I understand, I know how it is. Thanks for the game thus far and good luck with everything!
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Theodric steps up and aims the wand, this time at the less hurt of the two cultists.
Theodric unleashes a volley of missiles at the cultist lying in the grease.
Sounds good! May you all have relaxing holidays!
Theodric moves into the room and casts a spell, coating the ground in a slick substance.
Theodric gives the weapon a second look, and nods with approval, passing it to Joneth. Adamantium--this will be invaluable should we need to...bash something thoroughly.
Theodric moves around to get a better view sending a volley of missiles at the remaining demon.
Theodric rummages in his bag for a moment, but instead of producing some great weapon, he just displays a small mirror. Vile creature! Gaze upon your true form and despair!
Theodric pulls a potion out, drinking the contents but thinking better of imparting his knowledge of the desecrated shrine to the others.
Allow me a moment to better prepare myself before we continue.
The mage intones a spell and, in an instant, there are 5 identical images of his form. Mr. Shadowbane--by all means, after you.
Theodric stumbles back, clutching his wounds. He realizes in all of their haste that he forgot to erect his magical defenses. How careless of me... he mutters to himself woozily, struggling to stand as he draws a parchment from his bag and reads the incantation written there.
Theodric sends another blast into the darkness, trying to thin out the number of foes.
Theodric steps around the ruined corpse with disdain and fires a volley of magic missiles at the nearest tiefling.
Eudocia's hand, which was hovering uncertainly above the remaining magic arrows, falls to her side with relief as the mortal remains of Lord Hulrun collapse to the cobblestones. "Quickly and quietly done," she congratulates the group. "Now let's move before we're seen. Mr. Abernathy, you had a plan?" Yes, well, I'm not sure if it's feasible, he says, peering in to look at the demon corpses without getting too close. But I recall mention of a spell that can talk to the recently departed if one is in possession of their corpse. I cannot say how much the demonic presence has tainted these remains, but if we could perhaps bring it with us during our escape and have Harrol prepare the proper spell tomorrow, we could potentially glean some highly useful information about the Nyserian crystal. This, of course, assumes we escape with our lives.
Let's see if Irabeth gave us the proper tools for the job. The scholar points the tube at the locked door and strikes it.
Theodric responds to Harrol's attack with one of his own.
A solid plan, but can we target Nyserian first? I have an idea, but it requires his body more intact than it's like to be after Gregori is done with it.
I for one take comfort in the knowledge that, should we fall, the demons will not let our bodies lie discarded in the street. Very considerate of them. Then, in answer to Harrol: I think we should take them out from range, swiftly, so they cannot raise any alarms. Theodric takes one of the wands and hands it to Joneth, then drawing the other wand.. Don't you agree?
Strike true, Commander. May the largest demons be drawn to the sounds of your righteous fury. Theodric checks his gear again and looks to the others, ready to depart.
So I get a CSW potion and another wand of magic missiles? Sounds good. If no one else takes it, I'll take the rod of cancellation. Is there a command word or something? I don't want it to destroy my arcane bond ring. ;-) Ok, just looked it up--do we have a tightly sealed case to keep this in?
Time is of the essence--I think we should begin immediately.
Theodric eyes the magic rod with interest before wincing at Eudocia's mention of his homeland's executioners. Well, that settles it. Let's march into the Worldwound itself--better there than back to Galt.
Theodric nods grimly at Quednys' words, but can't find a counterargument strong enough. Best be done with the deed and get moving, then--I have no desire to meet Areelu.
Theodric seems distracted, lost in thought while the others argue over their own skill-at-arms, or lack thereof. He addresses Irabeth first, then Quednys, pleading with the Riftwarden as though discussing the life of a child. I will retrieve the wardstone for you, or die in the attempt, but I ask for one condition--let our mission be to ensure the stone's safety, that we may repair it, not to destroy it. The wardstones are our best chance to throw back these demons from our borders! It is a gift that they did not completely destroy it when they had the chance. Let that folly be their undoing. With time, I know we could fashion a new stone from the old. Destruction should be the last resort. Please, give me a chance to study it...
Ah, yes, Theodric nods. Malyass root paste--toxic to the touch. It seems the impostors wanted to catch off guard a true believer when they abandoned the holy symbols here. I think there is nothing further to explore--perhaps we should return to the stronghold.
Curiosity piqued, and welcome for distraction from whatever fell malady he is suffering from, Theodric examines the substance on the holy symbols, careful not to touch it.
Yes, I'm...I'm fine. The mist seems to have affected my eyesight, though I'm not sure of any other effects. There's no need to worry--I warded us before we ventured into the room. The spell protects me from any influence another could exert over me. Theodric busies himself with collecting the blood and poison from the mandragora. Then, without looking up from his work, he continues. Still, the magic appears to be demonic in nature. Perhaps it would be best if Gregori would look upon me with his holy sight. The mage's voice trails off at the end, betraying a hint of worry about his condition.
Seeing the threat neutralized and many of the others preoccupied with the residual effects of the scream, Theodric draws his dagger and looks in the reflective surface of the blade, trying to study the aura on his eyes.
Then he hurries to the corpse of the demon-plant, crouching over it and asking the others while averting their gaze: Does anyone have an empty vial or two? The blood and poison are useful for scrying magic...
Seeing the devastating effect of the shrieking, Theodric sends another blast of force at the plant-demon.
Theodric claps his hands to his ears reflexively as the cacophonous sound assaults his senses. That confirms it, he says aloud, shaking his head. It's a Mandragora--a plant infused with demon blood. Fire will work, and magical darkness too. I'm afraid your light won't scare it, Gregori, and reason will not sway it. Theodric backs away, drawing the wand from his pocket and sending two orbs of force at the demonic plant.
Theodric backs away from the creature, allowing the others to get a clear shot.
Yes, well, Theodric says, drawing a scroll and reading its contents before continuing I can help with that. He intones a protective spell, touching the companions (minus Gregori) in turn.
I'm afraid my incantation is limited to four recipients at the moment. Don't worry, I'm sure Ragathiel will protect you well enough. So, if no one objects... the wizard smiles, and approaches the spot with the evil aura.
Theodric doesn't notice what Harrol's keen ears do, being too busy studying all of the strange objects in the room. Wait a minute. Don't touch anything, he stresses the last word before setting his arcane gaze on the objects.
They have taken some things from the shop, Theodric whispers to Eudocia. What if there is some evidence of the cult activity in something they've taken? We'll need to search their stash. How best to break that news, I wonder?
Theodric approaches the building with a look of desperation on his face. Please sir, may my friends and I take shelter in your shop? Do you have any food to spare? We've been without for too long.
Probably quick study for now and the counterspelling one next level. Maybe magical tinkering? I'd have to look at them again.
My purchases totaled 590 gp, so I'm fine with that. DM VoV, is it too late/too cheesy for me to switch to the exploiter wizard archetype?
Okay, I believe I have Eudocia updated. A +1 rapier would definitely be on her wishlist now, which leaves our trade for the ranseur of the gargoyle up in the air. How about a +1 cold iron rapier?
Ok, how about a headband of charisma +2 or a circlet of persuasion? Any interest in those?
I didn't think it would, but a night's sleep and a cup of tea has bolstered my resolve enough to venture out again. And it's already almost noon and I haven't seen any demon worshipers yet today, so that's probably a sign that we should leave soon. And the more swords between me and them, the better, so Joneth is welcome to travel with us.
Eudocia should take the +1 item, right? Joneth doesn't need it, Gregori doesn't need it, and Harrol and I shouldn't really be relying on weapons too much.Eudocia has no business going into melee with a 14 AC, and she doesn't have the feats to spare to ever be more than an average-at-best archer. Harrol has a +10 with a sling and Precise Shot. I say, give him the +1 weapon. Fair enough, but I was thinking more of a bow. And Harrol usually memorizes magic stone for his sling, right? If you took a +1 bow and traded for bracers of falcon's aim, that would give us some pretty hefty ranged support, don't you think? If not, what item do you guys think we should trade for?
Eudocia should take the +1 item, right? Joneth doesn't need it, Gregori doesn't need it, and Harrol and I shouldn't really be relying on weapons too much. As for the trade in item, a quick glance at available items closest to 4,400 makes me lean towards the +2 stat items, bracers of falcon's aim, +2 cloak of resistance, and first aid gloves. What do you guys think?
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