Place for out of game time discussion and down-time activvities
Aramnar checking in.
Between Game Updates and Info (spoiler tags used for long blocks of text)
Food Stores in the Citadel provide 16 units of provisions for the Army
Staunton Vhane’s Journals contain
- A list of dozens of sacred and holy weapons and armor he and his brother have successfully tainted through the use of the corruption forge in area G7. These notes give some insight into how the forge operates, and could help you figure out a way to either shut it down or perhaps even turn it to your advantage.
- A description of the Sword of Valor, including Staunton’s frustration over Aponavicius’s desire to keep it as a mere trophy and not to attempt the banner’s corruption.
- Several detailed pages of how he hopes to someday torture Irabeth for “ruining nearly everything” when she confronted him almost a year ago in Kenabres.
- Notes on the shadow demon Eustoyriax, an unusually powerful shadow demon who came to Drezen a few weeks after Staunton f led here from Kenabres. The shadow demon arrived in the possessed body of a crusader named Maranse (a man the diary records as now being long dead after having been turned over to the succubus Kiranda), and bore gifts from a place called the Ivory Sanctum— five elixirs of distilled power brewed from powdered Nahyndrian crystal. The notes explain how Staunton volunteered to take one of the elixirs to test its strength before Aponavicius used one, and of the powers the elixir unlocked in him (drinking the elixir was the antipaladin’s moment of ascension to mythic power). The notes go on to describe the grisly deaths the elixirs inf licted on the dragon and xacarba servants Aponavicius tested them on, and that only the chimera Soltengrebbe survived the transformation. The notes conclude by revealing that the shadow demon Eustoyriax remains here in a chamber below the citadel, where Aponavicius has placed him in charge of protecting the Sword of Valor.
- The Ivory Sanctum is the central stronghold of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth in the Worldwound, a fortress led by a man named Xanthir Vang who also happens to be the regional leader of the Blackfire Adepts. Staunton records his sole meeting with Xanthir Vang, and indicates he would rather not meet him again—apparently something about the man particularly revolted the antipaladin.
- Finally, Staunton mentions a special prisoner who’s been kept in the Drezen dungeons—a succubus by the name of Aureshalae who was captured by Aponavicius. Staunton knows the succubus is some sort of Abyssal heretic and that the marilith wanted her kept prisoner until a special oubliette in the Rasping Rifts on the Abyss was ready for her. The fact that the succubus escaped not long after Aponavicius left Drezen in Staunton’s hands is a major point of worry for the dwarf. He’s sent several minions out into the Worldwound to track her, noting that her loss of certain demonic abilities is the one saving grace and hoping her inability to teleport or become ethereal will allow his agents to find her and return her to Drezen before Aponavicius finds out she’s managed to f lee into the wilds of the Wounded Lands. The final note in the diary talks of how he hired an annis hag cultist of Sifkesh to track her down as well, and that if this final attempt fails, he intends to seek out Arueshalae himself once “this matter with the so-called heroes of Kenabres is settled.”
The tower
The open rooftop of the tower has the faint remains of a gold and ivory inlay conjuration circle. It could be repaired by a skilled craftsman relatively easily. A person who uses the circle gains a +3 bonus on Knowledge (planes) checks relating to a creature being called or summoned, and a +3 bonus on Charisma checks, Diplomacy checks, and Intimidate checks to influence or bargain with a creature called or summoned here.
The arcane prison in the dungeon level
One of the two cells still works. The wards in the cell create an antimagic field inside the cell. The cell is equipped with masterwork manacles fastened to the walls.
The other cell has been decorated with hundreds upon hundreds of butterfly images, scratched into the stone. The entire cell radiates strong chaos and good—auras that increase to overwhelming on the northern wall, where a short prayer has been scratched into the wall.
The prayer reads:
Hear my prayer, lady luck. For it is luck I need in escaping this cell. Not just the life behind these bars, but an eternity spent shackled to the abyss itself. If you truly are the tender of dreams, then tender unto me a new existence. Let me sing the song of the spheres, see the stars with new eyes, and escape the pit into which my soul was cast. Bring me good fortune, my lady. Bring me a new spirit made clean. And I will forever be yours, in life, and in faith. I am ready. Finally ready.
The Torture Chamber
In the torture chamber, the whispers of the dead are the loudest. You believe that a combination of prayer and magic could put the souls to rest and end the whispering effect throughout the dungeon. You think that the spells Dispel Evil (Cleric 5/Paladin 4), Dispel Chaos, or Hallow (Cleric 5/Druid 5) would all do the trick.
Hallow is more time consuming and expensive, but Dispel would require a level check.
The Corruption Forge
The forge makes the whole room hot. Characters within the room itself take 1d6 points of fire damage per round from the heat—demons are immune to this, of course, but for humanoid crafters to use the forge, spells like resist elements would need to be employed. The forge itself grants a +2 bonus on all Craft checks made while using it, but it also allows a character with the Craft Magic Arms and Armor or Master Craftsman feat to transform a magic item from lawful and/or good to chaotic and/or evil. This process takes multiple days, during which the crafter must toil on the weapon or armor as if crafting it from scratch.
You also suspect that the forge is the source of the abyssal energy that seems to infuse the dungeon, making the area strongly chaos and evil aligned. With a little research, you think you could dispel the evil and chaos energies to remove their influence on the dungeon level.
Word of the liberation of Drezen travels swiftly back to Queen Galfrey, who wastes no time in dispatching a contingent of paladins and crusaders north to aid in holding, rebuilding, and fortifying the city. The crusaders don’t come alone—trailing behind is a small army of laborers and artisans, as well as caravans bearing food and other supplies. These crusaders bear with them a note to the PCs from Queen Galfrey.
To the Heroes of Drezen—
Words cannot convey my gratitude for what you have done. I wish that I could say the worst is over, but as you must surely know, the liberation of Drezen is but the first of many steps. You are poised to serve in a way that no others among the crusaders can match. Use Drezen as a base of operations. Set out to explore the Wounded Lands to the south and west for anything else we can use against the demons. You, being on the front lines, doubtless have already isolated several possible leads to investigate, but do not hesitate to consult those I have sent north with you. Sosiel, Aron, Irabeth, and the rest know much of the region’s history and legends.
Word of your success and Drezen’s liberation has already started to spread, and already I see the results in the faces of my soldiers. They fight with renewed morale. Our increased tenacity along the southern borders should keep the eye of Deskari turned away from you, affording you time to explore and investigate behind enemy lines. With your aid, I now feel that victory is finally something we can hope for.
—Galfrey
You soon learn that Irabeth has also received correspondence from the Queen. She has been assigned to the position of Commander of Drezen. Several other NPCs have also been given administrative responsibilities in the town. Sosiel Vaenic is acting as High Priest, helping to organize the clearing and re-consecration of the various temples and shrines that once served the crusaders who lived here. Anevia is acting as an advisor for Irabeth, and becomes sort of a part time chief constable as more people begin to arrive. Aron Kir, meanwhile, is put in charge of repairing the defenses of Drezen, putting his engineering skills to good use.
There are a couple of familiar faces in the caravan as well. Caelda Halse, Parmadon’s cousin, arrives with a couple of apprentices, and sets up shop crafting and repairing armor and weapons.
One of the librarians you met at Blackwing in chapter 1, a young woman named Fallas, arrives. She bears greetings from Aravashnial. She will be acting as the local representative of the Riftwardens. She is not nearly as powerful a wizard as Ison, but she has some knowledge skills, and access to resources. If you have any magical or mundane books to sell, she can give you a good price. She can also help you acquire scrolls and the like.
Somewhat surprisingly, there is a small contingent of Mongrels, lead by Lann, the mongrel you helped rescue in the tunnels below Kenabres. They have volunteered to join the crusade. While their appearance can be unnerving, their natural skill at stealth and their ability to see in the dark makes them very handy as sentries and scouts.
The least expected is the person who seems to be leading the caravan. You find that the whole supply caravan has been organized and financed by Horgus Gwerm. The nobleman still seems a bit stuffy, but the word around the caravan is that he took considerable personal and financial risks to make this happen. He doesn't stick around long. He soon heads out with his wagons and guards, to arrange for an ongoing supply chain.
Checking in
Aramnar welcomes the Mongrels. They are his type, not very likable, and he is seen training with them from time to time.
He also spends quite a bit of time discussing magic with Ison. Ison give him tips on magical gear that would cause his attacks to be more effective along with his defenses. Ison begins to craft several items for him.
Downtime
You have approximately one year between the liberation of Drezen and the main events of Chapter 3. I believe Steve was writing down treasure.
Since you have Ison, who has the mythic feat allowing him to craft anything, I presume you’ll be crafting a crap-load of magic items with that time and money. Feel free. Make a list.
The first few encounter areas will actually take place during this down-time, but for ease of record-keeping, we’ll assume all of your crafting is completed beforehand.
The City
Currently, Drezen has the following stats:
LG large town
Corruption –2; Crime –4, Economy –5; Law +3; Lore +0; Society –1
Qualities holy site, strategic location, tenacious
Danger +5
Disadvantages ruined
Its base value is 2200 gp, and its purchase limit is 5000 gp. Not including the party, the highest level of spellcasting services available is 5th level spells.
With some work, the “ruined” disadvantage can be removed, which would enhance the city’s economy, and increase the goods and services available.
The Army
Enough of the troops leveled up from the battles fought in chapter 2 to make the army a unit of 5th level paladins instead of 4th. In addition, reinforcements increase their size from Medium to Large. New stat block is below. The Divine bond allows them to act as if they had the magic weapons resource for one melee phase per day.
LG Large army of humans (paladin 5)
hp 33
DV 20; OM +9, ranged
Tactics: standard, withdraw, Cavalry Experts, Sniper Support
Resources Magic armor, improved weapons (mwk cold iron), mounts, ranged weapons (longbows)
Special aura of courage, channel positive energy, divine health, lay on hands, mercy, smite evil, spellcasting, Divine Bond (Weapon)
Speed 3; Morale +5; Consumption 8
With the city here are we able to feed this larger army? Also I assume we have the sword of valor up and can inhibit any teleportation?
With the city here are we able to feed this larger army? Also I assume we have the sword of valor up and can inhibit any teleportation?
Yes. You are reliant on the caravans coming from Mendev, since you can't grow anything here, but once those are up and running, you can maintain the army. In fact, it becomes Irabeth's problem. you don't need to track it anymore.
Good, he doesn't like logistics, he prefers to crush Demon skulls.
GUess we to figure out who gets what medals also
GUess we to figure out who gets what medals also
You can nominate each other.
If you're having trouble remembering events, I can provide some reminders, but basically it's up to you.
I am guessing we will need a reminder...I know several of us qualified for medals. Try to get the gold sorted today.
Reminders about the medals and actions needed to qualify
Agility – kill a demon before it gets to go.
I don’t recall any of those, though there were plenty of lower CR demons you might have knocked off before they acted.
Command – redeem an enemy
None of you have really done that
Spirit – become possessed, but become free before doing any evil acts.
Steve was either charmed or dominated briefly by one of the Succubi, and didn’t accomplish anything against the party before being freed.
Valor – kill a demon with a CR higher than your level.
Qualifying demons in this chapter:
Soltengrebbe – the beast of Drezen. Technically, he was a chimera, but the infusion that gave him mythic abilities also gave him the demon subtype.
The Vescavor Queen was CR 9
There was a CR 9 Vrock
There was a CR 9 Nabasu Demon
The Succubus Duelist was CR 9 (succubus in the silver armor)
And last, but not least, was the mythic Shadow Demon at CR 11.
Vigor – get dropped or killed, but survive and rejoin the fight in which you got dropped.
You had a couple of people get dropped fighting the Chimera. Staunton dropped at least one of you, but I don’t think he got back up during that fight.
I should be able to post the nominations for medals this week...forgot my sticky with the actions today...
I probably need a list of what Ison should craft for the party and members.
(crafting mastery path ability = all item creation feats)
Medal nominations:
Agility:
Aramnar-Brimorak in the watch tower
Ison-Shir Demon with an acid fireball
Spirit:
Aramnar-Dominated by the succubus but was freed
Valor:
Parmadon-Beast of Drezen fight
Aramnar-Mithic Shadow Demon
Vigor:
Parmadon-Beast fight
Ison-Beast of Drezen fight
Aramnar's Items, last line is the number of days:
monks robe $6,500.00 13
amulet of mighty fist +1 Evil outsider bane $10,000.00 20
Inspired wis +2 $2,000.00 4
Improve Belt to str +4 $6,000.00 12
Cloak of resist +2 $2,000.00 3
Boots of Elven to boots of speed $1,250.00 3
knights pennon $2,250.00
ring of protection +2 $4,000.00 8
boots of speed $9,000.00 3
Wand of Enlarge 4th $1,500.00 3
Aramnar remaining gold $359.93 69
Davina Items
Elven Chainmail +2 $4,575.00 0
Cirlcet of inspired wis +4 $8,000.00 16
HB of CHA +4 $8,000.00 14
amulet of nat ar +1 $1,000.00 0
cloak of resists +3 $4,500.00 0
Belt of mighty con +4 $8,000.00 0
Shield upgrade to +2 $1,500.00 3
Handy Haversack $1,000.00 2
Pearl of power 1st (2) $2,000.00 0
Ring of Protection +2 $4,000.00 8
Sell breastplate +1 $(625.00) 0
Davina remain gold $2,909.93
total days 43
Few notes, the first thing that Aramnar would push the group to do before settling down would be to do something about the Corruption Forge.
Its like a big evil item in our midst. I am sure the others would want the same.
The next thing would be to secure the city. The Sword of Valor, combined with removing the ruined condition when possible should help us draw others to the city.
With Ison busy Aramnar would be leading regular partols in and around the town and let Parmadon deal with managing the army and the politicians. He takes Davina with him when she wishes.
Davina re-open a temple to Iomedae in the Castle as well as in the city. She also consecretes the crypt area to stop any other undead from rising.
Parmadon's Stuff
MAGIC ITEMS COST TIME TO CRAFT
Headband of chr/int +2 5000 10
Belt of str/con +2 5000 10
Pearl of power, 1st(4) 2000 4
Pearl of power, 2nd (1) 2000 4
Pearl of power, 3rd (1) 4500 9
Pearl of power, 2nd (1) 2000 0
Jingasa of the fortunate soldier 2500 5
Amulet of Natural Armor +2 2000 0
Cloak of Resistance +2 2000 0
Greatsword +1 adamantine 2675 0
Armour of the Pious 11650 0
+1 mithral shirt 1125 0
+2 Mithral Shield 2670 4
Handy Haversack 1000 1
SOLD -1460
Total COST - 44660 Time to craft - 47
amulet of natural armor is 4000gp not 2000gp.
So, if I'm reading this right, not including anything he wants to do for himself, you have Ison booked for 160 days of crafting. At 5 days per week, that's the next 32 weeks in his study manufacturing magic items for the three of you.
Davina Items
Cirlcet of inspired wis +4 $8,000.00 16
HB of CHA +4 $8,000.00 14
Don't WIS and CHA item take up the same slot? you need the 2-fer item.
Headband of Mental Prowess (WIS and CHA +4) is base cost 40,000 gp. Cost to craft = 20,000 gp. time 40 days.
I probably need a list of what Ison should craft for the party and members.
(crafting mastery path ability = all item creation feats)
What item creation feats do you actually have? If you have the actual feat, then crafting mastery cuts the time in half, which may make a difference considering how many items are on the wish lists.
Davina Items
Cirlcet of inspired wis +4 $8,000.00 16
HB of CHA +4 $8,000.00 14
Don't WIS and CHA item take up the same slot? you need the 2-fer item.
Headband of Mental Prowess (WIS and CHA +4) is base cost 40,000 gp. Cost to craft = 20,000 gp. time 40 days.
Thats right...let me think through how else to handle this.
Davina Items
Elven Chainmail +2 $4,575.00 0
Headband of mental prowess wis/cha +4 $20,000.00 40
Belt of CON +4 $8,000.00 0
amulet of nat ar +1 $1,000.00 0
cloak of resists +3 $4,500.00 0
Shield upgrade to +2 $1,500.00 3
Handy Haversack $1,000.00 2
Pearl of power 1st (2) $2,000.00 0
Ring of Protection +2 $4,000.00 8
Sell breastplate +1 $(625.00) 0
Davina gold from party $(1,000.00) 0
Davina remain gold $465.49 53
Party Purchases Days
Scroll of Align Weapon x2 $300.00
wand of haste (50) $5,625.00 12
Diamond Dust $2,500.00
scrolls of stoneskin x4 $2,300.00 4
scrolls of prayer x2 $750.00
wand of cure light wounds $750.00
scrolls of displacement x3 $562.50 3
scrolls of detect secret door x5 3rd lvl $187.50 5
scroll of inviso purge $375.00
scroll of daylight $375.00
Davina change $1,000.00
Handy Haversack for Armanar $1,000.00
Total Party gold remaining $9,821.21 24
That resolves her headband and just leaves Ison's items and any other party items. Maybe a few potions of Barkskin +5.
Can Ison make the Jingasa of the Fortunate Soldier?
its CL is 15th, and it requires the spell Moment of Prescience (8th level spell).
Is the Caster level issue a flat requirement, or does it just increase the DC? I know not having the spell increases the DC.
Regarding party items: Don't you already have one or more cure wands? with Ison's item recharge ability, do you need ore than one?
Can Ison make the Jingasa of the Fortunate Soldier?
its CL is 15th, and it requires the spell Moment of Prescience (8th level spell).Is the Caster level issue a flat requirement, or does it just increase the DC? I know not having the spell increases the DC.
Caster level determines the DC.
Each thing you do not have adds to the DC of the item:
DC is 20 (5+CL15th) + 5 for missing the spell. The DC would be 25 for this item, not sure if Ison can tap that DC. If it is a spell trigger item he has to be able to cast the spell or Ison could cast scroll into it with the spell failure chance.
Here is the crafting quote, "In addition, you cannot create potions, spell-trigger, or spell-completion magic items without meeting their spell prerequisites."
You can craft the others by increasing the DC.
We are adding a second wand in case we have to burn through the first one rather quickly. Never hurts to have 2.
Sorry to be slow, I'm having trouble getting motivated.
Ison has 18 spellcraft, so can't tap DC25.
Assuming there is a way and to make the Jingasa and you want to
take the chance of failure -
it seems Ison will spend 182 days crafting for the party members.
I think I will make the wand of haste extended, so another 10 days
and 4875gp from party treasure, or Ison will cover it.
Ison take from treasure:
blessed book 12500gp
scroll dimension door 750gp
belt mighty con +2 2000gp
Ison will craft for himself:
handy haversack 1000gp 2days
wand of magick missle with dazing metamagick 10500gp 21days
(would make these mythic if I could - is that possible?)
ring of prot +1 to +3 8000gp 16days
amulet of nat armor +1 to +3 8000gp 16days
cloak of resist +2 to +4 6000gp 12days
total cost 40750gp, 67days
This will leave Ison with 4109gp + 3434gp(already had) = 7543gp
and 106days which he will use to hopefully learn some more spells, write some scrolls, and do research on the possibility of including sonic in the admixture versatile evocation.
wand of magick missle with dazing metamagick 10500gp 21days
(would make these mythic if I could - is that possible?)
Sorry, but per the PRD:
Mythic Spells in Magic Items: Mythic spells can't be crafted into magic items unless the item is an artifact (for example, you can't brew a potion of mythic cure light wounds).so no mythic spell wands.
I would rule that if you had a staff with a spell on it and you know the mythic version of that spell, you could spend a point of mythic power while casting the spell from the staff and get the mythic version. Since staves use the caster's abilities and feats, that would make sense for me.
This will leave Ison with 4109gp + 3434gp(already had) = 7543gp
and 106days which he will use to hopefully learn some more spells, write some scrolls, and do research on the possibility of including sonic in the admixture versatile evocation.
I'm going to rule (for now) that you can't add sonic to the admixture class ability. Since there is absolutely nothing resistant to Sonic that I can think of, that would replace admixture with "I bypass all energy resistance all the time". This AP is already running on easy mode.
wand of magick missle with dazing metamagick 10500gp 21days
The Wand of Dazing Magic Missile - at 10,500 gp crafting cost, you are making that at CL 7. Is that correct?
In terms of writing scrolls, no problem. scribe away.
In terms of learning new spells, spells of 5th level or lower are easy enough to get a hold of. Some you might need to borrow from the Riftwardens. They may come asking for favors later, but help yourself.
The Corruption Forge
It takes Davina and Ison several days of research to work it out, but with several spells and prayers, they are able to dispel the Evil and Chaotic auras from the forge. By manipulating the forge's magic, Ison is able to reverse its effects. The Corruption forge is now the Redemption forge. Using the forge, it is possible to convert an evil magic item to one aligned with good.
wand of magick missle with dazing metamagick 10500gp 21days
The Wand of Dazing Magic Missile - at 10,500 gp crafting cost, you are making that at CL 7. Is that correct?
Yeah I was copying what I was considering when Ison got the crafting mastery at 8th level.
Might as well make it CL9 so 135000gp and 27 days.
Yeah I was copying what I was considering when Ison got the crafting mastery at 8th level.
Might as well make it CL9 so 135000gp and 27 days.
I think you have an extra zero in there, but yes, doing it at CL 9 is fine.
With Ison busy Aramnar would be leading regular partols in and around the town and let Parmadon deal with managing the army and the politicians. He takes Davina with him when she wishes.
Your patrols in the city are largely uneventful. Within the first few weeks, any stragglers among the demons or cultists have been captured, killed, or driven off.
Beyond the city, things get a little more wild. With regular patrols, you are able to pacify the immediate vicinity, but anyone who goes more than a few miles out, or stays in the Wounded Lands for more than a day or so still runs a significant risk of running into some sort of hazard.
The whole region is oppressive, dangerous, and ugly. Still, with the Sword of Valor hung prominently in the Citadel, morale remains high.
Yes at this point Aramnar is staying within the protection of the Sword of Valor wiht his patrols.
BTW Aramnar switched out his ring of protection +2 with a ring of Shield which is about the same value.
He also asked for 1000gp back from the party fund to get another handy haversack.
Ison, any scrolls you make for the group not on my list you can subtract from the party fund as well.
If we don't use all of our cash I would plan to buy another 1000gp of diamond dust. This seems to be stuff we can have enough of. That and granite dust.
Revised Magic item list
MAGIC ITEMS COST TIME TO CRAFT
Headband of chr/int +2 5000 10
Belt of str/con +2 5000 10
Pearl of power, 1st(4) 2000 4
Pearl of power, 2nd (1 ) 2000 4
Pearl of power, 3rd (1 ) 4500 9
Pearl of power, 2nd ( 1) 2000 0
Jingasa of the fortunate soldier 5000 0
Amulet of Natural Armor +1 1000 0
Cloak of Resistence +2 2000 0
Greatsword +1 adamantine 2675 0
Armour of the Pious 11650 0
+1 mithral shirt 1125 0
+2 Mirthal Shield 2670 4
Handy Haversack 1000 1
SOLD -1460
Total Cost - 46160 Craft - 42
Ison, any scrolls you make for the group not on my list you can subtract from the party fund as well.
If we don't use all of our cash I would plan to buy another 1000gp of diamond dust. This seems to be stuff we can have enough of. That and granite dust.
Granite dust is easy to come by around here. For diamond dust, you need to have it shipped in.
Ison, any scrolls you make for the group not on my list you can subtract from the party fund as well.
If we don't use all of our cash I would plan to buy another 1000gp of diamond dust. This seems to be stuff we can have enough of. That and granite dust.
Ison made some more scrolls, but go ahead and use the party fund as you see fit - too much trouble to figure it out now.
Anyway, whats mine is yours, one for all, etc...
reminder for future reference
In the session on 11/5, Davina Windchild's Holy Smite spell put the finishing touches on the CR 11 Shachath demon.
Also, Aramnar was dropped by the Barbarian, but was revived by Davina in time to rejoin the fight.
Good catch, I was trying to note those types of things for future reference.
Another fyi:
In the session on 11/19, Davina's Atonement spell and continuing influence and encouragement redeemed the fallen Cleric of Erastil.