GM Badblood's The Dragon's Demand

Game Master Lance K

Irlana looks at the armor and weapons and considers the notes. "Maybe Hunclay stole this from his conjured 'impudent little strumpet'.... I know I wouldn't be very cooperative if someone used magic to imprison me and then stole my equipment!"

Can we see to the far end of the room? Should we all move our pictures into the room?

Irlana steps into the opening where the light is coming from. About thirty feet down the hallway a curtain of blazing white light covers up the hallway. The wall of light is so bright that it is impossible to see if there is anything on the other side. It's painful to look at directly and getting too close to it could even cause blindness.

Ilvaria tries to identify the items that are magical.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

The swords are both basic +1 weapons. While the leather armor is very unusual in construction it is not enchanted. (It's not even masterwork quality)

Tanssi hesitates before heading into the light- its form suddenly becoming still and clear. It becomes very apparent, for really the first time, that they take on a very clear feline form.

I do not like this Andwise... I feel... exposed

The feline continues to follow along beside Ilvaria and in front of Andwise- doing so cautiously and in apparently rattled by the lighting.

Irlana looks into the light for a couple of seconds, then away. "Guys? We need some way to dim this light. It'll blind us if we try to walk through it, and I wouldn't want to walk through blind-folded. Knowing Hunclay it's probably trapped too...."

Look around. Maybe there's some hidden switch or lever to shut the light down. Scan for magic too. Anything that looks odd or wrong!?!

Perception searching the area: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

The wall of light is definitely magical but Ilvaria had not been able to figure out what school of magic is creating the effect.

Irlana hears a woman's voice from the other side of the light. "I hear voices. Is the wizard Hunclay with you?"

Ilvaria casts Cloak of Shade on herself to see if that brings any comfort.

“No, Humclay is dead. Who are you if we may ask?? We just came here to find out what he was up to before his death!“ she shouts back.

Ilvaria's spell helps with managing the bright light filling this hallway, but she doesn't think her spell would be strong enough to protect her if she moved too close to the wall of light.

"Of course you may ask," the woman says back with amusement. "My name Maffei. May I have to pleasure of knowing who I am speaking to as well?"

Falcon von Raptor, hero of Taldor. he says extending his drsgob claw themed gauntlets.

Whats with the big wall of light you should come over here

Irlana stands behind Sir Falcon so she doesn't have to look into the light. "Hello Maffei. My name is Irlana. We're here to make the place safe for Hunclay's family. What do you know about this very bright wall of light? Is there a way to safely shut it off?"

The woman calls out, "I can't cross the wall of light! I've tried that already and it had costed me. I can feel that that I won't survive another attempt."

"I will tell you what I've figured out about this spell of his. As bright as it is, it is just light. Assuming that you're humans or something similar it will blind you for a bit but otherwise crossing over would not cause you much harm. But for a creature such as myself it makes for a perfect trap."

"Hunclay mentioned that he has some magical dust that can dispel the wall. I don't suppose you've found a bag of fine black dust?"

Ilvaria thinks.

Does she know what this creature could be?

kn planes or arcana to identify (same modifier) : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

There are many creatures that are vulnerable to sunlight to some degree or another, including many denizens of the Darklands. But Ilvaria also recalls that many creatures from the Plane of Shadow would be vulnerable to a spell like this wall of light. Unfortunately, just hearing Maffei's voice isn't enough for her to identify what kind of creature she is.

Irlana thinks for a moment about what they'd found so far. "I can think of two possibilities. The room with all of the ingredients is one, and Hunclay's bed room. I don't remember seeing a bag of dust, but we wouldn't have been looking for anything like that."

She calls to the lady again. "Would the black powder have been magical? It would be easier to verify if we knew what it was. ??"

Ilvaria openly asks.

“Are you a Shadow demon?“

Maffei giggles. "A shadow demon? Is that even something real? No, I'm definitely not a shadow demon. Or any other kind of demon for that matter."

"The dust would be very magical. If you haven't found it yet, then it's probably not here. But," she says archly, "if you promise to get me out of here I could tell you about a 'secret place' where Hunclay was hiding some of his treasure. The dust might be there."

Irlana shrugs. "You're not any sort of demon? Well, Hunclay seemed to collect a number of summoned creatures. I think the last that we set free was a devil? Anyway, tell us where to find the dust and we'll bring it back here to free you. After all, we can't leave someone imprisoned here for Hunclay's relatives. They'd probably treat you like property."

"Well, I'm not going to be able to give you directions, but do I know the old wizard was moving some of his belongings into some kind of 'secret cave'. Maybe he wrote something about it in one of his journals. Or you could always ask some of the locals about any nearby caves. You seem like a savvy bunch, so I'm sure you'll be able to find it."

Ilvaria shrugs.

“Well, I’m ready to explore the cave. We know where it is and that it existed so no news Shadow creature. Or can you tell us specifically what you are??!“ she asks.

"I am a being who has transcended the limitations of the body," she says cryptically, then laughs. "We're called the "Shae", which means 'unbound.' That's kind of an ironic name, considering that I am now stuck here naked and trapped in a tiny cell. It's not the kind of situation our people frequently find ourselves in." she says sadly. "Our race lives in the Plane of Shadow, but don't let that frighten you. Just because it's a little dark there doesn't mean that everyone who lives there is 'evil'."

Ilvaria could make another Kn:Planes check, with a +4 circumstance bonus to know more about Shae. You might also want to make Sense Motive checks.

Kn planes : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

sense motive : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ilvaria can't tell whether the creature is being truthful or not, but she has heard of the shae. No one knows for sure where they came from but according to their own history they were once mortals but they managed to transcend the need for their bodies through tireless study and self-perfection. They are known for being mysterious and arrogant towards mortal humanoids but they will sometimes establish harems of worshipful mortals. Many of the Shadow Plane's fetchlings come from these harems.

They are not truly incorporeal, but their bodies are amorphous and made from some kind of shadow substance. Unlike a truely incorporeal creature they do have mass and a vaguely human shape. Many of them wear form-fitting clothing and masks to make their appearance less unsettling to humanoids.

This amorphous property means that there are no real weak points on their bodies that can be targeted. (They are immune to sneak attack and critical hits). This property also makes it hard to focus on them as well, and even the greatest archers may have trouble hitting them. (they have the benefit of a constant blur spell)

Ilvaria touches her silvery hair.

“I think I’ve heard about your kind. Okay, we’ll visit the cave and see where that leads us!!“

When the group is out of the mansion she’ll tell them wyat she knows about the creature.

“So what do you think team? I know what it means to be condemned for what race one belongs to … so I’m willing to give the creature a chance!“

"I agree. I think Hunclay was evil so it wouldn't surprise me to find that he's imprisoned someone that isn't evil. Let's go search the cave and see if there's something there to help get past that light without being blinded."

They appear to be from a similar plane and existence as you, Tanssi. How odd that we would find her here. Perhaps you share some kindred spirit with her...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Tanssi stops moving forward toward the light, their form now stable and unmoving in the bright light. They take a deep breath in through the nose- as though smelling the air.

SM: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I do not know, but I do not think so. This voice is not like anything that I have heard. Perhaps it beliles, though that I do not know

The party can't really tell if Maffei is who she says but they were planning on going to the cave anyways.

Any preparations before leaving for the cave? The party has gotten enough clues about it that they should be able to find it on their own.
Also, I am assuming you're traveling there in the day unless you say otherwise.

Yes, let’s go there now. ;-) .

The party leaves the manor and enters the woods north of town to search for Hunclay's hidden cave. The sun is bright and the temperature is warm and pleasant in the afternoon. After about an hour of travel they reach a cliff where the cave should be. In the distance, a little south of their current location, they see a pond at the edge of stone cliff. They look up and see buzzards flying in the sky above.

There is a new tactical map in the slides.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Irlana scans the area, then suddenly backs up, covering her nose and pointing. "Yuck! What is that stench!?! Did Hunclay leave rotting bodies in his cave?"

perception : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

“Not sure that I smell anything?!“

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The halfling speaks about things I do not sense... Get down from my back and be prepared. I do not know what it is that we face

A pack of wolves steps out of the woods. The wolf leading them is a massive beast; its as large as a horse with thick black fur. The alpha sees the group of adventurers and licking its chops it starts trotting over to them, then breaks out into a run!

Before anyone can react, the giant wolf has already dashed into close combat range with the group.

The alpha double moved!

Round 1
Alpha wolf
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Irlana steps up by Sir Falcon quickly casting a spell and touching his katana. "Kill it quickly Sir Falcon! May your blade strike true!"

Casting Magic Weapon. +1 enhancement bonus to hit and damage for three minutes on Sir Falcon's Katana

Ilvaria moves forward and casts color spray on the large wolf.

DC 17 will save!

Falcon draws his blade in a smooth silvery motion and locks eyes with the Alpha You are mine. I will Protect.

Falcon challenges the beast and strikes with the katana.

(+1 AC and Saves vs Alpha)

Katana Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 241d8 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 13

His eyes light up with Silver. Finally a straight forward foe.

Seeing the approaching creature, Tanssi shifts and moves- preparing to leap at the large predator.

Bite, PA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw #1, PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw #2, PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Ilvaria sprays the wolf with a blast of color, temporarily stunning the creature. Sir Falcon and Tanssi both attack the gigantic wolf but despite wounding the beast it is still up. Irlana casts a spell that enchants Sir Falcon's blade, making its cuts even more devastating.

The remaining wolves close in!

Round 1
Alpha wolf -23
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Round 2
Alpha wolf -23
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Irlana starts casting Sleep

Falcon continues focusing on the alpha and continues his challenge.

Katana Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 201d8 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 12

Andwise takes a small step back and pull out a greenish beaker from his belt. A bead of light forms in the center of it before it slowly grows into a sickly acid glob- which is promptly flung at the large wolf

Acid Splash, touch, combat: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 4 = 8 Acid: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Irlana begins charging up a sleep spell. Sir Falcon delivers another nasty cut to the dire wolf. It remains standing but is very badly wounded. Andwise tries launching blast of acid, but fails to land.

Round 2
Alpha wolf -35
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Casting defensively dc 17 : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Ilvaria moves 5ft and casts color spray on the large wolf and the smaller wolf in front of her.

DC 17 will save!

Alpha Wolf: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Wolf: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

This time the wolves manage to avoid getting stunned by Ilvaria's color spray blast.

Tanssi is still up!

Feeling increased pressure and threat from their left, Tanssi steps to the side- hoping to cover as much space as possible while still being able to bite and claw at the alpha wolf.

Bite, PA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Claw #1, PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw #2, PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Tanssi takes the alpha wolf down with one of his claws. The other wolves let out angry howls and lunge forward! The black and brown wolves position themselves to flank the eidolon while the gray wolf snaps at Sir Falcon.

Black Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22
Bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Brown Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24
Bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Confirm!: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9
Bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Tanssi gets nipped by both wolves and one of them manages to flip the eidolon onto their back where they are now much more vulnerable.

Gray Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Sir Falcon keeps his sword between himself and the fangs of the wolf, denying it a good opportunity to get a solid bite in.

Round 2
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi -4
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Round 3
Ilvaria
Sir Falcon
Tanssi - prone, -4
Irlana
Wolf Black
Wolf Gray
Wolf Brown
Andwise

Is this bright enough light to offset the "blur" function of their Shadow Blend?

Iilvaria draws her dagger and tries to assist Sir Falcon to hit the wolf!!

aid another for +2 to hit, flanking : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Including flanking that is +4 to your next to hit Sir Falcon!

Falcon steps to the brown wolf and gives a mighty slash

Katana Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 4 = 221d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15