GM Jhaeman's "Academy of Secrets" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

Shel's volley of arrows tears through the devourer like hail shattering a window!

The devourer is destroyed! Helgar is up.

The Kyton all advance carefully. Ann and Des step into flanking position.

Ann:

Chain 1, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + 2 = 9

Chain 2, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 16
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 + 2 = 7

Chain 3, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 25
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 + 2 = 10

Chain 4, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 21
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 + 2 = 10

Des:

Chain 1, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 21
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 + 2 = 6

Chain 2, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 35
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + 2 = 10

Chain 3, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 29
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 + 2 = 12

Chain 4, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 + 2 = 7

Betsy:

Chain 1, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 = 16
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 + 2 = 9

Chain 2, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 + 2 = 6

Chain 3, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 = 29
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + 2 = 10

Chain 4, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 = 29
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Cara:

Chain 1, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Chain 2, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 + 2 = 9

Chain 3, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 + 2 = 7

Chain 4, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Des: Chain 2 Critical confirm:

Chain 2, Flanking, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 33
Damage. Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 + 2 = 8

It looks like only 10 points of damage is getting through the DR and most of it is from the critical hit. DR shuts down kytons hard! :)

Helgar runs into the room and channels negative energy in an attempt to daze-lock the barbed devil.

All of his summons (Herald Caller ability) and all friendly characters are excluded from his channel including the spirit of Maganrad.

Will DC 24 or be dazed for 1 round. Full damage taken from channel regardless.

Channel, Negative Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) = 17

Helgar will choose +2 to attack rolls and +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves this round.

"Put it down before it can escape!"

The barbed devil laughs as the kytons' chains barely scratch him.

"You have performed a worthy service to Nagvix, mortals! But you see I am invincible! Now you must perish like all of your kind. Unless you would like mercy in exchange for bartering away your eternal souls?"

Ann hit once but didn't do any damage, and takes 8 damage from the devil's barbs.

Des hit three times, but only 2 points got past DR. Des takes a total of 34 damage (7, 13, 14) from the devil's barbs.

Betsy hit twice but didn't do any damage.

Cara missed with all four attacks.

The devil makes the save vs daze. Nagvix wants that soul!

Initiative (Round 1)

Helgar
Shel
Valshune
Illia
Quenly
Flyn
Nagvix

Bold should go!

Illia screams in terror! "No! Take them and let me go!!!" Suddenly, she stabs Quenly in the back!

Illia does a 5' step and then full attacks Quenly (using Blessings of Fervor for an extra attack) The first attack will be treated as a sneak attack because of the sudden betrayal.

Quenly, you take 35 from the sneak attack and 3 from the extra attack. The third attack misses. In addition, from the sneak attack you now have Bleed 7 (which will apply at the beginning of your turn).

Flyn nods to Helgar, murmuring, ”I’ve got him,” as he moves 5’ SE and unleashes a horde of holy cold iron on the devil…

Burning a use of Perfect Strike

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Greater Bracers of Archery, PBS, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Point Blank Master, Manyshot, Favored Enemy, Rapid Shot, Improved Critical Threat, Elven Ranger Class/Racial Confirmation Bonus
Damage: Strength, Magic, Greater Bracers of Archery, PBS, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Holy, Favored Enemy

Magic Composite Longbow (Manyshot) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 43 (By rule this becomes my confirmation roll)
Magic Composite Longbow (Perfect Strike) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 = 41 (By rule this becomes my critical threat)
Magic/Cold Iron/Good/Critical Damage: 3d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 18 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (7, 3, 8) + 12 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 18 + (2, 5) + 6 = 73 (Assuming it confirms)
Magic/Cold Iron/Good Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + (5, 1) + 2 = 23

Magic Composite Longbow (Iterative) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 36
Magic/Cold Iron/Good Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + (4, 4) + 2 = 25

Magic Composite Longbow (Rapid Shot) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 35
Magic/Cold Iron/Good Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + (3, 4) + 2 = 31

Magic Composite Longbow (Blessing of Fervour) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 45
Confirmation vs FFAC: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 32
Magic/Cold Iron/Good Damage: 3d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 18 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 7, 7) + 12 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 18 + (2, 6) + 6 = 74 (Assuming it confirms)

Clustered Shot Damage if all attacks hit/confirm: 226

Current AC: 32
Perfect Strikes Left: 4/6

Without breaking a sweat, Flyn easily puts down the barbed devil!

Quenly is up.

After the devil drops, Flyn says to the rogue, ”Drop your weapon, Ilia, or I’ll be forced to kill you as well…”

Helgar shakes his head at the archer.

"It is too late for that Flyn. Illia made her choice and betrayed the party. She needs to be put down now. It is the only possible path forward considering the circumstances."

Helgar is not dropping out of combat or initiative order.

Quenly takes +2 to AC and attacks from BoF

I must concur with our diabolist friend Quenly announces as his hand goes to the wound in his back. He withdraws his hand, now covered in his own blood, and continues as he gazes upon it...

This wretch has sided with the rulers of this place and cannot be trusted a moment longer.

The ever-present shadows that surround Quenly begin to envelop him.

"In me are many forms, human" the elf speaks aloud to the treacherous Illia, "this one is for you."

The shadows completely cover Quenly, then just as quickly recede. In place of the elf is a large, serpentine plant, rising high above the backstabbing rogue, surrounded by four long, whipping, barbed tendrils.

concentration vs ongoing bleed damage, planar penalty (DC15): 1d20 + 19 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 19 - 4 = 19

Suddenly the 'plant' rushes forwards, borne by shadowy wings, to outflank Illia. The tendrils wave menacingly.

Quenly uses Many Forms to take the shape of a Viper Vine. Quenly doesn't gain all of its abilities, but the important stuff is Resist Acid 20, 4 tentacle attacks with Reach 20, grab and constrict. Quenly then casts Grace (swift action, so doesn't provoke) and moves (also not provoking).

No net change to Quenly's AC except for BoF. He gains +4AC natural, but takes a -1 size penalty and hasn't animated his shield so it's merged with him and he loses that bonus.

"Eeep!"

The little dragon flies towards the rest of the party.

AC from BoF, and Withdraw action.

Suddenly a fearsome plant monster stands where Quenly did just an instant earlier! Illia stares with mouth agape, possibly even more terrified than she was of the barbed devil!

Initiative (Round 2)

Helgar
Shel
Illia
Quenly
Flyn

Bold should go!

Helgar points to Illia.

"Kill the traitor."

The cleric then moves away and takes advantage of the Blessing of Fervor to cast an extended Shield of Faith.

Betsy the leader of the gang calls out to the other kytons.

"All right girls. You have heard the master. It is time to do what we do best and this time it looks like her flesh is so nice and soft."

The wounds inflicted on Ann and Des begin to heal (Regeneration 2) and they do not even look as damaged as one would imagine (DR 5).

Cara and Betsy are closer and advance chains in hand.

Cara:
To hit, Augmented, Flanking: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 + 2 = 12

Betsy:
To hit, Augmented, Flanking: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 + 2 = 10

Ann and Des do not fully close the distance but attempt to frighten her instead.

Ann:
Intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Des:
Unnerving Gaze Will DC 15 or be shaken for 1d3 rounds.
rounds shaken: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Shel delays, wanting to be sure nothing else pops out of the blue to ambush the squad.

Although terrified, Illia must be a canny fighter! She puts her back to the wall to avoid being surrounded, but one of the kyton's spiked chains still cuts into her face. "I'm going to escape! You can't stop me!" she shouts.

Illia has Uncanny Dodge and can't be flanked, which turns one of the potential hits into a miss.

The intimidation roll isn't high enough to succeed, and she makes the save vs the Unnerving Gaze.

Ducking under the grasping vines of Quenly's plant form, Illia dashes through the open library doors and slams them shut behind her!

Illia is doing a move action to move through the doors and a move action to shut them behind her. She has Mobility, but this will provoke from Quenly (who rolled in a spoiler above) and from Cara, Betsy, and maybe Des (if she has reach).

Quenly's AoO *just* misses. The kytons can make their AoOs.

Initiative (Round 2)

Helgar
Illia
Shel (delayed)
Quenly (bleed 7)
Flyn

Bold should go!

I will cut off the exit behind us, whilst I stem my blood loss Quenly tells the pathfinders. Maybe it's sap loss now ;)

The towering vine drifts backwards to block the other library exit, and its wounds heal somewhat.

stilled silent cure moderate wounds: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 2) + 10 = 20

The DC for casting a level 2 spell with Quenly's ongoing Bleed is 15, which Quenly can't fail. He takes Still Spell as his BoF benefit. Although Quenly has Still Spell as a feat, using BoF means no spell level increase.

Adjusted hp total to also account for CON+2 from Many Forms (plant shape II), in square brackets.

Cara, Betsy and Des reach out with their long chains.

They have 10 feet reach with their chains. :)

Attacks of Opportunity:

Cara:

To Hit, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Betsy:

To Hit, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 + 2 = 10

Crit Confirm:

To Hit, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Des:

To Hit, Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 18
Damage,Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 2 = 8

The kytons' spiked chains leave deep scratches on Illia's back as she makes it into the library. Seconds later, Quenly, still in plant form, manages to heal the bleeding, jagged wound Illia left in him.

Cara and Betsy hit (but Betsy didn't confirm the crit--that Mobility feat is paying off!).

Shel & Flyn are up.

These NPCs really have a death wish backstabbing the party with an AC of 22 and no DR to speak of. :)

”Are we going to pursue her further? I doubt she will sneak up on us again after her thrashing. I’d still like to focus on finding our way home, you know…”

Flyn sighs. ”She’s been tortured by a diabolical master of that art…she’s not in her right mind…I agree with Shel, leave her be…I doubt she comes back hunting for us but, if she does, we kill her then…let’s press on…”

Helgar is oddly silent but it is clear that he has no intention of forgetting her betrayal or allowing her any opportunity to attack them in the future.

If any character wants to sit this one out I am fine with that. My character is likely to take a more active role going forward then simply leaving it to his minions to handle. :)

I cannot think of any reasonable RP reason that Helgar (or Quenly) would let this go especially as only six seconds have passed in game since her betrayal!

Okay, we'll go off Initiative unless anyone decides they want to pursue Illia into the library.

Disarm her, deprive her of her tools and protections, and place her back in irons. That is the only reasonable alternative to death.

Though mostly misguided, in some regards my Calistrian cousins are correct.

Having pronounced his judgement to the pathfinders, Quenly thunders telepathically to Illia:

Throw down your arms, Illia! Your only hope of salvation is immediate surrender!

Quenly will be content with disarming Illia, taking her gear, and returning her to her cell. He won't allow her to roam free, armed and dangerous.

Helgar agrees with Quenly and he sends in the kytons to enforce his will.

Betsy smiles.

"Yes, we will force her back into chains. A worthy goal."

"Attack girls until she submits completely."

Cara steps forwards and opens the door. She then reaches out with a single chain.

Cara:

To Hit Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 = 31
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 + 2 = 10

Betsy steps behind Cara and lashes out with all four chains.

To Hit Augmented, Chain 1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 = 32
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 + 2 = 12

To Hit Augmented, Chain 2: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 + 2 = 8

To Hit Augmented, Chain 3: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 + 2 = 11

To Hit Augmented, Chain 4: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 2 = 8

Des then moves into the room and flails out with a single chain.

To Hit Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 = 19
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 2 = 8

Ann with her wounds now completely healed moves into the room daring Illia to attack her(her movement provokes) before attempting to strike her in return.

To Hit Augmented: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30
Damage, Augmented: 2d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 + 2 = 11

Helgar waits for his summons to bring this combat to a close.

(Delay action)

The terrified and tortured Illia is brought to her knees by Helgar's vicious kytons! With blood streaming down her face and back by gruesome wounds caused by multiple spiked chains, she throws down her shortsword and grovels at the cleric's feet for mercy!

A slow clap can be heard from one corner of the library, as Marijkal teleports in. A grin of sheer delight is on her face as she witnesses Illia's fate. "Well done, Pathfinders! I wasn't sure you had it in you. I think this 'Hell' is doing wonders for you!"

Five of those attacks hit, and we can go off Initiative.

Illia broke quickly Quenly answers the devilish consort. We shall not.

Then he adds, to the pathfinders only Clearly this devil knows all that transpires within the demiplane. We must look for a way to best both her and the ruler that she would usurp. Watch your tongues, and let my creature convey your thoughts instead. Marijkal surely hears all.

Flyn shakes his head as Quenly and Helgar pursue Illia as he rushes towards the dead devil and takes the contract it was holding…

Looking back at Shel as he walks back her way, he grins. ”I think we can free Maganrad’s soul, now…”

Recalling that Helgar has the other copy, Flyn sends out a telepathic message to his companions. I have the copy of the contract the devil carried; forget Illia and bring your copy here so we can destroy both and free Maganrad’s soul.

Helgar nods to Marijkal agreeing with Quenly.

"The iron nail does not bend, it does not break."

"The clergy of Dispater is quick to repay betrayal of any kind. She deserves her fate."

The cleric directs the kytons to take all of her equipment and to return her to her cell bound as she was before.

Assuming that this can be done Helgar will attempt to aid Flyn in freeing Maganrad's soul.

Shel agrees that trying to free the soul was the most important thing before they continue to try to find their way out of this hellscape.

Working quickly, the Pathfinders destroy both copies of the contract binding Maganrad's soul to the infernal realm! An expression of contentment and gratitude can be seen on his face as his spectral form slowly fades for another--final--journey into the Great Beyond.

”Well, I have to admit that makes me feel kind of happy for him. But we don’t have time to reflect….the sooner we get back to it, the sooner we get out of here,” Shel says not taking much time to think deeper about the recent goingson.

Helgar checks all the bodies for loot as well as reviewing Illia's gear.

Detect Magic is cast.

If we do not check we will not know. :)

He also gives their current room and double doors a good look over.

39 Perception on a take 10 including planar penalty.

"I agree we will move forward once we examine their gear. It might prove helpful or informative."

As soon as Helgar is through examining the loot (if any) he renews his Heightened Awareness spell and then sheathes his wand.

Whilst searches are made and items examined, Quenly resumes his elven shape and mends his wounds with a wand.

Many Forms is allowed to expire after 1 minute.

clw charges: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 2, 3) + 5 = 18

And Quenly refreshes his necromantic shield.

false life temp hp: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Flyn sighs, relieved that Maganrad’s soul is likely at peace…

Looking towards Helgar and Quenly, he says, ”What did you do with Illia? And what in four hells did the tentacle demon want?”

If you mean Marijkal, she came to gloat Quenly replies.

If you were referring to the plant creature, that was me. All flesh is an illusion, Flyn. This, the gods have shown me.

Is Marijkal still around? I don't see her on the map so I've assumed no.

As Helgar looks for spoils, Quenly returns to the form of an elf.

Marijkal teleported away again after delivering her congratulatory message.

Usual periodic reminder to everyone to make sure your taglines are updated and inventory lists adjusted for consumables, etc.

Flyn grins. ”You forget, Quenly, I saw you turn into a large bird and carry a wagon away in our last quest, I knew you had turned into that plant thing. What was Marijkal gloating about this time? Should’ve killed her instead of dealing with her; we’ve killed/injured more humans since we’ve been here than we have devils. Where is Illia?”

Helgar informs everyone about the party loot that has been gathered and encourages everyone to take anything that might help them. He grabs the Staff of Charming for himself.

"I can make the best use of this."

Feel free to open up the spoiler just above the last post.

The cleric turns to Flyn shaking his head.

"Be reasonable. From my understanding of the rules of this demi-plane she is quite possibly the only creature that can help us get back home."

"The price of her help is something that you would gladly do anyways. So cheer up."

"As for Illia. She is getting what she deserves for betraying us. She is back in her cell, tied up."

Flyn shrugs. ”Illia betrayed us because of the devil lady you’re banking on getting us home…you yourself mentioned what a master of torture she was. How many others could withstand the kind of torture that Marijka is capable of without breaking? We had to kill the other entrant because he had been driven mad by torture and attacked us. Obviously, neither were in their right mind…they deserve pity more than judgment…”

Helgar shrugs.

"We were able to save Maganrad but she is beyond our saving. We have to prioritise the safety of the party over the well-being of a traitor. She cannot be allowed to travel with us or have her equipment back. That is certain."

"Beyond that I am indifferent. If you wish to free her I will not stop you but I warn you that offering someone the illusion of safety and then plucking it away is a different type of torture. If you really want to grant her mercy then kill her with your own hand and free her from this place."

Flyn nods. ”I would not free her now nor would I give her gear back as, if she sees a devil, she will freak out and likely attack any one near her; but once we have a way out of here, I will not leave her here to be tortured further either, if it can be helped. I think she’ll be fine, in time, if she can return to her own world…we’ll see how it goes…

“Are we ready to proceed?”

Once his companions are ready, Flyn will check the door to the east…

Perception: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30

Helgar nods to Flyn.

He gives the double doors a once over for traps as is his usual custom.

39 Perception on a take 10 including planar penalty.

"Agreed. Time to move on."

This grand, domed rotunda is ringed around its edge by a parapeted balcony.

On the spanning dome, some eighty feet above the floor, images of an aged, bearded human signing a contract held by a massive, flaming devil seems almost to glow as if burning and to move as if alive.

On the floor beneath the sweeping dome, a massive, luminescent summoning circle undulates and crackles with trapped arcane energy.

A towering, rust-skinned devil smiles slyly at you as you enter, a tangle of long infernal contracts hanging from the massive horns curving from his back and over his head. Each of you hear a voice in your head!