GM Tealk's - Return of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

"Can I play?" Maddie asks hopefully.

"Of course!" Sorshen replies at exactly the same time that Remy says, "Absolutely not!" The two women glare at each other for a moment.

"Oh come on, Remy, let the girl have some fun," Sorshen says. "I've got potions that will restore any deleterious effects from the alcohol once the game is done, if it makes you feel better about it."

Remy crosses her arms and sighs. "Fine. Just this once, and no more, young lady!" she tells Maddie sternly.

***

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 5 = 5

Sorshen fills the lying cup with alocohol before placing a gold coin o nthe table. She drinks deeply of the cup, letting out a hiccup once she's done. "Ooh! That goes straight to the head, doesn't it?"

Slightly tipsy, she answers Borgol's question. "Yes, there are greater heroes than you in the world--no offense, of course! But if I know of them, then that means Alaznist knows of them, too. The Sihedron Heroes are already nowhere to be found, and I'm fairly certain that's due to her influence. I need adventurers with a lower profile, who have yet to make significant waves in the world. Hence, you."

She seems to be telling the truth...

Borgol watches the woman a moment, It's amazing how different she can be from Remy at times like this, considering..., then shrugs, "I'll call that true, though I might not say it's the whole truth."

Dexterity: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 1 = 19

Sorshen smiles stabs the lying cup into the table in triumph. No drink spills from it, so she plucks it free and offers it to Remy.

"Your turn." She waits until the monk drinks, and then asks, "What do you want from me?"

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Remy downs the drink with no ill effects. She blinks at Sorshen’s direct question. ”Um, we want your aid in saving the world. On a personal level... If you had asked me a few months ago, I’m sure my answer would be different. Now, though, I just want you to be honest with us.”

Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Sorshen nods, believing Remy’s answer. The monk slams the cup into the table. She looks around, sighs, and offers it to Maddie.

Once the girl drinks, Remy asks, ”What do you want to be when you grow up, Maddie?”

Maddie eagerly tosses a coin into the center and takes a giant gulp of the drink, screwing her face shut at the taste, "Ugh!" she doesn't seem to strongly dislike it, though.

Fort DC 10: 1d20 - 5 + 6 ⇒ (12) - 5 + 6 = 13

She looks at Remy incredulously, "I'm gonna be a wizard! The strongest there is!" she answers without a trace of hesitation or doubt, as though it were obvious.

There's a faint glow around Maddie's arm as she slams the drink into the table, some subtle form of magic making sure she was actually strong enough to manage it.

Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
What's the DC for the Dexterity check?

She struggles a bit more when pulling it out, though. She hands it to Sorshen, "What's the exact methodology required to fully stasis chronology instead of mere acceleration or deceleration?"
(She's asking how to cast Time Stop, basically)

It doesn’t list the DC so let’s say it is DC 10.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 - 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 6 = 3

Sorshen downs the cup again. ”Oh, whoa... I don’t remember being such a lightweight,” she says, slurring her words a bit. ”Ah, yes, full stasis. The trick to that spell is that you’re not actually achieving stasis. Rather, you are accelerating your actions to such an incredible degree that to the outside observer, it appears that you have exited the temporal flow entirely!”

Fergus watches the contest while keeping an eye out for any signs of danger.

Maddie frowns, "That doesn't answer my question, though. Does that count as a lie? I wanna know the exact methodology used to do that, not what happens."

"Such a spell is beyond your power, of course, but I can show you the verbal and somatic components of the spell," Sorshen slurs. She then proceeds to move her fingers in complex patterns and speaks a few arcane words. "See, just like that!"

It's not clear whether those are the proper words or not...

Spellcraft to ID DC 24: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Depending on if Maddie assesses it as genuine....

Maddie's eyes narrow, "I don't believe you. It doesn't match up with what I said at all!"

Or...

Maddie pouts, "Fine. Just like I did, I guess. I wanna be able to do it though!"

Maddie calls out Sorshen's lie, and the runelord smiles. "Clever girl! The truth is, I have no knowledge of the time stop spell. Transmutation magic has always eluded me, as my primary focus is, of course, enchantment!"

She refills the cup and takes another deep drink.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 - 4 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 - 5 = -2

"Hmm... I think... Yes, I am very definitely, definitively, drunk," she says. A giggle escapes her lips before she clamps her hand over her mouth. "Oh, dear! That is most unbecoming! Alright, Maddie, you may ask... ask another question..."

Maddie scrunches up her face in concentration, then is struck by brilliance, "Where is your spellbook and what is the quickest way I could get access to it.... safely! Access it safely. Oh, and freely. What's the quickest way I could access your spellbook freely and safely?"

Having spent some time semi-recently with kids, they don't mess around much when you have something they want. With Maddie, that's magic the likes of which people three times her age would tremble to behold.

Sorshen giggles again. "Maddie! Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, ever so precocious! I think... Yes, I think I'll bow out of the game here. That's not a question I would answer truthfully, and I've no wish to be forced to drink again and pass out in a most un-ladylike manner!"

Once Sorshen concedes, Borgol, Maddie, and Remy are able to ask each other a few questions if they wish to continue the game. Eventually, though, the game comes to a close. As promised, Sorshen passes out potions of lesser restoration so everybody can sober up.

"Well, that was a rousing game, was it not? Let us enjoy such frivolities while we can, for as you know, Zutha is not the only other runelord who stirs. Runelords Xanderghul and Alaznist are also active, and in time, you will need to face them. I promise I will help in those confrontations, but you must be cautious not to move against these powerful foes too soon. Of Runelord Belimarius, at least, you have little to fear--she remains trapped in her timeless realm of Crystilan. In time, though, you may need to confront her as well."

The bells toll 11:00 PM, and the festival is still going strong as the statue of Queen Ileosa is inspected and prepared for its burning at midnight. With the big event only an hour away, Sorshen decides to spend some time resting and relaxing after the previous 5 hours of shenanigans. "I believe I will take a break for the time being. All of you are welcome to join me, if you desire."

Sorshen walks to a nearby five-story stone tower that has a partially secluded walkway overlooking the plaza. The runelord's scarf sparkles with light, and she levitates up to the tower's rooftop, alighting on the edge and then sitting down with her feet dangling off the side.

Maddie pouts ever so slightly when Sorshen gives up instead of answering her question, but recovers in time to keep playing for a while, savoring the forbidden fruit which is alcohol, much as she dislikes the taste.
Con save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
She does decently for a girl literally half the size of anyone else at the table, but still ends up a giggly mess by the end of it, floating upside-down and spinning like a top.

She recovers well with the offered potion, and after shaking her head to clear it, perks up, "That was fun!"

Naturally, when Sorshen ventures to the rooftops, Maddie, kept awake primarily thanks to the lesser restoration potion alone, joins her, using Levitate to reach the rooftop and laying down on the tiles. She enjoys watching the firework preparations with all the glee of a juvenile pyromaniac, a manic (if slightly drowsy) grin on her face.

The Vindicator chuckles, "It's not lying to say there isn't such a path, of course."

Borgol shakes his head, Well, that just ruined any chance we might have had for real information... Sorshen's willingness to 'play' with us, especially after being vulnerable like that, isn't likely to continue when she sobers up...

He sighs, then looks out at the festival, "Think I've seen most of what there was to see." He turns to Remy, "Join me for a nightcap and a snack? Unless you've a better idea."

"Gladly," Remy says. "I've had just about enough of Sorshen and her childish games."

As the monk moves to join Borgol, she shakes her head. "I know we're better off having her as an ally than an enemy. But I just wish she'd be straightforward for a change!"

Borgol starts laughing, "I don't believe she's actually capable of it. She enjoys her games too much. Maybe she thinks she's seducing us or something."

He sighs, "Honestly, I don't know what I expected in one of the 'evil runelords', but... it's not that."

”Well, it has been a long time since the days of Thassilon,” Remy muses. ”Maybe she’s changed in the intervening millennia. Plus, it seems like she’s fought by our sides—or at least different versions of us—numerous times. Maybe our other selves rubbed off on her.”

Borgol chuckles again, "Hundreds of paladins and Vindicators and monks, slowly, slowly rubbing off on her. Who knows, maybe we can win her over to virtuous magic after another few thousand iterations?"

"Ha! Hopefully, the cycle ends here. Call me selfish, but I want to be the Remy who doesn't end up dying horribly and damning the world."

The monk is quiet for a while as she walks beside Borgol. "Hmm," she says at length. "Do you think in those other worlds, the other versions of us wound up getting together, too? Or is our relationship a unique occurence? It certainly was unexpected, though not unwelcome."

"Well, certainly a lot to digest after that evening of festivities."

Flik looks up at Sorshen and scratches his chin.

"I don't think Sorshen is a straightforward ally, at all, but her desires seem to align with ours, at the moment. She can try to beguile us all she likes with games in the marketplace, but she's still a Runelord."

Meanwhile, atop the tower, Sorshen turns to regard Maddie. "So, Miss Elthis, tell me. How did a girl as young as you become such a skilled chronomancer?"

"I taught me! It took a buncha time, but I'm a good teacher." she answered eagerly.

”Of course. And which books, exactly, did you study?” Sorshen inquires.

Maddie shrugs, "I dunno. My spellbook, I guess? I didn't use many books for most of it, though I'd have homework in all kinds of stuff."

”So you taught yourself with your own books?” Sorshen frowns. ”I don’t quite understand how that is possible. Unless... when you say that you taught yourself, are you speaking of a different version of you?”

Maddie thinks for a moment, "I said I was the same me. Though that was before I came here, so maybe I am different now?"

”Ah. Well I suppose that with chronomancy, things like that are to be expected. Did this other self offer you any advice? Words of wisdom, perhaps?”

She nods eagerly, "Oh yeah! Loads." she narrowed her eyes at Sorshen, "Among which was to not give specificalities about what I said."

Borgol nods and laughs, "Yes, I'm rather fond of plans that don't involve failing or dying horribly.." ...or, worse, watching you die... He shakes himself for a moment, considering Remy's question, then says, "I.. don't know. I mean, this is so miraculous that I want to say that it must be something rare and exceptional... but at the same time, these feelings, mine, anyway, were so strong and impossible to resist that I don't know see how there couldn't be dozens of Borgols just as smitten."

He then says, "...but then, you and Maddie falling through a hole in time was said to be an exceptional event, so, maybe this is the only time that this version of you met the right version of me -- or any version of me... I don't know when the loop started -- when I came to the Cove? Before that? Are there iterations of all of this where I died in Kaer Maga before the Heroes found me? -- especially since even the Heroes themselves seem to have changed, based on Fergus' tales."

He shakes his head, "Maybe Flik or Maddie could unweave it all. Or Sorshen, even, though I wouldn't trust what she tells us afterward. All I know is that, right here, right now, we're both here, and that I'm totally in love with the miracle woman that fell into my reality... and that, honestly, you're the most real thing I have to hold onto, and, by the Stag, I won't let you go..." He sighs and adds softly, "...unless you want me to, that is."

A blush colors Remy's cheeks as she wraps her arms around Borgol. [smaller]"No. Don't let me go, Borgol. Don't ever let me go."

She presses her lips against his, and time seems to stand still around them...

She nods eagerly, "Oh yeah! Loads." she narrowed her eyes at Sorshen, "Among which was to not give specificalities about what I said."

Sorshen laughs. "Of course! Well, Miss Elthis, it is good to know that time is on our--"

Sorshen freezes mid-sentence as everything suddenly stops.

***

Down in the crowd, Borgol and Remy quickly realize that time has literally come to a standstill! Fergus and Flik are nearby, similarly caught off-guard by the sudden cessation of time's flow. It's similar to when the Steward of Stethelos appeared aboard Tyalee's Whim--crowds of people are frozen in mid-step, fires have become completely motionless, house drakes in flight hover still in the air.

After a few seconds, a strange creature appears out of nothingness just feet away from those on the ground. This creature appears to be a tall, thin humanoid with a face and crown of blue fire. Clad in blue robes, it raises a frozen sword as it prepares to attack!

Borgol, Flik, and Maddie may act. It's Knowledge (planes) to identify the creature. Maddie is about 50 feet away.

Borgol looks around, "That... can't be good..." and draws his blade, commanding it to ignite ... Let's fight frozen with fire, I guess.... He quickly casts divine favour on himself and takes a step forward, putting himself between the creature and Remy, before calling out, "Flik? Ideas?"

Oh, how I wish I had fervor...

Take 10 for a 23 on Knowledge (planes)

Flik will start performing and cast good hope on everyone except Maddie.

Naturalist: +2 insight bonus AC, attack, saving throws
Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls

"Well, that is a ..."

You can't take 10 on checks during combat, Flik, but I'll let you use your lore master ability to take 20.

Flik recognizes the creature as a time flayer, mysterious beings from the Dimension of Time. These monsters often step through the veil of time to attack those destined to damage or intrude upon the Dimension of Time in hopes of slaying them before they ever have the opportunity to damage time in the first place.

Time flayers can see a few moments into the future, allowing them to avoid ever being surprised or flanked. They are immune to any time-related magic.

You can't take 10 on checks during combat, Flik, but I'll let you use your lore master ability to take 20.

Flik recognizes the creature as a time flayer, mysterious beings from the Dimension of Time. These monsters often step through the veil of time to attack those destined to damage or intrude upon the Dimension of Time in hopes of slaying them before they ever have the opportunity to damage time in the first place.

Time flayers can see a few moments into the future, allowing them to avoid ever being surprised or flanked. They are immune to any time-related magic.

I'm fine Taking 20 on this one because it seems important. Taking 10 on Knowledge checks is part of bard's Lore Master, though.

Right, my mistake. Though you would have needed higher than a 10 to hit the DC for this monster since it is rare!

The creature steps up to Borgol and attacks, slicing him with its frozen sword!

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 321d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 161d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (2) = 161d10 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (1) = 8

21 slashing and 3 cold damage to Borgol. Everybody is up. Maddie can take two actions since I skipped over her this round.

Was going to say that I should have cast Barkskin instead, but there's no protection from a 20. Boo. I hate when bad guys make my shield stop glowing.

Borgol winces from the strike, growling at the strange being, Better me than someone else, finally asking, "What do you want with us? We're not the ones trying to play with time!" as he doubles in size, swinging his massive flaming blade to defend himself.

Swift to use domain power to enlarge for 1 round, full attack

(+2 to hit from Naturalist, +2 from Good Hope, +1 DF, -2 TWF; +2 damage from Good Hope, +1 from DF)

Longsword (Primary): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 35 for 2d6 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 22 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Longsword (Iterative): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 28 for 2d6 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 18 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Shield: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 26 for 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8 If that hits, then it's also a 27 vs. CMD as a free Bull Rush (thanks, Shield Slam!)

Whoops, missed that I could act last round.

Maddie looks around guiltily for a moment, then, hearing Flik's warning, vanishes into thin air and starts to meddle with time.

Activating Invisibiliy, then casting Haste

Should I roll another attack, or does Maddie's Haste come afterwards?

You can take your extra attack now, as can anybody else who attacks this round.

Ok, also, retroactively, that's a +1 to hit for my other attacks, if any were iffy (including the Slam)

Longsword (Hasted): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 38 Hello. Threat.

Confirm: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 35 Seems likely.

Regular Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 17 Plus Critical: 2d6 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 20 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Fergus will swing at the nearest creature.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Attack Haste: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Damage 1: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage 2: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage Haste: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Flik will continue performing and unleash an ear-piercing scream on the creature.
sonic: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 2) = 10 (Fort DC 16 for half damage and negate daze)

Remy steps up beside Borgol, opening up with a flurry of punches as she drops into her dragon style stance.

Flurry, Haste, Naturalist, Good Hope: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 261d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 401d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 401d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4) + 10 = 202d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 6) + 10 = 21

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Fergus hacks at the time flayer, slicing it twice. Remy lands two powerful blows as well, then Flik emits an ear-piercing scream! The strange creature staggers back, its senses briefly overwhelmed as the magic dazes it! Borgol takes advantage of its distraction by slicing it with his flaming sword, though his shield slam just comes up short.

The time flayer is unable to retaliate as it tries to shake off its daze!

Nice! Everybody is up again!

"Go Remy!" Maddie's voice echoes out from somewhere, and the monk feels a familiar spell begin to settle upon her frame.

Casting Enlarge Person

Fergus will continue his assault!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Attack Haste: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Damage 1: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage 2: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage Haste: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Attack 2 Confirm?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Additional Damage 2: 2d12 + 14 ⇒ (8, 3) + 14 = 25

Remy unleashes her fury!

Flurry, Haste, Naturalist, Good Hope: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 341d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 391d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 341d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (5, 1) + 13 = 192d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 5) + 10 = 192d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 192d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 5) + 10 = 19