Ilsa Dreambind's page

Thank you SO much for rescuing that campaign and seeing it through to the end, Rutseg! You're amazing and selfless!

Thanks everyone else for a great run! That was so fun to play from level 1 to 17! You're all great!

Ilsa smiles at Bashiel and Zamanda, always glad for a reuinion.

"You know I'm ready!" she says confidently. "I even have a few new tricks to show you," she adds.

I never did get to show everyone my new Earth Crawler ability, which also heals me! So sad! I'll have to envision using it on this next adventure into the sunset! (Earth Crawler, Burrow 30', fast healing 10 if surrounded by stone)

Wow--I can't believe this campaign is over! So awesome to be almost FIVE YEARS LATER!

Thank you SO much to all of you for sticking through this, and especially to Rutseg for rescuing what seemed a doomed campaign. That was immensely satisfying to finish and is the first campaign path I've played all the way through. I really appreciate that!

I would certainly welcome the opportunity to game with any of you again. Rutseg, I'll watch for any games you're opening, and if any of the rest of you see openings in games, etc., I'd love the chance to join.

THAT WAS AMAZING! :)

Like Kalem, Ilsa takes all the newfound notoriety in with a large grain of salt. She would just as soon be done with the ceremonies, soirees, and certainly the parade. She stays close to her companions, thinking only of reuniting with her niece, Briget.

As soon as she is able, Ilsa sends for Gregor Step, their one-time halfling ally, to return to Korvosa with Briget. Ilsa awaits what she hopes will be a happy reunion--her niece had been terrified of Ilsa at one point, and Ilsa worried about what she had become. It is true that she was a monster--a formidable and dark mental presence--but she hoped that having that under control would ensure she would use her powers for good, and that she could raise her niece with a new start.

In the coming days, Ilsa wandered back through Old Korvasa--her home--surveying the destruction.

There is much to rebuild here.

Walking down one familiar street on Bridgefront, Ilsa suddenly turns to a shop she knows well. Slipping inside, she sees a near-sighted old man at the counter. She takes a large sack of gold from her belt and tosses it on the counter with a thud.

"I'll take everything in the store--and I'll take the building, too," she adds.

"What the...?! Who are you?!" he responds. "I--Ilsa?"

In the months and years to come, Ilsa uses her time and treasure to rebuild Old Korvosa. Her shop becomes the premier magic shop in the city. What had at one point been the most dangerous part of town became the safest. Criminals avoided the area, and openly spoke of a terrible figure that would only make you soil your pants if you crossed her. Some were not so lucky, and the most hardened thieves changed their ways, often performing hundreds of hours of 'voluntary' community service, but with a glossy look in their eyes. Those attempting to sell drugs--particulary Shiver-- in Old Korvosa fared worse, dying in their sleep to be discovered sweat-drenched and eyes wide with terror.

Rumors also circulated of former assassins finding a second chance in Old Korvosa. Those who wished to escape that life knew they could enter a certain magic shop and ask for a new cloak--one cinnamon in color.

Ilsa purchased magic items to communicate with her friends and call for their help, when needed. Korvosa occasionally came under threat in various forms, and when needed she could rally her former allies.

Kalem, like her brother and so much like her. Ilsa occasionally teased him that he had transformed too much, and she couldn't tell whether he or Bashiel was the more straight-laced. Bashiel was a steady, reliable force and always had been. She still remembered walking into a gambling den with him, pretending that they were married. Zamanda seemed so other-worldly now, and Ilsa couldn't help but wonder if they could relate as well anymore. Among the allies, the other three had become more celestial, while Ilsa had grown more terrible. She worked with them to ensure the former Thassilonian relics remained safely hidden or otherwise destroyed, and enjoyed catching up with her friends over the years, whether via magic or in person.

She couldn't help but think often about how this all had started, with a desperate, sleep-deprived shop girl searching for her missing niece. Ilsa thought often of those that believed in her and that helped find her her niece, find herself, and that together saved Korvosa.

Ilsa remained pensive for the days it took them to arrive at Palin's Cove.

I cannot believe that we succeeded--after all that has happened.

She looks at the others again, still marveling at the changes each has experienced.

"The Queen let power get to her head," she observes. "We have gained power and wealth--we must not fall into the same trap," she adds, mostly for herself.

I can control the minds and actions of others--that is a dreadful thing. I hope Cinnabar will come out of this okay.

Something about watching the Queen's body be devoured is satisfying to Ilsa. She didn't even avert her eyes as the devilfish makes her a meal.

"That seems--complete now, right?" she observes.

Ilsa agrees that gathering the fangs to be destroyed later is mandatory, and that perhaps they will need to do additional research to shut this place down, or at least ensure it is no longer a threat.

"We should be able to pass now," she says. "Perhaps it's time to go home--we can come back later once we have more information."

Ilsa does agree with Zamanda that it might confuse things to bring the real despot's corpse back.

"We do have her crown and other belongings. That, along with the witnesses that saw her die should be enough."

Looking at her massive charmed creature, she says "Plus, it seems a fitting end, I agree."

To the monster, she says "It appears she is dead. I know she was your friend, so I'll let you decide whether to eat her or not," Ilsa says, offering the corpse as they pass.

Ilsa also avoids the burst of radiance in time to avoid going blind.

When the dust settles, she's left pondering the vision she had also seen.

"What a horror he would have been upon the world--we have defeated not just one terror today," she observes.

She looks meaningfully at each companion in turn. "We did it. We have prevailed. Korvosa, and all this land, is saved," she says, sure that this is no mere hyperbole.

fort save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 15 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 8 = 38

Ilsa isn't sure if her heart is beating out of her chest or has stopped completely. She observes the scene with bated breath, unsure what she has just witnessed.

"Is--everyone okay?" she asks.

Good call, Zamanda.

Maybe I use the "that didn't happen" card to say we didn't do this crazy suicidal dream sequence!

I certainly can't hit it. It does have my standard debuffs already, and I can get some more if it will fail its mind fog check for me.

"I'll try!" Ilsa responds, attempting to dispel its magical protections.

Refl save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

CL check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 perfect

Ilsa, unsure what is real or not, drapes the chamber in a mind-numbing fog, hoping to harm the frightening dragon's mind.

Will save (burst of insight): 1d20 + 24 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 24 + 8 = 39

mind fog, hopefully excluding my companions, DC 27 Will

If I couldn't make it my hypnotic stare target while it was forming, I do so before casting the spell.

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

Ilsa again withstands the violent forces erupting from the blood pool.

She isn't sure what her powers could do against--whatever is coming out of the pool--but she fixes it with her dreadful stare.

Fort save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 15 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 8 = 35
Refl save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 17 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 8 = 29
Will save(burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

I agree with Kalem's thought--this needs to be unanimous or we shouldn't do it.

That said, I'm up for it!

Ilsa does as well as possible avoiding the thundering cascade of lightning and chains. Unsure what his happening, Ilsa teleports to the corner of the room.

It does not seem done quite yet--

dimension door to corner

fort (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
refl (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36
will: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44

Ilsa watches as Zamanda's killing blow strikes the Queen in the heart.

Hardly believing they had done it, Ilsa reaches out with her mind to ensure the former ruler was truly dead. Raising her arm, the despot rises from the ground to mirror Ilsa's actions, blood continuing to pour from her wounds. Using Continued Animation--mainly to make sure it works and that she's truly dead, and maybe partly to creep everyone out.

Once Ilsa is satisfied she is no more, she drops her arm to her side and Ileosa's form collapses with it.

"She's--dead," Ilsa murmurs, barely believing it still. Her niece, Brigit, would be safe and Ilsa could raise her. She thought of her companions that had been lost along the way. She thought of her hometown--Korvosa--safe once more.

"We did it!" she exclaims to her companions, happier than she had been since this started. "We did it!"

Suddenly thinking of something important, the mesermist quickly removes the crown from the Queen's head, kicking it with her toe.

"Uh--just in case."

Ilsa strikes out with her claws when given an opportunity. Then Ilsa sees something only she can see.

"She's an illusion!" Ilsa exclaims to her allies, pointing toward where she's really gone. "A mislead spell!"

With her allies potentially unable to see her, Ilsa attempts a coup de grace to end the fight--she assaults the tyrant's mind with a feeblemind spell.

feeblemind, DC 27 Will, -4 if she can cast arcane spells and -4 from hypnotic stare

Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 231d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (3, 3, 5) = 18 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (19) + 40 = 59
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 24 Will)

"You can keep the pool--we'll bury you in it!" Ilsa exclaims.

She casts irresistible dance, then moves toward the despot to touch her. With her true seeing sight, she has no trouble distinguishing which is the true Ileosa.

irresistible dance, DC 28 Will

touch attack (IC): 1d20 + 12 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 5 + 2 = 28

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 24 Will)

Big contrats to you, Rutseg!

O bien hecho! :)

Ilsa squares her shoulders and manages to withstand the worst of the dragon's breath. Her mind--a steel trap--also cannot be overcome with the Queen's weakening magic.

Ilsa renews her efforts to make the despot her hypnotic stare target, then casts dispel magic on her to hopefully remove some of her magical protections.

"Your days of meddling in anyone's plans are finished!" Ilsa retorts.

The dark mesermist then moves into a flanking position with Zamanda.

fort save (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 14 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 8 = 35
Will save: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31
CL check, targeted dispel): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

This could be important, but now that she's my hypnotic stare target, the DC of her spells and spell-likes is -3.

Ilsa easily endures all of the mental effects, but only avoids the worst of the dragon's breath because of the resolute Bashiel.

With chaos erupting in the chamber, Ilsa advances forward. Focusing on Ileosa, she makes her the target of her dreadful gaze. She then raises a hand as her dark majesty fills the room.

"Your reign ends now," she shouts.

Move, swift action to make Ileosa my hypnotic stare target, cast overwhelming presence (DC 28 Will). Please note that my hypnotic stare also decreases the DC of her spells and spell-likes by 3.

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

will save vs. frightful presence: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31
fort save vs. breath (burst of adrenaline): 1d20 + 15 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 8 = 26 I think I made all the other saves, but any chance Bashiel gave me a bonus on this roll from anything? If not, I got the Str drain and the mummy rot. Could I get a verification of this before I post my turn? If I take Cha damage it will affect all my abilities.
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26
will save vs. slow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31

Thanks!

Gotcha.

Also, Im not sure you saw my last post. I'm invisible but she can still see me, correct?

SO cool!!!

Also, did my feeblemind activate when she cast a spell on me?

To be clear, I'm invisible but she can still see me?

I just wanted to verify the buffs I had recently cast were included.

Ilsa nods at Bashiel's suggestion.

She casts true seeing, displacement, and greater invisibility to add to the spells she had already cast.

"Let's go," a determined but disembodied voice says from where the mesmerist stood.

appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Ilsa frowns one last time at the sapphire. "I'm trying to decide why it wanted to single me out. No offense, but my mind is probably the strongest out of all of us. I'm not sure why it wanted to try to get me to touch it," she muses.

Looking up the next shaft, Ilsa activates her boots of spider climb and traverses the wall like a vampire.

false life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 I wanted to cast false life, mirror image, and expeditious retreat through this whole dungeon whenever they expire.

With the blood creature slain, Ilsa takes a few paces back from the pool and looks at the sapphire.

She examines it with detect magic and detect psychic significance to see if there's anything else she can determine about it.

"I could use mage hand to try to turn it and see if I can read it--without touching it," she suggests. "Or, since it wanted me to touch it so bad, maybe we should leave it alone. Or someone else could read it."

"What do you mean, when you were a Runelord?" Ilsa asks. "Tell me who you are, and what you are trying to do, and perhaps I will willingly take the stone instead of foiling your magic," she lies.

But she doesn't let up on her attacks, hasting her actions to act more quickly.

bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 301d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (4, 1, 5) = 18 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (9) + 40 = 49
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.[/ooc
Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 271d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 73d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) = 11 [ooc]If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (2) + 40 = 42
Extra Haste Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 241d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (1, 6, 6) = 22 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (14) + 40 = 54
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.[/ooc
painful stare dmg: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 5, 2) + 8 = 29 [ooc]When triggered, target must succeed DC 28 Will save or become sickened by pain for 1 round.
paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ilsa smirks at Laori's quip about the wings. "I'm no angel," she says flatly.

Once again easily shrugging off the creature's compelling magic, she says "Try that on someone else. I am a master of that magic--though I doubt that would work on the weakest-minded."

Rushing forward with Kalem, she slashes at the creature with her claws. also make it hypnotic stare target as swift action

Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 201d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (4, 6, 2) = 19 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (20) + 40 = 60
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.[/ooc
[ooc]Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 24 Will)

"It wants us to touch it, which means do not under any circumstances," she responds, not taking her unblinking eyes off the creature.

"It's a weak compel trick--don't fall for it."

Ilsa waves her hand dismissively at the blood construct.

"You picked the wrong person to try that trick on," she mocks. "Pathetic execution."

Will save: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41

arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6Probably only Zamanda can make those other rolls.

Ilsa's eyes go wide as Zamanda transforms before their eyes. She tries to help her, but it's clear she doesn't need help. She's being translated into some celestial being.

"You're--majestic!" she says, trying to squash any thoughts about the monster she herself had become. "Let's hope they work--you may need them."

When they enter the next room and the strange blood creature addresses them, Ilsa stares back at it with her deadly gaze.

"I am Ilsa," she responds without fear. "What do you want?"

hopefully I'd like to cast expeditious retreat and renew false life and mirror image (I'd like to keep these up the whole dungeon when they expire)

false life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
mirror image: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

As I am wont to do, I forgot inspire courage (+2), discordant voice on my attacks if that could be added in please.

discordant voice: 1d6 ⇒ 1
discordant voice: 1d6 ⇒ 4
discordant voice: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Isla has no sympathy or remorse as the fury is paralyzed before her. She renews her assault on the now-helpless enemy.

"I'll see you in hell!" she exclaims as her claws leave trails of carnage.

use ravenous frenzy for haste 1 round

Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 381d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (2, 6, 4) = 21 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
CRIT?: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 291d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (2, 1, 5) = 15 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (18) + 40 = 58
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 371d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 93d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (6) + 40 = 46
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
EXTRA HASTE ATTACK (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 341d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 93d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) = 12 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (4) + 40 = 44
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
painful stare dmg: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3, 6, 6, 2) + 8 = 31 When triggered, target must succeed DC 28 Will save or become sickened by pain for 1 round.
paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
If both claws hit, deal bleed damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
If target dies, use Continued Animation (DC 28 Will)
Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 24 Will)

Ilsa's own warped connection to undeath keeps her from suffering much damage from the unholy blight.

The mesmerist moves to engage one of the devilish creatures and racks it with terrifying ghoulish claws. targeting yellow

Will save: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40

Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 381d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (3, 2, 6) = 18 If hits, DC 23 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
CRIT?: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 251d4 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (1, 3, 6) = 17
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (2) + 40 = 42
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
painful stare dmg: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 6, 5) + 8 = 27 When triggered, target must succeed DC 28 Will save or become sickened by pain for 1 round.
paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

With the combat seemingly over, Ilsa takes a moment to refresh the feeblemind spell she had lost.

"Well that thing was--unpleasant," she says.

Does my Feeblemind trigger when I'm targeted by the dispel magic?[ooc]

Ilsa stares at the strange monster, unafraid of anything but her own powers. [ooc]-4 to its Will save

She reaches out a hand and a shadowy hand presses upon the creature's heart.

mortal terror (DC 24)

Ilsa breathes a sigh of relief as they bypass the monstrous guardian.

She waves one last time to her false friend. "We'll be back soon," she lies.

"Whatever, Kalem," she says playfully. "How many enemies have you killed in one blow?"

Also not knowing what the floating globes of light are, she agrees to bypass them. "I have no idea what that might be."

[ooc]I'll scout out this hallway,"[/b] she suggests, casting mirror image then moving ahead.

arcana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

stealth: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41

mirror image: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Ilsa smiles grimly at the creature.

"Thank you! This will be worth your while--I assure you! Anything else we might find here that we can come back and feed you? Aside from the frog-likes?" she asks as she motions her companions past.

All,

I'm off to Mexico for the next week. I may post occasionally, but please bot as necessary. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Ilsa nods at Zamanda. "It's worth a try."

Turning back to the giant creature, she says "Your other friend requires sacrifices--all of these are to be offered as sacrifices. I think she will feed them to you when we're done. If you let me past, I will get them to her, she will kill them, and then you will be fed."

bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29 hypnotic stare gives it -4 on Sense Motive

Ilsa tries to understand what her new "friend" is saying to her, and explains what she's heard to her companions. I can't make the DC on Sense Motive

"I am Ilsa," she responds. "And what is your name?" she asks.

Turning back to her allies, she says "I am guessing that her new friend is the Queen. Perhaps we can still get it to move if we can offer it something. Any ideas? Perhaps if we could offer it more food somewhere else, it would leave."

Sorry for the confusion--that's my bad on charm vs. dominate monster. You're correct it was charm.

Ilsa holds up a hand to keep the others from attacking.

Not understanding what it is saying, she casts share language, hoping to find some common ground.

Once she casts it, she says "Hiya friend--can you understand what I'm saying now?"

Ilsa, finding herself ahead of the others, is the first to confront the monster.

Hoping she can keep it from attacking the group, she tries to calm things before they turn hostile.

cast dominate monster (DC 25 Will), make it hypnotic stare target for -4 Will. If it works, she holds up a hand to keep anyone else from attacking.

Ilsa looks at the crooked, sunken pyramid from a distance before they approach.

"I should mention that when we're done with all this, I'm making one of these--a monument to myself," she says with dark humor.

Following Kalem's lead, she also casts false life on herself, though she reserves casting more long-term spells until they get the lay of the land.

f life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Once they reach the entrance, she says "I'm guessing she doesn't know we're here. If that's the case, perhaps we should scout ahead. I'm happy to go first and look around," she offers.

stealth: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (11) + 26 = 37

Ilsa agrees with Kalem.

"Though all of this research would be worth pursuing under normal circumstances, the fact that the Queen is in the middle of a ritual to kill all of us makes me hesitant to wait. I think we should go now."

I'm buying a piercing metamagic rod--seems appropriate at this level.

Let's go! :)

Ilsa doesn't have any more questions to ask, though the image of the bloody dragon draws down the corners of her mouth.

While the others finish any questions they have, she studies the teleportation scroll for when they are ready to proceed.

Her mind unlocks arcane words and characters, putting each in its proper place as if her mind is the key opening a complex lock.

"Once we're ready, I think I've got this down," she says confidently.

UMD: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48