Marten Daseto's page

I had originally taken creative liberty with Marten's life after Karzoug, assuming that he'd be able to retrain one of his feats/arcane discoveries to learn the Immortality arcane discovery. However, I'd forgotten that a wizard had to be 20th level to take that ability. So that inspired me to give Marten that ambition after his adventuring career was over, and after he had seen his family and companions in good hands. And then I like hinting that Marten may or may not become immortal, but leaving it up to the future (but probably never) to determine if he succeeded or not.

This is easily one of the best groups I've gamed with, live or PbP. Thanks again to all of you for a great adventure!

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25

"That was ridiculous," Marten grouses to the others as they emerge from Karzoug's demi-soul-plane. "All that arcane knowledge and that's the best he could manage? I had no idea the ancient Azlantis were so primitive! Very eye-opening!"

Marten is ready to head back to Korvosa, but seems just as ready to grumble when he's overruled that Drazh and Azalia want to first strip the ancient city of its wealth. He protests a bit about things like "historical significance," but in the end he assists with his teleportation magic so that the five adventurers return to civilization fabulously wealthy. The others seem content to move on with their lives, whether ambitious or humble, putting the battle with the ancient Runelord behind them.

But not Marten.

He told everyone what had happened. Throughout the hallowed halls of the Acadamae, to the high society of Korvosa and Magnimar, and even the busy streets of Sandpoint, it was known that Professor Desato and his companions ended the threat of the ancient Runelord Karzoug for Varisia, Avistan, and beyond.

Regularly sporting the gaudy robe over his black suit that he plucked off of the misty corpse of Karzough, he lectured about ancient Thassilonian magicks at the Acadamae, even hosting field trips to Xin-Shalast for those students capable of providing their own spells enabling them to survive in that extreme climate. Aside from those ancient spires, students were eager to see the giant wildlife that seemed to single out their Professor. A giant owl would sometimes swoop by incredibly close to ruffle his hair; or a large moose would appear from around a corner to roughly nudge him from behind; once there was even a sighting of dire monkey howling at him from a window on high. The most bewildering aspect of those encounters was that the cantankerous wizard never seemed to mind. He'd just shake his head in annoyance and chuckle.

Back in the wizard college itself, Marten's lectures were notoriously popular, but none moreso than when a dwarven "visiting lecturer" from Grung Varn would show, nearly always leading an uproarious debate between the two concerning the magic of the mind and the magic in the dwarf's arms as he tossed Marten's desk across the room. The debates were never civil, but Professor Desato was usually in a great mood for days afterwards.

But not all of Marten's time was spent at the Acadamae. Few know that he diverted much of his time to more focused tutoring of his brother's childen. His nephew never developed a passion for arcane magic, but that didn't bother Marten. The lad was bright and learned according to his passions. The two were very fond of each other. However, Marten's niece became his pride and joy. She had the knack for wizardry, and Marten would regually assure her that there was nothing better for her magical education than her uncle's arcane attention. Even his brother's wife came around to appreciating her brother-in-law. She, Marten's brother, and Marten spent many a late night in that house with a drink in hand talking about the news of Sandpoint and beyond.

While in Sandpoint, Marten would often visit Anneka to talk to express his concern about her growing predilection for shadow magic and with Azalia to check on the magical wards he placed there. Both of them realized, however, that these were just Marten's stunted attempts at being social.

He would assure Azalia that his wards would last for 100 years... and that he would renew those wards then. She didn't think much of his boasting until the day 100 years later when he showed up to do just that. He certainly looked older, but certainly not 100 years older. When asked how he was not dead, Marten's only response was an arrogant chuckle before responding, "I'm not planning on dying anytime soon."

Following his goodbye with an arcane murmur, Marten returned to his own pocket plane of existence. Time flows differently here, slower. It buys him time. He knows that the arcane secret of immortality exists. He spends most of his time on this plane where his aging is slower so that he can research. He knows that he's close to learning the secret of everlasting life. If that fool Karzoug could jury-rig a way to traverse time, Marten should be able to divine the secrets of living through all of it!

He knows that he's close to immortality. So close.

I'm taking my family camping this weekend and into the week, so I'll try and get Marten's final post up after that but before U.S. Thanksgiving.

Marten would make an amazing mentor that any apprentice would love and never have any issue with.

I kind of made a promise to myself that I wouldn't try and join any further APs for a play-by-post game. I just think it's not the best type of adventure for this play format, and it's always disappointing when it fizzles out. Homebrew or shorter adventures is the way to go for me. However, I'd make an exception for this group, especially if it has ties back to this campaign.

Basically time to discuss what your characters are going to get up to now ye have defeated Karzoug, there's still a few small reveals but ye defeated him, I ran his tactics like in the book. Suffice to say if he had zapped Drazh out of the fight with temporal stasis it could have gotten nasty.

I forget what the touch spell Karzoug had charged was, but I do remember that it wouldn't have killed outright, just majorly incapacitated the victim. My plan for if that happened would be to cast maze on Karzoug, for which there is no save, and if I got past his spell resistance would have taken him out of the fight for at least a round, more if he didn't roll his save well. Marten has greater dispel magic prepared (which Karzoug's touch spell specifically lists as a counter to it), and the Nalfeshnee can cast it at will. Marten also has a scroll of limited wish that could have replicated greater dispel magic, also. We would have spammed that spell until Drazh was back in the fight. Hopefully, the maze spell would have bought us some time.

Drazh was in good(ish) hands. He, Azalia, and Ferocia were crucial to this fight, obviously, especially with the two runeforged weapons. I debated trying to get all three of you attacking the same target, but I wasn't sure which target would have been better.

I'm glad I set up that contingency for Marten, even if it kept me from benefiting from Anneka's healing. I wasn't sure if I would get to use it before the campaign ended.

I am a bit bitter that my Mirror of Guarding Reflections was not useful even once in the times I used it, I think.

In some ways I'm a bit shocked we've actually completed the adventure path (especially with my spotty record the last year). It's really cool to actually get a game come to a close of a full blown adventure path with most of the original characters still present to boot! The side adventure in Korvosa added on time too but it was still fun.

You recruited me from a Kingmaker campaign we were both in, which is still going strong! We are in book 4, with only me and Colwyn as the only two original PCs still in the game. But you recruited me to replace a guy who dropped out in the first or second adventure, I believe. (There was some sort of drama that I never fully understood, but it's none of my business.) And I think we kept the same group through the entire rest of the adventure path!

Decimus dropped out, of course. I hope he's doing well! If you still talk to him, let him know that we're thinking of Miron, Creydon, and the ever-so-brief Ze'ev!

This is the only AP that I've started that has finished! Thanks for sticking with it, Kevin. And everyone else, too!

Five years is a long time, admittedly I think we blitzed through the first three books in like six months at some break neck speed. I've started adventures that have fallen by the way side for various reasons. Thanks for sticking with me as we got this done! ...well mostly done. Time for the victory lap and establishing what ye do next.

I have some vague ideas but I am sure ye have notions of your own.

I have some ideas, but I need to think of something appropriately prima donna enough for Marten.

Is there any point to divvying up the loot? I don't care if Marten or Azalia takes that spellbook. It might be an interesting magic item (artifact!) for Azalia to study. As for the robes, if anyone has any plans for their PC to stay in or return frequently to Xin-Shalast, the robes could be helpful. If Anneka or Azalia want the robes for their spells, it looks like they are good for any spellcaster. If nobody wants them, Marten would love that item (as a conversation starter about how he killed Karzoug the Runelord), which would make his Robe of Runes (that we got from Mokmuran) available.

"So long as you leave the vials here, I suppose. It would be foolish to bring any part of him out of this place. But this crystal and its gathering of souls is what's fueling his resurrection! We need to destroy it so that he can no longer harness its energies!

"Only Azalia has managed to harm it," Marten spares a dismissive glance for the Nalfshanee, "so perhaps it can only be damaged by your Runeforged weapons."

Later, after the crystal is destroyed (or they've stopped trying to destroy it), if the Nalfshanee is still nearby, Marten turns to address it.

"Oh. You're still here. You can go, I suppose. Contract fulfilled and all that." He makes an exaggerated, yet sloppy mimic of a signature in front of him.

While the outsider unleashes it's fury it is unable to even scratch the soul lens!!!!

"You useless retch!" Marten shouts at the Nalfshanee. "DO SOMETHING!"

With a terrible roar directed in equal parts at the crystal in front of him, the wizard floating above him, and the wizard shouting at him from across the room, the demon looks upwards and snarls something incomprehensible yet arcane sounding. A bolt of lightning streaks down, passes through the Runelord and into the crystal.

The Nalfshanee is casting call lightning. Since Karzoug is right above the crystal, he's in the line of effect and both targets get hit. DC 18 Reflex for half.

Electricity damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) = 11
Spell resistance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Marten takes his own advice and dismisses the resilient sphere from himself standard action, retrieves a handful of dweomer's essence from his handy haversack move action, and casts a Heightened cold ice strike swift action at the Runelord.

Marten's preferred spell is cold ice strike, which allows him to cast it spontaneously and with any metamagic feats without increasing its casting time. Marten is casting it as an 8th level spell, losing his prepared use of sunburst. DC is 29 reflex for half damage.

Cold damage: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 1) = 24
Spell resistance: 1d20 + 16 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 5 = 28

Kevin, is it apparent to the party how we'll leave the place we're in?

Seeing that his demon hireling is unlikely to land a blow on Karzoug, Marten redirects it.

"Nalfeshnee! Destroy the crystal and our contract will be met! He will not be able to rise again!"

With a snarl at the Runelord, the boar-headed demon drops down to the crystal and tries to destroy it.

Bite attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) + 11 = 21

Claw 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 37
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 2) + 11 = 16

Claw 2: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 4) + 11 = 20

Spying the arcane energy surrounding Karzoug's hand from inside his resilient sphere, Marten calls out, "If he touches you with that spell, you're out of the fight! But if he can't reach anybody, he'll lose the spell if he casts another one!"

Not entirely satisfied with his role in this battle so far, Marten snatches another cure serious wounds potion from his handy haversack and drinks it.

Cure serious wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) + 5 = 14

"Ottiluke!" Marten shouts as the Karzoug's fiery meteors are summoned above the party. A resilient sphere encircles the wizard, but one of the flaming rocks reaches him before the sphere completely materializes.

Marten takes 5+20 damage. Not bothering with the Reflex save because Marten can't pass it. The bottom of his force sphere is now covered in rubble. What a mess.

However, Anneka's positive energy can't pass through his sphere, so he digs a potion of cure serious wounds from his handy haversack and hastily drinks it. He sputters and nearly chokes as a sudden realization comes to him.

"Drazh! That crystal! It gathers souls! It must be what is powering his restoration!"

Cure serious wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 4, 4) + 5 = 15

The Nalfeshnee's eyes widen at this interesting fact, but they do not stop with their contractually obligated attacks.

Bite attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) + 11 = 23

Claw 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (16) + 23 = 39
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 5) + 11 = 17

Claw 2: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 1) + 11 = 17

Resilient sphere (hardness 30) hp: 253/320

Kevin, did anything come from my Knowledge check concerning the giant rune stone?

Also, I haven't been monitoring my HP, apparently. I can use my daily contingency to survive, but I'm wondering if there's a ret-conned healing opportunity we can take (since it's hard to keep track of the action when each round can be months apart in real time).

Am I reading correctly that Azalia might also be in trouble from that fire damage?

We are 25 feet away from the crystal, and he is floating 40 feet above the ground directly above the crystal. We are at the edge of some sort of pool beneath Karzoug and the crystal. I would have teleported us closer, but I don't know how deep the pool is nor any effects it would have on us if we were to get in it. If the pool walls aren't too high, you could definitely reach the crystal this round.

Not sure if we should attack the crystal instead, but figured you would find out and tell me if you are studying it.

Marten is very ready to tell you if he thinks you're doing something wrong.

Taking +2 to attack and +2 dodge for Blessing of Fervor

Oh yeah, me too.

Azalia, you didn't finish your sentence above. But it sounds like you're attacking Karzoug?

I don't recall who exactly has a Runeforge weapon or what it does, but it might be important!

Once his allies and his temporary thrall are set in motion, Marten spares a glance at the glowing crystal and the runes upon it.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48

"Marvelous," Marten murmurs as he enters this cylindrical realm. He'd like to say more, but Karzoug's monologue clues him into the importance of addressing this threat.

We'll need to spread out, Marten signs to the others in Varisian Sign Language before finishing aloud, "but we should get closer to him first. Join hands."

Marten casts dimension door, bringing the entire party to Karzoug's rear, right next to the glowing pool. "Low stone walls" implies we can just step over them?

I've taken the liberty of moving the party on the map.

"Nalfeshnee! I call in your debt!"

When the boar-headed demon appears, Marten points to the flying Runelord and calmly states, "Kill that one."

Nalfeshnee stats

Kevin, I don't know if you intended for me to run the demon, or if you were going to. If it's me, the demon will attack with it's melee from reach.

Bite attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) + 11 = 27

Claw 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 2) + 11 = 16

Claw 2: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 3) + 11 = 17

I'm here, too! I've had a couple strategies in mind, but like Azalia, I want to review my options. I expect to be able to get a post up this weekend.

Karzoug in 2023?

"That was foolhardy of her to just jump through like that. You better go through next, Drazh. I'll be right behind you, and then Anneka."

Marten casts Moment of Prescience on himself and then enters the portal after Drazh.

"Hmm. Drazh, aren't you carrying an aligned something-or-other? Runeforged, was it? See if you can pick up the lens."

"Any idea what's missing?" she asks aloud, meaning the question for Azalia but knowing Marten was likely to answer first. And longest. In fact, maybe she shouldn't have asked.

Well, I can't pass up that invitation.

"I swear," Marten agitates, motioning at the symbols and other paraphernalia in the pagoda, "the amount of vanity this so-called Runelord exhibits is astounding. It's like he wants to announce to the world that his pride wars with his greed as his primary deficiency."

As he gets more worked up, the three magical stones of power seem to speed up as they circle the intricate, gold headband that sits on his brow. The crimson silk robes that he wears over his immaculate black suit flaps around as he gesticulates.

"Aye, something to open those doors." Drazh said. "Oi, Marten! Got any spells to do it? Huh...I wonder."

"Well, better than using your own hard head, I suppose. Still...."

Assuming that the golden haze of energy still remains, Marten sends his mage's sword at it to see how it reacts to being struck by a plane of pure force energy. Afterwards, he'll cast detect magic to study the doors and the other objects in the room, especially the sarcophagus and the three statues that are supposed to be holding something.

"I don't understand why it's angry. It should have realized that we would want to mitigate any damage done to us. It should have expected this. I guess it's rather slow."

While his mage's sword continues its attack, Marten lazily rummages around in his pack for the scroll of disintegrate he keeps in there.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 10 + 3 = 40
Force damage: 4d6 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5, 3, 3) + 3 + 8 = 25

Mage's sword duration: 14/16

Going back to recap myself on what the heck is going on, I realized that I didn't have Marten's mage's sword attack last round.
Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 10 + 3 = 39
Force damage: 4d6 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 2) + 3 + 8 = 24

Mage's sword duration: 15/16

My math was wrong! It went inactive the very next day!

Would still love to finish this up, Kevin. Just be aware that people might not see any new activity on their Campaigns tab. If you come back to this, you might need to PM us all to let us know.

Hey Kevin, unless I'm doing my math wrong (very possible), we're only a week or so away from this campaign going inactive. Any chance of an update?

Azalia will take the +2 attack/+2 AC from Blessing of Fervor.

Marten also. Forgot to mention.

"Demons are immune or resistant to everythiiiinnnnng," Marten whines before casting magic missile.

Caster level vs. spell resistance: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 4 = 23
Force damage: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 1, 2) + 5 = 15

Reconsidering whether or not it was worth using his scroll of banishment earlier, Marten considers his other options and opts for a spell called mage's sword. He augments the spell with a handful of dweomer's essencce, and a sword-shaped plane of force appears to strike out at the demon.

Caster level vs. spell resistance: 1d20 + 16 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 5 = 27
Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 10 + 3 = 30
Force damage: 4d6 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 3) + 3 + 8 = 28

My map link isn't working... did the document get removed/moved, or is my computer just acting up?

It works for me. We are grouped together 15 feet east of a 20 x 20 square demon. The hallway behind us curves south; the demon doesn't really have anywhere to go other than our direction.

"Hmm. Acquirement, but not enjoyment. That could explain why most of these luxurious rooms are empty."

What are your thoughts?

"My thoughts are that I would love to spend months studying and archiving this entire complex. But we can't do that until this Karzoug is defeated. We should keep moving."

In the next room, Marten pushes his thick-rimmed glasses with masking tape around the nose-piece up his nose so that he can inspect the books better. But he's ready to keep moving towards Karzoug for now.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34

"What do you think?" Marten asks Azalia as they examine the extraneous plot device.

"Someones preserved since before Earthfall, perhaps? Karzoug hasn't placed all of his eggs in one basket, has he."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31

"Hmm. Transmutation magic. How droll," Marten probably says.

I was indeed in Texas for a few years, where I moved for this job, but one of the effects of Covid was my company switching to a full work-from-anywhere policy and they are sticking with it, so I figured at that point, paying a mortgage for the house I own (where my parents live) in addition to rent for an apartment in Texas was pointless. :) So now I live in my own basement (which is finished and actually a really nice space). :)

Nice! I'm not sure where in Texas you were, but the summer in Utah (again, from your profile) has got to be better than Texas.

We visit my wife's family in Rhode Island every summer, and it's such a nice break and also really depressing when we come back. (But then I cheer up when I remember that I'm not at my in-laws' house anymore!)

Dang, a day or two after I made my above post, real life AND most of my PbPs got busy at the same time. I fell behind, and then as the unread posts kept piling on, it became harder and harder to come back to. I already knew that I was above my limit on PbPs, but previously they weren't all busy at the same time. This drove the point home, though, and I've dropped out of a few of them and catching back up on the rest.

In the meantime, I'm thrilled to hear that you guys are all doing well! I had no idea about the cancer scare, Kevin, but I understood at the time not being able to make Pathfinder a priority, anyway. Glad the odds seem to be in your favor for now.

Anneka, congratulations on getting married! I went to Vegas for my bachelor party, and my clearest memory is a limo driver holding a door open for me saying, "Don't do it, man. I have friends who have gotten married, and they all regret it. It's just not worth it." He was completely serious.

I just awkwardly shrugged at him and got in his limo so he could take us to Fremont Street. My wife and I will celebrate our 15 year anniversary later this year. Smart, that you two are getting married before going to Vegas. I had no idea you lived on a farm. It sounds like that's separate from the day job you mentioned?

Drazh! I had forgotten that you had a baby! I love babies! I'm not going to have another one, though. Forget that s+&@. Good luck with with your ankle, knee, and just the whole general appendage. Getting older is great; getting old sucks.

Azalia, I swear I though you had a kid. I guess I misinterpreted something you once said. I knew that you are a community manager from your profile, but not much else. Weren't you in Texas at one point, or did I completely imagine that? I understand if you don't want to answer, of course.

Ferocia!

@ Marten: Is your eldest excited for junior high next year?

I think so? He's doing that thing where all kids about to enter puberty do: he forgets how to show emotion normally because many of his neural pathways are breaking as his brain starts to reform. He's nervous and has expressed anxiety about junior high, but also he's been invested (and dare I say enthusiastic?) about every single thing about finishing elementary school and starting junior high so long as his friends are also going to be there.

I think it's great that your career with Paizo is moving along! It's been pretty cool to see your name come up in new places, such as the occasional blog post. I wish that I didn't feel like I got left behind on Pathfinder 2E, or I'd follow your work more closely.

I hear you about being tired, though. Same. It sounds like you have a lot going on. I hope your family is doing well, including pets and extended. I hope your health continues to improve, and that goes for everyone else, too.

Marten raises both his hands in what's meant to be a calming motion, but is ruined because he looks like he might be irritated.

"Everyone, please remain calm. It's too early to answer any of those questions. Nobody from our time has this sort of knowledge that I know of. It will require weeks of study to understand. But I can theorize about a few things right now:

"But for now..."

Marten casts wall of stone to envelop the ring containing the portal, carefully avoiding damaging any tubes or wires running out from it. If anything is yet visible on the other side of the portal, this will hopefully keep them out for a time.

How is everyone doing? Personally, in real life, I mean?

This is one of the longest running PbPs I've ever been in on this board, and I love that we're still plugging along, nearly reaching the end.

I'm doing great. I'm tired a lot, but that's because (I think) I've fallen out of the habit of exercising and I'm getting old. My oldest kid is finishing up elementary school this year, which blows me away.

"For heavens sake, Ferocia, it's window, not a menacing covered wagon in the night.

"Ooh, a chronostatic severance conduit!"

Know. (arcana): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48
Know. (local): 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (3) + 32 = 35

Marten studies the device and suddenly gasps.

"Magnificent!" he breathes. "You are right, Azalia; it is a window, but not to a different world... a different time. It must be from a time when Xin Shalast was at the height of its power."

Marten turns to the others, his usual lecturing manner replaced by genuine excitement.

"I've been wondering how and why Karzoug has been able to gain followers so readily after he's woken, but with this... he must also intend to call forth followers from the past. From before Earthfall!

"Let me see, instead, if I can disable it for now."

Know. (arcana): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43 <-- Can Marten figure out a way to close or block the portal without destroying the device?

"Do two opposing armies pause to read at each other when they meet in battle, Drazh?"

Marten chuckles and shakes his head at the ridiculous notion. But his mirth is cut short when he looks again at Ferocia and wonders if maybe Dwarven soldiers actually do.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Marten grits his teeth from the pain of the negative energy trap.

"Gah! MY EYES!" Ferocia exclaims after reading the text. "Who would write words that burn?!" She blinks for a while, gives her head a shake and mutters as they move on. "Blasted wizards."

Marten narrows his eyes at Ferocia, but doesn't say anything to her. Instead, he signs to Anneka to ask if she can spare some healing before the group heads through the doors.

After everyone has asked their questions, Marten banishes the planetar. He makes sure everyone knows how he took the time and spent the resources to be prepared for such an action. Kudos to him.

I say we let the planetar decide! Will he accept our offer to banish him today, or will he allow a party of good-aligned heroes conserve their resources by submitting to a headshot?! Which option works towards "the betterment of all?"

Marten stares at Drazh expressionless. He opens his mouth to speak, but closes it again, at a loss how to explain this. Maybe if he keeps silent, this situation will resolve itself?

Marten addresses his comrades. Dare I say... his friends?

"This tells us that Karzoug has a spellcaster minion, which is something we should have the common sense to assume anyway. Well, most of us." Marten gives a quick side-eyed glance to Drazh before turning back to the angel.

"Can you tell us anything about what lies east of here or beyond the doorway you're guarding?"

After the angel has attempted to answer everyone's questions, Marten pulls out the scroll of banishment that he scribed before the group journeyed to the Kodar Mountains and offers to let the planetar punch out early.

Happy Holidays to everyone except for Karzoug, Runelord of Greed and ruler of the realm of Shalast!

Know. Religion: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

"You should feel bad for them, Drazh. Planetars are good angels, and this poor soul is obviously here against their will."

Marten turns to the angel.

"Perhaps we can help you. But please answer my colleague's questions, first. I think that we probably have the same enemies in this place."

Marten tsks as he enters the room. "What sort of decadent nonsense is this?"

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31

As he looks around the room distastefully, he spies an altar hidden in spoiler tags. Examining the altar more closely, he finds a hidden panel containing three scrolls of resurrection, a scroll of commune, and a single enormous platinum key worth 2,500gp.

"This key might fit the locks for the doors in the previous room."

As Azalia scans the room, Marten theorizes about the empty "bedrooms" they passed through.

"It seems to me that whomever sleeps in those bedrooms are probably waiting for us with this Karzoug."

Marten interlocks his fingers to provide a step for Drazh and 'alley-oops' him up so he can reach the giant.