@Volco Yes, I expect you do have many questions. I'll tell you what I know...
the mist and monsters Just a few days ago a patient led an uprising. It wasn’t like any riot I’ve ever heard of, though. It was more like a religious movement. Most of the northern halls are now held by robed patients who call themselves Apostles in Orpiment. Those we’ve encountered are fanatically devoted to a patient named Ulver Zandalus. I’ve never laid eyes on
this Ulver Zandalus person, but some of the other survivors worked here before the uprising. They say Zandalus was a quiet
man who suffered from horrible nightmares—a poet and artist whose art was disturbing, but who always seemed peaceful enough himself. All of that apparently changed, though.
And the mist and monsters? I don’t know wherever they all came from, they emerged soon after the revolt. What’s strange is that some of the patients and asylum staff say that, in the nights before the uprising, they had nightmares of exactly the sorts of things that stalk the halls now
the eye QUEST HOOK: “Adria tells the truth. I… I don’t know what it is. We’ve left it alone and it hasn’t bothered us. Don’t tell the others about it, though. I don’t what to upset the children or any of our more delicate souls. Things are bad enough without that. I can have captain Vaustin lead you to it, if you wish to see this "eye" for yoursleves.
@Narcizia Showers, yes, wouldn't that be a nice... I'm a few days "stale" myself! There are showers in the hospital nearby, I could draw you a map. But the boiler would need to be re-lit before we would have hot water. Still, the danger might be worth it!
@Seara @Ungebrochen The only way in or out of this chapel is the front door, as far as we know. As for who you are, I'm sorry, I don't know. you won't be the first ones to lose a piece of themselves here. If you were patients, there must be some record of why you were committed. Quest Hook: Doctor Eliege Losandro was the Hospital Administrator. Perhaps there are patient records in her office.
@Volreg Yes, my Varisian friend, the nightmares are kept at bay within these chapel walls. I've investigated the source of this protection, and it appears to be centered on the statue of Desna in that alcove. Thus, even though I am a cleric of a relatively puritan school of Pharasmic service, I've allowed it to remain.
@Narcizia: “Ha, No, I'm not a patient. I’m Winter Klaczka, a sister of Maiden’s Choir Cathedral in Caliphas. My associates and I were helping a Royal Accuser investigate "strangeness read: adventure hook!" in Thrushmoor.” She looks Narcizia over. And you don't look to bad yourself. Though I see you could do with a shower!
@Seara You look around and notice there are a few ways to help:
how to help:
-Prepare Firewood: it's getting low
-Prepare Food: you can smell food wafting from a kitchen to the NE
-Calm and Medicate: a man in one corner of the chapel appears to be having some kind of nervous breakdown. A lady (nurse) is trying to calm him down.
Very well, dear. Come along and rest now. But please, do not leave the chapel like that again without telling me. We were worried sick, and almost sent a search part for you!
Turning to you all, Winter says Welcome. I am Winter Klaczka. It's fall to me to defend these survivors, here in the chapel where we can be safe. You must be tired. Come, sit and we will find you something to eat. This is a safe place to sleep also. Safe from the nightmares. I do not recommend that you try to sleep outside the walls of this chapel though.
So, welcome. You may stay here. And if you can lend a hand, please do!
Listen, I'll make you a deal. Betcezia wears a ring, on her left hand. Kill her. Take the ring from her hand, and bring it back here to me. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you attempt to put this ring on yourself. Simply bring it to me and I will give you a gift: I will locate and deliver your beloved Professor von Lunershine. Now, you have been here long enough in my private room. Please leave. Euphrixia turns away to dress. You step back onto the platform and throw the switch DOWN. The elevator lurches and begins to descend. You feel lucky to have met and survived an interview with one of the loveliest, and doubtless deadliest, succubi of the nine hells. Next stop: THE BREAKING OF HEAVEN.
any witty conversation for the ride down for us? Or should I just get the AP out and describe the first room down there, haha!
I would certainly not mind seeing that vampire b&tch delivered to the agents of Zura. In fact, I would pay to see it happen...
Euphrixia, beautiful as she is, spits on the floor. Betcezia. Bah!
Although an obscure evil creature, Sandin is quite studied, and knows the following about Betcezia
Spoiler:
Once a powerful servant of the demon lord Zura, Betcezia betrayed her mistress and swore fealty to Izmiara in exchange for her own level of Dominax Annuli. Betcezia brings slaves under the Insatiable Queen's control by turning them into vampire spawn and other controllable undead.
Euphrixia chuckles. Well, She has thus far fended off all the demons and retrievers Zura has sent to collect her, and it has been decades since the Vampire Queen attempted to bring her back to Nesh. Nevertheless, Betcezia maintains a constant force of eight loyal vampires spread throughout the Ring of Seduction to defend her should anything
threaten her.
Ah, here it is! Professor von Lunershine. Oh, yes I remember this one. He passed his preliminary training in the Shrine of Rest and Fullfillment. Then in the Ring of Obedience. Which means he is now being trained in...Ewe yuck!
Euphrixia crinkles her nose.
...he's being trained by BETCEZIA, THE CORPULENT MISTRESS. I hate that skinny B*tch.
Crap, just realized I posted as RHEA last night *facepalm*. AND stupid paizo server just ate my sexy post I was about to post. Whatanight. But regardless of GM mistakes, i'm still enjoying this slow burner game. Thanks folks!
Retype:
Euphrixia takes the book from Knute. Come now, Master Dwarf. We both know you are not sorry for your intrusion in to my private sanctum. She thumbs through the text for you. And I am also aware that you are not here for this Professor friend of yours... she shoots a glare at Nixie.
She returns to thumbing the book. This time caressing it whith her thumbs and licking her index fingers seductively as she turns the pages. Tell me, are you all aware of what goes on down there, in the chambers beneath our feet? You know the level the elevator takes you down to is The Breaking of Heaven right? You will not like what you see there...
Euphrixia turns to Gabi. Hm, I do not specifically remember her, but her type is the kind Ismiara likes around here! Come, give me the ledger. I will tell you if your professor is here in the Annuli.
Euphrixia's voice seems somewhat frustrated. This place is my Sanctum. You should not be here unless you have the proper training. Rolling her eyes, Euphrixia looks at Knute. Give me the ledger, I will tell you what became of your friend.Bluff:1d20 + 38 ⇒ (9) + 38 = 47
As Knute hands Euphrixia the towel she stops singing. There is a long pause. Euphrixia pulls the towel in slowly. Then cautiously peeks out of the curtain...
Surprised: Wha, what are the lot of YOU doing in here? I thought I sent you DOWN into the lower levels!! You...you aren't allowed in here!
Euphrixia smiles broadly at Elros' words. No one is allowed down into the lower levels on Domanix Annuli without Ismiara's permission. Therefore, no one has ever surprised her down there. But I will tell YOU a secret, master Elros. There are two ways down there: first, the General's Statue hides a stairway. Second, a portal in the library, under the polar bear skin that lyes before the fireplace. Now I must take my leave from you all. For if it is found that I saw you and yet you made it into the complex, well, things might go bad for me.
Euphrixia, at least the women portion of her being, is a lovely creature. Too bad you won't have time to get to know her better. She blows Elros a kiss, then leaves through the way you all entered.
Have I not introduced myself either, Elros? How rude of me. the creature spreads her wings and bows in true abyssal court fashion. My name is Euphrixia. I am in charge of training Ismiara's consorts in the arts of pleasure here in Domanix Annuli. But I have many servants to tend to those duties. Mostly, I just keep the Library these days. And take baths here in the Pool of Quenched Thirsts
Euphrixia strides forward, water cascading off her body. She makes her way to the clothes chest and unlocks it, removing an emerald silk robe and puts it on. Tieing the sash she turns around to face you.
Elros, suppose Ismiara was opposed to you taking this Professor Lunarshine from her fortress. What would you do to her?
Geeperz I guess so. Well the dice don't lie! Thoughts detected. You are concerned, Sir, about me? Haha! You have nothing to fear from me. It occurs to Elros that if this creature WERE not evil, she certainly would have to be careful whom she told that fact to, while she lived in THIS place. Tell me, Sir, what is your name? What is your occupation? What do you seek here in Domanix Annuli? it may be that you are the one I have been waiting for. Waiting for, for a long long time...
damn succubuses are seductive even if the are Lawful Good, huh?!
Euphrixia asks: I can tell you are not hear to endure the pleasure training. But you are also not here to vanguish the Lady Ismiara either, or else you would have already tried to kill me. Tell me, what is it that you seek?
Dear one, you are already visiting the only shrine that matters: this Shrine of Rest and Fullfillment is a crowning jewel of the abyss. Healing and pleasures abound in this place. The succubus nods at the wall to the east. With a wave of her hand an illusion is dropped and you see a door appear. Perhapse you would care to learn more? In my personal library? she says as she strides forward slowly up the steps out of the water, her hips swaying like palm trees in a cool breeze. Walking to her, Euphrixia reaches out and touches Valena's cheek with the back of her hand. You will find long lost documents in there, that relate to all the ancient noble families of Golarion. And I will "entertain" your friends while you explore.
Euphrixia smiles at your mention of fatigue. She lifts her arm high in the air and channels positive energy for you...13d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 1, 2, 3, 1, 6, 5, 1) = 36There, that's better.
Oh darling. i can sense your power, but you show only your ignorance. There are many kinds of love. The curriculum here makes one an expert in them all. Shall I demonstrate for you? Come, step into the water...
Oh, the General? He came here to the pleasure-training chambers a year ago. The Lady Ismiara instructed me to "purify" his mind, as usual. But it took many many moons to make him love her. You wouldn't believe the trouble I went through to teach that crusader the curriculum! But surely you did not come here to talk with me about the lady Ismiara's pet!
Euphrixia the great baroness of hell stands up and turns around, fully naked and glistening in the hot-bath water. She stretches her wings out to full span, and yawns.
The women snifs the air, taking in Gabi's perfume Or are you not wearing any?Hmm. You are not one of Ismiara's Neophites. Which means you must have come in the elevator portal. Tell me, how did you get past General Irentios? Is he no longer guarding the door to the pleasure-training chambers?
Crykie. Elros' mighty lightening arrows riddle the general hard. (-128 damage). General Irentios stumbles but is still standing.
will vs slumber:1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9 At least he WAS standing. Swaying for a moment, the great General Irentios falls face first, like Goliath, onto the stone floor. You hear a heavy heavy snoring coming from him.
On his body you find:
1x potion of barkskin (CL 12th),
3x potions of cure serious wounds,
1x potion of fly;
+5 mithral full plate,
+1 heavy crossbow with 20 bolts,
+1 flaming burst greataxe,
+1 short sword,
masterwork flail,
belt of giant strength +4,
cape of the mountebank,
ring of protection +2
Now you can:
-Decide what to do with the General,
-Explore the rest of this room,
-Check out the giant double doors of Lunar Stone to the north, which the General was apparently guarding, and which have images of explicit acts between succubi and mortals carved in stark relief upon them.
You want to see Lady Ismiara, do ya? You want to enjoy the pleasures of my mistress' house? You wanna eat the fruits of the pleasures of the abyss? Well first ya gotta learn how to take a little PAIN, cause there ain't no way you'll be able to satisfy my mistress unless you can take a little PAIN! Like THIS!
The General closes the distance to Sandin with frightening speed.
power attack VS Sandin!:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (5) + 32 = 37 for lots of damage plus fire!:1d20 + 19 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 19 + (6) = 40
As Sandin wakes up Miglaru pulls out a business card and scribbles a few words on the back. He hands this to Sandin. Simply give this to my "librarian". If you make it to his desk alive. Miglaru laughs! True to his word, you receive a +4 evil boon to intel. Wonder how Elros will take all this!?
The Card:
Reads, Lord Miglaru von Phlegethon, Duke of the 4th Circle of Hell. Dealing in Libations, Frustrations, Palpitations and Supplications. and on the back: I authorize the holder of this card entry through the southern door. Please notify me upon his arrival.
And raises his fingers to snap his exit spell again...
The devil stops, just before snapping his fingers, at Sandin's proposal. He strokes his go-tee thoughtfully. Hm, the soul of Katyana, 3rd Sister of Vigilance, mine? Haha! The lord of the 7th circle would certainly be appalled! Do you have any idea what a bargaining chip this would be for the 4th circle?? DONE! He snaps his fingers. Katyana and the jar dissapear. Sandin, you open your eyes in your own body, freezing and shivering.
Um, no. Me and Ismiara don't really have that kind of relationship any more. I will however give you this...
Miglaru snaps his fingers. A pamphlet appears in his hand in a puff of smoke - an almost cheesy magic display. He hands the Pamphlet to Gabi. It says:
Delroy's Guide to Domanix Annuli and it details many rooms in the complex. This may be consulted at any time for information.
Now if you will excuse me Says Miglaru, I must be off. Miglaru raises his hand to snap his fingers: doubless an inter-planar teleport spell about to be cast upon hiz-zelf.
You guys gonna let him the duke of the 4th circle of hell go????
You find the "Duke of the 4th Circle" easy and smooth in conversation. He answers each of your comments in flowing speech.
Gabi wrote:
How often does Isimara send you these delicious offerings, if I may ask?"
Valena wrote:
When was the last time you dined on this desolate moon?"
Oh, It's been recently. How often? Well, I take them as they come, so to speak.Which they do so quite readily in THAT place. Mwahaha!
Miglaru points up to the tower. He shudders. Domanix Annuli. Don't tell me you mortals are actually thinking of GOING IN THERE? I tell you, depravities happen in there that even I would never have thought up in my wildest Abyssal dreams.
1d20 + 42 ⇒ (5) + 42 = 47 A deal? Oh I love deals. What, Mr. Black, do you propose? And do not attempt to decieve me. I know that lucious body doesn't belong to you. I have known Zvetlana for eons. How perfectly lovely to see such a tight possession of a body by an alien spirit! May I ask what you have done with her soul?
Oops. No. Portrait glitch. Got that all squared away though. I know, it's disconcerting isn't it!
Quote:
Just how long have you served your Lady Isimara in this manner?
Miglaru laughs "good"-naturedly. What? Me serve her? Ah, ahaha! I see you have a sense of humor! No, no, I only come to collect these live offerings. Ismiara owes me a, shall we say, debt, of a sort. For services rendered long ago. But that is not important now. Unless you REALLY must know THAT story, haha!
Hell is divided into nine nesting layers, each under the malevolent rule of an archdevil. The nine layers of Hell, from first to last, are Avernus, Dis, Erebus, Phlegethon, Stygia, Malebolge, Cocytus, Caina, and Nessus. What few people know is that these names are simply Abyssal for Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud and Treachery. Miglaru is the Archdevil in charge of the 4th circle, Greed, also called Phlegethon.
Lord, actually. You may call me Lord Miglaru. And i come here from time to time, when Ismiara has a gift to offer me: a poor sod from her harem that displeases her. lord Miglaru rubs his tummy. I just get so hungry sometimes!
Knowledge Planes: Sandin knows Miglaru is not a demon. He is a devil. One, in fact, of the principle devils of the Asmodean court. You know this being is very very dangerous. But then again, so are you guys!
arcane sight reveals but two magic auras upon the being:
-strong divination aura coming from the "man's" left hand. A ring perhaps.
-very strong conjuration magic coming from his cape.
And that He does have spell casting abilities. Very divine ones.
Are you not going to introduce yourselves? Surely suck folks as yourselves have better manners than that! Miglaru does not seem upset, simply amused.
Did someone say my name? a soft voice coos from behind you. You spin around to see a man with nice spanish go-tee, little red horns, and a nice count-chocula style cape. Hm, the devilish man says. Usually when I am summoned here there is a nice gentelman or noble lady shackled for me. But I am indeed intrigued by this turn of events. He takes a flourishing court bow. I am Miglaru, at your service.
Wow, Avenka I SWEAR your post wasn't there when I did that summary. You killed him!
Avenka smashes the skull of the skeletal creature. It howls and dies.
You expect the horned demon dissapear once the creature who summoned it dies, but it does not...Kazurkian continues to fight! Obviously Halruun was not the summoner...
Kazurkian attacks
Hajar 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
then Yazi 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 for 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 HIT
then it swings it's mighty horns back at Hajar, attempting to gore him...
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 HIT
He lets out a horiffic bull-cow Moooooooooo as the gold ring in his nostrils sways back and forth. It must be worth at least 20 shekels!
Dhavyn sure knows a lot about the chaos hammer spell.
The AP says Haruun is CL10. So instead of rolling thes 3 extra d8s in my hand how about I just trade them for no AoO and we move on to next round to avoid confusion. I will find an even MORE confusing spell for you to be confused about, LOL!
I can already tell that Chaos Hammer spell is going to cause some confustion. Yazi, Hajar and Avenka get AoO. If you deal 8 damage then my spell fails and fizzles out. In which case ignore my beautiful narrative of colorful light balls flying around *sigh*
