The Blackest Scale

Game Master Nicos

"Okay, Tandall, tell em then. What is this knowledge that you possessed in life that would make someone send an daemon to kill you?"

The ubication of 2 of the reamining pieces of the verses of the creation.

"'The creation'? I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means."

"Perhaps our last two questions should be 'The creation of what?' and 'What are the locations of the 2 remaining pieces of the verses of creation?'. Unless you have something better worded or a more helpful idea, of course."

"'The creation'? I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means."

"Perhaps our last two questions should be 'The creation of what?' and 'What are the locations of the 2 remaining pieces of the verses of creation?'. Unless you have something better worded or a more helpful idea, of course."

Auron ponders for a minute, then speaks to his friend.

"What are you saying, Sun Xiao? Have you heard of these 'verses of creation?'"

"Not exactly, but it sounds like something very dangerous and powerful."

"If I were to take a wild stab in the dark, I'd think he was talking about the creation of the universe. Or at least the world. Or maybe Daemons themselves, who knows for certain, but it has to be SOMETHING like that."

"But perhaps I'm wrong and his soul was stolen over the last two verses of the world's greatest cherry turnover recipe. That might be an interesting change of pace."

This is all just the conclusions my mind leaped to when I heard the term "verses of creation", could be completely wrong. If it's one of those, could I roll on Kn. Religion, History, or Planes to see if I've heard any rumor of such? If so, I'll add onto the above with something similar to a "Although, I HAVE heard of X". Can I take 10 on all 3? History would be 18, Religion would be 27, and Planes would be 19.

@ Xiao: Nothing comes to your mind.

The elf, standing silently to this point, interjects, "I believe that Sun is correct. First, find out the location of these verses. Then we can formulate our next question. As you do, I will wrack my memory for any mention of these verses or "the Creation"."

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

"Very well... Let's ask the next one..."

Auron turns to the speaking corpse of his old friend.

"Tandall. What's the location of the final verses of creation ?"

@ Castien
You only have faint memories of some references of myths about sacred words that gave birth to the multiverse.

@ Everyone
Will save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Tandall´s corpse refuse to comment about the location of the verses. You have only one more qustion to ask.

Lemmy do not forget to post with Auron Avatar

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

+2 if it's a Fear effect.

whut?:P , that was Tandall will save so he can refuse to answer. Yu do not have to make a save

Ah. You said @Everyone so I figured you meant 'Everybody make a Will save.

Mind if I save that roll for a future save? =p

Tandall has a damn good will save for a dead man O.O'. Was he a Paladin?

"We're trying to help you, you freaking idiot!" says Auron with a rather impatient tone. He takes a deep breath before continuing his interrogation. "You said many would have a reason and the means to send an assassin after you. But only one of them did, and he or she used daemon servants and was able to block most divination effects, that's not an everyday assassination method. With that in mind, who would you say is the main suspect?"

Tandall has a damn good will save for a dead man O.O'. Was he a Paladin?

A cleric, with protection (defense) domain, in fact I think I missed a couple of points in that roll.

Final answer: I do not know - Tandalls body return to unactivity

Sorry but he really do not know

I thought he was a Fighter. Well, ces't la vie.

"Well, that was... Not helpful at all. I'm not sure where we should look for our next clues, guys. Any ideas?"

"Hrm, well. That was less helpful than I expected. But we do know a bit more now than we did going in. He was killed over this secret he held, the location of the 'Verses of Creation'. I think our course is clear, though our methods for continuing upon it may not be. Find the verses, find the killer, and the reason why they are so important as well."

"Perhaps the priests of Helm, or another god, know a bit more about this? At least the origins of what may be a legend mentioning such 'Verses'."

"Forgive my being rude, but shouldn't we be consulting a cleric of Oghma, god of knowledge, for information on "verses"?"

Maybe. Like I believe I've mentioned, I know pretty much jack about the gods of the realms.

Castien is being facetious. Auron is a cleric of Oghma.

Ah, my mistake. I'd COMPLETELY forgotten that. =/

"Perhaps we could. If only we knew one of those..." Sun Xiao said with a little smirk.

"Perhaps we could. If only we knew one of those..." Sun Xiao said with a little smirk.

If only... My specialties are the Divine and the Beyond, but I'm not familiar with these verses.

Or am I? Kn(Planes): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21 & Kn(Religion): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34

"If you guys give me about 15 minutes, I can try and ask Master Oghma for information. The blessing I have in mind is not infallible, however. If it's not successful, I can take us to Candlekeep. The great library is bound to have at least some information about these verses."

Really, forum? Rolling 1 on a Kn(Planes) check? Really? You disappoint me.

Auron have nothing to say about the topic

There you were in the smal shrine of Helm thinking and talking about your next move when you hear in your own mind

Mortals, The body have spoken with you isn´t it? The creepy voice is talking to your mind so you can not locate it origing.
Reveal to us the location of the verses and we will spare your life, refuse and not only you will die but all your beloved one will join us in abbadon.

Mortals, The body have spoken with you isn´t it? The creepy voice is talking to your mind so you can not locate it origing.

Reveal to us the location of the verses and we will spare your life, refuse and not only you will die but all your beloved one will join us in abbadon.

"What the...?!"

Auron is surprised by the imposing voice suddenly echoing in his head.

"I'm not sure who you are, but go f+&! your self."

Auron prepares an action. Should any creature that looks threatening appear, he casts Blessing of Fervor on the whole party.

Also, please keep in mind that both Auron and Sun Xiao have Blindsight 30ft.

Finally, just in case... Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

Upon hearing the voice in his head, Sun Xiao immediately drops into a combat stance to prepare himself for what could be coming.

He activates Dragon and Snake Style, free action for both.

"Show yourself!" he says as he looks around the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40

+2 if there's a Daemon, Devil, Demon, etc. in the room.

At the mental intrusion, Castien draws his blade looking about for any likely source.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Can't believe I forgot to do this... ¬¬'

Auron draws his bow. Before readying himself to cast a spell as soon as necessary.

Move action to draw his bow... Standard to ready Blessing of Fervor as soon as a enemy appears. Man, I forgot to draw my weapon!

Kobal draws his swords and Readies himself to attack.

It is always better when the heroes fight back - The voice speak in your mind again. Out of the small srhine, at more or less 80 ft a large human-shaped beast has a horse’s skull for a head. It walks on cracked hooves and bears the rotting wings of a carrion bird. show himselfs
Very well, I´ll start with the beloved one. Such a strong girl, I will take her soul down to abbadon!

The best concentrates and teleport away.

Kn. Planes to determine what it is after it poofs away? 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

I assume that succeeds for now, since I'm pretty sure it was a leukodaemon. Correct me if I'm wrong.

"Girl? What...Castien! I think he was talking about your wife! That was a Leukodaemon, she's not going to be able to fight that, and anyone with her likely isn't going to be able to kill it either. We need to move NOW if we want to kill that thing."

Leuokodaemon.

Auron screams in a desperate but firm tone.

"All of you! Come to me! I will take us there! Cas, where is she? Where is Danissa?"

As soon as all other characters touch Auron, he casts Greater Teleport to transport the party to wherever Castien says Danissa is.

Also, what do I know about Leukodaemons? Kn(Planes): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Does Castien know where his wife is now?

I dunno. Make something up. Get this ball a rollin', if that's what Nicos was waiting on.

I'm assuming Castien has at least a good idea of where his wife is. Unless she is doing something completely unexpected.

Does Castien know where his wife is now?

Yes, yes. It is not your fault that the game did not continue, I just have to make the map of the battle field (yes a battle is coming :)) and it have been somewhat hard due to the numbers of enemies. I will post it in the night.

Schweeeeet.

Description
The "C" are this guys

"This brown, shaggy-furred beast stands on slate grey hooves. Its head resembles that of a maniacal horned ape."

The "AG"

is this guy

The “L” are a couple of Leukodaemons.

Map

The stone floor (where you are) is the frist floor. The wooden floor is the second floor. There are a couple of stairways as you can see. The second floor is 10 ft high.

The Blue token in the second floor is danissa (who is Unconuncious).

===================================================

Castien quickly tells that Danissa is in an Inn, Auron completes the spell and the group Disappear to reappear where Castien told. When you arrive you instantly note that you have been deceived. Three soldiers wearing the symbol of helm lie dead near you, while several outsider awaits your arrival, they obiously knew you were coming. The soldiers have been dead for at least half an hour.

Good to see you heroes - An armoured guy standing in the second floor greets you (This is “AG”, he is like the picture but without a weapon and the shield is a tower shield).

So, who will be nice enough to tell me the secrets of the dead old man?. He was not easy to kill so I am somewhat anxious, speak quick or something bad could happen to this gorgeous lady. – He points to Danissa that lies Uncouncios by his side. I promise that if you speak true all of you will leave this place alive

If you want to start a battle you can act first, you won initiative

By the way, It is the situation understanable? I will like to not update the map so we should try to be descriptive with movements.

Situation seems pretty clear. <Insert Ackbar Here> and all that.

Sun Xiao starts talking to the human in order to buy some time to size up the situation and try to recall the enemy's strengths and weaknesses.

"Seems like you've got this whole thing planned out well, haven't you? I do hope you weren't expecting us to give up the information THAT easily, however. That would make me very disappointed in you." Sun Xiao gives him a condescending sneer at the last bit.

As he does so, Sun Xiao scans the room, taking stock of the number of enemies.

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Ceustodaemons as well, eh? Why am I not surprised. We're seriously outnumbered here.

"You did bring an awful lot of firepower just for little old us, I'm flattered."

He turns to the others and whispers.

"How do you guys want to play this? I count 10 daemons, 8 Ceusto, 2 Leuko, both kinds formidable enough in a fight, and the unknown man by Danissa. We don't know anything about him, except he's MAYBE a priest."

I was gonna say it in Infernal for some possible extra protection but then I realized Kobal didn't speak it. =/

Sun: You know that the ape creatures are known as ceustodaemon and you know that those creautres are weakerthan leukodaemons but that is all you know about them

Oh, of course not but I will prefer to hear the secrets from you and not from your corpses, besides I have the tactical advantage and more importantly the girl. Talk now an let this end quick - Said the guy answering to Sun´s first sentence.

Auron looks around, trying to analyze the situation as precisely as possible.

Auron tries uses Perception Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22, Detect Magic and Spellcraft to try and identify possible spells in this areaSpellcraft: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28. Also, if there is any religious symbol on the bald guy's clothes, I try to recognize it. Kn(Religion): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

EDIT: 1, 2 and 8? Why does the God of Dice-Rolling hate me?

Forgot Kn. Religion.

Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

Kn. Religion revelas nothing, the guy do not wears any visible symbol. And yes every daemon and the armored guy have at at least one spell casted on them, @ Auron, you need to concentrate 3 rounds to attpent to discover what school of magic is involved.

"Such a rude person. Demanding answers without even introducing himself... What guarantee do we have that you won't kill her as soon as we give you our information?"

EDIT: redacted

BTW, assuming my Readied Action worked, everyone in under effect of Blessing of Fervour. Although 2~3 rounds are already gone

Sorry for the delay. I am doing almost the exact same thing except it will be through a different force spell.

As the translocation spell terminates in the inn, Castien becomes very still. He doesn't seem to be aware of the banter between his friends and their newest enemy. As though a lever had been pulled, he regains his senses and launches into the air and over the railing onto the second floor. His muttered words drowned out by the triumphant fanfare booming from the black blade in his hand, the rapier skewering the human standing over Danissa.

Blessing of Fervor: +2 Atk, Dodge AC and Reflex saves
Spell Combat Force Hook Charge (target distance less than 60 ft.)
Charging Spellstrike Forceful Strike melee attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39
Confirm critical hit: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41
Critical Damage: 2d6 + 22 + 26 + 20d4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 22 + 26 + (2, 3, 3, 1, 4, 4, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 2, 4, 2, 4, 3, 2, 3) = 111
Bull Rush: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25
May not have made the bull rush, but I think the damage makes up for it.

EDIT: To be specific, as I am charging, I would be in front of "AC" and to the right of "U":

[Cs][SX][Kb]
[AC][Dn][Au]

"Civilized men should talk face to face, not screaming from different floors"

Auron follows Castien's lead, transporting himself and both Sun Xiao and Kobal to Danissa's side while simultaneously thanking Oghma for this blessing.

As soon as he materializes his friends and himself on the 2nd floor or the buliding, Auron turns to their mysterious opponent, speaking with a serious tone.

"Hope you don't mind the intrusion. I'm sure my friends are eager to shake hands."

Auron uses Dimension Door to teleport Sun Xiao, Kobal and himself up to the 2nd floor. Assuming neither Kobal nor Sun Xiao resist the spell and that Auron can choose where each character appears, he materializes himself 1 square east of Danissa, leaving Sun Xiao 1sq north of her and Kobal 1 sq north of Auron himself.

Their positioning after the teleporting spell is the following:

[....][SX][Kb]
[AC][Da][Au]

Notation: [....] = Empty Space; SX = Sun Xiao; Kb = Kobal; [AC] = Evil Guy; Da = Danissa; Au = Auron

I believe Castien propelled himself to the empty space directly in front of "AC". EDIT: Yup. that's exactly what he did.

Sun Xiao gives a little grin as he appears behind the man holding Danissa hostage, and drops into his fighting stance again.

Reactivating Dragon and Snake Styles as free actions if they were deactivated before.

Sun Xiao 5 ft. steps left, to directly behind the guy.

He can't resist leaning in close and whispering in the man's ear before raining blows down on him.

"Hi there. We're going to have some fun later, why don't you get some rest? You've got a big day ahead of you."

I think I'm gonna use the Blessing of Fervor for attack rolls, actually, offset the TWFing penalty since we're not sure of what this guy's capabilities are. Power Attack + TWF for nnon-lethal, to be perfectly clear.

Sun Xiao knees the man hard in the small of his back, hoping to attack the nerve cluster there and disable the man quickly. Stunning Fist, DC 17 Fort or Stunned for 1 round, Shaken for 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 rounds

Attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (16) + 23 = 39
Damage: 1d6 + 33 ⇒ (1) + 33 = 34

Then he punches him in the middle of the back, to compound the pain.

Attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33
Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (6) + 31 = 37

Kick in the back of the knee.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (2) + 31 = 33

Roundhouse kick to the side of the head as a (hopeful) finisher.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (1) + 31 = 32

Man, those are some s~%+ty damage rolls. Ah well. 136 total non-lethal damage if all the attacks hit (though I think at least the last one missed. Then again, he should be flatfooted currently...). I'm not sure of everyone arrangement exactly, so I may actually be flanking with Kobal (though I'm not certain). If so, add +2 to each of those attack rolls.

General stuff: If the guy's still conscious, he takes a -1 to attack rolls and concentration checks as long as I'm adjacent to him. He also provokes an AoO if he leaves this square, period, unless he teleports out somehow.

If he's a Daemon in disguise (not likely) I get a +2 on all those attack and damage rolls.

And finally, if the Stunning Fist worked, he takes -2 on AC, loses Dex bonus (if any), and takes a -2 to basically every roll.

Okie doke. I'm off for the night.

Sorry for the long delay, I have been very busy and will be all this week, I will still be able to post once a day (hopefully). GM, if you feel I am dragging things down feel free to gmpc me for a while. If the man is already dead Kobal will charge to closest Daemon and do the same thing.

Kobal's eyes grow red and his fingernails grow into long sharp claws (rage). Electricity runs up and down the blades of both his swords and they become slick with dripping acid (lesser elemental rage + elemental rage).

On-hand 1: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 4) + (1) + (5) + 12 = 24
On-hand 2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 4) + (6) + (5) + 12 = 29
Confirm on-hand 2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 5) + (4) + (4) + 12 = 31
On-hand 3: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 4) + (3) + (6) + 12 = 31
On-hand 4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 4) + (6) + (6) + 12 = 29

Off-hand 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (2, 3) + (5) + (1) + 14 = 25
Confirm off-hand 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (4, 4) + (2) + (2) + 14 = 26
Off-hand 2: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (2, 3) + (1) + (1) + 14 = 21
Off-hand 3: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (6, 5) + (4) + (2) + 14 = 31

We're trying to deal non-lethal by the by Kobal. We want answers, not just murder.