Aroden the Returned's page

Aroden joins Dorek in cleaning, scrubbing off or chiseling out demonic inscriptions where he can.

"It's possible the demons will come and find us here, or take the time to gather their forces. But they don't know where we are going next so I am not overly concerned. I think Torag would appreciate this effort that we make here.
More fun that you might think, Torag. Had a very dry sense of humor. Why, this one time -- uh... a very dry sense of humor, yes. So I am told. By... by some dwarves."

He quietly resumes scrubbing.

And he didn't have that weird accent that so many dwarves affect. What is that, anyway? Where did it come from? Torag has done well for himself these past hundred years. With the dwarves, of course, but he's picked up quite a few human followers too. Can't resent him for that. Hard to dispute the value of good craftsmanship. Almost everyone appreciates that, don't they?

Aroden is not particularly frail, so he keeps his composure as he takes the hit.

"They want to attack me? We can use this."

He falls back, but to a place where the statues can still pursue him. Withdraw as indicated. AC is just 20. HP 55/68.

Aroden moves into the room, takes a look at the constructs, and uses Total Defense (AC 24).

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

"If we aren't going to disguise ourselves, then battle it is. These are constructs of some kind?"

Aroden will probably just hang back, close enough for Inspiring Sword to affect the melee warriors.

Aroden looks at the locusts with distaste. Take 10 for a 20.

"I don't like this particular deception, but I am willing to employ it as a tactic. However, if there are any among us who will not do so, then I will approach openly without the locust and help destroy those blasphemies."

Aroden moves back to the main court.
"Let us see what awaits in the Defender's Chapel. We do not need to go rushing in over the rubble. Let's see what we can from here."

He takes up position 40' from the doors to the chapel and casts Open/Close.

"Thank you, Ahmose."

That should prevent the 20 damage over 8 rounds that the GM rolled.

"I may need to cast more powerful spells in the battles ahead. I think I should stop taking the risk that I have been taking."

Aroden will remove his chain shirt while Thawm heals up Nurah and Tandyn and while others deal with the prisoners.
(Don't worry, he is not wearing just the chain shirt. He's got stylish green robes.)

He draws and reads his scroll of Mage Armor.

Figure his spells are meaningful enough at this level that the 10% ASF is more of an issue than it was at low levels. Only net -1 to AC, down to AC 20, by switching to Mage Armor.

"You. Cultists who surrendered. We are going to march you out the front doors of the Citadel to our waiting army where you will be treated with honor. You will be fed and kept safe and eventually receive fair trials, with the potential for mercy based on the fact that you did surrender.
But going out the front door won't be a problem, will it? Were you, as archers, the ones who would have attacked us had we come in that way?
Or are there other deadly hazards that you might want to warn us about before we march you out that way?"

"Holy water or a Bless spell will kill the vines! Can anyone help Cecily?"

"Working on it, Ahmose."

Prescience 2 of 9: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Aroden sees great success in his future, and tries to decide how to best utilize it.

He draws his bolas and throws them at the Brimorak. It is a nearly impossible shot and yet somehow it succeeds.

Nat 20 means that he trips it, regardless of range, cover, into melee, nonproficiency, etc.

Thawm has Resist Fire 20 as does Aroden, so she should be safe from the Boiling Blood.

Aroden points lazily at a Brimorak Blue.
"I blinded that one Dorek, please deal with it, would you?"
Because it is blinded Dorek can 5' step and full attack it without needing to move around for a flank.

"IN THE NAME OF THE INHERITOR!"

INSPIRING SWORD for +2 sacred bonus to attacks saves and skill checks for allies within 30', everyone except Ahmose.

Aroden moves up and strikes at a Brimorak.

Attack vs Red, Bane: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26
Damage, Bane: 1d8 + 3 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (2, 1) + 2 = 12

Sword is +3 equivalent (+1 and Bane), so bypasses DR/cold iron.

Aroden hits two of the Brimoraks with a Burst of Radiance.

CL check vs SR, +4 trait vs demon, +2 spell penetration: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 4 + 2 = 23
Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 3, 2) = 15
And Reflex DC 18 or Blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds, save reduces to Dazzled.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

"A Vrock! Beware its spores - Bless stops them."

Aroden moves up and prepares to cast Burst of Radiance on the Vrock if it uses an SLA.

"If you will allow me a minute, Sir Tandyn."
Aroden will take one minute to prepare Haste into his empty 4th-level slot.

"I am ready to proceed."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Aroden shakes his head.
"I don't think you have the voice right. But even if you did, it's a real long shot, Dorek. A ploy like that requires quite a bit of knowledge about your targets. It gets harder the more you have to say. We don't know enough about their command structure and protocols. Remember, Staunton Vhane was a Crusader for decades. He knows a fair amount about protocols specifically against this sort of trickery, as demons like that Succubus can change their shape. Even basic passwords if not anything more involved like physical keys. And the enemy knows we have spellcasters in our ranks."
Basically, if we don't know the situation well enough to make a Convincing lie (+0), any Bluff attempt could be facing the -5 for Unlikely, -10 for Far-fetched, or -20 for Impossible.

"I imagine you'd have to be alone for this to work? Well, most likely if they detected deception they would attack you. Worst case, they play along with a counter-bluff and lead you into a trap. Best case, they refuse and give you some insulting reply that might hint at where the Sword is... which isn't a terrible outcome."

"On balance I think we lack the information to make this ploy worth the risks. But if you want to do it, don't go too far from us, prepare to run, and don't follow them anywhere."

Aroden takes a step closer and continues radiating holy power.

Forgotten 10% ASF for Haste: 1d100 ⇒ 51

Aroden has a pretty decent role as spell amplifier for Thawm, so he does not expend his prepared Magic Missile at this time.

Instead, he takes a step closer and uses INSPIRING SWORD.

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"Fiendish mimics! We must slay them before Dorek is crushed."

Aroden casts Haste. He can get nearly everyone, but cannot affect both Dorek and Cecily (they are 35' apart) so he picks Cecily, hoping that it is the right decision.

Sensing a danger but unable to see it, Aroden casts See Invisibility (3 encounters).
01-10 ASF: 1d100 ⇒ 31

If anybody is grabbed as foreseen, Aroden will cast Liberating Command as an immediate action (CL 9 due to Yuelral's Blessing, so a +18 competence bonus to the roll).

"A banner, Ahmose. The Sword of Valor is a magical banner carried by Iomedae during the Shining Crusade."

"Let's hold off on smashing this fine dwarf-made construction.
I have confidence that Dorek can figure out the lock.
Breaking walls takes a good deal of time and makes a lot of noise. And it seems so crude. I don't recommend that as our approach."

Aroden will also look for the secret door.
Perception, Heroism: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 2 = 27

"As to the Sword of Valor, Aron did say that it was kept in a secret vault. And that the Citadel was under nearly constant attack for a decade. But he also said that the Sword of Valor was turned over to the demons, which allowed the demons to teleport into the Citadel.

I think our information about the banner, how it works, and what happened to it is fragmentary at best. Still, we can piece together that someone, probably Staunton Vhane, took the banner and turned it over to the demons. I don't think there were clerics moving it mid-siege. I don't think there was any climactic battle that they were aware of. Staunton Vhane turned over the banner and then at some time of their choosing demons could teleport into the Citadel."

I really wish the Search function still worked. Took me a while to dig all that up.

"So I'm not sure why the demons would have put it back in the secret vault. But I did see a banner in there."

Aroden will assist in cleaning.

He will also cast Detect Magic and scan the Succubus for any items.

"Ahmose, we should make sure you are well stocked with holy water. It ignores demonic resistances and it does not kill innocent mortals who fell under their evil magic."

2d4+Int is still decent damage, compared to 4d6+Int-Resistances.

Aroden takes a step and continues Inspiring Sword.

Prescience 1 of 9: 1d20 ⇒ 3 Nope

Aroden looks into the future and sees failure.

So he takes a step forwards, holds his sword high, and says "In the name of the true Inheritor, we will destroy you, imposter!"

INSPIRING SWORD! +2 sacred bonus to attacks, saves, and skill checks within 30'.

"A goddess might not need the protection of armor, but I never knew Her to shirk the habits that She had formed as a human. She continued to wear it."

His voice changes, becoming mocking and curmudgeonly, higher and harsher.
"Kept on with the food and the drink and the bathing. Hard time letting go of the mortal coil. Thought she was still one of them. Hah!"

And then he is back, thoughtful and contemplative, apparently unaware of what he had just said.
"So the casual attire is odd. And six crusaders merely sitting here, while the fortress is overrun with demonic cultists?"

He waits to see what Sir Tandyn learns.

Aroden stares intently at the green-robed figure in the painting.

He looks at the woman as well, but his thoughts are imperceptible to the others at this time.

Aroden's Lucky Number: 1d20 ⇒ 11

"Thank you, Thawm."

Aroden casts Resist Energy (Fire) on himself and on Thawm, using 2 charges from his Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend (Resist 20, CL9, 1 full dungeon).

He casts Extended Heroism on himself with the rod's last charge (1 full dungeon), as well as Darkvision (1 full dungeon).

He then dons his chain shirt and takes his sword in hand.

"A sound plan. Now, I anticipate that they will see us approaching the breach. So even if there are not normally any guards there, we might find some by the time we arrive.
I will keep Dimension Door ready, and Sir Tandyn, I would suggest you keep the wand ready as well. If the welcoming committee is larger than we can handle, or has specific magic we need to prepare to defend against, then regrouping may be in order. We may be able to simply plow through them, but it doesn't hurt to prepare for contingencies."

Perception DC 30: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

"The good news is that the Sword of Valor appears to still be in its vault. But it seems from the map we would have a task getting there."

Aroden shares his observations and then studies the map.

"My recommendation is that tomorrow we start with the treasure room in the tower. It may be a trap, but it's a wide open area that is unoccupied, so we should be able to Dimension Door without appearing in a solid body and being shunted. Perhaps we will find something of use. From there, we can take the stairs down to the northwest tower, then to the northern arcade, and then south to the court and hopefully continue to the Inheritor's Chapel and the Secret Vault."

"The broken wall on the west side could also work. My spell did not manage to scout that area."

Minor changes on the level-up:
1) Taking the alternate human FCB for +1 spell known of less than max level, taking Fireball to boost Thawm's castings
2) Forgot about Focused Study, so he gets another Skill Focus at level 8. Taking Perception

"It is a little disappointing to go back and rest so soon. That battle with the berbalang was not terribly taxing. And I would expect that it may take us more than one day to clear such a massive citadel of its demonic leaders.
Nevertheless, we seem to have the time and need not be overly hasty. I will use some of my prepared spells for the day to do some scouting."

Aroden removes his chain shirt, then takes 10 minutes to cast Arcane Eye. He can maintain the sensor for 8 minutes, and it has a speed of 300' per minute. As a scrying sensor, it is also a Perception DC 24 (adjusted for range) for enemies to notice, and enemies can attempt to Dispel it if they notice it.

First he will send the Arcane Eye up to the top of the tower, where the Celestial Beacon was. He assumes the doors at the bottom of the stairs are closed and won't have a 1-inch gap. So instead of sending the sensor down the stairs, he will try to go in what appear to be windows around the second-from-the-top level of the tower to see what that room is.
Then he will send the Eye to check out the lower Tower level (with the ballistae), then the Northern Arcade, then the Parapet, then the East Garrison, then the four Gatehouse towers, then the West Garrison, then the gap in the wall north of the West Garrison. If there are slits big enough to shoot ballistae through, then the Eye can get it.

Basically looking for what guards are manning each position.

After the Arcane Eye expires or is dispelled, Aroden will take another 10 minutes to cast Clairvoyance. This has a 720' range. He will attempt to use Clairvoyance in the middle of the Secret Vault next to Iomedae's Chapel. If it is magically dark, he sees nothing. If it is normally dark, he sees in a 10' radius around the scrying sensor.

His scrying done, he puts his armor back on and goes to study spellbooks.

At 4 hours for a 3rd-level spell and 3 hours for a 2nd-level spell, he should be able to get 2 done today. Looking at Magic Circle Against Evil from Aravashnial's spellbook and Fog Cloud from the dwarf's spellbook. At a +16 he makes it on Take 10. Cost to scribe is 90+40 = 130 GP.

"I see four ways in from Aron's map.
First, there is the direct passage through the gatehouse. Likely heavily guarded, no doubt with barred doors and we can see from the map that there is a portcullis inside.
Second, there appears to be a breach in the wall on the western side.
Third, we could try to ascend and go in from the top of the tower, where the Celestial Beacon was.
Fourth, we can teleport. If we get a good view of an arrival spot, such as one of the garrison towers with ballistae, we can have Sir Tandyn bring two others along with the wand of Dimension Door while I bring two others along with my own spell."

Aroden's level-up:
Wizard 7 (now Cav1/Wiz7//Evangelist2)
+7 HP (+1d6+2+FCB)
No change to saves or BAB
+1 Int
Skills (8): Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Bluff, Fly, Stealth, Heal, Knowledge (Planes), Perception
Background Skills (2): Appraise, Knowledge (History)
Spells known: +2 (Conjuration Foil, Stoneskin)
Spells/day: +1 3rd, +1 4th
ABP: Armor attunement +1 (mithral chain shirt)/+1(N/A), resistance +2, toughening +1, weapon attunement +1 (The Sword of Aroden)/+1 (MW Composite Longbow)

Aroden chooses to accompany the mercenaries. The paladins already have some divine power backing them up, but the mercenaries could probably use a bit as well.

"BEHOLD THE GLORY!!"

The Sword of Aroden gleams with holy power, inspiring those nearest to him. Aroden moves around in the battle where he sees a need, rallying the troops as best as he can.

Again with the blood rituals? Was I not just saying - oh, forget it.

Aroden uses one use of Mythic Power to recharge the Wand of Dimension Door
Charges Restored: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Now at 1 Mythic Power. Wand is now at 12 charges.
He hands the wand to Sir Tandyn. "I believe you are the best to carry this. It may have utility for bringing you, Cecily, and Dorek into melee with opponents, but neither of them can use it. Thawm, Ahmose, and I are more often at range."

"So are we ready to lead the army in an assault on the citadel? I believe it is time."

"I do not believe that Dorek's bodily fluids, be they blood or spit or anything else, possess quite the sanctifying effect that he might believe them to have."

Aroden casts Detect Magic.

Arcana Take 10: 10 + 15 = 25

"An Unhallow spell with Darkness. Hallow can remove it, but it has a very long casting time and is quite expensive. I don't think the Unhallow effect by itself will raise more ghouls, so I suggest we leave it for now and deal with it later."

"We may need to purify or sanctify this crypt to remove the darkness."

Aroden tries to think of what steps or rituals might be effective here.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"There is no place that the wicked can hide from the LIGHT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!"

Holy power bursts forth from the Sword of Aroden.
INSPIRING SWORD for +2 sacred bonus to attacks, saves, and skill checks.

Aroden moves up and uses Total Defense (AC 24).

"The Alter Self spell? I have some goblin ear hair, I believe. Will that work?"

"Ready? Stay alert."

Aroden casts Open/Close on the next door.

Yes, Iomedae would be most pleased with Sir Tandyn. Her jokes were atrocious too.
As Aroden recounted/imagined here

"Fear not, Aravashnial. We can allow Nurah Invisibility for her own protection. There is no victory without risk, and the reward outweighs the risk in this case."

He provides the component from his own spell component pouch.

Aroden casts the following spells:
See Invisibility, extended via Rod (1 full dungeon)
Darkvision, extended via Rod (1 full day)

He then dons his mithral chain shirt and takes his sword in hand.

Aroden will do his best to tend to some of the diseased mercenaries, doing what he can to slow the progression of the ghoul fever.

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

He is something of a healer, apparently.

"Thank you, Sosiel. Any magic you can summon to cure disease within the next few days could prove crucial. Even slowing the progression could help."

Remove Disease is a 3rd-level spell, but he and any other clerics we have could also fill their 2nd-level slots with Delay Disease.

"Irabeth, I understand how a spectral undead got into my tent. That is no mystery. But an army of ghouls? How did they get so close unseen and unheard? Simply the darkness? Perhaps a perimeter of torches would be wise in the future. Or we can have those of us with night vision take turns on watch. I can cast a spell of Alarm but it only wards a relatively small area."

Aroden turns briefly to Dorek. "Yes, I think Nurah can be trusted and remain unbound. And I agree that the crypt should be our next step."

Prescience 5 of 8: 1d20 ⇒ 8 Ehh... saving that for a save vs paralysis, I guess.

"See to Horgus!"

Aroden continues to fight!

Attack, Defensively -4, IC +2, Flanking +2: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14
Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 + 2 + 2 = 13
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

Dealing a solid blow, he then takes a step nearer to where Tandyn and Dorek are battling the spectral undead.

Prescience 4 of 8: 1d20 ⇒ 5 Not using that.

Despite seeing failure in his future, the wizard does his best.

Aroden draws The Sword of Aroden, takes a step, and makes a two-handed strike at a ghoul, staying on his guard.
Attack, Defensively -4, IC +2: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

Inspiring Sword is a full-round action so can't do it on the round that he draws the sword.

AC 22 with Fighting Defensively

Aroden moves out of his tent and towards the center of the party's area.

Withdraw

Aroden can sleep in his chain shirt, so he has that at least.

Prescience 3 of 8: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

He stands (move action), takes a 5' step towards the opening, and shouts "Enemy! Attack!"

That's his surprise round action - just a move to stand.