After the roast owlbear, Gabriel spends the rest of the day's travel discussing with Samen and his shadow ways to make the transformation permanent and how best to customize the new form. He even goes so far as to consult with the teapot... Being exhausted from so much thinking, he quickly falls asleep after camp is made.
He awakes just before bright, preparing himself for the ordeal to come, he consults with his shadow one more time. "We're sure about this right? Your hiding place is going to work?" The transformation was had carried with it a powerful feeling but the knowledge that it was temporary tempered the uncertainty that accompanied it. Now though, the feeling eats at his confidence. You've endured worse at the hands of those damned Moon touched fools. And these are your companions... Well, one is an unfathomable 'sun' entity hiding in a teapot but Samen can be trusted... Now isn't the time for hesitation though.
Gathering his resolve, Gabe goes to Samen to retrieve the necessary pieces for the transformation.
Gabriel ducks and dodges as the bear-thing lashes out at his companions. Cursing his short-sighted ness at leaving his companions open to attack, he becomes visible again next to the creature his fist already most of the way attempting to strike the thing. A flurry of fists and feet follow shorty behind, ending with Gabe leaping into the air bringing a heel towards the head of the owlbear.
Full attack, flurry, stunning fist, ki for extra attack as swift, first sneak gets debilitating injury Bewildered (-4 ac after first sneak vs me, -2 vs everyone else), last sneak gets debilitating injury Disoriented (-4 to attack me, -2 to attack anyone else)
attack 1 vs ff: 23 hit, 26 damage | attack 2: 32 hit, 17 + 4 | Ki attack: 27 hit, 22 + 3 | attack 3 (spin kick) vs ff: nat 20 (18 confirm), 26 + 21 if confirmed
Trusting his shadow to not to get into trouble, Gabe runs towards the insubstantial bear. Focusing on his strike, he attempts to keep the thing from reacting. After he strikes, Gabe dissappear from sight.
Charge, use stunning fist. Swift action to use vanish. Ac 20
"Hmmm, all we can hope for is that it stays on our side then... And be prepared for when he inevitably oversteps and needs to be reigned in. I'm not sure we would be able to carry out this assault without him."
Gabriel looks around and notes, "These are some... interesting... allies we have acquired. We will need to have more discussions later about my own transformation. The extra powers might be necessary in case we are left with just the two of us. I'm loath to put these myco beings against our own, even if one is... haunted(?) by the spirit of Kallik."
Thinking for a moment, he comments, "I don't want to have to drain a portion of your power every day though." Gabe steels himself before his next statement, "We may have to have a chat with the thing in the teapot..."
Gabe gives his shadow's question some thought. I had intended to do so. It seems Samen and Abnaki had some emotional trauma of some kind last night. I'm not sure now is the right time to ask for more favors.... Anyway, what thoughts did you have? Maybe today is the day for discussion and planning rather than action. Though I'd be happy to try again if I've misread the situation.
As the camp awakes from slumber, Gabe observes his companions, attempting to piece together the mood. Abnaki rising from the ground gives him a start but he keeps the surprise under control. As Samen starts to search the camp for coffee, Gabe tags along. "So what do we make of this Abnaki that sleeps in the ground? It seems transformation is a theme we embrace but not all if that is good necessarily."
Finding a quiet moment in the hustle and bustle of getting such a host prepared to move, Gabriel pulls Samen aside to discuss a topic that has been eating at his mind ever since the feast. "I have a... favor to ask. Seeing that undine getting transformed has piqued my interest in trying that spell again. I think I can be more prepared this time so the change isn't as jarring." While asking, Gabriel seems almost apologetic that his first experience was as bad as it was.
Gabe simply shakes his head at their errant companion's entrance. Always the flamboyant one. Handy distraction though."I'm sure we'll figure out some way to access the exclusive secure layers of the magical library. No problem..."
To his shadow "Other than you, I'm still mostly ifrit... at least until I get a better feel for Samen's magic."
Gabriel, uncomfortable at being a subject of all the positive attention, awkwardly bends down to open the chest. Inside he finds a well made, but plain, orian robe. Confused, he looks to Wamblee with a questioning expression. Is my current attire that offensive that they felt the need to dress me?
After receiving an encouraging nod from the chief, Gabe unfolds the robe holding it up in front of him. Taking note that the length is exactly correct for his height and the fabric is remarkably light, he slides his arms into the sleeves.
Immediately he feels the magic woven into the threads. He feels a little bit lighter on his feet while at the same time his muscles feel just that much stronger. He throws a couple practice punches and feels the robe stiffen to provide support where he needs it most. Examining the cloth, there are places that can tie the cloth into bunches so it can be worn tighter if desired. He can't help but grin at the gift he's been given.
Quite out of character, Gabe is the first to speak up. "I'm sure the gems will not be the end of the... allies Moon rallies to his cause if they aren't stopped. You can count me in."
Gabe watches this transformation with interest, getting to see it from the outside for the first time since Samen himself transformed. That felt way more traumatic than it looks now. It will be interesting to see how he perceives the change.
Gabe thanks the wizard for his hospitality and gives a wary glance to the eye above before turning away to head to the next meeting.
Gabe takes a cookie at his shadow's prodding. He just shrugs at the inquiry about their small companion. "They are a steadfast companion. Faces down the gems along side us, even striking the blow to free the being in the containter." Pondering for a moment, he speaks to the discussion of God's, "I can't speak to the desires of this new power. It hasn't asked anything from us other than to spread the word. The demands of others leave their marks on all of us, some more visible than others." He states this last part gesturing to his scars.
Gabriel is among the others at bright. Whether everyone was worn out from the festivities and didn't notice or it was his natural stealthiness, no one noticed his return from his contemplations in the dark. Agreed, my shadow, that could have gone better... and I think it will next time.
Despite his reformed outlook, he winces at the sunlord's outburst. "Totally unnecessary..."
Preparing himself and his belongings, "Let us be off to see what this wizard has to say... if nothing else, they are promising snacks."
As the gathering dies down, Gabriel asks Samen to dismiss the spell. Though the trauma from the change has faded, the new body is still uncomfortable... for now. He fades away from everyone to contemplate this latest experiment and the offer the sun lord has given him among the trees in the oread forest.
If I went that way, I'd have to rebuild the monk park at least to make sure I meet all the archtype replacements with unchained. For example, I would have to pick slow fall as a ki power for it to be replaced with Ki Psionics at or close to the right level. Another thing to consider, going that rout I would end up with ki points and power points. Would you consider combining those pools?
I am also now realizing that I would be combining different psionics systems so I understand if that's a non starter for you.
As the dancing begins, Gabriel decides to test out this new body. Joining in the festivities he leaps from table to table, arms and body executing movements with the music. He is awkward in his new form though so he is not as graceful as he could have been.
Perform Dance:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
As the dancing is dying down, he acknowledges the voice in his head. I will consider your offer for two reasons. One, I trust Samen. And two, you are offering this as an option instead of trying to force me to accept your transformation. Even if I don't accept, I appreciate your consideration of my wishes. Before this experiment, my last "transormation" was against my wishes. You've seen how well that worked out. In his mind's eye he pictures the scars and the pain that accompanied their formation. Gabriel apparently doesn't consider the Heap and the fey influence of changes as the same category of transformation.
I think the "people looking for him" angle would be more of what I was thinking about after more consideration, not so much revenge. Seemed like a good time to close any of that out. That being said, not sure what else Gabe would be looking to do.
Side note, I did remember about a psychic monk archtype that would fit thematically if Gabriel did decide to follow Samen on his quest to free elenity. Enlightened Monk
Gabe first sees the change in his shadow... such a boring thing now. Though grating at times, he is relieved that it still speaks to him. No harm done there at least.
He tries to look around but his reduced vision means he can't see much past the guests. He tries to blink away the softness of the outskirts of the green in the darkness but they stay just out of reach.
Finally he looks down at himself, staring at the pink flesh, poking at himself to make sure it's real. Feeling the loss of so many things he took for granted, he feels naked though he is clothed. His last transformation from the temple's experiments tore him down and he rebuilt himself as best he could. Slowly he is discovering how much of his reformed identity is tied into his innate abilities. The emptiness he feels now is like the walls of his psyche's stronghold have been torn down. Looking into the dark sky he feels like he might fall off into the nothingness. It's only his steel will keeping him from curling into a ball on the ground. Samen is depending on us to not show weakness in his form. Focus... focus...
He finds himself staring overly long into the sky as he is trying to keep it together. Through his inward focusing he notices that the emptiness isn't exactly a void. His mind reaches for the small mote of light that lingers in the vast mental space. As soon as he touches it, a bowl flies into the dark sky, seemingly of it's own volition. Looking around, trying to spot the new threat, he curses his "pure" eyes making things harder to see. This feels... familiar... unlike my fritan magic but triggered similarly though smaller somehow. Maybe if I... He again touches the light mote with his mind, focusing this time on a nearby cup and one of the drink containers. Again, the thing flies without any apparent outside influence! Gabriel looks to Samen with a curious expression, his mental break has apparently been averted. "Not an illusion... Physically changed... there's a gap...before, I could be taller... other abilities replace the loss."
Maybe it was a fragment of personality from before his traumas, maybe it was some of the fey influence from his recent transformation... Either way, the idea of shocking the attendees sounded like a good one. Gabriel gazes at the crowd making note of the various guests. Are we only introducing more chaos into the world? Are we letting adversaries know there is a new type of el? No... no, we are among friends here... and the look on their faces will be worth it!
On the way to the celebration, Gabe discusses with his shadow, "Look, I know you don't like the idea of me trying this experiment. I'll make sure with Samen that any possible... hitchhikers... don't have any issues. He may have some expertise with our... arrangement. Believe it or not, I may have developed a bit of fondness for you."
At the feast Gabriel eats his roast deer in silence, letting the social activities happen around him. He does show a little interest in Samen's new form. It's not every day you see a new life form in action... at least not one that's not trying to kill you.
Gabriel, thankful that Samen is there to hold everyone's attention, fades into the background. Good luck dealing with Kesh-Amon. At least you're better equipped for that than me.
Having created a bit of space, Gabe speaks openly, "Oh my persistent shadow, I don't think anything will happen to you. You are tied to my essence, not my elenity. I don't think any magic that Samen can cast would be strong enough to banish you. Especially if he's casting it on me."
Gabe leans toward the healer and whispers, "Wichahpi, I think you should know you're only feeding their... addiction. I'm not sure how that's possible but I know addiction when I see it."
He starts walking out of the clinic motioning for everyone to follow. Hopefully Samen can convince the salamanders to leave if they don't want to.
Once they are a few steps away from the shop, Gabe turns to Samen, "About your offer. If it were anyone else I would turn you down with no hesitation. But as long as you can guarantee the change is temporary... I will allow you to do your experiment... I don't trust anything coming from that thing in the tea pot."
"He isn't part of our group per se. He did help us by driving off some efreet though. Without him and his companion, Wablee and I might not have made it back here at all. Speaking of... where did they get off too? Hopefully not causing and trouble..."
"Kessh-Amon... I wouldn't take you for the healing medicine type. I don't have anything for sale for this building is not mine." Thinking that was enough to answer the question, Gabe watches silently for a reaction and a response.
Oooo, fancy treats! It'll be interesting to see how Samen trying to bring the sun back to the equal plane and Gabe trying to hide from it plays out. :)
Submitting to the healing arts, Gabriel strips down to his underclothes so she has all the access she needs. As the clothing comes off one can see the blistering is more severe than previously thought. All up his back and front is showing similar injuries, though not as severe, as his arms and face. He winces a little as the cold lotion is applied but doesn't move otherwise. The relief is apparent though as muscles relax that he didn't know he had tensed.
"These scars... they are all that remains of Temple rituals. I assume the practitioners were perverted by Moon but I can't be sure. Institutions that large can have... less palatable processes buried in their dogma the majority doesn't see."
Gabe follows the movements of his shadow as it analyzes the healing tincture. Surprised that the enigmatic being would help rather than mock his condition, he gives a curt nod of thanks and relaxes a bit more until the jarring brightness shines from the cracks in the door to the supply closet. Frowning, he thanks the medicine-ele for her assistance. "You are quite skilled in your craft. Your salve has lessened the worst of the pain. I can recover on my own away from that..." he points his chin towards the shining door while getting dressed, "that offense against the natural world. It may take some time but I am recovered enough to move around comfortably."
Gabe nods to Wamblee at the offer of healing. He limps after the others, refusing help being overly proud to not be able to accept it. Outwardly he scowls at the situation but he is grateful his companions are there just in case.
He looks around at the medicine woman's shop, somewhat incredulous that he methods will be effective. Wamblee trusts her so I will too. Better than Temple ministrations in any case. Hopefully this will take long enough they I won't have to survive more 'help' from this sunlord... whatever his angle is.
As the Sunlord fades, Gabe feels a sense of sick satisfaction in the back of his mind. The shadow, pricking at his psyche again... Shaking off the feeling he returns from his retreat drawing heavy breaths. The excitement of the moment gone, he notices his head feels like the morning after a long night of wine. He stumbles a bit as the full weight of everything that just happened collides with the effects from the teleportation. You can see his exposed skin is starting to blister already. "Just leave that thing in there. We accomplished our goal with the forest already, no need to introduce another problem." He leans heavily against a tree trying to catch his breath but not being successful.
Gabe's experience of the teleportation has definitely soured his opinion of the radiant being
Nothing that bright can be trusted, even if the gems were holding it captive. An enemy of my enemy is only my enemy's enemy, not necessarily my friend. This is only reinforced with the callous method of transportation it used.
Seeing he was back in the forest, Gabriel immediately retreats away from the blazing being into the shadow of the trees, anxious to see what happens next.
Gabe attempts to destroy the remaining golem to prevent any further interruptions to breaking the chains. Who knows how much longer they will stay free from their grasping tendrils being this close to the fiery being.
Gabriel steps nimbly to the other golem to give it another target besides the summoned stone cat. Trying to force a reaction, he lines up a kick, though in his reduced state, it lacks the force he could normally apply. Expecting a counter-attack, he focuses on being ready to dodge.
Move between golem and cat. May provoke but I have +4ac vs aoo (29). Standard attack fighting defensively (28)
Having little to no effect on the wall, Gabriel re-assesses the situation, Lightning is arcing on the stone cat thing. Golems are trying to stop cat thing. Looks like punching more wall like things is the right move...
Deciding on his target, Gabe steps up behind the golem Wamblee is threatening and lets fly a series of fiery punches that all seem aimed at the exact same spot.
5ft step, swift to use Ki for extra attack, flurry. Total all damage before applying DR. Hardness reduces damage as normal.
Hit/Damage
29/23
35/21
42/23
30/25
Being inspired by and having the direction of Abnaki, Gabriel nods and moves closer to the chained Sunlord. Depending on his superior reflexes to dodge the arcs, he assumes a different stance as he searches for the proper place to apply some strikes. These chains look difficult to break... maybe the crystal wall is easier... Gabe wonders to himself. Deciding action is better than watching, he gives the wall a whack to test his theory.
Swift to adopt pummeling style (even though hardness and DR aren't the same). Move to the wall closer to the chains. Attack wall?
Not being certain how to effectively attack living chains, Gabe opts for trying to assist the de-facto Fey Leader. Rushing to Abnaki's side he tries pulling on the chains, using his own knowledge of binding he attempts to loosen just the right spot for Abnaki to wiggle free before he gets broken a fourth time.
Attempt to aid him in whatever he wants to do to not be grabbed. I assume escape artist as that's what I had in mind to use to aid.
With the immediate threat expended, Gabe looks first to see if the trapped 'thing' in the corner is still there. Next, a glance back to his companions to make sure at least one is still up to help the others. He spots the stone giant but keeps scanning as though it were a decoration in the room. Lastly, he looks up to where the giant claw emerged, hoping to head off any other threats that may emerge.
It's gotten quite hazy by me as well. Looking at the maps, the fires are relatively small but the weather systems are just right to blow the smoke everywhere. Definitely not something you see all the time. If it weren't for all the air quality issues, it would be pretty neat.
His quarry being snatched up like that leaves Gabe at a loss. Great, another giant thing that looks unassailable... what do I... His inner monolog trails off as he notices the buildup of powerful magics. Using his keen senses, his knowledge of movement, and the terrain around him, he readies himself to dodge whatever comes next.
Basically a reflex save. Trying to incorporate high acrobatics and perform (dance) to move through the air and twist himself around to miss most of what flies at him. High perception to notice small (or large) bits of terrain he can hide behind when he can't dodge everything.
The giant being over there isn't something I can fix. But the warlock, I can do something about him. Using the shadows to his advantage, Gabe works his way towards his target without being seen. Popping out at the last moment, he strikes at what he hopes is a vital spot to interrupt anything the el may do.
What is this teamwork you speak of? I'm sure fire resist 5 is good enough.
Gabe, seeing that mid-fight prep work is completed, starts off after the fiery snakes. Intending to capitalize on the distraction the extra-planar beings are providing, he moves quietly to the opening of the chamber hoping to catch a glimpse of the taunting warlock.
Gabe watches in awe at the upheaval of two planes smashing together and the waves of magic coming from their newly arrived allies. Having a feeling the final confrontation is near, he focuses his energies through his elen heritage. As the energies coalesce, he begins shrinking before your eyes! Having the stature more of a child than a warrior he executes some practice kicks and punches making sure he is in full control of his altered body. Gabe nods his readiness to advance.
Use racial ability to cast reduce person (9 mins). I don't think it's been an hour even so barkskin is still active. Ready to go unless someone can do some healing... I believe Wamblee needs some assistance and I'm under half HP.
Gabriel maintains his assault, trying to bring down the attackers. Every attack on one of the others is a personal failure he will have to make up for later if they make it out of here.
I'm sure AC 19 is good enough to stand up to a hoard of rubycaps...
Just as Gabriel starts running at the remaining rubycaps, they turn and sprint past him! Figuring their target is the distracted casters, he uses his superior speed to interpose himself between the unseelie and their target.
Choosing to intercept
Looking down at the jeweled rubycap, Gabe notices the thing is putting itself back together. To the phantom, "Help destroy the rest of them, I'll make sure this one is dead. And they regenerate if they drink blood so smash them extra good!" Making use of his own advice, he stomps on the thing grabbing him until it's a messy mush with gem parts sticking in places.
