spring to life.

Initiative
Golems 19+
Party 19-

No surprise round, Begin Round 1.

It was not unexpected for them to do so, but the speed with with they move is astounding. The statues seem to melt instantly into a mercury-like liquid metal state, before loping agilely across the red sand into flanking positions on the group. As they move it's like watching a wave in the sea surging forward while constantly reassuming the shape of the strange statue-creatures. They come to rest on their hind legs, front limbs held up like a kangaroo boxer ready to throw punches. Their forms shift and wobble slightly, reflecting light wildly like moving liquid mirrors.
________________________________________________________________________

This is going with the assumption that Gror waits until everyone is ready and right behind him. Once everyone finishes casting any buffs, Ophelia takes the staff or doesn't, and goes up the stairs the fight will begin. When you post just divide it into downstairs and then your combat action.

Since they will animate as soon as everyone is up I'm starting everyone at the top of the stairs.

It's Knowledge (Arcana) to learn about these creatures.

Okay, everyone may take their round 1 actions. The red dotted lines and shaded areas represent what the golems currently threaten. They will each takes their AOO on the first thing to provoke it. The macro for that along with the rest of their stats you need to resolve your actions is in my profile. Remember it's not in-character knowledge until you make a successful knowledge (Arcana) check. Good luck, lets get it on!

Encounter Map

Downstairs

Poppy waits until everyone is gathered close together at the bottom of the stairwell and recites a short chant. A gust of wind rushes out of her horn and briefly whirls around the party.

Cast Haste.

Upstairs

Poppy's eyes grow wide as they enter the arena. Momentarily distracted by the golden dome, she quickly snaps back into fighting mode when the statues zip across the room and settle near the party. "Oooh! Shiny!" She decides to play it safe and give a party member an advantage against the statues. She steps up to Gror and gently places a rainbow hoof on his huge arm. Bright white light surges out of her hoof and Gror instantly disappears from view.

Five foot move to AF32 and cast Greater Invisibility defensively on Gror.

Defensive casting: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (8) + 24 = 32 against DC 21

~Downstairs~

I must revisit the libraries of Absalom one day. I obviously do not know enough about the individuals of the celestial realms or planar beings.

Even though Josiah is gone, Vega bows to where he last stood and whispers "Please forgiven my ignorance."

Vega repeats the mantras he just learned every couple of seconds, maintaining the flow of chi they provide. When Poppy bestows upon them all her magic, he bows to her as well. "Thank you for your blessing."

He has dilly-dallied long enough. Vega composes himself and begins making hi way up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~

~Upstairs~

Taking position slightly behind and to the side of the mighty Gror, Vega observes the scene. His keen eyes watching for any anomalies, traps, or anything that could change the course of a battle, for ill or will.

Then the strange statues spring to fluid-like life.

"What in the world?"

Vega instinctively takes on a defensive stance as they bound forward.

"I shall occupy the one on the right. Does anyone know anything about these... things? Perhaps there is an element they fear?"

Vega does not wait for an answer, but still hopes for one.

As he approaches the golem to the right, it lashes out at him with a powerful arms. Their meeting is like two liquids that cannot mix coming in contact and repelling each other. The golems strike is fluid, and goes straight for Vega's head. However, Vega sees it coming, and - without breaking his stride - tilts his head slightly back while guiding the golem's fist with his own hand, sending it harmlessly past.

Vega continues to advance, moving right up to this strange construct. He does not know if it can understand him, but he speaks nonetheless.

"You will not cause harm to my companions."

And as Josiah affirmed, there is no need to reserve full force. I must explore this new power, and try to break this thing before me.

With that, Vega performs a few simple martial arts gestures, and lets fly a single attack towards the creatures chest. It's a solid blow, and it makes a loud *SLAP* of a fist smacking into water, but the force seems to simply ripple across it's chest and dissipate.

___________________________________________

Aw, view only. Moving to AL34, soaking up an AoO from Golem 2.

Golem 2 AoO Slam: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (13) + 33 = 46

haha! It misses!

Just making a single unarmed attack on Golem 2, using up my Guidance for an extra +1.

Single Unarmed Strike vs G2: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36

Yay! A hit!

Damage vs G2: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 2) + 10 = 15

Boo! Hiss! Doesn't get past it's DR/adamantine! :(

____________________________________________

Current stats

Perception +40, Sense Motive +26

HP: 75
THP: 72

AC: 55
Touch: 30
FF: 47
CMD: 42
DR: 2/-

Fort +15
Reflex +20
Will +21/25 vs enchantments

Current Buffs: Mage Armor, Haste, Resistance

Unarmed Strike counts as: Magic, Cold Iron, Silver, Good, and Bludgeoning for overcoming DR.

Arriving with the others, Cho'ankai balks at the presence of the constructs, looking at them with a suspicious eye and furrowed brows. The spirit caller offers a look to Poppy, then back to the constructs. "Such artifice," he states with no sense of wonder or appreciation, but rather distrust. "Fortunately, all man-made things eventually crumble under nature's presence."

Closing his six eyes, Cho'ankai breathes in deeply and then throws his three heads back in a howling cry that echoes far and wide. As he does, a flurry of leaves manifests from swirling dirt and sand kicked up around him. A moment later, roots and vines begin bursting out from his flesh, wrapping around his lupine body, emerging from his mouth and ears, mummifying his quadrupedal form in an exo-skeleton of knotty bark and tangled vines, soon becoming a coccoon that encompasses his whole form.Branches erupt from this root ball, twisting and undulating like appendages as they weave together to form four tree-trunk sized legs. More wooden growths form from a weaving of roots and vines, becoming three verdant wolf heads bristling with grass for fur and leaves for ears.

This plant-like creature rises up on all fours as the root structure grows up off of its back into a towering tree-like growth with a throne-like seat sculpted into the side of it, a pair of naturally formed arm-rests bearing the countenance of Cho'ankai's mortal face on them. The tree sprouts vibrant pink leaves that rain down around the creature, and its lashing roots and branches spread out more than sixty feet away.

"Now we will see what endures; artifice or nature."

_____________
Standard Action: Wild Shape (Plant Shape III) Now size huge; 60' reach with roots
Move Action: None
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 (Cho don't know Golems)

As a note, Cho is now huge and has the mount evolution. Anyone size large or smaller may ride him (he even has a convenient tree throne in this form :D) if they wish.

I have a lot to type, so I am just going to go post by post.

Cho'ankai seems less concerned with preparations than some of the others. Padding alongside Josiah, the three-headed wolf watches and listens to the others but seems to be willing to take this trial as it happens. He passes by the chest of goods, sniffing at it once in cursory investigation, then looks back to where his staff lies, cast off on the floor after the group's transportation.

"Ophelia," Cho'ankai growls, "that staff belonged to my ancestors, it is a font of magical power containing the essences of... spirits," one of the three heads dips down and closes its eyes. "I believe, spirits like these. As I have little call, or capability, to use it I was hoping that perhaps you would carry that ancestral staff into battle with us."

Cho's burning eyes narrow and his ears fold back as he awaits the woman's response.

Ophelia gulps a bit at the intensity of Cho'ankai's piercing gaze and nervously rubs the back of her head, causing some of her sunshine hair to fall over her pale arm.

Me being completely responsible for a priceless ancient staff with great cultural significance... Geez, talk about no pressure.

The glimmering elf quickly composes herself and gaves the cerberus druid an affirmative nod.

"Of course, Cho'ankai! I would be most honored," the little wizard chirps as she quickly floats over and takes the staff in hand. Despite her tiny frame, Ophelia lifts the worn wooden object with suprisingly little trouble. However, that does not change the fact that it is made for somebody twice her size; her tiny hands take a couple of seconds to get a solid grip.

"Just don't expect me to hit anyone with it," she murmurs absent-mindedly under her breath before correcting herself with, "I mean, of course I will take great care of it!"

Ophelia quickly gives Cho an innocent smile and thumbs up.

To Poppy, a quick nod of thanks and approval.

Know(arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
How do you like to do knowledge roll results like this? I'm going to guess that this at least lets me know about their DR.

”Hey gang, these seem like Mithril Golems to me. They’re highly resistant to strikes that aren’t both adamantine AND bludgeoning. Also be careful. They can reach us from here, and will likely strike at the first of us to allow them the opportunity.”

As a swift action, Gror activates Judgements: & Destruction +7 damage.
He charges golem 1 and pounces for a full attack. Assuming that due to his invisibility they have only FF AC, and can't make AoO on Gror.
claw: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31 (standard +17 +3 divine favor +1 magic fang +2 invis)
damage: 1d6 + 29 - 15 ⇒ (1) + 29 - 15 = 15 (standard +18 +3 divine favor +1 magic fang +7 judgement)
grapple: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44 (standard +23 +3 divine favor +1 magic fang +2 invis)

claw: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35
damage: 1d6 + 29 + 1d6 + 18 - 15 ⇒ (3) + 29 + (4) + 18 - 15 = 39 (includes rend)
grapple: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (10) + 29 = 39

claw: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
confirm crit: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 37
damage: 2d6 + 58 - 15 ⇒ (2, 1) + 58 - 15 = 46
grapple: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (20) + 29 = 49

claw: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 29 - 15 ⇒ (3) + 29 - 15 = 17

Does a 20 on a grapple automatically hit? Assuming it does, he somehow traps the massive beast and so also gets to:
rake: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
damage: 1d6 + 29 - 15 ⇒ (5) + 29 - 15 = 19

rake: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (16) + 23 = 39
damage: 1d6 + 29 - 15 ⇒ (6) + 29 - 15 = 20

Total damage after DR = 15+39+46+17+19+20 = 156

Gror seems as surprised as anyone by what happens when he leaps onto the liquid metal monsters, feeling his new claws sink in, feeling himself try against the odds grab and the massive monsters. His two arm claws hit true, and he takes advantage of it by rending bits of mithril from the golem. That gets him in position for his left foreleg claw to dig in deep, severing large chunks off of it, and somehow getting the thing into a grapple as well. That in turn allows him to rake with his two hindclaws, spilling still more liquid mithril onto the arena floor.

He arches backward while still clinging to the golem, and lets out a massive, gravelly howling laugh!

Jelani,
* Any feedback welcome, in terms of how to best approach combat logistics.
* For any future times we roll initiative (the first nine times of the day unless Gror says otherwise) he'll use his Seize Initiative ability to let Ophelia roll twice and take her best roll.
* Holy crud! I've never played a character anything like this power level. Interested to see what comes...

Downstairs

With Cho'ankai's staff in hand, Ophelia makes her way over to her own chest. She soon finds that it is literally her magic chest: the same one composed of a reinforced black oak body and silver mithril plating as the general frame. The very one that she swears is supposed to be hidden away in depths of the Ethereal Plane. Even the Hardening spell that she casted on it ages ago is still active. She lazily pokes it a couple of times with one of her toes and begins to think over how Josiah might have managed to retrieve it.

Maybe Lucero grabbed it for him? That Couatl is always hanging out in that bizarre realm.

Ophelia carefully opens the chest and begins looking over the contents. All of her spellbooks are there and in surprisingly pristine shape, despite being over a century old in some cases. Given that her books are literally the source of her arcane power, the diminutive elven wizard has always been one to take good care of such possessions. Before she grabs anything else, Ophelia quickly plows through each one and cherry picks a few spells for the upcoming battle. It only takes her mere minutes to memorize their contents before she tosses them back into the chest.

"Interesting. It seems that some of their content has been altered. Many of the spells that are now stuck in my noggin sorcerer style have been replaced with new ones..." Ophelia muses lightly to herself, secretly a little disgruntled that somebody had been audacious enough to do that.

The next step is standard combat preparation procedure for the diminutive elf. She produces a cracked ioun stone from the folders of her white robe, activates it with a quick squeeze, and lets it start hovering around her head. Ophelia then starts look searching her chest once more for anything new. She quickly spots two such items. One is a newly crafted wand - which she slips onto her person - and the other is a simple blue sash of silk with a note attached.

Greetings Opal,

See You Soon,
LC

The Sapphire Angel quickly puts the harness on as she would a normal sash, and with a snap of her fingers, "Queenie" swiftly assimilates it into their joint angelic form while Ophelia sends her magic chest back to the Ethereal Plane. After noting that her physical appearance has not changed at all, Ophelia suddenly feels that the bond between herself and her eidolon has become more secure than before. She takes a second to think over her discovery.

So Lucero calls her Queenie, eh? Maybe he worked with her when she was a paladin in the distant past.

Once all of her gear is settled, Ophelia quickly begins to get ready for the upcoming battle. While not entirely sure if she is casting it on "Queenie" or herself, the little wizard starts with a simple Mage Armor spell. Next she decides to test one of her new spontaneous arcane gifts and reinforces her shimmering light armor with a thick layer of Barkskin underneath. Finally, she utters a quick prayer to Shelyn and Desna for Guidance on the upcoming battle.

With all of her personal spells taken care of for the time being, Ophelia proceeds to do what she does best: call in the reinforcements. She quickly does this as everyone is walking up the stairs. The elf focuses her mind and begins chanting in some incomprehensible gibberish.

Summon Monster IV Lanturn Archons: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Six seconds later, four spheres of solid white light warp in from some other plane. Despite lacking any defining features, they seem to stare intently at Ophelia, like soldiers awaiting orders from a superior officer. Pleased with how many she has managed to draw in, the Sapphire Summoner is quick to address her troops.

"Hey guys! I will need your assistance in a little bit. Just hold up about six seconds..."

After clearing her mind, Ophelia takes a deep breath and focuses harder than before, this time intent in calling in something a bit bigger. After first carefully studying Vega then Cho’ankai and then finally Gror however, the wizard is quick to adjust the scope of the assistance. Six seconds of later, like clockwork, the final summon arrives.

From the waist up, the new entity could very well be Ophelia’s long lost sister. She sports a highly elven appearance in that regard, complete with flawless golden skin and hair. While not exactly as heavily armored up as Josiah by any means, she still wears more than Mariah by sporting a loose sky blue shirt with a golden trim and a leather belt with a large longsword at the right hip. From the waist down, not unlike Vega, her body is that of a serpent’s tail, and in one arm, the azata lillend carries a small silver harp decorated with several Desnan butterflies on its frame.

“Oh, hello Ophelia!” says the newcomer in what is probably a completely foreign tongue to Common but seems translated into everyone’s native language in the same fashion as Mariah and Josiah. She slithers over to a certain florescent elf and gives her tiny counterpart a tight hug, “Long time no see~ How is everything?”

Glancing around at her comrades (having earned a few gazes and all), the diminutive elf lets herself be hugged by the serpentine woman and says, “I will explain on the way up, Lily.”

Just before reaching the top of the stairs, Ophelia activates her Ring of Invisibility and completely vanishes from sight.

Ophelia casts Mage Armor, Barkskin, Guidance, Summon Monster IV, and Summon Monster VI and then activates her Ring of Invisibility. She will be invisible for the next 12 minutes.

Upstairs

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44

I totally know what type of golems those are! Something tells me that a lot of my spells wouldn't work on them...

Ophelia is about to open her mouth to speak, but Gror starts bringing everyone up to speed before she can even say anything. However, Vega rather literally beats them both to the punch, and the serpentine monk soon finds that armor quality of the mithril golems is second-to-none and does not even dent the hulking construct. Meanwhile, a suddenly also invisible Gror quickly applies his familiarity of the beasts to the test, swiftly pounces one of the constructs, and starts tearing it limb from limb.

Remind me not to get on this guy’s bad side… Ophelia whimpers in her mind as the unseen stone gargoyle turns his prey into scrap metal.

The invisible elf looks over her shoulder and sees that Cho’ankai has become some massive living embodiment of the forces of nature, but for them moment, the druid is a bit busy adjusting to his new wooden form. As such, Ophelia quickly comes back to the world of the living and decides to assist the struggling Vega.

“Lily, play us a tune!” says the tiny elf's disembodied voice as she makes sure her new staff is securely in her hands.

“Sure thing!” replies the azata as she quickly begins to play her harp with the grace of a thousand elves. The rousing melody immediately makes Ophelia feel bolder and more courageous. She can only hope it does the same for her allies.

“Archons! Fire at will!” Ophelia commands as she quickly flies over toward Vega to keep an eye on the monk. For now, the Sapphire Sumoner just waits. She did note that he did not seem to apply much magic to himself before hand, so Lord Surtova probably knows what he is doing. Besides, there is not much she can do against something so large and magic resistant.

Meanwhile, the Lantern Archons put themselves in position and take their shots.

Archon 1 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Archon 1 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH! Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Archon 2 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Archon 2 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH! Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Archon 3 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Archon 3 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH! Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Archon 4 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Archon 4 Ranged Touch Attack Firin' His Lazer BAH! Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

One of the shots goes wide, but three of them leave scorch marks on the golem's head. Ophelia smiles and starts licking her lips at the thought of what the second volley will do. Hopefully, Vega will be alright until then.

Lily the Lillend Azata stays put near the entrance and Inspires Courage. Everyone gets a +2 to attack and damage. If we consider that Ophelia's initiative is a head of that of Gror, then Gror's damage gets another +12 for a total of 168. Yeesh.

Ophelia flies over to AK34 to keep an eye on Vega.

Staying twenty feet off the ground, the Lantern Archons get within 30 ft of Golemn 2 (let's say a straight line from AJ33-36) and pelt it with their ranged laser touch attack. This attack bypasses all of the Golemn's DR. It looks like the do 7 + 7 + 6 = 20 damage collectively.

Lily the Azata: 87/87 HP
Lantern Archon 1: 17/17 HP
Lantern Archon 2: 17/17 HP
Lantern Archon 3: 17/17 HP
Lantern Archon 4: 17/17 HP

After seeing how large the post was going to be, I decided to split it. However, that really destroyed a lot of my good rolls, so I folded it back in to what it originally was.

Gror don't forget you are also hasted!

Gonna go ahead an post my stats here in case they attack me :)