Mirinde the Elf's page

My condolences. Take all the time you need DM Brainiac.

Absolutely Mirinde will take advantage of Justica's blessing :)

As Azazel announces his presence Mirinde feels the presence of the goddess wash over her...bring with it a sense of loss and pain she was well used to. Moving to draw strength from her agony here she cries out, "YOu are the fool Azazel! Life IS Agony and Suffering! Locking up the source of the pain is no way to confront it. It must be dealt with DIRECTLY!!"

She then calls upon her magicks to bring pain and agony to Azazel and his followers!

Cast Magic Missile.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 = 8 Lost, Misfire!
Misfire!: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Patron Taint (The Lady in Blue).
DM Brainiac: Let me know what form the Patron Taint takes, then I can decide whether to burn a point of Luck to avoid it.

Mirinde glances behind them before shifting her gaze to the Carnifex, "Your offer is quite...tempting and I am not adverse to your gratitude...although perhaps you have something more to offer..."

Mirinde studies the features of the beautiful woman (and her raven) closely, while she allows the warriors to occupy her attention.

That raven...it could be a spirit companion or even...a familiar...interesting. She may actually be mortal!

"Forgive my companion's bluntness. We mean no offense but our curiosity is quite piqued here."

So it looks like the order the segments were placed is:
D > E > B > A > C.

So the order to remove them is:
C < A < B < E < D.

Mirinde nods slowly in agreement with Clancy here and prepares to assist Degan in the grim task of unsealing the binding.

Degan gets an additional +1 from Mirinde.

Mirinde stares about the grotto her eyes taking in every detail. "Well this scene here seems to corroborate with what Azazel has informed us...yet I agree with Istevan here. I do not believe destroying the jewels serves our purposes." Her gaze lingers over the pools where the skeletal forms lay submerged, "These skeletal forms may provide answers to us..."

Mirinde will move closer to the skeletons as close as possible to examine them further without entering the water.

Mirinde glances at the thief with a doubtful look in her eyes, "You are correct in that destroying these rubies will have an effect here...the statue animating may be the least of our worries."

Pointing out the staircase on the other side of the cavern she adds, "I would not be so quick to follow Azazel's wishes here...this seems a bit convenient would you not say? Investigating what lies beyond this statue would we wise correct?"

"We just need to keep our eyes open Istevan," Mirinde nods grimly as she eyes the statue closely, "I see little reason to linger here, let us see if there is a way around this statue without disturbing these candles."

DM Brainiac: do the candles completely bisect the cavern?

"It seems as if our mysterious benefactor has forgotten more than he has realized," Mirinde comments drily, "This statue is not the prize we seek of this I am sure, but more likely a trap for the unwary."

Mirinde gives Istevan a bemused look here, There are more ways to be rewarded than by merely monetary measures...

"We are ready to perform the task require of us now. Show us the way Azazel."

Mirinde stares intently at the alien idol trying to memorize its shape thoroughly. Taking out her grimoire she makes a detailed sketch of the idol committing it to parchment.

Would that I could gather a sample of that slime...it may prove useful at a later time, but it is too closely guarded. Mayhaps we can return here once Azazel has fled.

Mirinde nods slowly as she takes the broken hammer in her slender fingers, wincing at the heft of the ungainly weapon. In her other hand is a mithril dagger, which she then proceeds to slide her forearm allowing her lifeblood to trickle down the haft of the weapon...

Spell Check (Mending), Spellburn 1 pt of STR: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21 The caster permanently repairs one normal, complex object with moving parts and multiple elements. Essentially the warhammer is as good as new.

Mirinde nods slowly, clearly not convinced by the explanation here, but unwilling to discuss it further. "Very well Azazel, we accept your gracious hospitality. May we also trouble you for sustenance? our exertions have left us famished."

Once the party is settled in Mirinde approaches Clancy, "I can attempt to mend your broken weapon Clancy, as I foresee it will prove useful in the coming hours ahead."

Should Clancy agree the Mirinde will cast Mending on the hammer.

Mirinde is somewhat surprised to discover the creature followed the path of Law. Still she knew these creatures, while they may be allies for now, would turn against the group...once their goal has been achieved.

"So Azazal, these cultists we encountered earlier, they all serve you and your cause? Forgive me but they seemed to follow the tenets of those who oppose you. Why does their appearance reflect those who worship that foul Death cult?"

Mirinde watches the exchange closely between the 'warrior of light' and her own companion here.

This one is not as it seems...yet how much of this is falsehood? The best lies rely upon a grain of truth, after all!

Briefly she considered calling upon her own patron, but quickly dismissed the idea. Time to rely upon her own wits.

"Forgive my companion's skepticism here but your story is a bit...outlandish. Still we do not wish this abomination loosed upon the land. How would we destroy these jewels? Can they be smashed by a typical hammer, or does something more potent be required?"

Has Mirinde ever heard of Azazel? Also how are the vines reacting to him? Fear or attraction?

Mirinde eyes the newcomer skeptically here, Strange that he shows himself at this time...I trust him not! still she keeps quiet here whilst watching the interplay of the vines around him.

Mirinde is loath to call upon her powerful missiles here, due to the unsettling visions caused by the fell power, yet she also knew the party was still outnumbered...

Cast Magic Missile, targeting the closest cultist.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Burn 1 point of Luck here: total 14.
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 to the cultist harassing Istevan.

Mirinde cares little if her bow misses, seeking to distract the cultists further...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 2 = 17; damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Mirinde hangs back from the others here, straining to identify the hunched figures in some way, her bow nocked and ready to fire.

"I believe this is another symbol of the cultists, but if you insist I can take a closer look," Mirinde peers closer at the strange symbol recalling where she had seen it before...

Mirinde points out the door in the corner of the chamber, "It looks like these cultists were holding something imprisoned here. I say we leave it be and follow Istevan's lead here."

Mirinde is momentarily stunned as she hears echoes of otherworldly screams of agony in her mind. Fumbling for her bow she sends an arrow at another cultist...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15; damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Mirinde allows the meat shields...err...her fellow party members to advance here as she again calls upon her eldritch might here!

Cast Magic Missile, targeting the closest cultist.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 1d4 ⇒ 4 missiles doing 4d4 + 12 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 3) + 12 = 24 damage.

And again! 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 HP. Currently 14 (of 15) hp.

Mirinde will take it gladly! 1d6 ⇒ 3 HP. Currently 10 (of 15) hp.

Mirinde quickly dives back around the corner still bleeding profusely, "See if you can draw them closer. I have something special planned for them," she hisses, waving her bats to continue slowing down the cultists!

Actually she just wants to get a chance to be healed, and also save her strength here to do some Spellburn goodness ;)

Seeing Degan take a lousy shot here Mirinde knows the drum must be destroyed...so she calls upon her dark magicks to do just that!

Cast Magic Missile, targeting the drum.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 single missile does 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

"Now that we know where these cultists are stationed I can direct my bats to attack them. It will buy you enough time to reach the balcony and engage them face to face." Miring chimes in.

Mirinde can communicate very basic commands to the bats and they will obey, however they cannot communicate with her except by primitive squeaks. It's up to the DM how far that goes :) Basically she would use the bats to try luring whoever is doing the drumming top reveal themselves.

Mirinde takes her time to clamber up the vines here, recalling how she was unsuited for strenuous activities. "I could send my bats off to investigate the noise. They would not draw the occupant's attention much. Perhaps they would reveal their nature further."

Mirinde nods in appreciation to her summoned spirit friends before focusing a piercing gaze upon Degan, "I believe this is your specialty?"

"A wise choice Degan" Mirinde nods approvingly, "Now let us see about the other doors..." She points the bats towards the other pair of doors.

Bat Strength checks: 3d20 ⇒ (2, 4, 13) = 19

"Let me see what effects the door has upon a 'living' being..." Mirinde continues as she calls forth her magicks...

Animal Summoning: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 She will summon three bats and send one each into the three doors.

"Animal spirits draw forth the chaos-substance from the ether to form the outer shell of the body," Mirinde replies, "As for the reality of these animal spirits, yes indeed they ARE real, though not as you would understand reality. As for feeding one of the wafers to the animal do realize we only have 12 wafers to consume."

Mirinde nods humorlessly, "Yes Istevan those wafers are undoubtedly magical in nature...and would indeed corrupt you. As for the nature of said corruption there is one way to find out..."

In response to Clancy she nods slowly, "I could summon some animals to test the nature of each portal...although such a method is not foolproof."

"Those wafers in the previous chamber were as fresh as the moment they emerged from the oven," Mirinde adds, "That could be the key to the puzzle...or possibly a trap for the unwary."

"Hold Istevan," Mirinde calls out, "Each of these doors poses a danger. We need to determine how to bypass it!" Carefully avoiding the doors she instead focuses on the rest of the chamber looking for any further clues.

Mirinde pulls her attention away from the runes and nods slowly, "Yes, I fear we do not have the time required for me to determine the meaning of these runes...although I suspect they bode ill for us."

"If you can spare some time here I can attempt to decipher these runes."

A couple of questions here:
1) Did Istevan actually go through the archway to the next chamber?
2) How many visible holy symbols are there? Six total, one for each skeleton?

Mirinde sniffs disdainfully, "Of course we should thank her..."

Turning her attention to the secret door she ponders carefully, "Perhaps only those worthy of the Carnifex are allowed passage here. The symbols of the Carnifex," pointing to the three-headed raven symbol, "is the key here." Peering at the still-fresh wafers she pauses, "The wafers would be consumed by the faithful correct Clancy?"

Mirinde whirls around to affix a glare at both cleric and thief. "What did you expect here? This is a death cult! They hold a different value than we do!" After calming herself here she adds, "As for your question Clancy...these are various animals represented by the sigils, along with astrological signs. These stacks show those cultists who perished from 500 to 200 years in the past...a memorial if you will. I am certain their spirits linger still...best to press on here."

Once the party has been situated in the entry chamber Mirinde slowly looks around, her elvish sight easily discerning the alcoves and the skulls therein.

"Hold. perhaps these skulls hold further clues as to what lays ahead." She replies as she slowly makes her way towards the nearest alcove.

"A wise decision Istevan," Mirinde nods. "It would be easier to cross the chasm if I was braced by one lifeline on each side."

Mirinde will wait until Istevan crosses before being tied off with TWO lifelines.

Mirinde barely has time to steady herself from her near brush with death, before the call from Degan snaps her back to reality.

"That fool..." Mirinde swears even as she lapses into a trance calling upon some aid for the foolish thief...

Cast Animal Summoning to summon a group of bats to help distract the spider.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Once Degan has secured the rope on his end Mirinde volunteers to be next here. "That portal may be warded by powerful magicks still."

After Clancy secures the lifeline rope around her waist she mutters softly to herself a quick prayer to her unholy patron, and grasps the rope firmly as she is swung across...

STR check: 1d20 ⇒ 3 Yikes! Well I will wait to see if the others can save Mirinde here before she burns her Luck here.

Mirinde glances about her, peering upwards and risking quick look toward the bottom of the chasm. (Infravision 60')

"This is...an unpleasant dilemma. Trying to penetrate that water flow is certainly suicide, we need to find another way."

Does Mirinde see anything else of note?

Mirinde has no interest in the potions (though eventually she will be able to brew them). That spellbook is of fart greater value to her.

Mirinde tunes out the useless twaddle coming from the various rumor mongers here and focuses upon the this so-called Cult.

"It seems as if this Cult has left its mark upon this cesspool of a city...still investigation may prove fruitful..."

Surely some forgotten tomes of arcane power must lay buried therein!

Jewels sounds interesting, so let's do it!