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As Dimitrio surmised, that’s the campaign folks. It’s been a REAL pleasure GMing you all these last two years. Thanks for the great role play, you made the whole thing worthwhile. A fun ride!
The Queen obliges the party in all their requests… Allevrah’s body is taken away, likely to be hidden way so as to make it harder to raise her. The hall is opened to the courtiers and food and drink is summoned by the Queen. The celebration is inebriating, and hours string into days as the party is hailed as the heroes they are both at the palace, and throughout the city. You are lavished with gifts, and offers of all sorts, some quite unseemly in fact - but all with the relief of a recently pardoned prisoner. The death sentence has been lifted and the sun is shining! Though there’s no sense of slowing down, some of you may be itching to finally return home. A wizard is brought, and you are teleported to a spot not too far from the city, a clearing the wizard knows well enough. He bows deeply to you and, with a gesture, teleports back home. You walk slowly into Riddleport, burdened by your wealth and gifts. You eventually see the Gold Goblin, its statue glowing gold in the late morning sun. The doors are already open for the day and folks are streaming in and out of the gambling hall. As you enter the building, it’s clear it’s been doing well these last months. The staff is crisp, there’s a new rug on the floor, and the chandelier positively sparkles. It takes a moment for you to be recognized in your finery, but you are, and then are quickly brought to Bartlebe who’s been running things in your absence. He is overjoyed to see you again, and speaks rapidly of what he’s done the last three or four months while you’ve been gone. His patter falls on your ears like soothing rain. Peaceful, quiet, serene - ordinary. At the end, he opens the vault and shows you the piles of gold and platinum that he’s acquired for your return. Welcome home.
1) Unclear
The Shaitan gathers the group together, advises Ederin on his wording, and grants the wish. There’s a spacial shift, and then a jarring bounce as you’re extradimensional travel is suddenly halted before your destination (the Queen's presence). You appear at the entrance to the Queen’s castle, manor, and seat of government. You are, for a moment, blinded by the bright light of the midday sun streaming through the trees into your collective faces. Rarely has anything felt so good as the simple warmth of the sun on you. It takes a moment for the servants and guard to notice your sudden appearance, but notice you they do as you gather yourself and acclimate to your new environment. You are escorted quickly to the Queen who clears the hall but for a handful of close advisors, and a powerful Calistrian priest. ”First, formalities aside, are you in need of assistance? How can we help you if so?” she asks urgently, real concern for your wellbeing on her face.
1) Unclear
"I think our intention is to deliver word and body to the Queen of the Elves of the events that transpired here. Thank you for your hospitality, and for your wish. You are the only bright spot in the Land of Black Blood, Haiten. You have your purpose, I understand, but I would wish you far removed from here. This place should be lost to time." Haiten disagrees mildly, "There are things here worth knowing, and I would study them. When I have had my fill of the food, I will leave." she picks at a mushroom on her plate and leaves it.
The powerful spell is cast, and there is hesitation before the answers flow, but flow they do... 1) Yes2) No 3) Yes 4) Yes 5) Not for now
Haiten ignores Dimitrio's rudeness, and invites you all to stay. She remains awake, and watchful of her realm throughout the night and you are unmolested. In the morning, she prepares a simple breakfast for you, comprised largely of various kinds of fungus. Odd as it sounds, the spicing makes it work, at least passably if you like hot food, and she even breaks out a bottle of wine she'd been saving. The wine doesn't quite go with the meal, but it is quire refreshing none the less. After breakfast, and your morning obligations, she asks, "So what's next? Where is it you wish to go?"
She brightens with every description of drow failure and is positively beaming by the end, "That is incredible! Truly you are all most impressive." she bows, "I am honored to know you. Thank you for your efforts." She thinks a moment, "Well, I owe one of you a wish, and could use it to confirm what you seek. It will take me some time to speak to the stones and see what can be learned if not. Some weeks maybe. I doubt you want to wait here for that though."
The party hastily gathers up the loot and links hands as Dimitrio concentrates... and you appear just outside the Shrine of Black Earth! Hailien Bahaq comes out to greet you smiling when she sees it's you and not some drow war-party intent on her destruction. Concerned you may be fleeing something, she quickly gets to the point, "What may I do to help you. What is the situation?" She stands ready to assist in any way she can.
Ederin and Dimitrio, don't forget to pick a stat to receive the +2 insight bonus.
Lief watches as Dimitrio misses one... and all the glyphs slowly come back to life, one by one as the overall glyph brightens. Apparently they must be done all of a piece, or nothing works. It takes the party a few minutes to make it happen, but luck being on their side, it does happen without further incident. Once all five glyphs within the master glyph are deactivated, the master glyph itself flashes rapidly. A growing whine lls the air, and an instant later a wash of magical energy pulses outward in a room filling burst. All creatures in this area become infused with the magical power, and immediately gain a +2 insight bonus on an ability score of your choice. Further the energy does in electrical damage (reflex DC 30 for half) as the magical energies are too much to absorb by your mortal frames. The room darkens, and it takes a moment for your darkvision to kick in - you're in pitch black. Kaylayne finds a wealth of items on Allevrah. potion of barkskin +5 (2), scroll of heal, scroll of mind blank, scroll of restoration (3), scroll of stoneskin (2), wand of cure serious wounds (34 charges), wand of enervation (44 charges), wand of magic aura (12 charges, +1 moderate fortification elven chain, +3 heavy shield, Lash of Abraxas, belt of giant strength +6, boots of teleportation, bracers of health +6 (as belt of constitution +6), cloak of charisma +6, gloves of Dexterity +4, helm of telepathy, periapt of wisdom +6, ring of protection +5, 5,000 gp in jewelry, true seeing ointment (3 doses worth 250 gp each), 1,000 gp diamond, four 500 gp diamonds, silver unholy symbol for destruction spell (worth 500 gp) Lash of Abraxas:
Alignment CE; Ego 23
Senses 120 . darkvision, blindsense, and hearing Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 18 Communication speech, telepathy; read magic Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elven, Undercommon Skills Knowledge (the planes) +14 Lesser Powers faerie fire 3/day, cure moderate wounds on wielder 3/day Greater Power haste owner 3/day Special Purpose defend interests of Abraxas
After the earthfall glyphs, Allevrah’s greatest triumph is the creation of the Lash of Abraxas. Granted intelligence by infusing the soul of Simovara, the previous matron of House Azrinae, the Lash of Abraxas is a +1 wounding elf bane whip that deals a base of 1d8 points of slashing damage on a hit - further, it is not limited to the number of creatures it can harm, unlike a normal whip. Allevrah usually further enhances the Lash of Abraxas with a greater magic weapon spell. The Lash of Abraxas is semi-animated, and grants her a +8 bonus on trip and disarm checks. Attacking with the Lash of Abraxas does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The Lash has a special purpose - when defending the interests of Abraxas, it can cast poison (DC 18) upon any creature it strikes.
You also find about 80,000gp worth of magics and wealth on the lesser warriors and priests.
[ooc]Medium Fortification, high is good for me. Lief finishes off the demon and moves back to the glyph. Allarnon fails to disarm, but Tarkir takes another chunk out of her. Dimitrio takes out the demon with two swings, but cannot then hit the drow. Ederin tries to rip Allevrah apart with his arrows, and though she’s resistant to his critical, he succeeds anyway. Kaylayne reaches down again and tries to age the dying drow. As Allevrah falls, so too do some of the magics protecting this place. The walls themselves shudder and, to a degree, splinter as an earthquake rolls briefly through the complex. But the dust settles and the high arches still support the ceilings as the room grows quiet. Beyond however, the runic glyph pulses against the far wall. It may have dimmed slightly in intensity but it continues to call down the star from above! Strange light seeps out of the shimmering glyph, tendrils lashing out to grasp at anyone nearby… but they are harmless. We are out of initiative.
Not knowing there's a disarm coming, she lashes out as Allarnon moves... +1 con damage no save However, even with that clear shot by Allarnon, he misses the disarm as the whip writhes out of the way of his claw. Most unnatural.
Lief finishes off the green babau and turns his attention back to the glyph. Allarnon cannot land a paw on the wily drow, but Tarkir manages a pair, chipping away at her greedily. Dimitrio closes on red and chips away at him further, but does not drop him. Ederin hits Allevrah thrice more dealing devastating damage to her. Kaylayne 5’ steps ‘down’ and manages to touch Allevrah, weakening her. The Red babau gets an AoO on Dimitrio as he closes. He takes a bit out of Dimitrio, then 5’ steps and stabs him twice more with his spear.
Blue focuses on Kaylyane, attacking first with his spear, then stepping up for a bite.
Allevrah defensively casts to heal herself, and remove the strength damage placed upon her. It is clear she’s not thinking rationally, it’s almost as if she wants to get the cooties of Kaylayne’s touch off her body. She casts Cleanse.
Meanwhile her whip heals her as well, though it yearns for Kaylayne's flesh
Lief digs into a demon, wetting it a little in it’s own blood. Allarnon and Tarkir close in but fail to land a blow against the well prepared woman. Dimitrio renews his song and tries to blind the enemy. Ederin does what he can to bring the woman down, and with a little luck, hits twice - though he does less damage than he feels he should… Kaylayne swoops in and drops her load, but Allevrah seems untouched by the flames engulfing her. The babau move to protect, sort of, Allevrah as they attack. Red and Blue attack Allarnon.
While Green attacks poor defenseless Tarkir.
Alas the demons are over-matched, and unable to scratch the surface of either bear. Though she yearns for Lief, Allevrah heads the other way, and steps toward Kaylayne, whipping her mercilessly.
Kaylayne is less lucky, getting whipped twice for 22hp of damage and -2 con. Also Fort DC 17 vs poison or suffer from the Poison spell as the whip leaves a little extra behind in the first wounding.
Oh, As Allarnon closes with Allevrah, she attacks... +1 con damage no save And misses due to displacement.
DC 23
... or close enough. ;)
vs DC 15 vs DC 15
The glittered all manage to shut their eyes just in time.
Lief takes out the first of three rounds on the first of five glyphs. Dimitrio double moves to the glyph, ready to help. Ederin takes out three images and pounds the vrock twice. Allarnon delays a little, and sends Tarkir in to try and finish the vrocks images before trying to push it into the blade barrier. Kaylayne rushes to the wall, and finds a secret door. You all, in a wave of energy roiling from the glyph, hear in your minds, “And now, death comes to this fragile world. Let the deafened hear the thunder! Let the blind witness the final light! Let fear strike through the soul and rage boil blood from flesh. Thus, ever, is the end of all things - the final lasting peace.” Immediately after, Allevrah re-appears, along with three babau demons, on the dais. She looks at the party, standing on the blood of her minions and frowns, screeching at the dead and dying, “You have all failed me! I shall raise each and every one of you and make you suffer for this atrocity!” She is clearly unhinged and even the demons look askance at her, cowering in fear…
The images Tarkir's faces are reduced by Ederin, thus...
The vrock takes its AoO on Allarnon...
...and though Allarnon takes some damage for his impertinence, he yet succeeds! The vrock is buzzed by the wall of blades.
...and the vrock falls in a bloody splatter as the blades do their grisly work.
Lief rushes to the glyph and examines it, realizing the challenge. Allarnon pops another image while Tarkir skims a little flesh off the towering demon. Dimitrio finishes passing through the wall and resolidifies. Ederin pulps the last priest. Kaylayne flies over to help Lief. You hear Allevrah’s voice through the stone wall to the west, such is her anguish as something has apparently gone wrong with her plan… Meanwhile the vrock does what it can to beat down Allarnon…
Allarnon is nicked by a talon (-6hp) I think while the rest of the attacks miss in one way or another.
The fearsome demon, unaccustomed to being ignored, lashes out at the flying Kaylayne. Allarnon is up, and only the vrock remains on the battlefield.
DC 30 Perception & DC 30 Knowledge Arcana: You are able to determine that the glyph is actually comprised of the other five glyphs combined. Someone (and it may be different people) must disable each lesser glyph, in the right order, before disabling the master. The correct order is Renewal (Heal), Vigilance (Bluff), Watching (Disable Device or Use Magic Device), Defense (Intimidate), and Fury (Diplomacy) all at DC 30.
- - -
Lief steps up and supports his barrage with a critical, angering Allevrah further. Allarnon strikes out and then some missing Allevrah, while Tarkir does better, dropping red and injuring orange deeply once. Dimitrio drifts through the wall*. Ederin pastes the priest with his first pair of arrows, but cannot hit Allevrah with any followup. Kaylayne tries to drain the drow woman, but misses. Dimitrio:
Well, I don’t think that gaseous form trick would work Raw, but I’m allowing it for the pure creativity. Well done!
- - - Allevrah examines the field, steps back, and concentrates. Auto succeeding her concentration check, she disappears! Spellcraft DC 20:
Teleport!!
- - - The remaining priest, more or less alone, channels negative energy, effecting everyone but the remaining vrock.
While the last remaining vrock flies over to continue to deal with Kaylayne.
Meanwhile the pulsing of the glyph seems to have taken on a life of its own. It was rhythmically pulsing with the last priests chanting, but with the priests death, the rune seems to be slowly picking up speed…
Lief only drops one image, but very nearly drops the vrock as his attacks pierce the spinning images. Allarnon walks through the wall, timing it carefully, and attacks, injuring Allevrah and Tarkir takes a bit out of his target too!. Dimitrio takes a little out of the blue priest as he shoots fire through the spinning wall. Ederin DMPC takes out a demon. Kaylayne thunders throughout the chamber, raining lighting on the enemies. The orange priest, still holding poison tries to touch Allarnon, foolishly believing him to be an easier target then Lief. As does Red (after casting defensively) vs DC 23
Finally the blind priest stands in the back, and continues to chant. She faces the pulsing rune, and grants it power. It seems to be intensifying. Allevrah continues to focus on Lief, and yet does not draw any AoO from Allarnon for using the whip.
The whip also coils around Allevrah's injures briefly, healing some of them.
While the last remaining vrock flies over to deal with Kaylayne.
Kaylyane is missed, while Lief is hit for 8hp and another point of con damage.
When you move through the wall you take Correction: I'm incorrect, now that I re-read it. Still you take 24hp damage (halved), not half of the prior roll. :) I'll have a post up shortly! As Allarnon closes, Allevrah's whip lashes out at him.
...and she misses!
The vrock tries to take a slice of Kaylayne as she moves.
Drow Priestesses
Allevrah
The blue priest falls in the traces, and the others look displeased by this latest assault. Meanwhile, Ederin plows into the pink vrock, hoping to end it.
He does manage, just, to drop the pink vrock. The defenses are crumbling, and yet the opposition fights on. Allarnon is up!
Dimitrio, yes the SR is based on the ring's caster level, however the ring's caster level is 10 so you made it past SR. Nice hits!
Lief strips several images from orange setting up Ederin. Allarnon heals the party a little and prepares to get back into the fight. Dimitrio picks up his blade and re-inspires the party. Ederin takes out the last of the images. Kaylayne enters the room and lights up the enemy with another sunbeam! ”There is nothing left of my old life.” she says with power as she steps back and casts Blade Barrier on top of Lief. Reflex save DC 24 to avoid
The wall blocks the party’s advance through the door however. Anyone wishing to pass beyond must step through the wall of blades. I personally disagree that the wall only provides cover, but I’ll get over it… ;) Ederin may shoot through the wall without difficulty. The orange priest casts poison as she step up on Lief (the priests are also gripping short swords). Fort DC 17 vs poison or suffer The other two priests pull out scrolls and cast remove blindness on the vrock. Finally the blind priest stands in the back, and continues to chant. She faces the pulsing rune, and grants it power. It seems to be intensifying. The pink vrock shuffles around a little to take on Lief
While the remaining vrock flies up to deal with Kaylayne.
Kaylyane is hit once, while Lief is missed completely.
Drow Priestesses
Vrock
Allevrah was not effected - and shouldn't have been effected by the first one either, but we'll let that go as water under the bridge. I should read my notes better... However, both vrock are now blind - bad news! I should add I don't see how you get a straight line to cover all those targets, but I'll let that go for now. Next time, please draw a line on the map so I can see your targeting.
Ederin plows into the same vrock as Lief.
Though he clears the rest of the images, and digs in on the damage with two criticals, he just barely fells the giant demon. Waiting on Kaylayne next up!
Lief steps up to help Allarnon and readies an attack. Allarnon steps back and finally manages to put out the fire singing his fur while Tarkir withdraws. Kaylayne heals many of the injuries sustained so far. Dimitrio loses his voice to the vrock. Ederin also reels at the vrocks voice and drops his bow. The vrock, celebrating the departure of the great bear wall, look to take advantage of the second team, represented solely by Lief to start. The vrock attack and then shift around a little to let in Allevrah…
The demons chip away at the stoneskin a little (-20hp on two hits) as they are frustrated by the parties defenses. Allevrah seems to speed up as if hasted as she steps forward (5’ step) and, unfurling her whip, lashes out at Lief. Oh, and she quickly casts Divine Favor (swift) as she does so for added effect. +1 con damage no save
+1 con damage no save
The lash seems to have a life of its own as it licks at Lief's wounds, piercing Lief's very soul hitting twice, and once a critical. The three priests trail after her and cast Dispel Magic on Lief to try and thin his defenses.
Finally the blind priest stands in the back, and continues to chant. She faces the pulsing rune, and grants it power...
vs DC 21 or be stunned.
Dimitrio, just for you, I'll removed the dead and bleeding from the map for clarity. :) Your bardic performance ceases immediately. There is a feat that lets it linger, but I don't think you have it. Also, forgot Lief's fort save...
Ederin is up!
Lief moves up and readies an attack against any vrock who steps up.
Lief peppers the drow with crossbow bolts. Allarnon burns, and continues to burn as the winds of fate blow on every ember burning his fur and skin while Tarkir bites down on the demon and clears three more images. Kaylayne casts sunbeam and moves up a little closer to the front line. Dimitrio draws his dagger and slays the drow before him. Ederin takes out the first vrock with two critical hits, then hits the second vrock twice as well as removing its last mirror image and drops it too! The vrock are eager now that blood has been shed. That it was theirs doesn’t seem to bother them. The green vrock shrieks effecting everyone except Kaylayne. DC 21 fort save or be stunned next round. Meanwhile the other two close up on Allarnon, a bit, and attack with reach.
One of the vrock scratches Allarnon for 9hp. ”Want something done, you’ve gotta do it yourself.” Allevrah swears as she draws her whip, shoulders her shield, and steps off the dais toward the party. Two of the priests try their last Hold Persons on Dimitrio, while the third does one last round of healing as they too move up.
Finally the blind priest stands in the back, and picks up the chanting where the group left off. She faces the pulsing rune, and grants it power...
Dimitrio, that only applies with a move action. The rule (link) is that you can draw as a free action combined with a regular move. Haste doesn't help either. It gives you a free attack only on a full attack action. Kaylayne is up!
Lief shouts to the group, ”Let Dimitrio and I up there Allarnon, you drop back and heal a bit!” This round he shoots the drow on Dimitrio with his crossbow, and then draws his rapier and prepares to plug the hole next round.
Meanwhile Tarkir engages another vrock.
OK cool. I"ll get you next time. :) Do you have quickdraw? Otherwise, just one swing.
Dimitrio, I see a failure on your second will save vs hold person... Sadly, yes, your rapier is still on the floor at the feet of the drow who's eyeing the coupe de grace...
Lief tosses another fireball, this time aiming for the priests. Allarnon tries to put himself out, but cannot while Tarkir takes out another drow, and then an image on purple. Kaylayne heals the party bobbing from above. Dimitrio heals Allarnon as he writhes aflame. Ederin drops the blue vrock, and snatches two images from red. Allevrah casts Flame Strike on Dimitrio, Lief, Allarnon and Tarkir. Reflex DC 23 for half of
The priests go to work as well. The green priest being somewhat limited by her blindness, again heals herself. The three remaining priests each try a Hold Person on Dimitrio. The last remaining drow soldier, looks back over his shoulder at his lord and master, before stepping into the room toward Dimitrio.
The vrock aren’t doing so badly, but there’s a lot yet to do.
Meanwhile those who can, attack, focusing their continued ire on Allarnon.
Looks like one hit on Allarnon for 12hp damage as the Vrock tear into the magics protecting his form without piercing the great bear to any great degree. They howl in frustration at being held back - forced to poke through the door.
Tarkir gets one attack on the purple vrock.
Allarnon - don't forget the from being on fire this round. Lief, DMPC, tosses another fireball into the fray, hoping to harm the priests and Allevrah a little.
He manages to effect everyone except Allevrah with another fireball, Drow Priestesses
Vrock
Ederin drops blue and takes two shots at red.
You are? How disappointing... (checks map) OK, Kaylayne is not affected but the spell and Allevrah looks cross.
Lief follows Kaylayne’s lead and fireballs the drow. Allarnon strips the red vrock of several images before stepping back, on fire while Tarkir does a substantial amount of damage as well as doing a little housekeeping with the images. Kaylayne lights up the room with a brilliant crack of electricity which nearly downs the bulk of the drow warriors. Dimitrio steps back and heals himself of some of the fire damage. Ederin removes the last of the images on the blue vrock and does a little damage besides. Allevrah, disappointed in the way things are going, decides to route you out of your spot. She casts Inflict Serious Wounds, Mass, targeting each of you. Will save DC 25 or half of The priests go to work as well. The green priest blindly heals her own injuries. The priest in blue casts mass cure light wounds, doing what she can for herself and her allies.
Having lost her silence spell, the red priest does the same, mitigating the damage done.
Finally the orange priest does the same as the priests regroup.
The vrock aren’t doing so badly, but there’s a lot yet to do.
Meanwhile those who can, attack, focusing their continued ire on Allarnon.
The remaining two soldiers shoot their crossbows and, screaming, launch themselves into the fray moving up on Allarnon and Tarkir
Lief casts a bead from his necklace into the room, hoping to finish off at least some of the remaining drow.
The vrock are unaffected. The rest take Drow Soldiers
All but red-blue and gray-orange perish in the combined conflagration of lightning and fire.
Kaylayen lights up the room... Drow Priestesses
Drow Soldiers
Allevrah
Several of the drow look distinctly on their last legs, and the priests wish they channeled positive energy just about now... But no one actually drops as yet.
Totally fine Dimitrio. You made the save. :D
Remember, you are on fire if you failed your save, and take burning damage each round.
Full round action to put yourself out along with a DC 20 reflex to succeed. Dimitrio and Allarnon, feel free to change your actions if you wish.
Lief DMPC casts another displacement, this time protecting himself. Allarnon takes out two drow and steps up while Tarkir breaks out of his grapple. Kaylayne tries to further hamper the opposition, but effects only one lone drow. Dimitrio draws his blade and continues to support the party in song. Ederin starts whittling away at the vrock, injuring one and removing a few images. Allevrah, her sight finally clearing, debates how best to handle the party hiding in the hall. She casts Fire Storm in the space beyond the door. The entire area is fraught with flame, including Kaylayne’s corner. It seems very much like she can see into the chamber, even around the corner.
If you fail your save, you catch fire, taking 4d6 fire damage on your turn. Reflex DC 20 and a full round action to put it out. The priests go to work as well. The green priest fumbles her way to Allevrah and attempts to heal her of some of her injuries.
The priest in blue does the same, with more success.
The red priest casts Silence, or rather begins to (full round cast). Finally, the orange priest casts a Hold Person on Dimitiro. Will save DC 16 or be held good sir! The soldiers, though largely blind and fighting displacement, press their attacks on Allarnon.
Pink and Orange both try to grapple Allarnon
Meanwhile those who can, attack, focusing their continued ire on Allarnon.
The vrock finally succeed in chipping away, a little, at Allarnon as he exposes himself to attack, though most miss as they reach through their allies.
The vrock tries to snag Dimitrio for his impertinence.
Miss!
This time Kaylayne manages to effect everyone as they try to fend off the mud. Vrock
Drow Soldiers
Through an unusual turn of the dice, only one drow soldier is effected, though many good attack rolls were lost... Ederin, I think you skipped an image, so I'm rerolling starting with your third hit. Let me know if I misunderstood something. :)
So you took out three images, and hit twice - once a critical.
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