[Outpost 2018] GM Zoomba's Beacon Below (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

"Indeed, I think we need to be wary of these individuals, who after all these years are likely insane. And we seeks knowledge, so starting a conversation with Saruna rather than starting with a blade seems prudent."

"I think that this is always our path of action ... talking!" she says with a uncertain smile.

Heading up the stairs brings the fog once again, though this time no undead or elementals seem to be prowling amongst the thick mist. As you approach the site of the fight, a dry voice purrs out from an unseen source ahead. It echoes strangely against the stone.

”New feet walk, but come to talk? Or do you plan my final end If my twisted from does so offend? Agents of the Sages with whispers from the mauve, depart: I have been shackled long enough to guard this quickly vanishing trove.”

Hassam responds honestly "We'd like to talk first, although in my experience conversations with those twisted by undeath rarely go on long-term."

Merrick looks to Hassam and Enora to take the lead in the parley, but whispers "We need to find out what Saruna means about 'quickly vanishing trove'! What is she talking about?

A strange rattle sounds out from ahead as you continue to cautiously advance – almost as if it was an attempt at a laugh. ”The sage asked for commitment of heart and soul; he left cold stone and a ragged hole. You judge? For ages the deathless thoughts of I have so impeached. You wish to speak, then start: who comes, and through which breach?”

As you walk down the fog-filled hallway, Giovanni motions for you to stop, turning to the left, part of the wall begin to fade from most of your eyes though Hassan and Nox are for the moment confusion at what the rest of you are looking at (still unable to see through the illusion) to show a set of stone double doors thrown open to reveal a room beyond it. At the far wall sits a simple altar, with pale light shining down on it from a painted moon on the ceiling. Behind all stands an ibis statue that silently gazes over the chapel.

Also looming in the clear of fog chapel is a mummified sphinx, her eyes glowing with a purple light and with amethyst brooches and beads braided into her stiff hair. She does not look pleased, and is slowly pacing. In fact, it's hard to get a good look at her as he position seems the shift and dance around erratically.

Spellcraft on the 'shifting', Know Arcana about sphinxes.

kn(arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
kn(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Enora looks intently at her surroundings and informs everyone in the group about her findings!

Seeing the mummified sphinx, and recognizing the positional shifting and erratic dancing of a normally far less mobile form as one of the far more visible protection magics used against him in the past, Giovanni actually seems to relax a little, looping his primary chain over his right shoulder, but keeping an end in each hand.

"If I remember correctly, that effect means it isn't really where you see it. Don't know how far the offset is or how long it lasts, but it makes the opponent much harder to hit. Good defense for a discussion that could go wrong, really. Nice choice."

Saruna looks at Giovanni and snarls. "A wretched shell cannot yet rest, least 'fore new unwanted guests."

As Giovanni may suspect, Enora does recognize Saruna as being under the effects of a displacement, causing attacks against her to be hard to pin down. 50% miss chance

The halfling also identifies the Undead as a gynosphinx (albeit a mummified one). Magical beasts known for their love of riddles and secrets, sphinxes posses several innate magical abilities Including constant see invisibility and comprehend languages, so she seems to understand you all quite well, thier main danger lies in their bite and pouncing, raking claws.

Enora looks at Saruna and asks

"Hello lady Saruna, it is very nice meeting you. We heard that there were some misunderstandings here in the last centuries and we would be very interested to understand what all this is about?"

”A tale of blood and gems these walls would tell; not mistaken but betrayed. I served the Sages, the Amethyst had no better aide. I lent him my mind. Not enough! My heart he stole. To him surviving the purge a fair return for my soul.”

Saruna’s eyes close for a moment as she steps slightly closer to you. As the sphinx shifts away from a pillar you can see through gaps in her wrappings a gash in her chest where her heart once was. Within the blackened hole sits a fist-sized amethyst.

She looks at Enora, her dry voice rising in volume as she seems angered by the memories. ”Badru embraced his change, his choice and his folly. Now, Agents of Jewels you come and seek to make a friend? Does he still live: Sinuhotep? Then let me leave to exact his cost. Or else flee now and let me be, lest one of us meet an end.”

While you can talk more and ask questions, She seems unfriendly and increasingly agitated towards you. At this stage a Social check may be a good idea if you don’t want to fight.

Nox, who is pointedly not invisible but undetectable, makes his way behind a pillar in the room, leaning against it with his bow ready for if things get dicey.

Stealth: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (18) + 40 = 58

"Oh dear Saruna, to be honest I cannot imagine what kind of person would remove the heart of another being. I will never be able to truly understand your pain ... but believe me that we are only here to understand what happened."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

"Grieved Saruna, we also mourn for the loss of knowledge. Why precisely did you say the trove is vanishing? We would keep that from happening, and perhaps our goals align in that regard?"

d20 roll ? ;-)

Merrick tries again, fearing his fumbling is only adding to Saruna's anger

diplo: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

As even you barely realize Nox has moved forwards, Saruna shakes her heads and resumes pacing, intermittently looking around with a frustrated expression before turning back to you.

"Cannot envision such a man, yet work along his ken? Blind as the fool Badru then. Lore and secrets must be kept, but to stop them being lost the Amethyst found no line not worth being crossed. And where he is now, fled or dead? One way to know: seek out the library and the beacon below."

She looks at the tiefling blinking for a moment as he speaks, almost as if she had forgotten he was there. "Here above the shell and I set alone, left to fight over forgotten tomes. Yet in archive below sits the books and records most dear; yet recently they vanish as an unknown force makes them disappear. The crystal beneath contains value matched by none. Deepest archive holds relics too, but those going one by one."

Sadly, not one of my skills

Unable to warn his friends without giving away his position, Nox instead chooses to set his arrow to the bow and prepare for the possible attack...

Readied action to fire at uglies if they attack my allies.

"Badru said we need an approximation of a sage jewel to enter below. Do you have a way for us to create one? We must stop whatever is emptying the library.

When Merrick mentions Badru’s comments about an ‘approximate’ sage jewel’, Saruna’s dead eyes flash with life. She backs onto her haunches and snarls.

“Badru sent you here to trick the seal so here you stand so come before, assassins set to take the stone set at my core?”

The sphinx backs away, the amethyst in her chest seems to pulse brighter with her fear and agitation. The shifting after-images surrounding herself start to fade and grant you a clearer view of her body. Saruna keeps her eyes locked on you, but fishes around with a wrapped claw at a small wand beside her as she continues. ”Kind words and sympathies you continue to spill. Those fade with the wind; actions speak to your will. You seek the library and the beacon below. That riddle is one whose answer I know. Badru’s focus, once taken, will serve as a base: purified it can absorb the guard’s Grace. Together will make a facsimile, enough to grant entrance to the archives for thee.”

The ‘Focus’ Saruna seems to be referencing is almost certainly the gem embedded into Badru’s center. Removing it would likely destroy the apprentice – though the same would likely be the case if Saruna’s gem was taken from her.

"We were sent by the new sages to try to recover as much of what lies within as possible. They didn't know of either of you or your ongoing hatred. We've got no desire to hurt either one of you. We're trying to find a way to do our assigned job without destroying the library's contents. If we wanted to kill you, would my weapon be over my shoulder or spinning in use? Your fatalism seems to be killing you without anyone's help, though."

”I speak now despite having long since died” Saruna retorts. ”This state is agony, yet tasks remain before I can move on. Your wish to preserve and recover what’s lost is so mine – and to make the Amethyst betrayer gone!”

The mummified sphinx drags a single clawed paw agaisnt the stone. ”You talk in circles, spilling words. But deeds show true intent. Scrolls and books stolen below and swift work needed to so prevent. Access through a cleansed jewel lies, and but two sources with which to try.
"So ‘agents’ of sages: him or I?” Saruna’s last words words rasp out as she stares unblinking at you.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"Dear Saruna, believe us that we do not want to fight you and that we feel with you. If you could assist us I promise you that I will do everything in my power to help you. I do not know if it will be possible for you regain your heart or turn into a living being again but whatever is happening here will be analyzed by us and if our findings can help you to repair the damage the Amethyst Sage has done we will be happy to provide it to you."
diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Can someone aid please!

Sadly even with aids...

"You feel?" She snarls. "This one can no more. Senses deadened for the dead. Made so by one of the sages to which you have yourselves been wed."

The sphinx crouches into an attack position and rasps. "You stride in brash, interfere in our clash, and conspire with soulless Badru. So unconcerned with values of true life: then let it be taken from you!"

As Saruna readies to pounce forwards, she snarls a word (or knowing her a sonnet) in a wispy tongue. Merrick notices the target of her words - a pair of swirling misty figures - above just before one breaks off to swoop down at an unsuspecting Enora! Hassam and Giovanni also failed the perception checks Taken by surprise, the halfling's defenses slip just enough for a solid claw to rip at her and cling tight to the arcanist.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 for damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Grab: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Initiative

Airy thing
Nox & Xon
Hassam
Airy Thing
Saruna
Merrick
Enora -4hp, grappled
Giovanni

Knowledge Planes on the airy creatures, which do seem some form of elemental

Failed Perception so surprised, yes? Or are we starting in a full round? Why do I ask? Because Combat Reflexes lets me make AoOs even while flat-footed if the weapon is ready, and I made a point that I kept the ends of the chain in my hands . . .. Of course, depending on starting position and path of travel, it could have reached Enora without any provoking movement. But if it came straight down . . .. Just trying to do the character's job of protecting the mission specialists . . ..

And I've got no stress about not getting the AoO in. It is literally the character's job for me to try, though!

Hassam quickly inspires his allies before casting a quick haste.

know planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Hassm now providing +5/+5 and haste.

IMMEDIATE ACTION: Enora casts 'Liberating command' to make an escape artist check with +14 against her CMD to escape

Enora cries out "Aaaaahhh" and then gets a grip on herself and speaks a single magical phrase!

escape artist with liberating command: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 = 33

Not so much a surprise round as you wouldn't have noticed this thing to hit it as it approached. Though based on its position at the start and now don't think that one would have provoked anyway.

Just in case, you may want to roll/declare your AoOs on if the other one approaches you however...

Enora concentration, DC 24: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 5 = 25

Just as the claws grab onto the halfling, she just manages to get a spell off to free herself. Hassam meanwhile bathes the entire group in boosting magic, though he can't quite make out what sort of air creatures are harrying you from above.

Initiative

Airy thing
Nox & Xon
Hassam
Airy Thing
Saruna
Merrick
Enora -4hp
Giovanni

Well, these things don't have any obvious held weapons, so no disarm. They are flying, so no trip. Reposition (quickened or not) can't be used off-turn, so the ONLY AoO I can use against them is a basic attempt to harm. From what I remember hearing about the sphinx mummy, I could trip her. Could.

potential AoO vs air thing on right of map: 1d20 + 24 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 24 + 5 = 36
potential damage vs air thing: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 + 5 = 16

potential trip AoO vs sphinx: 1d20 + 32 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 32 + 5 = 55
Potential damage AoO if trip succeeds: 1d20 + 24 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 5 = 49
potential damage vs sphinx: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 9 + 5 = 19
Potential threat confirm: 1d20 + 24 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 24 + 5 = 39
potential crit damage vs sphinx: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 + 5 = 18

Magic piercing weapon. +2 on Attack & Damage vs Creatures brought to Material Plane via Conjuration (Summoning) effects

That covers the expected behaviors that could provoke, I think.
Not that I think Saruna would get close enough to trigger an AoO.

Arrow Vs FF: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 4d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (5, 6, 4, 2) = 271 Str Damage(Stacks), -2 to AC vs all, -4 AC vs self (Non stack)
Arrow Vs FF: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 4d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (3, 3, 3, 5) = 241 Str Damage(Stacks), -2 to AC vs all, -4 AC vs self (Non stack)

Sniper Stealth: 1d20 + 45 ⇒ (17) + 45 = 62

Arrows fly from seemingly nowhere, nearly untrackable as they slam into the sphinx at key points across her body, jamming muscles and slowing the creature down a smidge.

Xon reaches out to the swirling mist...

You look tasty....

Melee Incorporeal Touch: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Incorporeal Touch: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Displacement, low misses: 1d100 ⇒ 53
Displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 36

As a shadow streaks out to begin draining the energy from Enora's attacker, two arrows seems to shoot out from nowhere at the mummy, reminding you all that there's a wayang about. One catches Saruna in a joint in her leg, causing her to stagger though she seems somewhat less injured than you'd have expected but the second shot passes through air as Nox's shot goes several feet to the right of the displaced librarian.

Saruna roars and looks around, but seems unable to spy her attacker. Instead, she rushes forward to take her anger out on the closet target: Merrick! The sphinx mauls the poor tiefling terribly, leaving him bleeding on the floor.

claw1: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 for damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) + 8 = 22
claw2: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 for damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) + 8 = 20
rake 1: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39 for damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5, 4) + 8 = 20
rake 2: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 for damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) + 8 = 21

The other air creature flies over the party to try and strike the lightly armored Hassam. It eats a lash from Giovanni's chain as it goes. The bard takes a hit from its sharp claw, but the wispy hand fails to get a hold of him.

attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21 for damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
grab: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Initiative

'Blue' Airy thing, 5 Str damage
Nox & Xon
Hassam
'Red' Airy Thing -18hp
Saruna -22 hp, 1 Str damage, -2 AC this round
Merrick, bleeding at -8hp
Enora -4hp
Giovanni

Enora gets a grip on herself.

Enora looks a spot 30 ft away and suddenly vanishes through a dimensional rift saying: "Bye bye."

(MOVE ACTION) Dimensional Slide: Enora can spend 1 reservoir point during a move action to step through a dimensional rift, essentially spending 5 feet of movement to move dimensionally up to 70 feet away. The dimensional movement doesn’t provoke attacks of opportunity.

She appears out of harms way and casts a spell shouting: "Prepare to get fast!"

(STANDARD ACTION) Enora casts 'haste' - duration 8 rounds.

Hassam already cast haste. Feel free to ret-con your Stadnard action.

Merrick utilizes a boon from the Queen of Thorns book chronicle sheet:
Desperate Bargain: When dropped below 0 hp, immediate action gain 2d10 +lvl hps for 3 rounds & be confused as spell. DC18 Will to remove. HP disappear at end of 3 rounds.

healing: 2d10 + 9 ⇒ (8, 10) + 9 = 27
willsavevs.confusion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Drawing on inner reserves, and perhaps tied to his infernal roots, Merrick shrugs off what seems to be a flurry of death. His eyes glaze over momentarily, but his pupils regain focus and he withdraws into the hallway to regroup.
presumably provoking an AoO when moving out of Giovanni’s square since the sphinx is large?

oh sorry, then Enora would cast ear piercing scream and spend an arcanist reservoir point to increase the dc to 19 fortitude for half damages and no stun. Otherwise full damage and stun one round

spell damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2) = 7

Merrick: So good news is you are up, and can withdraw without provoking (sphinxes only has 5 feet of reach, despite their size.)

Fort: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Saruna seems to wince as Enora gives out a silent scream, but remains quite active. Meanwhile as the tiefling crumples, he seems infused with a strange energy. His wounds still visible, Merrick nevertheless manages to retreat back into the hall.

Initiative

'Blue' Airy thing, 5 Str damage
Nox & Xon
Hassam
'Red' Airy Thing -18hp
Saruna -23 hp, 1 Str damage, -2 AC this round
Merrick, bleeding at -8hp
Enora -4hp
Giovanni

Sorry, been doing Scouting stuff again, but I forgot to post ahead.

"I hope some of you can help me out, here."

The first thing Giovanni does is attempt to move the Blue Air thingie.

Reposition vs Blue w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 32 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 32 + 1 + 5 = 42 +2 if conjured to material plane

Basic success, move it right. TN 37 means I can move it right x2. TN 32 means I can move it right x3. TN 27 means I can move it right x4. TN 22 means I can move it diagonally up and right (against the wall, 3rd square up) and out of my reach.

This movement provokes for anyone who chooses to take the AoO.

Iterative attack, Giovanni attempts to move the Red Air thingie.

Iterative Reposition vs Red w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 27 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 27 + 1 + 5 = 37 +2 if conjured to material plane

Basic success. move it up. TN 32 means I can move it up again and out of my reach.

This movement provokes for anyone who chooses to take the AoO.

As the final iterative attack, assuming both Air Thingies are moved out of my reach, Giovanni is forced to attack the undead sphinx.

Iterative attack vs Sphinx w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 1 + 5 = 22
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 + 5 = 19

AS the Hasted attack, Giovanni will attempt to trip the sphinx, dropping it to the ground.

Haste attack Trip vs Sphinx: 1d20 + 32 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 32 + 1 + 5 = 48

I REALLY hope that's good enough. Assuming it is:

Being tripped by Giovanni provokes for anyone who threatens the target

AoO damage vs Prone Sphinx w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 = 54
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 + 5 = 19
Threat confirm: 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 = 38
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 + 5 = 21

5 of 6 AoOs remain.

Likely AoOs:

Blue movement:
AoO damage vs Blue w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 24 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 24 + 1 + 5 = 42
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 + 5 = 20

Red Movement:
AoO damage vs Red w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 24 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 24 + 1 + 5 = 37
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 + 5 = 20

Sphinx stands:
AoO damage vs Prone Sphinx w/ Haste & Inspire: 1d20 + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 24 + 4 + 1 + 5 = 45
Magic Weapon damage: 2d4 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 + 5 = 18

displacement miss chance, high hits: 1d100 ⇒ 86

Giovanni's chain whips around in a blur, twisting around your party's foes and whipping them around as the momentum causes the chain to swirl towards its next target. The first blue air creature is yanked past the party to the other side of Giovanni while the other is thrown into the ceiling above. Saruna, in turn, manages to doge the fighter's chain as it whips out towards her body, but a final twist cause the sphinx to sprawl onto the floor. tripped

Xon AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 for Str damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

This movement allows Xon and Hassam to lash out. The shadow's strike further saps the air creature as it whirls to the right. It's churning mist significantly disrupted, the elemental nevertheless approaches five-foot flying Giovanni and attempts to strike at the chain-wielder, but the draining toll of Xon seems to cause its claw to weakly miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 for damage: 1d4 - 5 ⇒ (2) - 5 = -3

Hassam, you have a free AoO (before and in addition to your turn) on wither of the air creature or Saruna, your choice.)

Initiative

'Blue' Airy thing, 11 Str damage
Nox & Xon
Hassam - has AoO on enemy of choice.
'Red' Airy Thing -18hp
Saruna -58 hp, prone, 1 Str damage, -2 AC this round
Merrick -8hp (but 27 temp ho, so functionally 15 hp)
Enora -4hp
Giovanni

Nox sets more arrows into his bow and they appear in swift shots as if from different directions, attempting to strike the sphinx.

Arrow Vs FF: 1d20 + 15 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 20 = 37
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (6, 6, 4, 6) + 5 = 311 Str Damage,(Stacks) -2 to AC vs all, -4 AC vs self (Non stack)
Arrow Vs FF: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (3, 3, 5, 2) + 5 = 201 Str Damage, (Stacks) -2 to AC vs all, -4 AC vs self (Non stack)

Xon attempts to keep munching on the blue airy thing that he has already drained so much of....
Incorporeal Touch: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

No AoO from me, spear in one hand, potion in other is Hassam's normal wielding..

Hassam takes a moment to step back and gulp down his potion before continuing his inspiration.

5ft step back, drink as move action from accelerated drinker.

Hassam then powers his weapon with arcane strike and takes a powerful vital strike at the large sphinx.

stab (not including prone or -2AC): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
damage: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 5) + 22 = 40
miss chance, low always misses: 1d100 ⇒ 68

Displacement, high hits: 1d100 ⇒ 87

I realize I erred last night and Giovani's actual damaging attack on Saruna would have just hit her (forgot she had charged and thus had lower AC that round)

Displacement v Nox, high hits: 1d100 ⇒ 7
Displacement v Nox, high hits: 1d100 ⇒ 84

As the shadow chases the wounded air creature, he touches it one last time. In response, the swirling clouds stop, and it plummets to the ground, still and drained of all strength.

Meanwhile, Nox fires another pair of arrows at Saruna, again striking her once as the other clatters behind her. The prone sphinx makes to stand, but Hassam thrusts a spear right in her chest!

Saruna roars, then sags. "Ages here...I now... depart." Saruna wheezes, trying to turn her head to glance at the Ibis statue behind her. Thoth will see me soon. Returning sages: be more than the past. Else I will cheer your d..."

The sphinx slumps on the ground, silent and still. The amethyst in her chest still glows, but somewhat dimmer. At this sight, the last air creature seems to look down and shifts over to the corner of the ceiling. You hear a swirl of air, but it does not seem eager to continue the attack. It sounds like its talking in Auran

COMBAT OVER!!!!
Merrick -8hp (but 27 temp ho, so functionally 15 hp)
Enora -4hp

Enora looks at Saruna's corpse and shakes her head. "This was so unnecessary."

Enora starts to search the place to see if anything of interest can be found on Saruna and rooms.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Merrick gulps a potion with one hand while holding his side with the other where the rakes nearly eviscerated him.

"Hassam, would you mind using my wand on me some to heal me up?"

A saddened Enora begins to look around. The chapel seems remarkably clean despite the years, with little stray objects about except for 4 vials that sit on the room’s altar. One is empty, but the other three are filled with a powder made from crushed diamond.

As Merrick recovers from his grievous injuries, the rest of you notice that two wands have slipped free from Sauna’s wrappings. One is almost certainly a wand of displacement, but the other is currently unknown. Though spellcraft for those who can Detect Magic might discover it.. In addition to the sphinx’s gem heart, the necklace around her neck – an extravagant choker set with a central amethyst within an opal inlay – also seems to gleam and glisten in the light.