I present Gerontius, human transmuter (shapeshifter). I have made him for a different game, and will have to tweak a bit of equipment here and there, depending if I make it and the party make up. He is inherently selfish and cruel which translates to evil on this alignment scale. But there is good in there, probably. Regardless, his goals and motivations will align with the party. Feel free to PM me is you would like more clarification.
Bonded item: Amulet of Mighty Fists +1 (Talium Crystal pendant)
Feats and Traits: Both Varisian Tattoo and Transmuter of Korada are accounted for in my origin story.
Origin:
The sun's rays fought to break the heavily frosted cloud cover and brighten the verdant green grass beneath the baby's chubby feet as it crawl-hopped around the forest clearing. A strikingly beautiful woman giggled at the baby as it covered itself with ground detritus. An equally handsome man laughed with her, wrapping his muscular arms around her slender shoulders and kissing her cheek warmly. "This was the right choice. I am so glad I let you talk me into this." he huskily whispered in her ear. Smiling warmly, she craned her neck to kiss him passionately on the lips. After disengaging from the embrace, she pushed herself to her feet to follow the baby and its jerky movements. Seeing the dirt smudges and unwelcome burrs covering its curly hair, she whispered some words in the arcane language of magic while fingering the Talium Crystal pendant around her neck. All of the dirt, soil, leaves, and small insects pushed off the baby's body, hovered for a moment, then fell to the ground from whence they came revealing a perfectly clean baby. Lifting the baby into her arms, cradling its head in her delicate fingers, the family walked back to their cozy cottage nestled on the edge of the woods.
Ten years later
Crying real tears of pain and frustration, the child cowered on the ground protecting his vital parts with hands, elbows and arms.
"Weak. You are and have always been week." came the steady voice of a slighter larger, slightly older boy standing above him. Though older and larger, the familial similarities were unmistakable. Both boys would be considered good looking with their curly hair, and deep brown eyes. "Get up, come at me again." the older boy admonished.
"No. I won't! You can't make me. Gerontius you're a bully. Just because you get beat up by the other kids doesn't give you the right to pick on me." the other boys and girls, all with the same curly hair and eyes, watched the two interact without blinking.
"I do not get beat up. I allow them to exercise a bit of power over me. This allows them to underestimate me, and for me to be reminded of what it is like to be without power so if and when that happens, I do not panic, like you are now. I can retain my composure and wait for the opportune time - retaliate. Like you should be now. But you are too weak, too scared, too feeble." Without warning, Gerontius placed a hard kick to the boy's exposed rib-cage which was left exposed as they conversed. "Never let your guard down. Ever."
"You are supposed to be my big brother, my protector, Gerontius." the boy choked out as he coughed cried through his pain. "You are supposed to help me." he sobbed into his hands as their other siblings picked up on the emotion of the exchange and began to cry too.
"I am you fool. I am." Gerontius whispered to himself as he strode out of the room hearing the lithe footfalls of his mom approaching to investigate the ruckus.
Five years later
Seated around a large circular table, freshly waxed to a high polish, the slightly aged but still beautiful couple address their oldest son while the rest of the family watched. The dad, voice clear and strong, began. "Gerontius, son, we warned you to stop. We told you that you could no longer torment your brothers and sisters. We saw the bruises. We know that you have disobeyed our commands." Wrinkles standing out around his eyes, grey touching his brown curls, his face reflected the somber mood.
A bit hesitantly, his wife's feminine voice began shakily, "You cannot ... you will not ... be allowed to continue. I know that you have read my books of magic; specifically my book of the empyreal lord Korada, and that you look for more. You will not be allowed to continue your research in this house." quickly turning to her husband for support, she gripped the Talium Crystal pendant tightly.
"You mother speaks rightly. You are no longer welcome at our house. Your destiny, whatever you make of it, does not include us, or this family. My son you are, physically, but in spirit I hope never to see you again until you abandon your ways. How you act, your choices, are exactly why we left Dathalan for the peace and tranquility of the Silvan Isles. Your mother and I fought too hard, for too long, for you to ruin it. Here take this and be gone." he flung a small leather pouch across the table that landed with a loud clink of rattling coins.
Without moving for the pouch, a toneless Gerontius began. "I will not be bought off by coins. Mother knows what I want, what it will take. You two have no idea of the power I possess, but you both know that I have no hesitation to unleash my fury here and now. So choose, easy or hard. Quickly, my patience nears an end."
One of Gerontius' siblings began to cry loudly as his parents' exchanged worried glances. His younger brother attempted to rise from his seat. At a curt gesture from his father, quickly lowered himself back to his seat. Exhaling sharply, Gerontius' father addressed him once more. "Must you take everything? Cannot you just go peacefully? Is there nothing good left in you?" Gerontius slowly shook his head back and forth. NO
"Very well, take it and be gone never to return." Removing the Talium Crystal pendant from her slender neck, Gerontius' mother reached across the table, pulled his hand towards her palm up, placed the pendant in his cupped hand, closed his fingers around it, and pushed his hand back.
"Very well, the price has been paid. You will hear from me no more." Turning to his brothers and sisters, "You lot, remember what I taught you." he grinned maliciously, pushed back from the table and walking out the door. Slowly counting, listening to the receding footsteps, the family quickly huddled together in a tight embrace.
"We are safe now. Today and forever." their father spoke reassuringly to them all. Gods, I pray I am right. he silently thought to himself.
Currently " Kaliax University. What is the cheapest way I can get there? My funds are low and I need to get there." came Gerontius measured plea.
"Wells, more than yous gots. Haha. Spent too much monies on them books you like so much. And yous don't knows no more spells." came the half-orcs garbled response. "Whys you wants to go there? Great here in the Tathran Federation."
Looking at the bleak mountainous landscape around him, pulling the bearskin cloak tightly around him to stave off the bone-chilling wind, Gerontius gave a half-chortle. "Don't mess with me. Just book me passage." came the thinly veiled threat.
"Okay, okay, no need to be so testy. I am just bustings you up. For you, best way to be low key, save some coins, yous might want to work. Heard they are looking for guards, big shipment. I happens to knows one of the miners. Can put some good words for you. Unless they heard 'bout you, then you gots big problems. More than I can helps with." and he slapped the man on the arm.
[bigger]"Ouch! Gods you dolt! That is where my new tattoo is. Do that again and I will end you." Gritting his teething in a rare display of impatience, Gerontius just growled back, "Just arrange the transport. As soon as possible."
"No problems. Consider it dones. I will send words you want to bes a guard on a shipment. Until then lay low, and no more killings."
Tossing the half-orc a much smaller pouch, Gerontius gripped his Talium Crystal pendant before responding. "Very well, the price has been paid. Once I am on the ship, you will hear from me no more."
The half-orc laughed. Through the veneer of confidence, his insides were really a mess of nerves. Gods, I pray I am right. he silently thought to himself.
Physical Description:
Standing well below six-feet, Gerontius is a well muscled, good looking youth. Barely old enough to grow chin stubble, he routinely bathes and keeps up pristine grooming habits. He constantly fights his auburn-brown curls atop his head that threaten to obscure hiss vision. His dark-brown eyes hide his mischievous, many-times, cruel behavior.
secrets, GM only:
Gerontius had a love interest that was supposed to leave Silvan Isles but never rendezvoused with him once he reached the Tathran Federation. He also recently learning that in the Kaliax University is an esoteric tome of magic for transmuters (could also be a magic item like a Shapeshifter's Headband). Lastly, his ancestor was a famous evil spellcaster. Confronted with this could be the tipping point between truing good, or falling in evil forever.
Out of tropes ;)
Crunch:
Gerontius
Male human transmuter (shapechange[APG]) 5 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 147)
LE Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +4
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Defense
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AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 45 (5d6+15)
Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 resistance vs. evil
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee mithral dagger +8 (1d4+5/19-20)
Ranged mwk heavy crossbow +5 (1d10/19-20)
Special Attacks battleshaping
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +5)
. . 3/day—mage hand Transmuter Spells Prepared (CL 5th; concentration +8)
. . 3rd—fly, heroism, monstrous physique I[UM]
. . 2nd—alter self, bull's strength, mirror image, telekinetic volley
. . 1st—enlarge person (DC 15), long arm[ACG], mage armor, protection from evil, shield
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, light, prestidigitation
. . Opposition Schools Divination, Necromancy
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Statistics
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Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 10
Base Atk +2; CMB +7; CMD 19
Feats Combat Casting, Multimorph[UM], Power Attack, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (transmutation), Varisian Tattoo[ISWG]
Traits reactionary, transmuter of korada
Skills Appraise +7, Diplomacy +3, Fly +10, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (nobility) +11, Knowledge (planes) +11, Linguistics +8, Perception +4, Profession (torturer) +4, Sense Motive +1, Spellcraft +11
Languages Abyssal, Common, Elven, Halfling, Infernal, Thassilonian
SQ arcane bond (+1 amulet of mighty fists), physical enhancement (+2)
Combat Gear scroll of see invisibility, silver crossbow bolts (50), wand of infernal healing (50 charges), reagent, ginger extract (50), reagent, magnesium (10), thunderstone; Other Gear blunted bolts (10), crossbow bolts (20), mithral dagger, mwk heavy crossbow, +1 amulet of mighty fists, cloak of resistance +1, pathfinder pouch, book lariat[ACG], earplugs[APG], smoked goggles[APG], spell component pouch, sunrod (2), wizard starting spellbook, wrist sheath, spring loaded, 4,742 gp, 6 sp, 7 cp
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Special Abilities
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Arcane Bond (+1 amulet of mighty fists) (1/day) (Sp) Use object to cast any spell in your spellbook. Without it, Concentration required to cast spells (DC20 + spell level).
Battleshaping +1 (6/day) (Su) As a swift action, gain bite, claw, or gore attack for 1 rd with enhancement bonus based on level.
Combat Casting +4 to Concentration checks to cast while on the defensive.
Divination You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Divination school.
Multimorph Your studies in transmogrification have increased your control over shapechanging spells. When you cast a spell of the polymorph subschool on yourself, you may expend 1 minute of the spell's duration as a standard action to assume another form allowe
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Physical Enhancement +2 (Strength) (Su) When preparing spells, chosen physical attribute gains enhancement bonus.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Shapechange Associated School: Transmutation
Spell Focus (Transmutation) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Varisian Tattoo (Transmutation) Spells from chosen school gain +1 caster level.
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Quietly sighing, Gerontius is unhappy with the bantering, but pleased nonetheless that many have spoken to support him.
Thurio wrote:
"If you want to talk about rank, at least know it. We all surpassed the rank of armiger upon completion of our tests. As such I am a signifer now."
"Just because one passed this test does not mean that all are ready to join the ranks, though I do apologize Signifer Thurio if I have offended. I do believe that we may have some minor disagreements here and there, but I am sure that there is much more that you and I, hell, all of us agree upon. We must focus on that. It was never my intention to be a cause of divisiveness."
Morvan Fellis wrote:
"The method by which you defeated the devils was impressive, true, but I feel the buildup was a bit of a waste. I also question the overall effectiveness of your tactic in the field if you are not given the time and space to cast your spells, but I admit I am not given to the arcane persuasions."
Pausing for a moment to make sure that he is explaining himself correctly, he responds "Hellknight Morvan, you are entirely correct. My display was gaudy, wastefully even. I could have killed dozens of devils before they even had a chance to touch me. But this was a test, in the Pit. This was not, as you say, in the field. In the field, I can transform into several dozen monstrous or bestial forms. If my unit needs one to scurry up the side of a building, I can transform and climb like the nimblest of monkeys; should we face the perils of the Inner Sea, I can transform into a beast that can glide through the water effortlessly; should we find ourselves deep underground, my beast shapes allows me to see even in the absence of light; and as you have seen when the time arises, I shall stand shoulder to shoulder with my more martial brother and sisters.
"And I have other magicks that I have yet to reveal. Many to aid those such as you." he ends in a smile.
Unaware that there were so many disparaging comments made about him during his trial, Gerontius is a bit taken aback by the latest.
Thurio wrote:
"Both of you sound like such clichés"
Taking a moment to make sure his voice is level, Gerontius responds. "Of course I know that we need the populace, and even one of them possessed the skill to make these resplendent robes, but does that mean I should enjoy their chaotic ways? Why the woman who make this, her and I had agreed upon a fair price. I returned several weeks later only to find that she would not give me the robes until I paid her more than the agreed upon price. She mentioned something about 'Falling on hard times, kids are starving' or some other such drivel. Rested assured I left with the robe at the agreed upon price. Yet later that night I saw that woman, a pot of Old Erebus in her hands. Chaos. They are ruled by chaos, and that I cannot stand.
"You and I may differ, maybe you would like to spend more time with the cows who provided you such supple leather boots, but I for one feel at home here. And a quick bit of friendly advice, you will come to find that your rank is much more important than your surname, Armiger Jeggare."
Gerontius turns back to watch the last of the trails.
Finished with this grueling test, grueling for some that is, Gerontius curls his right hand into a fist, bangs the middle of his chest. One day soon this will be where an infernal eye staring from a swirling portal will reside upon my uniform.
He held high in swelling pride, he leaves the soiled sand of the Pit, and makes his way to sit with the victors as the others continue to deal with their devils. He turns to the closest victor. "Though I am not surprised that I passed the test so easily, are you not impressed that so many have passed the test today? I wonder if the Vicarius shall assign us to a unit based upon our skills or some other such criteria. I for one look forward to serving with like minded individuals. It has been so weary interacting with the general populace. So disorganized, so base." he lets his thoughts trail off as he awaits a response, enjoying the fights below him.
Round 17
Gerontius smiles as he pounds the devil time and time again. Infernal blood sprays like a fountain as limb after limb dully thuds into it. Gerontius looks to the crowd to see if his impressive display has evoked an emotional response from his soon to be new brotherhood.
Moving towards the summoned devil, Gerontius casts Prestidigitation to clean up the blood and gore.
"Ah you poor thing. You probably were enjoying a fine day in hell, minding your own business, contemplating what evil you could wreak upon Golarion should you ever find your hooves on its soil. Yet you found yourself here this morning. Facing me. So sad."
Standard - Cast Prestidigitation, Move - towards summoned devil, flying 20' above ground.
Round 18
Hovering above the summoned devil Gerontius grits his teeth has he once again unleashes all his natural attacks.
One, two, three, four arms slam into devil, followed by the horn.
Slam #1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Slam #2:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Slam #3:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Slam #4:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Devil -4/57 Assuming Total Defense, Adjusting for DR
The devil downed, Gerontius returns to the sand of the pit floor and turns to the assembled Hellknights, and offers a low bow with his hands spread eloquently to the side.
Hovering above the devil Gerontius' alien voice is heard by all the assembled. "The most holy Order of the Gate. I pray that I am worthy to join your ranks. Know that should you select me, you shall have my mind, body and soul.
"Devil, this farce is at an end. Prepare thy self!"
One, two, three, four arms slam into devil, followed by the horn.
Slam #1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Slam #2:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Slam #3:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Slam #4:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Devil 27/57Adjusted for DR, assuming Total Defense
Round 16 Technically Gerontius can move wherever and continue to attack the devil out of the devil's range. I have 54 rounds left on my buffs. To make it quicker I just posted the two rounds. Up to you if you want to ignore my Round 16 and go round by round.
Once again Gerontius unleashes the full fury of his newly formed limbs into a massive slam attack followed by the piercing fury of his horn.
Slam #1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Slam #2:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Slam #3:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Slam #4:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Slam Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Round 14"No devil, it is time for you to see the true me. What I really am. The beast inside of me."
Slowly Gerontius' form started to morph. His lightly tanned skin took on an ashen hue. His delicate hands, so used to manipulating the components and creating the elaborate hand gestures required for spell casting, began to merge into three misshapen claws. Out of his ribs poked grey lumpen stumps. They twisted and turned until they reached arm length where the formless mass on the end stretched into similar appendages.
Smiling triumphantly, Gerontius closed his eyes. From the top of his head sprouted a twisted, conical horn that terminated in three sharp barbs.
"Come devil, let us see who is the strongest." Gerontius floated lazily towards the devil, stopping just out of range of its fierce weapon.
Standard - Monstrous Physique I (Witchwyrd), Swift Action Battleshaping (Gore), Move - 20' away from devil. Enlarged and Longarm gives me a 15' reach.
GM you are correct. Telekinetic Volley does use a Standard Action to continue to fire. My apologies. I was traveling with my family and we were headed to a cabin without WiFi and no cellular service. I tried to get my monster post in before we left and but it was only 90% complete at best. To my surprise the cabin did have cellular service and in my haste to impress I posted my only partially completed post. In the advent of time/posting efficiency can we say that Gerontius flew around taunting as he let his seven bolts fly, then cast his buffs in the subsquent rounds? All of the buffs are at the least a 5 minute duration so I am not worried about running out of time on my buffs.
On another topic, I could easily have flown around firing with my crossbow, or trying to light the devil up with Magic Missiles, but I wanted to try the shiny abilities of the Transmuter build, but I really want to pass the test to be eligible for this game - hence my indecision of winning easily, but making sure to fully buff to give myself the best possible opportunity to actually kill the devil and pass the test. So that is why he is wasting so much time flying around, softening the devil up, before he goes all Transmuter on the devil.
Assuming the GM allows a minor retcon, Rounds 2-8 are Telekinetic Volleys
Round 2 Assuming the devil cannot attack me - but don't worry, I am not going to cheese this too much.
"Why so sad devil? It seems that I am bit out of your range at the moment" the man taunts as his ceremonial robes flutter about him. "Yet you are almost close enough to me to touch. But not yet. You haven't learned who is really master here and who is servant. See, this will take plenty of time. A moment in your life, but long enough for me to savor."
The human transmuter flies across the pit, digging into his quiver. Pulling a handful of crossbow bolts, he again speaks in the arcane language of magic. Releasing the bolts, seven hover parallel to the gravel floor of the pit.
"Let me know how this feels."
Snapping his fingers, one of the bolts hisses through the air straight at the devil.
Standard - castTelekinetic Volley, Move - move to within 30 feet of devil. I applied my Point Blank Shot Bonus to these rolls. If you determine that it does not apply, just remove 1 to hit/damage. I also added the -1 because of Alchemical, silvered
SRD wrote:
On a successful attack with a silvered slashing or piercing weapon, the wielder takes a –1 penalty on the damage roll (with a minimum of 1 point of damage).
Round 3
"Not to worry. I won't just hover here and kill you from a distance. You will have a chance to face me. But not yet. No not yet. I have not heard a scream I like from you, so you will have to do better. I real howl of pain. I know you can do it. Try ... harder."
Again the silvered bolt screams through the air.
Silver Bolt, Caster level, Int Bonus, Point Blank Shot:1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 3 + 1 = 21 Bolt Damage:1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
"If you will just give me a moment to prepare. One must never rush. Especially when there is so much pain to deliver."
Gerontius again brings a spell forth from his inner reserve. "Try to get close to me now devil."
Standard - cast Protection from Evil, Move to within 30 feet of Devil
Round 4 "Sadly, our dance has not yet begun. You and I have more to talk about, there is more pain to be had." Gerontius motions towards the five remain bolts that hover near him. "And then there were four." he chuckles as another bolt streaks towards the devil.
"I think this time I need to grow stronger. Yes stronger as you grow weaker. I can stop the pain. Only say the word. Just yield. But honestly between the two of us I hope you don't."
Through not a large man, Gerontius was well formed. Lean, devoid of excess fat, he was a youth in prime physical condition. Once he finished his arcane ritual, his well toned body rippled with newly grown muscle.
Standard - cast Bull's Strength, Move to within 30'
Round 5 'Snap' went Gerontius' fingers as another bolt hovered momentarily before launching at the devil.
Gerontius turns towards the assembled Hellknights, "I know this is not very entertaining to you all, but pray patience. It will all be worth it soon." He turns back towards the devil staring at its glaive. This time after casting his magicks, his arms grew longer. "A bit more even now, wouldn't you say?
Standard - cast Longarm, Move to within 30'
Round 6-7
With only a few bolts remaining, Gerontius knows that the time of reckoning is at hand. He concentrates on his spellcasting as the remaining.
Silver Bolt, Caster level, Int Bonus, Point Blank Shot:1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 3 + 1 = 22 Bolt Damage:1d10 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 1 = 1 Standard - Cast Shield, Move to within 30'
Silver Bolt, Caster level, Int Bonus, Point Blank Shot:1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 3 + 1 = 13 Bolt Damage:1d10 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 1 = 9 Standard - Cast Enlarge Person, Move to within 30'
GM can I have a description of the Pit? Height? Width?
Gernotius - if I can fly up to 25 feet:
A smirk spreading across his face, Gernotius nods his head at the devil. Speaking in infernal"Devil, I admire your enthusiasm, but it will be limb from limb. I mean to enjoy every single second of this."
Speaking the words or arcane magic, Gernotius spreads his arms out wide and flies up 25 feet in the air. "Come and get me little brother."
Standard - cast Fly, Move - fly 25 feet up. Autosucess to move less than 1/2 speed.
Gernotius - if I cannot fly up to 25 feet:
Gernotius chuckles softly to himself. "Enjoy your brief time here devil, for I mean to send you back to hell. But first, pain. Let us explore how you experience pain. Will you scream? Will you bite your lip to stifle the natural reaction to beg me to stop? Will you ask Barbatos for strength? Come, see what you can do."
Stepping back 30 feet, Gernotius begins to gesticulate and utter the words of arcane magic. Suddenly, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 images of Gernotius appear next to him. "But which one of us will you attack?" come the numerous Gernotius' mouths.
Standard - cast Mirror Image, Move - 30 feet away from Devil.
Striding to the center of the chamber, resplendent in his black and red silken ceremonial robes, Gerontius pulls his robes with his right hand and tucks his arm behind his back.
"Devil. Let us end this swiftly. Kneel before your better and I shall send you back to hell quickly and painlessly.
"Choose poorly, and I will rip you apart infernal limb from infernal limb."
Gerontius begins to laugh mirthlessly, smirk widening on his face.
