Donovan of Restov's page

"Stay cautious. Incorporeal undead sometimes move through walls and floors."

Should be up to date.

"Hrm. Hauntings."

I believe that undead are covered under Knowledge: Religion.

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

"We need to find the central lingering point, the anchor, the place where the ghost is drawn and where it can't leave because it feels like it has unfinished business here in the material world."

"Could be a ghost, could be something else," muses Donovan. "Either way, might be an incorporeal foe, which is especially frustrating."

"The meaning of any of those words escape me, Milady." She answers, trying not to let her temper get over her duty. "But aside from authority, there are also lines that should not be crossed, unless utterly impossible to avoid."

"The death of the other heralds already pushed us to the brink of crossing that line and while I do respect your authority, Milady, my oath stands to Kelinahat and Lady Sophiel. Gliocas has already been framed for murderers and I'll not see it to become true."

"I must interject on the same count. I've no desire to descend to the kind of brutality that has marked this region for far too long."

Having returned from vacation, Donovan attends to Chrysa to deal with her remaining revitalization.

Since time is no longer of the essence, he burns through some of the power in his minor healing wand.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Chrysa fully healed.

Naomi is next.
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Naomi fully healed.

Then Mila.
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Mila fully healed.

24 charges burned from my personal wand.

Tikroch, being really wrecked, just gets a heal spell.

Concentration: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Donovan manages to defensively heal Senna, and hopes that the sorceress has something to clean up this mess.

Donovan's sword and shield slip out of his hands and clang on the ground as he winces and grabs his ears.

Donovan invokes his shield of faith spell and moves into a position to draw out the archers, hoping that the magical protection along with his armor will allow him to absorb the brunt of their fire.

Her eyes start with amusement, then turn as cold as the endless dark. "Naomi Ravasz, I know not if this is another game or the truth. I will not gamble on the lives of my people so I must treat your warning as truth. But be assured..." the small woman's voice holds an edge that could peel the skin from the other woman, without mercy or hesitation "... if it is not..." she does not finish the statement, since it is unnecessary.

She whips her attention to the massive druid only steps away "Take her to Soph, have her warn her about all she knows about the attack." she looks to the others "Ideas how to get the rest of us to this Abbey." it is a quiet order but still an order.

"We need the location. Either one of Irovetti's agents, or else a member of the clergy who was familiar with it before its fall and capture by him," says Donovan. "That or some kind of scrying spell that can tell us where it is. Then some method of rapid transit. Teleport would be ideal, but barring that, given a day I can try to wind walk us; we should be able to cover about 600 miles in a day."

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Donovan is watching from the side with the retinue from Gliocas, his horse's reigns in hand. He raises his pennioned lance in salute of Tikroch's victory, then bangs it against his shield to join in the crowd's chorus of applause.

Donovan is sure to watch the various competitors and to keep an eye out for anyone else in heavy armor who's likely to take the field for the joust at the end.

While Donovan is somewhat sociable, he isn't great at sussing out rumors. He spends much of his time in Chrysa's retinue, and occasionally trading stories of old battles with other knights.

Fun factoid: As a crusader cleric, Donovan isn't actually proficient with lances.

With his helm on, Donovan's amusement at Irovetti's malapropisms is not visible. The knight keeps his stance a little behind and to one side of Chrysa, attending like a good retainer.

Back in Gliocas

Donovan bows to the ambassador, Naomi, and says, "My lady. Thank you for visiting. I do hope that you find your brief stay here inviting."

He turns his attention back to his liege and absorbs her instructions, then gives her a customary salute.

"I shall endeavor to give the nation a great show of valor on the tournament field," he says. With Chrysa dismissing him, he turns slightly on his heel to address Naomi. "If you will be joining us on the road to Pitax, I shall be delighted of your company." He bows once more and then makes his exit, as instructed by Chrysa.

At the Rushlight Tournament

Donovan pulls up his horse short as Chrysa stops at the tattooer's tent. He seems accustomed to sitting horseback in heavy armor for long hours. With his greathelm closed, it is near impossible to see where his gaze lingers, but it is clear that he is in the retinue of the nobles from Gliocas, even if he does represent for Iomedae.

Sent as an emissary, Donovan plans to participate in the tournament fully on the up-and-up and make a good name for Gliocas in the process.

Donovan arrives for the Tournament—and who in the Stolen Lands hasn't heard of the famous Rushlight Tournament?—in knightly panoply, as befits a crusader, complete with a tabard and a flag bearing Iomedae's symbol (showing that he lists on behalf of the goddess of champions, rather than for a house). His horse's mane is braided and ribboned, his armor polished, and his lance pennon'd.

But, things being what they are, there will be more than just a display of martial prowess.

Flashback to Gliocas
While practicing mounted passes in the field, Donovan pauses as a page runs up with a message. He immediately dismounts, doffs his helm, and proceeds to Sophiel's audience chamber.

"My lady," he says formally. "My arms and accoutrements are prepared for the tournament, along with the squires who shall assist me in armoring. Diplomacy being what it is, I expect that you may have other instructions for me?"

How much wealth do I have available for item upgrades? The loot sheet wasn't helpful (says I have no money and I don't see how to determine a share).

Level 13: Cleric 13

+7 hit points

Skills: +1 each of: Heal, Knowledge (religion), Perception, Spellcraft; Artistry (philosophy), Knowledge (history)

New feat: ???

Suggestions? I could pick up Power Attack, or I could get something more esoteric in hopes of developing some tactic. Bless Equipment could allow me to temporarily generate a bane weapon. Um... very few fighting styles that would be of use. Donovan doesn't have the Dexterity necessary to go into Dodge or Combat Reflexes trees. Could also pick up some other metamagic or some weird minor power like basic war priest blessings.

Donovan is quick to deploy healing magic as needed to deal with the poison first and the wounds next.

"That was rougher than I'd have liked," he muses.

Donovan is on a ticking timer now, and with the team surrounded he can't really defend everyone at once. He hopes that the spellcasters can wisk themselves away or explode the enemies before he falls over. He pivots right and steps in on the nearest foe (green).

1. +1 adamantine long sword attack, good hope, inspire courage: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 2 + 4 = 25
2. +1 adamantine long sword attack, good hope, inspire courage: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 4 = 21

1. +1 adamantine long sword damage, good hope, inspire courage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 13

Ref save, good hope: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Ref save, good hope: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20

Fort save, good hope: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Fort save, good hope, Con damage: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 29

Gonna get the poison saves outta the way in advance
Round 2
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 29
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 13
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Round 3
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 3 + 2 = 14
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 3 + 2 = 23
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Round 4
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 5 + 2 = 8
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 5 + 2 = 23
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Round 5
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 6 + 2 = 12
Fort save, Con damage, good hope: 1d20 + 10 - 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 6 + 2 = 20
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Con damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

So on round 5, Donovan dies of Constitution damage.

Donovan has remained quiet during much of the traveling. He seems to be gathering his wits as best he can, but confused about the state of affairs in the kingdom. Having only a partial picture, and not being clever enough to suss out all of the deceptions going on, means that he feels a bit on the outside, and isn't sure of the best way to help.

Once the group reaches a ruined keep with hostile creatures, though, his old reflexes go into action. Before he draws his blade, he takes note of the spikes and draconic features, and decides to cast a bit of defense.

Opening with shield of faith.

Remember that with his muleback cords, boots of striding and springing, and handy haversack, Donovan is still moving at a speed of 30' even when fully armored and carrying a lot, and that's without riding his horse!

Donovan nods his assent.

"I'll pack some additional supplies and await your call, Tikroch."

"Tikroch, can I travel alongside you with your tree-magic? It would be far faster than traveling on horseback."

"Although... there might be value to having a highly visible agent of the court appearing in some place if you want prying eyes to assume that I'm doing something that they should be watching, so that they waste some effort."

Donovan rubs his chin with his free hand while holding his helm under his other arm.

"Pitax. Ugh. Irovetti is both despotic, and artistically vapid."

"There are strong reasons for the separation between the First World and the world that we have today. Undoing that separation carries dreadful risks, especially if it is, as you surmise, powered by suffering. A malleable, shapeable world fueled by suffering? That's just another vision of the Outer Rifts."

Donovan leaves the tomb behind and carries his helm under his arm as the group reassembles and then travels on to their next destination.

"I think I need a little time to pray," he says. "Not too long. Just... to reflect."

Earlier…

The body is drawn and thin, but not quite skeletal. It seems some of his muscles and soft tissues were preserved either magically or alchemically, but most of it is gone - so it’s hard or tell. It’s especially difficult to tell because his armor covers up much of his body, but he must have died at a pretty advanced age given the color of his hair. Would have to do a heal check to get some info, and might have to disturb the body to get more. Whatever happened, it happened a very long time ago (again, would need a history check to figure out a ton. There are obvious cuts and cracks on the bone of his leg and his neck.

Zorek watches Donovan, ”why do you ask, young man?”

Heal: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39

Donovan does not intend to deface the body any further, so visual inspection only.

"He left a legacy large enough that entire tribes remember his name and a cursed sword tried to bend someone else into his image. I want to know the circumstances not only of his life, but of his end."

Are there any obvious wounds on the body of Armag? Like if he died in battle, was it a sword, a fireball, or did he just stroke out in the middle of a fight?

Donovan lets out a sigh as the diplomacy finally runs its course. He's not blind to what Mum is manipulating, turning these Tiger Lords into unwitting allies.

He spends some time standing over the corpse of Armag. How much did this man influence the sword? Did it start with the sword, or did the sword bend to the actions of the man? No way for him to know now. A fascinating study in "great man" ideology, the notion that Armag was so effective and influential that there is an attempt to literally re-create him in order to bring about a resurgence of his wars of conquest.

Finally he turns to Zorek and says, "How did Armag—the original one—finally die?"

Donovan's shield drops and he lowers his sword to his side, held out at an angle.

"You're fighting a different battle now. A battle for control of your own destiny."

Diplomacy Aid, greater heroism: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 4 = 19

"A battle where your enemies and your targets may be unclear, but that can be discerned by asking: Who was responsible for what you have lost?"

Donovan takes a defensive stance, waiting for Vincent to unearth what he can of the blade.

Total defense, which probably only matters against the archers for now, since Armag is disarmed.

Donovan takes the opportunity to move into battle range, hoping that he can survive a confrontation with this Armag for at least six seconds.

1. Adamantine longsword attack, greater heroism: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 4 = 33
2. Adamantine longsword iterative attack, greater heroism: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 4 = 26

1. Adamantine longsword damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
2. Adamantine longsword damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

AC currently raised to 31 due to shield of faith. (This overwrites Donovan's +1 ring of protection.) Greater heroism doesn't stack with bless as they are both morale bonuses.

Oh I see what you mean. I thought you were saying somehow the targeting was changing to affect everyone. For this, certainly Donovan will cast that on self.

How is my freedom of movement spell affecting the team when I self-cast it?

Does anyone want greater heroism? If not, goes on self.

Casting another communal resist energy for electricity resistance on the team. Shield of faith on self.

The useful buffs I can deploy include greater heroism, freedom of movement, communal resist energy (if we have any idea what kind of energy attacks Armag may have), bless weapon, bless, shield of faith, and sure casting.

Donovan simply takes a moment to clean some blood from his sword. The adamantine blade may be immune to pitting and rusting, but the decorated hilt is not. He nods once at Chrysa's comment.

Donovan swaps his sword for his healing wand as he and Tikrock move forward.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Thank you," says Donovan tersely but sincerely as Tikroch helps him up.

He moves up into battle range, presenting his holy symbol strongly.

Channel energy: Damage undead: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 2, 4, 6) = 26

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Donovan is still stuck.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Donovan continues his climb but hesitates, not quite sure of the best way up the last bit.

Donovan throws reach communal protection from evil to give the entire team a little more protection from the skeletal legion.

Donovan also takes a moment while the group is bunched up working through the webs and locks to unleash another wave of channeled energy.

Channel energy: Healing: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 5, 3, 5, 1) = 23

Argh I was just posting using my healing wand and then you did it. Literally got ninja'd on my post.

Did anyone else need healing?

Donovan stays close to Tikroch, cutting through webs with his adamantine sword and waiting at each locked door, ready to spring into action.

"We should make sure to have more potions of that sort available just in case," says Donovan. "Especially since the potions take immediate effect in an emergency, while casting the spell itself is a bit more time-consuming."

The loud clangor of metal on metal sounds as the iron golem's spiked fists rebound off of Donovan's adamantine armor. The cleric is still rocked back from the force of the blow, but the armor remains intact, at least, preventing him from a terrible stabbing.

The crusader swings back in return with his enormous sword.

1. +1 adamantine longsword attack, bless, haste, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 30
2. +1 adamantine longsword haste attack, bless, haste, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 16 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 34
3. +1 adamantine longsword iterative attack, bless, haste, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 31

1. Large +1 adamantine longsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10
2. Large +1 adamantine longsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 = 12
3. Large +1 adamantine longsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10

Donovan steps in with his enlarged sword and swings hard.

Attacks
1. +1 adamantine longsword attack, bless, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 38
2. +1 adamantine longsword iterative attack, bless, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 26

1. +1 adamantine longsword confirm crit, bless, righteous might, large size: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 19

Damage
1. Large +1 adamantine longsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12
1. Large +1 adamantine longsword crit damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8
2. Large +1 adamantine longsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

"These kinds of moments are what this is for," says Donovan as he invokes a prayer for righteous might, which causes him to grow in size (so that he can use his sword with reach and, perhaps, avoid the armor spikes to some degree).

"Big animated things like this are why I got an adamantine sword," quips Donovan.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

I hadn't cast freedom of movement at this time, though it's a possibility if necessary.

Donovan gives some of the webs a heavy-handed hack with his adamantium sword, expecting the webs to part like air, and is rather surprised that his sword-that-cuts-anything is unable to make any progress through the webs.

"These are sorcerous webs, right? Will they still burn?" he asks.

"Webs... more of that guardian spell. I can cut through them easily, but I don't know how quickly they might rebuild."

"Clever."