The Forgotten God (private) (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Well, considering this module could be summarized as 'court politics in the Shadow Plane,' it appears that I'll just need to provide the proper motivation. I figured that Iris would absolutely hate the Shadow Plane, so I've made sure to insert it while she's still too low a level to cause any real damage. ;-)

Kaer Maga has no real authority figure, as the entire city exists in a state of near anarchy. Still, there are quite a few prominent factions including the Ardoc family (renowned construct crafters), the Troll Augurs, and the Necromancers of Ankar Te.

'Hate' is a bit mild. XD Something like overhearing plans to control the minds of all the mortals in the city with magic might work, though.

She mostly preferred to avoid dealing with necromancers, and there were few trolls fond of the dawn light... but craftsmen she could handle, and after inquiring about their location, she set off to see if she could talk her way into their good graces and enlist their help. The fey were unlikely to be fond of constructs anyway, so it definitely seemed worth a shot.

Oh, I think I have just the thing. ;-)

As you travel towards the Bis district to locate the Ardoc residence, you notice Hidden Ambassador Thelamandrine taking a stroll with a goblin valet. At the moment, he's stopped by a pier next to a river and is admiring the view. The Ambassador appears to be making a deliberate effort to not notice you, although (after a whispered order) the goblin makes eye contact and gives you a nod in greeting.

Iris blinked - just once - as the creature caught her intention. She let out half a sigh a moment later. Politics, was it? Or maybe pride. Trust be told, it didn't really matter that much, and she couldn't really ignore it when someone wanted to speak with her.

(That sort of thing was actually kind of hard. It was a goddess thing - you generally only ignored someone when they'd gone and done something to deserve it. Listening to mortals - whether they were for or against you, or didn't care at all - was a major part of being a deity.)

<"Good afternoon."> she said politely, using the tongue that the fey and their servitors seemed to favor.

The ambassador whispers something to the goblin, who responds politely. <"Good afternoon, Miss Iris. Has your research been enlightening?">

<"It has."> she answered. <"Among other things, I found that the Shadow Court had largely ignored the city when previously applying a claim to it... and I hear their majesties have been known to change their minds about things on a fairly regular basis. I can't help but feel that the Court is expending an awful lot of effort on something that history suggests will soon bore them. Would it not make more sense to focus on more lasting subjects of interest?">

After some more whispered words from the ambassador, the goblin replies. <"I will confess that certain members of the court would prefer that we kept to our former isolationist ways. It had served us perfectly well up to now, and the desire to socialize with ... unrefined creatures (present company excluded, of course) is foreign to many. Still, the Moonlight King has ruled that we begin to expand the realm, and he seems quite set in this desire. While a humble ambassador like myself is not privy to the intricacies of royal decisions, rumor has it that a rather powerful artifact was recently removed from this area. It's very existence was antithetical to us shadow folk, and the fact that it's gone is doubtless what attracted His Highness's attention.">

Ahahahaha...

Interesting. She'd thought it was contained in a demiplane of sorts, but its power had affected this region as well? (Even if she'd known about an effect like this, she wouldn't have done anything differently. It was her soul, after all, and from a utilitarian standpoint more good would be done in the universe by reclaiming it.) Still, it was sad that any passive protections hadn't continued to operate... and she was at least somewhat responsible for this, so it would be best to take care of it as well.

<"It would be quite awful if the artifact that was such... trouble... were to return. Quite a lot of wasted effort, when another region - easier to control - could be claimed instead."> she mused. Sadly, she couldn't empower others quite yet. She could feel that energy, just beyond her reach, but without it she couldn't make the same kinds of claims.

Light and darkness were opposites, but not equals. It didn't matter how much darkness there was - even the smallest light could hold it at bay. <"Still, I must say that the honored ambassador is taking this rather well. One would assume that an expansion of territory ordered by the Moonlight King would be a major event, and a great honor for whoever was in charge - but to send someone who is not even a close confidant suggests a desire to remain... distant. Such a person might be forgotten by their majesties as soon as the Statthalter arrives, but the other members of the court would doubtless remember the lack of true glory...">

Diplomacy (Discreetly suggest that the Ambassador is being subtly insulted and weakened by this position, and that getting out of it would be to his personal benefit): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

After another whispered exchange, the goblin replies. <"I'm quite aware of the possible ramifications of this path. My being posted here was no accident, after all. But why speak of that when there are so many more interesting things to discuss? You've been conducting some interesting research lately, have you not? May I inquire as to its purpose?">

<"I learn to better myself."> Iris answered promptly. <"Learning about the Court seemed topical, especially if I'm going to have dealings with it for the foreseeable future. Also, I felt it would be best to try and learn more about their majesties - I would be quite put out if I were to offer them my support, only to see them abandon the city two weeks later. Keep in mind that neither I nor most of the residents of the city have ever had dealings with them, and many of us would rather avoid... rushing blindly.">

<"I quite agree. Especially as you'd ultimately be answering to them if you accept their (quite prestigious) offer. The Queen, in particular, has an appreciation for talented individuals. Oh, that reminds me. Those songs in those books you've been distributing are quite well-written. I've taken the liberty of sending one to Their Majesties. Perhaps you'd be interested in a sample of our music?"> The goblin offers you an ornate scroll.

<"Having songs encourages people to sing - following the local rules for performing, of course."> Iris said, taking the scroll and glancing over it. Her appreciation of mortal music was mostly on the level of amused toleration - she'd heard the best among the gods, and while she genuinely respected the effort mortals put in, even their greatest works were dross and dull compared to the music of the celestial realms.

<"I hope you make your decision soon. I believe that taking this city is only the beginning of His Majesty's expansion plans, and there'll be a need for competent individuals to oversee the transition. If you need me, you know where to find me. Good day."> With that, the ambassador abruptly turned on his heel and departed.

The scroll contains the climactic act of a Shadow Fey opera. In it, a boy journeys to the fey courts to make a petition. He sings an aria so beautiful that the Queen of Night and Magic is moved to grant his request, and the shedding of innocent blood is prevented. The act closes with the boy being appointed Royal Bard and living a long and happy life. Oddly, as you read, you notice that certain elements of the script don't quite match the expected musical flow - almost it's been subtly altered.

Well, that was one way to pass a message, and Iris' mouth twitched in amusement. Of course, whether it was a genuine hope or an attempt to lure her in remained to be seen, because the Shadow Fey were not likely to be fond of the content of her songs. Still, if she was going to stop their plans, it was looking more and more like travel to their home was her only option. That... wretched place they called home.

(It wasn't as bad as the infernal realms, but she truly detested the shadow lands.)

I think what I'd like to do is spend a couple more days crafting - faster, since her spellcraft is high enough to support it now, and going for the Necklace of Adaptation - and using the rest of that time to work out the specifics of opening the portals. XD She doesn't want to go there, but I'm trying to not be too much trouble as a player.

Yay for not being overly difficult! XD In all seriousness, this is a fantastic module that ties in beautifully with Iris' story arc, but it would lose much of its greatness if I modified it to avoid the Shadow Plane.

The ambassador had previously stated that the Statthalter wouldn't be arriving for approximately a month, so you have plenty of time to do some crafting. During breaks in your work, you examine the scroll and are able to piece together the edited portions. The additions reveal a ritual permitting travel to a specific location within the Shadow Realm.

In that case, let's finish it off. XD

Over the course of the next few days, Iris continued to carefully coax out the power of her staff. Most of the work she'd done involved relatively minor (but useful) tricks, but both had their uses. One was focused on providing her with fresh air - she literally didn't want to so much as breathe the atmosphere of the shadow plane. The other was to provide light only for those who were close to her - in a realm of shadows, the light might not shine on everything...

Before she moved to start the ritual, however, she went shopping - truth be told, she didn't remember as much about the world as she would have liked, and having a number of references on hand while she was performing the ritual would probably be wise. They might be useful within the shadow realm, too...

Chimi had the option of coming along to help - Iris wouldn't force her into it, but nor would she deny the mortal an opportunity to choose. And once all was settled... she was ready to begin.

Picking up Pathfinder Chronicles for Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Local, Nature, Nobles, Planes, and Religion. They're mundane gear, so they should be pretty easy to get ahold of. XD 50 GP each, total 400 GP. Each gives a +2 circumstance for the associated check.

Know Nature: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
Know Nature: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Know Nature: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21
Know Planes: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24

Sounds good. :-)

At the completion of the incantation, a shimmering portal opens. On the other side, you can see a thick misty forest and a single path. Chimi elects to stay in the city while you're gone. As she explains, someone needs to stay knowledgeable of what's happening in case your mission is unsuccessful.

As you traverse the path, the magical road eventually enters a tunnel. Matte walls of crumbling stone have replaced the dimly perceived vistas of the Shadow Realm.

Ceiling is 20ft high. The entire area is considered Dimly Lit.

Iris wasted no time at all in raising her staff and focusing on the power within. A soft glow began to come from its tip, enough to bring the immediate surroundings to normal lighting. The catch, of course, was that this light wasn't at all visible from the outside. It wouldn't give away her position unless she was a lot closer, and...

The things I do for mortals. She grimaced slightly at the backlash of the ritual. 'Frustrated' didn't even begin to describe how she felt at the moment. Seriously, the Goddess of the Dawn having problems with bright light? It was a good thing her staff was so durable, because she would probably have broken anything else she was holding...

With that, she strode forward, fully intending to project an aura of confidence. This was a place of predators, and she had no intention of showing weakness.

Using the Amulet of Hidden Light ability. ...Iris has this thing about being in darkness. XD

The light level won't increase past dim light, btw. The Shadow Road remains in perpetual twilight unless affected by a [light] effect of CL 8+.
Perception DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

You travel through the tunnel for about 10min when you find your path blocked. Ahead stands a whirling monstrosity, like a crying shadow crushed by watching its first death, talons honed to razor points and mouths drooling hungrily.

Knowledge(planes) DC 21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Initiative (Iris): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Initiative (shadow beast): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Editable map has been updated.

*Shakes fist at the darkness* Welp, I'm not breaking through THAT for a few levels. XD

If this place was anything like other planar realms - and she had little reason to believe otherwise - pure light-based attacks were going to be muted in general. Such was the nature of the planes, and without her full divine powers, there wasn't a whole lot she could do about it. (Fire was hard to use on the Plane of Water, Evil was hard to use in a Celestial realm... it all tended to balance out in the end, though.)

On the other hand, light was far from her only option...

"Get out of my way." she said flatly, raising her staff and pointing it at the beast. A bolt of chaotic energy shot out of it and towards the fiend. Even she didn't know what would happen if it hit, but if she got lucky, it would be dreadfully inconvenienced. If not, she could simply commence with dispatching it the straightforward way, and in preparation for that she sent a surge of energy into her staff.

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 10/10 rounds. Also, using her staff to cast Hex of Chaos at the creature (Will DC 22 negates).

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

The shadow creature dodged your ray and lunged forward, slashing out with a claw. It seems to lack a corporeal form.
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Attack vs FF AC: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 = 5
Iris Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
A moment later, a glaive strikes out at you from behind. As you turn your head around, you see a shadow fey sink back through the road.

You're up. The upside-down fey below you has Concealment.

Well, that was irritating... and this creature had an ally, did it? <"A fine welcome, given your court's offer to me. Allow me to repay the insult."> That the beast was incorporeal was going to be vexing... but she could at least hit it, and that would be enough. With that, she focused briefly on her magic, then advanced and lashed out with a quick series of blows aimed towards the incorporeal monster. She'd have to deal with the other one, too, soon enough... which suited her just fine. She despised this place, and if the wretched figures that called it home attacked her, she was quite happy to defend herself.

Spell Combat + Spellstrike w/ Arcane Mark. Assuming they're evil, but if not, drop the extra 2d6 damage. XD
Defensive Casting, Concentration DC 15: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Double Attack (w/ spell): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + (4, 4) = 21 Halved to 10.
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 + (3, 3) = 22 Halved to 11.

Your initial blow missed, but the followup strikes connected solidly. The shadow beast backed up and lashed out with both claws as its fey ally shifted through the road for another attack.

Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8 Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 = 24 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 1 = 6

Shadow Beast: 21pts damage

Without pausing, Iris lashed out at the beast again-

Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

-to no avail, as the creature's transparent form and the dim lighting combined to make it quite a lot harder for her to strike. She'd... have to find some way of fixing that, and soon. Unfortunately, she couldn't simply scour it with a blast of light, given how resistant to illumination this place was. Electricity, then.

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 8/10 rounds. Also, I forgot Spell Combat's penalty last round. *Awkward cough* So, uh, -2 on those hits.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 (shadow beast provokes an AoO)
Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 4) + (1) = 11 (last 1d6 is acid)
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 = 6

Both opponents continued their silent assault, although the shadow beast's clumsy maneuvering left it open to a retributive strike from you.

Two-Handed Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15

Iris swung out as the beast maneuvered, but it wasn't enough to make a difference - and both of them managed to land some fairly solid blows on her, in contrast to the lack of accuracy her own attacks had displayed. She needed to stop acting the way they expected... and she fired another Hex of Chaos at the beast before darting backwards. If nothing else, her outstanding speed ought to help her stay out of easy reach.

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 7/10 rounds.

Just to confirm, you're non-defensively casting a spell in melee and then spending your Move Action to leave the creature's threatened zone without tumbling. Is that correct? Also, let me know if you back farther away. You're close to discovering the odd feature of this map. ;-)

Staves use the Spell Trigger method, and do not provoke attacks of opportunity when used. ^^ She had to concentrate for the Arcane Mark earlier, but not for the hexes. And yeah, she wanted to move more than half-speed here, so no tumbling.

Iris Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + (5, 1) = 23
Shadow Beast Will DC 22: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Effect: 1d12 ⇒ 5
AoO: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (2) = 5 (last 1d6 is acid)

You barely manage to strike the beast, but your spell proves to be quite effective. The creature shrinks down to your size but still takes a swing at you as you dash backward. Strangely, when you finish your retreat, the beast is now underneath the road, and the shadow fey is standing 35ft away. It lunges forward with its glaive before darting back to its previous location.

Glaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 = 5

If your movement will take you off the map, just let me know. There's more than enough room for you to take a full Move - or even Run if so desired.

The creature's attack as she retreated was accurate - the glaive strike, not so much. This place, though... something was going on here, and she wasn't sure what it was. One way or another, though, she was planning to find out. Rather than rushing the fey, though, she made a quick gesture with her free hand and called on the powers within her. <"Activate the first form."> she said in Celestial, and an aura of light settled around her. She hopped away a moment later, carefully moving backwards and a little to the side as she tried to judge how far her foe could move.

Casting Lesser Angelic Aspect. Iris gains Low Light Vision, Resist Acid/Cold 5, and Protection From Evil (+2 AC, total 27).

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 7/10 rounds. Lesser Angelic Aspect: 50/50 rounds.

As you move away from the fey, you find yourself approaching the shadow beast - which is now on the same side of the path as you. It rushes toward you and attacks. The shadow fey, meanwhile, crosses the distance without any effort at all before lashing out in a blindingly-fast set of strikes.

Glaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 1 = 5
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (3) = 8 (1d6 is acid)

Shadow Beast: 33pts damage

The claw was the only attack to successfully strike her - and the acid melted against the aura that surrounded her, failing to penetrate her protection. The physical blow still came through, but that was about it, and she gripped her weapon with both hands before whirling out to smack the shadowy beast with it.

Two-Handed Strike: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 13 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + (5, 2) = 23 Halved to 11.

<"No conversation, even? I'm disappointed.">

Claw: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 = 31 Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (6) = 9 (1d6 is acid)
Claw: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 = 28 Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (5) = 10 (1d6 is acid)
If both attacks hit
Rend: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The shadow beast continues to slash at you as the fey casts a spell. His steps become even quicker as he flashes into a flanking position. <"There's no point. It's impressive that you've lasted this long, but you'll be dead momentarily. Mere mortals aren't permitted to traverse this road.">

*Throws a rock at the dice-roller*

Spellcraft (Identify the spell he cast): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 Well, at least those aren't auto-fails. XD

<"You are mistaken on a great many things."> Iris observed, focusing on the magic within her. Electric power shot down her staff as she focused on the energies within it, then lashed out with a rapid series of strikes. One of them wasn't so accurate, but the other two did well enough.

Spell Combat + Spellstrike, with Shocking Grasp
Defensive Casting, Concentration DC 17, +Legendary Surge: 1d20 + 12 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + 12 + (4) = 20
Double Attack w/ Shocking Grasp : 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 + (6, 1) + (1, 6, 5, 5, 1) = 37 Last two bits are Holy, then Elec. Halved to 18.
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 8
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + (4, 3) = 24 Halved to 12

Without pausing, she stepped closer to the humanoid fey and whirled her staff around in a single heavy strike aimed at him this time.

Amazing Initiative, for one more attack. XD
Two-Handed Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 13 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 + (4, 2) = 24

<"And the very first is that you have any right to tell me where I may go. I have come to pay a visit to King Imbrium and Queen Aestruum, in whose name my help was sought by their servant, and I will not be stopped by you."> She was a Goddess of Travel, after all. The dawn advanced when it darn well wanted to, and woe to the darkness that tried to stop it.

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 5/10 rounds. Lesser Angelic Aspect: 48/50 rounds - Low Light Vision, Resist Acid/Cold 5, and Protection From Evil (+2 AC, total 27).

You crush the shadow beast's head with your staff before turning your attention to the shadow fey. Your blow narrowly misses, but its speed surprises your opponent. He takes a swift step back and lashes out with his weapon in a blur of motion. He then vanishes, reappearing underneath the Shadow Road.

Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 = 22 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 = 3
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 1 = 5
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 1 = 27 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 1 = 6

An interesting technique, that... and Iris took a few steps backwards, even as she focused on her magic and sent a burst of healing through her body. She'd patch up more thoroughly a moment later, but for now, she just needed the fey to come a little closer...

Converting Stone Shape into Cure Serious Wounds.
Healing: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1, 6) + 5 = 16

Don't Fumble Your Reflex Save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Your staff is suddenly covered in slippery grease, but your power easily washes it away. From underneath the road, you hear a quiet *sigh* of frustration.

<"Are you afraid to come face me?"> Iris asked, moving towards one of the walls and then forward as she tried to figure out exactly how this... up and down nonsense... worked. She could probably try a blast of Searing Light (which, funnily enough, wasn't actually a Light spell), but at this point, it would probably be a waste of power. Instead, she simply lobbed a Hex of Chaos at the fey, mostly to see whether or not it could hit.

Will DC 22 negates. Here's the link again.

Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 3/10 rounds. Lesser Angelic Aspect: 46/50 rounds - Low Light Vision, Resist Acid/Cold 5, and Protection From Evil (+2 AC, total 27).

I actually need some assistance here. Teleportation and auras pass through the Shadow Road normally. Ranged attacks treat the Road as a normal wall. Area and ray attacks cannot be targeted normally at the other side of the Road. What would hex of chaos be considered?

I'm pretty sure it's the same type of effect as that Grease spell (at least, I think that's what it was...). Since Hex of Chaos doesn't require a ranged attack roll, it defaults to the standard magic rule requiring a line of effect, which means having a clear, unblocked path to the target. Of course, I suppose it's always possible that his side allows stuff to reach the other side while Iris' doesn't... she doesn't actually know, which is why she's testing it to find out. She figured that if his spell could reach her, though, she could reach him the same way.

That works. Since it's fluffed as a ray, I wasn't sure which would apply.

The tunnel wall is firm, unyielding, and absorbs all light. Your spell, meanwhile, splashes harmlessly against the ground. A moment later, your opponent flickers back to your side of the Road and lashes out with blindingly-fast strikes.

Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 = 19 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 = 6
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 = 14 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Glaive: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 = 21 Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8

Iris brought her staff up in a defensive movement, slapping aside his first blow before ducking away from the second. The third strike was closer, but not quite close enough, and she managed to force it back a moment before it would have cut into her. <"I've had enough of this."> she growled, stepping forward before focusing on her magic and letting loose with a quick series of strikes.

Spell Combat + Spell Strike with Arcane Mark.
Defensive Casting, DC 15: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Double Spellstrike: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + (6, 1) = 24
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + (4, 3) = 20
Double Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 9 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 + (5, 5) = 24

...Well, that went better than average. XD
Arcane Pool: +2 enhancement bonus, 2/10 rounds. Lesser Angelic Aspect: 45/50 rounds - Low Light Vision, Resist Acid/Cold 5, and Protection From Evil (+2 AC, total 27).

The fey is incredibly fast but not particularly hardy. Your blows are only glancing at best, but they're still sufficient to drop him.

Loot
MW Glaive
Shadowstone twisted into a moebius strip
Jeweled cameo made of mithril and onyx that depicts the Queen of Night and Magic (worth 5000gp)

After storing the items in her bag, Iris lightly tapped her staff on the ground. "Your life existed only in shadow - now be welcomed by the light of rebirth." she said, offering a small blessing for the fey's soul as it traveled for judgment. He had made a very poor decision today, but at the very least, he could be sent off with a blessing. With that, Iris turned around and resumed her walk down the road.

You walk for several hundred feet before noticing a pair of familiar corpses. Underneath the road...

Along the way, Iris had quietly retrieved her wand, tapping it against her side a few times.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 57
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 62
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 66
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 74
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 78
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 83
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 87

But aside from that... whatever had caused this strange looping formation was still up, hmm? After a moment, she dug out the strange chunk of shadowstone she'd picked up from the fey... which was a bit of a loop itself, and she warily eyed the road and the stone before consulting one of the books she'd picked up.

Knowledge... Arcane? This feels magical, anyway. XD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Some fey are able to work a ritual that warps the fabric of the Shadow Road. The ritual isn't described in your book, but it does mention the need for a special focus item to maintain.

Shrugging, Iris tossed the item onto the ground, then hammered at it with her staff a few times. She wasn't sure it was the focus in question, but it seemed like the most likely target at the moment... and if it wasn't, she still got to break an item of shadowstone, which was a win in her book.

The air shimmers briefly (something you now remember happening right before the attack) as the shadowstone shatters.

Rather than immediately marching ahead, Iris took just a moment to scan for magic and look over the area with her own eyes, just to be sure it was safe and nothing was waiting to ambush her afterwards. Only when that had been resolved did she start forward again. She was a goddess of travel, after all, and what was the point of being on a road if not to head to a destination?