The Fourth Crusade

Game Master Desriden

::"Make it good, fellas. We ain't a lot o' time left.":: Darnak looks down at the swimming pool of acid. ::"Real good."::

The loud solitary voice of the Vengeance Seekers booms across the room.

"I like you all. You're trouble."

The smaller voice of The Conquerors seems to agree.

"You are all killers, like us. We think you can destroy the old hag. But what will you do then?"

::Damn. I don't have a good answer for that one.::

"What would you wish for us to do?" Sparel asks the voice with genuine interest.

Since his one slightly altered truth seemed to work so well; Malak rolled the dice with yet another one and played on the demon tree's ego.

His wish is to be free of the hag Gathra I presume. And understandably so. How much more could Cyth-V'sug disrespect you? Now as to what shall we do? Its simple really. As long as you keep your end of the bargain then we shall dstroy all of Gathra's minions. Well at least the ones that dont bend a knee in service to you if you so wish. They are as dross to us really.

Bluff - 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (7) + 23 = 30

The cacophony of the Destroyers responds to Malak.

"We do not trust shadows, things neither here nor there. You act to save each other and your own purposes, noting more!"

They were convinced this time.

The small still voice speaks up again and talks to Sparel.

"We wish to be free of this place and the hag and to return to our home. Kill the hag and set us free!"

"We will kill the hag and free you from this place. Lower the acid and show us the way."

Darnak listens to the exchange, unmoving, hoping Sparel's offer is enough.

Don't forget your diplomacy or bluff or intimidate roll

Diplomacy 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Sparel has every intention of killing the hag and removing the seed from this plane. It's been the plan the whole time. ;-)

The loud voice speaks up again.

"Yes ... yes. I expect you will kill the hag."

The Vengeance Seekers represent Malgarius' intellect. That group has now switched to Helpful.

The Destroyers embody the demon's inherent chaotic nature. That group has switched to Unfriendly.

The Conquerers represent the demon's innate desire to dominate everything around it. That group has shifted to Friendly.

You will need to shift two groups into Helpful territory to gain an advantage. Friendly territory probably would mean the demonic tree won't hinder you while fighting the druid hag. Helpful probably means it would fight on your side.

Five of the group's 10 minutes have been used so far.

Thaddicus relays the state of the voices to the rest of the group.

Thaddicus relays the state of the voices to the rest of the group.

::would the chaotic one like us better if I randomly blasted him in the face?:: sparel thinks sarcastically.

In am moment of insight Sparel shifts to the form of a medium black dragon.

"After we destroy the hag, we will go on to crush whatever else threatens the safety of our planet, be they Demon Lord, Archdevil, or Harbinger of the Apocalypse. Beyond that, maybe I'll set myself up as King Akor"

1d20 + 30 ⇒ (14) + 30 = 44 Diplomacy

The echoes of the Destroyers seem delighted with Sparel's sudden change, shouting out dozens of suggestions for a new form. Many of them would be impossible since they involved more than one creature devouring another.

The small voice of The Conquerers cackles at Akor's statement.

"You are bold, little mortal. Let us see if your mettle matches your words."

Thaddicus, you can tell the Conquerers have been swayed by the group and now two of the three groups have agreed to help you all.

A bubble of raw force begins to appear around the entire platform. The forcecage is another perfect sphere, just smaller than room everyone is in. The magical effect seems to keep out the acid. That's a good thing since the acid is flowing in faster now and quickly fills the entire room.

The force cage is floating in the room when the platform when the floor once again reforms, turning into a massive drain. The acid flows out and takes the container holding the party with it.

As you look out through the clear force effect, a bewildering array of vistas pass before your eyes. Great organs throb and pulse around you. Thick, woody veins twitch and swift, while an unending series of caller side passages and chambers quickly become a blur. Here and there, you catch a glimpse of enormous purple worms squirming within the thick, viscous acid that surrounds everyone.

It's difficult to stand inside the sphere. But you seem to be going upward given the forces everyone feels.

The sphere flows into a side passage, jamming firmly into a niche that seems to fit perfectly. The acid quickly drains away and the cage vanishes, depositing everyone on the floor. The wood of the far wall blossoms open like a flower, making an new opening. Far at the end of the passage, you can see tree branches and roots twisting around. You also can hear a voice booming out.

"What are you doing, Malgarius? You belong to ME now!"

The wall behind the group suddenly pushes against your backs, forcing everyone to move forward. Within four rounds, the entire group will be in the chamber as the plants and the voice.

The group has four rounds to buff or prepare themselves however they choose. The cannon has faded away by now, Sparel, since it's duration was measured in rounds per level. Anyone who wants to ask a question or make knowledge rolls, now is the time to do so. Also, please roll initiatives.

;;Well, the destroyers don't like us but the rest of them do. We are going to the seed now, but don't expect that the destroyers would allow us to show up unannounced. I would prepare with any spell you need now as we approach the seed. It isn't likely this will be the easiest of battles.

I recommend formation "Keystone" for we don't know which direction the enemy will be. Remember if we cut off the head, the rest of the body dies, so concentrate hostility against the hag if she can be found.;;

Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (6) + 33 = 39Formation Keystone is us in two rows with Sparel in the middle of the back row and Akor beside him with good sightlines for everyone.

Darnak nods in confirmation to Thad's suggestion. As they are pushed forward, Darnak retrieves several items from his backpack.

Intiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Man I roll the worst initiative rolls.

Is it possible to activate crane style during round 4? Or do I have to wait until it's my turn in initiative order?

Since that requires you be fighting defensively, you have to be in combat. You'll be in combat on round five. No one can provoke attacks of opportunity during the four buffing rounds.

Also, don't forget to list all your final stats after buffs in a spoiler for this fight. Please try to include everything, including buffs for others, to make this go smoother. There will be a good deal of enemies in this fight and it could get confusing.

Thaddicus waits until round 3, casts Barkskin for a +5 to Natural Armor and on round 4 he activates his Ioun Stone of Spell Storing: Gravity Bow.

OMG, four rounds to buff?! WHEEEEEEE!!!!!. I shall do so on the morrow however, as I am way to tired round now.

::"Thad, here's my plan. You and I bombard whatever enemies we can with a slew of arrows. Then, once we whittle them down some, I'll charge in to help slaughter whatever remains with Mal and Dar up close. Sparel, support us as best you can. I'd suggest picking a form that's as nasty as can come up with."::

Everyone, feel free to take your time to buff. I probably won't post again tonight. And with four rounds, I expect the casters will have some fun things ready. Of course, Thaddicus is correct. The Destroyers are making sure the hag knows what's happening, too. There will be no surprise round. Everyone knows this is the big fight.

Feel free to take your time coming up with actions. I know spell casters have more to consider here than the fighter-types. Also, there will be no surprise round. Thaddicus is right; the Destroyers have made sure that everyone knows this is a fight.

;;Akor, my sentiments exactly. It's like we are in each other's head!;;

Initiative 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Magic circle VS evil is still active.
-evil creatures must roll SR to come within 10 feet of me
-all within 10 feet receive
-SUpresses evil creatures mental control
-+2 Deflection to AC and +2 saves from evil creatures

Round 1- Shield of faith 15 min +4 deflection on me

Round 2-True seeing on Thad - 17 min ::If something hides from us light it up so the rest can attack::

Round 3-Prot from evil communal just over 6 min duration for everyone (as above) only can move away from Sparel.

Round 4- Haste 18 Rounds - One extra attack at highest BAB, +1 to attack rolls, +1 dodge to AC and +1 reflex saves

Oh, and sparel resumes his half-elf form.::This is my most deadly form.::

::"Maybe if this was a beauty contest Sparel, but I don't think you're gonna be able to scare the hag to death with your ugly mug"::

::"Maybe if this was a beauty contest Sparel, but I don't think you're gonna be able to scare the hag to death with your ugly mug"::

::Stranger things have happened.::

::"Maybe if this was a beauty contest Sparel, but I don't think you're gonna be able to scare the hag to death with your ugly mug"::

::Also, were it a beauty contest you would have been asked to wait outside. :: Sparel jests

Said to the Aasimar with the 18 Cha from the Elf with a 10

Said to the Aasimar with the 18 Cha from the Elf with a 10

Chicks dig a huge ... Brain. Charm person is really helpful in the dating scene too.

;; If either of you wish to impress a hag, I can introduce you to my wife. Or rather send you to her with a letter of introduction. I promise to be impartial.;;

Magic circle VS evil is still active.

-evil creatures must roll SR to come within 10 feet of me

You mean evil summoned creatures, right? Also, going to wait to start combat until tonight so everyone has time to adjust their stat changes since buffs are being added like haste and Akor's judgements.

;; If either of you wish to impress a hag, I can introduce you to my wife. Or rather send you to her with a letter of introduction. I promise to be impartial.;;

::I'd rather be eaten by a demon tree. Thank you though. ::

Sparel Radtymah wrote:

Magic circle VS evil is still active.

-evil creatures must roll SR to come within 10 feet of me

You mean evil summoned creatures, right? Also, going to wait to start combat until tonight so everyone has time to adjust their stat changes since buffs are being added like haste and Akor's judgements.

Correct. Akor, can you thow up a list of what your judgements do? I'm not familiar.

::I'd rather be eaten by a demon tree. Thank you though. ::

;;You're welcome. I do try to please.;; Thad smiled as he waited for the tree to put him through. He was glad to be here with friends.

Sparel Radtymah wrote:

::I'd rather be eaten by a demon tree. Thank you though. ::

;;You're welcome. I do try to please.;; Thad smiled as he waited for the tree to put him through. He was glad to be here with friends.

If this was to be Sparel's last day he's glad to have these men at his back. He would die for them, just as he knew they would for him. Though he would do everything in his power to prevent that need.

::Everyone wearing their Feastday's best for what is sure to be a pleasant afternoon?::

The coal skinned elf was idly spinning GrimStiehl in his left palm and flipping it across his knuckles. He didnt have to prepare for being an individual that cashed in on opportunities when they presented themselves. It sounded they were about to be cast into the proverbial ...frying pan...

I will definitely post a breakdown of everything, once I'm home from work in a few hours.

GM, can we see our enemies yet? Or do we have any idea what they are, aside from "hag"?

You know the main person is a Green Hag, which you can make knowledge rolls about to gain information. You can also see tree limbs, like two treants. There also are lashing vines, which you have trouble seeing past.

Oh, and you can hear the massive bloodcurdling roar of a dinosaur.

::Now isnt that a cheery sight...and sound? What was that? Do we strike for the hag first or take them as they come?::

Malak will summon a shadow as he mentally starts assessing threats based on all sorts of imagined horrors.

Initiative - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Shadow

Got my four buffs chosen, excited how sick nasty this gonna be. Rly hope I don't get dispelled until I get one attack off

::"Thad, I would suggest waiting until after I cast a blessing on us before you unleash your fury. It will be worth it, I promise."::

That should be treants, not treats, above. My phone can't seem to log onto the site anymore today. I'm doing this on my break.

Also, please don't forget to put up little spoilers with your new stats/buffs on them. If any of the enemies go before your action, I want to make sure I'm attacking the correct AC or CMD.

Everything is evil in this coming fight accept for the dinosaur.

Ignoring the banter between them all, Darnak continues drinking his elixirs, concentrating on where he's gonna go first.

Everything is evil in this coming fight accept for the dinosaur.

Except. ;-) I can't help myself.

Edit:In hind sight probably best not to do that to the DM before uber fight. ... ... Crap. ;-)

There's an issue with some connection upgrade Paizo did today which is currently preventin me from accessing the site via my laptop. As such, I post this from my cell. Hopefully it gets fixed ASAP.

:: I will wait for your goddess' blessing. She always gives you the nicest gifts of destruction. ::