Among the Solamnics, he is the Platinum Dragon. This was the medallion that he presented me with. However, how we came to be blessed with the knowledge of the gods, is best given to the Speaker of the Suns, Solostroran Kanan. If you try to kill me, E'li will save me
diplomacy
Caitlyn added, "Besides, she can prove it. What have you got to loose?"
When the elf spoke, she replied in passable Qualinosti, "Indeed. We bring momentous news from old Xak Tsorath by way of Wayreth. Your leaders will wish to hear of it."
The elf gave Caitlyn a fleeting look of surprise when she spoke.
"It is the same for you as for her. All promise we will want them within our land. I see the color of your dealings with Wayreth," the elf nodded at Jakun.
Among the Solamnics, he is the Platinum Dragon. This was the medallion that he presented me with. However, how we came to be blessed with the knowledge of the gods, is best given to the Speaker of the Suns, Solostroran Kanan. If you try to kill me, E'li will save me
"And now you would test the god?" Eyes wide, the elf reached for his bow. Something stayed his hand just short of it. He peered closely at Mariel.
Caitlyn added, "Besides, she can prove it. What have you got to loose?"
"Our home. Our safety. The hope that the gods will smile on us again." He stood silent for a moment, gazing at Mariel's medallion, then to Jakun and Mittens. "We are not here to speak of gods. Ours is a mission of mercy, to rescue slaves who goblins will soon bring near. Their armies raid our borders, so we raid in return. If you aid us against the caravan, I will know the content of your hearts."
Caitlyn thought that an odd method to say the least, but Elves where odd, living that long did strange things to the psyche. She nodded and told him, "Goblins are an ever present nuisance. Yes, we shall help. How many slaves and goblins are there in this caravan?"
Caitlyn thought that an odd method to say the least, but Elves where odd, living that long did strange things to the psyche. She nodded and told him, "Goblins are an ever present nuisance. Yes, we shall help. How many slaves and goblins are there in this caravan?"
"At least a two score slaves and as many guards. We have word of goblins and hobgoblins, but nothing worse."
"Have you word of the Dragons that seem to lead the actions of these Goblins? I'd not want to face one without being prepared.
I understand your mistrust of all those not elves, my people feel the same way. Indeed, especially of the Ogres who enslaved my people for so long. I know I speak for us all when I say we are here to help".
Do you know whence the slaves come from? she inquires. How long before they arrive?
"Have you word of the Dragons that seem to lead the actions of these Goblins? I'd not want to face one without being prepared.
I understand your mistrust of all those not elves, my people feel the same way. Indeed, especially of the Ogres who enslaved my people for so long. I know I speak for us all when I say we are here to help".
"We have heard wild stories, but all know the dragons sleep forever," the elf drew breath and recited: "Gwynneth's mate, the Dragonsbane, bought our freedom when he smote the Dark Queen with the Dragonlance. E'li guided his hand as he struck, drawing forth her blood that was her oath before her omnipotent touch that is fire and envy and hate slew them. So we sing. So we remember."
Do you know whence the slaves come from? she inquires. How long before they arrive?
"The Seeker lands. Solace, Haven, Gateway. They will pass the best spoke to take them near to sunset."
Why do you resist aiding us against the return of Dragons?
"It is not the way of our Order to act in haste on worldly matters. The White and Black Robes always move with haste to battle that ends in Wizards slain and learning forever lost. If the Red do not stand for deliberation and care, they will rush forth and destroy one another."
Ladonna gave the Kender a gift, is it to follow him around the Tower or is the purpose more sinister? Is there an amulet I can receive to allow him to wear to resist any spells of divination she may cast?
"Ladonna's purposes are her own; I do not know the meaning of her gift. Such a thing would make a fine focus for a scrying, but Ladonna is also a woman of whims. It may have simply amused her to know that you would think she had plans she does not. In either case, the craft of such items as you seek is painstaking. It would be a fit task for a young Wizard to attempt. To that end, I give you this."
Are there any arcane secrets that we as the Red share with initiates or is it simply whatever I find in the Tower on my own research?
"Ours is a path of seeming and transformation, which we all walk alone. In time, our goddess will present her secrets to you."
During my test, s apirit named Fistandantilus called to me, was this part of the Test? Show him the spell book Does it have anything to do with this book I found in Xak Tsaroth while we defeated the Dragon?
Justarius' calm facade cracked for a moment, revealing astonishment.
"That was no part of your Testing. Fistandantilus is an ancient black robe, old long before the Cataclysm. He was a master of our Art as few before and none since, not even Par-Salian. If it often said that his necromancies conquered death, and many times he was reported dead and then returned. But Nuitari consumed him at last. He involved himself in the Dwarfgate Wars and died in an arcane conflagration that melted his fortress of Zhaman into the shape of a great skull. Nothing has been heard from him since. Your book may contain some faint impression of his past self, a memory, but he is surely dead in the main now."
Out of curiosity, may I see the Staff of Magius? He is the man who inspired me to journey here and take the Test after all.
"I do not think that would do any harm, but I must advise you not to covet it. The love of magic is good, but lust for things of the craft has turned the color of more than one wizard's robes."
Have you any further knowledge of the activities of the Dragons?
"We have none. Par-Salian will divine on the matter. Wizards have also been dispatched to see if they may find what you have and return with fresh tidings."
Tell me, should I find a Renegade working for these dark forces, how should I deal with them?
"In other times, I would ask you to spare them and bring them to us. But if things have become so dire as you and your friends say, then the Order cannot afford to take that risk. You should slay any renegade you find at once, unless they surrender themselves to you freely and without delay. We do not wish to make you a murderer, but wild magic is a force that may rend the world in twain. We dare not treat it lightly."
Know you of any reason why Justarius seems so neutral in these dealings? He must see that the fate of the world hangs in the balance if Dragons have returned, and they have.
"Justarius is a traditionalist. He believes that worldly concerns always distract from the cultivation of magic. We should all retire to our Tower and busy ourselves with spells, to his mind. There is much merit to his view, but he asks a detachment that he himself falls short of. His manor in Palanthas is charming, but hardly in keeping with the pure life of the mind that he claims as his own. Should he ever have you to guest, do not forget to sample his wine."
Master, can you offer me any advice on dealing with Dragons outside of what I have learned in my research these past few days?
"None now living has faced a dragon in the flesh," Par-Salian said. "I am sorry that I can do no more than to advise you to ward yourself properly and proceed with greatest caution. Look after your small friend, especially. It is always very sad when his folk in their innocence come to early ends."
Is there any who I can seek to aid me in my travels?
"It is the way of such things that many perils will face you, but also many will come to your aid. Who will they be? My sight does not reach that far. In the stories, there are mysterious women, knights, and sometimes absent-minded wizards. I feel the weight of my years, but I do not think my wits have wandered so far yet. The best help to you may be the people you have already found. Keep them close, for however the winds of the world may buffet you, you have already seen much together."
Know you of any allies in Qualinesti or are our relations with the elves as bad as I fear they are? There must be some white robed elven wizards no?
"The elves are friends to my order, but I fear your robes will make using my name a difficult prospect. The tales say every elf is a wizard, but few even among them have our calling. When you reach Qualinost, seek Arduin. He may be of some help if you need an audience with the Speaker of the Suns."
Is there any aid that you can give to me? You must see that the return of the Gods of Light has some meaning more than mere coincidence, especially with the reappearance of the Dragons.
"I do see great powers at work. The best advice I can give in these troubled times is much the same as I would in better days: Passion may move you, but it is best tempered by reason and patience. Act always with compassion and mercy, and your kindnesses will be remembered and repaid. Be steadfast and persevere through the many disappointments of life and you will go far."
Red dragons, red dragons took Solace, my brethren. They have returned, the shrieking hosts of the Dragon Queen
Jakun shakes his head, "I would be wary Master Justarius, this Fistandantilus stated he could aid me in the Test itself. If he lurks about another young Mage with less confidence than myself may well take him up on that offer!"
Old you may be Master of the Tower but there is a great deal of power in you still, perhaps more power than any other mage will ever attain. The world may need it one day, I hope that you will heed that call".
Red dragons, red dragons took Solace, my brethren. They have returned, the shrieking hosts of the Dragon Queen
"We will see," the elf said. "I am Porthios. I would know the names of those who will do battle at my side."
Porthis? Portion Kanan? Eldest Son and heir to the Throne, son of Solostoran Kanan, speaker of the sun?
"Jakun Stormhoof, my trust will be earned by deed elf Porthios".
Porthis? Portion Kanan? Eldest Son and heir to the Throne, son of Solostoran Kanan, speaker of the sun?
"You know me?" Porthios said.
I spent time in between Qualinost and Solamnia, as a child. My father is of Qualinost.
Thistletorp peaks up from behind the speaker. Hiya! I'm Thistletorp Babblebrook! Pleased to meet ya! He extends a hand, holding a coin purse. You dropped this! You should really be more careful with things! They tend to run off. We're on a quest to stop some really bad guys!
Caitlyn asks, "You plan to ambush their column I take it? Risky but it may be the best way to save as many of the slaves as possible, just show us where." Thistle chooses that exact moment to talk and Caitlyn tries to redirect his boundless energy, "Er Thistle did you hear? Some mean nasty goblins have captured a load of prisoners and we need to save them. I bet if you found a good hidey hole they'd never see you till it was too late."
How long, My Lord Porthios, before the caravan arrives?
How long, My Lord Porthios, before the caravan arrives?
"We have three hours to catch it," Porthios said. He explained the rest along the way: the elves knew a spot where the caravan would pass very near the edge of the forest, an ideal spot for ambush. They would arrive ahead of it and lay in wait until the lookouts gave the signal. Then the elves would loose arrows, hoping to disable the wagon drivers and any leaders before moving in for the kill.
The elflord set a demanding pace, more than once seeing near to leaving the Companions behind. But at length and footsore, they arrived and had nearly a quarter hour to settle in and take rest before the caravan arrived. Goblins and hobgoblins guarded each wagon, both driving the teams and walking along to either side. The goblins proceeded in a sprawling manner, but the hobgbolins stuck to close file. The wagon in the lead carried crates full to overflowing with weapons, armor, and other oddments of war. The other two bore huge cages containing many people, conspicuous among them an elf in a gleaming blue surcoat, knelt down over something or someone not quite visible, and an older man in Seeker robes.
Intricate birdcalls went out and the goblins had just enough time to look up in curiosity before the arrows flew. Each took a driver in the throat, bowling them off their perches as the goblins began to shout. One of their number, mounted, cried out in alarm.
I'm going to handwave the elf half of this fight. Assume many of them are shooting at or otherwise molesting goblins just off-panel.
Inits!
Total 32, average 16
never flat-footed
Total 61, average 12.2
The Elves had set a grueling pace, it wasn't so bad for talk folks like Caitlyn but she felt bad for Thistletorp and offered to carry him on her back if he chose. Once she was in the groove, with the adrenaline flowing and the endorphins kicking in she started to feel alive in a way she hadn't in weeks. They where on their way to a battle, she should be scared. In truth she was, somewhere deep down, oh she'd pay for it later no doubt in the middle of the night. The thing was after cooling their heels for what felt like so long at Wayreth, they where doing something!
The wait, once they'd set up the ambush proved agonizing. Apparently it was only quarter of a bell but that was long enough for Caitlyn's adrenaline to fade and she began to wonder if this was such a good idea after all. A lot of folk were about to get hurt... Then suddenly the rather noisy and noisome caravan rounded the bend and time seemed to stop.
The arrows started falling, and she almost surprised to find herself running hard towards the knot of goblins guarding the second cage. In a strangely detached way she noted that she had no memory of picking up her weapon, but there it was in her hands describing an arc as it whistled towards a particularly ugly goblin!
Jakun considered casting a spell to increase his own speed but decided not to waste his time. Instead he kept the pace his health vigorous compared to most mortals he had an easy time of the trip.
Jakun casts Fly and Shield on himself as the time begins to tick away.
-
Just as the caravan came into view Jakun cast Haste on his allies. He will offer to include Porthios in the effect if the elf wishes it to be so.
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.
All of the hasted creature's modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject's normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature's jumping distance as normal for increased speed.
The Revered Daughter will do her best to keep pace with the rest of the elves, praying that Paladine help them in this endeavor.
E'li, hear the prayer of your servant. Guide us, help us to free these your children. May this show forth your power and your majesty and above all your love for your children.
Casting Prayer
You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Thistletorp slips into the underbrush, attempting to hide.
Caitlyn flew into a rage and rushed the goblins, slaying one at a stroke. Jakun remind in the trees, warded, and invoked the power of the moons, secrets new to him, to gift the Companions and the elves with supernatural speed.
"E'li, hear the prayer of your servant. Guide us, help us to free these your children. May this show forth your power and your majesty and above all your love for your children," Mariel prayed and a watchful, guiding presence surrounded the Companions. The goblins cast about and shrank away from the same presence.
Mittens fixed eyes on the goblins and his blade burst into flame while Thistletorp ghosted ahead, vanishing into the verge.
The goblins yelled battle cries. One closed in with Caitlyn, pulling its small blade out and slashing her while its fellows peppered her with arrows and rushed about the wagons in a chaotic mass.
The hobgoblins in the rear put on a far better show, dismounting the wagons in practiced motions and pressing forward in a wedge aimed at Caitlyn and the elves beyond her.
Looks like charge is a full-round action, so just not an option in surprise. But they're goblins. Close enough.
And the goblins get to go. Let's abstract what the elves are doing a bit. They this round and are distracted dealing with them rather than the party. That leaves 14 to do stuff.
hit Minions can't crit PCs.
Since she's the main target right now, 8 of them are going to shoot at her. Her AC with haste is 16.
That covers nine of the 14. 5 more. The move around the wagons to get into a better shooting position.
And 20 hobs. They all double move up.
Looking at the hobgoblins as they approach, in a loud and powerful, confident voice the Revered Daughter again calls upon the name of Paladine E'li, Father of Light! These creatures of darkness mean to harm innocents and your children. May the see the light of their actions, the light of your being once again with your people, Stalwart Defender of all that is good and pure.
She casts:
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (a piece of flint and a pinch of silver dust)
EFFECT
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area 10-ft.-radius burst
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw Reflex partial; Spell Resistance yes
DESCRIPTION
This spell fills the area with a brilliant flash of shimmering light. Creatures in the area are blinded for 1d4 rounds, or dazzled for 1d4 rounds if they succeed at a Reflex save. Evil creatures in the area of the burst take 1d4 points of damage per caster level (max 5d4), whether they succeed at the Reflex save or not.
damage dice
Reflex is 16 DC
Looking at the hobgoblins as they approach, in a loud and powerful, confident voice the Revered Daughter again calls upon the name of Paladine E'li, Father of Light! These creatures of darkness mean to harm innocents and your children. May the see the light of their actions, the light of your being once again with your people, Stalwart Defender of all that is good and pure.
She casts:
Burst of radiance
Barely feeling the bite of arrow and blade, Caitlyn dances away from the goblin. The blood was singing in her veins and the world had constricted to circle within which she could reach her enemy. With a wordless cry she pirouettes on the spot like a dancer and her hammer leaves a trail of red ruin as she batters goblins aside like toys.
In her fury Caitlyn could barely tell friend from foe and magic of any sort was right out! She desperately tried to avoid the strands of magic radiating out from her friends, but at the last moment she recognized the benefits and let the spells take hold.
Jakun will fly forward to survey the best place to lay down his Lightning Bolt, from about 20' up he will fire his most devastating spell.
Lightning Bolt -
Mariel prayed, "E'li, Father of Light! These creatures of darkness mean to harm innocents and your children. May the see the light of their actions, the light of your being once again with your people, Stalwart Defender of all that is good and pure." A dazzling burst of light engulfed four of the goblinoids. When it passed, they lay unmoving on the ground.
Mittens fixed his gaze on the nearest of the advancing hogbolins and roared a challenge. He got roars in return. In the thick of it and blurring with spell-speed, Caitlyn's hammer smashed goblins left and right. In an instant, three fell dead.
Thistletorp ghosted ahead unseen, coming to the enemy's notice only when the lead hobgoblin, eyes still fixed on Mittens, fell to the ground. An instant later, Jakun spoke the words of a spell and a stroke of lightning rushed from his hands to incinerate more than half a dozen goblinoids at once.
More goblins fell to elven arrows as they rushed to answer Caitlyn's furious attack. One ran right into her swinging hammer while others stung her with small arrows.
The hobgoblins had eyes only for Mittens, rushing past Thistletorp to engage the minotaur. They covered the ground in an instant, coming up in blade's reach.
They both have a +2 ref save. And that's a lot of dead gobbers.
So what's left...12 gobs, 8 hobs. The elves goblins and more. So 7 effectives this round. One advances on her, provoking.
dead
Two more attack her from range because, hey, crazy death machine.
miss
4 left
5 damage total
Hobs. Not a lot they can do about Jakun, but Mittens was really distracting. They're all headed for him. The first provokes off Thistle.
miss
Seeing the four hobgoblins charging at Mittens, Jakun drifts towards them (still 20' in the air) and lashes out with yet another spell.
Magic Missile
Thistletorp steps forward through the grass on his tiptoes back towards the, taking almost comically slow strides. He holds his tiny shortswords up in front of his face like candlesticks. He nears the hobgoblins heading towards the line of elfin archers, childish glee flashing wildly in his eyes. Poke! Poke poke! His voice is a whisper, cutting across grass as stabs at the two hobgoblins with his swords!
Calling upon her faith and the power of her god invoking Paladine, these creatures of evil seek to harm your faithful! Protect us by your holy might she prays as she invoked a Magic Circle of Protection from Evil. She focuses it on herself
All creatures within the area gain the effects of a protection from evil spell, and evil summoned creatures cannot enter the area either. Creatures in the area, or who later enter the area, receive only one attempt to suppress effects that are controlling them. If successful, such effects are suppressed as long as they remain in the area. Creatures that leave the area and come back are not protected. You must overcome a creature's spell resistance in order to keep it at bay (as in the third function of protection from evil), but the deflection and resistance bonuses and the protection from mental control apply regardless of enemies' spell resistance.
This spell wards a creature from attacks by evil creatures, from mental control, and from summoned creatures. It creates a magical barrier around the subject at a distance of 1 foot. The barrier moves with the subject and has three major effects.
First, the subject gains a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures.
Moving forwards Caitlyn kicks aside the crumple form of a fallen goblin and swings her hammer in another great arc, it whistles through the air and smashes into another pair of goblins with a meaty thwack-thwack! Suddenly there are no more enemies within reach, and with a howl she casts about for more...