The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

Sirettis pauses, unsure of what the Abyssium Heart is.
K Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

And she doesn't know what these things are, either.
K Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

D. steps forward towards Gallix and Uesugi.

"Before you consume that, i can recover your wounds as well. Of course there will be a slight strain, but the effect will be better than those potions."

"Just a thought...of course."

Following the battle Uesugi provides his wand to the Barbarian.
I'll track the charges. Currently has 20 charges

"Hold on to it and use it as you need."

Turning to Sir D. "The healing Spirit provided is sufficient for now.

Just a reminder to Sirettis/Others that the false life wand is CL 10 so d10+10 vs d10+3.

Mr Peppers responds to Gallix's magical advances as would be expected. "Well done." He anxiously awaits the opening of the great doors as Sirettis lets the Codex do its work. Interesting.. and guardians..

He pauses to study both the question and the guardians before deciding on the next course of action.

K Planes vs Abyssium Heart: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 19
K Arcana vs Constructs, buffs: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 2 + 2 = 35

If these guardians become hostile I have the perfect spell to deal with them... once I memorize it...

Before 'negotiations' go forward too far, Mr Peppers holds up a slender finger for a pause and pulls out his spellbook, opening instantly to just the correct page and scans it to memory. In case things get hostile.

Swapping out heroism for disable construct (1 arcana, 1 round), then casting spectral hand. This is contingent on me recognizing these as constructs.

Having studied the Abysium Codex, the party knows that the Abysium Heart is an arcane engine made of pure abysium. It was created by Hao Jin and designed to regulate the fabric of reality within the demiplane.

Roll credits

The constructs are Zelkehuts - bounty hunters and executioners all rolled into one. They seek out those beings who continually evade justice—either through active flight, or through power and station—and bring law and justice to the multiverse’s most notorious fugitives and criminals.

The duo look on, and repeat the question. "We have observed the fate of the Consortium agents beyond those doors. But why do you wish to access the Heart?"

"We need to reattune the tapestry so the Pathfinder Society unlocks travel between portals all throughout Golarion via the tapestry. A most altruistic view of this would be purely to travel across the realm quicker so we may help right wrongs, and stop criminals and fugitives like the Aspis from preying on the defenseless."

Hopefully that's it, but I'm sure they'll stretch that a bit knowing them.

Diplomacy, Heroism: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 2 = 25

"Totally! And just like the great sorceress who created this plane, the Society would travel all across Golarion to explore and catalog sites important to the world's ancient history."

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Nodding, Stali says “Our only interest in the heart is as a means of opening the portals.” As he says this, he grasps his silver holy symbol of Alseta.

Aid Diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
GM Reroll to Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 4 = 18

"They are correct, we wish to open access to this road to those who abide by the law." Sirettis curtsies. "The Aspis Consortium would rather keep this to themselves. When they realized we could potentially view the heart, they attacked us without provocation. As you observed."

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

"Are you en route to finding criminals? Or keeping watch for wrong doing?"

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

"Portals... I see. To assist in keeping the land safe. Your cause sounds noble. However, you wish to secure this place for your organization, just as the Aspis did for theirs." The Zelekhut cranes his metal head up, peering behind you. It's then that enough time has past for Mr. Peppers to identify the aura behind him. He picks up on traces of a divination, and identifies it as clairaudience/clairvoyance in the room where the Aspis had been defeated.

"Yet you have defeated them," the other Zelekhut nods its head as if in approval. "And striking down criminals and fugitives is to be admired, if doing so falls in line with the laws of their land. You did, however, loot their equipment, as well as other items in the chamber. Do you not think it disgraceful to wander into a vault and pick through its treasures?"

The Zelekhut peers down at Sirettis. "Yes. We are here to keep the Abyssal Heart safe. There was once a dozen of us. "

Give me another Diplomacy check, please.

“Our information indicated the four items from the vault were needed in order to perform the ritual. If there is a different way, please let us know. As for the items taken from the defeated, they will be turned over to the Pathfinder Society who sent us.”

“They used our attempt to parlay as a way to try and get an advantage. It seems they never intended to resolve things peacefully. Their items we will be turning over to the Pathfinder Society as is our custom.”

At least that is how it has always been explained to me, we turn over everything we take and can claim some of it later as bounty.

Aid Diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Stali looks around the chamber for remains of previous guardians.

“Do you need reinforcements? We can tell the Pathfinder Society. It is likely they would want to help you protect the tapestry and the areas within it. It has historic significance and our group is all about documenting such things,”

Diplomacy, heroism: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 2 = 27

Mr Peppers spies the spell and nods in understanding, returning his attention to the pair of guardians "What happened to the remainder of your number? Have they been destroyed or merely stopped functioning? There are many skilled artificers in our Society." Pretty sure that is the ONLY reason to keep some of those gnomes around.

"Like Stali said, the items taken from the room are listed in the Codex itself as spell components for the ritual. Likely placed there intentionally for this reason. Were you created by the creator of the tapestry or someone else?" Mr Peppers continues the conversation, it has started to turn in their favor it seems.

Sirettis decides everything was said that needed to be, so she simply smiles.

Auto Aid Diplomacy

Uesugi nods and stands dutiful with his hands at the side to show no aggression towards the guardians

auto aid diplomacy

The zelekhuts stare on at Mr. Peppers and Stali intently, and pause for an awkward amount of time after their explanation is through, almost as if they're mentally calculating something. Finally, one speaks. "The equipment then serves to benefit the Pathfinder Society, which in turn, also assists in stopping criminals and fugitives in your lands. I see."

He steps aside, and the other speaks. "Hao Jin bound us here, but after her disappearance, the Abyssal Heart's energies became unstable. It has proven ruinous to the rest of us, who have wasted away and perished." This one too, steps aside, revealing a set of doors. "Reinforcements would be helpful in helping to secure the vault, but the Pathfinder Society should respect that securing this place does not entitle them to ownership of it."

The two fly back, and flip their barbed metal chains out in front of them, holding them taut as if to create an arch for you to pass through. "The Abyssal Heart is through these doors. As warned, its energies are unstable. Proceed with caution."

Mr Peppers raises an eyebrow "What sort of 'energies' are you speaking of? Elemental energies like lightning or fire? Or something different entirely? Please be as specific as you can so we can fix the instability effectively and safely."

A little bit of extra info never hurts to be prepared.

"Reinforcements would be helpful in helping to secure the vault, but the Pathfinder Society should respect that securing this place does not entitle them to ownership of it."

Stali gives a nod of agreement at that statement.

Seems quite reasonable. I will have to make sure this is clear in my report else someone else is likely to get some bad ideas.

He waits, interested in hearing more about the dangers.

"It is likely to be electrical in nature," the Zelekhut replies. "Interacting with the heart carries a risk of a painful, unpredictable surge of lightning."

"Lightning. I can withstand small currents, but the heart will be much stronger, I assume."

Sirettis has Resist Electricity 5. I think she's only used it once.

Mr Peppers smiles at the new wave of information "I'll use the arcane to protect us from the lightning. We won't need to worry about it." He nods in thanks to the two constructs. "I was serious about assisting in helping your fallen ranks. Your mission is a noble one and deserves all the help it can get."

With this he yet again flips open his spellbook with practiced efficiency and memorizes a new, but frequent spell. With a quick casting he touches each member of the team and nods. "You are protected from electricity for about the next 15 minutes or so. It will run out, so do not do anything reckless.. at least more than once." He grins at Gallix when he says this.

Communal Prot energy vs electricity: 108 damage absorbed.

Looking to Tall Dark and Insulated, Stali says “Thank you!”

Gallix returns Mr. Peppers's glance.

*Wink*

He then turns to the zelekhets. "Thanks for letting us through. You guys seem like you're on the up and up. We appreciate running into folks who know how to listen to reason every once in a while. I hope our Society can help you in your duties for a long time to come." He nods respectfully to the constructs, then walks beneath their chains toward the doors.

The constructs nod solemnly at Mr. Peppers and Gallix. With the proper insulation now applied, you push open the doors beyond the Zelekhuts and enter the final chamber of the vault.

Dominating this chamber is a vast statue—twenty-five feet tall, composed of a strange blue-green metal shaped in the likeness of a Tian woman wearing exotic robes. It’s partially shrouded in a churning vortex of multi-colored energy that hisses and crackles with menace. Extending from the statue to the walls, floor, and ceiling is an immense web-like array of shimmering energy tendrils that seem to phase in and out of reality. A white marble altar, studded with dozens of multi-colored glass knobs and metal levers, lies a few feet in front of the statue.

As Gallix, Uesugi, D, and Stali make their way in, the Abysium Heart evokes a massive thunderclap, and a large dark storm cloud, with sparks suggesting eyes and long sweeping arms charged with bolts of lightning pops out!

Combat Map

The menacing cloud also unleashes a burst of electricity at anyone in the room.

Who?: 1d5 ⇒ 4
Who?: 1d5 ⇒ 5
Lightning, vs D.: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4) = 17
Lightning, vs Stali: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 4, 1, 4) = 15

Owing to Mr. Peppers' preparations, the lightning is absorbed into a shimmering field around the two.

Kn Planes DC 21 for lore

-- Bold is up / Round 1 --
D., Stali, Mr. Peppers
Elemental
Gallix, Uesigi, Sirettis

Stali moves forward, drawing his sword as he moves.

“Is that a creature, and if so what is it?”

He slices at the cloud, not even sure it could be hurt by his weapon.
+1 menacing Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Sneak Attack damage if not immune: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 6, 6) = 21 Hampered

No AoO because he has Spring Attack.

“That would have hurt!” Stali says as the lightning hits him directly.
Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 Full Effect

K Planes, heroism, HA: DC21: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 23

"I recognize this creature but not much more than that. It isn't very common in my field of study."

He watches as Stali runs off and shakes his head "Next time wait for haste my feathered friend. You may be out of range." Mr Peppers plucks out his licorice root and waves it around, moving time quickly in their advantage. "HASTE!"

I dislike this map, its really hard to tell squares and distance. If I can I'd like to get both Stali and D in the haste with the rest of us, perhaps Sirettis is out of range. If I can't get both D and Stali then Sirettis gets it with D and Stali unfortunately misses out. Unless of course you just want to say I caste it before he bounded away!

The lightning being absorbed, D. glances over at Mr. Peppers, when the latter looks around.

"That would have been most unpleasant. Thank you for the protection."

He then looks back at the elemental thing, and pelts away.

Sand bullet, PBS, overflow, burn bonus, haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 19 Dmg, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 1, 6) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 = 33

Hasted shot: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 20 Dmg, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 6, 6) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 = 42

Shot 2, mods: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 20 Dmg, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 1, 5) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 = 35

K Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

"Hmm." Sirettis takes a moment to ready herself and identifies the creature. She ponders about its special attacks, movements and immunities it may posses.

No AoO because it's flat-footed, actually. Oh, and Peppers casted haste before anyone else did anything :)

Mr. Peppers seems to have skipped by the meat of the entry for the elder lightning elemental the last time he studied planar creatures. Sirettis didn't, and she knows the following:

It can fly 100 feet. It's immune to electricity, and has the usual elemental traits she's come to expect.

Stali strikes with his blade, but find it moves through the unstable clouds to meet no resistance, as if it had almost no effect at all. D whips the elemental with sand bullets which do seem to reduce the storm clouds' entropy.

With Stali directly in front of it, the elemental slams at him with both fists.
Slam, Metal mastery: 1d20 + 24 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 24 + 3 = 422d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 5) + 8 = 21
Electricity: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 6) = 13
Slam, Metal mastery: 1d20 + 24 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 24 + 3 = 342d8 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 = 10
Electricity: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Stali takes two brutally painful punches to his chest, but the electrical current, at least, is grounded into his energy protection.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up / Round 1 --
D., Stali (-31), Mr. Peppers
Elder Lightning Elemental (-81)
Gallix, Uesugi, Sirettis

Gallix leaps right in to join the fight alongside Stali and begins throwing punches with the haste granted to him by Mr. Peppers's spell.

10ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Mutagen, Outslug Style, Lunge, Haste all in effect.
AC28 from Natural Armor/Outslug/Haste this turn.

Flurry AdCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 34 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 141d6 ⇒ 3
Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 20 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 14
Flurry AdCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 14 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 151d6 ⇒ 3
Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 20 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 18
Haste attack - MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 23 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 17

Sirettis glares at the elemental. She speaks to Isa, who tweets back to her. They nod and she casts Hold Monster Elementals are immune to paralysis, of course Overwhelming Grief, hoping to slow it down.
Will Save, DC 21 to resist.

Uesugi strikes at the elemental believing that the enchantment that surrounds his blade will work to injure the creature.

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a+ haste: 1d20 + 14 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 - 2 + 1 = 28
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 = 12

What is your base attack Uesugi? If it is +8 or higher than your power attack should be -3 to hit and +9 damage when two handed.

Mr Peppers watches Sirettis's cast her spell and mutters "Good grief. I wonder what a depressed elemental looks like... there better be no rain involved."

Only one of Gallix's punches lands on the raging storm cloud, the sparks from his gloves absorbed into it. The elemental shrugs off Sirettis' spell, and though Uesugi manages to hit it, his blade has limited effectiveness against the elemental.

The Abysium Heart emits another burst of electricity in the room.
Who?: 1d7 ⇒ 3
Damage vs Sirettis: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 1, 1, 5, 4) = 19
DC 23 Reflex for half
Who?: 1d7 ⇒ 7
'Damage' vs Elemental: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5) = 11

Sirettis' protection from energy soaks up the lightning, and the burst that hits the elemental is quickly absorbed into its body, new clouds forming where the old ones had been destroyed.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up / Round 1 --
D., Stali (-31), Mr. Peppers
Elder Lightning Elemental (-79)
Gallix, Uesugi, Sirettis

“Did lightning just heal that thing?” Stali asks.

Having seen others hurt it with their weapons, Stali tries again.

+1 menacing Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword, Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 = 26
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

+1 menacing Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword, Haste extra attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 1 = 29
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

+1 menacing Adamantine Aldori Dueling Sword, Second Attack, Haste: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14
Slicing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

“Did lightning just heal that thing?” Stali asks.

"That would explain why it remains here." Sirettis ponders.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Sirettis is too clumsy to dodge the lightning, but is thankful for Mr. Peppers and his magical aid.

If this thing is large enough for me to send in ranged attacks without the 'in melee' penalty, then I'll toss a juiced up set of scorching rays at its face, otherwise I'll magic missile the zorty bastard.

Mr Peppers cocks a thin eyebrow at the question "I believe it may have. Gallix turn off your zappy glove thing if you could."

Tall, dark and torn tosses one of two spells at the target...

"Even so, with the current punishment we are dishing out, it can't last long, can it?"

Despite his optimism, D. keeps shooting sand bullets.

Shot 1, mods: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 4, 1) + 17 = 36
Hasted bonus shot, mods: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 5, 4) + 17 = 40

Shot 2, mods: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 4, 5) + 17 = 33

Stali finds his blade hits the elemental, but again has limited effectiveness. Not so with Mr. Peppers' scorching ray, the three rays scorching and singing the elemental's cloudy form. D pelts the wall with sand, and the elemental fights on.

With Uesugi right next to it, the elemental raises its gargantuan fists over its head and brings them down on the samurai's big bald head.

Slam: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 312d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 = 14
Electricity: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6
Slam: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 412d8 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 8 = 16
Electricity: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

The electricity is absorbed, but Uesugi reels back from the pain of the blows.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up / Round 2/3 --
D., Stali (-31), Mr. Peppers
Elder Lightning Elemental (-134)
Gallix, Uesugi (-30), Sirettis

Mr Peppers gives a mini fist pump as all three of his fiery rays of awesome land solidly, evaporating a vast amount of the ugly cloud cover. He prepares to send another volley at it if the others don't bring it down first. "Finish it off so I can save my spell power." He announces, with his patented touch of magical self superiority.

Sirettis weighs her options. She hurls a handful of Glitterdust at the elemental.

Will Save DC 19 to resist.

Frustrated by his lack of damage against the creature, Stali tries to help Uesugi on his third swing.

"Damn! I figured it wouldn't be super effective, but I didn't think I'd HEAL the bastard! Let's try it this way," Gallix says as he bounds away from the elemental again and begins chanting a tune of fire.

5ft step back, then standard action to begin Weapon Song to grant all allies' weapons the Flaming special property. Any weapons that already had at least a +1 bonus on them now deal an additional 1d6 Fire damage on a hit. Gallix is applying this to his mithral cestus.

Watching his blade start on fire, Stali says “Neat! Thanks Gallix!”

The great lightning elemental throws a lightning bolt out at Sirettis' handful of dust, zapping it before it can hit.

Stali attempts to aid Uesugi's next onslaught, but fumbles with his blade. Gallix speaks in a fiery tongue, and everyone holding a weapon watches as their equipment begins to glow red.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up / Round 2/3 --
D., Stali (-31), Mr. Peppers (awaiting others' actions)
Elder Lightning Elemental (-134)
Gallix, Uesugi (-30), Sirettis

Uesugi strikes with an unseen fury at the body of the elemental.

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 3 + 1 = 28
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 9 = 17

katana 2nd strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 9 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 3 + 1 = 22
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 9 = 18

katana haste strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 3 + 1 = 22
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 9 = 20

katana 1st strike crit? '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 14 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 - 3 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 9 = 22

D. pelts away, assuming it does not fall under Uesugi's assault.

Sand bullet 1, mods: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 1, 3) + 17 = 34
Hasted shot, mods: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 1, 1) + 17 = 25

Sand bullet 2, mods: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Dmg, mods: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 4, 5) + 17 = 36

Uesugi missed the +1d6 fire damage from Gallix’s song.

Uesugi's last strike tears through the elemental's core and divides it in two. The two halves wither to the ground and slowly fade away.

Out of combat

The bolts flying from the Abysium Heart seem to have faded. It looks much more stable than it did before. However, being in such close proximity to such a large quantity of pure abysium has you feeling ill. If you're to perform the ritual, you best do so quickly...

Everyone needs a DC 15 Fortitude save or becomes sickened as long as they're near the heart. To simulate the ritual, one PC should roll a d20 and add +3 for each clue item used, as well as +1 for each spellcaster in the party. It takes 20 minutes to perform the ritual, so you're likely to become sickened at some point given that a check is needed each round.