"Sorry bout that. I get carried away in times like this."
She moves her claw.
"Thanks, that really helps. Now let's see if I can help out any. Least I could do for the free ride. Just make sure to get close enough to Ore and Carol for this one."
Jacob began muttering some words and moving his hands to a quick rhythm, almost as if he were conducting musicians. A bit of magic began flowing through the four of them, a transmutation began taking place. Their own bodies were being reworked to become more efficient in their movements, their muscles and nerves rewired to become more quick. "I figure a bit of Haste is the least I could do while I'm acting as a passenger. And don't worry, there's more where that came from down the line. For the moment, though, does anyone need anything else?"
Lvl 1: 10
Lvl 2: 9
Lvl 3: 8
Lvl 4: 9
Lvl 5: 7
Lvl 6: 8
Lvl 7: 7
Lvl 8: 7
Lvl 9: 8
Lvl 10: 2
Lvl 11: 2
Carolinus looks up to the dangling Jacob and sticks his tongue out at him mockingly.
"Why thanks ye Jaco-"
Carolinus' eyes go wide with joy and he interrupts Sir Orrin.
C: "I LOVE THIS MAGIC!" He shouts in his own dialect of the draconic tongue, then suddenly bursts out ahead at a full sprint.
"WHAO!!" Sir Orrin jolts back in the saddle as inertia takes it's toll, yet he holds on. It takes only a few seconds to rebalanced himself to the increased speed. "Not too much, Carolinus. We need to keep some energy for the fight!"
After slowing Carolinus down a little bit (and/or Katja catches up... an easy task considering her fly speed), Sir Orrin looks back up to his flying friends.
"I think for now we are good... though we may need something against the supernatural elements of the storm when we enter it in earnest. I will say though, I am glad for these calmer winds. I hope it lasts. What of Nagato and Validk?"
"Guess we are hauling significant amounts of ass, here. Though I'm sure they'll catch up. Val and Nagato are both exceedingly good at getting to where they need to be. Nagato's in touch with the very ley lines of magic themselves, you know."
Jacob started examining the playing field ahead. The storm seemed like some impossible mish-mash of chaos, fueled by powerful magic effects. He pondered over the spells he knew on the ideal way to confront an opponent on such an unstable battlefield. Anything to tip the odds in their favor would have to be rather extravagant.
"What I think we need to focus on is taking this thing down a peg as the vanguard. The rest aught to be able to clean up and find some way to put this thing to sleep."
Before the Others Depart...
"Likewise, Lady Katja," says Nagato with a respectful bow. She might be far older collectively than the silver dragon, but the Samsaran deeply respects the endurance of the draconic race; she would more than gladly settle for one great and truly long life than her endless circle of failures. "They have been good, but I am approaching the end of this life cycle sadly. As such, I am currently looking into means of... prolonging it rather than starting from scratch. In fact, I was seeking you out specifically for assistance in that regard."
A clap of thunder roars in the distance.
"But we can discuss that later," says Nagato as she turns her attention to the matter at hand.
"Nice of you to finally arrive, Mira," Nagato remarks casually to the open air as she leans against the lone tree she had been perched in and watches the others head toward the eye of the storm.
Never before in any life cycle has Nagato dealt with someone quite like Mira and the... group that the young woman has assembled in the druidic monk's name since she first began following the Samsaran around the world. It had all began just over a decade ago in Razmiran; it was just supposed to have been a nice little trip to rescue a few fellow followers of Irori. Well, things suddenly got rather complicated and did not go according to plan to say the least. Long story short, Mira ultimately found Nagato to be more worthy of following than her namesake and had ventured to the ends of the earth to find her. Even in a ten thousand plus year expanded lifetime, that occurrence certainly defined itself as unique.
"Many apologies, Lady Nagato; you just took off in such a hurry!" Mira pauses before saying anything further and notes, "Wasn't there a forest here?"
While not even near the Samsaran's natural height, the celestial blooded sorceress is still fairly tall for a human female. Nagato locks her mercury silver eyes with Mira's piercing blue and motions the beautiful sorceress to come over. After adjusting her fitting white robes (always spotless due to that lovely Prestidigitation spell) and making sure that her auburn hair is still tied up, the celestial sorceress quickly joins the Samsaran in watching the storm.
"I think so," says Nagato before continuing. "Long story short, there is a Spawn of Rovagug making its ways toward fair Andoran. For a power perspective, it is easily overriding the weather controlling magics of Katja - a mighty ancient silver dragon. Fortunately, we will not going to be taking the beast on by ourselves. Besides Katja, Sir Orrin Neville-Smythe and Jacob-"
"Jacob Radigan?! As in-" Mira - clearly a big fan of Golarion's wealthiest sorcerer - interrupts, only to be cut off herself by Nagato.
"Yes. Him and Validk Ghujod," says the Masked Monk stoically as she points a hand in wizard's general direction. "Granted, Valdik seems to be planning something while the others went ahead. Wizards do seem to like thinking ahead. We should prepare our strongest magics, and from there, we will determine how to confront the beast."
"Can you...?" Mira asks innocently, wordlessly referencing Nagato's most powerful spell and enhancing it further with an expensive diamond.
"I doubt Mother Golarion has the power to simply smite the beast from existence, nor do I think any of my past deities would bother with any request of mine. After all, I presently draw no power from them."
"Right! I will help anyway I can," says Mira as she puts her haversack in front of her and begins rapidly digging through her scroll collection. "Oh, I know you are always concerned about it, but don't worry about me getting killed today. Only just this morning, I used that Lesser Astral Projection scroll you got me for my birthday, Lady Nagato. My real body is safely chilling in one of those old Thassilonian ruins you used to-"
"Not. In. Present. Company. Mira. How many times must I say that?" murmurs (read: growls like a tiger) Nagato in a suddenly very dark and heavy voice as she gestures her head toward Valdik.
"Many apologies, my Lady," swiftly says Mira as Razmiran indoctrination rears its ugly head. Blue eyes wide with panic, she quickly gets on her knees and bows as if her life depended on it.
A gentle wind blows the last living flower in the meadow as time seems to halt.
"Please, Mira," whispers Nagato in a much softer, kinder voice as she helps her surrogate daughter to her feet. "Forgive me. That subject is... touchy, but I should not snap like that... Now let us get out there and help the others, shall we?"
Mira takes a moment to collect herself and quickly begins to get ready again.
"Of course!" chirps the sorceress happily as she begins channeling the power of her former "god" to activate the scroll currently in her hands.
"So how exactly are you going to trail a dragon?"
Mira blinks, and she finds herself staring at a massive, white-eyed blue dragon whose head is longer than her torso. Needless to say, the former Razmiran Priestess takes a small hop back in surprise.
"Like this," the now draconic Nagato says nonchalantly as she gently takes her speechless heir into her claws. With that said, she gives her powerful newfound wings a quick flap and then takes to the stormy air. "Perhaps you can wait with the teleporting. I might be able to catch them..."
The sorcerer checked back on the trailing party. The beating of wings in the distance and the incoming figure on the horizon filled him with renewed confidence upon their mission. He could almost feel everyone's strategies coming together like a grand concert. Music to his ears. And on that note, it's time for the master to practice his instrument.
"Seems like someone's ready to bring up the rear. Maybe time to get these effects into action." He searched through his mind for the proper gestures. The first and simplest was almost a cantrip, a basic Shield spell that nearly every mage knew. "Not much, but it's a start. Katja, if you don't mind? Would rather not burn these claws of yours." He finished the statement with a squeeze of the claw carrying him.
With grand flourishes and old words, he sheathed his entire body in flame. He always particularly enjoyed Fiery Body. With his connections to the Dark Tapestry, he thought that emulating a star always brought good luck on his endeavors. Furthermore, the effects of the spell allowed him to keep up with everyone under his own power. But his crescendo wasn't quite complete yet.
"Carol, did you think that application of magic was something? How about this?!" He waved his hands and completed another incantation upon the dinosaur, changing it as if it were undergoing Form of the Dragon I. His last action was to prepare himself for when Validk showed up in order to cast Battlemind Link. With all that ready, Jacob made his way to as close as he could to the storm wall.
(Counting the prepared action for Battlemind Link)
Lvl 1: 9
Lvl 2: 9
Lvl 3: 8
Lvl 4: 9
Lvl 5: 7
Lvl 6: 7
Lvl 7: 7
Lvl 8: 6
Lvl 9: 7
Lvl 10: 2
Lvl 11: 2
Gathered on a nearly barren plain in the middle of nowhere, the greatest heroes on the world of Golarion slid to a halt next to a wall of pure chaos. In their adventures they had faced the ordered Evil of Hell, the madness of Demons, even the pure Chaos of Proteans, but never had they felt the purity of destructive anger that seemed to pulsate from the wall in front of them.
Katja reached out into the storm with her will, stilling the wind and rain, casting the hail away from the heroes. Even so, at times the power pushed back, sending a swirl of snow or fire, ice crystals like razors, or fierce bolts of lightning arced across the area of stillness.
Heat reached up from the ground like a year in the desert. Common mortals might have swooned just from the heat. As they pushed on beyond the storm wall, they were too caught up in the moment, too happy for each other's company, and too thrilled for a real challenge to wonder how it could be that they had all come together in this place,
Jake pulled at the collar of his robe.
"Hot enough for everybody else?
Guys?
Because
On fire here.
... Okay, not my best material."
As he pushed against the winds and elements, he was still happy the transmutation protected him from some of the worse effects of the storm. But there was certainly a nagging feeling he had that he couldn't entirely place. One might attribute it towards apprehension or fear of the unknown.
He swallowed hard, pushing the feeling out of his mind. Fear isn't going to help now, Jake.
__________________________________
"Hold on, Mira. I see them and aim to catch up promptly," says Nagato the Blue Dragon as her flight speed drastically increases.
Factoring in that the others slow down upon seeing her approach, the Samsaran's newly enhanced draconic constitution eventually allows her to catch up with the others about a thousand feet away from the dark depths of the storm. She cannot help but smirk at the sight of Sir Orrin rather literally and expectedly leading the charge toward the hellspawn.
"Hold your dinosaur, Sir Orrin; we should approach this beast as a group," the wise druidic monk remarks. Much to her delight, the halfling cavalier gives her a solemn nod of agreement and slows down his pace to match that of her and Katja.
OoOoO
After casting a few preparation spells along the way, the heroes soon reach ground zero.
Even though she is probably the least likely to truly die among the group, Mira is quickly left whimpering at the sheer ferocity of the weather. She clenches her scroll of Divine Favor as if her life depended on it. She struggles to avoid burying her teary eyes in Nagato's scaly sapphire armor.
Meanwhile, the ever stoic Nagato largely ignores the shock. Under normal circumstances, her iron will alone would resist almost anything existence could toss at her mind and morale. However, enhanced by Mira's spells, the druid feels flatly immune to all fear for the moment.
"Do not worry, Mira," Nagato whispers softly in a motherly fashion. She peers into the black abyss of the stormy night with her powerful senses and continues, "It..."
A little girl - adorned in tiny white Thassilonian robes and sporting skin as blue as a cloudless noon sky, long obsidian colored hair, and milky white eyes - watches in immense awe as what must be hundreds of towering giants band together and hurl an enormous binded wolf with a burning red heart into the deep depths of the ocean.
"It can be defeated," Nagato finally states reassuringly.
_____________________________________________
Upon Jacob's latest spell, Carolinus begins to warp and change form while charging the field towards the storm. The short claws on his upper limbs grow and rip free of the membrane that makes a sort of wing on his side, and the fear colorful feathers merge into leather and shift upwards as seperate and powerful wings now capable of lifting them up into natural flight. His powerful hind legs shorten, and the massive talons retract slightly, shrinking them to the same size as the now larger front claws. Carolinus nearly falls face first into the ground as the shift in bodily form takes him from bipedal raptor to draconic quadruped mid-sprint.
Few things shock Sir Orrin anymore... well, that is not true. Sir Orrin is still shocked by many things, even things that have happened to him often... he has simply gotten better at stifling the outwards appearance of his shock. Sir Orrin's eyes go WIDE as his steed starts to waver and gyrate under him chaotically, threatening to collapse into the earth as they speed ahead. However, he reacts very quickly, keeping Carolinus in control as they charge as well as keeping himself securely on top of him. As he sees the transformation shift from familiar dinosaur to (slightly less familiar but still somewhat familiar still - as they have done this transformation before) dragon, Sir Orrin begins to quickly and efficiently rearrange the riding blankets between Carolinus and Sir Orrin's saddle to accommodate the new form. All the more impressive that Sir Orrin does this with only one hand! (his other hand is still holding his lance and banner upright)
Carolinus, on the other hand, continues on with the transformation without so much as slowing his charge. The colorful spines on his head lose their color and gain a golden sheen, and they shift around his head from the mohawk it once was to a wreath of powerful horns seemingly made of solid gold. His scales thicken and grow, and take on a similar golden metallic hue. His very body structure and method of movement shifts from that of a large bird of prey to a more feline stature, graceful and lithe on all fours. The transformation is complete, and the once dinosaur is now a dragon! A gold dragon to be specific, though at heart he is still the same ol' Carolinus.
Carolinus looks up to Sir Orrin as they continue on their speedy advance, and speaks in a more clear and understandable Draconic, but some of his old accent still lingers.
C "All good now!" He says with a toothy grin.
Sir Orrin finished making on the fly modifications to the saddle, re-sets his shield on his left arm, and looks up to Jacob. His eyes are still wide, but he does bear a smile, showing that he at least sees the humor in the situation.
"... Not. While. Riding!"
After a short moment to make sure all is still good while they continue their un-slowed advance, Sir Orrin continues.
"...but thanks. Your magic is appreciated."
Sir Orrin gives Jacob a bigger smile, a wink, a raise of his lance in salute, and a nod of the head. Carolinus, however, squints ahead for a few moments then looks up to Jacob, speaking up in the Draconic tongue.
C: "Can't see as good anymore! Wings strong though! Bite strong too! CHOMP ON BAD GUYS! CHOMP CHOMP!"
"Stead fast friends. Now our trials truly begin. Come! Let us see the true heart of this calamity!"
With that, Sir Orrin and Carolinus advance without fear into the chaos and destruction before them. His banner blows back in the occasional burst of wind, but it's image is simply made more visible from it, and it seems to radiate an aura of resolve. Sir Orrin shields his eyes from the blasts of vitriolic air. While he is an image of the epitome of bravery, and a beacon of light (literally) in the chaos of this storm, his shielding of his eyes prevents him from making out details at this point in time. When he shields his eyes, he feels Carolinus give pause under him. Sir Orrin reaches down and pats Carolinus, giving him a renewed sense of resolve.
Together they advance ever onwards, absolutely resolute.
_______________________________
As Katja's keen sight picks out the shape of the massive beast in the storm she shudders at the sight of it.
"That's a lot bigger and more powerful than even I imagined. Even so, we will find a way to prevail as not even the likes of this beast will sway us from victory!" Katja says resolutely as she pushes the fear away.
Seeing Mira's grip on her scrolls tighten and her resolve falter, Sir Orrin gives the woman a reassuring smile and a comforting word. However, his words are much louder and open than Nagato's soft words.
"Fret not, m'lady! Together we are strong. By the light of Chaldira Zuzaristan and the guiding hand of Desna, there is glory to be had here within this storm. Feel the power of our allies and the light that it radiates, and turn this fear into adrenaline to keep our senses sharp!"
The already bright light that radiates from Sir Orrin seems to brighten ever so slightly, enveloping Mira in it's warmth. As it does so, any doubt she may have had melts away.
"Now, to this beast!"
Sir Orrin and Carolinus continue onwards into the depths of the storm, using any sign of the clawed tracks in the ground to give them direction.
_____________________
"Oh, you know I would've told you to stop riding if I didn't think you could handle it. What's a little polymorph between friends?" He returned the smile, glad to hear his old friend wasn't too mad at him.
Jacob squinted. Whether or not this actually helped his range of vision was up to debate, seeing as he was now made of fire instead of the flesh necessary to construct a reasonable optic lens. But all the less, he squinted and thought he was doing himself better because of it. His new state also left something to be expected when it came to illumination. With the whipping wind and battering detritus, it almost seemed like the team was facing a nearly-tangible darkness as well.
"Quick question. Does anyone actually see anything?" He posited, trying to keep a sharp lookout. He realized that his friends held much greater powers of observation than he did, but one couldn't exactly slack off at a time like this. "Have maybe one or two more tricks I'd like to do when we move in a bit. Can someone tell me when we're getting close to this Wrath?"
"Oh yes, I do see it indeed. It's a massive and ugly beast."
"I have calmed the weather as much as I can. Are there any special tactics we need to keep in mind? My feeling is that we need to lure it away somewhere else so that we can subdue it."
She stops and thinks for a moment.
"I was never much good at the kinds of strategies that someone of a more structured mindset would have. You know, those military or soldier types. How do we want to best utilize my abilities?"
With a sideways look at Jacob she quips:
"Remember that castle you caught on fire while we were saving that noble's daughter over in Cassomir? The panic that ensued was hilarious! Even if we did get the fire out before any major damage was caused the look on the face of Sir Mansfield was priceless."
Jake burst into laughter at the recollection, slowing down a bit to take in the look from his rose colored past. "I don't think I could ever forget that. Especially since the fire singed his eyebrows off! Hah, maybe after this is done I should stop by and say hello... Ahem, but that's later. Much later. Tactics. Yes, tactics."
The mage almost visibly shifts gears. "Well, there's only a few ways to go about this sort of thing as we are. We can try and push it to the shoreline. Or send it to the elemental plane of water. Wish it away somewhere, I would think? I was particularly keen on the notion of breaching the gulf between here and the Dark Tapestry and leaving it out there somewhere. But if this thing is a Spawn of Rovagug, it probably has the natural healing powers similar to the Tarrasque. Ergo, if we want to try to do anything to it, without it eating all our faces, we may need to beat it unconscious first. At the very least, that would buy us some time."
He let off a slight laugh. "Not the best strategy, I think, but it may prove effective if we can keep it down. Anyways, how far away does that seem? I've got a couple things I feel I could try. Prismatic Wall to try and keep it at bay. Blink would be useful, but unfortunately, that's only a personal protection. Though Blur could be a useful substitute if you'd so want it. I could whip out a casting of Mage's Sword too, that might help stem that thing's healing a tad." Jacob rubbed his face as his mind raced. "So many spells, so little time. Though, when we're close enough to it, I have one idea to help us out a bit." He gave as much smirk as his form could allow. There was certainly an ace in the hole he was betting on.
Validk watched the storm as it slowly wove its path of destruction across the landscape. Pulling his haversack off he set it down in front of him, and pulled a small folding seat out of it. Settling down he set his chin in his hand and thought.
His companion, Orsenn Scardot, had followed him through the gate, drawing his blades as he stepped through. Orsenn stood quietly behind his master, steel against steel. I think I'd rather deal with the world wound.
Validk smiles as he checks over the last bits of gear to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Pulling his ring gate out he sets it into the rim of his buckler. He activates the gate and taps the back of the shield displayed through the other gate. Hello?! This is Ghujold. Please gather the third form students. This is not a drill. Wait for further instructions.
That settled, Validk pulls a wand from a side pocket and gently taps himself and Orsenn, This will help with any temperature effects the storm may be tossing around. It's a storm of vengeance, and with those winds, you'd be best to hide out for this one. Validk pulls out a bottle fo air and uncorks it before dropping it back in the haversack. In you go.
Orsenn sighed, Really? You know I can't protect you if I'm in there.
Validk stands and folds the chair up before returning it to the haversack. I know, but this is one battle you need to sit out. Validk nods to the haersack.
Orsenn slides his swords back into their sheaths. His first step torwards the haversack has him folding over on himself. With his second step, his equipment begins to shrink and flow, absorbing into his skin as it sprouts hair and his hands drop down to drag on the ground. His third step has him stepping forward on all fours as his furry face looks up at Validk and he shrieks, one fore paw coming up to throw Validk a finger as he climbs into the haversack and pulls the lid closed.
Validk considers the storm before him and reaches into a pocket. His fingers sort through several pearls and curl around one, noting the feel of it and recognizing that pearl as holding the energy he needed to draw on. He started walking towards his companions as he worked through the motions of casting the spell. With every foot step he grew in stature, his clothing and gear growing with him as his skin took on a bronze tint, his hair darkened, and his stride grew until each pace covered a dozen yards.
Knowing that he still had a ways to go, he cast another spell, his strides now covered an even greater distance with each stride. Seeing that the others had continued ahead, he cast another spell, creating a doorway in front of him, stepping through he found himself within seconds of reaching the others. Once he catches up, he casts greater heroism on himself. No need to wait on my account!
"Well look who's all caught up! Hope you memorized some useful spells for today, because this looks like it'll be a doozy!" He tried to pump up the spirits in Val, just in case the overwhelming situation happened to get to him at all.
"Speaking of which, catch!" He gave a heads up before using his prepared action of casting Battlemind Link between him and the old wizard. "This aughta help the both of us plenty."
"Good to see you again! Sir Orrin yells up to Validk. Without slowing, he looks at his storm giant form. "You've put on some weight!"
Returning his attention to Jacob and the others, Sir Orrin continues, his voice powerful and clear despite his small stature.
"I highly doubt any single spell or attack will be sufficient to end this threat. But a combination of effort from us all should. At least, I'm betting my life upon it. Though I do not recommend simply going in as a group of individuals trying to take it on solo at the same time. That is tactical suicide. It is possible that our pure offense could take it down right away... but if it does not, we leave ourselves completely open to it's own onslaught, and that is what causes lives to be lost."
"First allow me oppose the idea of running it into the sea. Simply making this devastation some other persons problem is terribly irresponsible. Secondly, people live on the nearby coast. Running it into the sea puts them all in grave danger. Even if we led it to a part of the Jagged Saw with no villages, there is no guarantee it's evil will not spread and affect the creatures of the sea that those people rely on for life. At the very least, what to do with it's body can be discussed in greater detail when it is actually subdued, so first let us discuss how we may go about doing just that."
"Now, these are the Tandak Plains of Taldor. I've spent some time living on these plains, and know that there is very little as far as natural formations that we could use for tactical advantage. It is all wide open space. There are no hills, deep valleys, or even large rock formations that we could use as potential choke points or the like. In this kind of terrain, it is pure mobility that will determine the advantage. Being able to outflank our target, and keep mobile around it so it cannot mount an effective counter is the goal in plains battles. As such, anything we have to diminish it's own mobility will also be paramount. If only we had a surviving eye witness account of the beast, to learn of its mobility, its plane of movement, and its exact size, planning would be easier. My kingdom for pile of nets to keep it entangled with. If we have magics available today that can fabricate nets of sufficient size, it would be worth using. Even if it simply shreds the nets away, each moment spent shredding a net is a moment not shredding us or the surrounding lands. That moment is also a moment when it isn't as mobile while we remain so."
"On that note, any magics we have that can affect the terrain or hinder this beasts own mobility should be the forefront of our minds. I've seen beasts shrug off magical attacks, but i do not know if this beasts shares that quality. If it does, magics that affect the area around it to hinder it's ability to move would be my first choice. Even if it simply burst through it violently, the very act of doing so is redirecting it's attention from us to the obstacle, a distraction to give us more time to out maneuver it, take it down, and survive doing so. I've seen some of you in the past turn substances from one thing to another. As such, we should keep an eye out for shield rocks, large areas of these plains that are more stone than soil, so that if we do have the magics this day to change it to something mobility hindering, like deep mud or something, it is a possible option."
"Of course, it is not just spells that are important. It is how we use them and predicting how it will react that is important. React not only to spells, but to our very presence as well. Knowing this will help guide how to position ourselves about the field of battle, and how to prepare for a strong defense should it gain enough mobility to mount a counter assault. And if it does go on the offensive in a way we cannot defend, how to reform and regroup. Alas, there are so many unknown variables that we should be aware of them all, and be prepared to adjust quickly once we learn more. Is this beast intelligent and malevolent with it's destruction? Or is it animalistic in it's rampage? If animalistic, will it react to us as predators, or prey? And remember, these conditions of terrain, positions, and enemy perceptions and motivations can and will change, so we must be flexible to be bale to adjust to these changes as they occur, and hopefully, predict them before they occur so as to negate their negative impact entirely."
"Now, if it sees us as prey, it will try to take out out not only one at a time, but from weakest to strongest. Without a high intellect, that usually means smallest to largest, except when the smallest is too quick, then the hierarchy changes to the slowest being targeted first. Should we, in it's mind, become the predators, then it is a question of fight or flight. In fight, prey will often target the greatest perceived threat first. Remove the threat while simultaneously intimidating anything else nearby by doing so. In flight, if it must go through us, it will target again what it perceives to be the weakest or easiest to overpower, so as to break our line and bolt. Not only must we prepare our magics to accommodate these scenarios, but to mitigate them as well. Also, because we are on an open terrain, should it choose flight and the risk of it overcoming one of us to escape, we should not bar it's path, but instead flow around it. Whoever it targets should give way, while the others move around to redirect it to where we wish it to go, and confront it again, perhaps using magics as well to slow it's retreat, as this thing must be stopped. If we had the advantage of terrain or a large force at our side to control it's mobility, or our goal was simply to kill or chase it away, I would say stay close to me so as to communally become the tip of a spear, while also being a shield of unified strength against any counters would be an option. However, we are few on an open plain, and our goal is to stop it completely, not simply chase it away... so as I said already, superior mobility while mitigating it's own will be key. so surrounding it on all side, constantly moving around it while a select few make quick strikes against it, hit and run so as to prevent counter attacks, while the others work to isolate it, manipulate the terrain, and hinder it's ability to mobilize an effective counter, is the way to go."
"If, however, it proves to be intelligent and malevolent in it's wanton destruction and actions, then we must be all the more careful. Then we must be wary of all of our actions, each of it's moves and what they could portend, and of potential desperation. Then it becomes an issue of making oneself unbeatable and simply waiting for the opportune moment to obliterate your foe, and this is true of it as well as for us. But because we must stop it before more innocents are killed, we must bring the fight to it, which does put us into harms way. Every movement and action it does must be considered as a single step among many to expose a weakness in us to take advantage of, and we must be flexible as it happens to counter these efforts. While I still hold that surrounding it and attacking in short bursts from all sides while hindering it's mobility against counter actions is the first choice of tactical positions to take, we must be all the more ready to converge and regroup around the target of it's wrath in order to effectively defend against it. We must be fast to aid each other and defend each other, but also be ready to spread out and resume a mobile battle afterwards should the circumstances allow it to be. Trust me, when a monster is allowed to stand it's ground and unleash all of it's fury, even if we are able to stand toe-to-toe with it and do the same, that is when allies fall. While I am willing to die to stop this beast, I will not assume for another's life. The goal is to stop it while keeping all of us alive."
"If we were limited to a land battle, it seems to me that Katja is the most physically imposing, and would be the primary target for an animaistic fight response. But I think you'd be most suited to air support in this case. Keep it grounded should it have the ability to take flight, and support us on the ground with ranged offensives and superior eyes to view the field of battle and call out changes in the circumstances of the battle, terrain wise, weather wise, and so forth. On the ground, that puts Nagato and Validk in their current forms as the next most physically imposing. Unless it has a fear of fire of course, but - considering this storm - I highly doubt that it is. Sorry Jacob." Sir Orrin smiles and winks at the fiery Jacob. "Unless you, Nagato, feel you can provide greater air support, raining down your spells from above. Then we could either have both of you circling above giving offensive and defensive support, or Katja could join us on the ground as a potential control via sheer physical intimidation. However, I feel that you, Katja, would serve us best, initially at least, for who knows how the tides of battle can change, but initially as our tactical eyes in the sky, using your inherent abilities from above to aid us and hinder it."
Sir Orrin thinks for a brief moment, then adds a quick disclaimer before continuing. "Please don't presume I am giving orders, just my advice as one experienced in warfare. You are all very wise and knowledgeable, so your input and decisions are vital to pay attention to... but first allow me to finish my initial thoughts. Nagato, I can see you in this form as either in the air with Katja or on the ground with us. I think that having you at least close to the ground would be beneficial. We want to stop this thing, not simply chase it away, so the more we can have circling it on the plane that it moves, which I'm assuming at this point in land based, the more able we will be to prevent it from advancing or escaping. Because we are so few, we should stay close and advance together until the last few moments before engaging it from multiple sides, surrounding it at the last moment. We all have abilities to enhance each others capabilities, and they would go to waste if we separated too soon. On that point, I would claim the position of primary striker. With Carolinus, I am incredibly mobile on land, and able able to hit hard and get away both quickly and easily. If the opportunity presents itself or if we had more of us, I would recommend another to charge in at the same time but from the opposite flank, but that will have to be a circumstantial attack in the upcoming battle, and I would not plan to be able to do such regularly. Instead, focus on keeping it immobile while keeping the rest of us mobile. I cannot stress enough how vital is it to prevent the enemy from even being able to counter attack to be truly victorious, as in defeating it while sustaining minimal collateral damage. I know I can, and I entirely plan to, take the brunt of the attack if I can, especially if the advantage becomes and remains ours. On this point, I have yet to get a good look at the best, I have only really seen it's claw prints and the devastation in it's wake. Once we get closer, if anyone realizes or discovers specific features of it common to other creatures, or even what kind of creature it truly is, let me know. I have studies the weaknesses of many types of creatures, but I must admit that I'm not always the best at recognizing them. If you know, letting me know will give my lance guidance as to where specifically to strike to inflict the most damage upon it. Also, I have made a habit of only trying to knock opponents down if they are less than 15' in size. That is, striking at their knees to trip them. If things turn desperate, or after engaging it first and experiencing it's capabilities first hand and discovering they are at a certain point that makes it possible, I will make the attempt... but I usually don't against creatures too large simply because of the risk to everyone should it resist it... that risk is far too great except in the direst of situations. Oh, and it has been known to happen on occasion, where an enemy of mine I hit becomes overwhelmed with fear. If that happens, it will likely do everything it can to get away from me, so our strategy may have to be modified slightly if that happens. Flexibility, obviously, is key. But foremost in our thoughts, I think, should be hindering the beasts mobility. In an open plain like this, that is the best way to emerge victorious."
"Now, before we get into greater details regarding specific field positions beyond 'encircling it', we should elaborate on what we have available to us, in the forms of gear and spell, to both prepare for and mitigate the previously mentioned circumstances, and how to bend with them should they change. Can we make giant nets? Can we alter the shape and form of the terrain? Can we create other effects to hinder the beasts mobility? What do we have to enhance our own mobility? Our defenses? Our ability to converge to aid and defend each other? For some of you, it has been too many years, and for others, I'm afraid I know little about you at all." Sir Orrin looks towards Mira at this point, but continues to give a final word before opening the floor to everyone else. "Once we have disabled the beast, then we can discuss how to banish it or eliminate its threat from the world, or even all worlds, permanently. Again, one step at a time. First we must disable it. Eliminate the immediate threat to the innocent people living on these plains. Then we can start work to make sure it never threatens others again."
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Jacob put his arm behind his head. "Ouch... Sorry, Ore, I replaced my knowledge of Fabricate a while back. Thought that Feeblemind might be more useful for a couple of purposes. Though a do have a spell that can entangle that thing right up, if you were so inclined. Plus, we could try one or two other tricks. I'll see if I can get that thing exhausted posthaste."
A bulb went off. "I'm guessing that everybody's gonna need a little refill, huh? Let me work on that." Another waving, another few words, another casting of Haste. This time, he targeted everybody to get in on the fun.
"Now, there's a few other things I'd like to take care of. I can take care of a few more castings while everyone gets into position. Let's try and take care of this thing, guys!"
As the party started getting into position, himself included, Jake's hands and mouth kept busy. First, he thought to help stem the regeneration of the beast. His efforts brought forth a plane of force floating in the air shaped like a sword. Then he started to protect himself one last time before the fight. His body started flickering between the Material and Ethereal planes, via use of the Blink spell. The spells he recently cast barely had a duration of a few minutes. But now he was entirely ready for this situation. And hopefully, as he would get the word from everyone else in position, the party would be ready, too.
Lvl 1: 9
Lvl 2: 9
Lvl 3: 6
Lvl 4: 9
Lvl 5: 7
Lvl 6: 7
Lvl 7: 6
Lvl 8: 6
Lvl 9: 7
Lvl 10: 2
Lvl 11: 2
You should be able to upload an icon for your character, resize it, and move it around.
If you are off the map, which will happen often, just put an arrow with your name and distance. I think that will work.
Sir Orrin smiles at Jacob. "That's alright Jacob. It is why I asked. Anything we have to keep it from making a strong counter attack is what we need, and I am glad to hear you have a few things up your sleeve to do just that."
Despite always having good posture, Sir Orrin seems to straighten up even more and he commands Carolinus with his knees to quicken their pace slightly.
"I welcome the rest of you to add your piece. It would be good to now all of our capabilities... but if there is nothing more to add, additional tactics to share, or suggested contingencies if our circumstances should change, then I do say: Let us be off and take on this beast!"
As if that little speech was enough to give Carolinus a burst of adrenalin, his pace quickens towards the beast in the middle of this supernatural storm.
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"Thanks, hun!" chirps Mira happily as Sir Orrin's heroics quickly renew her will to fight. The Razmiran woman looks up at the Samsaran Blue Dragon and smiles confidently. She then turns her happy blue eyes to each member of the group and says, "As for what I can do, if we are comparing this thing to the Tarrasque, I doubt I can do much to it personally; it's resistance to spells might be off the charts! However, I can give us all extra strength of mind and body. Also, do not worry about me dying. This body here is just a replica. My real one is miles way in Varisia, and based on everything I know, she is safe from harm."
The black tattoos on Mira's pale arms quickly quickly begin to flare up with arcane power.
"Lady Nagato, can you get me close to everyone?" Mira asks politely, which earns a simple nod of agreement from her surrogate mother. Before the Samsaran dragoness starts moving, the blonde sorceress decides to follow Jacob's lead and tosses a simple Shield spell on herself for good measure.
As Nagato ferries her heir to each hero, Mira quickly channels her graceful magic first to Sir Orrin and Carolinus, then next to Katja, and finally to Jacob. Meanwhile, the druidic monk decides to seize their last chance before combat and throws up two final spells on herself and Mira just in case.
"I guess I can keep it occupied with some illusions in the meantime. I will conjure up a bigger dragon than Lady Katja to distract it. It might eventually see through it, but any time it spends attack the fakes is time that it won't be hitting us. And this dummy dragon should look pretty realistic too!"
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Before anything else can happen, Nagato quickly lets go of Mira, shifts back to her Half-Elf form, and then points a slender ringed finger in the enemy's general direction.
"I forgot to designate this enemy as a dangerous foe. Let me remedy that," the Samsaran states stoically as her ring begins to glow.
Once the magic inside of her trinket has been activated, she quickly shifts back to her blue dragon states and takes Mira in her grasp again.
As for tactics, she keeps her points simple.
"Everyone, stay as close as possible to Katja. More than six hundred feet from her, the Storm of Wrath will harm you. Sir Orrin, it might go against your code, but let Mira try and fool it with her illusions before striking. While I am all for honorable combat, this creature certainly will show us none. We should hit it fast and hard. Before it realizes what it faces"
Once you come within 300 feet of the creature you need to make a
Sir Orrin gives Mira a smile and a tip of the metaphorical hat. He then addresses both Nagato and Mira at once.
"You know your magics better than I. You will do what you must. Understand though that I will do my best to engage it as soon as possible, even should that mean I ride behind your grand illusions. If the beast is distracted by them for any amount of time, all the better. I am not against all forms of misdirection, nor using our abilities to their fullest to bring down a force of destruction... what I will not do is sit idly by, away from the beast, when such a beast is free to do what harm it does. Nor will I rely on cowardly tactics, regardless of their effectiveness. There is no honor in winning by a low-blow, and without honor, I am nothing. Especially not when I know that my lance and my shield can be put to use against it."
Jacob turned to the general. It was clear he was very concerned over Sir Orrin's viewpoint. "Are you sure, Ore? We just were thinking that bringing it back here would be the easiest and most effective solution." However, he knew his friend was too headstrong to allow the illusion to be the first thing to meet the beast.
"Just... Please try to come back in one piece."
"What one man sees as cowardly is pragmatic to another, Sir Orrin," Nagato states simply. Noting that her current anatomy makes the gesture awkward, she shifts to another form and crosses her arms. This one closely resembles her half-elf state in terms of gear and garb, but in appearance, she looks much like Valdik now with bronze skin and long, dark purple hair that flows like it is part of a storm. Nonetheless, her eyes still shine like mercury under light. By all accounts and the laws of physics, Nagato the Storm Giantess should be plummeting toward the ground, but her bare feet stand firmly on the air as if it is solid earth. "What Mira is suggesting is that she busies our foe with illusions before we strike it swift and true. However, if your honor is that important, than I will flank the beast while you engage it head on. My honor dictates that I will not allow a fellow warrior take on such a great evil alone."
Nagato turns to the other spellcasters, especially Jacob and Valdik, and asks a question.
"Do you three have anything that could harm or hamper it? As Mira pointed out, she probably cannot hurt this thing directly, but perhaps you all could. Maybe that Time Stop spell could also be used to set up a gambit."
Jacob shrugged. "Unfortunately, due to the nature of Time Stop, we can't affect the beast directly. The only thing we could do would be to alter the battlefield. Maybe Val has something, but I'm not sure if I've got anything I have that I haven't already casted will work to that regard. Speaking of which, there's a ticking clock on those durations."
He gave a short sigh. "If this thing does see like a Tarrasque would, it probably would get around spells like Blur, too. Not sure what to do that would necessarily help. Unless you want to be a dragon or something, Ore."
[ooc]now immune to fear effects, no roll needed.[/b]
We're wasting time talking, time to get in there and see what happens. Validk looks to Sir Orrin, after you!
Sir Orrin smiles at Nagato.
"And I have seen worlds beyond this one, including the realms that exist beyond this mortal coil, and have walked along side the gods themselves. The spirits within us and our surroundings are real, and what is best for the individual - the man, the pragmatic - is not always the best for the grander scheme of existence, a higher level of being, the driving force behind life, one's own spirit, now and in the here-after."
Sir Orrin then simply looks at Jacob with a cocked brow, quite obviously not keen on the idea of changing his form.
"Uhm... no. Do not do that. Just... no." Sir Orrin shakes his head side to side.
Then he regains his stoic determination, giving Validk a nod of approval and understanding. "Come friends, to the beast, and to glory! Its path of destruction ends here! Let our magics fly, and our spears strike true! Hya!"
Carolinus echoes Sir Orrin in his own way, letting out a roar of excitement and challenge as he quickens his pace again, bringing the duo ever closer to their destiny.
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"...He's certainly... heroic," Mira notes with an amused smile as she watches Sir Orrin point his mighty adamantine lance toward the Spawn and begin his charge. "You know, Lady Nagato, this gives me an idea."
"...Funny how he learned in four decades what took me dozens of lifetimes," the Samsaran Giantess murmurs solemnly as she watches the cavalier ride. The druidic monk does not look down at the smaller woman in her arms and instead simply states, "Tell me, Mira."
"How about Sir Orrin charges the beast some more?" inquires Mira with a mischievous glint in her blue eyes.
"Is he not already?" Nagato deadpans as she raises a stormy purple eyebrow.
"He is, but he could do better!" chirps Mira as she snaps her fingers and flares her inner magic.
Nagato simply blinks as dozens upon dozens of Sir Orrins burst out of thin air ahead of their real counterpart. They too fearlessly charge Golthanos and bellow out hammy lines such as "Have at thee, vile demon!" and "By the power invested in me by Lady Desna and the Stars Above, prepare to fight!" For all intents and purposes, the illusion is near perfect too. Everything from the sounds of the replica Carolinus wings flapping to the details on the Sir Orrins' armor are just right.
"...Why am I actually amused at this?" snickers Nagato as she enters her dual Dragon/Snake Style battle stance.
Jacob saw something familiar in the way that Sir Orrin made his charge. Some would call it stubbornness. Others, steadfastness to his cause. Jake saw it as the kind of lust for adventure that most only saw in books.
"Guys," he said matter-of-fact-ly, "I don't think he's leading that thing back here." He decided to follow up with him, doing his best to keep up. His magic was strong, but Carolinus was more fleet of foot than near anything he could make himself to be. Still, he pressed on, trying not to be too far behind.
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"Alright! We are looking at 1000' radius of calm winds. Outside that is not recommended. I am going to get close to attack it. Anyone who wants to attack with me is welcome. I move quick so if anyone wants to switch hit with me I will do it."
"Very well."
Katja begins moving in toward the spawn at full speed.
Upon reaching 100' she lets loose with her first attack.
As you approach the creature, it ceases its slow walking. It raises its snout into the air, giving you the distinct impression that it can smell you. Your highly developed minds brush against the notion that it can smell all that you are, everywhere you have been.
The beast glances around, looking at the many Sir Orrins like a sleepy child looks at his lead soldiers.it seems intrigued.
Sweeping its surroundings with its snout and eyes, it seems to wonder what will come next.
"Well, I'm guessing we caught its attention. It almost looks... pensive." Jacob was starting to wonder if maybe the monster at the heart of the storm really did think. Of course, if it could think, it could realize the effect of its actions. All the more reason to deal with it aggressively, he thought to himself.
Validk considers the creature as he approaches. Recalling the suggestion that it may not have seen another living creature for some time, Validk considers pulling the game board from his haversack.
It must be rather lonely... may not even realize the chaos and damage it is causing.
An illusion army charges with him, fireballs go flying by overhead and explode up ahead, and the supernatural storm rages on around him, only partially kept at bay by Katja's powerful magics... and Sir Orrin is completely unphased. He continues forwards, his lance poised to pierce the beast before him.
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"So it begins," Nagato states ominously as she watches her comrades rush the beast. She looks down at the smaller woman in her arms and says, "You know the plan, Mira."
The celestial sorceress nods solemnly.
Sense Motive: The creature seems intrigued by your presence. If it were much smaller or you much larger, you might think that it was a dog and you were holding a stick. Though it might be more the way a hound looks at a fox.
The beast's tentacles whip around, investigating the many knights racing toward it.
All characters controlled by a player should go on the same initiative.
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Jacob sped forward, his magic coming into full force. He flew amongst the illusions, twinkling in and out of the Material Plane like a candle in the wind. From his new vantage point, he was able to use some of his most powerful spells. The Mage's Sword he cast earlier was finally close enough to affect the Storm.
Next, he drew from the power of his Greater Quickening Rod. He hoped that his Blink spell wouldn't fail him now and send the next attack to the Ethereal Plane. He called upon the chill of the void to help stop the creature that laid ahead. While the spell was meant for a group, Mass Icy Prison was just as effective on a single target.
Lastly, he attempted to fill the creature with necromantic energies. With a scowled look and an outstretched hand, he decided to use Finger of Death. While such a huge creature could possibly resist the full effect, it was always a shot to take such a beast down.
All in all, Jake thought he did relatively well, considering the circumstances. Now it was up to his team to show off their talents.
Lvl 1: 9
Lvl 2: 9
Lvl 3: 6
Lvl 4: 9
Lvl 5: 7
Lvl 6: 7
Lvl 7: 5
Lvl 8: 6
Lvl 9: 6
Lvl 10: 2
Lvl 11: 2
The plane of pure force lashes out at the creature, drawing a line of thick black blood from its haunch. Then Jacob reaches out and draws the icy power of the storm to use against the creature, quickly encasing it in a block of ice. Golthanos shudders like a massive dog as the ice grows around him. The sword would seems already to be closing.
A line of effect is a straight, unblocked path that indicates what a spell can affect. A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It's like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it's not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.
You must have a clear line of effect to any target that you cast a spell on or to any space in which you wish to create an effect. You must have a clear line of effect to the point of origin of any spell you cast.
A burst, cone, cylinder, or emanation spell affects only an area, creature, or object to which it has line of effect from its origin (a spherical burst's center point, a cone-shaped burst's starting point, a cylinder's circle, or an emanation's point of origin).
An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell's line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell's line of effect.
Validk lets go of the smashed tree he had been dragging and rubs his hands down his legs. Smooth move Radigan.
Validk sighs and lifts the tree up and casually leans against the 20' long trunk. Casually flicking a finger, branches go flying off as he observes the ice-encased creature. We must consider that it may not have known the chaos it was causing.
Once the branches have been stripped from the tree trunk, Validk grabs the top end of the trunk in both hands and twists his fists around the trunk, rubbing the bark off the trunk. Hefting the branch around he gives it a couple of practice swings before resting the over-siized bat over one shoulder.
Validk reaches into his haversack and pulls out a tiny golden bell. The bell quickly grows in size until it comfortably fits his hand.
Once the ice is gone, I can reduce its resistance to magical spells.
"That... that went better in my head." Jake certainly seemed embarrassed. Despite his experience as a battlemage, he seemed to have been a bit rusty. He wondered briefly if he had been spending too much time at the shop. "I'm sorry, next time I'll try to not have anything like that happen. I've got a better idea for the future."
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The ice encrusting the creature cracks and sizzles as the glowing heart or the beast glows brighter. You see a flash and followed by a bone chilling howl as fire bursts from the creature, diminished slightly as the ice absorbs some of heat, turning instantly into steam and swirling away into the storm.
-84 for the ice.
The creature is now free.
Edit: Left out type of save. (Reflex)
Nagato tilts her head as Jacob freezes the beast solid. That would have been a very useful tactic if they had been facing multiple enemies, but in this case, it might prove to be... problematic. She could certainly break through the ice, but it would effectively serve as a shield for Golthanos until then. Regardless, the druidic monk continues with her plan. Nothing is preventing her from simply waiting until the Spawn inevitably escapes.
"Now, Mira."
The Razmiran woman's sacred tattoos flare up, the world shifts around them, and Nagato finds herself right behind the creature. She can feel it struggling to break free of its icy prison, so the Samsaran uses her many centuries of battle experience and quickly readies herself for that moment.
It comes quickly. Golthanos breaks free from the ice prison in an explosion of great heat. Nagato's material arts training and magical buffs allow her to avoid taking any damage as the Samsaran Storm Giantess weaves around the energy with lightning fast reflexes. Ironically, despite having natural resistance to the heat and her mentor serving as a giant shield, Mira still gets hit by a stray wave of fire and screams in pain. Luckily, the sorceress manages to move just enough to minimize the damage.
Nagato's retaliation is swift and brutal. Mere seconds after the beast breaks free, the oldest Samsaran quickly launches a powerful kick into the beast's side. She simply repeats the fluid motions she has been practicing for centuries, and as a result, her strike is near perfect in execution.