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"Oh, that's very kind of you to not, uhm, immediately attempt to eat us, dragon sir. I'm not sure about you being my new master and swearing fealty to you and all that, though. Really, I'm not very useful for anything other than storytelling... and even then, I'd run out of stories to tell real quick, and uhm, the ones I already have aren't that great anyway."
Seeing as none of the Pathfinders are swearing fealty to them, the Tempest Monarch grows angry. "If you are not going to kneel before me, you shall leave. And the only way I will permit you to leave is by a corpse."
Only Vari () notices the dragon's intent change from unfriendly to anger as none of you even humor it. Only she is able to react before the dragon attacks!
-----------------
[u]Round 1[/u]
Vari
Tempest Monarch
Iddo
Mejinago
Jyrrar
Papa Òxọ́lé
Cynan
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Vari gives the dragon a strange look, and suddenly--briefly--he blinks and can't seem to place her anymore. She quickly darts across the cavern, ducking behind the treasure chest in a small grotto.
At 1st level, whenever the enigma uses hypnotic stare on a creature, instead of applying a penalty on the creature’s saving throws, the enigma begins to fade from the creature’s view. Until the enigma’s next turn, the enigma gains the effects of concealment against that creature (unless it can see invisible creatures). Starting on the enigma’s next turn, he gains the effect of invisibility against that creature. These effects last as long as the enigma continues to use his hypnotic stare, but if he takes an action that would end invisibility, it ends his hypnotic stare immediately. The enigma can reinstate this effect whenever he wishes, but each time it begins with 1 round of concealment.
At 8th level, attacks that would end invisibility do not end the enigma’s hypnotic stare, and after 1 round of concealment, he gains the benefits of greater invisibility against the target of his stare.For the purpose of bold stare improvements, the enigma’s hypnotic stare always has a penalty of –1.This ability alters hypnotic stare.
A mesmerist can focus his stare on one creature within 30 feet as a swift action.That creature takes a –2 penalty on Will saving throws.This penalty changes to –3 at 8th level.A mesmerist can maintain his stare against only one opponent at a time; it remains in effect until the mesmerist stares at a new target, the opponent dies, the opponent moves farther than 30 feet away, or the mesmerist falls unconscious or dies. The mesmerist can remove the memory of his stare from the target’s mind; the creature doesn’t remember that it was affected (nor does it realize that it is currently being affected) unless the mesmerist allows it. The hypnotic stare is a psychic effect, and relies more on the mesmerist’s focus than the target’s perception of his stare. It can’t be avoided in the same ways a gaze attack can. The mesmerist can use this ability even while blinded, but must succeed at a DC 20 concentration check to do so. Staring at a creature requires the mesmerist’s focus, so if he uses a gaze attack or similar ability, he must target the subject of his hypnotic stare or voluntarily end the stare. The penalties from multiple mesmerists’ stares don’t stack, nor do they stack with penalties from witches’ evil eye hexes. This is a mind-affecting effect.
The target of an enigma’s hypnotic stare takes a –4 penalty on Perception checks to notice the enigma.
At 8th level, this penalty increases to – 6.This ability replaces painful stare.
[ooc]I'm hoping that the chest might count as low cover for Vari so that she may stay in stealth. She's small creature. Ultimately, it's your call.
As Vari fades from the Tempest Monarch's view, the dragon starts flapping it's wings. "All I asked for was for some respect.". They fly up into the air 40 ft. over the anomaly and opens their maw. An acidic cloud sprays forth, targeting Mejinago, Jyrrar, and Iddo.
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Vari
Tempest Monarch
Iddo (9/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (6/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
----------------
[u]Round 2[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch
Iddo
Mejinago
Jyrrar
Papa Òxọ́lé
Cynan
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Iddo attempts to hide under the closest rock outcropping, clutching his green hat while avoiding as much of the acid cloud as possible.
"Right, so uhm, just in case this doesn't go well for us and you attempt to enslave me, here's a sample of my mediocre storytelling. Ahem. So, 'twas a cloudless Sarenith day in the Pathfinder Lodge of Sothis, and a group of adventurers had assembled by a hot-tempered entrance guard..."
Iddo quickly dodges out of the way and only gets partially scorched by the acidic spray. He starts performing and everyone is inspired! The bard quickly moves towards an outcrop in the rocks, hoping it'll provide some cover.
Jyrrar's rocky body reflects some of the acidic damage, but can't protect against all of it. He pulls out a small baggy and readies an attack to lob it at the dragon when they descends.
Mejinago takes the full brunt of the acid spray. He insults the dragon and also readies an attack against them!
Papa Òxọ́lé side steps east and hurls a chakram at the dragon. Unfortunately, the weapon barely makes it 5 ft before falling to the ground. Must be the wind in the cave.
Vari crouches behind the crate in the east and waits for the dragon to descend.
-----------------
[u]Round 1[/u]
Vari
Tempest Monarch
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
----------------
[u]Round 2[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch
Iddo
Mejinago
Jyrrar
Papa Òxọ́lé
Cynan
Cynan loads his crossbow and fires a shot. The anomaly must be disrupting the wind patterns in this cave! The bolt goes wide.
The dragon flies down to get ready to attack! Jyrrar lobs a tanglefoot bag but lobs it too early and it misses. Mejinago attempts to spray the Tempest Monarch with a cone of vivid colors. They just laugh it off (). They then bite down on the sorcerer. But Mejinago is quick on his feet and dodges the attack.
Unfortunately for Vari, the dragon does not come close to her so she does not toss her dagger.
-----------------
[u]Round 2[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
----------------
[u]Round 3[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
Mejinago steps back and raises his hands. A violent spray of colors assaults the dragon, but they just shake it off. "Pretty rainbow!"
Jyrrar moves up to the dragon and attempts to bunch them. However, the dragon quickly dodges the attack. "Hah! Missed me.". It laughs at Jyrrar's attempt.
Papa Òxọ́lé presents a 'gift' to the dragon by slicing them across their chest. "Ouch!" it screams out in pain!
Cynan then aims his crossbow and lets his bolt fly. Direct hit! The Tempest Monarch cries out in pain. "Why'd you do that!"
Lastly, Vari flies up from almost out of nowhere and pounces on the dragon. The Tempest Monarch doesn't see her until Vari's dagger is embedded in their skin.
"All I asked for was a little respect and now you're here trying to kill me?!"
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[u]Round 3[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
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"Not to be, uhm, finicky, but you did announce you'd be turning us all into corpses. It is only natural we would return the notion. I mean, but before they could venture into the vast and merciless desert, the Pathfinders stopped by a traveling spice merchant, who smelled like a particular combination of his merchandise..."
As Iddo continues his tale, he weaves a few incantations and arcane gestures into his storytelling, attempting to cast a sleep spell () at the Tempest Monarch.
"What did you just try to do?". The Tempest Monarch looks confused, seemingly unaffected by Iddo's spell. "And I only said that as you were being rude and not respecting me."
The Tempest Monarch will fly 40 ft. above the anomaly.
----------------
[u]Round 3[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
---------------
[u]Round 4[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo (14/18)
Mejinago (7/16)
Jyrrar (11/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
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|
"...you aren't even listening anymore, are you? Well, uhm, point proven. If you can't handle one story without running away you'll have some issues managing several servants... I think? The others are right, anyway. If it's friends that you want, there are probably better ways to make those, I'm told."
"You barge in here, accuse me of drawing in ships, refuse to show respect, call me a 'lizard with delusions of grandeur', accuse me of capturing people, and want me to play nice?"
Papa Òxọ́lé knows that Brine Dragons are driven to rule, and nothing less can satisfy them.
Papa Òxọ́lé quickly casts a spell, heightening the effectiveness of his blades. Cynan shoots a bolt towards the dragon, but it flies off, affected by the anomaly.
The Tempest Monarch looks nervous as they talk with you. They were swept into the cave and are trapped here by the currents, just as you were. They in fact have no following and you are the first sentient creatures the dragon has met in the cave.
The dragon flies southwest to try to line up another acidic breath. They open their jaws and a line of acid spurts forth, targeting Jyrrar, Mejinago, and Iddo.
---------------
[u]Round 4[/u]
Active Conditions:
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo
Mejinago
Jyrrar
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
---------------
[u]Round 5[/u]
Active Conditions:
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo
Mejinago
Jyrrar
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
The Tempest Monarch hovers over the anomaly. "Go heal your injured. I'm a benevolent overlord. I don't want to see my subjects hurt.". They don't approach, but refrain from attacking... for now.
The dragon has convinced themselves that you are now their subjects, as long as you're not hostile. "Subjects, you will have to spread my word and help me with whatever I say.". They continue to talk, a bit full of themselves.
---------------
[u]Round 5[/u]
Vari (17/17)
Tempest Monarch (-23 hp)
Iddo (must make Reflex save. 0/18 on fail, 7/18 on success)
Mejinago (0/16 - disabled)
Jyrrar (2/15)
Papa Òxọ́lé (10/10)
Cynan (20/20)
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Vari looks around, and tentatively approaches the other Pathfinders, keeping a wary eye on the dragon. "Does anybody not have healing, or need help using their own wand? I'm not much of a caster, but sometimes I can trick a wand into working."
She returns her focus to the dragon, starting to converse more deeply now that it's not threatening them (so much, anyway). "You're lucky in that we're all Pathfinders. One of our stated goals is 'Report.' As long as we get out of here, we have no choice but to spread word of you; it's in our mandate." She smiles, nervously, as she continues. "So what kind of 'tasks' do you have for us? What do you want us to do?"
The Tempest Monarch smiles as they reply. "Well go collect the rare herb... no no no.. go to the town of... umm...". They continue to stutter as they weren't expecting anyone to actually ask. "Bring gifts to me. Such as a scroll of teleport.", they finally regally state, puffing out their chest. "For a quick jaunt out for research purposes, of course."
"Now that you are my loyal subjects, I will allow you to study the anomaly if you wish."
Both Papa Òxọ́lé and Vari approach the anomaly. Peering into it, they can see into other realms. Clear evidence of the Planes of Air and Water are present, which draws in both currents and waves in a chaotic dance of destruction, but doesn't seem to actually draw anything through into the planes beyond.
Papa Òxọ́lé knows of similar anomalies. Catastrohpic elemental events can sometimes cause these ripples, like folds in a draped cloth. They often fade on their own, in time. The Tempest Monarch hopes to keep it open, but likely wont given its age and power. You cannot close the rift on your own either.
Vari also realized the chest she hid behind earlier had things inside! She moves over to inspect it. She pulls out a longsword that is finely crafted, a potion, fine silken rope, and 250 gold pieces. The chest also contains a sheaf of notes and research on the anomaly. The Tempest Monarch has not opened the chest so did not know its contents.
The notes and research could be of great use to Venture-Captain Benarry.