Ariston's page

If we have to go into the Shadow Plane, I’ll cast Death Ward on the four of us and Mass Planar Adaptation (Cold) on the whole group. I’ve updated my Status with the spells that are active when we deal with the gate.

I’m still here! Apologies again for the delay.

Ariston listens intently nodding at the ‘Mercane was a complete ass’ sentiment. It may not be entirely justified but it did mirror Ariston’s current impression of the mage. ”I’d vastly prefer the let’s weaken the powerful enemy course of action.”

Sorry for the slow response, crazy busy things happening here. I will post tomorrow.

Spell list updated. I should save the Death Wards until we are about to possibly tangle with the baddie.

Righto. I'll review spells and update my list hopefully tonight. I am currently traveling so that may not happen but I'll make my best effort.

"I think we should rest first... in case the plan goes wrong."

Ariston chimes in, "To be clear, I didn't mean challenge in terms of confronting it with words. I meant dealing with the threat it poses in one way or another. If you have a suggestion, make it... so long as it doesn't involve me jumping down its throat and punching it from the inside."

He returns Mira's glance. "There may be a few spells I need to prepare before we challenge such a creature."

Brother Abyss, please.

I can't make the DC39 so I'm not going to attempt it, but now that I can see the shadowy fellow a little better, do I have any idea what he is?

"Peace, people. The Ravener was a dangerous gambit. So too - it seems - is the creature it was meant to fight. Let us view this gate and determine what must be done to protect our world."

Knowledge: Religion, Arcana, or Planes: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Ariston shuffles a few feet closer, peering into the darkness. "Some of us are here for reasons other than treasure... I agree with my friend: tell us of your need and how it might benefit Scrithengard and we will decide whether we should help."

"Since the duergar is aware of us and could be leading us into a trap, I like the idea of going north."

How far is the duergar from Ariston and can I see him?

Ariston will be walking at normal speed.

I definitely would.

The priest points down the corridor then uses his fingers to make a 'walking man' gesture.

Looks like my wand of CLW is the only thing affected... and potentially any healing spells I might cast if those are impacted later on.

Ariston follows the investigator. "This should be fun."

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38

"Well, this just got more interesting." The cleric looks down the stairs, "Shall we?"

Ariston shares a Bit o’ Luck with Krowys in his deciphering attempts (Roll again, Krowys, and take the better result) and then adds his meager linguistic skills to the effort.

Linguistics AA: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"I certainly do." Ariston uses a spell to eliminate the poison from Krowys's system.

Doh! Forgot about the goo attack on you. Sorry, Mira!

Seeing that Mira looks a bit worse for wear, the priest restores her with a pair of healing spells.

CSW: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (2, 7, 5) + 17 = 31
CSW: 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) + 17 = 23

You are a'healed!

Fort Save vs DC22: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 4 = 20 Holy Aura LOL
Using Good Fortune to take an immediate reroll...
Fort Save vs DC22: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 4 = 24 Holy Aura - winner!

Ariston weaves a quick succession of spells…

I think Lazur and I are the only ones still suffering physical damage so the Heal goes to them… POOF! HPs are at max, exhaustion is gone, and all stat damage is gone.

Mira and Krowys get Restoration… POOF! Exhaustion is gone, and all stat damage is gone.

If anyone fails their poison save, let me know and I’ll hit you with Neutralize Poison.

The priest jumps in, "Hold on, hold on! Let's take this a bit slower. I can help. First, who needs healing?"

Let's heal up first. I know there's a fair amount of ability damage going on. I'm down 8 STR and 1 DEX. I have a Restoration (possibly a second one if I want to use my brilliant slot) and 2 Heals. I'd suggest I remove the ability damage from the Lazur and myself at a minimum but I'm open to healing more folks as well. After that, let me give Lazur a 'Bit o' Luck' in case whatever is below that grate has a bunch of nasty effects.

Ariston is running through the offensive spells he might bring to bear on the strange jelly creature… when he hears Lazur’s comment, ”Say what now?” Clearly, something was affecting the Investigator’s mind. ”Sure. I can understand that.”

He immediately casts a powerful spell on all his allies and himself…

STAND: Cast Holy Aura

I’m assuming Lazur can’t resist this spell since we are still allies and I haven’t attacked the Goo.

Holy Aura
COMP: VSF
RANGE: 20’ radius burst (up to 17 targets)
DURATION: 17 rnds
SR: Y/N Beat SR: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 if needed
SAVE: Y (Harmless) DC:26
EFFECT:
1. Everybody gets +4 Deflection bonus to AC vs ALL attacks.
2. Everybody gets +4 Resistance bonus on saves.
3. Everybody gets SR25 vs evil spells or spells cast by evil creatures
4. If an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack on one of us, the creature is blinded unless it makes a Fort Save DC26
5. Everybody is protected from possession and mental influence, as protection from evil. Per that spell, Lazur immediately gets another save against whatever spell he is under (with the +4 bonus in #2), If Lazur saves, he is immune to any further attempts for the creature to mentally control him.

Ariston has his Admiral Akbar moment…

Concentration Check is an auto-fail so I’m not rolling it.

Ariston becomes a withered husk, every ounce of moisture stolen from his body. His corpse begins to topple like a dead tree as his soul leaves his body and ascends to meet Varan….

And then his dessicated hand twitches in a well-practiced, almost instinctual, motion… and the power of Varan pours life back into him. His deflated corpse re-expands with life as his soul is slammed back into its mortal shell. The priest even stops himself from falling with a quick step. The glare he gives the worms is utterly lethal and implacable… but first, his allies need care.

Ariston calls on Varan to bathe them in healing energy and tops it off with a secondary spell of healing.

IMMED: Reactive Healing
MOVE: Quick Channel
STAND: Cast Mass Cure Critical Wounds
TEAM gets 68 HP each

Reactive Healing Self-Only: 9d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5) = 29
Quick Channel to Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 3, 3, 5, 4, 5, 2) = 36
CCW, Mass (17 ppl): 4d8 + 17 ⇒ (4, 3, 5, 3) + 17 = 32

Well played, DQ! You dropped me to -11... killing me by 1 point.

Sorry to hear that! Rest up.

While Implosion takes only an action to cast, I do have to concentrate to have it fire on later rounds. I think getting hit with that strength draining attack counts as damage… soooo:
Concentration Check vs DC25: 1d20 + 17 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 8 = 26 Success - barely

Sorry Lazur, I’ve got to back up a bit!

As the snakes descend on him, Ariston sidesteps through a crack in reality and reappears behind the team. He points at the snake that was closest to him. Like a star collapsing in on itself, the serpent’s bones snap and shatter… but not enough to end it.

MOVE: Dimension Hop 25’ (does not draw AoO)
STAND: Maintain Concentration and Implode Snake #4 - Rnd 2 of 8
RESULT: Snake #4 takes 170 DAM

Implosion
COMP: V, S
RANGE: Close 25’+5/2lv (65’) ; 1 corporeal creature/rnd
DURATION: Concentration (up to 8 rnds)
EFFECT: Target each round take 170 DAM
SR: Beat SR 27: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35 WIN
EFFECT/SAVE: Fort Save vs DC:29: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27 negates or take 170 DAM. WIN

Hollow Snake #4 – takes 170 DAM

Looks OK to me!

Surprise!

Knowledge: Religion vs DC31: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Being familiar with their undead enemies, Ariston weaves a hard-hitting spell… crushing, but not destroying one of the Hollow Snakes.

STAND: Cast Implosion

Implosion
COMP: V, S
RANGE: Close 25’+5/2lv (65’) ; 1 corporeal creature/rnd – not incorp or gaseous
DURATION: Concentration (up to 8 rnds)
EFFECT: Target each round takes 170 DAM

Hollow Snake #1 – takes 170 DAM
SR: Beat SR 27: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36 WIN
EFFECT/SAVE: Fort Save vs DC:29: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 negates or take 170 DAM. WIN

Position updated. Ariston is being cautious because the lack of any obvious enemy is disturbing.

Ariston watches the bone move... A lot doesn't add up here. He weaves a spell.

STAND: Cast True Seeing

Sorry for the delayed response. Ariston has darkvision naturally. He’s also got Life Bubble, Shield of Faith, and his Ring of Force Shield.

I'm good with the plans for the tower.

"Since we are already here, let's explore a bit." The priest seems quite happy to test his luck.

"If you trust this Golda, that's good enough for me." The cleric finds Mira's rueful tone about the treasure map somewhat amusing. "We rarely learn as much exploring the known versus the unknown. A little trial and error tunnel exploration should be fun."

Happy to chip in on the scroll if we have cash left over from selling all the goods and starting construction. I don't have that kind of cash on me at the moment.

I'm going to designate our build site as the return location for Word of Recall.

I'm for pressing on, as well. And if not that, then maybe some planning sessions for the structure(s) we're building - if we need to detail that.

Also, I'm dealing with a personal situation so my head may not be in the game as much as it should, but I'll try to keep up.

Ariston's needs and wants are pretty simple...

It could be a single building or a compound with outbuildings for the different heroes. Either works for him.

He'd like a Bedroom with a private Lavatory and possibly a Bath.

It would be cool to have a gazebo on the edge of the falls for the views.

He wouldn't mind (but could live without) a small chapel to the Gods. It doesn't have to be Varan-specific.

And a shared Kitchen and Commons would be nice.

One person, a halfling, tugs at Lazur's robes and mentions many are without a roof over their heads, but because they are sure they will not be sheltered on the hill with the richer folk near city hall, they are not sure where to go.

Ariston grits his teeth hearing that, but leaves the matter to Lazur.

Seeing Ariston's Varanite robes, someone suggests that they might camp near the shrine of Varan outside the city walls. Somehow spontaneously efforts are made to set up some makeshift tents outside.

”Great idea, friend. I’m embarrassed I did not think of it.” He speaks loudly, ”Friends! Fellow citizens! If your homes are unusable or unsafe, we will set up a camp outside the temple of Varan. There you will find shelter, comfort, and safety. All in need will find shelter there. Please come! All we ask, in repayment, is that you help your neighbors, who may be unable to go that far - to come as well. Find wagons, ricks, wheelbarrows. Do not leave a person in need behind.”

Ariston mixes magical healing with mundane healing to make it clear he is a man, not some powerful being. If he lacks bandages, he rips strips from his cassock to make them.

Taking Healer’s Hands out for a try…

Heal (Treat Deadly Wound) DC:30: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32 Success! The Patient gain his/her level + 11 HPs

A little later…

In the immediate aftermath Mira heads over to the Varanite shrine. She expends her remaining magic setting up multiple Magnificent Mansions which she opens to all of the people. They will be themed as simple shelters, filled with plentiful if basic supplies to help feed the people. Each can serve a 9 course banquet to 216 people. She has the invisible servants stay out of the way to avoid spooking people.

Ariston sidles up next to Mira and watches the locals enjoying the comforts of the low-rent Magnificent Mansions. He bumps into her shoulder, and says quietly. ”Thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Still later…

The priest had time to work out how to perform a miracle without being obviously seen to do so. He finds Orteza and the island’s temporal and religious leadership. He asks for a map marking the location of every building on the island that is being used as a storage and dissemination point for food and water. When he has it, he pulls out a small bag heavy with diamond dust, makes the symbol of Varan and offers his humble request. ”Lord Varan, on this island, there are many in need of your succor. Please, Lord, fill the buildings marked upon this map with food and the cisterns with water so that everyone without hope, weak or weary with hunger or thirst, may be fed.” When the bag in his hand collapses, now empty of diamond dust, Ariston knows Varan has responded to his petition. He regards the island’s power-brokers neutrally, ”The constabulary and militia should now have more than enough food for your people.” he tucks the bag in his pocket, turns, and walks out.

I'll go with Healer's Hands.

Trer likes a challenge!

Ariston's plans and possible bonus feats that need GM approval...

After the crisis is over, I'm going to retrain Combat Casting to Alignment Channel.

For a bonus feat, these are the ones that most interest me, in relative order. Where they have solid combat uses, I've noted them.

Divine Interference – IMMED action, sacrifice a spell to make an enemy reroll an attack that hit an ally, 1xday per person [Defensive Combat Ability]
Divine Protection – 1xday, IMMED action, add CHA bonus to one save
Heavenly Radiance -- +1 use of Daylight and gain a Spell-Like Ability [some SLA's provide Offensive Combat Spells]
Wanderer’s Fortune – SWIFT to get Freedom of Movement for a turn. 3x day
Channeled Revival – Use 3 channels to do Breath of Life (restore a dead creature to life)
Devil Sense – sense evil outsiders within 60’
Healer's Hands – Make DC:30 Heal Roll (+16) , no kit, Add ranks in K:Planes ranks (11 to DAM healed)
Improved Channel – Raise the DC to 26 [Offensive Combat Ability]
Purifying Channel – Channel to heal, one excluded enemy takes fire damage = to the roll [Slight Offensive Combat Ability]
Skill Focus -- +3/+6

Ariston heads to the docks, trying to lend reason to the civilians while Trer and Lazar handle the gangs.

"There is no need to loot or panic! With Varan's blessing, I can heal your injuries. Gather round..." He assembles the injured and heals them. "Other priests are moving through your communities bringing water and aid. There is no need to steal medical supplies or food. Even now foodstuffs are on the way from the mainland. You will all be fed today! The island's government hand out the food. Please calm yourselves. When you are healed, return to your homes."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 4) = 28
Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 1, 5, 5, 2, 4, 2) = 32
Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 6, 5, 3, 5, 1, 2) = 36

Yowza! Good luck with all that!

I'm good with using cash for Downtime construction.

Why not? Let's try that.

For large groups of wounded (more than the 17 he can heal with a Mass spell), he asks victims to huddle together and channels Varan's power.

Just include a few rolls if needed.

Channel Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 2, 2, 1, 1, 4, 5, 5) = 31
Channel Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 2, 6, 3, 2, 1, 1) = 25
Channel Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 6, 1, 4, 1, 6, 6, 2) = 33
Channel Heal: 9d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 1, 4) = 29

For smaller groups, he weaves healing magics.

CMW, Mass (17 ppl): 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (7, 4) + 17 = 28
CMW, Mass (17 ppl): 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (2, 8) + 17 = 27
CMW, Mass (17 ppl): 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (2, 1) + 17 = 20

CSW, Mass (17 ppl): 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (1, 2, 1) + 17 = 21
CSW, Mass (17 ppl): 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (7, 7, 5) + 17 = 36
CSW, Mass (17 ppl): 3d8 + 17 ⇒ (6, 7, 8) + 17 = 38

I'm fine with time-skipping where possible and could vary based on what folks are doing. Realistically, Ariston's job is unglamourous: I go to a location, Channel blast or cast a Mass healing spell, rinse and repeat, and then head to another location.

But Trer lifting half a building might be fun to see once. :)

With Orteza's motion and Firehand's amusing assessment of the Attenite priestess, Ariston feels his time would be better spent elsewhere. He rises to follow the Constable.

"If you're not careful with how you present yourself, with what you do, they are as like to blame you for their problems as be grateful. And you could probably kill us all yourselves if you wanted, but then what's the point of all of this? I am grateful for whatever you do, but people aren't reasonable, and they may not be as thankful as we are."

As he accompanies Firehand out of the building, he comments, "Constable, a few months ago, I was in the hinterlands of the continent treating boils on the arse of a drover. I assure you, I don't wield Varan's gifts for my vanity. I heal people without fanfare and solve problems without trying to profit from them. Then, I move on."

Thanks! RE: Reupping

The dwarf grunts. "The issue isn't with the gods, I just want the healin' to go to the people an' my patrols. I've a barracks full of wounded if you want to start there."

The constable’s choice raises one of Ariston’s eyebrows and brings a smile to his face. ”Constable Firehand, I respect your selflessness. Yours is a model worth emulating.” He rises from his chair to offer the dwarf a profound bow. ”Three of us have healing skills. I can assure you none of your patrolmen or people will suffer if you allow Krowys or Lazur to treat your injury… If that offer fails to reassure you then - after we are done here - come with me to your barracks and I will heal you along with the wounded there at the same time. No one will receive less treatment because of you. I swear it.”

The more the priest of Varan listens to Gereta, the more the idea of his allies building a home on the island amuses him. She wanted to control the messaging and the power, doling out ‘generosity’ to indebt and control the population. Ariston didn’t play those games. And, having seen them work, he was fairly certain that few or none of his colleagues did either. He didn’t use generosity as a cudgel. And he definitely didn’t let anyone dictate how he would use the gifts Varan had granted him. The hierarchy of his own church couldn’t bring him to heel… It would be interesting to watch the gentry of the island try.

He adds, ”I have a request, not a demand. Given recent events, I hope serious consideration is given to the leadership of the Sanctum becoming more… inclusive. Some gods and vested interests seem under-represented.”

Since the meeting is the next day and I haven’t re-upped my spells, can I change them out retroactively or will I have to wait a day?

"Even though most of us are lucky to be alive, the people are upset and frightened... understandably so, but even now they spread rumors of Berea causing this, or that we are responsible for angering Tria, or that a gateway to another plane has opened, and we must control them--"

Ariston practices keeping his patience but the agenda of the Atannites draws a flinty stare as does the useless in-fighting. ”You don’t know that. Perhaps Tria is angry. This device may have prevented unnatural disasters… but it also prevented natural events – storms, floods, and droughts are part of the natural order of things. Tria might well be irritated at the flagrant overstepping of mortals upon her provinces. I suggest the Lady herself be consulted before you speak so cavalierly of the motives of a goddess you don’t even serve.”

He adds, ”In any event, calming people and easing their fears has merit… ‘controlling’ them does not.”

Ariston considers the list of issues and speaks matter-of-factly, without a hint of ego. ”I assume you are gathering the wounded in centralized locations, yes? And your injured Chosen with them? If I can be taken to these groups quickly – perhaps teleported – I can heal nearly a score of people at a time with spellcraft… many more by channeling the power of Varan. Perhaps I should start there? If inundated lands near the docks are problematic, I can make the waters recede. Finally, you mentioned a food shortage… That shouldn’t be an issue, I can feed the island. Those are the needs I can address most immediately.”

1. I like the Downtime rules for building stuff... so I'm favor of having both the Cash and Capital options available.

2. I like the idea of gaining a feat. I can't think of a good teamwork feat. I'll pick a few feats that seem good and you can decide which one or ones are valid choices.

3. I think we should put building a base/home/fort on hold until we've dealt with the devastation on the island.

Ariston reiterates his willingness to help and avoids making incendiary comments. "I am at your service as regards treating the wounded and attending to other matters within the scope of my skills."

For the most part, he watches and listens, trying to get a better idea of the politics at play.

I can carry the Staff of Journeys. I don't recall anything in the loot list that really stood out to me, so selling it and splitting the cash works especially since I have to retrain a feat.