Imedren's page

Imedren was tired, there was but the call of the battle being over was a relief in many ways. Lucretia was gone now. His Vision saw no illusions or deception. She had been murderous and evil, uncaring for the people of today but she had been driven to protect the Eye. Sunionious Roo had been evil for so long until he realized his mistake and tried to undo them. Lucretia, he realized, had sent her minions to try and stop Katandramus when he first unleashed the plague within the city with the Enigma Stone and tried to use the Eye. An immortal protector of something and now she was gone.

Imedren saw past the immediate victory and now was worried for the future. There were many possibilities, too many to count. They would have to protect it from now on... but he supposed he could let them enjoy their victory for now.

"Yes, this battle is over for now."

Katandramus moved again, still fast this time, but he seemed to be losing speed under the onslaught of attacks everyone was giving. He put yet another shield up around himself and charged after Imedren yet again, another strand of his protection magic and a good bit of luck helped him to avoid what the cultist had planned for him.

It was strange in that moment that Imedren realized he had used nearly all of his remaining offensive magic, save fore his weakest fire magic which was useless against Katandramus. Even the building power of chaos had just been entirely drained. He was in this moment, the closest he'd been to how he'd started.

He didn't know what was going to happen but he did know the fate of the world likely rested on this battle, this man turned wholly monster had to be removed from it. There were possibilities of course, Imedren could utilize his other magic and build up his retinue of chaos, have Eldren fire it, but there was no guarantee they would be able to finish him off before he got another chance to retaliate... it could be worse next time.

Instead he grabbed for Katandramus.
Fast initiative: Action-Grab Katandramus.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Penalty
Grab: 1d20 + 1 - 3 - 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 3 - (1) = 16

The waves of chaos pulled against him, but somehow sheer determination or perhaps fate guided him as he dragged the cultist along with him towards the Epicenter.
Slow initiative: Move and drag Katandramus
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Drag: 1d20 + 1 - 1 - 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 1 - (1) = 18

Katandramus must not have been expecting such a reckless, physical move. Imedren did not find it easy but the monstrous man's body seemed to have shriveled and lost most of any strength it might have once had.
Yards pulled toward epicenter: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
Drive and determination pushed him, the enhanced power of his own most destructive of spells pulled at him but he half hurled the cultist into the cultist into the singularity.
Banes: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 5, 1, 1) = 15
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Bonus
Strength to resist singularity pull: 1d20 + 1 - 5 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 5 + 6 = 15
Despite everything, the waves of chaos finally turned back towards Imedren's favor and he managed to stand his ground at the very edge of pure annihilation.

Entropic Singularity: 10d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 1, 5, 6, 1, 6, 6, 2) + (5) = 37

Entropic Singularity Explosion: 4d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 6) + (5) = 23
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6Bonus
Banes: Twain Self 1, Boons: Third Eye 2
Strength vs. Explosion: 1d20 + 1 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 6 + (5) = 13
Imedren's third eye saw what was coming and gave him enough of a warning that his luck held out, and though he was blown back by the outburst of the Singularity, he was still standing once the dust had cleared.

11 damage. Standing and alive!

2 banes: Katandramus's power 1, Twain Self 1. 2 boons: Third Eye.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Bonus
Agility vs. fireball 1: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 4 = 21

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Agility vs. fireball 2: 1d20 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 1 - 5 = 4

Imedren attempted to dodge Katandramus's fiery assault. He was only partially successful but his flame ward spell managed to soak up some of it as well. He cursed his lack of foresight into this as he should have expected the cultist to be resilient to flames.

Then before he could move, Katandramus was on him, attempting to tear through Imedren's defenses, they held for the moment but there was no telling when the mad cultist would succeed.

Fast initiative: Minor action- Draw fire resistance syringe. Greater sorcery- Empower spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Capricious devastation at Katandramus. Boons: Empower spell.
Boons: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Bonus
Capricious Devastation: 1d20 + 2 + 5 - 5 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 5 - 5 + 6 = 23
Entropic Potent Reverberation damage: 2d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4) + (1, 4, 4) = 19
20+, yards warped back: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Seeing Katandramus forcibly warped back Imedren glanced back at Eldren.
"Again! Force him back again!"

Slow initiative: Move to the top of the stairs. Greater Sorcery- Empower spell. + 1 strain. Action- Cast Singularity targeting Katandramus's square.
Yards pulled towards epicenter: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Singularity: 10d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 5, 1, 6, 4) + (5) = 32
Wow, those were some truly terrible damage dice rolls. I'm going to use Anticipate Outcomes to alter this.

Imedren saw that his plan to halt Katandramus was not likely not be enough. So instead he worried about his friends surviving another onslaught like that one.

Altered world slow initiative: Minor action 1- Toss a Fire resistance syringe to nearest ally. Minor action 2- Draw fire resistance syringe. Action: Cast Flame Ward.
"Here, use these! There's no telling how many more times he can do that."

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Potent Magic. 1 minute duration.

Having the time, Imedren took a moment to increase his offensive capabilities as he kept up with the others.

Really, the question is what else can he do? I can't afford to hold back.

This was it, this was the man Imedren had been fighting to get to. A man who was threatening their city and one he was sure he would not get another chance to kill again.

Slow initiative: Move 10 yards up the stairs. Minor action 1- Draw healing syringe. Greater sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Fireball aiming for Katandramus. Everyone in the radius makes an agility challenge with 2 banes.

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Will vs. Frightening: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 1 = 19
Katandramus did not frighten him today.

Anger welled up in him as he noticed Caribdus's lifeless body in the center of the pentagram. The standoffish wizard had not been a friend, but he had been a mentor and sometimes ally of him.

Even enhanced in time as Imedren was, the cultist moved with a burst of truly unnatural speed. The fire worried him somewhat, he wasn't sure whether this would have any effect or not, but he had to try.

Fireball, 5 yard radius: 5d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 6, 2) + (2, 3, 5) = 30

Imedren breathed a sigh of relief as the last demon fell, his defenses managing to hold it at bay long enough for him to finish it.

At Shen's offer of the healing syringe back to him, Imedren shook his head, pointing towards the three different syringe holders he had strapped to his armor.
"Keep it. It's not always about keeping yourself up. Sometimes it might be you who keeps another alive. I've still got plenty."

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Empwer Spell. Action- cast Pain vs. Crawler demon. Banes: Spell Defense 1. Boons: Empower spell 2.
boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Bonus
Pain vs. Crawler: 1d20 + 2 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 5 + 4 = 16

Slow initiative: Action- Sorcerous blast vs. Crawler.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Bonus
Sorcerous Blast: 1d20 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 6 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 5) + (2) = 11

Banes 5: Twain self 1, Strain 4: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3, 3) = 15

Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6Bonus

Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 6 + 6 = 8
Try as he might, Imedren could no longer hold back the outburst of chaotic energies swirling about him.

Outburst: 4 yards+bonus damage to Demon: 5d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 6, 6, 4) + (3) = 31

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Empower spell. +1 strain. Cast Pain vs. Bronze demon. Banes: Spell defense 1. Boons: Empower spell 2.
Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 4Bonus
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 5 + 4 = 27

Slow initiative: Greater sorcery- Sorcerous blast vs. Bronze demon. -1 strain. Move 6 yards away from Dramm. Minor action 1, Draw a healing syringe.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6Bonus
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 6 = 14
damage: 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 3) + (2) = 11

Banes: Strain 7, Twain self 1: 8d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 5, 6, 6, 1, 6, 2) = 35
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2bonus
Will vs. Sorcerous outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 6 + 2 = 10
Whew! Another bare success.

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Empowered spell. +1 strain. Action: Cast Capricious Devastation.2 banes: Spell defense 1, Paradox 1. 2 boons, empowered spell.

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Bonus
Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Potent Entropic Capricious Devastation: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 6
Retry: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 5) + (5, 6) + (6) = 25

Slow initiative: Greater Sorcery Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Fire bolt.

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1d6 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 4 - (3) - 5 = 5
Damage: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + (4, 3) = 9

Banes: Strain 8, Paradox 1: 9d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5, 3, 3, 6, 2, 3, 3) = 29
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 6 - 5 = 10

Earlier
Imedren watched as his other self flew into the sky with Joy to deal with the portal. He was certain his future self's decision of tossing out a pair of healing potions to Selgaer was meant to annoy him, as well as some sort of aged wisdom he didn't quite yet understand. Though he didn't entirely know which.

With a shake of his head he left with the others. His mind was trying to focus more for the task ahead, the headache he now had as an influx of possible visions with his other self made him not want to waste precious time. There were last minute preparations to make so he began casting spells.

He was glad momentarily as their decision to side with Lucretia was seemingly, for the moment, paying off. Two fights now they had avoided dealing by managing to negotiate with her. Katandramus was scheming but thankfully not much of a leader. Caring only about the end result could leave a great many flaws in one's campaign to end the world.
Now

As they entered into the tower foyer and saw their first set of guardians, Imedren's spirits fell. The four demons meant that Katandramus had gone far more insane than he'd thought. But after a moment, he seemed to recover. His older self began casting spells, pulling him back to the moment. His perception of time growing faster than most. It was at that moment though, he decided to alter time himself.

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Widen Spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Halt time. 8 yard radius.

"When I give the signal next, just do as I say!"
As he cast the spell a wide, translucent, sphere of mercurial magic encircled the entire group before mostly fading away. Only he, as well as his older self, was still able to move within the sphere.

"Now, let's see how this works."

Slow initiative: Greater sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- cast Explosive Missiles. 1 yard radius explosion, Agility challenge for half.

Potent Entropic Explosive missiles, shadow statue: 1d6 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + (4, 4, 5) + 1 = 16
Potent Entropic Explosive missiles, Chitinous insect: 1d6 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + (5, 2, 4) + 1 = 18
Potent Entropic Explosive missiles, mechanical Chainsaw : 1d6 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (3, 3, 2) + 1 = 10

Earlier
Imedren looked grim at the prospect of siding with Lucretia, but he had to admit it was better than fighting her.

"I'm not certain divination magic without knowing much else is going to be useful. My magic is limited, best used to narrow down possibilities over time. Even the Oracular's powers would only be truly useful if Katandramus was in a very distinguishable location...
I don't know to what extent his insanity truly rules him, but if I were Katandramus I wouldn't be binding myself to any one location until it was time for the ritual to occur."

He furrowed his brow in thought. "I agree with Dramm. Caribdus should have a better idea on how something of this scale would work and if he can point us in the right direction, then we stand a much better chance of discerning the cult's location."

Now...

Imedren watched in something akin to awe as the six faerie spires lit up and night turned to day. A terrible sense of foreboding grew within him as his gaze drifted back to Wizard's Peak.

"Of course... preparation, time, and location. A wizard's tower, this is exactly the sort of place a ritual of that nature should take place. I should have suspected it would be a likely target."

He glanced over at Shen, giving a biting remark. "Caribdus is neither a cultist nor is he a demonologist! Listen to our surroundings, there's clearly a fight taking place inside, we need to hurry to Wizard's Peak."

This is no time to hold back. the thought wormed its way to the forefront of his mind. He let out a sigh and raised his hand. A familiar portal of mercurial silver formed and out stepped Eldren.

Imedren clenches his fist and snarled back. "Katandramus is nothing more than a power hungry cultist who clawed his way into something resembling leadership! He's a coward who lies, steals, and abandons those who follow him, while using the faith they use as justification for his actions! He tooke a sharp breath to calm himself.
"... but I'll give him this, he is clever.

By making you go after the entirety of the Council, he made you predictable and so are we. We care that you killed these people, he knew we'd come running. Katandramus doesn't care and has already taken whatever power had been reestablished. Now he's somewhere in the city preparing to use the Eye... and now here we are, staring each other down."

He stared hard at her. "But it seems to me we have a common enemy."
Persuade to convince the red haired woman. 1 bane due to high corruption.
Persuade: 1d20 + 2 - 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 2 - (5) = 17

Will vs. Frightening: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Holding on to his will, Imedren reached out and attempted to slow the closer of the two cannibalistic monsters.

Fast Initiative: Greater sorcery- Empower spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Delay on closer cannibal. Boons: Empower spell 2.
Boons: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9
Delay: 1d20 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 6 = 30
20+ attack, target is slowed and Impaired for 1 minute.

'What are these?' he thought quickly to himself.
Academic Occultism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Banes: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 6, 3) = 19
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 6 = 11
Even as the buildup of arcane energies continued, he just barely managed to maintain his will against them.

Imedren nodded as their plan was made. "We have two problems on our hands. Whoever or whatever killed Katrin wants the Eye back. It's Katandramus that has the Eye and plans on using it, now that he's learned of its secrets. So whoever this killer is doesn't have any clue where Katandramus is and we don't know how close He is to doing his ritual...

My divinations may be able to help us, but I can't guarantee how accurate it's going to be the narrower the questions are."

Imedren let out a frustrated sigh. "Ugh... okay. Fine! We need to go speak with Randolfus then. Hopefully he's in a mood to listen to us today."

He looked at Elder Fobb. "This is not a time for holding back information anymore, Fobb. No matter how important you think it may have been to hold off from telling us... and you're going to want to tell us over anyone else who is going to be asking you for it."

Imedren's eyes narrowed down as Fobb ranted and raved about someone or something else killing Katrin but he did also give them useful information.
"Oh Fobb, this isn't good. But maybe, it won't be quite as bad if you tell us where the cult is hiding now. We can deal with those shortsighted bastards who ousted you, even after everything you did for them. Especially Katandramus. You must know something of what Katrandramus is planning, at least. Tell me what he's going to do."

"No offense, Fobb, but you were not acting rationally a few minutes ago so you'll have to bear with it for now. Once I am satisfied that we can convince the others you are thinking clearly again, we'll see about those bindings."

He looked at the others. "Why did Katrin have to die, Fobb? Was she on to them or were they just trying to send a message to us and the city?"

Imedren looked over at Selgaer with a thoughtful expression.

"I agree that the Inquisitors may well be our most thorough way to get answers, although it will take more time with them... although I'm not terribly familiar with it, my studies of Sunionious Roo's work mentioned the viability of enchantment magic learned by Faerie creatures. There is no guarantee it will work but there is a good chance I can make it happen."

Not wanting to have any undo interruptions, Imedren proceeded to unleash his chaotic energies in controlled blasts in a corner of the room with several sorcerous blasts.

Casting a Lasting Vision, Lasting Third Eye. Then using Improved Spell Recovery to regain a casting of Third Eye and Shape Magic. Casting Potent magic, then casting Shape Magic to mimic Enslave.

Banes: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 5, 2) = 18
Will vs. Shape Magic, Enslave backlash: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 6 = 15

Banes, attacked target 1. Boons, empower spell 2.
Boons: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Enslave vs. Elder Fobb's Will: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 4 = 26

Target: One creature within medium range.
Make an Intellect attack roll against the target’s Will. If you or members of your group attacked the target since you last completed a rest, you make the attack roll with 1 bane.
On a success, the target becomes charmed. The target does not age while charmed in this way. When it takes damage, it can make a Will challenge roll, removing the affliction on a success.
While you are within long range of the target while it is charmed in this way, you can use an action to make an Intellect attack roll against its Will. On a success, the target becomes compelled for 1 minute.
Attack Roll 20+: If the total of the initial attack roll was 20 or higher and exceeds the target number by 5, you make the secondary Will attack rolls against the charmed target with 2 boons.

As the chaotic magic of the spell solidified, it felt as though Imedren was suddenly holding a chain connected to Elder Fobb. He immediately grasped how to use it to it's fullest effect and knew it would be easy to control the Halfling. Although he didn't like it he knew they needed to use it and so he would.

"Elder Fobb, get up, we have much to discuss."

Breathing a small sigh of relief as the demon falls, Imedren ignores whatever else is going on in the room and goes to his wife.
"That looked extremely painful, Uruuna. Here, drink this." Imedren says, coming over and holding a healing potion to her.

Dark magic boons: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
Will vs. Insanity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Imedren managed to shake off the maddening whispers of the demon. Tired of its constant prattle he decided to end this assault on their minds.
How did get a hold of the ability to summon such a powerful demon?

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Capricious Devastation. Triggered Action- Entropic Power. 3 damage.
1d1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Capricious Devastation: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 1 = 21
Potent Entropic Reverberation Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) + (6, 3) + (2, 5) + (4, 6) = 33
20+ attack warp: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Moving the demon 4 spaces back and away from the group.

Slow Initiative: Move 10 yards closer to the demon. Action- use sorcerous blast. -1 strain.
In his heightened state of speed, Imedren strode across the room and unleashed an attack from the raw chaotic energies he had surrounding him. Something he'd only recently learned to do but he found it ate away at the buildup of energies, making it easier to deal with.
Sorcerous Blast, : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Potent Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) + (3, 3) = 11

banes 5, Strain 4, medallion 1: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3, 5) = 17
will vs. Sorcerous outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 6 = 14

Even as Imedren unleashed his sorcerous power, he was able to maintain his will over his magic exploding out of his control.

Dark Magic boons: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Will vs. Madness: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 5 = 9
Failure: Insanity 1.

Anticipate Outcomes: 4/5 uses remain. Delayed for 1 minute before I could use it again.

Action 1: Fast initiative: Action- Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Cast Accelerate on myself. Slow initiative: Greater Sorcery Potent spell. +1 strain. Cast Fireball. Enemies must make an agility save/half.

Damage: 5d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 1, 4, 5) + (4, 2) = 24

Action 2: Fast initiative: Action- Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Cast Accelerate on myself. Slow initiative: Greater Sorcery- Empower spell, +1 strain. Action Cast Delay on Demon. Banes 3, Frightened. Boons 2, empowered spell.

banes: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Delay: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13

Since I'm unsure on whether using delay will actually have any sort of effect on the Demon, I'm just going to say I used Action 1, in the reality where I cast Fireball.

Banes:8, Strain, 4, Frightened 3, Medallion 1,: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 4, 1, 4, 5, 2) = 24
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 5 = 13

"Half! Half of the bloody council!"

Dark magic boons: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Will vs. horrifying: 1d20 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 6 = 28

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Empower spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Shape Magic to mimic a Time Disruption spell.
Banes: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 5, 3, 1) = 21
Will: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 6 = 16

Success: You entangle the timelines of creatures in the area. Each
creature in the area must make a Will challenge roll with 3 banes. On a failure, the creature gains 1d3 Insanity and becomes stunned for 1 minute. At the end of each round until the effect ends for a creature, it can repeat the Will challenge roll. On a success, the creature removes the stunned affliction from itself but can take only slow turns, either moving or using an action on each of its turns for the remainder of the spell’s duration.
In this case, it's 5 banes for the demon and Fobb.

Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 4 = 10

Imedren stared hard at the newcomer before he straightened, his posture relaxing ever so slightly..

"TaBog, is that you?"

"Who are you?" Imedren asked, eyeing Joy as he rounded on the mysterious robed figure.

Boons: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 5) = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 5 = 21

Imedren grimaced at the sight of Mayor Katrin Edgarton's demise. There had been many months after they'd first started working with the city council where the only thing keeping him and Uruuna off the streets had been her patronage. More than that, she had worked hard for this city taking specific care to ensure the less fortunate among them were better off than they might otherwise be. She would be missed.

"Katandramus, is a dangerous cultist of the Demon Lord who has already tried to send this city into chaos and destruction before. Last time we were able to thwart his designs but he himself managed to escape."

Enchanted Item: 3d20 ⇒ (8, 14, 16) = 38

LEVEL 10!!!

Characteristics Health +4
Magic: You learn one spell.
Anticipate Outcomes: Your Gift of Foretelling improves.
When you would use an action, you can use two actions. Resolve each action, one after the other, but do not apply the results of any roll you make. Once you have used both actions, choose one of them as the one that actually happened and then apply any results from using the action in the chosen way.

For example, say you take a fast turn and decide to use this talent on that turn. For one of your actions, you decide to cast an attack spell that requires you to make an attack roll. For your other action, you decide to retreat. You make the attack roll and get a success on the roll. You must then choose between expending the casting and taking the result of the roll or using your action to retreat. You can use this talent a number of times equal to your Power score. Once you use this talent, you must wait 1 minute before you can use it again. You regain expended uses when you complete a rest.

Imedren let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"We should go back and check the eastern turret and then the rest of this place to see if there's anyone else still alive."

Banes 4: The Void 3, Twain Self 1
Boons(5): Third Eye 2, Blessing 1, Dark Magic 2.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Bonus
Will vs.The Void: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 4 + (1) = 24

Imedren knew this would be the outcome of his attack, even as he gazed upon the encroaching darkness.
"Dramm! Keep the barrier up. I think I can get the sword into the Void!"

He pushed forward, remembering what the broken world he had seen was like. He picked up the sword which refused to cooperate. It swung itself at him, shifted it's weight in odd patterns, and forced it's will upon him with every step.

Banes (4): The sword of Unmaking 3, Twain Self 1.
Boons (3) Blessing 1, Third eye 2.
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Bonus!
Agility: 1d20 + 1 + 6 - 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 6 - (1) = 17

However, Imedren was used to the chaotic and often unpredictable things of the world. His future sight helped to guide him and with Dramm helping to safeguard him, he was able in the end to hurl the sword into the awakened darkness before the world came under a wave of terror.

Upon the Demon retreating to the back of the room and more enemies coming into existence, Imedren threw his arms to the sides.
"Don't charge forward! Everyone get back and form a defensive line now!" he looked back at his future self. "Give me a full burst of power, quickly!"

...

Arcane energy began building around him. "Yeah, I intend to end this."
Fast initiative- Greater Sorcery Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Singularity, centered on the demon! 1 round duration, 10 yard radius. Creatures within the area have 3 banes on their strength check to resist.

A roiling clot of color appears at the origin point and remain for the duration. When you cast the spell, unsecured objects in the area are moved 2d6 yards toward the origin point. Each creature within the area when you cast the spell or that enters the area must make a Strength challenge roll with 1 bane. On a failure, the creature is moved 2d6 yards toward the origin point and cannot move away from it for the duration. Any creature or object that reaches that point takes 10d6 damage. If it becomes incapacitated by this damage, it is erased utterly from existence, its body and soul vanishing forever.
When the effect ends, the clot explodes, dealing 4d6 damage to everything in the spell’s area. Each creature in the area must make a Strength challenge roll. It falls prone on a failure, or just takes half the damage on a success.

Singularity: 10d6 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 4, 3, 3, 5, 6, 5, 2) + (3, 5, 3) + (2) = 48

Slow Initiative: Greater Sorcery Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Fireball. 5 yard burst. Centered on the demon. Creatures within the area must make agility challenge with 2 banes.
Not willing to lighten up on his assault, Imedren threw in a fireball into the room.

Potent Entropic Fireball: 5d6 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 4, 5) + (6, 2, 6) + (6) = 40

Banes: Strain 3. Twain self 1: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 3) = 17
Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 5Penalty
Will vs. outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 6 - 5 = 5
3 yard burst: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 6, 1, 3) = 17

Fast Initiative- Triggered Action: Cast Potent Arcana. Greater Sorcery Far spell. +1 strain. Action: Cast Pain. Banes (2): Twain self 1, Spell Defense (1), Boons (3): Potent Arcana 2, Blessing 1.
+1d6 damage for 1 minute. 20+ result. Damage Dazes target for 1 round.
Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2Bonus
Potent Pain: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 + (6) = 29

Slow Initiative: Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Capricious Devastation.
Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Potent Pain: 1d20 + 2 - 1 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 1 - 1 + (2) = 4
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3) + (3, 1) + (6, 5, 1) = 23

"What the?!"
Imedren turned and looked back at the not-so-dead body of the man as he picked himself up off the ground.

Academic Occult: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Oh!" Imedren was reaching out to the powers of chaos when his mind caught up to his instincts and he took a steadying breath. "Oh, I see. Okay, now everything about you starts making so much more sense, Mr. Reed."

Imedren finished with his first reading and glanced around at the others.
"I'm glad we chose to wait for this. Heading to the western turret would have been a hasty decision which would have had us rushing headlong into a needless battle and ended with disappointment and pain."

He continued with his second.
"The eastern turret could have the demon if we're very unlucky, but it's almost certainly holding the captives we seek, but we must be careful and take no chances with our lives, there will be even more fighting here. Glory, happiness, and thanks await us. We will succeed, but even a minor slipup could spell out a twist of fortunes. Pain and sadness come. If you've any potions to heal yourself with or preparations, now's the time."

He moved on to his last.
"To the north is where the demon resides.... although there could be captives too, I suppose. A black wind blows through there. The Devil, or in this case Demon, is our adversary. The outcome; Death awaits us at the end." he says ominously.

"Seraphina mentioned something about being good at hiding herself. Maybe she and Selgaer should get a feel for what the situation is like before we all move in?"

Imedren gave a sigh. Their chances of success had just gone down.

"No accounting for bad luck. These things were a great deal more dangerous than most of the things we've faced so far. Being confident is difficult to gauge correctly in this sort of place." he looked at the directions they had to go.

"Three different ways... if you give me a minute or two I can help determine whether there are any captives from Oblivion here or which direction we are likely to find the demon."

Before traveling further: Drink healing potion.
Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell.
8 hours: Irridescent shield x2, Flame Ward, Third Eye, Vision
10 minutes: Chaos Boon, Entropic power, Boundless step.
Bonus defense: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Banes: 8d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 1, 1, 5, 5, 5) = 25
Chaos boons: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5
Outbursts: 4d20 ⇒ (8, 5, 4, 17) = 34 Success on the last one, 2 strain.

Now...

Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Penalty
Will vs. fear: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 = 2 Frightened for 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 rounds.

Imedren faltered against the hulking monstrosities. Something about the sheer violence radiating off of them caused his flight instincts to heighten. Although he could still logically tell himself to move, he was slow in reactions.

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Far Spell. +1 Strain. Action- Cast Pain vs. Orange troll. +1d6 damage and 20+ result, damage dazes target for 1 round.

Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 1) = 9
Chaos Boon: 1d6 ⇒ 4Bonus
1d20 + 4 - 5 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 5 + 4 = 10
Triggered action- Retry 1d20 + 4 - 5 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 5 + 4 = 22

Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3) = 14
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Penalty
Aftereffect: 1d20 + 2 - 6 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 6 - 3 = 8 Failure

Slow initiative: Minor action 1- Draw a healing syringe. Greater Sorcery- Empower spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Fireball. Targets make Agility rolls with 2 banes.

Empwered Entropic fireball: 5d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1, 5, 2) + (5) = 22

Banes: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 1) = 11
Chaos boon: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Bonus
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 5 + 2 = 18
Forced aftereffect reroll: 1d20 + 2 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 5 + 2 = 17

Time and chaos intertwine with Imedren as he launches a myriad of assaults from within his own frame of perception. But somehow he managed to keep his chaotic power within control.

Gazing into time, Imedren could not escape the assault the genie unleashed on him.

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Success! Genie is still within blast range. The beating he took took him off balance but he managed to keep his feet.

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 Failure! Blown back for 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9 yards.

"Aaaaaaagh! Gah!" Imedren yelled as he was blown back and away from the Genie for the second time that day.

Staying down for the moment, he gritted his teeth and used his power to reach out further to punish the crazed Genie.
Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Far spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Pain. Target takes +1d6 damage from all attacks. 20+ result; Target is also dazed when damaged.
Far Pain: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Slow initiative: Imedren stands from prone. Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Fire bolt.
Firebolt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + (6, 1) = 12

Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 5 = 13
His power managed to remain in check when this time however.

will from previous round: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Failed... forcibly reroll next roll.

Fast Initiative: Minor action- Draw incantation. Action- use incantation to cast slow. Targeting all 4 elementals. All 4 make a will challenge roll with 1 bane to resist.

Imedren decided it would be best to give themselves more time to react, so he pulled out a scroll he had prepared.

Slow initiative: Greater sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action- cast Explosive missiles. Move 3 spaces towards the orange elemental.

Potent damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6
Explosive Missile 1 vs. Air elemental Red: 1 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ 1 + (5) + 7 = 13
Explosive Missile 2 vs. Air elemental Orange: 1 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ 1 + (1) + 7 = 9
Explosive Missile 3 Earth elemental orange: 1 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ 1 + (6) + 7 = 14

Will vs. outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 2 - (2) = 7
reroll: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 2 = 9

Outburst vs. Orange Earth elemental: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 6, 6, 1) = 18

Agility: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Knocked Prone
Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Blown away 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 yards.

The power of the genies was stronger than Imedren had been expecting. He was knocked down and then blown away.

Fast Initiative: Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Action: Cast Accelerate.

Imedren cast a spell and recovered time began to accelerate once again.

Slow Initiative: Move- Stand from prone. Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain. Action: Cast Explosive missile.

Imedren recovered and picked himself up off the ground. Pulling from the chaotic powers, he empowered a missile spell.

Potent damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11
Explosive missile 1 vs. Earth elemental 1: 1 + 1d6 + 1 + 11 ⇒ 1 + (5) + 1 + 11 = 18
Explosive missile 2 vs. Earth elemental 2: 1 + 1d6 + 1 + 11 ⇒ 1 + (5) + 1 + 11 = 18
Explosive missile vs. 3 Air Elemental 1: 1 + 1d6 + 1 + 11 ⇒ 1 + (4) + 1 + 11 = 17

Banes: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10
Will vs. outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 6 = 8
He tried to hold his power in check but he could not.
Outburst, 2 yards: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 4, 3) = 13

"Hold a minute, Joy. I'll join you in scouting around in a minute. I realize I haven't had a chance to fly yet." he says to the young witch before turning his attention to the older man.

"Well it's certainly good to see a... priest, in these parts." he eyes the newcomer up and down skeptically. "My name is Imedren... and I'm afraid our guide is correct though, time is not our friend here. We've learned there is a demon within a fortress which is attempting to tear open a portal to the Void, and we intend to stop it. Imedren stops and clicks his tongue with a sigh of exasperation. "But tell me what you think, Mr. Reed. Should we head to the Spear and stop the demon which caused the carnage of Oblivion? Or is your heart set upon burying these these unfortunate souls as we could be the last ones to offer this to them?"

"It was meant as a compliment." Imedren says, letting a big grin show across his face as he picks Uruuna up in hug.
"Thanks for waiting for me to get clear. You did great!"

Fast initiative: Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. +1 strain, Action: cast Capricious Devastation. Boons 3: 1 Blessing, 2 Potent Arcana. Banes 1: Spell defense.

Imedren's future sight and magical shield keep the Barghest's strike away from him with only a small loss of it's protective energies. He calls on his waves of Chaos to assault the beast.

Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Penalty
Boons: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
Capricious Devastation: 1d20 + 2 - 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 5 + 4 = 15

Potent Entropic damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 5) + (3, 3) + (6, 6) + (3) = 27

The glint in his eye dies down as he hears his friends call out for him and he regains something of his normal composure.
"But you know, the scariest thing I've seen this month has got to be my wife when she's had a bad day."

Triggered action: Warp back 80 yards to be ahead of the others.

Slow initiative: Greater Sorcery- Far spell. Action: Cast Capricious Devastation. Boons 3: 1 Blessing, 2 Potent Arcana. Banes 1: Spell defense.

"Now we can deal with this one much more efficiently."

Chaos die: 1d6 ⇒ 1 penalty
Boons: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
Capricious Devastation: 1d20 + 2 - 1 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 1 + 5 = 24
Entropic damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 3) + (1, 3) + (1) = 10
20+ attack warp spaces: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Banes Strain 2, Medallion 1: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 5) = 12
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 5 = 10

He manages to hold his buildup of arcane energies in this time.

Boon 1: Blessing
Will: 1d20 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (6) = 9Wow, +1 insanity. No fear.

Despite his preparations, or maybe because of them, Imedren's eyes gain a dangerous light of their own the moment the Barghest reveals itself.

"That is big and scary... but it's only the third scariest thing I've seen this month." Then in the blink of an eye, he vanished. Appearing 5 yards from the beast.

Triggered action- Warp 95 yards.

Fast action: Greater Sorcery: Lastig spell- +1 Strain. Action- Cast Slow.
Boons: Blessing 1, Potent magic 2,: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) = 9
Slow: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 5 = 17

"I saw a beast from beyond time within a dying world come for me. You are not that."

Slow Action: Move 10 yards back. Greater Sorcery- Potent spell. Action- Cast Explosive missiles. All missiles targeting the Barghest.

Potent Entropic damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) = 15
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 15 = 20
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Missile 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Banes: Sorcery Strain: 5, Medallion 1: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 4, 1, 2) = 17
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (4) + 2 - 6 = 0
Outburst, 5 yards: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 6, 3) = 16

Imedren finished with his divination, although he'd risked it being broader in nature in case of needing to narrow it down afterward, it helped to greatly put his mind at ease when his gamble paid off about Roo and Seraphina. There was much about Roo's work he wanted to know, but it would have to wait for the moment, for now he could help ease their worries.

He walked up to the Dramm and Sera. "It's alright, I think she can be trusted. What Seraphina has told us is true." He eyed the cambion, "For what it's worth, Selgaer is right in most cases about us humans. But looking different isn't necessarily what bothers me. We've had several run-ins with perfectly normal looking humans who turned out to be servants of the Demon Lord. In this case we just had a fight with devils; with us defending Roo who is a fugitive of Hell. What bothered me was the fact that you were hiding who you were with illusions."

Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. Casting Vision.
Banes: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 5) = 14
Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 6 = 7

From some yards back and away from the group there was the now familiar outburst of magical energy. Imedren then came moving up to the group, his eyes glowing a deep blue. After several steps Imedren stopped dead in his tracks as he locked eyes with the now revealed Cambion.

"Seraphina. I was wondering how one could just appear, knowing so much about what we were dealing with..." his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "but your devil blood makes this whole situation make so much more sense. What was your plan here? Lie, then get close to us when we were off guard and strike?"

Imedren was poised, ready to start casting spells at a moments notice.

Wedding
The end of the wedding ceremony resumed and the reception began as Imedren's expression steadily changed from a grimace of Roo's dire proclamation, back to a smile at his friend's found happiness. The setting was marred only slightly more by his future self being around for some minutes before disappearing back to his own time, like an annoying guest who thankfully had to duck out early. Lately things had begun to take on a surreal sensation, like he was floating through time. Although it was a small thing in the cosmic scheme of time that he was now aware of, the happiness and hope Dramm and Ezekia's wedding brought made him feel more grounded.

Once his headache had cleared, he found himself standing next to Uruuna, suddenly reminiscing about their own wedding. "I'm torn, Uruuna. Part of me is a little bit jealous, wishing we had had more of this when we were married; more friends and a larger reception but at the same time, I'm also glad for how simple the stakes had been back then."

...... ...... ...... ......
Manor House

Imedren watched the clockwork, Sunionious Roo with interest as he delivered his warnings.

"You are remarkably aware of what has been happening in our world for one whose soul had been trapped in Hell for so long. Were the devils talking about what was going on as they tortured you?

Also, how did you get in a clockwork body? I wasn't aware Devils could or would want summon you into one. Normally that would have been someone taking your soul from Hell and putting it into one, wouldn't it?"

Imedren grunts in frustration. "Tch, whatever, just hurry up and finish the ceremony so you can be married already!"

Imedren gritted his teeth at the memory of being a captive. "Yes, I suppose I merely attracted the attentions of more self righteous beings who agreed with such sentiments. No matter. We will help you get your bearings later so we can deal with this problem."

Imedren's eyes widened at the reveal of the clockworks apparent identity. Though the talk of the conversation caused a grimace from Imedren at the memory. His source of great shame. He walked over to Sunionious Roo.

"That was me who used some of your work. But before you go and make too many judgments, it was to undo the very spell which had been used before to cause mayhem as we tried to save our home from a Hag and her forces intent on destroying Crossings. There was no other way at the time."

"I don't think I've ever heard of a clockwork escaping from hell before."

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Potent spell. +1 Strain. Action Cast Fireball. Aiming 4 yards above the Furies.

Potent, fireball damage: 5d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 4, 6) + (2, 6) + (1) = 28

Slow initiative: Greater sorcery- Potent spell. +1 Strain. Action Cast Explosive missiles. Missiles 1 aiming for the first Fury, missiles 2&3 aiming for the second of the Furies.

Potent, Explosive missile damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
Missile 1: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (5) + 5 = 17
Missile 2: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1) + 5 = 10
Missile 3: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (5) + 5 = 16

Fast initiative: Greater sorcery- Lasting spell: +1 Strain. Action: Cast Empower magic.

Slow initiative: Empower spell: Cast Pain vs. the closer of the Furies.

Boons: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) = 8
Pain: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 4 = 18

Dark magic boons 2, medallion bane 1: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Will vs. Frightening: 1d20 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 6 = 28
Imedren didn't flinch. Dressed in a new suit for his friends wedding, he was disheartened that it was likely to get ruined.

He was going to ensure that nothing bad happened. He wasn't entirely sure he'd seen what was going to happen today but it had almost been poetic in it's own way.

Imedren's Fast turn: Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Action- Cast Twain Self. He braced for the headache as several yards away the silvery portal opened and out came his older self.

"Agh, it's been a while," Eldren said. "What's going on?"

Eldren's Fast turn: Greater Sorcery- Lasting spell. +1 strain. Cast Accelerate. the same mercurial light suffused both of his bodies.

"Congratulations, you're here for the tail end of Dramm and Ezekia's wedding ceremony. Now help us make sure there's a happy reception afterwards!"

... ... ... ...

Imedren's Slow turn: Greater Sorcery: Lasting spell. +1 strain. Cast Third Eye. A dark blue light suffused the center of both the sorcerer's head, forming an eye pattern.

"Of course." Eldren said, taking a more solid look at the scene playing out before them. "Furies, hmm. This may require more preparation than usual."

Eldren's Slow turn: Greater Sorcery: Lasting Spell. +1 strain. Action: Cast Vision.
Again a flash of blue light suffused their eyes as they took in the scene in full truth. After a moment, Imedren recoiled in surprise.
"Really, men worship these things?!"

Eldren merely looked taken aback.

"I'd read several descriptions in forbidden books, but they fail to capture the truth."
Banes, 6: Greater sorcery 4, Medallion 1, Twain Self 1: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 3, 5, 2) = 18

Will vs. Outburst: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 5 = 14