Inspire Courage - All allies who perceive my performance gain +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Discordant Voice - If you are within 30' of me and affected by my current performance, do an additional 1d6 sonic damage on each attack. If using a ranged attack, the target must also be within 30' of me.
Abyssally-infused crickets sound at Rinaldo’s declaration. The Pathfinders regroup and continue onward.
Through the western doorway
This ceiling of this long corridor is littered with hanging chains, most of which are full of broken prisoners wearing sharp, seven-pointed crowns of iron, their wails of suffering echoing in the tight space. Other rent bodies cover the floor, their forms torn limb from limb and left to rot slowly.
Religion 25:
The seven-pointed crowns are a vile ritual to the demon lord Nocticula, who’s holy symbol is a smiling, eyeless face with a crown of seven spires—reminiscent of the appearance of Our Lady in Shadow.
Whatever actions the Pathfinders take prove futile—there are far too many tortured mortals who are far too mentally broken to be able to save them all. Sadly, the group must continue onward.
Through the corridor
Hanging gibbets sway from the ceiling of this massive cylindrical chamber above the mist-covered ground fifty feet below. On the chamber’s north wall, an uneven hole breaches the wall thirty feet above the mist, while an enormous succubus statue straddles a triangular doorway at ground level to the south. Map Updated
There’s an obscuring mist effect that’s within 10 feet of the ground in this room.
At the center of this massive room lounges a single, massive creature: a hulking dragon with skin that shimmers with gold and a pretty cool image! The dragon sees the Pathfinders enter and roars in rage!
This is an adult gold dragon. Gold dragons are widely considered to be paragons of their race and the epitome of virtue. Gold dragons breathe a cone of fire.
If you exceed the DC by 5+, open the spoiler below
Spoiler:
Gold dragons can, instead of a cone of fire, breathe a gone of weakening gas that deals Strength damage.
If you exceed the DC by 10+, open the spoiler below
Spoiler:
Gold dragons are able to imbue a gem with great luck once per day. The dragon and all good-aligned creatures within 10’ per age category (60’ for adult gold dragons) gain a +1 luck bonus to saving throws. Once the gem leaves the dragon’s possession, though, it only effects whoever bears the gem and only lasts 1d3 hours plus 3 hours per age category (1d3+18 hours for an adult gold dragon) after it leaves the dragon’s possession.
All that Glitters...
Round 1
================
Xanaphia
Messa
Rinaldo
Dragon
Vintari
Tuwo
================
Xanaphia would have helped activate others' healing wands, or donated charges from her own if needed (LMK).
Xanaphia hears the roar and decides to hang back and start casting SMV.
Female NG Halfling (Varisian) Cleric 15, Ranger 2 | HP 142/142 | AC 30 T 17 FF 26 | CMB +12, CMD 28 | F: +21, R: +17, W: +22 | Init: +6 | Perc: +18 (+2 to avoid being surprised), SM: +17 | Speed 30ft | Bit of luck: 11/11, Channels 6/9, Dimensional hop 30/30 five-foot increments |
Before continuing, Messa would:
* make sure that Xanaphia and Colwyn have recovered from the sickened condition, using her last Remove Sickness scroll if necessary.
* use a pearl of power to recover Suppress Charms and Compulsions and Burst of Radiance
* use her scroll of Life Bubble to protect the party from future poisons/diseases/whatever.
Knowledge Religion, using her book:1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 = 30
See those seven-pointed crowns? This is some kind of ritual to the demon lord Nocticula. We're on the right path, and this Lady of Shadow has much to answer for.
Knowledge arcana:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Watch out! Gold dragons breath fire...too bad I used my last resist energy on the acid.
How odd, though--I wouldn't expect a gold dragon to work for a demon. I wonder if he's enchanted like the Azata?
She calls out in Draconic. Your magnificence! Please pardon our intrusion--we are merely searching for missing comrades. We beg your permission to pass in peace.
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
GM, let me make sure I am reading the room description correctly so I know how to move around:
* The room is 50 feet tall
* The dangling corpses are at the top -- how low do they hang? It sounds like they are above everything, and not in the way of movement.
* There is a mist in the bottom 10 feet of the chamber, obscuring whatever may be down there
* We are 30 feet above the mist, putting us 10 feet below the ceiling and 40 feet above the floor
* The dragon is at least partially above the mist, since we can see him. How high is he?
* make sure that Xanaphia and Colwyn have recovered from the sickened condition, using her last Remove Sickness scroll if necessary.
Since you guys failed to identify the hezrou demons, I’m gonna say that you’ll have to use up your resources to get rid of the sickened condition—you wouldn’t know that you could just wait 10 rounds for it to go away.
The Great Rinaldo wrote:
GM, let me make sure I am reading the room description correctly so I know how to move around:
* The room is 50 feet tall
* The dangling corpses are at the top -- how low do they hang? It sounds like they are above everything, and not in the way of movement.
* There is a mist in the bottom 10 feet of the chamber, obscuring whatever may be down there
* We are 30 feet above the mist, putting us 10 feet below the ceiling and 40 feet above the floor
* The dragon is at least partially above the mist, since we can see him. How high is he?
Dangling bodies aren’t a written-in hazard/detriment. Dragon’s Huge, so the top 5’ of its space is above the mist. Otherwise, everything looks about right.
Also, something I want to clear up: the dragon is female.
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
While Messa attempts to parley with the dragon, Rinaldo prepares to enter the large chamber. He pulls out a scroll and reads it, once again granting Colwyn the power of flight.
Casting Air Walk on Colwyn. (Can't fail the DC 24 UMD check.)
He then whispers to his mount to be ready for an attack.
Colwyn readies an action; if the dragon starts to use a breath weapon or other apparent area effect attack, Colwyn will take a move action to move into the room at an angle to hopefully get out of the affected area.
The dragon flaps her powerful wings, displacing much of the mist below her flavor; the mist is still there and flies up to the platform the Pathfinders are standing on top of her space is level with the ground y’all are standing on, so her feet are 15’ above the mist (25’ above the ground in the mist) and brings her powerful maw upon the halfling attempting to parley!
You find it very odd that not just is a gold dragon haphazardly attacking you all they’re generally LG, for context, but that she didn’t take the very prime opportunity to use her breath weapon against a clumped-up group of adventurers. Nor that she activated her frightful presence.
If you exceed the DC by 5+, open the spoiler below
Spoiler:
The dragon is possessed! Technically it's magic jar, but I try to keep away from the latter spell as much as possible in favor of using the former (like that little thing about the two spells in the possession link says).
Vintari looks between the dragon and Messa in shock and surprise, unsure about what to do. When the dragon snaps at the Desnan she decides to shoot at the dragon!
But both of her arrows bounce off of the dragon’s tough hide.
Botting Xanaphia:
Sense Motive:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Aerial Tigers:1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CL:17 + 1d4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ 17 + (1) - 2 + 1 = 17
Xanaphia summons three flying dire tigers right above the dragon can’t position them to be able to pounce, though, but with a dragon that close to the party, she decides it’s probably not very safe to approach, so she steps out of breath weapon range and otherwise delays.
All that Glitters...
Round 1/2
================
Xanaphia
Red
Yellow
Blue
Messa (-22)
Rinaldo
Dragon (-88 from 5 attacks [before DR])
Vintari
Tuwo
================
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
"Well, that's not very sporting. While I hate to fight such a noble creature, we have too much at stake here. Pathfinders, defend yourselves!"
Standard action to activate Tactician, move action to Inspire Courage. Colwyn moves along the wall, using the flying tigers for support to avoid AoO via Escape Artist.
Tactician - Escape Route (Round 1/5) Allies within 60' of me when I activated Tactician gain Escape Route: Leaving a square adjacent to an ally who has this feat does not provoke AoO Inspire Courage - All allies who perceive my performance gain +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Discordant Voice - If you are within 30' of me and affected by my current performance, do an additional 1d6 sonic damage on each attack. If using a ranged attack, the target must also be within 30' of me.
Female NG Halfling (Varisian) Cleric 15, Ranger 2 | HP 142/142 | AC 30 T 17 FF 26 | CMB +12, CMD 28 | F: +21, R: +17, W: +22 | Init: +6 | Perc: +18 (+2 to avoid being surprised), SM: +17 | Speed 30ft | Bit of luck: 11/11, Channels 6/9, Dimensional hop 30/30 five-foot increments |
Messa consults her books and then rumages through her scroll inventory.
Possession...possession...Break enchantment won't work...nor Heal, cleanse...Maybe Dispel Magic...Xanaphia, do you have Protection from Evil prepared?
I assume Xanaphia answers in the affirmative, because it's on their list. Messa has a pearl of power left if we need it, too.
The cleric of Desna lays out her plan. Assuming the possessing creature is evil--which seems like a good guess--Protection From Evil will give the dragon a chance to throw off the possession, and it can keep the possessing creature from controlling the poor thing.
So Xanaphia, you get ready to cast Protection from Evil--use one of our Extend rods, if we have any extra charges. Rinaldo, you start a performance. I'll use Desna's Bit o' Luck, Xanaphia casts Protection from Evil, then I'll heal the dragon to wake it up. If we're lucky, the dragon will shake off the possessor. If we're unlucky, the possessor will at least be prevented from controlling the dragon for a few minutes.
And Tuwo, if we're very, very unlucky, you stand ready to knock it unconscious again.
Does calculations Okay, after the channel, it’ll take 13 charges off of a cure light wand to bring her back to consciousness.
The dragon opens her eyes.
”What…?”
Before she can finish, the dragon’s eyes roll back into her head as she raises her head skyward, black smoke pouring out of her draconic maw!
The demon can’t assert control over her anymore, that’s true, but nothing in protection from evil says anything about leaving the dragon’s body as a standard action ;)
The smoke coalesces into the form of a massive demonic presence, casting a humongous shadow over those in the room—no, not casting the shadow, it is the shadow!
Messa and Xanaphia needed to be adjacent to the dragon. Gonna say that Tuwo and Vintari are still on the upper platform and that Rinaldo is still air walking.
ID Thastrakna: Planes 17:
This is a shadow demon—a creature formed from the souls of numerous envious mortals. This, however, is not any kind of shadow demon you’ve ever seen or heard of—this one is MASSIVE! Shadow demons, unlike regular demons, are incorporeal. Their bites and claws introduce a mortal to the deepest envies of its soul, dealing cold damage I know it doesn't make sense; I'm coming up with flavor at 1 am. Don't judge me.
If you exceed the DC by 5+, open the spoiler below
Spoiler:
Shadow demons are masters of darkness. As a move action in any light condition other than bright light, they can disappear into the shadows, effectively becoming invisible. Artificial illumination or light spells of 2nd level or lower do not negate this ability.
If you exceed the DC by 10+, open the spoiler below
Spoiler:
Shadow demons are absolutely powerless in bright light and natural sunlight. In such conditions, shadow demons are staggered and cannot attack.
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
Knowledge(planes):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8Well, at least that's out of the way.
"Ah, there you are. No fair riding around in a nice dragon! You made us hurt her just to get at you! Sorry about that, dragon! Let's see if we can't destroy this demon for you! Cousin, what do I need to know about this thing?"
GM, before I take my turn, two questions:
One, can people make a knowledge check to give me information now, or does it have to wait until they get a turn?
Two, you have the creature as 6x6 on the map, and I wasn't aware that size existed in pathfinder. Is that correct, or is it supposed to be 5x5?
How I rule it is that you can’t take the free action to talk until you’ve had a turn, same logic as why you can’t take an immediate action until you’ve acted. And actually, it’s a 5x5 that doesn’t exist—the standard for Colossal is 6x6.
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
Seeing that the new creature appears to be insubstantial, Rinaldo calls out, again apparently to that unseen audience, "Watch and be amazed as the Pathfinders utterly destroy the insubstantial creature!"
I see that Tuwo has ghost salted arrows, so let's stack as much onto him as we can. Colwyn moves over and down slightly so that everyone is within 30'. Move action to Inspire Courage, standard to cast Good Hope. Inspire Courage - All allies who perceive my performance gain +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Discordant Voice - If you are within 30' of me and affected by my current performance, do an additional 1d6 sonic damage on each attack. If using a ranged attack, the target must also be within 30' of me. Good Hope - Up to 12 creatures gain +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 12 minutes (does not stack with the bonus to saves vs charm and fear from Inspire Courage, but affects other saves. Because it is a morale bonus, it does stack for attack and damage.)
Rinaldo, I said that Xanaphia and Messa both had to be adjacent to the dragon; admittedly I meant for them to be on the ground, but I both never said thus and it was just illogical considering air walk. I’ll rule that even while prone the dragon still takes up a 15 cubic-foot space, so the clerics (their feet, specifically) could be 15’ above the ground (5’ above the fog) and their heads would be 20’ below the ledge that Tuwo and Vintari are standing on. As such, due to Pythagorean Theorem mathemagics, you’ll barely be able to get every Pathfiner (not Vintari or the dragon). But first…
As the halfling moves past, the great beast eyes the man and lashes with his demonic maw at Checks Int. score Yeah, he’s smart enough the Great Rinaldo…’s mount! And Escape Route from Tactician definitely ran out! Someone had to use 13 charges from a wand to heal a dragon, after all.
And I’m assuming Rinaldo’s smart enough to know that the demon has Combat Reflexes and means that it has a minimum of 2 AoOs and would thus cast defensively.
”After making countless attempts to overtake the dragon and tormenting her relentlessly, the shadow demon finally succeeded. He immediately teleported back to the Somal Gate in Nirmathas, returned to the moon, and then teleported here, where he has spent the last day enjoying his new body. Because his magic jar effect lasts over 24 hours [it’s extended somehow], Thastrakna can attempt to repossess…[the dragon] while still in her body. Unfortunately for Thastrakna, the dragon successfully made her saving throw this morning, and he knows that his time in her powerful and majestic body will soon come to an end.”
The funniest part: the dragon’s got a +18 will save. Thrastrakna’s magic jar DC is 20. The dragon could only fail on a nat 1.
And like I said before, the dragon takes up a 15 cubic-foot space, so part of her is above the fog; no miss chance.
The dragon wails in pain as the demon’s cold touch slinks into her body vulnerability to cold and she falls into unconsciousness.
Dragon Stabilize; *Snicker* DC 161:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23EDIT: Just realized that the dragon was unconscious because of NL damage, so this check was unneeded, but I just wanted to say the DC 161 :)
Gonna have Vintari delay until after Rinaldo for ease of play.
...is Not Gold
Round 1/2
Field Effects: Good Hope
================
Rinaldo
Colwyn (-34)
Vintari
Thastrakna
Messa
Xanaphia
Dragon (-151; 173 NL) {Unconscious}
Tuwo
================
Thanks! I use this for creepy stuff like that every now and then. I figured a literal demonic possession was an appropriate time.
Tuwo’s arrows all hit the beast, dissipating two-thirds of his form, but he still has a head and two claws and is still a threat! Imagine NOT having a zen archer w/ghost salt arrows for this fight.
...is Not Gold
Round 1/2
Field Effects: Good Hope
================
Rinaldo
Colwyn
Vintari
Thastrakna (-227)
Messa
Xanaphia
Dragon (-151; 173 NL) {Unconscious}
Tuwo
================
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
"Now, Colwyn! Charge!"
His lance leveled, Rinaldo urges his mount forward.
Using Ride By Attack to charge and continue past without provoking AoO. Based on your previous description, I should be just above it, so I'm skimming across its top edge as I ride by.
Rinaldo: Heroism, Inspire Courage, Good Hope, Arcane Strike, Mounted Charge. Attack (lance charge):1d20 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40damage:2d6 + 18 ⇒ (5, 3) + 18 = 26Sonic:1d6 ⇒ 1 The lance is magic but not ghost touch, so that halves to 13 damage plus 1 sonic.
Inspire Courage - All allies who perceive my performance gain +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Discordant Voice - If you are within 30' of me and affected by my current performance, do an additional 1d6 sonic damage on each attack. If using a ranged attack, the target must also be within 30' of me.
The demon attempts to swat at the charging halfling like a pesky gnat—and Rinaldo proves as quick and resilient as one as he sweeps past, the beast reacting too late. I know how Ride-By Attack works, that’s just flavor. But as Rinaldo stabs into the demon’s form, he finds it to be not as effective as it could be. Incorporeal creatures with DR/energy resistance are weird; I apply those after the halving from incorporeality because based on how the rules are worded that seems to be the case (much to the detriment of players). And yes, Tuwo didn’t have to deal with the DR.
Also, I’m fairly sure that the sonic damage would also be subject to halving (I didn’t halve it with Tuwo because of ghost salt). If you find something contrary to that then let me know, otherwise that’s how I’ll rule it.
Also, I’ve been forgetting to put up Inspire Courage.
...is Not Gold
Round 1/2
Field Effects: Inspire Courage +3, Good Hope
================
Rinaldo
Colwyn
Vintari
Thastrakna (-240 from “1” attack [before DR])
Messa
Xanaphia
Dragon (-151; 173 NL) {Unconscious}
Tuwo
================
"Let's get the dragon back in this fight, and let it get some revenge!"
Xanaphia casts heal defensively (Can't fail the DC 27 concentration check) and touches the dragon. The elf then swiftly casts grace and moves well away from the demon.
Ring +4, Barkskin, Life Bubble, Ki Leech, Heroism, Feather Step, Mass, GMW +4, Magic Vestment +4, Clear Ear, +4 dodge
LN Male Tien Monk 13/Fighter 3 | AC 32 (47) | T 32 (38) | FF 28 (39) | HP: 163/163 | CMD 50 (52) | Fort +24 (26) | Ref +20 (22) ev | Will +29 (31) | Init +12 (+14) | Perception +48 (+52) | Ki 17/18 | PS 12/13
Note Heroism doesn't stack with Good Hope except for the damage bonus from Good Hope. I'm not sure on the DR thing. Holy explicitly makes the weapon and the damage it deals Good but for example Flaming just says it adds fire damage. Tuwo used Clustered Shots just in case but that effects DR not resistances. I think some of the Paizo writers just make stuff up and the staff is too busy to fully proofread the results.
When I filled empty spell slots earlier to get another air walk I prepped a third grace. Hero Lab is showing I still have one unused but I might have missed ticking it off; I'll check all my posts to make sure it's correct.
Female NG Halfling (Varisian) Cleric 15, Ranger 2 | HP 142/142 | AC 30 T 17 FF 26 | CMB +12, CMD 28 | F: +21, R: +17, W: +22 | Init: +6 | Perc: +18 (+2 to avoid being surprised), SM: +17 | Speed 30ft | Bit of luck: 11/11, Channels 6/9, Dimensional hop 30/30 five-foot increments |
Knowledge planes, with Good Hope:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
How odd...shadow demons aren't usually this BIG...or incorporeal, for that matter...
A rod appears in the cleric's hand, and she carefully casts a spell, adding an extra pinch of herbs from her spell component pouch.
5 foot step out of the way, free action to recover the intensify rod from her glove of storing, full round action to cast Intensified Burst of Radiance, using Dweomer's Essence to increase her caster level against the demon's SR. She can't fail the concentration check to cast defensively.
ioun stone for caster level:16 + 1d4 - 1 ⇒ 16 + (3) - 1 = 18
caster level check vs SR, plus dweomer's essence:1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 5 = 42
I'm going to guess that that beats whatever SR it has.
Intensified burst of radiance:10d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2) = 20 DC 18 to avoid being blinded, no save vs the damage. The damage is "good/light" so no energy resistance applies (usually).
Male CG Halfling Level 17 Cavaler (4)/Bard (13) Colwyn, Rinaldo's Mount | HP 109/130 | AC 35(20T,31F) (30 Inc Touch) | CMB +16, CMD 35 | F+13 R+16 W+11(+2 vs Fear) (Heroism: +2) | Init: +9 | Perc: +12, SM: +3 (Heroism: +2) | Speed 20ft | Bardic performance used: 5/33 |Spells/Abilities tracker | Active conditions: Heroism, See Invis, Frdm of Mvmt, Fthr Step, Fly, Life Bubble
Once the demon is destroyed, Rinaldo rides back down to the rest of the group and nods at the dragon. "Greetings, friend. I apologize that we had to bludgeon you initially, but that demon had unpleasantness in mind for us. Are you well now? How did you come to be here?"
I'll give the dragon a chance to answer, but in the interest of expedience, here are other things I want to ask:
* Do you know anything of the demons here?
* Have you seen them bringing humanoids from Golarion? If so, do you have any idea why, and where they went?
We should give the room a thorough inspection; Tuwo has the Goz mask and Rinaldo has See Invisibility. From your description before, I believe there is only one exit from this chamber, so if we don't find anything else, we can continue our search in that direction.
