The Armageddon Beasts (Inactive)

Game Master Zayne Iwatani

I'm in telepathic communication with them.

<<Svenlu just fell, collapse on his position. If you spot the Sard, inform me and keep your distance. Stay invisible.>>

Mortimer is sitting on the edge of the cliff, meditating with his eyes closed when he suddenly speaks up. "Be prepared, we might have found it."

"Ergh, does that mean we'll be teleporting again?"

I'm re-preparing my extracts and mutagen for the day. I'll update the list in a bit.

"Yes." I saved the greater teleport for returning.

Mortimer stands. "Create a perimeter. I need to call a greater power to aid us." He turns, facing them with more seriousness than he has ever shown. "Do not interfere. Do not ask what I"m doing. Do not touch anything. Do not panic. Do not attack, for any reason." He softens a bit. "What I am calling is a creature of good, but it is very powerful. Not beyond my or your own capability to handle, but I would rather not upset this creature or its allies." With that he creates a perimeter and begins.

First, Mortimer calls a resilient sphere to block outside interference, keeping creatures and dirt and even wind out from his working area. It's not an ideal working area, but it will do. Next he carefully lays down a circle of powdered silver, and he holds both hands up. One is glowing blue, the other emerald. Both touch the circle at the same time and it begins glowing blue while an emerald shield forms around it.

Mortimer stands on the opposite end of the resilient sphere, then addresses the party one more time. "This will take ten minutes, do not interrupt." And he turns, arms upward as he begins chanting. Every few minutes things escalate. At first Mortimer appears to be simply chanting. Then his robes start flicking around, then his hands glow, then his eyes open and give off a brilliant blue light, and finally his skin appears to crack and radiate light. The entire time the chanting is constant and elevating, until at ten minutes there is a bright flash of blue light. Once it's over Mortimer looks normal again, and inside the dawn circle is a nine foot tall creature. Muscular, bald, and tall, this humanoid creature has emerald skin and two pairs of shining, white-feathered wings.

Instead of acting like the master or controller of this creature, Mortimer inclines his head in respect. "Greetings Planetar. I am sorry to have called upon you without due warning, but our need is great and aligns with your own wishes."

Resilient sphere to have a safe workspace, then a magic circle against good infused with dimensional anchor so once my creature is here it can't plane shift or teleport or anything to get out. I have just called a Planetar Angel. It's not quite as powerful as a Sard, but it will empathize with us destroying powerful evil outsiders and it's an insanely good scout. DM, up to you to play up how he reacts. Here is a source you might find helpful. Binding Outsiders.

Will to resist: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Am I right that the DC for this is 29?

Blah, can't believe I forgot the freaking will save.

10+int+spell level+spell focus=10+13+8+1=32.

The enormous being's eyes glow as it takes in its surroundings. A hodge podge of odd, yet powerful looking heroes on a cliff over looking a grand forest with an angry storm pounding the trees. Not the strangest thing he's seen to be sure but still impressive. Though if this mortal was intending to scare him it wasn't going to work. A Planetar would never surrender. He then looks more intently at the circle against good and also feels the magical energies binding him here and preventing escape. He did not detect evil from this man or the others but that could also be hidden. "I will be the judge of that mortal though the protections here would suggest otherwise. Drop them and speak or I will end them and you." It doesn't draw its greatsword but the threat is enough to cause goosebumps.

Groff just looks bored. Oh, a middle weight angel. Why is he wasting his time?

Mortimer resists the urge to snap at the creature-he knows diplomacy is far better when it comes to good outsiders. "I am afraid that will have to wait for a moment, you know as well as I even a novice summoner dare not drop the circle, good outsider or not."

"I call you because our problem could very well be yours. I was called to this area for my help, and the last day has proven that there are great forces of evil at work. This entire forest overlaps itself with the fey realm, and several powerful creatures have crossed the bridge already; bandersnatches, jub jub birds, and a sard. You can imagine what this pattern is heading to."

"Our only goal right now is to protect the people from these monsters and banish the forces of evil that threaten them. I also fear a greater power at work behind their appearances. I wish to have your aid, not as a summoned creature to do work, but as an ally who would also see the forces of evil kept in check. I would not dare to bind you to work against your will; I would have you as a willing ally in this conflict. If you care not to be involved, I will dismiss you and summon other help."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (7) + 30 = 37 +2 if he considers this information about the forces of evil

"So its begun?" the angel asks cryptically. "That is unfortunate. Even more so because I can't say anymore. There is one on your plane that knows the answers. Seek them out, though they have likely already sought you." You can tell the confused looks on your faces are giving him no small amount of satisfaction. "This fight is yours and yours alone. None may aid you. I will however, give you a hint. Your last foe should be the greatest of the Tane considering the ones you described. Now release me mortal for I may not aid you."

"Hurm, angels. Won't close the Worldwound either. "

Mortimer's mental force suddenly bears down on Groff, angry and storming. Groff may be far physically superior, but Mortimer's force of mind is vastly above his. <<Silence.>>

Mortimer smiles at the angel. "I have great respect for the angel-kind, I do not wish to cause any strife, but I do need help."

"Whatever this event is, why would you allow such evil to manifest itself? I highly considered simply not answering the call, for I have many other matters to attend to. What would have happened to the surrounding civilizations then? Would you have stood by and watched them be slaughtered?"

"You say this is our fight alone, but understand this; You are my power. Magic is my weapon, particularly outsiders. I cannot swing a sword or pull a bow. To take away my ability to get aid from outsiders is the same as taking away one of their weapons."

"I do wish that you would assist, at least in the locating of the Sard if not any combat. This is me humbly asking for your help. If you still refuse I understand. Perhaps an Immolation Devil would be more willing to help."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (13) + 30 = 43

Not sure if you want another roll, but there it is just in case.

I imagine you can beat its SR of 27 no problem and its charisma can't beat your's.

1d20 ⇒ 3

Yeah, it can't leave.

"Tis not the sard you should fear," It says cryptically yet again. "I respect your strength so I shall offer healing but that is all. As for the last enemy, go ahead wizard. What other Tane do you know of?"

Yeah, I've figured it out at this point haha. Can't believe it took me so long.

"The only things such creatures could be the herald of. The Jabberwok." He bows his head respectfully. "We appreciate the healing. Could I further convince you to help us locate the creature? It can travel between plants, and in the forest that's nearly untraceable, and I'd rather not burn down an entire forest just to locate it. But with your mobility and senses you could surely locate it."

"I would if I could against such a creature but this is beyond me. None of us may interfere. You and yours are own your own. Do not doubt your strength though and be weary of summoning, especially evil beings. It could...complicate things." You get the feeling he might be overstepping bounds by saying this much and is unlikely to say more.

Between true seeing and detect evil as constant senses, I thought he would be able to locate it.

"Thank you. The healing is appreciated." Mortimer drops the magic circle and the resilient sphere.

Whata a jabberwick?. fizzy asks perplexed, as he munches on the vestiges of his pie from the day prior.

He frowns as ths sphere drops and the rain is able to get in again.

Rewind.

Mortimer resists the urge to snap at the creature-he knows diplomacy is far better when it comes to good outsiders. "I am afraid that will have to wait for a moment, you know as well as I even a novice summoner dare not drop the circle, good outsider or not."

"I call you because our problem could very well be yours. I was called to this area for my help, and the last day has proven that there are great forces of evil at work. This entire forest overlaps itself with the fey realm, and several powerful creatures have crossed the bridge already; bandersnatches, jub jub birds, and a sard. You can imagine what this pattern is heading to."

"Our only goal right now is to protect the people from these monsters and banish the forces of evil that threaten them. I also fear a greater power at work behind their appearances. I wish to have your aid, not as a summoned creature to do work, but as an ally who would also see the forces of evil kept in check. I would not dare to bind you to work against your will; I would have you as a willing ally in this conflict. If you care not to be involved, I will dismiss you and summon other help."

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+30 +2 if he considers this information about the forces of evil

The planetar absorbs the information and looks out over the forest. He seems to consider the information. "Indeed I understand. Odd for so many of the Tane to be here." He ponders his words a little more. "Aroden?" he says mostly to himself. Then shakes the thought away. "Whatever the case I cannot let such evil loose. You have my aid," he says firmly.

Again, sorry. Ignore the other responses. I forgot which direction I was going. This was a spontaneous idea and I am still working things out. Even the enemies.

Great, we got a crazy angel. Aroden is dead as a stone. "

so what is a jabbewick? Fizzy repeats

"A great creature to fear, but it should be within our power as long as there are no other complications."

Mortimer smiles at the angel, giving a bow and a funny twist of his hand. "Olani oai vlcinin nits mad maasi."

Donovan picks his teeth, laying back on his carpet, which hovers some 40' above the encampment, and watching the sky.

Once the situation seems to have been resolved Kyamba takes a minute to hand out the meals he had prepared earlier that morning.

This time I'm giving out the heal spell to you all just like before, but I'll let you choose if you want something else:

Other than that he seems somewhat disinterested in the current going-ons. Most of what is being discussed is going over his head so he just politely waits for Mortimer to signal the completion of the ritual.

Groff will opt for the bread. Fire protection.

Hey, that Bolstering Bread looks cool. I'll take that one if that's cool.

I still love the chef theme, it's fantastic.

Mortimer now drops the resilient sphere, stepping out to talk with the others. "This is a planetar angel and our new ally. He is a general of the armies of angels and he shares our interest in keeping this evil under control."

"I think the disappearing drink is for me. Thank you Master Chef."

Well I only have one bread until tomorrow. and it looks like Groff asked first. I can't shuffle this time. Sorry

"My pleasure, I have some for our new ally as well if he'd like. Not often that you get to meet someone of such station."

No worries. Didn't realize that.

Edit: Just now saw the post. Pretty amazing, he posted it 21 seconds before me. That's why I never saw it initially.

"The Jabberwock is the most powerful of the Tane, whose numbers include all you have fought today. Odd that would happen as an appearance of any of them is rare in this world. If the Sard and the Jabberwock are within that forest then this world is in extreme danger. How do you plan to find them?" Says the Planetar angel.

"The Sard can travel between the trees so unless we burn the whole forest down I doubt we can locate it. I was hoping with your true seeing and ability to detect evil you might be able to locate it."

Ooooo, French fries

Fizzy grabs them.

I don't think we should burn down the forest. The Fuzz does like to climb...

"It would take 1000 of me to find it in a forest that large in any reasonable amount of time. Burning it might be the better option. Destroying the forest might weaken its connection to the fey but that storm is a problem."

"Omelets, eggs. Burn it. "

"That's totally irresponsible, not to mention we'd likely anger whatever other creatures may be in the forest. There has got to be a simpler way."

"It is for the greater good. You underestimate the power of these creatures."

Mortimer sits in silence for a moment. As an elf, he has great respect for the wilderness and the creatures therein. As a pragmatic wizard, he sees the worthiness of burning down the forest to stop the rampaging of evil.

Can we get some more details about the forest? How many towns are in it, how big it is, etc? Mortimer is really torn on this.

I don't like that at all!

Fizzy says after getting an earful from the Fuzz

Mortimer furrows his bow, then stands up and moves to the cliff. "Lasau soti!" He barks out the words and an astral deva steps out of the ether. "We are hunting a sard and anticipate other evil creatures. You are to assist me in hunting and killing said creatures. For now guard the perimeter. If I am not around to give orders, you may take them from the planetar angel there as long as they do not contradict my own or put any of us in danger."

Summon monster 9, making it permanent. This will dismiss the bone devils. I figured the two would work well together as they're both angels.

I'm thinking about using contact other plane to get some answers. As long as I don't roll a nat 1 I can make even the highest DC check.

"Irresponsible? Not killing em is irresponsible. One could level a city. You ought to try duty at the wound. Makes you understand that not all choices are clean ones. "

"See. The dwarf understands. That must mean you are Groff. I heard you killed a balor singlehandedly," says the Planetar. He then begins to chat with the Astral Deva in Clestial about the situation. They converse for a bit before the Deva points off in the distance. Something seems to appear above the tree line before dipping down again.

To answer about the forest. It is large but there are no towns within. Too dangerous. There might be a few groups along the edge or a few hundred feet in.

"Are we no more than mere vagabonds, ready to engage in wanton destruction once things get tough!? You don't even know for sure that the Sard is in that forest!"

"A lifetime of duty and this what you have to show for it? Well I'm not buying it, there's got to be another way. There's always another way. I'd sooner die than stoop to that level."

"By all means. Go knock on tress. Get me when you find it. "

"Don't tempt me. That's how I found it the first time."

the fuzz wants to know how the Sard manages to find us? Maybe we can go backwards from there.

He picks up the raccoon and hugs it

"It...just kinda happened. I was talking a quick walk through the forest during my watch and I stumbled upon the clearing. Once I got closer it tried to stab me and then fled once the rest of you showed up."

Mortimer blanks his mind from the arguing around him. "Ukris ekess lyrik togofor...ukris ekess lyrik togofor...ukris ekess lyrik togofor"

Casting contact other plane and aiming for a greater deity. I'll let you roll the percentage dice in secret.

INT: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

1: Is the sard we seek still in the forest we are searching for it within?
2: Will burning down the forest allow us to locate the sard we search for?
3: Does the sard still wish to fight us?
4: Has the sard gathered any more allies or power since the last time we fought him?
5: Is there a better way than burning down the forest to find the sard?
6: If we wander through the forest as a group, will the sard attack us?
7: If one of us wanders through the forest alone, will the sard attack us?
8: Is there a way to lure the sard out of the forest?
9: Is a jabberwock coming?
10: Did Groff actually 1v1 a balor and win?

You get your answers and another. The Astral Deva points out across the tops of the trees where an enormous figure flies from the treetops and into the clouds. At this distance it looks like nothing more than a bird but get an ominous feeling from it. The Planetar watches the figure and begins to lift off the ground. "Find the Sard, stay low and out of the wind. Do not engage. Check the center of the storm. I will draw the beast out and bring it here." The Planetar says all this without taking its eyes off the spot the creature disappeared. He then takes off into the sky and after the beast.

"Makin Toast" - DM Ancient 2015.

"We can head to the center of the storm then I can dispel it."

"At the center, so can I. "

Bit confused by what the Planettar just said. So we go to the center of the storm, but he brings the critter here, where we won't be any longer? Which critter is he bringing the flying one (presumably the Jabberwocky or the Sard?