LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
There's not much one action not-Attack not-Manipulate not-Move I can think of, other than Recall Knowledge
While struggling, Kolgradd thinks back to learning of scorpions the size of smithys, and wonders if he recalls anything that might help him escape.
Could you clarify the math for us regarding damage to the scorpion? It looks like it’s missing Kolgradd’s original strike (which sounded like it was a hit).
It’s because I completely forgot to apply the damage from Kolgradd’s Strike last turn. That’s my bad. I've put that damage in now.
Boodiddly uses his magic to help his allies and debuff the scorpion.
Old Obsidian Will:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33
Kolgradd Thunderiron wrote:
IIRC We're using a house rule that things with the Attack trait are Attack Rolls aren't we? So the Escape would get the True Target benefit? I'll assume so. I don't think anything changes actually, just which dismal failures come from which dice rolls
That is correct.
GM Screen:
1d20 ⇒ 20
Kolgradd struggles, but cannot escape the scorpion’s grip!
Kolgradd:
Nature: Kolgradd recalls that these scorpions’ venom causes severe shutdowns of fine motor skills. Venom causes clumsy and slowed. He also recognizes that Old Obsidian’s other claw is so busted up and hurt that it’s unlikely that the scorpion can even use it. So while it has someone grabbed in its claw, it effectively loses its only agile attack.
Sorry, I know neither of those were what you asked for, but the unfortunate truth is that there kinda isn’t any information I could possibly give related to “how do I escape easier?”
Shohreh moves forward and sends a beam of moonlight at the scorpion! The dazzled doesn’t stack with its already-existing dazzled, so I won’t bother noting it. I’ll also retroactively apply the courageous anthem in there.
Jevar sends forth a burst of darkness onto the scorpion!
Before the Reflex save, I’ll roll the counteract stuff. Revealing light is a light effect, so eclipse burst would attempt to counteract it, thus removing a debuff from Old Obsidian. If it manages to remove the revealing light, then I’ll also roll for counteracting the moonbeam’s dazzled effect.
And Jevar sends his staff at the beast! I’ll roll a second attack with hand of the apprentice due to the true target, in case you get a nat 20 or something. You also forgot about the courageous anthem.
Second Roll:1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 23 + 1 = 35Yup, not higher.
Old Obsidian crushes down on Kolgradd! ◆ Greater Constrict.
Old Obsidian then attempts to stab Kolgradd with its stinger! Because Kolgradd is technically unconscious, he takes a -4 status penalty to his AC against this attack.
◆ Old Obsidian Stinger vs Kolgradd OG w/unconscious:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (12) + 30 = 42 Piercing Damage:3d8 + 15 ⇒ (6, 8, 8) + 15 = 37 DC 5 flat:1d20 ⇒ 4 Hits on a 1-3:1d6 ⇒ 4
Old Obsidian then attempts to ◆ maintain its Grab on Kolgradd. RAW, it would just automatically extend Kolgradd’s restrained condition, but that’s really dumb and punishing, so I house-rule that to be that it has to make a new roll every turn, like with Grapple, so there’s a chance of reducing the restrained to grabbed. Still saying it doesn’t have to make the checks from dazzled/mirror image since it already HAS Kolgradd in its grasp.
Old Obsisdian Athletics vs Kolgradd Fort:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (20) + 30 = 50
You’ve gotta be kidding me…
Because it’s a DC 0 Perception check to hear the sounds of combat happening right next to you, Kolgradd automatically regains consciousness and can take his turn as normal.
Sport and Savagery
Round 3
==============
Old Obsidian <White> (-153) {Dazzled: Round 2 of 10; No Reactions}
Boodiddly {Lingering Courage: Round 2 of 3}
Kolgradd (-46) {1 images; restrained; Enlarged: clumsy 1 & +2 status to damage; physical resistance 5 (expect adamantine); Hasted: Round 3 of 10}
Shohreh
Jevar (-27)
==============
Jevar focuses on a similar point behind Old Obsidian, but this time his eyes take a frosted effect. The liquid over them slowly collect "snowflake" patterns.
Suddenly a bubble of freezing wind and rain, and hale swirl over Old Obsidian.
◆◆◆ Cast a spell: Howling Blizzard (30ft burst positions sufficiently behind WHITE so it envelops it and not Kolgradd) WHITE cold damage (DC33 basic reflex save):10d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 6, 3, 4, 5, 4, 1, 1) = 33 Snowdrifts and icy gales fill the area until the start of your next turn, making the area difficult terrain.
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
That looks like a success based on its bonus, so I'll proceed under that assumption
After briefly passing out, Kolgradd drops to the floor with a quick roll and grabs up his hammer. Thinking of the poison, he puts up his magical shield, and swings up at the beast!
Shohreh sends her starknife on a wide looping arc at Old Obsidian, while she offers Kolgradd some magical reinforcement with a splash of life giving water.
Starknife vs Scorpion:1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 23 + 1 = 38 Piercing plus 1d6 Spirit:3d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) + 3 + (2) = 14If that hits, I gain 6 temp HP until the start of my next turn
Temp HP for Kolgradd:7d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3) = 20
Kolgradd manages to escape the grasp of Old Obsidian and attacks the beast!
Shohreh throws her starknife, barely missing the scorpion in an attempt to not hit Kolgradd missed due to cover, then gives Kolgradd some health.
Jevar sends a blizzard onto Old Obsidian, causing significant snowfall to occur in the middle of this desert. Not gonna bother putting down the area of difficult terrain, since I’m pretty sure no one’s really gonna be moving into/through it.
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
"Get back!"
Kolgradd tries to get block the scorpion's attacks, but it's much too large, so he settles for drawing its attention with a mighty roar and a swing of his hammer!
◆ Strike/Advantageous Assault?
Longhammer:1d20 + 28 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 28 - 5 + 1 = 41 Bludgeoning, status:3d8 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) + 9 + 2 = 20Cold:1d6 ⇒ 5Fire:1d6 ⇒ 1 There'd be a +5 if that was an Advantagous Assault if the beast tripped. Additionally if it were then I'd have to do a Strike or a Stride last, so I'll do a strike in either case
If you critically hit, the target gets a result one degree of success worse than the outcome of its Fortitude save. A creature reduced to 0 HP is blasted to fine powder; its gear remains.
Again the black tracer bolt speeds and slams into the scorpion mega-creature.
Shohreh, surprised at just how far the scorpion's stinger can reach, does as she's told and staggers backward to treat her injuries from a safer distance.
Battle Medicine on Self, DC 30:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42 Healing:4d8 + 40 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 6) + 40 = 55 Treat Poison vs Black Scorpion Venom:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (20) + 27 = 47+4 circumstance bonus on my next save against it
◆ Doctor's Visitation (Battle Medicine)
◆ Treat Poison on Self
Kolgradd swings his hammer mightily at the scorpion, lodging it deep in its carapace as he knocks Old Obsidian to the ground! Crit, thanks to your bard.
Gonna say Shohreh still does what she does because the poison COULD very well kill her. And that, instead of Jevar’s posted turn, he instead Strides over and gives Shohreh a lesser antidote for an additional +1 (since it won’t stack with the resilient rune). Inventory Updated
Resolving Shohreh’s Poison:
Shohreh Fort; critical Treat Poison, antidote, rallying anthem:1d20 + 21 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 21 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 36 Success Only because of all the miscellaneous bonuses.
The giants cheer as Old Obsidian falls, but they soon silence with bated breath as they watch Shohreh writhe in pain from the beast’s venom. When the venom subsides, she stands and the giants cheer, rushing toward the former-amnesiacs. Or, more accurately, toward the corpse of Old Obsidian, as the giants begin laying waste to the dead beast—some in irrational anger and rage, but mostly in an attempt to harvest the beast’s body! One giant goes to great effort to rip out the scorpion’s stinger and rush it back to Mother Grim Moon
Not gonna bother doing rolls to heal up; that’s the only fight y’all have today.
Mother Grim Moon, with Old Obsidian’s stinger in hand, beckons the former-amnesiacs as the other giants continue harvesting the beast’s body. She leads the former-amnesiacs up the igneous hill and seats herself at its weathered summit.
”If you would linger here for a few days, I will ensure you are rewarded with the spoils of your victory.” She motions down to the stinger. ”But you have nevertheless proven yourselves—you are strong enough to enter the holy city and not…immediately die.” The giant gives a sardonic smile.
”The Harbinger of Last Days has gifted me with sight into the holy city, and into you. What can this hand of Groetus share with you?”
There is some urgency to our quest. I do no believe we can linger.
He sighs. She is offering insight, they can't leave that on the table.
There are dangerous beings trapped there. What do you know of their state? Have you or any of your tribe ever seen the inside, or seen beings come out of it?
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
After the scorpion fell, as Shohreh was struggling against its venom, Kolgradd rushed to her side. He felt dreadful for being so curt with her when she was helping him, but he daren't interrupt her expert medical work.
When the giants stormed the field and Shohreh seemed out of danger, the moment to apologise seemed to have past, but he did manage a
"Thank you for the Rousing Splash, I always liked that one." and a smile.
Before Mother Grim Moon, he nods at Jevar's expression of haste, and has but one question.
“The Shatter Smile saw him travel to the holy city from the west, but he had entered its sacred ground before our people could catch him. He was not alone. Many small folk kowtowed in his wake. He is a fool, yet even a fool can awaken the world-eater, and he has its taint upon him.”
Jevar Shadowmantle wrote:
There are dangerous beings trapped there. What do you know of their state?
“The world-eater slumbers within the oasis, trading dreams for souls. Those who lack the spirit to understand its call are immune. Those of fecund mind become host to its evil and spread its seed across the world. If you seek it out, you will surely awaken it. You might have already.”
Jevar Shadowmantle wrote:
Have you or any of your tribe ever seen the inside, or seen beings come out of it?
”It is a dead city, abandoned by all but those who can gaze into the apocalypse and survive. Only the seeded—the world-eater’s children—stir the dust with their feet. Stone buildings loom and twist, rising too high and at strange angles without windows. Three pillars stranger than all others are not half so tall. Instead they bear the language of other realms, inscribed with rituals and promises to bind this world to another. I slept beneath each pillar once, each night awakening with overwhelming urges to consume, doubt, or revel. Last, beware the sleepers below. They sing. They whistle. They whisper, promising to consume all that live. They can taste your very breath. One lies near the city’s western edge.”
Thank you, that is helpful to know. Perhaps we will find a way to enter that avoids this particular sleeper, although I've no doubt we'll encounter others. If only there were a way to detect them...
He doesn't necessarily expect any insight on this, but one never knows.
I'm still not hearing a compelling reason to "linger" with the shatter smile, despite her earlier appeal to do so.
"Thank you for the Rousing Splash, I always liked that one." and a smile.
A thoroughly exhausted Shohreh looks up at the dwarf from where she sits, blows a stray bit of hair out of her face, and gives a wan smile of her own. "It's not a terribly complicated spell, but it does yeoman's work."
Two dozen goons. Looking forward to that... He sighs internally. But it's better to know what's in store for them.
Jevar is ready to go unless somebody wants that stinger mace, or maybe the group wants it just to sell. But it seems like we'd be eager to act fast and catch up with Lowls.
With no further questions, the former-amnesiacs depart from the giant camp and make their way toward Neruzavin.
*
Sunday 26 Calistril, 4717
*
Eventually, the former-amnesiacs crest over a dune and find it to be the apex of a gently sloping basin that contains a strange sight. What they see is a series of innumerable monoliths the size and…shape(?) of buildings. As they continue to stare at these “buildings,” the less sense they seem to make. Trying to calculate a general shape of the structures causes them to change in the blink of an eye, making it difficult to look at and study them for longer than a minute. Whether this strange effect is magic or an optical illusion is unclear.
On the northwestern section of the “city,” dozens upon dozens of the “buildings” have collapsed, giving way to a vibrantly blue lake that shimmers like an undulating mirage against the desert’s lifeless surroundings. See slide 1 of the Maps
”There it is.” Kaklatath “says.” ”Though it is different from how I recall. Millennia have passed since last I walked its ‘streets.’ We must make haste.”
And so, the group descends into the basin, to enter the “city” of Neruzavin.
*
Chapter 2: The Cradle of Heaven
*
As the former-amnesiacs approach the “city” of Neruzavin, they are almost overwhelmed by the sheer size of it. From the distance, making out its true size was difficult, but as they travel closer, they find that the sheer real estate of the “city” rivals that of the metropolis of Katheer, and its “buildings” loom far taller than the cityscape of even the legendary City at the Center of the World. Combined with its narrow “streets,” it becomes difficult to see the sky even when looking straight up.
Despite its enormity, Neruzavin feels utterly abandoned. Anemic clouds silently whip by overhead, far above lifeless streets practically untouched by the desert winds, as though any hint of motion would offend the barren terraces, towers, and tiles. When the wind does stir the dusty streets, these tunnels whistle with jarring harmonics. It’s almost enough to distract a sane visitor from the fact that the wind doesn’t originate from the east or west, but from somewhere below, like the exhalation of a buried titan. Streets bend at irregular angles and end abruptly as if such mundane thoroughfares were never intended to be functional. Walls seem to retract inward out of the corner of one’s eyes, only to bulge uncomfortably upon closer examination, like malignant architectural tumors granted unholy animation by optical illusions. And yet, even these oddities are easily confirmed by touch.
An hour of travel in this lifeless metropolis…
”Count Lowls, we’re turning right here; I have foreseen this path before…”
Distant voices, the sight of a man turning a corner, and the name “Count Lowls.” Perhaps it is hope, perhaps slipping sanity, but the former-amnesiacs follow this lead in an attempt to catch up with this person—or perhaps group of people.
Suddenly, though, as the group proceeds through the “streets” of Neruzavin, they find a body. The body is rotten and barely covered in flesh anymore, but what is disturbing is the fungus. The body is covered in various kinds of fungal growth, making it unclear where bone and flesh end and fungus begins. And a mass of fungus seems to grow out of the fungus-covered body
And the body rises.
And moans echo from nearby streets as more fungal undead approach—How did they get so close without the group noticing them?! Did the buildings’ strange shapes and geometry hide their approach?
Regardless, they are here, and moving to attack. Maps Updated
Now, Kaklatath is present in this combat because y’all are surrounded. Kaklatath has VERY minimal combat capabilities, mind you.
Additionally, that 15-foot-by-15-foot red square on the map is an area of fungi that seemed to be growing out of Red. While it’s not difficult terrain, it is important for me to note where it is for…other reasons.
M Gnome Bard 14 | HP 162 | AC 33 | F +22 R +22 W +24 (Success -> Crit Success) | Perc +23 (+2 vs Initiative), Imprecise Scent | Speed 25 ft | Focus 2/2 | Spells: 1st 3/3 2nd 3/3 3rd 3/3 4th 3/3 5th 3/3 6th 3/3 7th 3/3 | Staff Charges: 7/7 | Active Conditions: None
Boodiddly’s mind races to jump to conclusions even as his fingers race to pluck a well-practiced melody on his fiddle. With no time for Kaklatath to make a quick exit stage-left, he does the next best thing and drops an oversized handkerchief over her as though she were a rabbit in a street magician’s act who was about to disappear.
Occultism(Automatic Knowledge) to Recall Knowledge:10 + 19 = 29(What are these things best known for?)
Performance to Linger vs DC 31:1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27
Recall Knowledge [F], then casting lingering composition [F], rallying anthem [A], and containment (targeting Kaklatath)[AA].
Boodiddly protects Kaklatath whom I’m now removing from the initiative card, which is received with a mental ”Thank you.”
Boodiddly:
Occultism: They are known for carrying a deadly disease that causes drained and stupefied.
Red absorbs the fungi surrounding it as it becomes quickened! When they start their turn in fungal terrain, they are hasted for that turn. Red reaches a hand out and the fungus at its feet extend forward in a ◆◆ Fungal Root at Kolgradd!
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
No time to plan, need to put some down before we're overwhelmed
I'm assuming we'd have been walking around this nightmare city with our weapons drawn?
Kolgradd jumps into action, swinging his hammer at the fungel skeleton menacing Boodiddly.
Shohreh shrugs off the blow, blessing the party's strength of arms and hurling her starknife in tandem with Kolgradd's hammer.
Starknife vs Blue, Bless:1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 23 + 1 = 43 Slashing:3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) + 3 = 11 plus Astral:1d6 ⇒ 3 for 14 damage and I gain 6 temp HP until my next turn If crit:1d6 + 28 ⇒ (6) + 28 = 34and I gain 13 temp hp until my next turn
M Gnome Bard 14 | HP 162 | AC 33 | F +22 R +22 W +24 (Success -> Crit Success) | Perc +23 (+2 vs Initiative), Imprecise Scent | Speed 25 ft | Focus 2/2 | Spells: 1st 3/3 2nd 3/3 3rd 3/3 4th 3/3 5th 3/3 6th 3/3 7th 3/3 | Staff Charges: 7/7 | Active Conditions: None
Occultism, AK to Recall Knowledge:10 + 19 = 29(These things wouldn’t happen to be flammable or have some other weakness, would they?)
Boodiddly cocks his head in confusion as the zombie appears to understand wards and magic enough to not need to waste its time attacking Kaklatath. He winds himself up for another flourish - this time not almost dropping the bow - and does his best to make it an entertaining one.
Performance to Linger vs DC 31:1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38
Automatic Knowledge [F], lingering composition [F], rallying anthem [A], and roaring applause at rank 6 targeting all the zombies he can see (Will DC 33) [AA].
Surrounded already, this is not good. He sees his teammates have already jumped into action appropriately, so he incants an arc of lighting that seems to dance from one fungi to the next hopefully...
◆◆ Cast a spell: Chain Lightning through DASHED-PINK, GREEN, ORANGE, YELLOW, RED, PURPLE, BLUE (essentially all of them counter-clockwise) Electricity damage (RA), DC33 Basic Reflex:8d12 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 10, 8, 5, 7, 8) + 1 = 46Damage to each until one critically saves and breaks the chain
He then quickly erects a barely visible, rune-covered shield of force.
I'm assuming we'd have been walking around this nightmare city with our weapons drawn?
I’d be shocked if you weren’t.
Shohreh blesses her Allie’s and throws her starknife at Blue! Her blade cuts deep into the undead, the cut suddenly discoloring and oxidizing. Weakness to slashing. Also, yes, that was indeed a crit.
Jevar unleashes a link of lightning at the undead! FYI, Dashed Pink is Kaklatath. AKA, your ally.
Currently on mobile, so there’s a possibility the tokens’ movement didn’t update how I wanted them to, just FYI. Red, Orange, and Yellow should be lined up in the middle of the big red square in that order.
Rotten
Round 2 —> 3
==============
Boodiddly (-59) {Lingering Rally: Round 1 of 3}
Seeded <Red> (-89) {slowed 1 & no reactions: Round 1 of 10}
Seeded <Orange> (-46) {slowed 1 & no reactions: Round 1 of 10}
Seeded <Yellow> (-46) {no reactions: Round 1 of 10}
Seeded <Green> (-46) {no reactions: Round 1 of 10}
Seeded <Purple> (-23) {slowed 1 & no reactions: Round 1 of 10}
Shohreh (-60)
Jevar
Kolgradd (-93)
==============
Don't let them rest in the fungal patch! They will regenerate!
Oreb, grant me some energy to recall the spell...
He nuzzles her little bird head with his forehead and her eyes glow...
◇ Drain familiar: rank 6
◆◆ Cast a spell: Chain Lightning through GREEN, PURPLE, RED, ORANGE, YELLOW Electricity damage, DC33 Basic Reflex:8d12 ⇒ (2, 8, 2, 11, 3, 2, 1, 11) = 40Damage to each until one critically saves and breaks the chain
Shohreh turns toward the gathered whispers a prayer to the stars, which is answered by a roaring detonation of holy fire that sweeps over the gathered undead and their fungal refuge. Whatever remains, she sends her starknife to finish.
Fire/Spirit, Holy:6d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 1, 4, 3) = 22plus 2d6 persistent fire/spirit on any who fail, doubled on crit
Starknife vs Fungal Zombie, Bless:1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 23 + 1 = 40 Slashing:3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 2) + 3 = 10plus Astral:1d6 ⇒ 1 for 11 damage and I gain 6 temp HP until my next turn If crit:2d6 + 22 ⇒ (6, 5) + 22 = 33and I gain 13 temp hp until my next turn
◆◆ Cast divine immolation, DC 33 basic Reflex, to catch the three gathered in the fungal patch (and maybe that too?).
◆ Strike, targeted at whichever of those three looks the worst.
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
Kolgradd strikes out at one in the fungal patch, trying to guage it's movements as he does so.
In the event that only yellow is left, he'd step first
Not gonna bother with the save against frost since it’s already slowed.
Purple Fort vs crit spec | DC 31:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
Changing that second Strike to an Advantageous Assault. And that’s another crit. Still there, though.
Boodiddly protects himself.
Boodiddly:
They have tremorsense but only in fungi, and they speak Chthonian. And I’m gonna say that THAT is where you’re unable to attempt further Recall Knowledges about these guys.
Orange and Yellow are quickened and heal 10 HP for starting their turns in the fungus. The quickened action that can only be used to Stride or Strike is the action Orange loses from being slowed.
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
Kolgradd continues hammering, despite the strange fungal roots they keep flinging at him.
M Gnome Bard 14 | HP 162 | AC 33 | F +22 R +22 W +24 (Success -> Crit Success) | Perc +23 (+2 vs Initiative), Imprecise Scent | Speed 25 ft | Focus 2/2 | Spells: 1st 3/3 2nd 3/3 3rd 3/3 4th 3/3 5th 3/3 6th 3/3 7th 3/3 | Staff Charges: 7/7 | Active Conditions: None
"Keep it up Shohreh - I’ll keep Kolgradd up!" Boodiddly’s fiddle shifts to a soothing melody, full of gentle arpeggios that call to mind a meadow in spring.
Shohreh pauses her assault just long enough to give Boodiddly a nod, then throws a beam of starlight over Kolgradd's shoulder and through the nearest fungal zombie.
And this thing is adjacent to Kolgradd, so I’m just gonna handwave the rest of this combat.
Once the last of the undead fall, the former-amnesiacs hear a blood-curdling scream from around the corner! They make haste toward the source of the scream.
”I-it’s growing from his skin!”
“B-burn it! BURN IT LIKE THE REST!”
The former-amnesiacs eventually come to a small opening, where all they see is a charred stain on the ground. They quickly look around and briefly see a person turn a nearby corner. However, further down, they see a stranger sight: a lumbering beast made of roots, fungal filaments, and various other detritus in the vague shape of a humanoid. The monster just watches the former-amnesiacs, before slowly turning and walking around the corner. The group gives chase—whether to the humanoids or the strange beast, the end result is the same: they find themselves continuing to wander Neruzavin’s streets without coming to their intended target.
”W-what…was that?!”
“You know damn well what it was: it was one of those…things!”
“So those things were…one of us…?”
The voices and brief glimpses of people continue, seeming to lead the former-amnesiacs through the streets of Neruzavin It takes hours, so I’m handwaving healing.
Eventually, the group finally finds a pair of the group they’ve been tracking. No longer disappearing around corners and barely three steps ahead. Two beings sit at the side of one of the innumerable towers that make up Neruzavin, their features indiscernible from this distance.
”What happened to them?”
“They just…vanished…?”
As the former-amnesiacs approach, though, the two people seem to fade away, like a mist dispersed in the wind. At the same rate that they fade, the tower behind them seems to change, showing a massive set of double doors into the tower: the first such entrance the group has even seen in this sprawling place. Map Updated
”Halt!”
A voice echoes from above. The group looks up to see its source, but the architecture of Neruzavin’s “buildings” makes this difficult. As they look up, though, they see a…thing coming towards them. It appears to be a blazing sun at first, but as it approaches, its features become more strange. It is a massive wagon wheel, the size of an elephant, that blazes with a burning heat. Each of the wheel’s spokes bears a single, elliptical eye whose gaze seems to pierce straight through the group’s soul. For several seconds, the creature’s gazes fall upon Kaklatath as it seems to study the Yithian. The unblinking eyes then snap to the former-amnesiacs.
”None have entered this blasphemous realm in some time.” The creature’s “voice” seems to emanate from the hole at its center.
”By my authority as an emissary of the Heavenly Host, I demand you state your business here!”
GM Screen:
4d20 ⇒ (2, 15, 19, 1) = 37
Kaklatath’s “words” struggle to “vocalize” in the former-amnesiacs’ minds. ”This thing…I do not recognize it. It is certainly not one of the polyps’ minions…”
Boodiddly:
Bardic Lore: This creature lies. It is not a heavenly being, but is instead a monstrous sahkil, fiends that feed upon fear. This rare beast specifically feeds upon the fear of insignificance—the dread that comes from realizing how small one truly is when faced against a higher power. Its gaze deteriorates one’s mind in fearful insignificance.
Jevar:
Religion: You have no idea what this thing is.
Kolgradd:
Religion: It speaks the truth. This is an archon: a denizen of Heaven that embodies virtue. What virtue this wheel archon embodies is a subject of debate, for some argue it embodies the virtue of honesty, while others argue it to be an embodiment of determination. Nevertheless, it is a steadfast creature that holds little tolerance in its heart—to attempt to lie to this being would be a grave mistake.
Shohreh:
Religion: This creature lies. It is not a heavenly being, but is instead a monstrous sahkil, fiends that feed upon fear. This rare beast specifically feeds upon the fear of insignificance—the dread that comes from realizing how small one truly is when faced against a higher power. Its gaze deteriorates one’s mind in fearful insignificance.
M Gnome Bard 14 | HP 162 | AC 33 | F +22 R +22 W +24 (Success -> Crit Success) | Perc +23 (+2 vs Initiative), Imprecise Scent | Speed 25 ft | Focus 2/2 | Spells: 1st 3/3 2nd 3/3 3rd 3/3 4th 3/3 5th 3/3 6th 3/3 7th 3/3 | Staff Charges: 7/7 | Active Conditions: None
Boodiddly chooses his words carefully. "I was unaware this area was under Heaven’s jurisdiction. Your authority does not extend to us, but I will answer regardless. We seek to stop a former colleague from awakening a sleeping evil in this place." He does not try to meet the gaze of the creature’s spinning eyes, but instead stares firmly at its center with no sign of fear on his face.
Shohreh averts her eyes as well, feeling the weight of the creature's gaze upon her soul.
"This is no place for an emissary of Heaven," she whispers.
The creature’s gazes fall on Shohreh.
”Indeed, but at times the brightest of lights must be sent to the darkest of places; your hesitation of trust is understandable.”
Boodiddly wrote:
Boodiddly chooses his words carefully. "I was unaware this area was under Heaven’s jurisdiction. Your authority does not extend to us, but I will answer regardless. We seek to stop a former colleague from awakening a sleeping evil in this place." He does not try to meet the gaze of the creature’s spinning eyes, but instead stares firmly at its center with no sign of fear on his face.
The creature’s gazes immediately turn to Boodiddly as it suddenly flies forward toward the gnome, towering over him. Its gazes pierce through the gnome’s very being for several seconds before it responds.
”You seek the man with the tome penned in blasphemy.” Its words ring not as a question, but as a statement of fact.
”Then our goals align. You mortals have failed to maintain control of such an object of pure evil, and allowed it to fall into the hands of those who would abuse this power. The Powers-That-Be have determined this to be an affront. I, Yrisolma of the legions of the Heavenly Host, have been dispatched to retrieve this blasphemous tome to rid the multiverse of its evils once and for all! Speak now, mortals: what information have you of this unholy book?”
M Gnome Bard 14 | HP 162 | AC 33 | F +22 R +22 W +24 (Success -> Crit Success) | Perc +23 (+2 vs Initiative), Imprecise Scent | Speed 25 ft | Focus 2/2 | Spells: 1st 3/3 2nd 3/3 3rd 3/3 4th 3/3 5th 3/3 6th 3/3 7th 3/3 | Staff Charges: 7/7 | Active Conditions: None
"Do you have any proof that Heaven sent you? I’m sure you would agree that knowledge of such a book should be spread as thinly as possible, and not just given to whoever asks for it." Boodiddly maintains his steady gaze, even as his face starts to flush and sweat bead his brow from the wheel’s intense heat.
"Do you have any proof that Heaven sent you? I’m sure you would agree that knowledge of such a book should be spread as thinly as possible, and not just given to whoever asks for it." Boodiddly maintains his steady gaze, even as his face starts to flush and sweat bead his brow from the wheel’s intense heat.
Boodiddly Diplomacy:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39
The creature Yrisolma stares at Boodiddly for a moment before ◆◆ Casting a Spell without warning! The format-amnesiacs move to draw their weapons and attack, until a wave of magic washes over them. Magic they feel to be inherently truth-telling magic.
”I am Yrisolma, giylea of the Heavenly Host, sent to this realm to retrieve the blasphemous time known as the Necronomicon for its final destruction.”
Ding
The sound of a small bell echoes out, which the former-amnesiacs inherently know to be an indication that Yrisolma’s statement to be the truth.
LG Male Medium Dwarf Fighter 14 (He/Him) | HP 220 | AC 36 (37 with shield) | F +25 [Battle Hardened] R +22 W +24 | Perc +24 (+26 for init) | Speed 25ft | Spells 1st: Sure Strike, Sure Strike 2nd: Enlarge, See the Unseen 3rd: Time Jump, Blazing Dive, Wooden Double 4th: Fly 5th: Blink Charge| Class DC 33 | Resist: Slashing 4 | Helm 0/2 Cape 0/1
Occultism:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
Kolgradd nods at Boodiddly's initial statement of our intent, and then again at the spell, but the second time in recognition.
"We're now in a Ring of Truth, one of considerable power"
He waits for the bell, and then continues.
I'd like to explain the insidious nature of this evil and that it spreads through knowledge itself (so we should not share what we know), but I'd want to check all the details and I'm on my phone with only a short time available, so I'll leave that for someone else (if it's accurate) and settle for explaining the spell
Jevar nods proudly at Kolgradd as he leans on his staff.
Well done.
He turns to Yrisolma, speaking up more.
You are aware, that the evil nature of the book spreads with the passage of knowledge about it? Do you know all there is to know about it or might you be corrupted if we do tell you?
