M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak's fate:
Dervak continued adventuring for a number of years, working with the Sleepless Detective Agency to root out any cult remnants or any awakening horrors.
Eventually he decided to settle down. He married a Brevoyan woman, rebuilt the temple to Sarenrae where Mulgar had raised him, and purchased a minor noble title to claim that land and protect that place.
Given his vast wealth, he hoped he could spare his children the life he had. His daughter, Kat, wished to be an artist. His son, Mulgar, wished to raise racehorses. Dervak was fine with that, and used his fortune to support them. It seemed they would have a peaceful life.
It was not to be.
---
Eldritch flames crackled and cast distorted shadows on the wall. Dervak's face was lined, his hair was grey, and he had lost a step. But he was still a warrior of tremendous power, and the Dark Whisper was no match for him.
"You will never be free of me!" shrieked the thing. It knew its doom was at hand, but it also knew it would return.
Teralindar's Honor shattered the abomination's form, while the chained ten-year-old girl screamed in terror.
Dervak lowered the sword.
"Thank you, Mara. Theophilus. Cerise."
His companions concluded the ritual, informing him that his granddaughter was free. They had come when he asked, some forty years after defeating Lowls.
---
It had been a scene of unbelievable horror. Dervak's son Mulgar and daughter-in-law Janissa murdered in their sleep, and their daughter seemingly to blame. Come get me, Dervak spelled out in blood on the walls. The young girl taunting Dervak in the Dark Whisper's voice, trying to provoke him to lose control and kill her.
While subduing her was not difficult, the next decision was. Would the Release Nightmare ritual kill the girl? Should he wait for her to be physically stronger, and try to teach her to tame the monster within in the meantime?
It wasn't his decision to make on his own. He used the Cauldron of Resurrection to revive his son and daughter-in-law.
"I carry a curse," he told them. "I purged it... mostly. It spared you, but it affects your daughter - my granddaughter. There is a cure, but it is dangerous. It nearly killed me, when I was a powerful warrior. But then, I had borne the curse longer."
He summoned his daughter Kat and her husband Brigham; although their children showed no signs yet, they could be afflicted. He contacted Mara, Theophilus, and Cerise. For two days the group discussed Dervak's curse, the ritual, and the risks to the girl, before agreeing to proceed.
After defeating the Dark Whisper, Dervak addressed his children. "Kat, this curse may affect your children too in time. And if it does, we must be alert for signs of it before it takes control; all children have nightmares, but tell me in detail about them. Even those that seem trivial.
Beyond that, there is another consideration.
One way to end this curse is to end our family line. That none of your children would have children. The entity would still be out there. But it would not have a hold on our world through our bloodline.
Now... I think I have done great good for Golarion, despite the curse. I think our family can as well. So I would suggest another path. That it become the legacy of our family to fight such things. To seek out their influence and eliminate it; to oppose their cultists; and to master this ritual to exorcise the Dark Whisper whenever it manifests.
I will not always be here to fight such things. You must learn to do so.
I am sorry. If we are to have a legacy as a family, then you cannot have peaceful lives, and neither will your children. We will have to train and study.
And I will begin by making copies of this ritual; perhaps one of you or your children will learn to make it safer."
Over time, a thick tome was compiled, incorporating rituals, clues to spot possession, insights on resisting temptation, tactics for fighting aberrations, and tributes to the fallen. Dervak's family carried on a secretive tradition of fighting the influence of the Dark Tapestry; many became Cavaliers of the Order of the Eastern Star, Expulsionist or Abolisher Inquisitors, or Oath Against Corruption paladins. They maintained cover identities as ordinary if somewhat reclusive minor nobility in Brevoy.
The Dark Whisper continued to return. Some descendants it drove to madness or suicide before they could be saved; others were freed from it. Over the generations, evidence accumulated in the book, weapons were developed, and a plan was formed and refined. There might be a way to defeat the entity forever... if they could summon Dervak from the mists of time. Some believed he was now an Azata, and a Gate spell might work. Others thought that Chronomancy held the key to bringing him out of the past. If they could find a way to summon Dervak, then the warrior's final and greatest battle might put an end to the curse once and for all.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak looks at Cerise.
"I once had a bad thing in my head also. My friends helped me get rid of it.
And in my case, I had sometimes chosen to give in to it and do what it said, which only made it stronger. Even so, they kept me around.
This wasn't your fault.
I'm glad you are back."
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"GORRRUUMMM!"
Dervak raises Teralindar's Honor high.
He holds the sword against his forehead and tries to connect with the spirit. "We have done it, Upianshe."
If his prayer to Gorum didn't wake up Theo, then Dervak will go over and nudge him.
Dervak then says a quiet prayer to Pharasma for fair judgement of those lost along the way, especially Kat and Allegra.
And those that left for other journeys - such as Rowan and Pocky - he offers a quiet prayer to Desna that their travels may be as they wish them to be.
He gathers up the remains of Cerise and takes the Cauldron of Resurrection from his haversack.
"This will bring her back without the corruption, right Mara?"
There is concern in his voice, but also hope.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Will vs channel:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (1) + 30 = 31 Dervak does have a feat to reroll a 1 on a save 1/day, but I will save that and not use it here. Dervak takes 15 damage, and heals 5 from Theo's hex.
Dervak releases CiCi as she asks, then brings Teralindar's Honor to bear on the seeded undead.
"Sorry, Cerise. We will bring you back right."
After four swings from a monstrously enlarged Dervak and a sword specifically meant to kill seeded undead, CiCi is still not down 3 hits and 1 miss leave her with 3 HP I think. Her undead form is resilient indeed. But the fifth mighty swing of the sword strikes a vital location and, hopefully, sends CiCi to rest.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Will vs Cloak of Dreams:1d20 + 30 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 30 + 5 = 41 Will vs Evil Eye:1d20 + 30 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 30 + 5 = 43
Dervak takes 16 damage from Hungry Darkness, but heals back 5 from Theo's hex. He takes 2 Con damage, but had a +4 Con from Legendary Proportions, so is still above his usual Con.
Dervak guesses that CiCi would have excluded herself from the Hungry Darkness effect, so he starts flying towards where she was.
With Blessing of Fervor, can fly at 90', so he easily gets out of the Hungry Darkness with a single move. If Ariadnah can see in darkness or has blindsight, she can take an AOO against his AC 54.
As he is above the height of both the Wall of Force and the Cloudkill, he should be able to see CiCi and to move readily. He closes the rest of the distance to CiCi (it is only 50' in total, so a single move) and grabs her (standard). He does this from 10' away so she doesn't get an AOO.
Grapple, Dance +5, Legendary +4, 1-handed -4:1d20 + 24 + 5 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 24 + 5 + 4 - 4 = 45 Legendary Proportions is net +2 for attacks but +4 for CMB.
He can ascend 20' to get out of the cloud and then a bit more movement to get to the lich.
At which point he will ready to attack if she tries to cast.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
@CiCi - the Legendary Proportions spell that Theo cast on Dervak already gives DR 10/adamantine, so maybe the Quickened Stoneskin goes to someone else?
Empowered by Theophilus's magic, Dervak grows to gigantic size.
I believe that CiCi moved up on her turn so Dervak is not squeezing. Net gain is +5 AC, making him now AC 56; or 54 now that he is going to switch Blessing of Fervor from the +2's to the extra attack.
Also gain +6 Str, +4 Con, and DR 10/adamantine.
"Hey, uh, this Wall of Stone is kind of in the way."
Dervak uses his Pugnacious trait to increase his reach by 5', making it 20' now. That is 10' base for being Large, +5' Longarm, +5' Pugnacious. Using Pugnacious does take away the ability to use Arcane Strike this round, so his damage drops by 4.
He drops the Luckblade and attacks the Lowls-Xhamen-Dor hybrid in front of him. Using Destined Strike on the last two iteratives.
Weapon is a +2 Furious Aberration-Bane Bastard Sword, so counts as +6 (therefore Epic) when raging and having the Bane apply. This is its Special Purpose after all.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Not sure there is room for Dervak to get big just yet, Theo. There will be if CiCi either flies up or moves back 5', if you want to delay.
Dervak glares at the Briarstone Witch.
"So it was you. That thing he found in the Darklands. I don't know if you are the Dark Whisper, or if it serves you, or if you both serve the same master. That Black Goat of the Woods.
And I don't know if my father still lives.
But I'm not going to spare you for the sake of getting answers."
He hefts Teralindar's Honor and it visibly crackles with energy, lunging towards its great foe.
"Sword wants Lowls. You're next, if there's anything left of you by then."
DC 24 Will, vs Fear, vs mind-affecting, Shake it Off +2:1d20 + 30 + 2 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 30 + 2 + 5 + 2 = 49 DC 30 Will, vs mind-affecting, Shake it Off +2:1d20 + 30 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 30 + 5 + 2 = 54
I put a lot of feats and things into having Dervak not fail Will saves.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak has to either keep moving or attack something to keep Dance of a Hundred Cuts active. Staying in one place trying to puzzle out this maze isn't going to do it.
So he moves 10' while drawing the Luckblade and then says "I wish to be out of this maze and back with my friends Theophilus and Mara and Cerise."
Move while drawing and then standard action for Wish. I guess he will take the +2 bonuses from Blessing of Fervor, making his AC 51 and his Reflex +28.
Assuming he makes it back, I'm totally going to abuse Talking is a Free Action to do some RP with the Briarstone Lich. I tend to not speak in more than 6-second bursts in combat when it is things like tactical coordination or information on monster abilities, but Dervak needs to get in his RP with Ariadnah before Mara and CiCi vaporize her.
But first we'll see if the Wish works and then I'll do an RP post.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Time to fight a god...
Dervak prepares as best as he can.
Pulling out some big guns. Casting Tactical Adaptation (Dodge), Channel Vigor (starting with Spirit), and Dance of a Hundred Cuts.
Checking the Math:
With Mara's Haste still active, AC is:
10 base +5 Dex, +10 Armor, +3 Deflection, +5 Natural, +6 Luck, +1 Haste, +1 Dodge, +5 Morale, +4 Shield = 50
Fort is +10 base, +2 Con, +5 Resistance, +6 Luck, +3 Morale = +26
Ref is +5 base, +5 Dex, +5 Resistance, +6 Luck, +3 Morale, +2 Feat, +1 Haste = +27
Will is +5 base, +3 Wis (w/Mass Owl's Wisdom), +5 Resistance, +6 Luck, +3 Morale, +2 Feat, +6 competence = +30 (and another +5 vs mind-affecting)
And +4 circumstance bonus vs Curse, Disease, or Poison
And Shake it Off
"Cast your Sunburst if you see an opportunity, Mara. My reflexes are good and I hope luck is on my side." Dervak would fail on a nat 1, but he has a feat to reroll a nat 1 on a save 1/day, and he also has a Luck Blade reroll 1/day.
Note that Dervak is staying in Dex-rage so his Init bonus is +9.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"I bet Upianshe has something to say about that."
Dervak attacks the druid with Teralindar's Honor, the weapon crackling with eldritch flame as it faces one of Upianshe's nemeses. Fortune Hex on the tertiary.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak looks at the traffic jam on the stairs.
He sees Cerise floating down unexpectedly.
Casting Fly to get up there only to risk having it Dispelled is not appealing, given his very limited spell slots.
But... Potion of Fly on the Loot Sheet!
Dervak will retrieve and drink that.
Marked it off; we had 2, now have 1.
Active spells in case Dervak gets hit with a Dispel:
Heroism, Barkskin, See Invisibility, Shield, Freedom of Movement, Long Arm, Feather Step (all CL 16)
Fly (CL 5)
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"First time you ever plugged somebody?"
"... course not."
It has been great having Theo in the game!
He has cast Lightning Bolt a few times, and that Semore is a rather murderous fellow, so I am not certain this is the first time Theo has killed anyone in battle, but maybe it is. In any event, Dervak will buy Theo a drink and sing his praises to Gorum!
(But if Theo wants to put the blame on the shadow demons since he wasn't controlling them, that is totally fine too.)
Theo has quite a range of tricks and it is a lot of fun to see the witch class utilized in that way. Dervak is most definitely reliant on the support from others to be as effective as he is.
I play a pretty broad range of character types; I do like fighters, in part to disprove the conventional wisdom that the class is weak, boring, or limited. As I may have mentioned, Dervak is my first barbarian-type in all of 3.X/PF, which I have been playing since 2000. I went with Destined Urban Bloodrager for good AC and saves so that he wouldn't constantly be a burden on the party, and could tank for a few rounds if needed. But he doesn't have to do all the damage, and I liked that in Avaric's Manor Mara and CiCi each one-shot some pretty tough foes.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Fort vs Confusion:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42 Fort vs Aging:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42
Dervak has Teralindar's Honor reared back for another swing when the strange outsider screams and dissipates.
He has no idea how it was defeated, but some intuitive sense that, overall, he has made things happen as they were supposed to.
And then he is reunited with his comrades and feels much better.
"I agree, Cerise. But we should prepare first."
Dervak will cast Shield and See Invisibility.
He looks to Theophilus. "Are you okay? What happened? Did you have a vision as well?"
He turns to the others. "I had a vision of when I first woke up in Briarstone Asylum. Before I met any of you. You see, I had to wake up and fight a nurse that was really a monster and was killing a man. I had no weapons so I broke my chains and fought with those - and I had tusks back then too. It was actually the second time I fought it, but the first time might have been a dream. I barely defeated it. Then I escaped, and maybe there were others with me or maybe not, but eventually I met up with Mara and then Theophilus, who I dreamed I had met before, and much later Cerise."
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
GM:
Back here again. For the third time, I think. Those others? Were they real or did I dream them? But I was real at least.
And there I am. Dervak the Abomination... and I was...
I was dreaming. I fought the Tatterman in the dreamscape, and lost, but I did not give in to the Dark Whisper. Not that time.
And then I woke up...
Maybe I woke myself up?
He starts yelling at his former self, and thinking at him as hard as possible. It is entirely likely that in trying to connect with the mind of his former self Dervak will 'hear' the Dark Whisper once again. It isn't a pleasant thought, but he is prepared.
"Dervak! Wake up! Break free and slay that 'nurse' - it is a fiend!
Break your manacles from the wall! Use them as weapons!"
Should he hear the Dark Whisper, either annoyed at his interference or promising power to his former self, he adds,
"Don't give in! Mulgar's faith in you was true! You need not be a monster!"
He thinks of adding By the way, when you meet her, keep Kat safe but fears confusing the dim warrior.
Although it seems he cannot influence the physical realm here, he will nevertheless try; channeling his willpower as well as his physical strength he pulls on the chains, trying to loosen the manacles from the wall.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"The Briarstone Witch? Not the woman in the cave with the mushroom-wolves, is it? Because I would hate to think we were wrong to spare her.
And as for the Tatterman, he was nearly the death of us all... nearly. Luck and blessings were on our side."
Dervak had a falchion crit with a reach AOO from Pugnacious and then another crit with a readied attack, confirming only due to Mara's Guidance. But the Tatterman was definitely one of the most dangerous foes we fought for our level.
Dervak heeds the words of Cassilda - who seems to be still there in spirit - and heads towards the light.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak doesn't normally cast any hour/level buffs, and would not yet have cast any 10 min/level spells.
"I know you don't die like we do. I know... how does it go... 'that is not dead which can eternal lie.'
But we have slain you before. Well, Cerise did." Crit Disintegrate!
"And we will slay you again if we need to. Maybe we cannot end your existence in all the realms beyond where you walk, but we will keep you from harming our world."
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak responds to the Queen. Cassilda?
"It seems we have met or fought parts of Lowls. A reflection in the Dreamlands, and another echo here on Carcosa. Hopefully this version of him will be the last. If you think we should rest to regain our strength, I will do so."
A thought occurs to him.
"Do you know if that damnable slaver from Leng is with Lowls again? Or have we finally bested her?"
Tertiary, Destined Strike 2 of 5:1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 10 = 34 Hmmm... I'm going to use the Luck Blade's ability to reroll that, just in case a 34 isn't enough. Unlike Fortune, this can be used after the roll is made but before results are revealed (so not knowing if a 34 is enough to hit). Luck Blade reroll:1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 10 = 47 Damage:2d8 + 39 ⇒ (4, 8) + 39 = 51 Autoconfirmed Crit Damage:2d8 + 39 ⇒ (1, 5) + 39 = 45
I am guessing by the fact that the Knowledge check is Arcana that this is a Magical Beast and not an Aberration, so Bane does not apply.
AC is now 49 (loses the +6 from Fighting Defensively, gets a net +5 from Legendary Proportions).
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
@Mara, I believe that everyone except Theo has Shake it Off. Theo likes to live dangerously! Also, feel free to use your Prismatic Spray if you want, even if you have to catch Dervak in the area. His saves are +28/+30/+26 right now with Shake it Off.
Dervak withstands the immense blast of slime.
Destined Bloodline gives immune to the Stunned condition, and Freedom of Movement protects against Entangled, so no saves needed.
Dervak will stay on the defensive, waiting for Mara to find an opening.
If this is that same thing, then that is some serious foreshadowing!
"The Dark Whisper told me to avoid waking it up. It knew this worm was a creature of enormous power."
Even after all he has faced, and even with all of his newfound Destined power, that memory of the thing under the Asylum causes Dervak to regard this foe with some awe... and then Cerise conjures a portal to Hell. Technically, the Abyss; but Dervak is no scholar of the Great Beyond. We are all beings of great power. Let us see if it is great enough. I do not need to slay it myself, but I need to buy time.
Round One: Cast Freedom of Movement on himself.
The must-have spell of this AP, it seems. It wasn't why I picked the bloodline, but I'd have picked it up through Urban Bloodrager if I didn't get it through Destined.
Round Two: Move to the front of the party, Dex-rage casting Shield, and use Total Defense.
AC is 50 with Haste and Total Defense.
(+10 Armor, +5 Dex, +3 Deflection, +4 Shield, +6 Luck, +5 Natural, +1 Haste, +6 Total Defense).
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak cleans and sheathes his blade.
He looks to the remaining patrons.
"Erich Zann is back. Treat him well."
As useful as a Vorpal weapon might be, I think Dervak will stick with Teralindar's Honor since it has a cool story.
He will report back to Zann.
"Armel is dead. Now we must go to this fantastic tower you mentioned and complete the ritual.
I believe you had said that if we dealt with Armel you would be able to send allies to deal with the Shantaks? I would welcome such aid. Can your allies also guide us there?"
291 damage if everything hits... that was a big round.
If he drops Armel at any point, he will redirect remaining attacks to whichever gunman is up. And after his attacks, he will 5' step to be in Blue's face.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak's touch AC against firearms is 24; Shield only helps against incorporeal touch, not touch in general. So I think that means one more image gone, and Dervak is down to 2 images.
Dervak decides to show the other ghouls what a sword does, swinging at them every time they shoot with his uncanny reach.
Saving the last AOO for Armel if he tries to stand (and it is spoilered above). Let me know if they 5' stepped back and I had to use Pugnacious, since that will take away Arcane Strike damage on my next turn.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"Have it your way."
Dervak will 5' step back (free, so he is 15' away from Armel), draw his sword (move), cast Blade Lash (standard), and Dex-Rage while casting Bladed Dash (free, ending up adjacent to Armel).
Teralindar's Honor elongates into a whip, grabbing around the ankles of the ghoul.
Blade Lash Trip, Heroism:1d20 + 24 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 24 + 10 + 3 = 52
Hopefully that takes Armel down to the ground, considering it would be against flat-footed CMD.
The sword then returns to its regular form as Dervak flashes in to attack.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Assuming we discussed this before coming into sight of what might be Armel's cronies outside...
"Asking around would take too long, and word would spread. Armel would gather his troops.
No, let's just get inside and inform Armel that his reign is done and he can surrender now.
If he resists, we destroy him.
As Julian says, he has voraciously devoured the human population here."
As I see from Discord that Theophilus might want to do a Bluff here, I'll wait to see what he does.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
"Julian, what can you tell me about this Armel?
Do you think he would be willing to negotiate, or should we assume that he will react with violence?
And if it comes to a fight, what should we know about him?"
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
Dervak is wary of the Leng Ghouls, but has dealt with their kind peacefully in the past. They seem to be friendly to the musician.
"Erich, would you wish our assistance in dealing with this tyrannical Armel, whoever it is?
We can go to the Stela and then come help you, if it will take you some time to make plans and gather allies. Or we can help you first."
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
While I very much hope Theo passes, it won't change Dervak's action (there would be nothing he could do to save Theo), so I will post my attacks.
@Theo, don't forget that Inspire Courage is giving you a +3 Morale bonus vs fear effects, on top of the net +3 from Mind Blank (+8 resistance whereas ABP is +5).
Dervak continues to pummel the incorporeal foe. Fortune Hex on the quaternary, not using my last Destined Strike.
M Human Destined Urban Bloodrager 16 | HP 102/148 (118/164) | AC 54 (T31, FF54, CMD60) | F+26/R+28/W+30 (+2 vs fear, +5 vs mind-affecting) | Mv 40' | Init +9 | Per +24| Rage 30/36 | Spells 4/2/1/0 (6/4/3/2) | Active: Heroism, Barkskin, See Invis, Shield, FoM, Long Arm, Dance, Vigor, Tactical, BoF, Legendary
I mean, it makes a ton of sense to hide in the walls and attack. Fortunate that we have CiCi!
"Is this really the spirit of Lowls or just some reflection or echo?"
Dervak is not sure, but happy to do his job in any event.
Dervak rages (Str-rage), casting Bladed Dash as a free action, and attacks the spectral Lowls.
The sword's Bane ability applies, it sounds like. Fortune on the tertiary and Destined Strike on the quaternary.
Active party effects are Inspire Courage +3 and Haste?
