AvB - Flutter

[planswalker]

flutter or dm only. all others will be invaded by skulks and fed to the ratlings.

the few remaining townspersons who decide to enter the building and find out more are mostly poor but not destitute. they're the people who manage to make a living on their own, but don't have the wealth it takes to be respected in the temple to Pelor. you count the number that enter the building, and you find that eight have found your message appealing. Inside, the head priest and the other trainee greet them warmly and begin to tell them more about the Sovereign Host. only then do you realize that you're being watched by a small figure swathed in black from across the way.

[Jeriah]

Flutter smiles warmly at him and waves.

Hello there! Why don't you come over and join us?

Wow... I really like this character. I'll be sad when someone kills her. :smallfrown:

[planswalker]

he looks at you for a moment. "Me? join you? I don't particularly think so. I do wish to speak with you though. I suspect that we could be of service to each other. Will you join me for a moment so we can speak privately? I promise that I have no ill intentions towards you or yours."

[Jeriah]

Flutter flies over towards him, stopping about 10 feet away.

What's up?

[planswalker]

"I noticed that you three seem to be short on funds. I can helpyou out in this department, but I would like to know if there is anything I can get from you in return. The temple may not be all about the money, but it sure helps."

[Jeriah]

I don't know what you want, so how can I possibly offer it?

[planswalker]

"There are many things that I want. First thing I will ask of you, if you will. Please watch this egg for me and do not let it come to harm." he pulls out a black egg that seems to be made of volcanic glass. "I will pay the temple 10,000 gold to see it kept safe. In addition, I will compensate you personally for 1000 gold."

[Jeriah]

What's in the egg?

[planswalker]

"nothing malignant, I assure you. It is a creature of good, but certain corrupt priests who claim to work for the Light want to see it dead."

he seems to be telling the truth.

[Jeriah]

She accepts the egg but plans to have the head priest examine it immediately and to do research on the egg if he cannot.

[planswalker]

I thank you deeply.

[Jeriah]

She takes it to the head priest to identify and goes to do research anywhere she can if he can't identify it.

[planswalker]

the priest looks at it for a bit and says, "Well, it isn't a reptillian or aquatic egg. Nota dragon egg either. I can't rightly say i've ever heard of an egg made of black volcanic rock before. I know this is embarrassingly obvious, but it is magical in nature and origin."

[Jeriah]

Is there some library or specialist or something she can consult? She would not just hatch an egg without knowing what is inside. If she can't figure it out, she'll likely try to return it to the shadowy guy.

[planswalker]

well, there is a public library with a selection of volumes. There is also a large collection of lore at the temple to Pelor.

[Jeriah]

She heads to the public library to do research, conferring with any librarians and/or researchers there who are willing to help her.

[planswalker]

do you mind if rizban takes over for the moment? you and one of my characters are both in this library and have a nonzero chance of interacting.

[Jeriah]

Okay... you want to make the thread?

[Rizban]

"Welcome to the library. How may I direct your research?"

[Jeriah]

She draws the egg out of her bag.

A man left this at our temple, and I'm trying to determine what it is and if it poses a danger. If it is harmless, it would be cruel to simply toss it out, but if it is a danger, it would be foolish to keep it.

[Rizban]

The man puzzles over the egg a moment and says, "I'm not sure how I can help you. We don't have too much research on various eggs here. Perhaps if you asked around a bit you would find someone who knew more about it."

Yeah... egg? I don't know no eggs. pw?

[Jeriah]

She begins to look around the library for someone who would be interested in examining the egg.

[Rizban]

A wealthy looking merchant approaches you.
"Excuse me, miss, but I was wondering if you could help me with something."

[Jeriah]

I can try, but I have something of my own that I am trying to find help with.

[Rizban]

"Well, it is possible that we can help each other out. You see, I have wealth and connections, but I'm not really a scholar at all. I can possibly aid you in your quest for knowledge by providing the means to access it if you can help me research a problem of my own. I have a meeting with a knowledgeable archivist to attend, but my lack of expertise in the area of personal research may disincline her from helping me. If you will act as a spokesperson for me, I shall use my resources to help you discover what you want to know."

[Jeriah]

I guess that can work. What did you want me to ask for you?

[Jeriah]

Super Important Question:
I totally just found the Faith feats in Complete Divine and absolutely love them. They are perfect in flavor for Flutter, and I would love to use them, both because of her wanting to increase her personal faith and the number of vassals as well as wanting to focus on her being a versatile character who has a number of spontaneous abilities.

If I am allowed to use this variant system, would it be possible to drop my martial weapon proficiency (longbow) feat for either the Pious Soul or Pious Spellsurge feat and switch out my composite longbow for a crossbow? I haven't been involved in any combat or even mentioned my weapon anywhere, so it wouldn't really change anything.

Accumulating Faith Points would be as important to Flutter as would expanding worship of the Sovereign Host, and she would be loath to lose them by using them unless the situation really demanded it.

I figure she should probably have between 10 and 15 points to start. It recommends 5+1/2 level in points gained at each level. She would have 4 from the feat plus 1 or 2 from each level that she didn't use. Then she should have gained 1 more from leading those NPCs to the faith, putting her somewhere between 11 and 16 FP.

*crosses fingers that you'll let me do this*

[Rizban]

I don't have a problem with it. The feats are actually less powerful than Action Points from Eberron but basically act the same way, just requiring feats to do what APs do on their own. You also have to earn these rather than just getting some new ones each time you level up.

There may be a few feats in Eberron which apply to AP that you may be able to take and apply to your Faith Points.

Really though, all of this is up to planswalker. He is your primary DM and will have to be the one who handles all of this.

[Jeriah]

Squee!

Actually, I need to drop Zen Archery too. I just realized that I don't qualify for it at 1st level due to the BAB+1 requirement I somehow missed.

That would make my new first level feats
HD1 - Worldly Focus,
D – Knowledge Devotion (traded Knowledge domain from CC for this)
flaw – Pious Soul
flaw – Divine Spell Power

Next level, I would want to take Heroic Channeling from Faiths of Eberron if I can apply that to my Faith Points.

Again, keep in mind that I don't want this character to be engaged in combat, and she'll be loathe to spend her Faith Points. She would never use them unless she was using them to defend the temple or the vassals who worship the Host. If she were just out doing something on her own, she would never spend a point, even if it meant she probably wouldn't survive. She might spend one if she knew not spending it would result in her death but would just as likely welcome the death and a chance to be with her gods.

[planswalker]

sounds fine with me.

[Rizban]

"I have recently come across a reference to an ancient cult of dark deities known as J-E-L-L-O. I have reason to believe that someone is trying to revive this cult. I want to know all about this cult, what it would take for them to achieve their goals, and how they can be stopped. Will you help me in this?"

[Jeriah]

Vile gods, worshiped by vile people. I see no reason to have anything to do with forgotten deities and dark rites. Simply show them the better path, encourage them towards changing from their darkness. The Sovereign Host encompasses all creation, and surely they should be able to see this. If a dark cult has been forgotten, then its "gods" were likely nothing of the sort, else they would not have fallen out of memory.

It may be completely out of the ordinary for me to say so, but perhaps the simplest path would be to... eliminate the most fanatical among them. If they are trying to create a false religion, then they can do naught but harm to those around them. Convert those who will and remove those who won't. That is the answer on how to stop them.

[Rizban]

"So you are so judgmental as to assume that any god who is not currently worshiped in the city must be powerless and that murdering misguided fanatics is better than learning if they do indeed pose a real threat and trying to stop them without killing them first? Well, you definitely are so judgmental and sanctimonious to be unsuitable to actually helping people do something worthwhile. Never mind then. I do wonder though why it is you abuse the name of the Sovereign Host by your words. Surely they would be willing to try to save them. If I wanted a judgmental priest who assumed that they knew everything about how the world works, I would have gone to the temple to Pelor."

[Jeriah]

She looks genuinely confused for a moment.

I'm not sure I understand your anger...

I suggested showing them compassion and trying to turn them from evil. I only suggested dealing harshly with any that might be so obsessed with a dead religion or false gods that they cannot change and then also pose a danger to society. I apologize if I misspoke and led to a misunderstanding.

She bows her head to you in reverence.

Please accept my apology and grant me forgiveness for offending you. That was never my intention.

[Rizban]

he smiles, "Please, forgive me for jumping to anger. however, do be warned: just because a religion is dead does not mean that its gods are powerless. It is possible to stop the worship of a deity either by killing it or by killing its worshipers. If that happens, the god does not stop existing, it merely stops being active in the mortal populace. If it should regain followers, that could change and the pent up power of untold years of waiting could be released all at once. Right now, I do not know if these cultists are misguided madmen worshiping a divine corpse or madmen guided by a dark presence ready to resurface upon the world once more. I need your help in determining which it is."

[Jeriah]

Flutter seems ever so slightly impatient.

I had not considered that, but I would still prefer to not become involved with dark cults. Still, I will ask about it for you, okay? Now, who did you want to be question? All the people around here seem a bit busy.

[Rizban]

"There is a top-level researcher named Tameral whom I hope to petition for her to help me with this research, but the word is that she will only help with research that interests her. As you can tell, I am not the best at winning friends and influencing people. Would you mind helping me by talking with her on my behalf? I just know that once she is introduced to the subject in the proper manner that she would be willing to work with me on this even if you find trying to stop a potentially dangerous threat too 'icky' for your pretty little wings."

After realizing that he just insulted you yet again, he pauses, regains his composure again, and says, "Look, I am sorry. I just always say the first thing that comes to my mind and do not think of the consequences. I believe this research to be one of the most important things I have ever undertaken. If you will help me in this, I would be grateful. If you don't really want to get involved, I cannot force you to, but I need help. I know that if I petition her on my own that my uncouth manners will turn her off and she will reject me out of hand. Please help me convince her to undertake this project."

[Jeriah]

Okay, than I will go to see this Tameral.

[Rizban]

You quickly learn that Tameral can be found at the very top of the tower around which the library is built.

[Jeriah]

She heads for the stairs and flies upward.

How many Faith Points do I have?

Also, I updated my character sheet.

[Rizban]

The merchant you met says, "Thanks. Let me take you to her now," and follows you up the stairs.

When you reach the top of the stairs, you see a wide open library several times larger than the tower, larger even than the library below. In the middle of the many shelves of books is a smaller tower. On second glance, you realize it is not a tower but a very ornate perch with attached desk. Reclining on the perch is huge white dragon, it's glistening metallic scales reflecting many hues in shimmering patterns as it breathes. A mane of fine, white hair frames its wise face and cascades down its neck to its shoulders, gathering into a finely plaited braid of great complexity. Its unusually long tail ends in a wide fin, not unlike some great fish, upon which several large tomes are balanced, waiting to be read.

As you enter the dragon looks up from the tome it is reading and motions for you to enter freely but returns to reading without a word.

I would say she probably has 12 or so Faith Points, including the 1 from proselytizing to the new converts. Get an exact number from planswalker.

[Jeriah]

She hovers while staring at the dragon, obviously awed by its presence. She likely won't be snapped out of her reverie until someone speaks or touches her.

[planswalker]

I'll let you start with 12, then grant you 1 more for the followers you converted. total of 13

[Jeriah]

Slight bump...
So, is something happening, or do I need to do something first?

[Rizban]

"Would you be the renowned archivist and historian named Tameral?" the merchant asks, bumping you on the shoulder to break you out of your reverie.


The dragon raises a single finger to her mouth.
"Shhh... This is a library."

The merchant whispers, "sorry..."

[Jeriah]

Flutter quietly approaches the dragon and stands before her a moment. Realizing she is likely to small to be noticed, she flies straight up until just even with Tameral's reading desk and attempts to read a few lines to see what it is the dragon is studying. If the dragon does not respond, Flutter will quietly clear her throat.

[Rizban]

Upon clearing your throat, Tameral looks up at you, pushes up her spectacles, and says, "Is there something I can help you with, little dragonblood, or...?"

[Jeriah]

I am sorry to bother you, but I was told you could tell me what this is. I didn't want to ask just anyone, out of fear of drawing dangerous attention or that the object itself might be dangerous.

She produces the egg and holds it out gingerly in her palms for Tameral to see.

[Rizban]

A light puff of smoke rises from Tameral's nose in slight irritation at such a simple question.

"It's a phoera egg."

She then waves a claw at you in dismissal and returns to reading.

[Jeriah]

Flutter hesitates a moment... the hurridly spits out the next sentence in one quick burst.

Um... the merchant there asked me to ask you if you could tell him about an ancient evil cult that may be coming back so he could stop it.

When she finishes, she grits her teeth, flinches away slightly, and awaits the dragon's ire at the further interruption.

[Rizban]

Before the dragon replies, the merchant interjects.

"Have you ever heard about 'J-E-L-L-O'?"

The dragon looks to you slightly annoyed, then quickly turns to the merchant, her interest piqued.

"Perhaps I have. Where did you hear this name, and what do you want with the information?

A moment..."

Turning to Flutter, "Little dragonblood, this is not something with which you should be involved. I have enjoyed meeting you, but this is something which would be better for you to not hear. Perhaps we can speak again in the future." Her tone of voice and the look in her eye make it absolutely clear that Flutter is to leave immediately but that no malice is held towards her.

[Jeriah]

She bows graciously mutters thanks, then leaves as quickly as her little wings will carry her, fearful of upsetting and offending the dragon. Hiding the egg in her robes, she leaves the library.

I guess this means planswalker is my DM again?

[Rizban]

Yep. It's back to him you go.

[planswalker]

thanks, Rizban. There was a chance of pvp combat for a bit, and i thought it would have been unfair to be both dm and one of the players if it should happen.

when you return to your temple, the high priest asks, "So, did you figure out what that egg is?"

[Jeriah]

PvP?! Eek! Flutter would have run away... as fast as she could... straight up... while crying in terror...

I did. It turns out to be the egg of some exotic bird. I suspect that it is to be a noble's pet, and he is hiding it until it hatches so it can be a surprise to his family.

Yeah, I really have no idea why I've got an egg of a Phoera... I don't even know what a Phoera is...

Brain Time!
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[planswalker]

you recall an odd arcane reference to resurrection associated with then name. You think it has something to do with another plane.

"A bird? Surely not. It must be more important than that."

try (the planes)

[Jeriah]

I don't have planes trained...

Well, that's all I could find out. It's some sort of exotic bird egg. I put it somewhere safe and warm to incubate it for the time being. Hopefully no harm will come to it in the meantime.

[planswalker]

"I guess we'll see."

where exactly do you put the egg?

[Rizban]

A terrible explosion suddenly rocks the entire city, and the ground shakes as if an earthquake were tearing the city apart. The sky lights up from a blast many times the brightness of the sun, and you are certain that certain death has at last come to claim you. As the brightness fades, you look toward the Mages' Quarter and see the last remnants of the horror burning directly towards the sky in a seemingly endless stream of raw, burning mana which threatens to tear reality asunder. What seems like an eternity passes as you stare, though it is likely only a few seconds, and at last the blast fades away. In the distance, you hear a building collapse, and you are certain that something horrible has been unleashed upon the city.

[Jeriah]

Well, I...

The suddenness of the explosion shocks Flutter to the core. She completely forgets about the egg discussion and flies up to the roof of the temple with little more than a gasp of surprise. Should it seem safe, she will ascend just high enough to see what has happened.

[planswalker]

it is safe. she sees a smoking crater near the mage's quarter the size of a city block, nearly.

[Jeriah]

She immediately flies back down into the temple, reports to the head priest the destruction, then before he can give her any orders, rushes off to check on the Vassals of the faith on the temple grounds to ensure their safety.

[planswalker]

they seem shaken but unstirred.

[Jeriah]

Relieved that the local vassals are safe, she flies back up into the air above the temple and surveys the area, looking for any of the other worshipers of the Host who she might see.

[roll0]
Nat20, baby, I better see something.

[planswalker]

everyone seems unharmed, but there is a billow of smoke coming up from the north, near the mage's quarter.

[Jeriah]

She flits around a bit, unsure of how to proceed. She is torn between staying with the temple and seeking out those in need. Granted, she would help anyone who she saw in need, but she's only consciously concerned for those who worship the Host.

She attempts to remember if anyone who worships here lived near the blast, however unlikely that is.

[roll0]

This is actually pretty exciting, but I just don't know what to do!

[planswalker]

fortunately, no. the blast took place in a part of town where minor nobles and mages lived.

[Jeriah]

Relieved, she continues to fly just above the temple, keeping watch for any of the faithful heading to the temple to seek safety so that she might offer them guidance.

[planswalker]

a few ragged refugees who were turned away at other temples begin to make their way towards your temple for solace and healing.

and that's bedtime for me

[Jeriah]

Aww... okay then.

Flutter darts over to them and leads them to the Host's temple, where she ensures the other two priests are aware of them and able to tend to their wounds. She then returns to her vigil above the temple, where she will remain the rest of the night.

[planswalker]

throughout the night, several more refugees make their way to the temple. One group at around midnight particularly stands out. They are all wearing cloaks, hiding their faces.

[Jeriah]

Fluter warily approaches them. From a short distance away and above them, she calls out, Are you in need of assistance?

[planswalker]

they seem to startle at being addressed directly, but neither slow down or respond. they are headed straight towards the temple.

[Jeriah]

Flutter ***** "male chickens" her head to the side for a second as she examines them then returns to the temple. She finds the high priest and says, There is a group of (number) people wearing heavy, hooded cloaks heading directly this way, but they refused to respond to me when I addressed them. It is possible they mean trouble, but I cannot be certain. I was not comfortable pushing the issue of their silence out there alone. I shall resume my watch above the temple for when they arrive, but you and Ariadne should be prepared to defend yourselves and the refugees.


After his response, Flutter flies to find Ariadne. Upon finding her, she says, See if you can rouse anyone here in better condition to defend the temple if necessary. There is a group of suspicious people heading this way who might mean trouble. Please see to it that you are safe and that the injured are protected.

*grumble* "'tilts' her head to the side" doesn't carry the same meaning.

Also, how do I say "readies the gun to be fired" succinctly without being able to use that particular word?

[planswalker]

the high priest agrees with your recommendations.

Ariande says, "I'll see to it. The Sovereign Host will protect us."

you resume your post above the temple. The four hooded figures are now about 100 feet away from the temple, slowly but unhurriedly heading this way.

[Jeriah]

Flutter waits until they are within 80ft, then calls out to them.

Again, I ask you if there is some way that I may help you gentlemen.

She readies an action to fire her crossbow at them if they move to attack her or anyone on the temple grounds.

[planswalker]

they continue to ignore you and walk another 20 feet closer unhurriedly and without saying a word.

[Jeriah]

She continues to watch them and ready to attack should they appear more threatening.


[hr]Should they reach the fence without making their intentions known, she will fire a bolt at the ground just inside the fence next to them and call out, Please, identify yourselves. I cannot allow you to enter here during this crisis if you insist on ignoring attempted communication.

Hopefully, Ariadne has been able to rouse a few refugees to the defense of the temple if it comes to that.

How many of them are there? I should be able to see that much at least.

[planswalker]

they continue in this same manner all the way to the door. By the time they get there, the refugees have basically all stopped coming. It seems that those who might seek refuge now are mostly leaving the city.

The four shady characters approach the front door. The one in front knocks loudly with a mailed fist. he ignores your warning shot.

[Jeriah]

She flies down to the temple, entering through a different door. She find Ariadne and says, I hope you roused someone, because they're here and look like they're wanting trouble. They ignored everything I did to try to communicate with them and my warnings. I don't know if I can hold them.

She quickly flies to find and warn the head priest (who still needs a name...) then positions herself near the ceiling about 20ft inside from the door and readies an action to use her breath weapon should they force their way in.

[Jeriah]

Balinor from the Sovereign Host has the Air, Animal, Celerity, Earth, and Retribution domains. I've very interested in obtaining the Sky domain, but it wasn't included in any of the Eberron stuff, because it's not core, being from Races of the Wild. Would it be possible to add Sky to his list of available domains or possibly substitute Sky for Air? I really want this domain.

[Rizban]

Sky seems an acceptable substitute for Air, but it's up to pw.

[Rizban]

The above shadowy figures have not yet appeared and/or have not yet approached the temple. This next bit happens just prior to your noticing them.

[hr]A halfling man enters the temple and approaches the head priest. The head priest eyes him suspiciously. The halfling hands the priest a potion, which appears to be cure light wounds, and says, "Is it to late to make a donation in this hour of need?"

The priest gives him a strange look then says, "Don't know what you're after, but help out if you can." He takes the potion, pockets it, then returns to treating a patient.

[Jeriah]

Woo! It's about time something happened in one of my threads!

Flutter looks up from where she is trying to help to watch the exchange before walking over to find Ariadne.

Whispering, she says, Ariadne, I don't trust this guy.

As a note, I went ahead and statted out Ariadne's character using the elite array for ability scores. She's a Human Paladin 2/Cleric 1. Domains are Healing and Life. Feats are Healing Devotion, Mark of Healing, and Hands of the Healer. Due to low INT, she has max ranks (6) in heal and no other skill points.

HP: 20

Str 12
Dex 14
Con 10
Int 8
Wis 15
Cha 13

Did you notice the theme there? I figured that she is going to be a semi-important NPC, so she needed stats.

According to DMG, she has 2000gp to spend on equipment, but I didn't do that yet.

Ariadne looks at him and uses detect evil.

[Rizban]

She whispers back, "He definitely registers as evil... I do not know why he seems to want to help."

[Jeriah]

I stand there and watch him for a few moments to see what he does.

[Rizban]

Okay, just waiting for him to respond now.

[Jeriah]

*sigh*
Way to get a girl's hopes up there... I guess I should be used to waiting by now though.

[Rizban]

He nonchalantly leans against the wall and looks around the temple as if he is scoping the place out.

[Jeriah]

I continue to watch until he does something.

[Rizban]

He walks out of the temple, humming to himself and trying to be nondescript. He "wanders" over to the building where you and the other priests eat and sleep and begins to try to scope it out... subtly. He mutters to himself and has a wicked grin the whole time he is doing it.

[Jeriah]

Took him long enough! Grief!

I exit through another door and fly up to the roof of the chapel to watch him. I draw my wand and ready an action to use it on him should he try to do something evil.

[Rizban]

He opens a window and looks inside.

[Jeriah]

I continue to watch and ready an action to use my wand if he casts a spell or tries to enter through the window.

[Rizban]

He attempts to both climb through the window and cast a spell. Spellcraft check to identify.

[Jeriah]

[roll0]

With my readied action, I cast moon bolt at him from my wand, dealing [roll1] Strength damage (Fort for half). If the total is too low for my liking, I may use my Force domain power to reroll it.

Also, [roll2]

[Rizban]

It's summon swarm, but your spell goes off before he can cast it. Waiting for confirmation on your domain power.

[Jeriah]

I use my domain power... [roll0]

[Rizban]

Okay, just have to adjudicate his save, and we'll see if you one hit paralyzed him or not...

[Rizban]

He succeeded on his save and is not completely paralyzed.
Waiting for him to roll initiative.

[Rizban]

You win initiative.

[Jeriah]

I cast it again, burning out my wand.

[roll0]

[Rizban]

Even if he succeeds the save, he's paralyzed.

[Jeriah]

I fly down to him and say, Why are you trying to break into our home and summon swarms within?

Edit: Oops! Hit the wrong color. :smallredface:

[Rizban]

I lacked the means and will to perform tasks on my own accord, and sought aid with the tools my lord gave me, I also thought lacing some of the food with minesque amounts of healing potion, among other curative properties would aid in the survivor's recovery...

Coughs a bit, you be suprised what you can do with a spell,if you think outside of its intended use...I would tie a few of my possessions on top of the creatures, the potions and then use them to pour at the pot, where i would measure the concoction, and monitor it with little physical labor...

Sense Motive check... as if it were necessary... You get a +10 circumstance modifier.

[Jeriah]

[roll0]

Right...

She searches him for a melee weapon and delivers a coup de grace.

[Rizban]

Loot:

Small Masterwork Chain Shirt
2 Small daggers
5 cure light wounds potions
Anklet of Translocation
Reliquary Holy Symbol
Bag of Holding Type II
Robe of Bones
2500gp
1800xp

[Jeriah]

She loots the corpse of everything on it then summons someone to carry it away to wherever they dispose of the corpses of evildoers.

[Rizban]

The corpsewagon hauls him off to the city dump, where he is burned with the rest of the corpses.

[planswalker]

they continue in this same manner all the way to the door. By the time they get there, the refugees have basically all stopped coming. It seems that those who might seek refuge now are mostly leaving the city.

The four shady characters approach the front door. The one in front knocks loudly with a mailed fist. he ignores your warning shot.


She flies down to the temple, entering through a different door. She find Ariadne and says, I hope you roused someone, because they're here and look like they're wanting trouble. They ignored everything I did to try to communicate with them and my warnings. I don't know if I can hold them.

She quickly flies to find and warn the head priest (who still needs a name...) then positions herself near the ceiling about 20ft inside from the door and readies an action to use her breath weapon should they force their way in.

time warp back to the present:

Ariadne had roused the head priest, who has readied a spell should they prove to be a menace. Until they actually do something harmful, though, he does not want to harm them. Since they knocked instead of breaking down the door and they currently haven't done anything actually wrong, Ariande opens the door and asks them, "Can I help you, sirs?"

"We seek the one who runs this establishment." A voice with a metallic rasp from underneath the hood of the lead figure says.

I thought you would get to name the priest, since you described the temple.

any response to this occurrence?

[Jeriah]

She continues to hover near the ceiling, hopefully out of sight, and readies an action to use her breath weapon should things turn violent.

[planswalker]

"I am." Says the high priest. "How can I help you?"

"You have an egg. release it and 5,000 platinum tithe to us in penance for your sins or we will raze your temple to ther ground."

"I think you die now." he throws a dart at the priest. your breath weapon goes off. What does it do?

[Jeriah]

[roll0] Acid damage in 25ft line, Ref DC17 half. Can use again in [roll1] rounds.


[roll2]

[planswalker]

[roll0]

your breath strikes the one that attacked the priest.

you won initiative. you go first.

[Jeriah]

Flutter attempts to figure out what races they are so she knows what Knowledge checks to make for her Knowledge Devotion feat.

[Jeriah]

Screw it.
[roll0] - constructs, dragons, magical beasts
[roll1] - humanoids
[roll2] - undead

I get a +2 on attack and damage vs all those types.

[planswalker]

sorry i'm not fast enough for you. You're not my only pc, you know. the basically humanoid frames would indicate humanoids.

still your turn

[Jeriah]

It wasn't that you were too slow. I just realized I could make the rolls without actually knowing what they are as a player and apply them once you tell me, because the character would see them and know what "checks" to make even if I don't. From now on, I'll just roll what Knowledge checks I can make and apply them after I know what I'm facing.

Flutter floats down just slightly and says in her most intimidating voice, You have no business here. Please leave.

She then burns on of her 2nd level domain slots to cast magic missile, using Divine Spell Power to increase the caster level by 4.

[roll0]

[planswalker]

that's cool. sounds like a good idea. this lets you get it done faster. btw, mm always hits and there is no save. roll the damage.

[Jeriah]

Five missiles fly forth, smashing into the one who attacked the priest, dealing [roll0] damage to him.

5d4+5 from the missiles and another +2 from Knowledge Devotion.

I know, I had to post to see how much I would raise the CL so I'd know how much damage to roll. :smallbiggrin:

Edit: Woo! 40 total damage to him!

Edit: Edit: I just realized that I could have used magic missile to hit 5 different targets, effectively getting a total of +10 from Knowledge Devotion, granted it's not all against the same target.

[planswalker]

they strike him. he crumples to the floor. the next one says, "You dare strike a priest of Pelor?" and casts a spell that shimmers over himself for a moment before fading. the other two do likewise.

you can make a spellcraft check.

[Jeriah]

[roll0]
Only because you dare to attack the faithful vassals of the Sovereign Host. We do not cower before brutes, no matter who they claim to serve.

[planswalker]

it seems to be a divine version of shield.

"The Sovereign host is an apostate heresy. I did not think that they would truly stoop so low as to count one such as you among their sheep. They have even lower ethics than I thought."

[Jeriah]

is it my turn?

[planswalker]

yes. it still is. you did a free action. he did an immediate action.

[Jeriah]

Recognizing the shields, she blasts the next closest one to the head priest with a blast of force.

You have no business here, and the faithful will never come to harm should I be able to prevent it!

[roll0]
Woo! Another +4 to CL!

[Jeriah]

[roll0] + [roll1] = 15
[roll2] +2 = 14 damage and DC17 Fort save or fall prone.

[planswalker]

you strike him but he makes the save.

"Impertinent whelp!"

as he attempts to cast a spell, the head priest counters it.

The next two, though, get their spells off. make two fortitude save. a sickly line of negative energy emanates from each of them and strikes you.

[Jeriah]

Her pale face takes on a tinge of green as the negative energy impacts her.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Wow, that's neat. I rolled 18 for both.

[planswalker]

she resists whatever effect they meant to give her.

[Jeriah]

Oops, meant to roll Spellcraft. Oh well.
Had I rolled lower, I could have used Pious Soul to increase the totals retroactively. I'm glad I rolled high.

She quickly glances around to see if Ariadne is doing in the fight anything before proceeding.

[planswalker]

she is standing between them and the refugees, ready to prevent them from harming the bystanders.

[Jeriah]

Flutter feels relieved. That is exactly what she had hoped Ariadne would be doing. She moves 10 feet to the right, forcing them to turn a bit to face her and putting the head priest more at their backs.

She fires her bow at the one nearest the priest.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[planswalker]

you hit. he falls to the ground.

the first still standing tries to cast a spell. the high priest counters his spell, and the other one casts a spell. you hear a rush of wind rise up between you and him.

[Jeriah]

identifying... [roll0]

[planswalker]

wind wall spell from phb p. 302

[Jeriah]

She drops the 8ft to the floor [free action] and walks to continue circling around to the right, moving up to 30ft until they are directly between her and the head priest.

Breath attack! [roll0] acid damage, RefDC17 half. [roll1] rounds until next use.

[planswalker]

you catch the two standing ones in your line. they try to save

[roll0]
[roll1]

[planswalker]

the first one casts a spell on himself. his wounds close up. the second casts a spell at you. The high priest tries to counter it, but fails to do so. make a reflex save.

[Jeriah]

[roll0] + [roll1] = 13...

[planswalker]

you fail.

you take [roll0] damage from the sphere of fire

[Jeriah]

Current HP: 46/54

[roll0]
Blast of force with +3CL.

[Jeriah]

[roll0] damage.
DC17 Fort save or fall prone.

[planswalker]

he fails and is knocked flat. he is still conscious, though.

his buddy tries to heal him, but the high priest counterspells it. the guy stands back up and casts a spell on himself.

the flaming sphere continues to burn you for [roll0]

[Jeriah]

She flies up 9 feet then casts faith healing, healing herself for 13.

[planswalker]

the first one tries once again to heal his buddy. the high priest has trouble countering it and it gets through. he is healed for 12.

he concentrates, and the sphere moves up to where you now are. you take another [roll0] damage. he then casts another spell on himself.

[Jeriah]

If it enters a
space with a creature, it stops moving for
the round and deals 2d6 points of fire
damage to that creature, though a successful
Reflex save negates that damage.

[roll0] + [roll1] = USING PRIDE DOMAIN TO REROLL THAT NAT 1

[Jeriah]

[roll0] + [roll1] = 13, again... dang it. This sucks.

[Jeriah]

HP: 41/54

Breath attack. [roll0] acid line. Ref DC17 for half. [roll1] rounds.

Of course it rolls max for the number of rounds I have to wait.

[planswalker]

The one that has been healing makes his save. the other fails.

the healbot casts a spell on his buddy. his wounds begin closing up slowly.

he pulls out a potion and drinks it.

[Jeriah]

She casts hold person on the heal bot. DC16

I'm out of other options.

[planswalker]

he is unable to resist the spell and stands there frozen.

The high priest casts a similar spell on the other intruder. he resists and the flaming sphere continues to sear you. He then casts a minor spell to restore himself and swiftly draws a mace from underneath his cloak.

[roll0] unless you make the save.

after one last wave of heat, the sphere dissipates.

[Jeriah]

Let's try this. [roll0]

That's twice you've rolled max for damage on that.

[Jeriah]

She drops to the ground [free action], walks 30 ft so that the wind wall no longer blocks her (through it if she must) [move action], then fires her crossbow at the unfrozen one [standard action].


[roll0]
[roll1]

[planswalker]

she makes the save, but misses.

the high priest suddenly stiffens over in pain. the place where the dart from earlier had struck his hand is now turning green. he falls to the floor. you cannot tell in the heat of the moment if he is breathing or not.

the last invader charges you with the mace, attacking with a fervor.

[roll0]
[roll1] if it hits.

[Jeriah]

Ariadne, tend to Father Jereboam.

She takes a 5ft step back, reloads the xbow, then fires it at the guy who charged her.


[roll0]
[roll1]

What the heck? Seriously? You roll max twice on damage in a row and I roll two nat 1s IN A ROW?

[planswalker]

Fate bumps your die roll.

reroll the attack roll

[Jeriah]

I actually rolled THREE nat ones, two on attack and one on damage... *sigh*


[roll0]

[Jeriah]

Figures...
[roll0]
[roll1]

And my luck just turned into Rizban's...
Does that threaten an instant kill?

[Jeriah]

Just in case. If it doesn't, then disregard this post.
[roll0] + 2 = 16 (see next post, unless you're ignoring this)
[roll1]

[Jeriah]

And disregard this one too if you disregard the previous one.
[roll0]

[planswalker]

not an insta-kill threat, sorry. That requires 2 20's in a row, not just 2 crits

Your arrow goes straight through his chest, nearly dropping him, but it appears to have just barely missed piercing his lung. He seems barely able to stand.


The high priest runs up behind him and hits him with the heel of his hand against the side of his head. the invader does get a strike in as the priest is not particularly well trained in the martial arts, but the blow is not enough to stop the strike and he is knocked unconscious.

1800 xp for you.

[Jeriah]

Flutter checks the bodies for valuables.

[planswalker]

she finds four maces, a robe, a hat, and a belt that emanate magic. the rest seems to mostly be ceremonial priest garments underneath grey hoods. One of the priests' corpses also has a small box containing 7 vials of a green liquid. there seems to be an empty space in the box where and 8th used to be. that priest also had 7 darts tucked in his sleeve.

[Jeriah]

Flutter takes the vials of obvious poison outside, digs a small hole, and smashes the vials inside the hole, burying it afterward.

Upon returning, she attempts to calm the people taking refuge in the temple.

I must apologize to all of you for this horrible happening. It is not my will to ever end the life of another, but I have sworn to let no harm come to those who worship the Sovereign Host or who take refuge within these walls. This is regrettable, but it was unavoidable. They left us no choice by attacking us despite our attempts at peaceful communication.

[roll0]

She then helps Ariadne to load the bodies onto the cart owned by the temple so that they might be carried out to the dump before anyone else can see them.

[Jeriah]

Assuming nothing else happens tonight, Flutter will go looking for a merchant in the morning.

[Jeriah]

I was thinking about making a replacement character for Flutter, despite how much I like her.

I'm thinking about making Father Jereboam as a 6th lvl Shugenja (earth element, order of the ineffable mystery, focused on buffing and counterspelling) with a Leadership score of 21 (it's doable), which would then give him a 6th level follower. Followers' max level isn't limited by character level, which then allows me to also keep Flutter on as his 6th level follower. Then, as he gains levels, she'll switch over to being his cohort and also level up.

Ariadne would then switch over to being his 5th level follower and would cap out at 6th level after Flutter gave up that slot.

All of the other followers would be gained through game play. I'd currently estimate some 12-15 1st level commoners as followers already (people who worship faithfully at the temple).