SR's - Great Southern Isles (PbP) (Inactive)

Game Master stormraven

I know the least about Naladoria, but can anyone really determine the mind of a goddess? If nothing else, we're vanquishing untold horrors in an ancient ruin. Surely that has to count for something?

I will use the mage armor scroll on myself as well before we go in. If we make it back to the spider-stairs unhindered, I will do the following, in this order: Cast Mirror Image on myself, Cast Arcane Sight on myself from the scroll, Cast Frostbite (and just hold the charge), Use Pearl of Power to regain Frostbite, Drink Potion of Fox's Cunning. Then give thumbs up to Jayse and Strae. That should about cover it. During that time, Ushari should probably bust out magic circle against evil and Archon's Aura. Jayse, before we go in any doors at the top of the stairs, it might be a good time for that shield other as well.

Orin, you need to roll for the number of images.
As for the recommendations on spells for Ushari and Jayse, they will have to declare their actions.

The next morning our heroes row the small boat across the turgid waters and brave the Shaudran Ruin one more time. The chambers and halls are blessedly unoccupied. They move cautiously from lamp to lamp throughout the structure, not trusting the silence. At length they arrive at the Second Stair and mount it to stand before the elaborately scrolled door to the Chamber of the Gods. The team prepares themselves.

1d100 ⇒ 78

Straehan checks the door for traps and defenses. He finds it locked and... "Damn. It's got some sort of spell trap on it. I've got to handle it if we want to pop the lock."

Perception (Trap Spotting) v DC:30 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

How do you want to prep for Strae's attempt to disarm the trap?

Is it an abjuration aura? I can summon ye old monkeys to open it while we all stand back.

Orin, as to your earlier suggestion that Jayse use Shield Other... I don't see that Jayse has that potion. I have recorded a Protection from Evil Potion, but that's the only defensive buff spell that I see listed on my character sheet. Am I missing something?

When we were buying stuff to prep for the trip, we bought two scrolls of shield other and I believe a scroll of Breath of Life. The shield others can spread the damage around and make Ushari's channeling more effective. I also think that Ushari should hold the Breath of Life scroll in one hand, so if one of us gets killed she can run over and revive him.

Right now the only spells sha has cast is the Daybreak Arrows and also Heroism on Jayse.Rest assured she has the scroll ready to be used. Heck she could have Skitter ready to hand it to her, saving room in her hands for other things :)

Right now the only spells sha has cast is the Daybreak Arrows and also Heroism on Jayse.Rest assured she has the scroll ready to be used. Heck she could have Skitter ready to hand it to her, saving room in her hands for other things :)

That's a good idea. Totally forgot about Skitter. Don't hate me! ;-)

Ah, so actualy we need someone to cast it on Jayse? Gotcha. That's great. Who should share the damage? Ushari?

With a round of Bardic Performance, I can use Inspire Competence. +3 Bonus to on "skill checks with a particular skill."
It's a little vague, but think this is a single-target ability.

With a round of Bardic Performance, I can use Inspire Competence. +3 Bonus to on "skill checks with a particular skill."

It's a little vague, but think this is a single-target ability.

You wanna hit me up with that on my UMD roll for the scroll? Is that what you mean?

Ah, so actualy we need someone to cast it on Jayse? Gotcha. That's great. Who should share the damage? Ushari?

I was thinking Jayse and Orin share and Ushari and Jofram share (and Strae stays back). Note that it is only one-directional. So if Orin gets hit for 10, he gets hit for 10. If Jayse gets hit for 5, he takes 5 and Orin takes 5. But if me and Ushari try to stay back a bit and spread the damage out, it could extend our lifespans tremendously.

I suppose this goes without saying, but I assumed we have cast Light as well. I can't cast it now without losing my frostbite spell. Also, Jofram, if we are fighting something at range and it has concealment or whatever due to darkness, make your first arrow shot at the creature a daybreak arrow--then it shines like a sunrod and we can see.

So, should I put up the shield other on Jayse? Everybody ready? After that I'm good

Number of images created1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

UMD to cast shield other on Jayse, DC 23 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Haha, that plus 3 would definitely come in handy.

Yah, go ahead and toss the Shield Other on me... ya know, when the dice will cooperate with you.

Once that's done...

Jayse looks at the door, then shakes his head, "Honestly, best thing I can think to do is to ahve everyone stand back as the door opens. How about we all stand back as you work on the door. If you get it to a point where all you need to do is turn the knob, you and I should switch."

To answer some questions... The trap is Evocation. The trap is on the lock, not the door. So the monkey would have to credibly attempt to pick the lock to trigger the trap. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it isn't as simple as 'pushing on the door'.
I'm not sure what skill (Disable Device or UMD) Jofram is suggesting he modify. I'd like to know that. If he plans to modify several skills then that will require him to run the performance longer.

Here are the effects I have listed so far:

Daybreak Arrows - 70 mins (now 55 min)

I'm not seeing any further mentions of casting or any other definitive statements from the casters involved. SO, here's how this is going to go. I need the following answers:
Jofram - Are you using your IC performance to modify any skill rolls? If so, which ones?
Ushari - Are you using the scroll to cast Shield Other? If so, on whom?
Orin - you declared your castings before moving up the stairs and the trap being detected. To create your monkeys, you will lose your held spell. Is that your choice?
If Jofram does not do IC, you will need to continue to roll UMD scores until you hit the DC.

EDIT - if you are going to 'stand back' while Strae attempts to disarm the trap, I need to know where each of you is standing.

I'll need a specific grid ref for each of you while the door trap and lock are being handled.

MAP (for positioning purposes)

I will give the summon scroll to Strae in case he wants to use it

UMD 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

While Strae is working the trap/lock, Jayse will take V63, with a suggestion that Jofram be in U63. With Orin and Ushari behind them. Once the door is ready to be opened, have Jayse switch with Strae (and possibly have Orin step up to Jayse's vacated spot and Strae go to the back row).

Those are my thoughts.

Ushari will cast the Shield Other scroll on Jofram.

Ushari will stay on the staircase in square T66. BTW Skitter will be activated and sitting on her shoulder, with the Breath of Life scroll held in his claws.

Thanks, guys. Orin - I need a grid ref.

Straehan prays to Gods he doesn't even believe in as he begins to meticulously work to disarm the trapped lock...

Disable Device (trap) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

click! An audible snap comes off the door as a chill rolls down the corridor, washing over Strae, Jayse, Orin, Jofram, and Filch.

Straehan lets out a breath in the now-frosty air and gives a thumbs-up - the trap has been successfully disarmed. He quickly sets to work on the lock, unsure if the trap will reset soon...

After some cursing and a fumbled try, he pops the lock.

Disable Device (lock) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Disable Device (lock) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

OK, guys, everyone in the corridor and across the way to the far wall just avoided sucking a 15d6 Cone of Cold. How do you want to approach the room?

You can ignore the questions to Jofram and Orin - they are moot now.

Jayse stalks forward carefully. As he approaches the slick-fingered gnome, he whispers with a wry grin. "I'm assuming the fact that I just didn't' get exploded through some form of vicious arcanery that you were successful. So excellent work!" He looks back at the group, then back at the door, voice still low. "Fall back while I open the door… if there are no immediate threats, you and I should lead into the room to continue checking for traps."

He waits for Straehan to fall back.

Obviously, if someone has a better plan, speak up.

Ushari enters the corridor and waves the gnome and monk onward. "Go ahead, we will be right behind you."

Jayse and Strae push open the door...

This appears once to have been a temple although whatever pews or pulpits there were have mouldered to dust. It is still an impressive room with a soaring central arch some 60' above the ground. the room is dimly lit by an unnatural glow that emanates from the massive statues and throne.

In the center of the North and South walls are deep-set alcoves. in the Southern alcove, carved in white stone, is a 40' tall statue of a robed male with improbably smooth features,and a hard look to his glowing pupil-less eyes. He bears a rod in his right hand. In the Northern alcove, carved from black rock, is a 40' tall statue of a robed and hooded woman bearing a slender, wickedly curved, longsword. Her face is similarly smooth featured with glowing pupil-less eyes and a mocking half-smile.

Centered near the Western wall is a large stone throne. Surrounding the throne is a careless pile of coins, art, and objects. Sitting half-on and half-in the throne is an inky figure clad in rotting robes and bearing a sharp ebony crown on it's shapeless, head. It appears to be casually watching you despite the inherent malice radiating from its faceless visage.

It speaks in a pleasant contralto, the voice a strangely accented Common tongue. "Welcome, visitors, to the Chamber of the Gods of the Shaudran." His long arm lifts to point a slender inky digit at the statues - male then female. "You stand in the presence of the Lord Anathanon and his Queen-Consort, Lady Meaggearn. Won't you come in and visit for a time?"

MAP

OK, guys, this is my last computer-based post. If you want to chat with the 'guy', we can do that but any combat will have to wait until I return.

Wow! What a cliffhanger! I would much rather have had this guy attack us. Being polite? Terrifying, no joke.

My pleasure, glad it creeps you out. >:)
Feel free to chat 'him' up. I can probably manage conversation while I'm away.

Ushari pauses at the entrance to the temple unable to hide the look of surprise on her face. She waits for a few seconds while trying to recall if she has ever heard tales of such a being...

Knowledge (Planes) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Ushari is unsure what to make of this.... Creature.

It is a K: Religion roll. Even using your better first roll, you have no clue what is chatting so jovially with you.

Know Rel 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

Orin is also unable to identify this particular type of undead. More curious or disturbing is the fact that it appears to be some form of incorporeal creature...

So how is it wearing a crown upon its brow?

The creature watches you all hesitate in the doorway. "Oh, come now! If I intended to kill you immediately, I could have taken your scouts while you were fighting the web-spinner in the corridor."

Straehan glances over at Jayse with a someone has to risk it... better one than all of us look. He slides into the room along the East wall with false casualness, making a show of examining the construction, while trying to avoid getting any closer to the undead. He notes another door out at the top of the Eastern wall. Sorry, can't update the pic until I get back.

His tone is as free of concern as he can make it, given what he has realized about their opponent. "You seem to know a lot of the Shaudran... Ista malachana kekk'utyi Shaudri sem sur anatarayy?"

Strae has ID'd the creature but he is keeping it to himself for the moment - probably wouldn't go over well discussing how to destroy it at this moment.

Know: Religion 20 + 11 = 31 Take 20 - Scholar Ability 1/day

"Your...hospitality knows no bounds." Ushari replies with a trace of sarcasm in her voice. She watches Straehan enter the room and decides to distract their host further. "Would you care to introduce yourself to us?"

The creature sounds pleasantly surprised. "Your accent is poor. Self study, I imagine? Still, I'm flattered you've taken to resurrecting our tongue. As to your question... I am Shaudran though I can't say if I'm the last of our once great race. Immortality, it seems, was short-lived for my brethren."

"Your...hospitality knows no bounds." Ushari replies with a trace of sarcasm in her voice. She watches Straehan enter the room and decides to distract their host further. "Would you care to introduce yourself to us?"

It turns the red pin-points that it calls eyes on the cleric. "Watch your tone, child, or you'll learn the limits of my charity... Since you've broken into my home, like uncommon thieves, the first introductions should be yours... but I'll indulge you. I am Sin'anath'rath. And you are?"

"Ushari...Ushari Velnokal."

The creature inclines its crowned head, "Charmed, I'm sure, Miss Velnokal." It looks to the others briefly to see if they intend to respond before continuing to chat pleasantly with Ushari. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" It nods in the direction of the gnome. "A scholarly interest in a vanished people, perhaps?"

Straehan shaves the fine line of a lie about their interests. "I certainly have an interest in your people, their magic, wisdom, and fate."

Orin Vanderwhal, pleased to meet you.

The witch pauses for a moment, considering his next words carefully. If I lie, he'll know, and we have no time for these games.

We are here on behalf of Naladoria--to retrieve her seashell. Perhaps you know its location?

The creature practically purrs. "An honor, sir. Hmmm..." He seems to consider the exiled Goddess' name as well as the request for a time. "I'm afraid I don't know the lady but I do have this."

Its over-long arm stretches through the side of the throne. The long fingers sift through the coins and objects scattered nearby. After a moment, the hand rises from the pile as objects slip through it even as the arm slides through the side of the throne. Resting in the creature's palm, surrounded by the foot long razor-clawed fingers that protect the item like a spider protecting its eggsac, is a small bronze-ish looking seashell sculpted in metal. It is no more than two inches across. "This is the only shell-like treasure here. What is it worth to you?"

Since it doesn't have K:Religion, it doesn't know Naladoria.

FYI - To me, Mithril is silver and Adamantine is a bronzey colored metal - despite whatever the books may say. Having never seen Corborundrum but knowing it is related to Adamantine, you imagine this shell may be made of Corborundrum.

Jayse takes a few steps into the room, trying not to look like he's looking for hidden threats as he lets his mind blade dissipate. Perception 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19.

"This is the only shell-like treasure here. What is it worth to you?"

Jayse answers in an off-hand matter, "Hard to say… not really us who wants it." He looks over at the shell and the speaker, "I gotta ask… how is it that you know the common tongue? Can't imagine you get many visitors in here."

If that is the shell we seek, it is worth quite a bit--I would offer you a lot. That shell is nonmagical, though, so it's likely worthless to us. May I examine it for a moment? If this is Naladoria's shell, I will make you a generous offer.

Jayse watches the exchange, and glances to the pile of treasure flanking the creature. What kind of price would an immortal with such wealth even ask?

Hey, Orin's a genius. He has a PLAN. ;-)

He looks over at the shell and the speaker, "I gotta ask… how is it that you know the common tongue? Can't imagine you get many visitors in here."

"Sadly, not many... But a few visitors have stayed long enough to convey your language. I'm a quick study."

If that is the shell we seek, it is worth quite a bit--I would offer you a lot. That shell is nonmagical, though, so it's likely worthless to us. May I examine it for a moment? If this is Naladoria's shell, I will make you a generous offer.

The creature almost smiles and widens its claws as if in invitation, "Of course. Why don't you step closer and examine it?"

Ushari steps into the room behind Jayse, her eyes roaming over the statues and the pile of treasure next to the throne. She motions for Jofram to guard their rear and looks at Sin'anath'rath.

"In addition to helping Naladoria out, we also do have an interest in the Shaudran race...and not just for monetary reasons either."