#9-07 Salvation of the Sages PbP (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

"Maybe it would be better to wait to take the cure until after we're out of here and can't contract it again. If we keep getting infected, using a cure, and getting reinfected, we'll run out of cures... we only have one each, if that."

"Agreed," says Agate. "As long as we won't feel the effects soon?" She looks worriedly at Peridot.

"Im still not sure what the disease does entirely," she says a bit apprehensively.
Did we figure out what the disease does? I think we found out every other aspect.

"Death," says Athum rather dryly, looking at the catacombs around them. "It does death."

"Ragnar can waiti til the end, it would be a tragedy to clear the disease and then simply contract it again whilst we are down here"

"Let's get this ritual moving, and then we can get out of here and lick our wounds"

I still don’t know if you created more cures or blood of Nethys. I assume you did but please tell me what you do. :-) Peridot, Fading Light leads to magical energy activating in the body of an infected to have dramatic results.

-

Preparing the ritual

Onward and Downward I suppose!

The corridor through the sarcophagus winds underground for a great while ... after turning one of many corners, a source of light glows around the bend.

A vast library holds stacks of books filling every ward-inscribed shelf. The room’s design draws the eye toward a central ritual area, inscribed with arcane markings as complex and nuanced as a living mind.

Talismans, artifacts, and ancient books occupy every space that isn't covered with glowing glyphs.

Grandmaster Torch looks around, and smiles.

"This should be just the place for us to perform the ritual. Between all of the ancient texts and relics, and her own history, we should be able to draw out her power and banish it."

After you hear voices you can also see that the other Sages are already here!

Torch moves to a Ritual Circle to begin studying what Amenopheus, who is studying a journal, has done and also begins to read.

"Ah, this sounds like a personal journal. 'Life is fleeting, but undeath leads to stagnation. Only ideas endure, moving from host to host, alive and undying. That is true immortality.' Perhaps this is her notes for her prototype? I can stay here and research for a bit while you continue to explore. I have notified the other sages of where we are, so they should be arriving within the hour."

If you guys wanted to look further into anything upstairs, or take some time to craft the cure, now would be the time! Or you stay and support the ritual!

Amenopheus is tracing a few chalk lines on the floor while he is assisted by the other sages.

Pulling out a series of scrolls, he looks up to those of you present.

"We Sages could use a bit of assistance with the preparation of this ritual. I urge you now though, it will take a bit of time. Using the power of the Sages combined, as well as any additional help that you can offer, I plan to draw Tahari's presence out of the jewels. Now, this ritual will utilize the natural magic of the jewels, as well as innate magic from all of us assembled. Any additional magic introduced into the ritual could introduce feedback. That includes activating Magic Items, casting spells, and even imbibing magical draughts!!“

He looks at you to see if you understand. Please answer.

”If you could help me find some significant relics or identify damage to the area to be repaired,"
Perception or Survival

"Assist me in aligning components, drawing the ritual diagram, or helping organize and translate these scrolls."
Kn(Arcana, Planes, Religion) or Linguistics.

With that, Amenopheus continues to sketch additions to the complex pattern on the floor.

This will take place after you are done mixing 'Cures' but we might as well start rolling now!
Everybody can either 1) make one of the previously listed checks, or 2) aid another.
I might also mention that Failure to assist with the ritual could have consequences as well.
These preparations will take an hour after the sages are gathered.

Athem nods in understanding to Amenopheus about the risks involved with the ritual.

He offers to help with finding relics and repairing damage.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 (+2 to notice unusual stonework)

Agate nods solemnly at Amenopheus's warning.

She goes to look at some of the scrolls.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

"In terms of magic that will disrupt the ritual... you did not list channeling, or our holy ability to heal with our hands... will that, or other such abilities be allowed?"

If there is a benefit to more people assisting in the same categories, Ahn will help with drawing the ritual diagram...

Utilizing two boons
Aid of the Overwatched - CharLevel+5 to skill check in lieu of skill
Blakros Connection - Impossible Feat - +1d6, exploding
I don't see anything that says you can't use more than one boon, if that's the case, deciding to use the first prior to submitting the roll

Know Religion: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 14 + (5) = 26

Ahn calls forth Daosvaria, a wyrmling nightmare dragon. It appears, wisping around the gnome as they confer and discuss the ritual. The dragon continues to guide and suggest as Ahn sketches potions of the diagram... unknowingly drawing inspiration brought to him in last night's nightmares.

Frost sighs and nods - "I echo Ahns questions, does the intervention of our Lord and Saviour have an effect?" she then follows Athum around, helping him sweep the area.

Aid Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Ragnar

Aid Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 +scent
The horse does have 6 int and 'speak' trick! :)

During the preparation you are in awe as this place is spectacular.

A lifetime of trophies and curiosities line the shelves as bookends, including a bulette head, a Jistkan legion banner, a framed page from a Thassilonian necromantic text, a Tekritanin idol dedicated to a forgotten sky god, and a brass orrery enchanted with a rudimentary adaptation of the flying Shory cities’ Aeromantic Infadibulum.

* *

Torch hears Ahn’s and Frost’s question and thinks.

”Well, Amenopheus has prepared this group ritual that can draw out the malignant presence in the sage jewels so that the assembled sages and you Pathfinders can bind, banish, or destroy the entity! As far as I understand Amenopheus warned us and you that the ritual’s nature means casting spells, activating items, or even consuming magical draughts could have dangerous side effects—he suspects any entity that can possess a sage jewel could as readily hijack another magic item or magical process, putting such bystanders at risk!“ Torch says in thoughts.

Supernatural abilities are fine. Please don’t forget that Torch still has items he could provide to you.

Ok great! :)

Peridot attempts to help clean up the area but is still distracted with her mind regarding the ritual. Upon, realizing how bad she is doing she decides to go help set up the runes and does a far better job preparing them.

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Linguistics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Drink my Divine Cognatogen since it should last as long as the ritual.

Peridot, only one check. Rolling which one counts. : 1d2 ⇒ 2

I will treat the cognatogen as SU and not like a potion.

As everyone helps arrange and locate relics, the hour passes quickly. Athum really needed Frost’s help but Peridot and Ahn hold their ground. Agate can’t help but at least doesn’t disturb the preparation.

High DCs!!

-

The Ritual

The sages present their sage jewels, bringing forth the topaz, emerald, amethyst, diamond, sapphire, spinel, onyx, and the shards of the ruby in turn. Amenopheus produces a silver pendant set with an obsidian crystal and places it at the focus.

Amenopheus arranges everyone to the outside of the circle, and opens a scroll and begins to chant. His eyes begin to glow with a deep sapphire light, the inscriptions on the floor radiating from his position in a brilliant blue.

As the blue light reaches the other sages on the ritual circle, their eyes are overtaken by the same brilliant blue light, and they begin to chant, as if in a trance. After a few moments of chanting, a loud cackle echoes through the room, as raw black magic arcs from the relics around the circle.

Tahonikepsu roars, before chanting louder, overtaking Amenopheus as the loudest voice in the ritual. Her eyes glow white, quickly radiating along the inscriptions out to the other sages, quickly changing the blue to white. Amenopheus falls out of the ritual, pushed back from the strength of Tahonikepsu's magic.

”Pathfinders! Help only if you are confident! We can't risk any more of this feedback interrupting the ritual!“

With that, Amenopheus steps back into position, overtaken with white light. He continues chanting.

The Ritual will take 1 hour, and there are a few checks that you can make to attempt to aid in the ritual.
Consider this a 'Friendly Reminder' that you do not have to attempt a check if you are not confident in your skills.
If you would like to help, you can attempt a Perform or Linguistics check to help maintain the cadence of the ritual, or a Kn(Arcana or Religion) or Spellcraft to monitor the magical essence, and provide additional support when one of the sages grows weary.
If you choose not to attempt a check, still post and let me know!

We need a lab, and time, to make a cure. If we don't have them by the time the ritual is done then I am sure there is no additional way to make them

Also, I take the advice from the sages to mean there is a consequence to failures, so I will only aid.

Ischell is staggered by the amount of Arcane relics and information crammed into this space. He has always understood the depth and power of arcane magic- but until this moment had never fully envisioned it.

As the sages talk, Ischell feels quite out of place, and simple in comparison.

Mindscapes, magics, arcane jewels, and ancient necromancers... vs my simple blades and my reflexes...

He moves about the room, trying to find a way to be useful. He comes alongside Ahn, using what he has learned on his personal journey of enlightenment to help decipher the importance of the religious texts.

Looks like we have perception covered. I'll try to aid in a knowledge...

Know Religion (untrained, Max DC 10), to aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Using his knowledge of languages and rituals, Athum does his best to help keep it going by adding his own voice to it.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Ahn continues conferring with Daosvaria, and now Ischell on the deciphering religious texts and drawing on the diagram.

Utilizing second Aid of the Overwatched boon - CharLevel+5 to skill check in lieu of skill

Know Religion + Aid: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 = 22

Will go ahead and shirt reroll...

Know Religion + Aid: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 = 35

Athum does his best ... but that is not good enough!

Suddenly, you hear the diamond sage cry out in pain and then ... you all feel it!

Pain strikes you and all the Sages hard! : 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6) = 12 Lethal damage!

For lack of other input I suggest we made all cures

Agate... Ahn takes half of that for you

Frost... in a few seconds, Ahn takes 5 hit points from you and continues until you are below 5 hips down... so you only take 1, Ahn takes 15

AND he takes half of Ragnar's damage! Forgot about that shield other.

Ahn, total damage, 39
44/83

Ahn reels in pain, falling to one knee, then he waits as he takes on more of Frost's damage... and lays hand on himself...

LOH + Greater Mercy + Fey Foundling: 5d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 1, 1) + 10 = 24
68/83

Looking a little worse for the wear, he stands back up, and continues assisting.

Does it seem like the assists that ARE happening are worth the pain? Is there any indication that Ahn's high assist was helpful?

"It looks like, if we make any mistakes we suffer lethal pain! Only help if you are sure you can... it's becoming difficult for me! I could provide a little help luck variant channeling +2 though it would take a significant chunk of my healing capability...TWO LOH of 5d6 + 10 healing... that healing may be more important."

I wonder if we take 3d6 or more for each failure, or once for all failures in a "round"?
Also, looks like a DC 25, with my + 11 linguistics, only around e a 25-30% chance of being helpful... and 70% chance of pain!

I cannot give you all the details but Ahn’s reroll might make a huge difference in the next scene! There is only one roll per PC. So those that have not rolled need to take a decision.

Is LOH safe? Based on the description of using magic/spells Ischell is hesitant to heal himself.[ooc]

[ooc]My previous post should have been before the ritual (the to aid was to help the preparation)

know, Religion. Untrained: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

I think aiding helps boost the DC, without risking a failed check that literally hurts the party. In that sense I think it is really valuable

Aid Spellcraft 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Ischel, read prior posts for GM's answer to that question.

Also, was that knowledge Rel you just rolled an aid roll also?

Yes, it was an aid roll

I actually forgot that LOH was SU (and not SLA). All figured out now!

Peridot quietly observes the sages providing aide and taking over the ritual if anyone needs a break.

arcana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Yay.

Agate cautiously steps forward to monitor the magical essence.

Spellcraft with Frost's aid: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 2 = 27

The Ritual Ends! Tahari appears!

With the Sages leading the ritual, the white glowing light emanating from the eyes of the jeweled sages.

As the chant hits a fevered pitch, the sage jewels blaze with light as shadows gather, rising up until a whirlwind stands contained within pillars of light emanating from the gems... and suddenly ceases.

The sages are utterly still and unseeing, and distortions form around each sage jewel, emitting faint cries for help.

At the center of this storm forms a spectral being: a frail, dark-haired woman of middle years wearing the silver pendant. A ring of lights orbits her head, matching the colors of the sage jewels.

She looks around the room as a child inspects an anthill and an eerie murmur echoes through the room: “So much time has passed. Your are all going to die. And ... I have so much catching up to do...”

Shadows of the past overlay on the present, with images of all the atrocities that Tahari has commited. You feel sick, watching a Young Tahari murder another child with a rock for food.

Further memories penetrate your mind!

Testing her plagues callously on anyone she was able to find ... she killed thousands!

Finally, you see her die atop a mound of Sarenite clerics, bested only by an angel ... you see her impaled on the sword of a dying planetar.

She smiles in death, just before the Angel coughs, it's skin beginning to crack and fade.

* * *

Suddenly, all of you except of Athum feel the powerful evil presence tainting the room when Tahari arrives!

Will 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Frost cares little for the foul beast and its trickery - more intent on plunging her sword through its chest.

Edit - is there a map?

Tahari looks at all of the Sages with malice and superiority! The Sages are in a trance like state and the two sage jewels are just hovering in the air! All sage jewels show strange distortions - these strongly resemble the one you found in the mindscape room earlier.

It may be possible to enter the Sages mindscapes in the same way (free action - if adjacent).

* * *

Tahari darts her eyes to an open space in the ritual circle, another form quickly manifests, one strangely familiar to you.

The spirit of Ermias Dalla, the paladin of Osiris, whose body you discovered in the sarcophagus an hour earlier, stands before you now - mighty and enraged.

He raises the tarnished crook-and-flail, symbol of Osiris, above his head, seeking a victim to smite.

In his forlorn eyes, however, you see nothing but a broken warrior unable to resist fighting for, instead of against, the woman who utterly destroyed him.

Know Rel 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
Know Rel 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16

"Aryana is a ghost, no idea about her companion" Frost is also rather set on doing some smiting of her own.

Let me know if I have your hp correct. Also, can you state any buffs that are still active from before the ritual's start please.
This will be an intense and dangerous combat. I just wanted to warn everyone that they made this a pretty epic fight (as it should be - being the last hurrah for the Scarab Sages). Good luck!

Round 1 (bold may act)

Frost -2 hp
Peridot (Will save pending) -12 hp

Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage (staggered) -12 hp

Agate (Will save pending, fading light) -1 hp

Tahari

Athum (Will save pending, cured) -12 hp
Ischell (Will save pending) -12 hp

Ermias

Ahn (Will save pending, cured) -12 hp

* * *

Dhiara, the Topaz Sage (inert) -12 hp
Grandmaster Torch, the Emerald Sage (inert) -12 hp
Sinohotep, the Amethyst Sage (inert) -12 hp
Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage (inert) -12 hp
Spinel Sage Jewel, (inert)
Onyx Sage Jewel, (inert)

I assume that the 1 hour ritual was designed to ensure that our buffs were all gne by the time it ended, so unlikely many of us have anything left on - I see the author went to some rather cheesy lengths to stack the fight as badly as possible against the party :p

Where are we starting from on the map?

"Listen no hard feelings but I don't think your past is going to stop you from killing all of us ," she says as she throws bombs at the former Paladin.

Not sure where I am on the combat map. I'm within range everywhere so I should be fine in the area
bomb 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
bomb 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
dmg: 5d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2, 5, 6, 3) + 5 = 23 Fire selecting out allies squares
dmg: 5d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 2, 5) + 5 = 25 Fire selecting out allies squares
will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
religion Tahari: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
religion other: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Only buff up is sacramental cognatogen.
Frost this scenario has a reputation for a reason. :)

I didn't realise that was the reason, I was hoping for a vaguely fair fight - ok waiting on our starting loc so I can see how far I have to move (and whether I'll be able to attack or not! :)

Frost, you can position yourself wherever you believe might have made sense during the ritual. Yes, the author is trying to make this a hard fight!
Peridot, please roll saves and all rolls I ask for at the beginning of your post. Thanks. And you can ask another question on Ermias due to your 23 check.

Thanks GM, I will avoid the cheezy temptation to place Frost adjacent to where the boss has turned up. Early in the scenario Frost made the point that if the lich turned on the party, like she suspected he might, she would be happy to strike him down - I would assume then that Frost was near him to strike if he went bad.

Frost breathes in, eyes locking on the undead Paladin "Come, brother, let us put your soul to rest - my blood is that of the Valkyrie, and I will deliver you to the hall of heroes where you belong, not here in service of that Jadwiga!" she then pulls back away from the circle - calling the creature out to meet her in combat.

Smite Evil
AC vs Foe = 25

Ragnar goes total defence and holds position.

I still have ablative barrier up. Of the 12 from the previous attack, 7 are lethal and 5 are non-lethal.

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

GM reroll. Yikes!

Will 2.0: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15

Holy crap. This RNG is going to owe me...

As you stated, no Will save needed for Athum. I've placed him on the board, and all his buffs are long gone after an hour.

It says Ahn = cured? He may be cured by other means, but he did not drink the cure.

Is our total time... four hours in? Three hours until the start of the ritual, then one hour of ritual? If it's four hours than Agate has a new Sheild Other on her, cast just prior to the ritual. If we're right at three hours, then it's ended.

Life link with Frost is still up.

will save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
know rel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
know rel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Ahn was drawing, so I guess he's in the area of the effect.

Sorry, cured was copy/paste error. 1 hour before the ritual and 1 hour after the ritual. So shield other should still be up.

Ischell, you made the save and are allowed to enter the grey area but all good aligned PCs are sickened within the area!

Ahn, you are in the evil area and thus are sickened as long as you stay.

The two bombs that Peridot threw hit the Graveknight with unbelievable intensity and burnt his flesh!

* * *

You all notice that Tahari is building power with every second ... and that the Sage Jewels are providing this raw magical power!

Amenopheus is starting to move ... Aryana Tahari smiles indignantly at the bomb shards still peeling away from the Graveknight! And then turns to Amenopheus, flicking her fingers to the south. "Destroy the lich and those others, my new pet."

"Yes, my mistress." The Sapphire Sage drones, as he launches a fireball into the southern part of the room hitting Ahn, Ischell, Sinohotep and Dhiara who move away although they are in a trance!

Ahn, Ischell, DC 19 Reflex save or take 35 fire damage from Amenopheus.

Round 1 (bold may act)

Frost (Smite Ermias, ready action) -2 hp
Peridot (Congnatogen) -12 hp

Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage (staggered, Spell 4/5) -12 hp

Agate (Will save pending, fading light) -1 hp

Tahari

Athum (cured) -12 hp
Ischell (Reflex save pending, Affected by evil aura, ablative barrier) -7 hp, -5 NL + -30 hp / -5 NL or -12 hp / -5 NL

Ermias (Smite Ahn) -48 hp

Ahn (Reflex save pending, Sickened as in evil area, Shield other Agate, Life Link Frost) -15 hp + -35 or -17 hp

* * *

Dhiara, the Topaz Sage (inert) -29 hp
Grandmaster Torch, the Emerald Sage (inert) -12 hp
Sinohotep, the Amethyst Sage (inert) -29 hp
Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage (inert) -12 hp
Spinel Sage Jewel, (inert)
Onyx Sage Jewel, (inert)

Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Knowledge (Religion} for Aryana Tahari: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Knowledge (Religion} for Ermias Dalla: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Her companion's a graveknight-- probably an anti-paladin!" Agate fills in.

She frantically mutters an incantation, making sweeping motions around herself. Casting Greater Stunning Barrier.

Cantrip: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Open/Close, Spark

L1: True Strike, Feather Fall x2, Magic Missile x2, Hold Portal
L2: See Invisibility, Scorching Ray x2, Protection From Arrows, Spider Climb, Whispering Wind
L3: Tongues, Flame Arrow, Greater Stunning Barrier, Versatile Weapon, Lightning Bolt
L4: Arcane Eye, Ball Lightning, Secure Shelter, Mnemonic Enhancer
L5: Telepathic Bond, Fire Snake

Reflex Save, DC 19: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

17 points Fire damage. Energy Resistance Fire (4) reduces damage to 13. First 5 are nonlethal (NL 10) and 8 lethal. New HP 38/53

Ahn, Ischell, please make DC 19 Reflex save or take 35 fire damage from Amenopheus.

* * *

Agate feels the barrier of evil to be unbelievably strong! She cannot enter!!

Grey area is a barrier for you Agate!

Agate starts casting her spell and as soon as the spell ends she feels undescribable pain ... it is as if the magic is sucking her life force away!

Agate, please DC 21 Fort save or suffer d2 negative levels as Fading Light affects you!: 1d2 ⇒ 2.

* * *

Tahari starts to laugh out loud!

"You will all succumb to my disease!!"

The air grows noticeably colder and memories invade your mind again! Visions of a young Tahari murdering a boy with a rock for bread fill the air around you. Evil still permeates this chamber.

You see the Sage Jewels sparkle with power that is siphoned away to Tahari! Sensing her unique opportunity, she starts casting without verbal or somatic components!

She launches a dazing flaming sphere at Peridot who was able to harm Ermias!

Peridot, DC 20 Reflex save or dazed for 2 rounds and also fire damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) = 9

And with an unnatural ability Tahari casts another spell! She unleashes a vast cloud of poisonous gas on the group and Peridot, Ahn, Grandmaster Torch and Ragnar are affected!

DC 23 Fortitude save vs. a poison effect please!

Round 1 (bold may act)

Frost (Smite Ermias, ready action) -2 hp
Ragnar (Fort save pending, Full defense) -12 hp
Peridot (Reflex save pending or dazed 2 rounds, Fort save pending, Congnatogen) -12 hp + potentially -9 hp

Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage (staggered, Spell 4/5) -12 hp

Agate (Fort save pending or 2 negative levels, Affected by evil area, fading light) -1 hp

Tahari

Athum (cured) -12 hp
Ischell (Ablative barrier) -8 hp, -10 NL

Ermias (Smite Ahn) -48 hp

Ahn (Reflex save pending, Fort save pending, Sickened as in evil area, Shield other Agate, Life Link Frost) -15 hp + -35 or -17 hp

* * *

Dhiara, the Topaz Sage (inert) -29 hp
Grandmaster Torch, the Emerald Sage (inert) -12 hp
Sinohotep, the Amethyst Sage (inert) -29 hp
Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage (inert) -12 hp
Spinel Sage Jewel, (inert)
Onyx Sage Jewel, (inert)

Ishell's hands glow with energy as he discharges healing into his person.

LOH, Fey Foundling: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3, 6) + 6 = 16 Heals all NL damage. Heals Ischell up to full HP

He focuses his concentration on his journey to enlightenment. He recalls his experiences facing giants, channelling their magical energy into his size.

Boon: Activate Boon, Power of Giants (Hill Giant). SLA Enlarge person, duration 2 minutes. The boon also grants an additional 6 temporary HP.

My understanding is that it still takes a full round to become enlarged, even though it is a SLA.

After the first hit, Ahn cancels the life length.

Relex Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Tentatively, I need to check my boons when I'm home to see if I have anything to help, BUT...

-98 for -15/98

He does have auto breath of life... but that'll be no good either with the anti-paladin standing right there... again, need to go check boons, etc!

Would shield other end in the brief moments of death?

An nice... wouldn't his smite end in those brief moments too?!