Apotheosis: Realms of the Fallen (IC)

[Shazek]

"It Is Done"

The air shatters, and blackness overtakes you. Never before have you experienced this... nothingness. There is no sensation, and even thought seems muted. You feel yourself fading away into the black, but some tiny portion of you seems to hold on to existence, to cling to life. You have no idea how long you spend in the black - you cannot move, and Time has no meaning here. Then, suddenly, you feel a pull on the essence of your being. That which you had nearly lost to this weary void, all that you are, rushes back into you, along with something more. A power flows into your soul, and you realize that the black is fading into gray. There is a blinding flash of light, and suddenly, you find yourself lying on a floor made of some strange metal, which shines with unearthly hues. Looking around, you see several others in the same situation as you. Around you are walls made of the same strange metal. You cannot see a ceiling or a sky above you. You do, however, see an immense diamond, easily larger than your head, floating above where you lie. It radiates power greater than you have ever felt, but does not appear to be acting at the moment.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Coming to, Vera assessed the situation. The frail elven woman divided her mind into tasks. Each compartment was wholly occupied with performing its duty efficiently and precisely. Her senses swept the room, cataloging each detail. One portion of her mind identified each of the cataloged details. Another portion filed away unanswered questions for further study. Moving methodically from exterior to interior, her brain asked and answered those critical questions: Where am I? What is that diamond entity? Who is here with me? Which of my belongings are intact? Are my daily spells still active? Are any of my spells still prepared? Did my experiment work? Did I die? Am I dead?...

As her ordered mind endeavored to make sense of everything, her tired old body attempted to sit up.


Spot [roll0] Details of the place, anything missing from the initial exposition.
Listen [roll1] Same
Where am I? Knowledge (The Planes): Take 10 for 44
What is that diamond entity? Knowledge (The Planes): Take 10 for 44
Who is here with me? Knowledge (Local): Take 10 for 44
Which of my belongings are intact?
Are my daily spells still active? Spellcraft: Take 10 for 56 (Also if any other spells are active in this place.)
Are any of my spells still prepared?

I guessed at the most likely Knowledge for my questions, but my modifier for every Knowledge skill is +34, so you can just substitute if I picked the wrong one.

[Shazek]

Vera

Coming to, Vera assessed the situation. The frail elven woman divided her mind into tasks. Each compartment was wholly occupied with performing its duty efficiently and precisely. Her senses swept the room, cataloging each detail. One portion of her mind identified each of the cataloged details. Another portion filed away unanswered questions for further study. Moving methodically from exterior to interior, her brain asked and answered those critical questions: Where am I? What is that diamond entity? Who is here with me? Which of my belongings are intact? Are my daily spells still active? Are any of my spells still prepared? Did my experiment work? Did I die? Am I dead?...

As her ordered mind attempted to make sense of everything, her tired old body attempted to sit up.


Spot [roll0] Details of the place, anything missing from the initial exposition.
Listen [roll1] Same
Where am I? Knowledge (The Planes): Take 10 for 44
What is that diamond entity? Knowledge (The Planes): Take 10 for 44
Who is here with me? Knowledge (Local): Take 10 for 44
Which of my belongings are intact?
Are my daily spells still active? Spellcraft: Take 10 for 56 (Also if any other spells are active in this place.)
Are any of my spells still prepared?

I guessed at the most likely Knowledge for my questions, but my modifier for every Knowledge skill is +34, so you can just substitute if I picked the wrong one.


While your Spot and Listen rolls didn't go through, I rolled here and got 2 10's. That gives 32 and 19, I believe?
Spot
Looking around, you see that the walls are joined together with the floor. The "room" you are in is apparently one solid piece, with no entrances or exits. Furthermore, you note that the diamond is utterly flawless and completely clear, with no impurities whatsoever. ListenYou hear nothing more than the sounds of the others' awakenings. Knowledge: Planes 1Everything you know seems to be consistent with this being the Material Plane, but you do not recognize this particular place. Knowledge: Planes 2The diamond entity is a mystery to you. Knowledge: LocalThose with you are the other PC's. They can describe their own characters, but that result is sufficient to identify their races.Possessions Everything you held when the air broke and the voice rang out seems to be with you in perfect condition.SpellcraftNo spells at all are active on you or any of the others. You sense an enormous amount of ambient magic in the room, particularly around the diamond, but it is not formed into spells.Spells PreparedAll your spells are prepared as usual.

[AmberVael]

Hathur stands, her white eyes flickering over the area and the people around her as her magical armor and wings form, brilliant red lines etching outwards from her shoulders and around her body. She didn't know what the current situation was, but she wanted to be prepared for all circumstances. A glance at the others indicated that they had likely been through the same experience.

Tapping into her innate powers, Hathur attempts to detect any flows of magical around them as she addresses the others. "Are all of you alright?" She scans them for anything of note and for any sign of injury or sickness, though given her own state she doubts there will be any. "I'm not sure what situation we've ended up in- if any of you understand this, I'd appreciate an explanation."

Hathur goes ahead and will put up her standard invocations, (Entropic Warding and Seeing the Unseen) and then use her Detect Magic spell-like to see if she can spot anything unusual.

Spot, in case it's needed. [roll0]

[Shazek]

Hathur stands, her white eyes flickering over the area and the people around her as her magical armor and wings form, brilliant red lines etching outwards from her shoulders and around her body. She didn't know what the current situation was, but she wanted to be prepared for all circumstances. A glance at the others indicated that they had likely been through the same experience.

Tapping into her innate powers, Hathur attempts to detect any flows of magical around them as she addresses the others. "Are all of you alright?" She scans them for anything of note and for any sign of injury or sickness, though given her own state she doubts there will be any. "I'm not sure what situation we've ended up in- if any of you understand this, I'd appreciate an explanation."

Hathur goes ahead and will put up her standard invocations, (Entropic Warding and Seeing the Unseen) and then use her Detect Magic spell-like to see if she can spot anything unusual.

Spot, in case it's needed. [roll0]

You detect several Dim Auras in the area around you. 2 can be found on each of the walls and the floor, and each of the people around you also gives off one. The diamond, too, has one, as well as several Overwhelming Auras. You also detect a great many auras of varying strengths with each of your companions, from their magic items. You seem to be standing in an immense Overwhelming aura that encompasses the entire room and quite possibly beyond.

[Quietus]

As Arctus returns to reality, he looks around with a cool, detached gaze as those around him. Where had his men gone? What did it mean, "It is done"? And who was it that had made that decree? Many questions pass through his mind, but first things first, he needs to regroup and understand this new situation.

Pulling himself to his feet, Arctus' armor - a bright, shining mithril breastplate - makes barely a sound as it shifts around his body. A spiked chain is still held tightly in one gauntleted fist, and the portions of his arms and legs not covered by his armor bear decorative pieces to supplement the whole. Runes adorn all of his equipment, symbols of combat and aggression tempered by knowledge, written in the Illumian language. More of the same form a glowing circle around his brow, casting a pale blue light over his intent, leathery features.

"I'm uninjured, but no more informed than you. We seem to have been transported somewhere against our will, though I know of no spell capable of doing such things. Do any of you know the meaning of the voice announcing 'It is done'?", he asks, not expecting any immediate answer given everyone seems to be in the same state. As he's taking stock of the situation, Arctus pushes gently at the new power inside of him, testing its edges to get a more thorough understanding of it.

The metallic floor - any chance Arctus would know what it is? Knowledge check.. maybe Nature? Arcana? The Planes, perhaps? They're all the same mod : [roll0]

[Shazek]

As Arctus returns to reality, he looks around with a cool, detached gaze as those around him. Where had his men gone? What did it mean, "It is done"? And who was it that had made that decree? Many questions pass through his mind, but first things first, he needs to regroup and understand this new situation.

Pulling himself to his feet, Arctus' armor - a bright, shining mithril breastplate - makes barely a sound as it shifts around his body. A spiked chain is still held tightly in one gauntleted fist, and the portions of his arms and legs not covered by his armor bear decorative pieces to supplement the whole. Runes adorn all of his equipment, symbols of combat and aggression tempered by knowledge, written in the Illumian language. More of the same form a glowing circle around his brow, casting a pale blue light over his intent, leathery features.

"I'm uninjured, but no more informed than you. We seem to have been transported somewhere against our will, though I know of no spell capable of doing such things. Do any of you know the meaning of the voice announcing 'It is done'?", he asks, not expecting any immediate answer given everyone seems to be in the same state. As he's taking stock of the situation, Arctus pushes gently at the new power inside of him, testing its edges to get a more thorough understanding of it.

The metallic floor - any chance Arctus would know what it is? Knowledge check.. maybe Nature? Arcana? The Planes, perhaps? They're all the same mod : [roll0]

The floor reminds you of both Mithral and Adamantine, but also seems different from either. You suspect it to be an alloy of the two, but there seems to be something more to it than that.

[Chambers]

Amha

The massive tiger's tail twitches once before the cats eyes open, his eyelids closing to slits in the light of the diamond. Free from immediate attack the eight-legged tiger stretches and yawns, though it's as loud as a tigers roar. Rising up he sniffs the air once and walks around in a slow circle before sitting down again, his head resting on one of his massive paws. He tilts his head as he looks at each of the others in here.

Last I remember I was hunting in the city. A deep and smooth voice says in the minds of the others. The tiger stifles another yawn and scratches behind his ear with one leg. It seems we're all unhurt. Maybe... The thoughts trail off as he rises up on all eight legs, nearly six feet tall. He takes a few steps towards the diamond, his claws clicking off the metal floor. Maybe whatever brought us here wanted us in good shape for it's hunt. Reaching up with one large paw he bats at the diamond, trying to make it move.

Apparently soulmelds only unshape each day if you want them to, so he keeps his shaped all the time (so they'd still be shaped).

http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae206/unnamedhero91/banth.png

[Shazek]

Amha

The massive tiger's tail twitches once before the cats eyes open, his eyelids closing to slits in the light of the diamond. Free from immediate attack the eight-legged tiger stretches and yawns, though it's as loud as a tigers roar. Rising up he sniffs the air once and walks around in a slow circle before sitting down again, his head resting on one of his massive paws. He tilts his head as he looks at each of the others in here.

Last I remember I was hunting in the city. A deep and smooth voice says in the minds of the others. The tiger stifles another yawn and scratches behind his ear with one leg. It seems we're all unhurt. Maybe... The thoughts trail off as he rises up on all eight legs, nearly six feet tall. He takes a few steps towards the diamond, his claws clicking off the metal floor. Maybe whatever brought us here wanted us in good shape for it's hunt. Reaching up with one large paw he bats at the diamond, trying to make it move.

Apparently soulmelds only unshape each day if you want them to, so he keeps his shaped all the time (so they'd still be shaped).

http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae206/unnamedhero91/banth.png

Just before your paw reaches the diamond, mere inches from its surface, it is stopped cold in the air by an invisible force. Suddenly, the voice from before rings out in your mind. "Stop." The word has power, though you find that nothing like what happened the last time it spoke occurs. You suddenly feel an urge to obey the voice and leave the diamond alone for now, but could ignore it if you so chose.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The ancient woman carefully crosses her legs and greats the others. "My name is Vera. That is all I can be certain of at this moment." She pulls a a dark cloth from her skirt pock and partially unfolds it in front of her. A dark bird flies out, coming to rest on the floor. The raven wears a necklace looped around its neck.

She refolds the cloth and tucks it neatly back into a pocket of her skirt. "Well, Xain, do you remember any more than I do?"

Absently feeding her familiar a few crumbs, she turns her attention back to the others. "I'm going to cast a few spells, and then hopefully I will be able to determine where we are. Please understand that I have no hostile intentions. Some of my spells are less attractive than others, so I hope no one is squeamish. The frail elf smiles and then begins chanting. As she weaves her spells together, periodically, her appearance changes. First her skin becomes crusted and diseased. Then she takes on the appearance of death. Shortly after, the crusted skin begins to shimmer. Her face elongates into a hairy, tusked snout. Finally, she disappears entirely from normal senses. Similar changes happen to her familiar.

The chanting continues from her original position for another brief moment. When it stops, she says, "There now. I feel normal again."

Mindsight or True SeeingVera and Xion are still in the same place.

Turned on Motivate Dexterity. Use Draconic Knowledge. Two 0 level slots to cast RoS Improvisation (to aid in spellcraft for persisting). Cast and persist Necrotic Empowerment, Veil of Undeath, Lortd of the Sky, Arcane Sight, Delay Death, Superior Resistance, Scintillating Scales,Bite of the Wereboar,Superior Invisibility, and Favor of the Martyr. Cast Extended(Rod) Heart of Air and Familar Pocket. Used RoS to boost CL, and Ring of Enduring Arcana (effective CL vs. Dispel).

If this gets interrupted I can edit.

[Quietus]

Arctus

The strange surface of the room they're in is noted in the back of his mind, to be puzzled over later. For now, there are much more pressing matters - namely, finding out where they are, and why. One brow rises as Vera re-casts her preparatory spells, his basic knowledge of spellcraft identifying each spell cast. A look of respect is plain upon his features, even through the vague interest displayed at the collection of people here. "An interesting definition of normal.", he says. "I should introduce you to Keldarin sometime, I suspect he would enjoy discussing magical theory with you."

Restless, Arctus begins to pace the room, his chain clanking as he loops it up around itself. He carries himself with an easy confidence, taking in the situation and measuring it with the eyes of a practiced soldier and war leader. Everyone else present seems to be as unsure of what's going on as he is, so he turns his attention to the one other feature which seems to have any presence in this room - the diamond that Amha had attempted to (possibly did?) bad at. "We are awake. I demand to know what's going on, and why you've brought us here.", he says firmly, with the manner of someone used to having people listen to his commands.


Vera :
Aside from his gear, if you were to use the option to concentrate on Arctus, you'd find that he appears to be an arcane caster of "Moderate" strength, though he has no functioning spells on his person, only his magic items. I don't know if his Divine aspects would register yet or not.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I am unfamiliar with this voice." Hathur replies readily, looking up at the diamond with some trepidation as Arctus addresses it. "Though given our situation, and its potential involvement... I would suggest more tact and respect."

The arcane mastery of Vera was noted and filed away in her mind, as was the soldier's stance and lordly manner of Arctus. Amha was a somewhat harder read due to his unique nature, but then, being an intelligent eight legged tiger revealed plenty in its own right. The people here so far were... unique. Powerful.

Magical too, if her powers read them correctly.

[Morcleon]

"...where am I...?"

The only unconscious person remaining under the great diamond begins to awake. Short drifts of memory fade in and out of her mind, carrying sights and sounds and scents and feelings. The intermittent wisps continue their nomadic travels, slowly reminding the mind of her life. They stop for a moment, and then return in a great wave, crashing down onto her mind.

Haruka sits up suddenly, eyes flying open. Taking in a number of deep breaths, she clambers to her feet, yawning and spreading her brilliantly white, bloodstained wings. An impractically long blade remains attached to her back, a deep serrated edge lined with a deep amber solid. She closes her eyes to concentrate, and a slight azure glow covers her body.

Her gaze wanders around her, analyzing the other occupants. An elf, rapidly fading from view. A winged figure wreathed with crimson light. An armored man, covered in molded soul energy. And...

Haruka's eyes widen as she spots the final figure. She throws her hands in the air and, with a wide smile, dispels any air of professionalism she might have possessed. "Wai! Spider kitty!"

Ignoring the odd looks thrown her way, Haruka looks around the room, gaze alighting upon the large gem in the center. She tilts her head to one side, a curious look in her eyes. "Hello Diamond-san! Can you tell us what's going on?"

Regain psionic focus and manifest Inertial Armor. Also, knowledge checks.

Arcana:*[roll0]
Dungeoneering:*[roll1]
Local:*[roll2]
Nature:*[roll3]
Planes:*[roll4]
Religion:*[roll5]
Psionics:*[roll6]

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Invigorated, Vera had no trouble rising to her feat. "I realize that some of my customs are unusual, but I am used to spending long periods of time with only Xain, and my spells for company. Well, and Gert, but he doesn't say much either. I assure you, I would be most interested in discussing theory with your friend, or anyone for that matter. For right now, however, I recommend we consider this situation more carefully."

She traversed the room, investigating each of the native auras with her arcane sight. As she moved, she sang softly, almost a hum. It was more of a distracted habit, than a conscious decision, but she had never worked to suppress the urge, because she found it put those around her at ease. To the woman who had been first to speak, she responded, "Respect, yes. Although, I think mere tact would be futile."

Concluding her investigation, Vera sighed, "I'm loathe to use my seeing spell blindly, as I'll only have one chance to use it. Do any of you have any insight as to what is outside these walls?"

[Chambers]

Amha

The tiger lets the force stop his paw. His ears perk up when the bird appears from the elfs pocket and his stomach grumbles. His tail thumps once at the girls excitement and he smiles briefly. I am not a spider kitty.

Amha sets back on his legs and looks at the strange walls for a moment.I do not know what's on the other side, but I know a way to find out. Sharp claws the size of daggers emerge from his paws and he leaps at the wall, slashing it with all his claws.

A full attack with all hits will do a couple hundred points of damage, so we'll see if that's enough to damage it.

[Shazek]

Arctus

The strange surface of the room they're in is noted in the back of his mind, to be puzzled over later. For now, there are much more pressing matters - namely, finding out where they are, and why. One brow rises as Vera re-casts her preparatory spells, his basic knowledge of spellcraft identifying each spell cast. A look of respect is plain upon his features, even through the vague interest displayed at the collection of people here. "An interesting definition of normal.", he says. "I should introduce you to Keldarin sometime, I suspect he would enjoy discussing magical theory with you."

Restless, Arctus begins to pace the room, his chain clanking as he loops it up around itself. He carries himself with an easy confidence, taking in the situation and measuring it with the eyes of a practiced soldier and war leader. Everyone else present seems to be as unsure of what's going on as he is, so he turns his attention to the one other feature which seems to have any presence in this room - the diamond that Amha had attempted to (possibly did?) bad at. "We are awake. I demand to know what's going on, and why you've brought us here.", he says firmly, with the manner of someone used to having people listen to his commands.


Vera :
Aside from his gear, if you were to use the option to concentrate on Arctus, you'd find that he appears to be an arcane caster of "Moderate" strength, though he has no functioning spells on his person, only his magic items. I don't know if his Divine aspects would register yet or not.

You all hear a faint chuckle from that powerful voice as Arctus demands an explanation. "One among you remains unready. Wait awhile."


"...where am I...?"

The only unconscious person remaining under the great diamond begins to awake. Short drifts of memory fade in and out of her mind, carrying sights and sounds and scents and feelings. The intermittent wisps continue their nomadic travels, slowly reminding the mind of her life. They stop for a moment, and then return in a great wave, crashing down onto her mind.

Haruka sits up suddenly, eyes flying open. Taking in a number of deep breaths, she clambers to her feet, yawning and spreading her brilliantly white, bloodstained wings. An impractically long blade remains attached to her back, a deep serrated edge lined with a deep amber solid. She closes her eyes to concentrate, and a slight azure glow covers her body.

Her gaze wanders around her, analyzing the other occupants. An elf, rapidly fading from view. A winged figure wreathed with crimson light. An armored man, covered in molded soul energy. And...

Haruka's eyes widen as she spots the final figure. She throws her hands in the air and, with a wide smile, dispels any air of professionalism she might have possessed. "Wai! Spider kitty!"

Ignoring the odd looks thrown her way, Haruka looks around the room, gaze alighting upon the large gem in the center. She tilts her head to one side, a curious look in her eyes. "Hello Diamond-san! Can you tell us what's going on?"

Regain psionic focus and manifest Inertial Armor. Also, knowledge checks.

Arcana:*[roll0]
Dungeoneering:*[roll1]
Local:*[roll2]
Nature:*[roll3]
Planes:*[roll4]
Religion:*[roll5]
Psionics:*[roll6]

You know: There is both arcane and divine magic at work here, this metal is somehow similar to mithral and adamantine, the walls appear to be completely smooth and unassailable, the races of all the others in the room save the diamond, that the diamond does not appear to be using psionics, and absolutely nothing else about the diamond.


Amha

The tiger lets the force stop his paw. His ears perk up when the bird appears from the elfs pocket and his stomach grumbles. His tail thumps once at the girls excitement and he smiles briefly. I am not a spider kitty.

Amha sets back on his legs and looks at the strange walls for a moment.I do not know what's on the other side, but I know a way to find out. Sharp claws the size of daggers emerge from his paws and he leaps at the wall, slashing it with all his claws.

A full attack with all hits will do a couple hundred points of damage, so we'll see if that's enough to damage it.

Your blows gouge into the wall, leaving small scratches in it. The damage appears to be merely superficial, but even that does not last long. The metal shavings that fell to the ground fall back upwards, reassembling exactly as they had been before.

The voice, which had been silent since Arctus' outburst, speaks aloud again, though this time you hear a tinge of amusement in its tone. "Must you? You are not the most violent of those I have called here at some time or another, but you have certainly started quickly. Most allow me to explain myself before trying to escape." It pauses a moment, seemingly considering something, before you all feel a massive expenditure of magic. Looking around, you each find that near you has appeared a plush cushion. They all appear sized to you and extremely comfortable. "Sit. We have much to discuss."

Spellcraft DC 34:
The cushions were made through use of Silent Still Quickened True Creation (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/divine/spells/trueCreation.htm).

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha watches the metal shavings as they float back to the wall. He sniffs once and then walks back to where he woke up. The slave does not apologize to his master when he tries to escape. He looks down at the cushion and back at the diamond. Gently batting the cushion aside he lays down on the ground and slowly swishes his tail back and forth. I am listening. Talk.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera crossed her legs as she reclined on the proffered cushion. She folded her hands neatly in her lap and performed a mental exercise that she learned long ago. The little ritual is one that she learned during her schooling. It allowed her to more clearly recall a conversation in the future. As a paragnostic explorer, her ability to remember each detail was crucial when writing up her reports. Briefly her attention wandered drawn to her home assembly. I wonder how Dal is faring? She clenched her jaw, and shook her head ever so slightly trying to regain her composure.

The distraction was enough to make her lose focus. So, the old woman began her custom again. This time she quietly hummed to herself. When she reached the end of the exercise, the wizardess spoke, addressing the entity for the first time. "I would be most interested in learning anything you have to say."

She successfully resisted the urge to ask for a cup of tea. Despite how wonderful it is to have something to do with your hands when you are being lectured, I think it might find the request frivolous.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

As the cushions come into existence, Haruka plops down happily on the one behind her. As Amha bats hers away, Haruka quickly bends over and grabs it, placing it against her wall. She leans back and puts her hands behind her head. "Well, Diamond-san, it's not like you were explaining or anything before spider kitty scratched your shiny walls."

She yawns, and leans forward, resting her chin on her hands, and her elbows on her knees. With a curious look, she addresses the Voice in a rapidly spoken sentence. "So then. Explain. What's going on here, why are we all here, where is here, who are you, and what do I have to do to unlock these nifty new powers that I have, but can't seem to access?

[Shazek]

The diamond remains silent a moment as you all react. "To answer your questions now, without explaining certain matters to you, would be purposeless. You must understand certain things about your world, and recent events, before you can come to know your purpose here. Firstly, I assume you all know how the Material was cut off from the Planes? How Divine Magic ceased to function, and the Outsiders and Elementals stopped interaction with your world? I tell you now the reasons for that, and what has come of it."

"The Planes have been ravaged. A being from beyond reality arrived in the Hells what was, to you, a few short years ago. Within mere days, it had razed them to the foundations of reality and devoured their inhabitants. The gods were, understandably, alarmed. It gained power from that which it consumed, and they quickly realized it outmatched any of them. They came together and decided to quarantine the Material so that it could not be consumed. They understood that they only had access to the powers they did because of mortal faith. The font of Divine power, the source of the energies of the gods, could only be accessed because of their followers. Their plan succeeded too well. They successfully protected the Material from their enemy, but cut themselves off from it as well. Together, the gods were able to hold off their common foe for a time. Eventually, though the mortals who followed the gods, seeing their clerics powerless, abandoned their deities. That was the beginning of the end. The gods were devoured – they are all dead."

"The devourer consumed all the planes save the Material, then worked at the barrier. In spite of its power, it could not tear it open completely, but it could poke holes. Beings of nonreality, its offspring and slaves, invaded your world. They began to tear the very fabric of reality, and, while you held them off for a time, you could not stop them entirely. Had this gone on a few more days, the barrier would have been torn open completely, and your world would have ended. Before it could get that far, I stepped in. Understand that I am the Source, the Font of Divinity, the Spring of Existence. I am bound by certain rules, rules I had made to protect your world from my raw power. I broke those rules, then, and destroyed the devourer."

"You heard the first words I spoke. 'It Is Finished.' And so it was. I had finished the war – and doomed both myself and your world. My counterstroke against the devourer nearly finished unraveling reality. If another were to come, I could not stop it, not without bringing about the destruction of all creation. And so I made a decision. I would change the rules one last time, and then pass from existence. I have decided that no more will the gods be beholden to mortal worshippers – they will walk among them, wielding my power directly, not through intermediaries. And they will be strong, hardened by the greatest battles possible, so that, one day, should existence once more come into jeopardy, the gods will be able to save it."

"You all have been chosen as Candidates. New gods are needed to rebuild and protect creation, and you may yet be among them. I have placed within each of you a spark. It may grow into a blaze, or it may be absorbed into the fires of another. This place is my testing grounds. Here, you will be hardened, or shattered, by the greatest beings that remained on your world when the barrier was made. Some I have given the spark, others I have not. If you slay those other who I made candidates, you will take their powers for your own. Should they slay you, your powers will be subsumed into theirs. Eventually, only the most powerful will remain. They will create a new world from the ashes of the old, rebuild the planes. And they will remain forever watchful for a new devourer, that this may never happen again."

"I know that you each knew other mortals. Some of them, I have preserved and brought here – either as tests or as candidates. Others may have ceased to exist due to my counterstroke and what I did in making this place. This is still the Material – but it is not as it was. Only portions of it remain, and I have sewn them together in ways different from how they once were. Many beings, many locales, have ceased to exist. Much of what remains is wilderness. Only two cities exist now – both built while you were in stasis, in the void. Know that it has been over three-hundred years since I spoke those first words and built this place. You are among the last I intend to release into my testing grounds. There are those who have already proven worthy of becoming new gods, but far more who remain mere candidates. Outside these walls is a whole new world. Most of it would dearly enjoy killing you and taking your power."

"Now, were there any other questions?"

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur takes an offered seat as she listens, her concern growing the more she hears. Putting aside all else, it sounded like the world was in a mess- and all the ideals she favored were about to be sorely tested, given how much everyone else had just been incentivized to slaughter one another. Her eyes flick over the other four again- the tiger had already shown a desire to lash out and resist all authority over it, while the warrior seemed inclined to take charge. The other two.... one seemed to be proceeding more logically, the second somewhat less, to put it mildly.

Well, the world contained all types. It would probably be her task to help keep them working together rather than tearing each other apart.

"How much longer will you exist in any meaningful capacity?" Hathur asks bluntly. "Will you disappear before the gods to be are powerful enough to take on a second devourer, should one come? Or will you remain long enough to ensure the safety of reality until another can take up that role?"

[Shazek]

Hathur

Hathur takes an offered seat as she listens, her concern growing the more she hears. Putting aside all else, it sounded like the world was in a mess- and all the ideals she favored were about to be sorely tested, given how much everyone else had just been incentivized to slaughter one another. Her eyes flick over the other four again- the tiger had already shown a desire to lash out and resist all authority over it, while the warrior seemed inclined to take charge. The other two.... one seemed to be proceeding more logically, the second somewhat less, to put it mildly.

Well, the world contained all types. It would probably be her task to help keep them working together rather than tearing each other apart.

"How much longer will you exist in any meaningful capacity?" Hathur asks bluntly. "Will you disappear before the gods to be are powerful enough to take on a second devourer, should one come? Or will you remain long enough to ensure the safety of reality until another can take up that role?"

"I am degrading slowly. I believe that as I am now, so long as I do not take any truly drastic action, I will remain for another millennium or so. The tests will likely not last that long, and the gods should be ready to defend and recreate by then. However, that is not to say that I could defend against a new devourer. The act of destroying it would likely end this reality, torn as it is. I suspect I could imprison one safely for a while, but such a thing could only last so long. I estimate that I could only safely maintain such an imprisonment for two or three years before there is risk to what remains of existence. I doubt that, were I forced to take such measures, I would last long past their expiration."

"Do not think overmuch of it, though. I would have forewarning before such a beast came through."

[Quietus]

Arctus

"So, let me get this straight. It's been hundreds of years since we last set foot anywhere outside this room, the world is falling apart, and many people have been empowered with the raw energy necessary to rebuild all of creation. And your intent is for us to hunt down others with that energy, and take it for our own. Interesting that you tell us this while we're in a room with others in the same situation.", Arctus confirms, his gaze flicking over those visible in the room, as well as the cushion where Vera presumably sat. For his part, Arctus chose to remain standing, though his posture had relaxed somewhat until the 'fighting for dominance' aspect had been mentioned. Now his posture was subtly defensive, prepared to react if anyone present were to take impetuous action.

"Let's say that those who come out on top desire the annihilation of all creation. Where does that lead us? Is there any failsafe against that? Will any of your rules remain when you are gone?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"I suspect that we are the insurance. We are the last to be released, yes? It is up to us to ensure that only those who should wield this power do." This situation reminded Vera too much of the time her powers first broke through. Sudden power was a dangerous temptation without time to come to terms with it. It had taken nearly a century for her to learn to fully cope with the responsibility of her gifts. It is for this purpose I was chosen. I can teach the others how to cope with their new gifts the way I have learned to cope with mine. Part of that, she knew would be to find a task to keep their mind occupied while they had time to become accustomed to the change.

Her cushion shifted as the invisible elf rose to her full height. She approached the entity. "Where are the Candidates that you are currently concerned about, and what are the rules of engagement?"

[Shazek]

A soft chuckle echoes around the room a moment as you voice your concerns. "I suggest you do not attempt to turn on the others in this room, though I will not stop you should you wish to try. I have brought you all together for a purpose, as your companion has so astutely guessed. In the past, I have released Candidates individually, allowing them to get their bearings alone. However, the danger has grown since this began. Beyond these walls I have erected are horrors the likes of which you have never seen, beings that could have challenged the gods that once were. To survive, you will be forced to tolerate one another. Merely taking the divine energies of those gathered here would not be sufficient to stay alive. As to your other concerns - there is a reason for the void you were placed in. It was a test for all I considered as Candidates. None who would simply accept cessation of existence would have survived. Therefore, there are no Candidates such as you describe. Also, so long as I survive, I can fairly easily and safely strip Candidates of what I have granted them, just as the old gods could strip their worshipers of power. As to my rules - no. I will be forced to entrust those who remain then to control themselves as I once controlled myself."

"As to your purpose, only Candidates were tested by the void. Some of those who were brought here to test and harden the Candidates have slain them and taken their power. Several of them are dangerous, and threaten to throw off the balance of power among candidates. I will tell you of a few of them. You may hunt them, or you may not. They are there as opportunities to grow and learn even now. Battles with them would strengthen and prepare you even more than warring with the other candidates. Least among them is a dragon well to the northeast of here, nesting atop the highest peak that remains in this land. He has enslaved his brethren, and has them hunt for candidates for him to devour. To the west, there is a fortress of demonkind, where most that were trapped on the Material have gathered. Leading them is an Infernal, the offspring of a demon lord and a goddess. He is young, born in this new world, but slew both his parents and took their strength. Many of the darker trials I placed here have rallied to him, and he threatens to become a serious danger to Candidates in general. Jormungandr swims in the oceans far to the east. At the southern borders of the world lie a few of the offspring of the devourer, left alive to serve as a warning to the new gods. These are not the only tests that have gotten out of hand, but they are among the most dangerous, and slaying them would please and impress me dearly. They are the reason I have brought you together - as things are, the integrity of the testing may yet be compromised by these threats growing out of control. Do as you wish, though. I am trying to remain as light-handed as possible, and so will not force you into any task."

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha's tail slowly sweeps across the floor. He lifts his head and tracks the elf, his eyes never wavering from where she is. Rules? Hunt, or be hunted. What other rule could there be? The tiger turns his head back towards the diamond and laughs loud and long. You don't want to force us towards one task or the other? How considerate that you've given us such freedom of choice in this matter.

The smile turns into a scowl and Amha's claws dig into the metal floor. Once I have bested all of your creatures here, there will be one more hunt to complete.

[Shazek]

Amha

Amha's tail slowly sweeps across the floor. He lifts his head and tracks the elf, his eyes never wavering from where she is. Rules? Hunt, or be hunted. What other rule could there be? The tiger turns his head back towards the diamond and laughs loud and long. You don't want to force us towards one task or the other? How considerate that you've given us such freedom of choice in this matter.

The smile turns into a scowl and Amha's claws dig into the metal floor. Once I have bested all of your creatures here, there will be one more hunt to complete.

A hint of steel creeps into the voice as it replies, "And what hunt, praytell, would that be?"

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Sitting unusually still, Haruka listens intently to the words of the diamond. She raises an eyebrow at the mention of "taking another's spark," but remains silent. At the end of the speech, she stretches once, then snuggles deeper into her two pillows with a deadpan look. "So basically, we find these other people-with-sparks, kill them, and take their power? Seems simple enough. Not easy, but simple."

Upon hearing the voice option of turning on those still in the room, she gets a quizzical look on her face. After a few seconds, this turns to a bright, knowing smile. "Aha! I see what you did there, Diamond-san. You indirectly tell us that killing each other can grant us power, expecting the less friendly people to do so eventually. When we decide to work together, you'll be all like 'Hmm... Very good. You have surpassed my expectations' and then send us off on our merry way."

She pauses for a deep breath, and then shouts in a somewhat overly cheerful way, "So let's agree not to kill each other, to work together, and to absolutely annhilate anything that stands in our way! Suddenly and violently and all over the place! Who's with me?"

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Given that he just told us that we would have to work together to survive, banding together seems like the most reasonable course for some reason." Hathur replies to Haruka in a dry tone. "I don't believe I share your enthusiasm for the oncoming violence towards everything else, however."

As Hathur continues to speak, she redirects her attention towards the diamond, addressing it more than the others. "I believe the terms of this contest are demeaning to us all, pushing and directing us to overlook that which would make our strength greatest. But it seems I have little say in the matter, and it is far too late for me to correct its current course. So be it then. If I must prune away all that is undesirable with my blade, that is what I will do."

She turns her back to the diamond, and addresses the others, steeling herself to the task ahead. "I know little of your natures, not what drives or compels you- but I have no desire to see the world torn to pieces as these empowered beings fight over it. More than banding together for our survival, I believe we can better ourselves through cooperation. No matter our differences, whether they are great or small, we will be strengthened by having others within the same banner. The sum of all knowledge only increases when all views are brought together. The life of the pack is greater than the creatures that make it up. So too is a pantheon more than any individual god- and that is what I propose we strive for. Let us not seek to become deities joined in uneasy alliance for our own survival, but a pantheon."

[Quietus]

Arctus

"No man is an army.", Arctus says, by way of agreement with the general sentiment of working together. Amha's suggestion that he might intend to hunt their benefactor, and possibly those present, gains him a measured look from the soldier's cold blue eyes, while Haruka's exuberance likewise does little to garner his respect. Still, one doesn't turn aside men and women without good reason, and even the most erratic individuals could have useful talents.

Hathur's comments, however, draw a nod from him. "I agree. I can see the necessity of the situation as a whole, but I dislike how it's been presented. Regardless, I have no interest in allowing power hungry beings focused solely on their own desires to take rulership over an entire world, when I must live there. Particularly since the powers we've been given to fight back, also seem to make us a target." Apparently Hathur's earlier comments about tact were lost on Arctus, as his voice carries clear venom for this diamond-being's approach.

When he speaks again, he addresses everyone present. "If we're to work together, we ought to know more about one another. I am Arctus Suluna, once Strategos for Middleton Spire. I am a soldier and a war leader, and have lead armies into battle countless times. In battle, I serve best on the front lines, keeping individual targets occupied. I am, however, used to having the combat and tactical support of my battlemage Keldarin. Am I correct in my assumption that you may be able to assist in that role, Vera?", he asks, his gaze directed toward the cushion that was presumably showing the imprint of her invisible body.

[Chambers]

Amha

His claws retracing back into his paws Amha shrugs and lays back down, his tail twitching once. False ignorance is no less attractive in gods than it is in humans. I have spoken. Amha directs towards the diamond, then turns his head towards the group.

He looks towards Hathur and nods. You speak well, and I share your thoughts. Amha glances at the diamond and then ignores it. My family called me Amha, and that is my name. It seems I am the last of my tribe. He looks down at his paws for a moment. And thus the last shaman...for now.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"Please child." Vera's voice came from behind Arctus. "I'm just a simple scholar, philosopher, and explorer. I have very little experience leading battles. My research has taken me to some dangerous places, but I try to avoid interfering in conflicts when at all possible. Still, my skill in that area may be of benefit to you when we are attacked. My name is Vera, as I have said. I am from Misty Reach originally, but I spent over two-hundred years with the Paragnostic Assembly. That is what I consider to be my home."

She turned back to this curious power source. "Will it be possible to find a place where we have a day or two to take the lay of the land before being attacked? I despise going on any expedition without performing the proper research. Is anything left at all, aside from me, of the Assembly?"

[Morcleon]

Haruka

"I suppose introductions are always useful." Haruka says as she straightens her posture and crosses her legs. "My name is Higashiyama Haruka. I was the leader of a modest sized empire back before the whole destruction-of-reality thing. I specialize in hit-and-run attacks and sniping, although I can hold my own in close-combat."

She pauses for a moment, before something occurs to her. Raising a finger, she questions the diamond. "Hey, Diamond-san. Do you have a map of this new patchwork reality? I don't think our previous knowledge would help at all, and we're gonna need all the information we can get..."

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"My name is Hathur. I am a knight-errant with no home to speak of. It is likely worth noting that my arms of choice are unusual for a knight, more magic than steel. I can claim little expertise in anything beyond combat, but I have turned my hand to many tasks across the years- I find that such experience is rarely wasted." Hathur speaks forthrightly. "Before this destruction I believe I was known as much for my philosophy as my knightly deeds, and I had already cultivated a little divine power, though nothing like what we possess now."

A small smirk comes to Hathur's lips as she continues. "I'll speak for myself when my ideals are relevant, but I'll try not to preach at you incessantly. I don't believe anyone finds that appealing."

[Shazek]

You hear a rather exasperated sigh at the words of Amha, before the diamond responds to other concerns. "I have given you all more aid than is my custom. I will not give a map to you. However, beyond these walls, there are no creatures for a fair ways around. You ought to be able to stay here safely for a day or two, once I depart. As to your organization, it no longer exists as such. A few members were brought here, though, and at least one still survives, in a way. He has undergone a rather startling transformation, though."

You hear a deliberate pause, before the diamond continues to speak, this time seemingly reluctantly. "I understand that you all do not appreciate my methods. However, the new gods must be hardened by war and strengthened in battle against everything that still exists. I cannot allow Creation to die. I do what I must, so that should this come again, the world will not be torn apart."

"Now, I have tarried here too long. Other matters require my attention for now. Do any of you have a final question?"

[Quietus]

Arctus

Higashiyama, as the leader of an empire, earns a crook of his brow. So far, she'd given the impression of being an overexcited child in many ways. The thought of her leading anything was unusual, to say the least. The rest, however.. Vera's description of herself as a scholar and explorer earned a little respect, as Arctus was well aware that knowledge and power oftentimes went hand in hand. Hathur's attitude sounded like it would mesh well enough with his own, at least. When the crystal speaks once again, Arctus nods - he knows all too well the value of doing what must be done, even if it's distasteful. In fact, it was seeming more and more as though that was precisely what he'd been called here to do.

When asked about final questions, Arctus' features remain blank, though it's the mask of a man withholding emotions, rather than not having them at all. "Only one. Is my sister still alive?"

[Shazek]

Arctus

Higashiyama, as the leader of an empire, earns a crook of his brow. So far, she'd given the impression of being an overexcited child in many ways. The thought of her leading anything was unusual, to say the least. The rest, however.. Vera's description of herself as a scholar and explorer earned a little respect, as Arctus was well aware that knowledge and power oftentimes went hand in hand. Hathur's attitude sounded like it would mesh well enough with his own, at least. When the crystal speaks once again, Arctus nods - he knows all too well the value of doing what must be done, even if it's distasteful. In fact, it was seeming more and more as though that was precisely what he'd been called here to do.

When asked about final questions, Arctus' features remain blank, though it's the mask of a man withholding emotions, rather than not having them at all. "Only one. Is my sister still alive?"

"Alive? No. However, that is not to say she could not be resurrected, with some measure of effort. She was one of the earlier Candidates, but was killed. Do you recall my mention of a dragon earlier? He slew her, took her Spark, and trapped her Soul. Were you to kill him, I imagine you would find her soul gem in his treasury. She would not regain her Spark with his death, but could gain one anew."

[Quietus]

That news causes Arctus' mouth to draw into a tighter line, clearly not pleased with this information. What the hell was this being thinking, throwing Amia into such a cutthroat world, and making a target out of her? He manages to bite back those thoughts, however, taking several deep breaths to calm himself. Getting upset wouldn't solve anything. If she could be revived, then this could be resolved.

"Fine. You said that this dragon was the least of the dangerous rogue elements? Then I propose that we begin there, as a test of what we are now capable of, and to gain an idea of how we work as a team. Thoughts?", he asks gruffly, scanning over the gathered Candidates.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"If this dragon truly is the weakest target, and you have further reasons to pursue him, dealing with him first would seem to be the best course of action." Hathur agrees. "I have no objections, though I strongly advise gathering intelligence. Dragons, even more than other entities, have certain predictable weaknesses and strengths- if we can discover those, then we will have a decisive edge."

"A dragon that is a candidate, of course, will almost certainly be intelligent enough to consider such factors- we should consider the possibilities of deception and advance preparation against the tactics we would most like to bring to bear."

"Freeing his peers may also be worth considering- if we can get them on our side, or at least in our debt, we will be able to build our base of power while weakning his own." Hathur obsereves.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

At the idea of hunting a dragon, Haruka brightens. She places a finger on the side of her mouth and stares upward in a thinking pose. "Hmm... Dragon hunting, you say? Now, first thing is to find out information about it. Type, age, lair, followers and stuff like that. Also, almost all dragons have a few of the same basic strengths. These are intelligence, magic and physical and magical resilience. Some weaknesses are also shared, like lack of agility, maneuverability, and evasion."

Turning to the gem, she gives it a deadpan look. "I'd ask this information of you, but you're not goin to give it to us, are you?" Sighing, she turns to the rest of the group with a smile. "Everyone ready? The quicker we get out of here, the quicker we can get on with this dragon hunting, spark finding business."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

I suppose that will have to do. Thank you for not giving up entirely on the planes. Vera turns her attention back to the others. Haruka-chan, do not become petulant just because the progenitor of the multiverse does not deign to answer your frivolous questions. We have the means at our disposal to answer them ourselves. Put aside your haste. We will have answers soon enough. Indeed, it seems we must answer them, and more, to prove we have a continued right to existence.

Arctus, I will aid you in finding your sister. As Hathur said, that is the logical place to begin.

Vera returns to sit cross legged on her cushion. She begins to hum again; this time the melody sounds almost familiar. As she meditates, she reaches out for the new source of power within herself.

[Shazek]

The voice speaks once more, this time sounding, if not rushed, at the very least pressed for time. "I have but two things left to impart, then. The first is a warning: Weakest of those who have slain enough Candidates and Demigods to cause a problem is not weak by any other standard. The second is more mundane. I have removed the barriers preventing you from accessing your Sparks. You now have full access to the powers I have granted you. Farewell."

As the voice fades away for the last time, an immense rush of incomprehensible sensation washes over each of you, blinding all your senses to what occurs next. When you regain your faculties, the diamond is gone, as are the walls and floor. You now stand on a plain of rough black rock, which continues in all directions as far as you can see. The sky above you is tinged red and black, and you cannot see the sun. A storm seems to be brewing far to the south. Nothing alive seems to be in your vicinity. You are alone.

And the ball, as they say, is in your court.

[Quietus]

"Well, that was interesting.", Arctus observes, casting his eyes over the open expanse they've found themselves on. The spot is extremely poor defensively, but the Being had said they would be safe here for a time. Still, he didn't like it. Brushing the edges of his newfound Divine abilities, he casts his first true Divine spell, scanning the area for the presence of enemy Scrying sensors. As he does, wisps of dark clouds - not unlike those in the distance - begin to gather about his feet, sparks flying where those clouds brush directly against his boots, and he lifts an inch off the ground, rising on what appears to be a carpet of stormclouds.

((Arctus casts Detect Scrying. Assuming that his spell doesn't reveal any peeping toms...))
"Thank you all, your help is appreciated in finding and recovering my sister. I agree, however, that we need more information. I've come into conflict with dragons before, and they were troublesome even when they didn't bear the devoured sparks of proto-gods. Striking at its support is paramount, releasing its control over its kin, and possibly preempting a few Candidates that it intended to devour for our own enhancement. Attacking head-on would be suicidal. We should also consider looking at any holes in our pantheon, if that's what we're to be, and see if we can find Candidates who fit any important missing roles."

[Shazek]

"Well, that was interesting.", Arctus observes, casting his eyes over the open expanse they've found themselves on. The spot is extremely poor defensively, but the Being had said they would be safe here for a time. Still, he didn't like it. Brushing the edges of his newfound Divine abilities, he casts his first true Divine spell, scanning the area for the presence of enemy Scrying sensors. As he does, wisps of dark clouds - not unlike those in the distance - begin to gather about his feet, sparks flying where those clouds brush directly against his boots, and he lifts an inch off the ground, rising on what appears to be a carpet of stormclouds.

((Arctus casts Detect Scrying. Assuming that his spell doesn't reveal any peeping toms...))
"Thank you all, your help is appreciated in finding and recovering my sister. I agree, however, that we need more information. I've come into conflict with dragons before, and they were troublesome even when they didn't bear the devoured sparks of proto-gods. Striking at its support is paramount, releasing its control over its kin, and possibly preempting a few Candidates that it intended to devour for our own enhancement. Attacking head-on would be suicidal. We should also consider looking at any holes in our pantheon, if that's what we're to be, and see if we can find Candidates who fit any important missing roles."

You do not sense anyone scrying on you.

[Chambers]

Amha

When their senses return Amha is crouched on the ground, ready to spring. He looks around him swiftly and then walks a few paces away, watching the storm on the horizon. This place is not our world...and the creatures here will show no mercy or forgiveness. Who would give up such power, and who would blame them for keeping it? He holds his head high and inhales deeply, familiarizing himself with the scents of this land. He glances back at the group and nods his head towards the storm. We must not be afraid. He turns back towards the storm and unleashes a roar that shakes the ground. His tail swishes slowly and a small smile appears. We have been challenged, and we must go face it.

Using the Shout spell. Divine powers, huzzah!

Anything show up with Scent/Mindsight?

[dextercorvia]

Vera

After the surge, the old elven woman makes contact with her new powers. She casts a new spell which augments her abilities, and then precedes to shore up her magical defenses even further. After a few moments, still invisible to all but the keenest of senses, her form has changed once more. She takes up considerably more room, and you feel a gentle breeze as she tests out her wings. "I'm going to cast a couple of spells upon you and your equipment, if you have no objections. They are protective spells and will not harm you at all." She casts several more spells, in her lyrical dialect, sharing some her new companions. "If you would like, I can make some of your own spells last longer as well. I take it we are not currently being scried upon?" She seems unconcerned, as though it is common place to work with total strangers in a post-apocalyptic prime material plane where she is to be hunted for the divine essence she carries.

Cast Wieldskill to activate Bead of Karma, and boost Spellcraft. Cast and Persist Shapechange, Foresight, Friendly Fire, Aerial Alacrity, Lesser Visage of the Diety, Occular Wieldskill (Hide), Choose Destiny, Recitation and Shield of Warding. Use Rod of Chaining, RoS, Divine Spellpower on Shield of Warding (CL25, effects everyone for +6 sacred bonus to AC and Reflex saves), Cast Greater Luminous Armor (CL 22). Cast Magic Vestment using RoS and DSP (CL 25, chained to everyone's armor and shields). Vera takes [roll0] damage from RoS.

I can chain one more spell, but already used up my Occular Delay Death. I can persist 18 more if cast by others.

[Quietus]

Arctus

While Amha speaks, he has Arctus' attention, the strange being's shape apparently mattering little to his militaristic mind. "The complete lack of fear is no better than complete submission to it. Fear makes us cautious, and caution ensures we properly protect ourselves.", he answers, watching the tiger-creature's response carefully.

When Vera has finished casting her impressive suite of spells and asks about anyone scrying, Arctus shakes his head. "We are clear, for now. I'd suggest we find somewhere with better cover, to remain that way while we seek out what our first move is. As to extending our spells, that would be appreciated. I can see to certain enhancements, but there are a few others that would be nice to see last longer. Delay Death, Death Ward, Girallon's Blessing and Fuse Arms come to mind, if you have any means to Persist those." While waiting for responses, Arctus casts his own smaller selection of buffs, the only visible difference occurring when he doubles in height, his cushion of storm clouds growing with him.

Buffs :
Activating Bead of Karma, and casting/triggering Adept spirit, to raise caster level to 15. Casting Persistent Righteous Might, Persistent Divine Power - trying to decide whether to persist Divine Favor, or use Extended Girallon's Blessing/Fuse Arms for 5 hours of strengthy goodness

[Shazek]

Amha

When their senses return Amha is crouched on the ground, ready to spring. He looks around him swiftly and then walks a few paces away, watching the storm on the horizon. This place is not our world...and the creatures here will show no mercy or forgiveness. Who would give up such power, and who would blame them for keeping it? He holds his head high and inhales deeply, familiarizing himself with the scents of this land. He glances back at the group and nods his head towards the storm. We must not be afraid. He turns back towards the storm and unleashes a roar that shakes the ground. His tail swishes slowly and a small smile appears. We have been challenged, and we must go face it.

Using the Shout spell. Divine powers, huzzah!

Anything show up with Scent/Mindsight?

No.
How hard is it to believe that you're alone?

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Fear is emotion, a basic response, an instinctive response. Rarely does it rise without reason, yet reason does not depart with its lack. It is not fear or lack of fear that we should consider, but logic and intelligence." Comments Hathur.

"A soldier and military strategist, a shaman, a scholar and magician, a guerrilla warrior and ruler, a knight errant and eldritich savant. It seems to me we have a fair balance of skills." The knight observes, considering how best to start.

"I agree that our first act should be to find shelter at least- and a base from which we can start at best. I have some small knowledge of where to look, but I am uncertain if I can trust it in this place. I feel divinations may be better aimed, though those available to me may take some time, and may not be precisely suited to the task. Vera, Amha- perhaps one of you have abilities that could better serve here?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"Yes, I believe I can help with that. Let me see." The aged scholar gestures at a pebble with one of her talons. She chirrups a few words in that lyrical language, and suddenly you are all surrounded by a domed hill-fort made of the same black rock as the surroundings. The outside looks like just a low rise on the plain. On the inside, there are several rooms carved out of that same stone. Empty bookshelves line the walls, interspersed with work benches. Several narrow arrow slits in the outermost walls afford a view of the world outside.

Without stopping to admire her handiwork, Vera says a few more brief arcane words. This time, nothing seems to happen, but her voice changes back to Common to reassure you. "There. Now, no one will be able to scry on us."

Spellcraft to open spoiler:
Polymorph Any Object for the keep. Used two 8th leve slots to cast Miracle replicating Mage's Private Sanctum.

[Quietus]

Arctus

The creation of a building whole-cloth from a pebble elicits a raised eyebrow from Arctus. He'd spoken with Keldarin about what magic was capable at that level of power, but this was the first time he'd seen it in action. "Impressive.", he states, examining the new building. "This will do nicely, though I worry that this may be the spot that all new candidates first arrive at. It may be prudent to move to another location tomorrow, in case others come looking. And I agree, Hathur, that we seem to be fairly well prepared if we work together as a strike team. In the long term, however, we would be well served by picking up a Candidate who represents concerns of the common folk, primarily aspects of harvest and homestead. Our first priority, of course, ought to be carving out a spot for ourselves in this new world, and garnering our own power base from which to mount strikes on those that threaten us."

As he speaks, Arctus examines the newly created building, pacing around whichever areas he can reach without moving out of earshot. The workbenches draw his attention, as he's had some experience working with his hands - he made all of his equipment himself. With Vera's ability to create buildings whole cloth out of a pebble, however, he suspects that his more mundane skills would prove less than valuable, much as they had once Keldarin had finally mastered the Fabricate spell. This, however, was clearly on an entirely different level than his old battlemage and friend had been capable of, and that demanded a certain amount of respect.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur is surprised by the creation of the fortress and her eyes widen, then narrow as she scrutinizes it more closely, turning her powers on it so she could fully understand and ensure she knew what had occurred, in all its aspects. When she was satisfied, she made several notes in her mind, and spoke her thoughts carefully.

"That was not quite what I had in mind, though it was certainly effective. If it cost so little effort and you did it so readily, I assume you can repeat it in the future- and we may need to. I share Arctus's concerns about location, not simply because others may arrive here, but because we are the sole feature on a plain- we stand out to all who would look for us, and yet we have nothing to gain from the territory. As a temporary structure it will serve..."

With one hand, Hathur raps the stone walls. "I think we will need to find other methods for a permanent fortress, however. I will not trust walls made and sustained purely by magic, as these are. A single spell of enough power could bring it all toppling down, and I have no desire to hand my enemies new forms of siege weaponry."

Hathur turns and gives a smile to Vera- or where she guessed she was, given Vera couldn't be seen. "But your power is a notable thing- this is far more efficient a method than I was expecting, and it will certainly serve us well for the moment. So far you have displayed a fair range of powers, and I find myself curious. Could you give a more detailed accounting of your capabilities?"

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Haruka grins at newly constructed fortress, and runs her finger along one wall. "Nice! Instant house. Although I agree with Arctus-san. Diamond-san said that we were 'among the last' of the Candidates to come through, not the last."

She sighs and puts on a thoughtful face. "From what we've learned so far, the entire Material is a quasi-random patchwork myriad of what we once knew, shifted some three centuries into the future. Now, before we can even begin on a power base of any sort, we need information on what this land is. I'll see if I can run up something of the nature."

Crossing her legs in midair, Haruka spreads her wings and lets them hover her above the ground. She closes her eyes and begins to concentrate, drawing energy into herself as a nimbus of light begins to surround her. A few seconds later, she opens her eyes and looks to Vera. "Oh, before I forget. Vera-san, I have some spells that could be useful for the entire party in battle. Remind me after I finish this, 'kay?" Giving her a smile, Haruka closes her eyes again and resumes her ritual.

Manifesting divination to find a map.
Success roll. 01-79 indicates success. [roll0]

[Chambers]

Amha

The sudden appearance of the stone keep catches Amha off-guard and he leaps backwards instantly, sailing more than sixty feet before landing and skidding to a stop, his claws dragging furrows in the ground. He stays tense for a moment and then relaxes, slowly walks back towards the group and moves next to the keep. He sniffs it and then turns towards where Vera stands. That was unexpected.

He pads over to Hathur and sits besides her. The blessings of the great spirit manifested differently for each shaman in my tribe. The mystics were granted knowledge of the earth and sky, while others like myself learned how to become like the great beasts themselves.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"I don't think we need to worry about other new candidates, but this isn't intended as a permanent structure. This design is one that I like to use any time I'm camping. Forgive the bookshelves. They are an old affectation of mine, but I find they give me comfort."

Vera runs her feathers along the shelves and paces the circumference of the room while she talks.

"I was saying that I don't believe we need to worry about the entity depositing new candidates near us. This is for a few reasons. The first and simplest, is that it told us we would be left alone here for a couple of days at least. Certainly the entity omitted much, but outright lying is not a skill that the author of the gods would have much cause to hone. Secundus, if all those with the spark were left here, then the hungry vultures of this new world would already and constantly be circling. No, we will be fine here for today.

I think you will find that such a low hill is almost invisible from above, and I doubt that many that wish us harm would be wandering this wasteland on foot. And, even if they are, it is the same rock as everything else. It would take a mighty close inspection to discern that there could be occupants."

Vera rounds the room coming to the meditating girl. "I'm proud of you, Haruka-chan. That is a most astute deduction, and I concur. Furthermore, I agree with your initiative in commencing with the divination." She couldn't help but sound motherly when dealing with those so much younger than herself.

"Amha, I apologize for startling you. I am unused to traveling with strangers. Next time, I will try to give more warning of what I intend."

Vera comes full circuit back to Hathur. "As to my abilities, suffice it to say, I am an arcanist with an eclectic taste in spells. The divine powers that have been bestowed upon me seem to be specialized in traveling, and temporal matters with the dabbling I had done during my wizardly training in fortune and divination being blended in with the rest. I'm somewhat surprised not to find knowledge in there, but I suppose I spent more of my time exploring to seek out new knowledge than sharing it."

[Shazek]

Haruka

Haruka grins at newly constructed fortress, and runs her finger along one wall. "Nice! Instant house. Although I agree with Arctus-san. Diamond-san said that we were 'among the last' of the Candidates to come through, not the last."

She sighs and puts on a thoughtful face. "From what we've learned so far, the entire Material is a quasi-random patchwork myriad of what we once knew, shifted some three centuries into the future. Now, before we can even begin on a power base of any sort, we need information on what this land is. I'll see if I can run up something of the nature."

Crossing her legs in midair, Haruka spreads her wings and lets them hover her above the ground. She closes her eyes and begins to concentrate, drawing energy into herself as a nimbus of light begins to surround her. A few seconds later, she opens her eyes and looks to Vera. "Oh, before I forget. Vera-san, I have some spells that could be useful for the entire party in battle. Remind me after I finish this, 'kay?" Giving her a smile, Haruka closes her eyes again and resumes her ritual.

Manifesting divination to find a map.
Success roll. 01-79 indicates success. [roll0]

"West and West and West again lies a place of many maps. Out from it comes one who bears one, etched upon a tablet of stone. He goes East, coming with the third rising of the sun."

[Quietus]

Arctus

"Not at all, Vera. I like the bookshelves. They are a small comfort, in a world primarily unknown to us. I don't think we ought to make assumptions about the being that brought us here, but I do agree with your reasoning regarding the likelihood of scavengers being here if this were the primary location for deployment. Now, while Haruka is occupied with her divination, I'm going to test some of these new abilities, and see if a greater elevation reveals anything new to me. Excuse me a moment.. and if you happen to be capable of casting Feather Fall, please be ready to do so if something goes wrong." The tone of Arctus' changes with that request, and a hint of a smirk appears at the edge of his mouth - he doesn't anticipate any troubles, but a backup plan is never a bad idea.

As he exits the impromptu building, Arctus calls upon a portion of his newfound power to cast a simple spell, and then when standing beneath the sky once more, he immediately shoots upward, the storm clouds gathering beneath his feet and solidifying, lifting him upward in the blink of an eye. From a new vantage point 400 feet in the air, he surveys the area once again, using his new divine energy to enhance his eyesight in an attempt to ensure he spots anything around them other than the black rock. After thoroughly surveying the area, he lowers himself once more to the ground and reports the findings.

Casting Guidance of the Avatar, using it to enhance his Spot check. Looking for other signs of construction, herds of creatures, and aiming to see how accurate Vera's claims regarding how well hidden the building is.

[roll0]

[AmberVael]

Hathur

While the others use their abilities, and while Vera answers her question, Hathur brings her hands together, placing the flat of her palms together as if she were praying. She summons a small fraction of her power- not something grand or inspiring, but just a hint, a whisper of what was to come.

"I suppose I will trust your training to be broad enough to support us in many ways then." She says quietly, closing her eyes as she focuses on the spell and casts it.

Hathur is going to cast Omen of Peril (Spell Compendium page 149), seeing as how we are setting up shop here at least temporarily. Their 'path of travel' is presumably just sitting here for the moment- I hope that counts.

She should have an 89% chance of success, but I'm not supposed to see the roll, so I'm leaving it up to you.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Quite a while later, Haruka's eyes finally snap open. "Ah! Well, that was fun. At least I got an answer this time." She folds up her wings and drops to the floor. Walking over to a table, she extracts a blank scroll and an ink pen from her pouch. Partially unrolling the scroll, she rapidly sketches a compass rose and places in the center of the paper, a dot neatly labeled, "Base Zero".

"Hey everyone, come over here. I got us a lead for a map." Haruka waves to the rest of her group, gesturing. Once each person has arrived, she begins. "Okay, so I did my divination thing and got this message: 'West and West and West again lies a place of many maps. Out from it comes one who bears one, etched upon a tablet of stone. He goes East, coming with the third rising of the sun.'"

She pauses for a moment to write down this message on the top of the open paper. "Now, the first sentence indicates that there's a map repository of some sort to the west, likely a significant distance away, if the repitition is a form of emphasis. The second sentence lists two 'ones'. The first 'one' seems to indicate a person and the second 'one' seems to refer to a map, on a stone tablet of some sort."

"Then the last sentence indicates that this map bearer is male, and is or will be traveling in our direction. The last eight words, 'coming with the third rising of the sun', indicates that his 'coming' will take place on the third sunrise from now, as we have currently experienced no sunrises during our admittedly short stay in this land. The 'coming' in question, however, could mean that he is either exiting the map place on the third sunrise, or that he will reach our current location by the third sunrise. It is most likely the former, though, seeing as the previous sentence also used the word 'come'. Does anyone have any ideas to modify my analysis for the better?"

[dextercorvia]

Likewise, I am not certain whether he will depart or arrive in three days. I tend to lean the other way based on the wording, but it is unclear. Perhaps we can hasten his arrival. Vera removes something from her satchel. When she removes her hand from it, a font of holy water appears on the table next to Haruka. If you would like, I can attempt to scry upon him.

Assured of consent, Vera begins to cast her spell, Show me the map bearer from Haruka-chan's augury.

Using 4 levels of spontaneous domain casting from the path. Base save DC is 23.

[Shazek]

Arctus

"Not at all, Vera. I like the bookshelves. They are a small comfort, in a world primarily unknown to us. I don't think we ought to make assumptions about the being that brought us here, but I do agree with your reasoning regarding the likelihood of scavengers being here if this were the primary location for deployment. Now, while Haruka is occupied with her divination, I'm going to test some of these new abilities, and see if a greater elevation reveals anything new to me. Excuse me a moment.. and if you happen to be capable of casting Feather Fall, please be ready to do so if something goes wrong." The tone of Arctus' changes with that request, and a hint of a smirk appears at the edge of his mouth - he doesn't anticipate any troubles, but a backup plan is never a bad idea.

As he exits the impromptu building, Arctus calls upon a portion of his newfound power to cast a simple spell, and then when standing beneath the sky once more, he immediately shoots upward, the storm clouds gathering beneath his feet and solidifying, lifting him upward in the blink of an eye. From a new vantage point 400 feet in the air, he surveys the area once again, using his new divine energy to enhance his eyesight in an attempt to ensure he spots anything around them other than the black rock. After thoroughly surveying the area, he lowers himself once more to the ground and reports the findings.

Casting Guidance of the Avatar, using it to enhance his Spot check. Looking for other signs of construction, herds of creatures, and aiming to see how accurate Vera's claims regarding how well hidden the building is.

[roll0]

There are no signs of any construction in the area. Far to the northeast, you see a small herd of some unidentifiable creature. You are too far away to make out any features. You cannot see the shelter from your current position.


Hathur

While the others use their abilities, and while Vera answers her question, Hathur brings her hands together, placing the flat of her palms together as if she were praying. She summons a small fraction of her power- not something grand or inspiring, but just a hint, a whisper of what was to come.

"I suppose I will trust your training to be broad enough to support us in many ways then." She says quietly, closing her eyes as she focuses on the spell and casts it.

Hathur is going to cast Omen of Peril (Spell Compendium page 149), seeing as how we are setting up shop here at least temporarily. Their 'path of travel' is presumably just sitting here for the moment- I hope that counts.

She should have an 89% chance of success, but I'm not supposed to see the roll, so I'm leaving it up to you.

You see a vision of a large shield, sturdy and unblemished.
Likewise, I am not certain whether he will depart or arrive in three days. I tend to lean the other way based on the wording, but it is unclear. Perhaps we can hasten his arrival. Vera removes something from her satchel. When she removes her hand from it, a font of holy water appears on the table next to Haruka. If you would like, I can attempt to scry upon him.

Assured of consent, Vera begins to cast her spell, Show me the map bearer from Haruka-chan's augury.

Using 4 levels of spontaneous domain casting from the path. Base save DC is 23.

Your spell fails.

[dextercorvia]

After a long while, Vera gives up. I'm sorry. Whoever is coming with a map is powerful enough to prevent me from scrying upon him. It may be that I simply lack enough information about him, or he might be protected in some fashion. Should we focus our efforts on learning about our target, instead. I didn't hear the entity give us a name. How would you all like to proceed?

[AmberVael]

"We need to find other people." Hathur says after a moment. "We don't know anything about the world as it is now beyond what little we were told- not even common knowledge. Finding others to share information and resources with could go a long way, probably much further than our vague divining."

[Chambers]

Amha

They command powerful magics, like the great shamans once did. Be wary. Amha pads over to look at Haruka's map. If he is coming here in three days we should be elsewhere. There is a way we can test this persons talent without being able to divine him. Amha thinks to the party.

He motions to the north and south. We should travel for at least a day, either north or south. Far enough so that this map bearer will have to alter course if he is coming to us. Haruka may use her divination again tomorrow, and if the map bearer has changed direction to come to our new location then we will have learned that he too possesses powerful magics, and not just potent defenses.

[Quietus]

Arctus

"There's also the question of how long they're measuring days, and how quickly this individual is traveling. Given the changes this divinity has wrought upon me, what would have been three days originally would now be less than one. If this map bearer is traveling my old rate of march, then we could meet with him within a day if we go toward him." Arctus points out, dropping back to ground level. Around him, the storm cloud disperses harmlessly, dark wisps twisting into nothingness.

Casting his gaze toward the northeast, he thinks aloud, "We also ought to consider obtaining food for ourselves. I saw a herd of beasts in the distance, perhaps they would serve well. Also, if either of you can spare the spell power, I would requisition it in the hope of finding more information about my sister.", nodding toward Haruka, and wherever Vera's voice seems to be coming from at the moment.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

"Hm. I agree with Arctus-san! If we travel west, we should meet up with the map bearer in a day or so. And then, even if we do somehow fail to find him, we can still go to the map room place." Haruka pauses for a moment, before brightening as she remembers something. "Oh, and Vera-san, could you boost my spells now?" She waves her arm with a flourish, sparks flying in a coruscating nimbus around her.

Turning back to Arctus, she gives him a bright, confident smile. "Once we get a map and figure our where we are, remind me, and I'll be glad to help find your sister."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Of course Haruka-chan. Vera examines your auras for a few brief moments. That should hold.

Arctus, I can feed you if you are hungry. I have little need for food myself. The cost of that spell would be insignificant to me, but I am unsure what we would do if you hunted a beast. Do any of you know how to cook?. Vera chuckles. It has been a long time since I have had to do such a thing.

If we are not leaving right away, then I can spare the time and spell power to divine for your sister. What questions would you have me ask?

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I can hunt and cook." Offers Hathur with a wry smile. "Being a knight errant isn't all the glamor it's painted as. Sometimes it's pushing through the wilderness for weeks on end after your supplies run out. Don't expect anything prettily prepared, mind, but we can get by even out here."

"I could use some assistance. Amha, I mark you as a hunter, will you join me?" The strange knight gets to her feet. "While we hunt, the rest of you will have time to do more information sharing and gathering."

I don't think we need any huge success, so I'm not going to bother boosting Hathur's roll at all.

Survival: [roll0]
Edit: Well, that should provide for everyone in short order.

[Chambers]

Amha

Yes, I have hunted before. Amha nods and stands up and stretches as well. We may be gone a few hours. He thinks to the group and then looks once towards Hathur and then leaps away, running on all eight legs in the direction where the herd was seen.

Hathur...what is your impression of this place? He sends to her as they move towards the herd. I find it all strange, and do not believe the diamond was entirely truthful about its motives.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"There are many strange places in existence." Observes Hathur. "I do not know what prompted this place in particular, nor do I have ample evidence from which to establish a proper guess."

Hathur runs quietly as she replies to Amha, her voice kept low, but it is easily heard over her near silent movement.

"I cannot truly say much more about our apparent benefactor. What experience I can recall seems to affirm what it said. I remember a sudden ending, a voice similar to its own. When I returned, I had divine power that I had not accessed before. Certainly, it wielded magic with greater ease than I have seen before.
"It is that last that would make me pause in considering treachery on its part. What could it hope to gain from us that it cannot provide itself? And should it be treacherous, can we hope to uncover its true motives? If such a stone is overturned, would we even survive for but a moment?"

Hathur slows as the position of the herd comes into view, stalking more carefully. "Those are the things I would bid you to consider. Even if it has been less than honest, what can you hope to gain from such an investigation at this point? Patience is the course I counsel. In time, we may learn more of it. In time, we may find leverage, or power to challenge it if need be. But as of now, we are but ants."

[Shazek]

Hathur

"There are many strange places in existence." Observes Hathur. "I do not know what prompted this place in particular, nor do I have ample evidence from which to establish a proper guess."

Hathur runs quietly as she replies to Amha, her voice kept low, but it is easily heard over her near silent movement.

"I cannot truly say much more about our apparent benefactor. What experience I can recall seems to affirm what it said. I remember a sudden ending, a voice similar to its own. When I returned, I had divine power that I had not accessed before. Certainly, it wielded magic with greater ease than I have seen before.
"It is that last that would make me pause in considering treachery on its part. What could it hope to gain from us that it cannot provide itself? And should it be treacherous, can we hope to uncover its true motives? If such a stone is overturned, would we even survive for but a moment?"

Hathur slows as the position of the herd comes into view, stalking more carefully. "Those are the things I would bid you to consider. Even if it has been less than honest, what can you hope to gain from such an investigation at this point? Patience is the course I counsel. In time, we may learn more of it. In time, we may find leverage, or power to challenge it if need be. But as of now, we are but ants."

Vael, Chambers:

Roughly how far out do you start stalking them? I also need some checks from each of you. Spot, Move Silently, and Knowledges Nature, Arcana, and The Planes.

[AmberVael]

That's a ton of checks for just hunting some critters. I'm guessing this isn't your typical animal that can just be hunted with a survival check then.

In any case, Hathur moves pretty quickly even at stealth speed, so she'll start 'hunter mode' the instant she sees them.

She'll freely make use of Flee the Scene to teleport between hiding spots and her Cloaked Stride ability to go invisible for short times as necessary.

Spot: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
Nature: [roll2]
Arcana: [roll3]
Planes: [roll4]

[Chambers]

Amha

Yes, if it is powerful to create this and empower us, I'm not sure what can be brought against it. Still I do not trust it- Amha's thoughts cut off as the creatures come into sight and Hathur darts to hiding. I will draw them out so that you may strike. He readies to rush towards them but waits until he can get a closer look.

Move Silently [roll0]
Spot [roll1]
Knowledge Nature [roll2]
Knowledge Arcana [roll3]
Knowledge The Planes [roll4]

Stance: Leaping Dragon Stance
Maneuvers Readied: Dancing Mongoose, Fountain of Blood, Iron Heart Surge, White Raven Tactics, Sudden Leap

[Shazek]

You move undetected to approximately 400 feet away from the herd. They all face away from you, and are walking slowly North.



The results given are for the higher check results. I assume you share the information you learn - if not, I'll rewrite this for the seperate players.

Spot:

There are 23 cows and 3 bulls present in the herd. They move with a slickness and grace unlike any normal bovine, and all appear powerfully muscular. They appear to be conversing with each other. The largest of the bulls, who is leading the herd in their march, seems somehow different from the others. He leaves no tracks.

Knowledge: Arcana

The leader masks his hoofsteps with magic.

Knowledge: Nature

The leader is not naturally a bull. The other bovines are Aberrations.

Knowledge: The Planes

All but the leader, judging by their behaviors and movements, are native to the Far Planes. The leader is native to the Material.

If you wish to get closer than 400 feet, let me know.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I believe I can close this distance swiftly enough to catch them even if they start running now." Hathur quietly informs Amha. "But if you can pull towards me, I believe I'll be able to kill more of them. Be cautious, I'm not entirely sure what they are, but they aren't normal creatures. The leader might be something else in disguise... maybe even sentient. If it is, it may be better to converse with it before attacking. Do you have any ideas?"

Hathur thinks for a moment more. "In fact, they seem strange enough that I'm not even sure eating them is a good idea."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The old woman putters around the temporary shelter. While she lets Arctus consider his options, she continues her inquiry into this mysterious map bearer. Once again she sits at a work bench. This time her lyrical spellcasting has a curious and inquisitive undertone.

Burn 3 domain levels to cast Divination, asking "Does the map-bearer that will come in three days intend us harm?"

[Chambers]

Amha

Crouched and ready to sprint Amha turns his head and looks towards Hathur with a questioning look on his tiger face. What do you mean, not normal? Do you know what they are? He looks back at the herd. I would offer to go out and speak with them first...but I do not think they will react well to me.

[Shazek]

Vera

The old woman putters around the temporary shelter. While she lets Arctus consider his options, she continues her inquiry into this mysterious map bearer. Once again she sits at a work bench. This time her lyrical spellcasting has a curious and inquisitive undertone.

Burn 3 domain levels to cast Divination, asking "Does the map-bearer that will come in three days intend us harm?"

"In nature, yes. In general, perhaps. Specifically, not yet."

[Quietus]

Arctus

With a soft, thoughtful sound, Arctus turns his thoughts toward Vera's question. He had to admit that much of his hurry was an emotional response, and as such was irrational, but it would be good to know. A war leader with his attention split would only put those under his command in danger. "I would like to ascertain her general safety.", he finally says, his mind churning over how to check on that. "The crystal being said something about her soul gem being trapped in this dragon's treasury. If you could discover even an approximate idea of how long that soul gem will be safe, it would be a weight off of my mind, and will give me an idea of what time frame I will need to work within to recover her."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

According to my divination, the stranger that is approaching is dangerous, and perhaps even violent, but we are not yet his target. I asked if he intended us harm. The answer I received was
"In nature, yes. In general, perhaps. Specifically, not yet."

She sat quietly for a few more moments, really wishing for a cup of tea. Arctus, I think I can answer that, but I will need to know more about your sister in order to have the greatest chance of success. What is her name, and what can you tell me about her?

[Quietus]

Arctus

Listening to Vera's divination results, he gives a curt nod in agreement. "Violent by nature, but not aware of us. If or when we run into him, we'll have the benefit of surprise. I suggest that we take this to heart and strike preemptively when we encounter him, rather than giving him the opportunity to prove his nature.", Arctus says, his voice and expression displaying concern for nothing but the tactics involved. Vera's questions about his sister, however, cause his expression to soften momentarily.

"Amia Suluna. She would have been thirty years old when the world shattered, though I don't know how many years she survived before her spark was consumed and her soul trapped. We are identical twins - aside from gender, of course, but otherwise she looks like a less physically inclined version of myself - though she follows a very different life path than I have. She was my chief medical officer back when I still had an army, and held a great reverence for nature. I believe she was inducted into a Druidic circle, at one point, though she was never able to speak about it." For a moment, Arctus pauses in his speech and smiles genuinely, apparently touched by the memories that are flooding his mind. "She and I never really saw eye to eye on many things. She was always hung up on the morality of an action, where I prefer to do what needs to be done. That always lead to interesting debates, and she was enough of a quick thinker to keep me on my feet most of the time. Is there anything else you need to know?"

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I would mark them as natives of the Far Realms as opposed to the material, more abomination than animal. The way they move, the precise positioning of certain features... it's unnatural. The leader is different though, not aberrant like they are, but also shrouded by magic." Hathur considers the situation. "Perhaps if we were to examine them for a while longer, we might discover his intelligence? Or at least more of their nature."

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha grimaces. I've never eaten a being of the Far Realm. I don't think they would taste very good. It would be wise to learn more about them, and if the leader is indeed a shaman then we should be careful. Amha settles down on the ground and considers the distance between them and the herd.

This isn't where I usually hunt. Too much open space, not enough trees. He sighs and his ears lay flat. I don't think I'd be able to sneak up much closer, so I'll have to watch from here, unless your magics can shield us.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

You care for her a great deal. That is refreshing. I will see what I can do. Vera took a deep breath and began humming as she cleared her mind. Once more she called up that new energy, her song-like incantation sculpting the power into a magical question. What danger will the soul-gem containing the soul of Amia Suluna face during the next week?

Burn another three domain levels for Divination.

[Shazek]

Vera

You care for her a great deal. That is refreshing. I will see what I can do. Vera took a deep breath and began humming as she cleared her mind. Once more she called up that new energy, her song-like incantation sculpting the power into a magical question. What danger will the soul-gem containing the soul of Amia Suluna face during the next week?

Burn another three domain levels for Divination.

Your spell failed.

[dextercorvia]

I'm sorry child. Vera consoles Arctus. My question was not answered. It doesn't mean anything one way or the other -- that's just the way it is with predictive magicks. Unless Haruka-chan has more luck, the best we can do is try to retrieve her as soon as possible.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Haruka perks up at the mention of her name. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I'll give it a shot. Let's see... Amia Suluna..." As her voice trails off, she resumes her meditation pose with eyes closed, floating off the ground. She reaches out with her mind, searching for the information she seeks. "What dangers will the soul and/or soul gem of Amia Suluna face in the coming weeks?"

Manifest divination.
Roll: [roll0]
01-79 indicates success.

[Shazek]

Haruka

Haruka perks up at the mention of her name. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I'll give it a shot. Let's see... Amia Suluna..." As her voice trails off, she resumes her meditation pose with eyes closed, floating off the ground. She reaches out with her mind, searching for the information she seeks. "What dangers will the soul and/or soul gem of Amia Suluna face in the coming weeks?"

Manifest divination.
Roll: [roll0]
01-79 indicates success.

Beyond a scope cannot be known, but within it, none.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Unfortunately, I do not believe I can cover you with what few powers of stealth I have." Hathur says with a sigh. "Perhaps it would be best to search for another food source. This one seems questionable at best."

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Eyes snapping open, Haruka drops down to the ground, her wings folding back in. With a small smile, she turns to Arctus. "The exact words of the message were: 'Beyond a scope cannot be known, but within it, none.' I would assume this means that she will be safe for at least another week. Beyond that, as the message states, her safety is unknown."

She unrolls the scroll further, transcribing the words under a heading labeled "Prophecies". Records complete, she blows the ink dry and rolls the paper back up.

[Quietus]

Arctus

"I understand. Thank you both." He seems visibly relieved, though that is replaced shortly by the steeled gaze of a soldier setting his mind to war. "So, we need a plan of attack. We need information. I hate being blind like this.. I really don't care to sit around for three days waiting for information to come to us. Are either of you capable of forming any sort of bond which would keep over long distance, and would enable us to communicate easily? I could get up into the air, and at least get an idea for any major landmarks, any other sources of food. Alternatively, any suggestions for course of action?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

I'm afraid not, child. I seldom work with others, and have never needed to learn such a spell. I will make a note to research something to that end for the future. In the meantime the best I can manage is a simple Message spell. The range is somewhat limited, however. Perhaps it would be best to stay together for the time being.

The invisible woman was pensive. She was too used to being able to research a problem, and now there was no point of reference to begin with.

I suppose that a brief foray as a group might be called for. It would be useful to see as much of our surroundings as we can. I can be ready to go when the others return. If they have no luck hunting, I'll conjure us a meal. It won't be fancy, but it should hold us for the day.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

"Well, a group trip would be nice," Haruka muses. "We'll have to figure out a travel formation of some sort in case of the very probable dangers that we may encounter."

She looks to both Arctus and Vera. "Vera-san, you and Hathur are our primary casters, so you two should probably be in the middle, all the better to be defended and lay down artillery fire. Arctus-san, you and Amha can be our front and rear guard, depending on which position you're better suited to. I can fly above, scouting the enemy and going to where ever I'm needed." She tilts her head to the side and grins. "So, what say you about this plan?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

It sounds fine child, but I'm getting worried about our hunters. Perhaps we should check on them.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Haruka blinks. "Oh yeah. They have been gone for a long time, haven't they?" She opens her wings and walks towards the door, adjusting the impractically large courtblade on her back. She opens the door and flares her wings, prepared to fly the instant her companions are ready. "Come on, they might have gotten into some trouble."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The invisible bird-woman gathers up her things, and joins her impatient companion at the door. Let's see what sort of trouble they've gotten themselves into.

[Shazek]

Hathur

"Unfortunately, I do not believe I can cover you with what few powers of stealth I have." Hathur says with a sigh. "Perhaps it would be best to search for another food source. This one seems questionable at best."

Suddenly, the lead beast - the one earlier identified as being rather odd - snaps its head around 180 degrees, and seems to look you directly in the eyes. It gives a cry to its fellows, all of whom turn to face you, eerily in step. The leader shifts into the form of a tall man. His hair is of dozens of colors and shades, and seems to move in spite of the lack of a breeze. His skin is as burnished bronze and seems to shine. He wears simple garb, apparently cloth, but there is a prominent belt on his waist.

He moves in front of the herd, and looks at you intently.

Roll Initiative. [roll0]

[Chambers]

Amha

Rising up as his cover is blown Amha's mane bristles. <<He sees us. Would you prefer to challenge him or speak?>> His tail wavers slowly back and forth, the spike on the end twitching.

Initiative! [roll0]

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Along with Vera, Haruka glided through the air in the direction that Amha and Hathur had gone. She barely managed to catch a glimpse of the man-beast's transformation. Dropping down beside Amha, she smiles widely and addresses the strange being before them. "Hello there! I'm Haruka. What's your name?"

And yet, despite her friendly smile and cheerful manner, a careful and observant eye could see that her wings had not folded in, and were, in fact, prepared to fly at a moment's notice.

Initiative: [roll0]*[roll1]
Ring of Anticipation allows me to roll for initiative twice, and take the better result.

Readied move action to fly up if negotiations end up degenerating into the sword and spell variety.

[Shazek]

Haruka

Along with Vera, Haruka glided through the air in the direction that Amha and Hathur had gone. She barely managed to catch a glimpse of the man-beast's transformation. Dropping down beside Amha, she smiles widely and addresses the strange being before them. "Hello there! I'm Haruka. What's your name?"

And yet, despite her friendly smile and cheerful manner, a careful and observant eye could see that her wings had not folded in, and were, in fact, prepared to fly at a moment's notice.

Initiative: [roll0]*[roll1]
Ring of Anticipation allows me to roll for initiative twice, and take the better result.

Readied move action to fly up if negotiations end up degenerating into the sword and spell variety.

The man stares in silence for several seconds before replying slowly, as if considering his response carefully. "I am called many names, many titles. Some call me Sohic. That name will do." He motions towards the herd standing behind him, which backs away, once more unnatural in its motion. "I feel your souls, Candidates. You are new, but have been blessed with much power. You will be hunted, no doubt. In fact... perhaps I will partake. My children hunger." In spite of his words, the man does not take any overt action.

So, "Roll Initiative" is the magic phrase I need to use when I want quick responses? Good to know, heh.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The bird woman follows Haruka to the disturbance, but hangs back as the child approaches. For now she is hidden from the stranger's eyes, and it may be that they will require an element of surprise. With that though, she casts a quick spell to boost her reflexes. At the same time as she observes the stranger and his flock, she mentally scans the selection of spells she has available, discarding some options, while keeping a couple of others at hand.

Cast Nerveskitter

Initiative [roll0]
ID Stranger -- Knowledge (Any) [roll1]
ID Flock -- Knowledge (Any) [roll2]

@Shazek -- like magic words :)

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Raising an eyebrow, Haruka chuckles. "Oh, hungry, are you? I'm afraid you'll have to sate yourselves on something else, then. We aren't available for consumption." Her smile grows wider, and seems to hold a painful warning. "Of course, if you force the issue, perhaps you shall be the ones partaken, rather than the ones partaking." And then a pensive look appears on her face as she mutters. "Well, I'm assuming you mean partaking of the soul energy thing, rather than physical partaking of flesh. Because that would just be disturbing."

Readied move action is still there.

And yes, "Roll Initiative" always appears to generate quick responses. :smallbiggrin:

[Shazek]

Vera

The bird woman follows Haruka to the disturbance, but hangs back as the child approaches. For now she is hidden from the stranger's eyes, and it may be that they will require an element of surprise. With that though, she casts a quick spell to boost her reflexes. At the same time as she observes the stranger and his flock, she mentally scans the selection of spells she has available, discarding some options, while keeping a couple of others at hand.

Cast Nerveskitter

Initiative [roll0]
ID Stranger -- Knowledge (Any) [roll1]
ID Flock -- Knowledge (Any) [roll2]

@Shazek -- like magic words :)


The Stranger - he's a Human.

The Flock is apparently made up of cows - their behavior and motion suggests they are from the Far Realms, and that they are Aberrations, but they are not in the form of any denizen of that place you know of. They are under an Illusion of some sort.
Haruka

Raising an eyebrow, Haruka chuckles. "Oh, hungry, are you? I'm afraid you'll have to sate yourselves on something else, then. We aren't available for consumption." Her smile grows wider, and seems to hold a painful warning. "Of course, if you force the issue, perhaps you shall be the ones partaken, rather than the ones partaking." And then a pensive look appears on her face as she mutters. "Well, I'm assuming you mean partaking of the soul energy thing, rather than physical partaking of flesh. Because that would just be disturbing."

Readied move action is still there.

And yes, "Roll Initiative" always appears to generate quick responses. :smallbiggrin:

The shapeshifter looks on you a moment, seeming to consider his options. "I have no doubt I am more powerful than any of you, in divine and mortal power. All of you, however.... the prospect makes me uneasy. I propose a trade. You, apparently, cannot recognize other Candidates by sight alone, but I sense you have the power necessary to. I will teach you, in exchange for the smallest sampling of the power you each possess, perhaps that of a single slot per spell level from each I teach. It is not so high a price. Then, we will go our separate ways. While I do hunger, I will not risk myself in direct battle against so many." He awaits your response patiently, but does not seem too concerned with what it is, apparently confident in his situation.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"You know precisely what you are asking of us." Hathur says, rising to her feet. "You know what it is you would gain from this trade. Our benefit is less certain. What is it that you are offering to teach us? A spell? An innate power? Before I commit myself, I need to know more about what I am offered, how it will function, how it is used, and what potency it has. Providing us such information is only fair."

[Shazek]

Hathur

"You know precisely what you are asking of us." Hathur says, rising to her feet. "You know what it is you would gain from this trade. Our benefit is less certain. What is it that you are offering to teach us? A spell? An innate power? Before I commit myself, I need to know more about what I am offered, how it will function, how it is used, and what potency it has. Providing us such information is only fair."

"I offer to teach you to recognize other Candidates with merely a glance. To my knowledge, a single glimpse of a Candidate, regardless of their form, will allow you to discern that they have a Spark - and, indeed, how powerful their Spark is. I knew you were candidates with a glance, and that you were on the First Path, not yet deified. You are sufficiently powerful to do the same, but require knowledge that few possess to do so. This is no spell, no special power. I will simply teach you how to see."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The promise of hidden knowledge was appealing to Vera, but the price was too dear. She had given up much for the power she possessed, and was not about to trade it to some shifty stranger for the promise of a secret. She didn't care much for his mien, anyway. Those who lead off negotiations with threats and a change of heart seldom are to be trusted to keep a bargain. Anyway, if he considers himself to have a chance of besting all of us now, how much more confident will he be when he as an additional portion of power from each of us.

The decision not to trust the stranger was an easy one. The indecision that was gripping Vera's mind, was on the nature of the response. Would a demonstration of strength and superiority or could they get out of this without giving up a piece of their soul and without a fight. Every indication they had of this new world revealed a harsh place where the only law was that of strength. That led her to be uncharacteristically direct.

The bird shaped spellcaster utters a single phrase, "Offer rejected," and then waits.

I'm going to wait for Hathur before doing anything offensive.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Giving up a portion of her divine power was not appealing, but what he offers in return is incredibly useful. Hathur considers the offer, and then in turn considers the person making it. He had threatened them, shown no sign of fellowship and did not trust them even now. Was he at all trustworthy? If it was true that he did not want to fight them all, and wanted to part ways as quickly as possible... given how he had presented himself, it would be plausible for him to simply take the power offered from them and then flee.

Hathur appears to consider the offer, while in truth she weighs the man making it, attempting to discern his sincerity and whether they could place any trust in him at all.
"Do we all need to agree to take your offer?" She asks, buying for time.

Sense motive: [roll0]

[Shazek]

Vera

The promise of hidden knowledge was appealing to Vera, but the price was too dear. She had given up much for the power she possessed, and was not about to trade it to some shifty stranger for the promise of a secret. She didn't care much for his mien, anyway. Those who lead off negotiations with threats and a change of heart seldom are to be trusted to keep a bargain. Anyway, if he considers himself to have a chance of besting all of us now, how much more confident will he be when he as an additional portion of power from each of us.

The decision not to trust the stranger was an easy one. The indecision that was gripping Vera's mind, was on the nature of the response. Would a demonstration of strength and superiority or could they get out of this without giving up a piece of their soul and without a fight. Every indication they had of this new world revealed a harsh place where the only law was that of strength. That led her to be uncharacteristically direct.

The bird shaped spellcaster utters a single phrase, "Offer rejected," and then waits.

I'm going to wait for Hathur before doing anything offensive.

While the unnatural man is startled by the voice from nowhere, he quickly recovers. "So, there is a fourth, eh? That makes me even less inclined to battle."


Hathur

Giving up a portion of her divine power was not appealing, but what he offers in return is incredibly useful. Hathur considers the offer, and then in turn considers the person making it. He had threatened them, shown no sign of fellowship and did not trust them even now. Was he at all trustworthy? If it was true that he did not want to fight them all, and wanted to part ways as quickly as possible... given how he had presented himself, it would be plausible for him to simply take the power offered from them and then flee.

Hathur appears to consider the offer, while in truth she weighs the man making it, attempting to discern his sincerity and whether they could place any trust in him at all.
"Do we all need to agree to take your offer?" She asks, buying for time.

Sense motive: [roll0]

"While I would prefer that you all are interested, I would be willing to teach as many or as few as are willing to pay."

Sense Motive: (Hathur)
His earlier remarks regarding combat are entirely genuine- he believes he is significantly more powerful than any of you alone, but would hesitate to battle you all. His offer to teach you is also genuine, as is his description of the skill. His price, however, is a lie. He intends to take considerably more than "the smallest sampling" of your power, should you agree.

"Would any of you mind were I to send away my herd? It is difficult to remain in control of them when I am in this form. It seems to stimulate their more predatory instincts. It would take but a single spell - and I swear it will cause you no harm."

Sense Motive: (Hathur)
He speaks truly here.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

I don't think that will be necessary. I don't intend to spend any more time in your company, unless you want to force the issue. I don't recommend that you try that. Rather, I recommend that you go on tending to your herd, and leave these to me.

You have already paid the price for that piece of advice. The scales are currently balanced. Are you going to tip them?

[Shazek]

Vera

I don't think that will be necessary. I don't intend to spend any more time in your company, unless you want to force the issue. I don't recommend that you try that. Rather, I recommend that you go on tending to your herd, and leave these to me.

You have already paid the price for that piece of advice. The scales are currently balanced. Are you going to tip them?

"Careful now, Unseen One. I am more than I appear to be, and making an enemy of me is unwise. Allow your companions to make decisions alone."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Yes, I am quite certain that you are. Perhaps you think that I am less than I appear, or that I am an easy enemy to have? The woman chuckled. Of course they may make their own decisions.

[Chambers]

Amha

<< I accept, shepherd. Know that if you betray me, I will hunt down each and every last of your charges, eating them while they bleat for your help. >> Amha says to the man. << Send them away now if you wish. It makes no difference to me. >>

[Shazek]

Vera

Yes, I am quite certain that you are. Perhaps you think that I am less than I appear, or that I am an easy enemy to have? The woman chuckled. Of course they may make their own decisions.

"Then we will leave it at that."


Amha

<< I accept, shepherd. Know that if you betray me, I will hunt down each and every last of your charges, eating them while they bleat for your help. >> Amha says to the man. << Send them away now if you wish. It makes no difference to me. >>

The man gives a wicked smirk as he hears the voice of Amha in his mind. He responds quickly, obviously delighted. "Ah, he speaks at last. Give me but a moment. The spell I must cast is one of no small power."

As he finishes speaking, he turns to his herd and draws from within his robes a rod, and, holding it almost reverently, begins speaking in a strange tongue, one that sounds like the sounds of the forest and like a fleeting memory of a song. He continues speaking this ritual chant, his voice rising and falling in an almost melodious manner for about a minute. When he finishes speaking, there is a bright flash of light, before all the herd vanishes entirely.

He carefully tucks his rod away, before walking with purpose towards where Amha, Haruka, and Hathur stand. "Are you ready to begin?"

Spellcraft DC 25:
He just cast an Epic Spell with the Transport Seed. It isn't a premade spell - I worked it out myself - (and yes, he can make the Spellcraft Check) so I'm not sure if the usual rules for identifying spells apply. I'll just say it teleports all creatures and objects within 10 5 feet wide 300 foot long lines to any locale of the caster's choosing via the Material Plane.

All:
There is no reason at all for you to pay attention to or be concerned over these rolls.

[roll0] - 6D
[roll1] - L
[roll2] - S
[roll3] - E
[roll4] - D

[Shazek]

Map:


Finally got around to setting up a battlemap for this. Haruka, Vera, and Hathur are wherever you guys want them to start- choose your initial position in your next post. http://s13.postimage.org/kjdi3upk3/Sohic.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/kjdi3upk3/)

Initiative:

39: Hathur
34: Vera
25: Haruka
15: Sohic
12: Amha


I couldn't find Hathur's Initiative - I'll roll it here.
[roll0]

I dumb.

One last note: Sohic has been occupied for the better part of a couple minutes, including his walk over to you. There has been time for any or all of you to share the information you've gained, but I am assuming you have not unless you indicate otherwise.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

While the stranger is distracted by his own casting, Vera sings to herself, casting a spell of her own. She backs off as he approaches, maintaining a comfortable distance between the two of them.

Spellcraft DC22
Spell Turning -- 1d6+4 is rolled secretly.
Move to Z1 (50' high)

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha sits back on his last six legs and raises his head, considering the strange man. His claws slowly extend from the pads of his paws and catch the glint of the weird sun for a moment before they sink back in. << Yes, you may begin. >>

[Shazek]

Amha

Amha sits back on his last six legs and raises his head, considering the strange man. His claws slowly extend from the pads of his paws and catch the glint of the weird sun for a moment before they sink back in. << Yes, you may begin. >>

Sohic gives a wide grin as he is granted permission, and places a hand on Amha's head. "Excellent. My method of teaching is direct in nature- I will place the knowledge into your mind, then partake of your Spark. Do not resist the process, lest something go wrong."

Amha:
You feel the man's hand upon your brow as he speaks, unnaturally cold, and slightly damp. After he explains what he intends, you feel icy tendrils reach into your mind, causing a sort of numbness in your thoughts. Suddenly, you feel a spike of great pain, a fiery contrast to the creeping ice that had been present earlier. Somehow, knowledge is being etched into your mind by a finger of flame. As quickly as it came, the pain departs, but it leaves behind a sort of enlightenment. You blink, and, suddenly, you see. You look beyond the flesh, and looking at Sohic, you see the truth of his prior words - his divine might is greater than yours.

Mechanically, you just learned he is on Step 7 of the first path, only 2 beyond you.

As you take in the sight of the man's divinity, you idly notice your companions have precisely the same divine power as you do, though it is formed differently.

Just as the shock of your new vision departs, you feel a new pressure at your mind, as Sohic claws for your power. You feel him take what was agreed to - a spell slot of each level - but he does not retreat from you. Instead, he claws for more of your power, more of your newly divine soul.

You may try to resist him if you wish.

To try to resist, make a Will Save. A result of 25 or greater allows you to resist fully. He'll take another spell from each spell level for a result of 24-20, all your fifth level slots (besides bonus slots for Wisdom score) for a result of 19-15, and a full step on the Path for 14 or lower. He takes a step if you don't resist. If you successfully resist, you may either break away or try to turn the tables on him.

[Chambers]

Amha

The pain was new and of a different kind than he felt before, but pain itself was nothing new. Amha held his jaw shut tighter and endured it though he didn't close his eyes. They remained locked on Sohic the entire time. Out of the corners of his eyes he sees the glowing of his companions but as Sohic keeps drawing on him, weakening him, the pain fuels his anger. A low rumble builds within deep within his chest and he opens his mouth wide to roar but no noise comes out. Their minds locked in intimate embrace, Amhas shouts directly into Sohics sensitive brain.

Will Save [roll0]

Shout for flavor, no effect. Amha will use Iron Heart Surge! to break the mind meld.

[Shazek]

Amha

The pain was new and of a different kind than he felt before, but pain itself was nothing new. Amha held his jaw shut tighter and endured it though he didn't close his eyes. They remained locked on Sohic the entire time. Out of the corners of his eyes he sees the glowing of his companions but as Sohic keeps drawing on him, weakening him, the pain fuels his anger. A low rumble builds within deep within his chest and he opens his mouth wide to roar but no noise comes out. Their minds locked in intimate embrace, Amhas shouts directly into Sohics sensitive brain.

Will Save [roll0]

Shout for flavor, no effect. Amha will use Iron Heart Surge! to break the mind meld.

Sohic staggers back from Amha, pained from the mental assault just received. "Damn you, beast! I HUNGER!" he shouts, all pretense of civility dropped.

Combat begins. It is now time for Hathur, Vera, and Haruka to go. Post in any order, I'll resolve them after you're all done. Hathur and Haruka need to choose starting squares, as well.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Despite her seeming disinterest, as noted by her fiddling with a small cube puzzle, Haruka reacts as her prepared mind dictated. Her wings slam against the air, propelling her several dozen feet left and into the air as she draws her impractically long blade with practiced ease. "Not smart, Sohic. You may be hungry, but you can't eat when you're dead!"

And with this proclamation, Haruka snaps her fingers, conjuring a mass of ectoplasm behind Sohic that rapidly coalesces into a strange looking beast with three arms and three eyes. It makes no noise, only blinking once at the enemy before striking out with all three limbs.

This new addition complete, Haruka spins her sword around once, and grins. Diving down toward Sohic, she lands on the other side of him. In the same instant, the metallic flash of her weapon curves through the air and through Sohic, the psychic streamers from still in the process of fading away. Her attack finished, a shroud of darkened falls over her, and creates a shadowy cone in front of her.

Starting square is E30, altitude 50 ft.
Ending square is M32, ground level.

Actions (parentheses indicate psicrystal actions):
Swift: Use Personal Construct to create a level 5 astral construct at intersection of K/L, 33/34 (large size). Uses psicrystal's focus.
(Move): Regen psionic focus.
(Free): Partially remove shroud covering continual darkness stone, radiating darkness in a south arc covering a 20 ft cone starting in Haruka's square. Haruka receives total concealment.
Full-round: Dive charge at Sohic, with Deep Impact and psionic channeling crystal shard (ML 9). Uses psicrystal's focus.
(Move): Regen psionic focus.

Astral Construct:
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Free Trip Attempt: [roll5]

Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]
Free Trip Attempt: [roll8]

Attack: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]
Free Trip Attempt: [roll11]

Haruka:
Damage doubled from dive attack, flanking bonus provided by astral construct.
Sword Attack (touch): [roll0]
Sword Damage : [roll1]
Crystal Shard : [roll2]

HP: 180/180
AC: 42 (touch 33, flat-footed 34)

PP: 154

[Morcleon]

Double post because you can't edit in rolls.

Critical confirmation roll (still against flat-footed touch AC): [roll0]
Extra crit damage (sword): [roll1]
Extra crit damage (crystal shard): [roll2]

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur reacts to this clear betrayal with grim satisfaction, neither surprised or dismayed. She swiftly moves in, borne aloft on her eye-like wings, and raises her shining red lance towards the sky; her lance and armor glow brighter as she calls upon her divine power and a surge of magic emanates from her, casting crimson strands of light across the battlefield.

With a movement faster than the eye can track, Hathur casts her lance down at Sohic. It hisses as it hurtles through the air, and seems to split right before it strikes its target. When Sohic attempts to defend himself against it, he will find himself assaulted four times rather than one.

I don't really care where Hathur begins, and I don't think it will matter due to her high move speed and the fact that she goes first (since she gets to maneuver to a new spot anywhere she'd like, essentially). She'd likely be far behind Amha though.

Move Action: With her 140ft fly, Hathur will move to E 32.

Swift Action: Active Law Devotion. Currently Hathur is using it for the attack roll bonus.

Standard Action: Cast Surge of Fortune.

VT Standard Action: Hellfire Eldritch Blast
Touch Attack: [roll0], Damage: [roll1]

Cunning Surge: Hellfire Eldritch Blast
Touch Attack: [roll2], Damage: [roll3]

Cunning Surge: Hellfire Eldritch Blast
Touch Attack: [roll4], Damage: [roll5]

Cunning Surge: Hellfire Eldritch Blast
Touch Attack: [roll6], Damage: [roll7]

Note: If Hathur misses on a roll of 11 or above, all eldritch blasts after that will make use of Eldritch Affliction, and be targeted attacks instead, requiring a will Save (DC 24) for half damage.


Status
HP: 119/119
Inspiration: 24/33
One 5th level spell slot used.
AC: 62

Current Effects:
Law Devotion (Attack)
Surge of Fortune
See the Unseen
Entropic Warding

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera sings once more. This time the notes are sharper and more crisp. The tempo is a march. It is time for war. The melody twists into a dark and brooding lyric at first, but then smoothly transitions to a formal rigidity. As the song changes a burst of shadow stuff surrounds Sohic. As the shadows dissapate, rings of steel attempt to entwine him.

Begin Z1+50

Move: Z10+50
Swift:VS two 3rd level cleric slots into Assay Spell Resistance
Standard:Shadow Spray covering K,Lx32,33 4Str damage, Daze for one round DC27 Fort negates. SR[roll0]
Standard:Bands of Steel on Sohic DC28 Ref to be entangled instead of immobilized.
Move: Q4+70

[Shazek]

Hathur's first blast goes wide, missing Sohic by a great distance. The second strikes true, burning the strange man. He roars in agony, but in spite of his pain he is agile enough to weave around the next two lances. Vera's song comes next, and though Sohic simply shrugs off the shadows that spray towards him, he is not quick enough to evade the metal bands that wrap around him. In spite of this, he does not panic at the monster that appears beside him. Rather, he slips in and around its attacks, obviously amused that a mere construct of will would strive to slay him. Haruka's dive towards him nearly strikes him, but he is barely able to dodge it in time.

Sohic is now Immobilized and has taken 95 damage.

The hungry man laughs at what has happened to him. In spite of the chains and the burn down his side, he seems undaunted. He clicks his boots together, and suddenly is gone. You see him standing far above you, to the east. A shimmering barrier appears to have risen around him. Just as you register his new location, he begins moving his arms in great sweeping motions, calling out words of power.

A massive wall of water rises up in front of him, and rushes forward.

Spellcraft 24:
He just cast Tsunami.

The Tsunami stretches from far north off the battle map to far south off of it. It began in 35 and 36, and moved to 23 and 24. Everyone in its path with Z<=20 is hit by it. Take 28d6 damage and be swept up by the current, unless you make a DC 44 Fort save, in which case you take 14d6 damage and stay put. If you're swept up, you can't move and must make a DC 20 + spell level Concentration check to cast a spell. A Swim check of 20 or more will let you swim out of it, but each round you stay in the Tsunami, you take an additional 28d6 save for half. It moves 60 feet each round, and moves on Sohic's Initiative. That's also when the damage is dealt.

Damage for this round: [roll0] Affects Amha, Haruka, Hathur, and the Construct. Assuming all fail the save for the map this round- will fix if otherwise.


Map:
http://s8.postimage.org/5qtpq6y41/Sohic.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/5qtpq6y41/)

Initiative:
Hathur
Vera
Haruka
Sohic
Amha

You can all post your actions now, I'll resolve them in the proper order.

[roll1]

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The elven bird woman's lyrics turn piercing as she casts another spell. Her song seems to stop then although you still hear something. After a second or two, it becomes apparent that she has set up a discordant rhythm between point and counterpoint. She is still singing, but the song is nullifying itself.


Begin: Q4+70

Standard: Cast True Casting
Standard: Cast Sphere of Ultimate Destruction Fort DC34 in I39 SR[roll0] Damage [roll1] or [roll2]
Move: Direct SoUD to I38 then back to I39 Damage (new fort save) [roll3] or [roll4]

I have a move action left, but I need to know how the SoUD is affecting Sohic before I decide how to use it.

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha digs his claws into the ground and braces himself for the impact of the rushing wall of water. When it comes he throws himself into it and howls as bones break but his leap carries him through to the other side. Glaring at Sohic high above the ground Amha sets his weight on his back legs and licks at his wounds. << Bring him to the ground and I will tear out his throat and eat his heart. >>

Move action: Swim through the water.
Standard action: Cure Critical Wounds on himself [roll0]


Amha
HP 121/205
AC 39
Fort +24, Ref +18, Will +12

[Shazek]

Amha

Amha digs his claws into the ground and braces himself for the impact of the rushing wall of water. When it comes he throws himself into it and howls as bones break but his leap carries him through to the other side. Glaring at Sohic high above the ground Amha sets his weight on his back legs and licks at his wounds. << Bring him to the ground and I will tear out his throat and eat his heart. >>

Move action: Swim through the water.
Standard action: Cure Critical Wounds on himself [roll0]


Amha
HP 121/205
AC 39
Fort +24, Ref +18, Will +12

Sohic stares down at Amha and laughs at him. "Strong, aren't you? I didn't expect you to overpower the water. Still, perhaps I overestimated you all. It seems that even against you all, I may be able to feast."

-- ROUND END --

Waiting on Hathur to resolve Vera's action.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur's wings blur as she reflexively springs out of the way of the oncoming tide and moves closer to her adversary. With a violent gesture she creates her crimson lance anew with her magic, then hurls it at Sohic, channeling the divine energy she had summoned into the blast. Howling like a damned soul, the lance flies towards its target with unerring accuracy, while Hathur invokes further magic, amplifying the residual eldritch energies that remain in Sohic's wounds from her last attack, causing it to claw at him from within.

As described in the OOC, Hathur will use Celerity as an immediate action to escape the Tsunami, and appear in square C35.

She avoids being dazed due to her Quick Recovery (save is in the OOC), then takes her next turn-

Move Action: Hathur will move to D39, and fly down to 60ft above the ground to match Sohic.

Standard Action: Hathur will expend Surge of Fortune on her attack roll to automatically roll 20 on her attack roll against Sohic with her hellfire blast, and further threatens a critical because of that.
Crit confirm: [roll0], Damage [roll1]

VT Standard Action: Hathur will use hellfire blast again, but with the eldritch affliction blast shape, which makes eldritch blast target rather than a ranged touch attack. He may make a DC 24 Will save for half damage.
Damage: [roll2]

Cunning Surge: Hellfire Eldritch Affliction, Damage: [roll3]

Cunning Surge: Hellfire Eldritch Affliction, Damage: [roll4]

If Sohic somehow manages to resist the Affliction wholesale (such as with a mettle-like ability) then Hathur will not perform the two Cunning Surge Actions.


Status
HP: 119/119
Inspiration: 18/33
One 5th level spell slot used.
AC: 62

Current Effects:
Law Devotion (Attack)
See the Unseen
Entropic Warding

[Shazek]

Guided unerringly by fate, Hathur's first lance strikes true in Sohic's flesh. The hellfire of the blow burns him along the side which had been, until now, uninjured. Unfortunately, it fails to do critical damage to him. At Hathur's next invocation, though, he bursts into unholy flame, screaming in agony. While he resists it in part, he seems extremely badly injured. Suddenly, a wave of light washes over him, and one of his burns heals.

He has now taken (Net) 175 damage.

Spellcraft DC 27
You just saw a Heal spell.

Vera's black orb appears on top of Sohic, and for a moment it seems to destabilize his form. However, he resists its power and is only mildly injured.

SR beaten, saves made.

Net Damage taken: 201

Waiting for Haruka's turn.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

In the conjured tsunami, Haruka glances to the outside. Narrowing her eyes, she angles her wings and pushes against the water. For a moment, nothing happens. And then her winged form, dripping wet from water and blood, soars into the sky, the bubble of darkness quickly reasserting itself around her.

"Tch... Now that hurt... Suppose I'll just have to hurt him back..." She closes her eyes and lets a wave of divine energy flow out of her, covering her body in a dark nimbus of crackling blue light. Then, almost as an afterthought, she snaps her fingers.

Actions:
Move: Swim out of tsunami and fly to I30/60ft.
Standard: Cast Surge of Fortune.
Swift: Manifest Quickened Synchronicity linked to Synchronicity.
(Move): Regen psionic focus.
Standard (from synchronicity): Cast True Strike.

HP: 78/180
AC: 44 (touch 35, flat-footed 36)

PP: 164
Path casting: 18
Spells: 6/4/4/3/3/1

[Shazek]

Sohic's face darkens in rage, or something very much like it. He was in pain, hungry, and these accursed Candidates did not have the dignity to simply die and allow him to feed on their souls. That ended now.

A gem on Sohic's belt glows momentarily, before he reaches within his cloak and withdraws a rod, one you recognize as the same he withdrew before to teleport his herd away. He speaks a single word of power, and you see a thin layer of blue light appear over his skin. He then speaks again, although nothing appears to happen to the naked eye. Then, his form shifts into something truly terrifying. The creature is truly Gargantuan in extent, and shimmers with every color of the rainbow. It is a dragon, though it appears rather young. Sohic, in his new form, speaks out once more and another wave of light washes over him. He roars his defiance, and then lurches forward in flight, directing himself towards Amha. He descends as he moves, and ends up on the ground directly under Haruka and in front of Amha.

Invalidated by Hathur's Celerity. See post below.

Spellcraft Stuff:

DC 25
Epic Spell that makes him Immune to AMF, uses Ward Seed, Quickened Spell

DC 21
Cast AMF

DC 26 + Magic Sight of some sort
There is a 10-foot radius AMF coming from Sohic.

DC 22
He cast Heal

DC 29
Effects of Shapechange

Initiative/Map/Other
Net Damage Taken: [roll0]

Initiative:

Hathur
Vera
Haruka
Sohic
Amha

You can all post your actions now, I'll resolve them in the proper order.

Map:

http://s8.postimage.org/53gnnbsbl/Sohic.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/53gnnbsbl/)



EDIT: Almost forgot. DC 30 Will save to avoid being Shaken for 4d6 rounds.

[Shazek]

Can't edit in rolls. [roll0]

As Sohic speaks a word of his most powerful abjuration, Hathur responds with unnatural quickness, Invoking a flare of pain in his burned side. As the flames of hell burn his side, he loses concentration on his spell, and it fails. Enraged, he decides that the one who has harmed him so much is the true threat. He spits out words of magic, gesticulating wildly as he does so. His belt shimmers momentarily, and he is suddenly adjacent to Hathur. He speaks another word, before lashing out with his hand towards his foe. Guided by fate, it strikes true, and Hathur immediately feels excruciating pain from within. Sohic's form then shifts immensely, as he grows into a terrifying, Gargantuan Dragon, whose scales shimmer with every color of the rainbow. He growls aloud, and looks at Haruka.

As he attempts to strike Hathur with his accursed hand, a pillar of flame erupts around him, courtesy of Vera. The fire breaks his concentration, and his spell fails. He growls, before his form shifts into that of a Gargantuan dragon, shimmering with every color of the rainbow.

See last post for Frightful Presence and most Spellcraft stuff.

New Spellcraft:

20:
Surge of Fortune cast

22:
Death By Thorns cast

Hathur needs to roll a Fort Save DC 42. Success means you are incapacitated for 1d4 rounds, taking 1d6 damage per round. Failure means you are incapacitated for 1d4 rounds, then you die.

Yeah, he's kinda ticked. Roll the 1d4 with your save.

New Map: http://s10.postimage.org/vnm3s0c11/Sohic.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/vnm3s0c11/)

[Chambers]

Amha

The dragonfear washes over Amha and for a brief moment he considers fleeing. Instead he thumps his tail against the ground and grows larger; not quite the size of the dragon, but big enough to swallow a man in a single bite. He shakes his head and growls low at the drake. What few humanistic features he had are gone as he creeps around the dragon, as if it were a deer in the forest.

Without a word or shout he springs at the dragon, covering the distance between them in a single leap, his claws tearing at the dragons thick hide.

Standard: Righteous Might (grow to Huge)
Free: Shift (+2 Strength)
Move: Move to E26, in line with the dragon.
Swift: White Raven Tactics on himself

---

Swift: Dancing Mongoose (two extra claw attacks)
Full-Round: Charge, stopping at F31 (10ft reach), and Tumbling to avoid the dragons attack of opportunity. Power Attack (Leap Attack) for full, using Shocktrooper to drop his AC instead of Attack. He taps both the Jump check and Tumble check.

Claw 1 [roll0](48) Damage [roll1]
Claw 2 [roll2] (40) Damage [roll3]
Claw 3 [roll4] (48)Damage [roll5]
Claw 4 [roll6] (46) Damage [roll7]
Bite [roll8] (44) Damage [roll9]
Claw 5 [roll10] (40) Damage [roll11]
Claw 6 [roll12] (52) Damage [roll13]
Claw 7 [roll14] (42) Damage [roll15]
Claw 8 [roll16] (54) Damage [roll17]
Claw 9 [roll18] (56) Damage [roll19] (109 damage if it confirms. AC 52 to confirm.)
Tail [roll20] (46) Damage [roll21]
Rake 1 [roll22] (47) Damage [roll23]
Rake 1 [roll24] (40) Damage [roll25]

Amha
HP 121/205
AC 26
Fort +25, Ref +18, Will +12

Current Effects: Shaken, Righteous Might, Shifting
Maneuvers: Wall of Blades, Dancing Mongoose, Iron Heart Surge, White Raven Tactics, Sudden Leap

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Guided by fate, the blow strikes true, but Sohic finds his movements mirrored, reflected. The glowing, magical armor of Hathur flickers and reforms in the path of his attack, guided by Hathur's divine will. Her white eyes look upon Sohic with distant contempt and cold wrath. "You have proven yourself unfit to exist in the world I wish to create." Hathur decrees. "Your deceit, betrayal, and thoughtless hunger mark you as one who sees nothing beyond himself."

"You would drain our power and devour us, leaving nothing left. Here is my wisdom for you- a just punishment fits the crime."

Hathur sweeps back, then raises her arms wide, her eye-like wings glaring down at Sohic while she calls upon all of her power and holds nothing back, showering Sohic with unerring spears of crimson light.

Hathur spends a single ki point to activate the secondary ability of Reflexes of the Awakened, which allows her to cause one attack- in this case the touch attack- to miss.

Then it's her turn.

Hathur moves 30ft back with her move action. (Up along the alphabet labeled axis, but this puts her above A... if you wanna move her in a different direction instead for simplicity, that's fine, so long as she is at least 30ft away.)

Hathur will then spend both her usual standard actions, and 15 inspiration points on cunning Surge to fire off 7 hellfire afflictions. DC 24 will for half, as normal.
Damage:
1 [roll0]
2 [roll1]
3 [roll2]
4 [roll3]
5 [roll4]
6 [roll5]
7 [roll6]


Status
HP: 119/119
Inspiration: 2/33
Ki Points: 4/9
One 5th level spell slot used.
AC: 69

Current Effects:
Law Devotion (Armor)
See the Unseen
Entropic Warding

[Morcleon]

Haruka

As the dragon looks at her, Haruka flickers down the bubble long enough to cheekily wave back at him. Reestablishing the darkness, she shoots up into the air, then comes slashing down, the bubble traveling in a tangent line to Sohic's body. Guided by perfect fate, an impractically thin, long blade arcs out of the sphere to strike at the rainbow dragon. Shards of crystal embed themselves in his flesh as the flying bubble shoots off back from whence it came, but much further away.

Crit Confirmation (against touch AC): [roll0]
Sword Damage: [roll1]
Crystal Shard Damage: [roll2]
Extra Sword Damage (Crit): [roll3]
Extra Crystal Shard Damage (Crit): [roll4]

Swift: Trigger nat 20 function of Surge of Fortune.
Standard, 1st half (from synchronicity): Convert to move action and use Flyby Attack to move up 60 ft.
Full-round: Dive attack at Sohic, with Deep Impact and retaining the Crystal Shard from her last attack. Power attack -10 to-hit. Auto hit due to surge of fortune.
(Move): Regen psionic focus.
Standard, second half: Finish Flyby Attack by moving to M20/180 ft.

HP: 81/180
AC: 44 (touch 35, flat-footed 36)

PP: 164
Path casting: 18
Spells: 6/4/4/3/3/1

[Shazek]

As Amha leaps into the air, Sohic rounds on him, trying to strike the now-massive creature. Amha is too dexterous though, and leaves no openings for the drake to exploit. In spite of the veritable whirlwind of tooth and claw that Amha unleashes, Sohic only takes one, relatively minor injury.

-ROUND END-

Distracted by the were-creature, Sohic does not grasp fully Hathur's power until it is too late. The seven spears all lance into him, and though he is able to resist the effects of Hellfire to some degree, it is not enough. He roars in pain, and crashes to the ground, dead.

-COMBAT END-

The form of the Gargantuan dragon shimmers for a moment, before fading away. Left lying on the ground is the true form of Sohic, the shepherd, the same as you saw when the battle first began. All is calm for a moment, before a terrible screeching arises from his corpse. From the body a dark light emanates, and you all feel a terrible sense of loss, as if something precious has been robbed from the world. Then the light divides into four distinct parts, one for each of you. The light moves, and faster than you can blink, strikes you. You feel a sense of completeness, the earlier loss banished entirely, as the light - which you now realize is Sohic's spark - welds itself onto your souls.

As the feelings subside, you recognize within your well of power something new- you have become greater than you were. Idly, you notice that Sohic's hair has faded to a simple black, no longer the madness it had been.

Level up! Each of you has gained sufficient experience to bring you to level 11.

Furthermore, you have each advanced one step further down the Deity Rising Path, gaining an additional two levels of Cleric casting and the Maximum Health feature. All your HD are maximized, now and forevermore. Note that this is retroactive, as well.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The mage winged over to the rest of the group. Setting down next to Sohic's body, she began removing the magical equipment, including the focus he had used, from their fallen foe. As she arranged the objects into a pile next to the corpse, she looked carefully at the features of her companions -- their hair, eyes, and fur. Sohic, you fool. You paid for that lesson with your life. Her voice was quiet, but did not show any remorse. She examined each piece with her mage sight, attempting to determine their function. The belt and boots she had seen in action, and knew by effect, but the rest would require a little study.

When that task was complete, she approached Amha. The prey we hunt, and those that would hunt us roost in trees that can not be climbed. Any weakness we have will be exploited. Permit me to teach you to fly. Unlike that fool, I will ask nothing of you, but I must cast a spell on you, and then you will have to cast one in turn. Agreed?

I should be able to ID the school and CL of each item (take 10 on Spellcraft for a 56).

DMWhen I observe my companions, I'm looking for signs of the rainbow effects, or moving without wind, or any other sort of odd thing.

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha sat next to the body of Sohic and looked around at his companions, seeing past their physical forms to find the divine spark within them. << Of course. I've always thought that a pair of wings would look...regal. >>

Are you still able to Persist his Righteous Might? It's still in effect.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Reaching out for her spark, Vera's eyes blaze for a moment and a beam flashes over Amha. This will work for now, but the next time we rest, I will show you a better trick.

Cast a Persistent Ocular Fly using 5 domain levels, and metamagic effect.

I don't actually need you to cast anything. I was going to do something else, but didn't remember it was a personal spell.

When did you cast Righteous Might? If you did it earlier before the battle, then it should be persisted already. I have to persist your spells as you cast them.

[Shazek]

Vera

The mage winged over to the rest of the group. Setting down next to Sohic's body, she began removing the magical equipment, including the focus he had used, from their fallen foe. As she arranged the objects into a pile next to the corpse, she looked carefully at the features of her companions -- their hair, eyes, and fur. Sohic, you fool. You paid for that lesson with your life. Her voice was quiet, but did not show any remorse. She examined each piece with her mage sight, attempting to determine their function. The belt and boots she had seen in action, and knew by effect, but the rest would require a little study.

When that task was complete, she approached Amha. The prey we hunt, and those that would hunt us roost in trees that can not be climbed. Any weakness we have will be exploited. Permit me to teach you to fly. Unlike that fool, I will ask nothing of you, but I must cast a spell on you, and then you will have to cast one in turn. Agreed?

I should be able to ID the school and CL of each item (take 10 on Spellcraft for a 56).

DMWhen I observe my companions, I'm looking for signs of the rainbow effects, or moving without wind, or any other sort of odd thing.



If you don't mind, I'm going to resolve the loot stuff after your conversation with Amha - it might change your actions otherwise.

You remove Sohic's boots and cloak from his corpse, and find that the cloak can store more than it would appear to on the outside. Within it you find the focus he'd used previously, a small wooden club, a jade tiara, and a wand.

Looking over them, you find the following auras:

By MIC rules, succeeding on a Spellcraft check to learn about the item with Detect Magic by 10 or more tells you what the item is. (Page 217/218)

Therefore:
The club is an Eager Club +1.
The Tiara is a Tiara of +20 Spellcraft (and a Shapechange Focus)
The Wand is a Wand of Greater Luminous Armor (32 charges remaining)
The Boots are Boots of Temporal Acceleration
The "Focus" is a Rod of Excellent Magic (Coincidentally worth more than the rest of his wealth combined)
The Cloak is a Phoenix Cloak of Weaponry


When you go to take the belt from his corpse, though, you feel immediately, horrifically drained. Whispers and screams start to play through your mind, coming from the belt.

You have taken 3 negative levels, which cannot be overcome in any way while you hold the belt.

For a moment, one of the whispers is coherent."Blood? Power? The puppet is slain!" An insane cackling begins echoing in your head, as the item goes from outraged to joyful to wrathful to amused and back to outraged in the span of mere seconds. It continues laughing, and laughing, and laughing, unceasing in its mental auditory onslaught.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera recoils her talon as if burned, dropping the belt on the ground. Everyone, get back. This is dangerous. Once the item is on the ground, her form shifts. To those capable of piercing her invisibility, she looks angelic.

Vera gives a command, and one of the knots on her dispelling cord come untied. Now she sings again, her song defiant and dangerous.

If the item tries to exert its ego before Vera can drop it, then she will cast Celerity+Surge of Fortune, and expend it with her second immediate action to auto pass any save.

Once it is on the ground, she changes into a Planetar (free), activates dispelling cord (swift), burns a turn attempt for Divine Spellpower, uses Reserves of Strength+3, and uses her two empty 5th level cleric slots to cast a divine Greater Dispel Magic (CL24 or 21 if you rule the negative levels stick around) [roll0]

[Shazek]

Vera

Vera recoils her talon as if burned, dropping the belt on the ground. Everyone, get back. This is dangerous. Once the item is on the ground, her form shifts. To those capable of piercing her invisibility, she looks angelic.

Vera gives a command, and one of the knots on her dispelling cord come untied. Now she sings again, her song defiant and dangerous.

If the item tries to exert its ego before Vera can drop it, then she will cast Celerity+Surge of Fortune, and expend it with her second immediate action to auto pass any save.

Once it is on the ground, she changes into a Planetar (free), activates dispelling cord (swift), burns a turn attempt for Divine Spellpower, uses Reserves of Strength+3, and uses her two empty 5th level cleric slots to cast a divine Greater Dispel Magic (CL24 or 21 if you rule the negative levels stick around) [roll0]

I agree that the negative levels vanish once the item is dropped - fluff-wise, I see the negative levels not as the item draining part of you but as it being opposed to you and fighting whatever you do. Rules-wise, I agree with that interpretation.

Vera feels her power return immediately as she drops the belt. Her song is powerful, and the magic she lashes out with crushes that of the belt, rendering it powerless, for now.

[roll0] - Rounds Suppressed

[dextercorvia]

Vera

With the item suppressed, Vera directs the orb of inky blackness at it. The belt is powerful, but in a way that would seek our destruction. It eats at its bearer's sanity until he or she becomes like Sohic there. It called him a puppet, and I believe it was able to exert some control over him, with as much raw power as he had. I shudder to think what it would do to one of us.

I believe the belt counts as an unattended non-magical item (for the moment). Vera will use her two move actions, before it regains magic, directing her Sphere of Ultimate Destruction into its square. That is [roll0] + [roll1] damage, no save.

After it is suppressed, Vera asks Hathur, Would you mind terribly destroying that for me? I'm still feeling a little winded from the sudden energy drain. I haven't had to deal with that in quite some time.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Is it wise to so freely destroy such a potent piece of magic? Might we use it for other purposes, even if we do not wear it?" Questions Hathur as she moves to join Vera, looking closely at the belt without touching it.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

It contains an intelligence and maleficence. I don't doubt that if we keep it, it will possess one of us, and attempt to kill the rest. Is that a chance you are willing to take? I think it likely that only our ability to trust and rely on one another will keep us alive in this harsh place. I am willing to throw away this trinket to keep that intact, but if my actions would divide us, then it would be counterproductive.

What do the rest of you say. Keep or destroy?

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha frowns as wings fail to sprout from his back but he lifts himself off the ground and floats anyway. << Sufficient. My thanks. Sohic was mad, but he wasn't lying about - >> The telepathic communication cuts off as Vera is shaken and drops the belt. Amha drops to the ground and pads closer and sniffs at it. << Strong magic. It might be kept safe in an extra-dimensional space, if one of you has one. >>

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Then I will leave it to you both to decide how to carry it. Vera wasn't happy, but mainly she was disgusted with herself that she had allowed the thing to touch her. She had spent time on some dangerous planes, but this place was different somehow. We should be going soon. I doubt that Sohic could maintain much of an alliance, but someone stronger may have been keeping tabs on him.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I don't have such an item, unfortunately. In that case, perhaps it would be best to destroy it, rather than risking prolonged contact." If no one objects, Hathur focuses her magic upon the belt, conjuring a lance of hellfire with which to consume it.

Hathur is just going to smack the belt with her newly improved hellfire blast until it crumbles into pieces. Unless someone else steps in.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

"Well then, that's been dealt with." Haruka spins her sword a few times, then sheathes it with a clang. Raising an eyebrow to the rest of the party, she smiles. "Onward to the west, then?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Thank you Hathur. Under ordinary circumstances, I would be the first to want to study such an item. These are no ordinary circumstances, however. No ordinary circumstances indeed. Vera gathers up the remaining items and hands them out to her companions.

After an unseen transformation, the invisible woman takes wing once more.

[Shazek]

Hathur

"I don't have such an item, unfortunately. In that case, perhaps it would be best to destroy it, rather than risking prolonged contact." If no one objects, Hathur focuses her magic upon the belt, conjuring a lance of hellfire with which to consume it.

Hathur is just going to smack the belt with her newly improved hellfire blast until it crumbles into pieces. Unless someone else steps in.

The lance of infernal flame that rushes forth from Hathur's soul incinerates the belt utterly, leaving not even ash behind.

And there goes his Item Familiar. Poor thing...

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha walks over and paws at the golden cloak with on foot. << This looks like it would do a better job. >> Lacking opposable thumbs its not certain how he intends to actually pick it up and wear it - or how he wears the other few choice items, his bracers, amulet, and belt. Kneeling down next to the cloak his thick mane seems to come alive and wild tendrils of hair grasp the cloak and drag it back over his shoulders, then fix the clasp at his neck. << Looks better on me than it did on him anyway >>.

Go go Morphic Weapons! Form of prehensile hair-tentacle!

[dextercorvia]

Vera

When the aura appeared, Vera only required an instant of study to recognize its danger. Shrouded by layers of magic, and her own skill, the scholar begins to sing again. Her voice, stony and impassive onjured a dome made of the same black rock that composed the plain around them. It enveloped their fallen foe, and the aura that had appeared near him.

The aura blocked, temporarily at least, she addressed her companions. Someone was watching us. Either Sohic reported to someone, or his death alerted a watcher to our presence. We need to move, now. Everyone join hands or claws, and I will teleport us out of here.

While she waited for compliance, she reached into her own reservoirs of magic, and erected another veil, this time with a song of emptiness. Then she winged over to the cluster of companions that within the last few hours she had come to rely upon.

She was shocked that someone would cavalierly toss around magic that went beyond the ordinary limits for a simple scrying spell. Every time they encountered something new, Vera was made more aware of the disadvantage they were at being released late in this cycle. Only the strongest and most ruthless candidates seemed to have survived this long. In order to survive, it appeared likely that they would need to become just as ruthless and strong as their would be adversaries.

She needed to meditate, but there just wasn't time.

Casting Wall of Stone, completely surrounding the sensor. Following up with extended Mind Blank (using 2 8th level slots)

[Shazek]

Vera

When the aura appeared, Vera only required an instant of study to recognize its danger. Shrouded by layers of magic, and her own skill, the scholar begins to sing again. Her voice, stony and impassive onjured a dome made of the same black rock that composed the plain around them. It enveloped their fallen foe, and the aura that had appeared near him.

The aura blocked, temporarily at least, she addressed her companions. Someone was watching us. Either Sohic reported to someone, or his death alerted a watcher to our presence. We need to move, now. Everyone join hands or claws, and I will teleport us out of here.

While she waited for compliance, she reached into her own reservoirs of magic, and erected another veil, this time with a song of emptiness. Then she winged over to the cluster of companions that within the last few hours she had come to rely upon.

She was shocked that someone would cavalierly toss around magic that went beyond the ordinary limits for a simple scrying spell. Every time they encountered something new, Vera was made more aware of the disadvantage they were at being released late in this cycle. Only the strongest and most ruthless candidates seemed to have survived this long. In order to survive, it appeared likely that they would need to become just as ruthless and strong as their would be adversaries.

She needed to meditate, but there just wasn't time.

Casting Wall of Stone, completely surrounding the sensor. Following up with extended Mind Blank (using 2 8th level slots)

As Vera flies towards her companions, the Wall of Stone she had conjured crumbles away into dust around the corpse and sensor. A cold, imperious voice rings forth from above you all, reminiscent of the voice of the Font itself, though not half as loud. "You cannot run from a god, Candidates." Quieter, it continues, "I will not prevent your departure, nor harm you. I merely wish to speak with the newest of this world's arrivals. Sohic does not seem to have given you a proper welcome." It chuckles dryly at this, a clattering sound emerging from the sky. "I have no need of your power, as he did, rest assured. I have ascended as far as our mutual benefactor will allow me to."

Roll a Will Save.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Seeing the wall crumble so quickly, she thought, I had hoped for a few more seconds, but that will have to do.

Vera trilled a sharp retort, stealing an instant of time, which she filled with a second spell, further bolstering her defenses. With that burst of alacrity, she was able to fly adjacent to Hathur.

Burn two 5th level spells for Greater Celerity, followed up with burning Spell Turning and Reverse Gravity for Moment of Prescience as a Divine Spell (luck domain) modified with Divine Spellpower and Reserves of Strength.

She then uses Moment of Prescience for her Will Save (rolled twice because of Choose Destiny.

Will Save [roll0]
RoS Damage [roll1]

[Morcleon]

Haruka

As the voice begins to speak, Haruka shoots back into the air, her new boots pushing off the grassy field. She glances at the hovering sensor and yells down, "Then speak, if that's all you wish to do."

Fly up to Hathur and Vera's level.

Will: [roll0]

[AmberVael]

Hathur

I have no doubt that this entity has far greater reserves of power than we do. Hathur observes to the others in a telepathic whisper. I rather doubt running will really do anything for us- it could simply track us down again. Perhaps we should take a moment to speak to it and better gauge its intentions.

"It is good to know that there are some who may not instantly turn on us for our spark." Hathur says, though inwardly she does doubt and question. "I have no objection to speaking with you, but perhaps you might favor us with your name and identity before anything else? Who are we speaking to?"

Spend an inspiration point on the save.
Will Save: [roll0]

In addition, Hathur is going to cast Improvisation and Divine Insight, then use both of them (well, only half of Improvisation) to boost her Sense Motive, to try and get a read on what this entity is up to. She'll get them both up in the same round via Cunning Surge.
Sense Motive: [roll1]

12 improvisation points remaining.

[Shazek]

Vera:
You successfully saved. The voice you hear is illusory in nature.

Amha, Hathur, Haruka:
Your save failed. There is no noticeable effect.

"A name, you ask? An identity? I very much doubt that I am known to you, Candidates, but I will humor your request. I am Durul the Ancient, once a scholar and now a god."

Knowledge: History DC 50
Durul the Ancient is one of perhaps three or four names given to a demilich who was last seen millennia before the world was broken. His last action before he vanished was supposedly to destroy the city of Arkhaven, an nearly forgotten trade center apparently ruled by a council of nigh-immortal Clerics who had protected the city from all threats for centuries prior to Durul's attack. The ruins of the city were never found - they seemed to have vanished with the demilich himself. Any motive he had was unknown, and the few who sought to find him and wreak vengeance eventually disappeared themselves.

Knowledge: Arcana DC 25
Durul is a name to whom the first variants of the Astral Projection spell were credited, millennia ago. The most recent versions bear little resemblance to the fragments that remain of the original spell.

"I wish to speak with you simply because you are the newest of the Candidates in this place. I detected the surge of power released upon Sohic's death, and that it was absorbed by four entities who were new to me. I make a habit of keeping track of those who might wish to slay me for my Spark, you see." The voice stops a moment, before abruptly inquiring, rather amiably, "On that thought: What are your names? I have given you mine, after all."

Hathur:
You don't think that Durul is lying to you.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"Some friends in the old world called me Astera Planetia. That will suffice for now. Caution is laudable, I was just contemplating the dangers of this new world. However, seeing as it would have been considerable time before we were even aware of your existence, I highly doubt that caution is what brings you to our attention. Rather, I expect this little display of power is meant to keep us out of your affairs. I see no problem with that, unless one of your subjects forces the issue like Sohic here.

Perhaps someday we our astral projections can sit down over a cup of tea, and you can tell me what really happened at Arkhaven."

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur agreed with Vera's assessment. Contacting people who didn't even know of your existence, yet who you knew might want to kill you... that didn't seem like an act of caution, at least on its own. Yet, he didn't seem to be lying. Hathur put good stock in her ability to assess others, but this was a powerful entity, so perhaps he was just good at hiding his motives, or perhaps he had some plan.

"Hathur is my name. Let me speak forthrightly- I have no desire to slay others simply to satisfy greed for power, and in this place I cannot afford to purposefully make enemies; you can already see that I have allied myself with these others. It is my way to encourage cooperation and community, and if you know my name, you will know I speak truly.
"I have no quarrel with you, Durul, and indeed I have many reasons to avoid conflict. Yet, as I am sure you know, I have ample reason to be cautious about other entities with the same spark as I have. Give us a reason to trust you, and I will repay that in kind as best I am able."

[Shazek]

"Trust is a funny thing in this land, young Hathur. You know as well as I any gift I give or promise I make will likely serve my own ends, not yours. What then, is a reason to trust? That I have not slain you where you stand, nor trapped you here? That I am civil? No, there is no way you can be sure to trust, and I do not intend to manipulate you by pretending to prove myself worthy of such a thing."

"Still, though, I will give you something. I find that most brought here are rather ill-informed, so I will allow you each a single question of me, about this world. I will answer as truthfully and fully as I am able, unless such an answer would bring me harm. Consider it a gift, in the hopes of perhaps coming to an arrangement of sorts in the future. Now, though, you seem to still be getting your bearings. Such matters are best left to minds more in control than yours seem to be at the moment."

"And, dear mage, should you wish to ask anything of me as your companions are being allowed to, you had best lower your protections. I cannot see or hear you at the moment. I applaud you for that, coincidentally. I had thought such magic was beyond you all, by a fair margin.

"Bah, I digress. Ask what you will and I shall depart from this place and allow you passage unhindered. These lands are not my own, and I care not to challenge their master."

He cannot hear Vera's lines due to the Mind Blank cast.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

With a small grin, Haruka slowly takes her hand off of her blade. Crossing her arms, she chuckles. "Well, at least you're nicer than Sohic-san... My name is Higashiyama Haruka. I wish you only as much harm as you wish us."

"With that being said, I suppose I shall ask the first question. To the west, there is a place of maps. And apparently, one with a stone tablet will be coming this-away within two or three days. I wish to know anything you know of this person, place, and matter. Tips on how to get these maps would also be appreciated."

[Shazek]

Haruka

With a small grin, Haruka slowly takes her hand off of her blade. Crossing her arms, she chuckles. "Well, at least you're nicer than Sohic-san... My name is Higashiyama Haruka. I wish you only as much harm as you wish us."

"With that being said, I suppose I shall ask the first question. To the west, there is a place of maps. And apparently, one with a stone tablet will be coming this-away within two or three days. I wish to know anything you know of this person, place, and matter. Tips on how to get these maps would also be appreciated."

"Most are not so mad as the Shepherd of the Accursed was. Those that are tend to meet similar ends. Still, I understand the sentiment. My arrival here was similarly bloody, and it took weeks to find polite company. Civilization took time to rebuild."

"But as to your question, what, precisely, do you know of this "place of maps?" To the west of here, all that exists is the home of the Lord of this region, the Infernal Tazan. Perhaps this tablet-bearer is one of his minions on a patrol. If that is the case, it would be unusual for them to possess a map, though, particularly one inscribed on stone. Parchment ought to do for most any of his servants... The voice trails off, and for several moments all is silent.

Suddenly, Durul speaks up again, sounding almost pleased with himself. "Ah, I understand. Recently, a powerful Lavawight aligned itself with Tazan. It had been trapped under this plain, as so many were after the Godstorm. When it was freed, it sought out the slayer of its former Lord, and subjugated itself to him. It has been so long since those days that the landscape has changed much. A servant of the Infernal Lord is likely showing his newest ally the land."

"I urge caution, though. To slay a vassal of a Lord, even a new one, is to incite his wrath. Do not kill the Wight if you can avoid it."

[Chambers]

Amha

The tiger flies in lazy circles around the spot where the voice comes from. << I have no need to bargain with this spirit. Speak as you will. >> He thinks to his companions and stretches his quickly healing muscles as he tries to get a handle on flying. He ascends for a few moments and then dives toward where his companions are directing their speech, flying through the empty space and soaring overhead to look at the land beyond.

Casting Greater Vigor. He'll heal 88 HP over the next 22 rounds bringing him to 282/286.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"I agree with the tiger. Please convey my respect and regrets, and tell Durul that the only questions I have right now are those of historical import, rather than immediate. Oh, and I don't know if it is important, but he can cast spells through that sensor -- he is using some sort of audible illusion to communicate right now."

Vera listened carefully to Durul's responses, while at the same time, thinking through their next move.

[dextercorvia]

I did think of something, if one of you wouldn't mind relaying my question. Sohic indicated that there was a way to recognize those with the divine spark on sight. What is this method?

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Very well then. Who are the peoples- be they individuals or communities- that we should be aware of? Are there any settlements or true leaders among the individuals in this place?"

Vera's question provokes one of Hathur's own, and she lets it echo through the minds of her allies, hoping it might help it evade Durul's notice. Amha, did you actually learn what Sohic said he had to teach?

[Chambers]

Amha

Floating to the ground in slow circles Amha nods towards Hathur. << Yes, you all shine like bright lights, only slightly dimmer than Sohic did. >> He lands on all eight legs and his tail whips back and forth as he looks at the spot where the voice comes from and looks away again. << There is nothing to see of the one who speaks. >>

[Shazek]

Hathur

"Very well then. Who are the peoples- be they individuals or communities- that we should be aware of? Are there any settlements or true leaders among the individuals in this place?"

Vera's question provokes one of Hathur's own, and she lets it echo through the minds of her allies, hoping it might help it evade Durul's notice. Amha, did you actually learn what Sohic said he had to teach?

"The most notable of the inhabitants of this place is the Font itself. I know not where it resides, nor how it travels, but it has made itself present when it feels necessary. Rarely has it intervened directly, but it has manipulated events here with its releases - be they of the Seals or of new Candidates. No entity in all of creation could possibly challenge the Font in battle - it has raw power literally beyond measure, and an intellect likely greater than my own. To my knowledge, only once has it been directly attacked, and that was by one of the first challenges placed here, a lord among the Hundred-Handed-Ones. It landed a single blow upon the Diamond Avatar, and then vanished. I was present for that battle, if it can be called that. In spite of all my magic and understanding, I could not understand what powers were invoked to destroy the aggressor so utterly. But I digress, once again. Suffice it to say that the Font is in control of much of what happens in this world, even if matters seem contrary to its interests.

Below the Font are the Guardians. They are our jailers, so to speak. The four of them guard the borders of the land, and past them none may travel. No spell can pass them, nor foot nor wing. All who try to travel into the world beyond the Testing Grounds are confronted and turned back. To the east, in the sea, is a great serpent, divine before the testing ever began. It is Jormungandr, the World Serpent, and it allows none to sail or fly beyond the sea. I have heard recently it is becoming aggressive - attacking those within the borders of the Grounds. I do not understand fully why, but I have confidence in the veracity of the accounts. To the north is the Forest. It is not the only forest in the land, but it is the only one left unnamed. All who try to pass it - under, through, above - are dragged to its dark heart. I do not understand what it is - I suspect a creation of the Font, but it may have lived in the old world, undisturbed till the Remaking. West is the Shining Wall, unblemished by all who have struck it since the First Awakening. It is more golem than place, and negates even the magic of the divine who try to pass it, then slays them. And to the south, among the mountain peaks, is the Storm Lord. I have long believed that he is the cause of the Godstorm, but recent events have indicated otherwise. As with the others, he does his task, preventing all those who might wish to pass beyond the boundaries set for us."

Of course, the Guardians have little effect on the world- they are mere curiosities to most, and I only speak so much of them because they have long puzzled and interested me. Unless you wish to travel far, you will likely not have cause to meet them. Those who you likely wish to know about are the Lords. There are six true Lords, and several others who could take the mantle if they wished. The Lords are those who have ascended to the full height of divinity, and claimed a Seat. They each will, barring death or descension, become one of the true gods of the Next World, after the trials have ended. Grel, the Dark Titan, makes his home in the shadow of the Forest, and embodies war. Some claim he can commune with the Forest- I am uncertain. The Dragon Lord, Nauth, makes his home beneath Dragonmount itself, but has not been seen in near on a century, since Lymdaus claimed the Mount. In the northwest resides Aria, the Serene Lady. Peace and song are her domain -astounding, considering the war this place begets. Her home is the only truly safe place that exists still. How she gained her power, I know not, but all life is safe with her. She has never killed, and likely cannot. Even I am stirred by her presence- something I have long thought impossible. The last of the Lords is Tarius. He rules the land to the southeast, at the foot of the mountains of the Storm Lord. He is reclusive, and his people rarely leave his lands. Sleep and death are both his - his realm is what passes for an afterlife in this broken world, a slumber unenending.

The two who are most prominent, today, are Tazan and the Lord Michael Edenseeker. Tazan, as I mentioned earlier, is an Infernal, the offspring of a Demon Lord and a young goddess, and is merely a century old. Within hours of his birth, he had slain both his parents and usurped his father's dark throne. Now he rules their dark lands, and controls the southwest of this world - including the land we now stand upon.

Edenseeker is a former human man, and is one of the few I would call truly good in this world. He has built the only truly great city here, and has dedicated himself to protecting it from the likes of Tazan since the day it was founded. Of all the Lords, he I find most enjoyable to converse with. The man freely allows me passage into his city, conditional only on visiting him for a friendly game of wits and battle. Our record stands with me the victor - 7329 to 7121 - but he has been making a comeback in recent decades. The gap was far greater last century."

You asked of settlements. Tazan's Fortress and Edenseeker's Garden are the two real centers of commerce and knowledge that exist, besides places such as my own home. Either likely would allow you entry. Tazan merely would ensure none of you are good, and Edenseeker requires only that you obey his laws and do not work with the Infernal One.

Beyond the Font, Guardians, and Lords, there are several individuals of note in these lands, but none besides myself that ought to take notice of new Candidates, unless you intend to spread the tale of your defeat of Sohic. The Shepherd was not well liked, and his slayers might enjoy some prestige, momentarily.

Now, was there anything else? You, tiger, have nothing to ask? What of the mage? Does she wish an answer of me?"

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The unseen mage trills out another melody, very similar to the one she used moments ago to encapsulate the sensor. This time, however, her pace is deliberate, and harmonies more elaborate. A stele forms on the ground, the raised lettering appearing one character at a time. The text reads:

Durul,

Who from the Paragnostic Assembly has survived here in the Testing Grounds? Some other time I'd like to hear what happened at Arkhaven.

Vera

Cast Wall of Stone. I'm taking a fairly liberal interpretation of " you can create a wall of stone in almost any shape you desire" -- in this case, an embossed pillar. I hope it is alright since I'm using it for communication, if not, I'll add a Stone Shape spell to the mix to make it happen.

[Shazek]

Vera

The unseen mage trills out another melody, very similar to the one she used moments ago to encapsulate the sensor. This time, however, her pace is deliberate, and harmonies more elaborate. A stele forms on the ground, the raised lettering appearing one character at a time. The text reads:

Durul,

Who from the Paragnostic Assembly has survived here in the Testing Grounds? Some other time I'd like to hear what happened at Arkhaven.

Vera

Cast Wall of Stone. I'm taking a fairly liberal interpretation of " you can create a wall of stone in almost any shape you desire" -- in this case, an embossed pillar. I hope it is alright since I'm using it for communication, if not, I'll add a Stone Shape spell to the mix to make it happen.

A chill washes over you all as the word "Arkhaven" appears on the pillar. "That name..." As Durul's voice trails off, a thin beam of bright green light flashes forth from the invisible sensor, striking the words on the stele. "Arkhaven" crumbles into dust, the rest of the pillar left untouched.

Durul continues, but his voice is clipped, and his reply is terse, a sharp contrast to his earlier verbosity. "Of the Paragnostic Assembly, only one remains awake, though several slumber in the halls of Tarius. He is Candidate no longer, for his Spark was taken by one of the marauding Hopefuls. He is Dalehvenon Greenbriar, and currently is my apprentice. He resides in my tower.

Now, tiger, a question."

[Chambers]

Amha

A frown on an abnormally large tiger can be hard to discern from other facial expressions, such as happiness, boredom, or anger, though Amha has had some practice with it and he naturally overemphasizes it. Even still, it barely registers. << Tell this being I do not converse with creatures that hide themselves far away and project their power. >> He thinks towards his companions and flies up to the spot where the voice comes from, hovering just over it. << It is cowardly to remain miles away while threatening violence. >> He nods towards the destruction of Vera's stone shaping. << I will send him my own message >>. With that last thought he lifts up his last four legs and sends a stream of urine through the space where he judges the scrying sensor to be.

Yeah, that just happened.

[Shazek]

Amha

A frown on an abnormally large tiger can be hard to discern from other facial expressions, such as happiness, boredom, or anger, though Amha has had some practice with it and he naturally overemphasizes it. Even still, it barely registers. << Tell this being I do not converse with creatures that hide themselves far away and project their power. >> He thinks towards his companions and flies up to the spot where the voice comes from, hovering just over it. << It is cowardly to remain miles away while threatening violence. >> He nods towards the destruction of Vera's stone shaping. << I will send him my own message >>. With that last thought he lifts up his last four legs and sends a stream of urine through the space where he judges the scrying sensor to be.

Yeah, that just happened.

There is a moment of tense silence after Amha's gesture of disrespect, before Durul's voice returns, now ear-shatteringly loud.

"No. I have been positively polite to you and your allies, tiger, freely offering information more valuable than you could possibly know. I have given you a gift that hundreds of Candidates would kill for. I have done nothing but aid you, and THIS is how you react?"

He quiets, seeming to calm, continuing in a deceptively soft tone."You have the form of an animal, but I had hoped you had the mind of a man, or at least some sense of self-preservation. You have insulted a god, and will learn the cost of such an act."

"The rest of you - Haruka, Hathur, Vera - do not interfere. This beast will be punished, and shall live or die on his own merit."

A flash of bright, white light covers the area, and when it fades, an absolutely immense spider stands off in the distance. It is incredibly hairy, almost reminiscent of a Tarantula, though it obviously differs in size. Its two titanic mandibles click together, and it begins chittering and hissing towards you all.

The light flashes again, and when it has faded, Sohic's corpse has also vanished.

All:
Roll Initiative.

Spider:[roll0]
Durul: First, regardless. That was his turn.

I'll have a map up when I get home. The Spider is approximately 200 feet north of you all.

Those who can see Invisible Objects:
Vera, Haruka, and Hathur are all trapped within solid Forcecages.

Ability to see Magical Auras:
The area around each of Haruka, Hathur, and Vera is surrounded by a Strong Aura.

Spellcraft DC 23:
The Auras are all Evocation.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Having been relatively silent throughout this entire exchange, Haruka places a palm to her face with a sigh of exasperation. "That... idiot! Who insults a god? Well, to their face, anyway..."

"Ah well," she mutters. "Amha-san will just have to do the best he can, eh?"

[Chambers]

Amha

Something close to a smile cross Amha's face before he opens his mouth to roar at the appearance of the magic spider. He shakes his tail and readies his legs as if to pounce but holds. He opens his mouth and speaks - a deep voice that's a cross between a tigers roar and gravel pit. "I have a mind, one keener than yours. And I speak when I choose to do so, not when commanded by some creature that hides behind his power, safe in whatever cave you have carved out of rock."

Amha clenches his jaw and grinds his teeth, as if speaking this way were painful. "You gave my companions answers, and I gave you a test. Which you have failed. I offered a harmless insult and I see that your pride is your most vulnerable spot, you who hide like cowards yet threaten to kill when you risk nothing. Take your spider away. I am done with you."

Initiative: [roll0]

Actions: Total Defense and Moderate Posturing.

[Shazek]

Amha

Something close to a smile cross Amha's face before he opens his mouth to roar at the appearance of the magic spider. He shakes his tail and readies his legs as if to pounce but holds. He opens his mouth and speaks - a deep voice that's a cross between a tigers roar and gravel pit. "I have a mind, one keener than yours. And I speak when I choose to do so, not when commanded by some creature that hides behind his power, safe in whatever cave you have carved out of rock."

Amha clenches his jaw and grinds his teeth, as if speaking this way were painful. "You gave my companions answers, and I gave you a test. Which you have failed. I offered a harmless insult and I see that your pride is your most vulnerable spot, you who hide like cowards yet threaten to kill when you risk nothing. Take your spider away. I am done with you."

Initiative: [roll0]

Actions: Total Defense and Moderate Posturing.

Durul does not respond at first to Amha's verbal lashing, and, for several seconds, is entirely silent. Then, shockingly, he begins to cackle madly, as if overcome with the sheer hilarity of the situation. "You refuse to speak to one obviously more powerful than you, and go so far as to insult him, and yet you berate me for pride. Foolish, foolish tiger. You claim to have been testing me, and that my pride is my most vulnerable place. Perhaps that is so. Perhaps. If it is true, then it is so merely because I am invulnerable otherwise. I do not speak to you through magic and scryings out of cowardice. I do so out of convenience. Nothing you or any of your companions could do is even remotely capable of harming me. Were I to appear before you now, in my physical form, and allow you to strike without retaliation, not even one of you would be capable of so much as scratching me. To quote an old friend, 'It is very difficult for a being such as myself to boast. Any self-aggrandizement I commit falls within the bounds of truth. I am grand.' Though he passed from this world long ago, his words apply to me equally well. Pride is accorded to me by right. I have the power to be prideful, to, perhaps, indulge in a few petty games from time to time. I am a god, beast. You would do well to remember that before you berate me."

Quote is from "The Immortal Game," an amazing fanfiction I read once. It applies well here.

[Chambers]

Amha

Amha shrugs his massive shoulders and lays down; a neat trick considering he's flying. His tail flicks back and forth as he watches the spider click and clack in the distance. He raises his tail for a moment and it arcs over his back to point at the spider, then wavers up as if questioning. Amha looks back at the empty point in space and raises one bushy eyebrow.

A Sense Motive attempt would probably pick up on an attitude of casual indifference, with a "Are you gonna get rid of that thing or am I gonna have to do it myself?" swagger added.

[Shazek]

Amha

Amha shrugs his massive shoulders and lays down; a neat trick considering he's flying. His tail flicks back and forth as he watches the spider click and clack in the distance. He raises his tail for a moment and it arcs over his back to point at the spider, then wavers up as if questioning. Amha looks back at the empty point in space and raises one bushy eyebrow.

A Sense Motive attempt would probably pick up on an attitude of casual indifference, with a "Are you gonna get rid of that thing or am I gonna have to do it myself?" swagger added.

"Oh? You truly are rather insolent. No, I will not withdraw my punishment. You will succeed in defeating it, or die in the attempt. Either outcome is acceptable."

The spider clicks and hisses at this, as if in agreement with the voice from the sky.

Waiting on Hathur and Vera to respond to recent events and roll initiative to have the spider take action.

Map:
http://s14.postimage.org/z0f8n15bx/Spider.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/z0f8n15bx/)

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera examines the spell that surrounds her and bides her time.

Initiative [roll0]

Holding my action until the answer of the below.

Evocation? Probably a force effect, or maybe something like a contingency. Either way, unless it is level 48 or higher, Vera can identify the spell from its effects.

[Shazek]

Vera

Vera examines the spell that surrounds her and bides her time.

Initiative [roll0]

Holding my action until the answer of the below.

Evocation? Probably a force effect, or maybe something like a contingency. Either way, unless it is level 48 or higher, Vera can identify the spell from its effects.


Forcecages, all of them.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Durul, for all his faults my companion speaks truly. If you are a god, then act the part. If you are so great, then how can the mere insult of an animal affect you so? What justice is there in punishing an insult with death? Perhaps he is low and crude for what he is done, but in acting this way you but lower yourself still further.
"If he offends you, turn your eyes away. If you wish vengeance, then respond in kind, with insult. But if you act in this petty and unjust way, do not think others will tolerate you. No matter our fate, if you continue to follow this course, you sow the seeds of your own downfall."

Hathur takes no action, does not resist the cage put in place around her, but instead simply sits as she issues her condemnation. "Learn to bend your pride, or one day you will break with it."

[Shazek]

"Justice? Young Hathur, justice is not my concern. Justice would demand a punishment fitting the crime, tis true. And likely, were your companion to mock Edenseeker in such a fashion, he would simply be imprisoned or exiled from the city. Aria, too, would merely banish him from her realm. But any other god here, from Tazan to the Storm Lord to Tarius to Nauth himself, would kill the tiger on the spot for such an insult. Justice is not some great cosmic ideal to which all bow down. Justice is merely as important as its advocates, as powerful as its defenders. I am not among them.

Personally, I much prefer Consequence. One must consider his actions, for they will reap back a reward. To insult one vastly more powerful than oneself is to invite retribution. If retribution is not brought, or it is less than is deserved, it is Mercy. If retribution fits the crime, it is Justice. If retribution is greater than is deserved, it is Cruelty. Most here tend to the last. All but the first are Consequence. He will suffer the consequences of his actions, as all must. His own skill and power will determine his survival. His own pride has brought this down upon him. We shall see if it is warranted.

Tell me, Hathur, if I were so affected by this simple insult as to be enraged beyond reason, would I present the tiger with a challenge he could overcome? No. If I truly wished him dead, he would be so. I do not boast here. I could call down the sky upon him, or render the very air to flame, or tear his soul from his body, or strip from him all his power and turn him to dust. No, Hathur, this is as merciful as it is cruel. Perhaps it is unjust, but it is a lesson.

My pride is not, ultimately, what matters here. Were I a humbler sort, perhaps I'd be more merciful than cruel, and act justly. Still, it would not matter. His own stupidity and pride are the matter at stake here, and that would not change regardless of my response. I am greater than he, and it cannot be tolerated that he fails to comprehend that.

Know this, tiger. Should you survive, it shall be by two things - your own power, and my own mercy."

Yes, he recognizes how prideful he's being in talking down like this and playing off his own anger as a lesson. He won't admit it because pride rather often is accompanied by a tad bit of hypocrisy. You may find these rather common traits in the future.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"Ah, here is a serpent who calls his venom honey. There is no mercy in inflicting danger upon another for mere insult. There is no great wisdom in petulant retribution. Did you care to teach, you would make your response more measured, that it might be better received. All that happens here is you inflicting your power on another to satisfy your own selfish whims."

Hathur stands. "I thank you for your assistance, Durul. But I believe it best that we avoid crossing paths from this point."

With this, Hathur focuses her power to simply step outside of the walls Durul put in place around her.

After presumably noticing no other spells in play by a use of detect magic, and noticing the force cage with See the Unseen, Hathur utilizes Flee the Scene to simply get out of the cage.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera chirped a song of travel, a migratory call. In an instant she was adjacent to the stele. Placing a feather upon its surface, the mage sang a chorus of reshaping. The letters twisted and realigned forming new words. The glyphs were cruder this time. Haste, and a different spell did not create the same sharp lines as before.

Consequence? I can respect that. What of the consequence of his alliance with us? Such agreements can not be disregarded as soon as they become inconvenient. So goes the way of madness and chaos, not civilization. I can tolerate poor manners, and pride in my companions, but I do not suffer oathbreakers, nor can I conscience breaking one myself. Relax your conditions, and let me take responsibility with my companion for his actions. Otherwise, I will be forced to risk your wrath and do so without your permission. I would rather maintain the civility that you initiated.

Perhaps, coincidentally, the sigil Vera used for madness and chaos was a stylized bull's head.

Domain casting Teleport, 10' above the stele (5 levels), Using Versatile Spellcaster to cast Stone Shape, changing the words.

[Shazek]

Durul spits out several words in a language none of you recognize, in a rather angry tone. His voice trails off after several moments of this, before he resumes speaking Common, this time sounding weary, almost resigned.

"Loathe as I am to admit it, you are correct. I am acting childishly, making enemies over a meaningless gesture. Try as I have to justify myself, I have failed, in my own eyes as well as yours. Rage is rather unbecoming of me, particularly considering... No. It is of no matter."

Several pulses of magic are projected from the sensor, though nothing visibly changes.

Those who detected the Forcecages:
They are now gone.

Durul sighs, an oddly rattling sound, before continuing, "I apologize to you all for my overreaction. The tiger's actions, though foolish, should not have provoked me so. Were it not for the mention of that thrice-damned place...."

"My conduct was unbecoming of who I am, true, and my justifications were hollow. My point remains, though, tiger. Your taunts, juvenile as they may be, will not be tolerated by most denizens of the Testing Grounds. I suggest you take your companion's advice, as I have- 'Learn to bend your pride.' To do otherwise is to invite disaster, here."

"I think I have said my piece, now. I shall take my pet and depart." With these final words, another flash of bright white light covers the entire field. When it has faded, the spider is gone, as is the scrying sensor. You are alone.

Combat.... never actually happened. Congratulations on pissing on a god and then managing to talk him down.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

With a sigh, Haruka snaps her fingers, and, in a flurry of motes, disappears and reappears outside of the cage. She yawns and stretches, before muttering to the floating voice.

"...and as troublesome as it is, I guess I'll have to help Amha-san as well. It just won't do to let him face danger alone. Unity is life, especially in this broken mirror of a world."

Dimension Door out of the forcecage.

As she reappears, she notices that the spider and sensor had already vanished. With an exasperated exhalation, she groans. "Oh come on! I just came out of the box too..."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

I believe we were just about to depart, when we were interrupted. I have to say, I'm less inclined to hope that this Lava Wight with a map will be at all helpful. Perhaps it would be worth seeking out this Garden. Normally I would teleport us, but it might be worth it to make the trip overland to see more of this Testing Ground.

Vera was trying desperately not to think of Dal, apprenticed to this Durul, or the others sleeping in the realm of the dead. Durul had seemed truthful, except so far as he was capable of deceiving himself. Verathalyn of Misty Reach recognized that she had some learning to do before she was ready to challenge Durul or any of these Lords to a game of stones.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"For all the mistakes Durul made, and the errors in his argument, Amha, I agree with his final assessment. We cannot afford to be so provocative, least of all to someone so powerful. We are quite lucky that he saw reason and withdrew his threat- next time we may not get the chance, or see success. I would rather keep our current number as is rather than lose you, and would rather your threats not bring ire down upon me as well." Hathur is clearly trying to avoid sounding too lecturing, but it is also obvious that the matter concerns her- as well it might, given what they just went through.

[Chambers]

Amha

The tiger yawns as Durul's spirit left, snapping his jaws shut. << I understand, Hathur. It was a risky move... >> Amha pauses as he seems to consider his companions before him. << and I'm not used to taking the considerations of my fellows into thought before acting. >> He smiles and shows double rows of sharp teeth. << Back home, I led and others followed, as was their nature. This place though...I see only leaders, and those who follow are forced into servitude, or destroyed. >>

He cranes his head to smooth down some fur on his back. << I will take a cue from Durul. He expected nothing more than a dumb animal, and I can easily convey my thoughts and wishes without the need for speech, so it will be easy to maintain that illusion. >> Though not truly an apology, Amha's words do seem to recognize that he did, in fact, put others at danger, and maybe that they wouldn't like that.

[dextercorvia]

"What's done is done. I don't condone what you did, but it had a benefit. Durul held to his story in the middle of his anger. He referred to those Lords and their outlooks as though it was axiomatic.

"Come. I wish to depart this place before someone else shows up. Recall, Durul was wary of encountering the Lord of this place. Like I said, I am interested in seeing the city of this Edenseeker. Unfortunately Durul didn't tell us where it was. Still, let me see...." Vera oriented herself, beginning to mentally sketch a rough map of the world. "To the West is Tazan, and beyond that the Shining Wall. Tazan is certainly the infernal we were warned about. To the Northwest is Aria. In the North is the Forest, with Grel the Titan. To the Northeast, the Dragonmount, containing Nauth and Lymdaus. Lymdaus is likely the dragon that the Font referred to.

"Tarius, the land of the dead, and my former comrades are in the Southeast. That leaves the East before the sea, and the Southwest between the mountains and the Wall with no known sources of power. Either would have Edenseeker border Tazan, and, if Durul is to be believed, there is some enmity between them.

"It is more hunch than certainty, but I think we should go east. Whichever way we go, we should go quickly."

[AmberVael]

"I have no preference as to our destination. If you wish to travel east, then I will follow you." Hathur states simply. Still wary of Durul's presence, and the presence of other watchers, she speaks telepathically to them all once more. <<Perhaps when we have reached a secure place, Amha can attempt to pass on the knowledge he obtained from Sohic to us. It would be useful if we all possessed such a talent.>>

[dextercorvia]

"If there are no objections..." Vera said as she rose into the air. She set a course due east, traveling below her normal speed so all of her companions could keep up.

[Shazek]

This all assumes that you follow Vera without objection eastward.

You travel east for what you would estimate to be an hour or so with no real incident, walking or flying over the barren black rock with little to break the monotony. The light around you starts to dim somewhat, as if the day was coming to a close - but still, there is no sun. As you travel onwards, you notice the terrain beginning to shift, somewhat. The hard rock gives way to mildly softer soil, and sparse plant life begins to appear around you. It appears no different from what you remember before the Testing Grounds were forged of this world.

Another hour passes, and the flat plains give way to small, grassy hills, no more than ten to twenty feet in height, for the most part. Still, you see no animal life, not even insects. Off in the distance, you notice a hill vastly taller than the rest, perhaps a hundred feet tall, with something sticking out of the left side. Getting closer, you see that it appears to be an immense metal arm, carved of solid mithril, clutching a long spiked chain of the same silvery metal.

You are about two-hundred feet away, and estimate the arm's length to be fifteen to twenty feet. You could approach, take a path around the hill, or stay back and observe.

[roll0]

This will be fun...

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Having been silent for quite a while as they flew along, Haruka snaps out of her stupor at the sight of a hand sticking out a hill.

"It's a hand sticking out a hill," she comments. "A mithril hand holding a mithril spiked chain. ...it's probably one of those mithril golems or some giant mithril warforged or something. So, approach, or ignore?"

Pausing for a moment, she grins. "I say let's go for it. See what's up. If it's friendly, then we get more info and maybe a new ally. If it's hostile, let's hope it has a spark, ne?

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Normally Haruka-chan, I would chide you for your impatience, Vera's unseen smile was apparent in her voice. "But in this case, I have to admit that I share your curiosity. Let's investigate more closely."

[Shazek]

If you intend to investigate the statue, how close to it do you approach, and what actions do you take?

Go touch it. I dare you. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KillerGameMaster)

[dextercorvia]

Vera flies in closer to look over the strange phenomenon.

Sorry, I wasn't even thinking about how...

She will move to within 60' horizontally, and 80' vertically. By pythagoras, that should put her within 100'. From there, she will use Arcane Sight plus killer spellcraft (Take 10 for a 76) to look for auras, or any active spell effects.

Take 10 on a knowledge check (44 result) to figure out what it is.

Take 10 on a hide check in case it can see invisibility (59 result).

[Shazek]

Vera flies in closer to look over the strange phenomenon.

Sorry, I wasn't even thinking about how...

She will move to within 60' horizontally, and 80' vertically. By pythagoras, that should put her within 100'. From there, she will use Arcane Sight plus killer spellcraft (Take 10 for a 76) to look for auras, or any active spell effects.

Take 10 on a knowledge check (44 result) to figure out what it is.

Take 10 on a hide check in case it can see invisibility (59 result).

Vera:
Spellcraft: You can only detect the aura of the spiked chain - it's a +5 Spell Storing Greater Dispelling Sizing Spiked Chain of Brutal Surge with a Greater Crystal of Revelation in it.

Any other magical effects are inside the hill, and thus cannot be seen.

Just realized how screwed up the DC calculation for Knowledge Checks about a monster is. 10+HD is insane with higher level creatures.

Honestly, I think I'll use half that number so that it's feasible to identify creatures without optimizing knowledge.

The statue is in fact a Mithril golem. Judging by the fact that it holds a weapon, it is atypical of its kind. You know that it is immune to most magic, and is unusually fast for a golem.

Hide check noted.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur remains some distance from the hand, deciding that if at least she displayed caution, she'd be in position to save the others just in case things went wrong. "Can you tell anything about it, Vera? She asks, watching curiously but carefully.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

Vera flies back to Hathur, her curiosity temporarily satisfied.

"Haruka had the right of it. It is a Mithril Golem, but it is wielding quite the weapon. An oddity that. I've never known a mindless golem to wield a weapon apart from its own body.

It appears to be buried in the hill. Would you like to try to free it, or should we pass on by?"

[Morcleon]

Haruka

"I think we should free it," Haruka pipes up. "Maybe it'll be more friendly to us if we help it, and follow us around like a helper or something."

Then she grins deviously. "And if it attacks, then we can just take it down whilst airborne."

[dextercorvia]

Vera

"As you wish, Haruka-chan." Vera sounds contented, like a mother giving a toy to her child.

The mage then begins to sing -- a long slow song that speaks of change and wrenches her soul. When it finally comes to an end, there is no visable change, and Vera launches right into another. This one is mechanically precise without a hint of emotion. A machine appears near the mithril arm on the far hill.

The elven woman shouts to her creation, "Carefully dig the golem out."

Change to a Solar. Casting Substitute Domain, temporarily trading the Oracle Domain for the Craft Domain. Then she uses 6 levels to cast Fantastic Machine using Reserves of Strength (no damage because of Regen+Veil of Undeath). Duration will be 16 minutes, and it excavates a 5' cube every 3 rounds, so 53 5'cubes, or twice that if the earth is loose.

[Chambers]

Amha

The tigers tail twitches as the weird machine appears and begins to dig. << What strange powers you command, Vera. >> He walks over to the construct and sniffs it, then paws absently at the ground next to it, as if showing that he can dig as well as it. He swipes a few times at the ground and then walks away to sit next to Haruka.

[Shazek]

The instant the machine appears, the immense mithral arm moves with incredible quickness, shattering the stone surrounding it. It strikes the machine once with the chain, destroying it utterly. There is a deep, loud rumbling, and then a horrendously loud crack. Then, the hill begins to fall apart and away from the body of what you now see is a Gargantuan golem. As the upper torso is revealed, you see the golem was apparently embedded in the center to upper part of the hill. The "Why" of this is immediately apparent. There is another crack, even louder than the first time, as the bottom of the miniature mountain shatters. Pieces fly away in all directions, and the other resident of the hill is revealed. Beneath the golem is a Colossal horselike construct, also made of mithral. It appears to be winged, and its eyes glow with eerie flame. A moment passes, and you note that the golem appears to be riding upon it, and that the golem also has a second chain, just as large and magical as the first. The golem stares at the visible members of the party. Its mount glances around, almost as if searching for something. Or someone.

It gives off a roaring whinny, and the golem raises its chains in a clearly aggressive move.

Roll Initiative.

You want another level? You'll have to earn it.

Map:
http://s13.postimage.org/yz8qov5b7/Golem.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/yz8qov5b7/)

Please choose starting squares for Haruka, Hathur, and Amha. Vera is +80 feet, or approximately neck height on the mounted golem.

The white is the shattered shards of the stone of the hill the golem and winged-horse-construct-mount had resided in. They're all on the ground, and all that are less than 2 squares in size count as difficult terrain. The rest are Obstacles, and may be tall enough to block line of sight or effect. The largest piece, for example, is about 40 feet tall.

EDIT: Did not see Amha's post before this was made. Assuming he would not take that course of action if the construct was immediately destroyed.

[Shazek]

Initiative:
Hathur: 34
Haruka: 30
Amha :26
Vera: 23
Golem: 21
Mount: 13

You all may act now.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur takes in a deep breath, closing her eyes and focusing her power as the two beings rise up to face them. The red lines of her magical armor and wings swirl around her as her magic rises into readiness. She flies swiftly through the air, closing in on her target before letting loose two lances of crackling magic.

Hathur probably started further back, but will move to U 53

She will then fire two hellfire blasts, with eldritch affliction, at the mount.

Blast 1: [roll0]
Blast 2: [roll1]

DC 24 will save for half damage, as usual.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

The mage, rises further into the air. With the voice of an angel, she sings the denouement of some forgotten aria. Boulders fall from of the sky, striking at the construct pair.


Vera is still in Solar form. Moving an additional 80' up. Using free Reserves of Strength, Divine Spellpower, she casts (via Versatile Spellcaster) Cometfall, which deals [roll0] Reflex (DC 25) half -- if the save is failed, they are knocked prone.

Use a free action to switch back to Chronotyryn.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Barely stopping to draw her blade, Haruka draws back her wings and, with a mighty flap, darts down toward the newly revealed constructs, a bubble of darkness surrounding her. Her blade, covered in a faint crystalline aura, lashes out at the winged horse.

As the horse bites at her, a shimmering sphere of blue deflects the attack, and she ends hovering beside the constructs.

She then reverses direction, and flies about 100' directly up, shouting to the others, "If we can destroy its mount, then it won't be able to fly at us!"

Full-round: Dive charge attack, Deep Impact active, psionic channelling empowered crystal shard.

Touch Attack: [roll0]
Sword Damage: [roll1]
Crystal Shard Damage: [roll2]

Swift: Manifest hustle to gain a move action, use move action to move 100' directly up. Evade Attack to evade the AoO.

[Shazek]

Haruka

Barely stopping to draw her blade, Haruka draws back her wings and, with a mighty flap, darts down toward the newly revealed constructs, a bubble of darkness surrounding her. Her blade, covered in a faint crystalline aura, lashes out at the winged horse.

She then reverses direction, and flies about 100' directly up, shouting to the others, "If we can destroy its mount, then it won't be able to fly at us!"

Full-round: Dive charge attack, Deep Impact active, psionic channelling empowered crystal shard.

Touch Attack: [roll0]
Sword Damage: [roll1]
Crystal Shard Damage: [roll2]

Swift: Manifest hustle to gain a move action, use move action to move 100' directly up.

As Haruka dives at the horselike construct, the golem lashes out with a chain, which catches around her sword and attempts to rip it out of her hand.

As Haruka approaches nearer and nearer to the Golem's mount, it lunges with its teeth and grasps her sword in them, trying to tear the blade away.

Disarm Attempt as an AoO. This technically provokes an AoO, but it is at 10 feet away from the golem, so you probably can't take it without reach.

You'll need to make an opposed attack roll.
[roll0]

That was the golem's roll. The modifier for the Mount is +61, so a result of 66.

If you succeed, you keep your weapon. If you fail, then you lose your weapon and it remains in the construct's mouth.

I don't actually recall what kind of concealment you have vs. melee attacks, if any, so I'll just roll a d% here. High means the attack succeeds.

Forgot to actually roll it. Aren't I smart? If you have relevant concealment, roll with your opposed attack roll and possible new actions.

I honestly hadn't known that rule about concealment, but as this creature has True Seeing, that won't work.

I know that technically, I'm resolving out of order. Hathur's action really did come before this one, and that will be reflected in the end of round post. For now, I'm just doing the interruptions. Hathur and Vera completed their actions without any interruptions, and Hathur, even if both saves fail, would not kill the mount.

[Chambers]

Amha

<< A wise plan. >> Amha thinks and dives down, following Haruka and launching himself at the mithral horse.

Swift action - Dancing Mongoose.
Full Round action - Charge. Tumble checks to avoid attacks of opportunity the last 20ft or so.

Tumble - Golem [roll0]
Tumble - Mount [roll1]

Charge (Power Attack/Shocktrooper for full, Leap Attack & Battle Jump).
Primary Claw Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Primary Claw Attack [roll4]
Damage [roll5]

Dancing Mongoose Claw Attack [roll6]
Damage [roll7]

Dancing Mongoose Claw Attack [roll8]
Damage [roll9]

Bite Attack [roll10]
Damage [roll11]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll12]
Damage [roll13]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll14]
Damage [roll15]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll16]
Damage [roll17]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll18]
Damage [roll19]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll20]
Damage [roll21]

Tail Spike Attack [roll22]
Damage [roll23]

Amha
HP 282/286
AC 39 (Currently 27)

Maneuvers Readied: Dancing Mongoose, White Raven Tactics, Iron Heart Surge, Sudden Leap, Rabid Bear Strike

[Shazek]

Will Saves vs. Hathur's Blasts:
[roll0]
[roll1]

Hathur's lances of infernal flame burn into the golem's horselike mount. While they render visible chunks of its mithral body into slag, it stands defiantly, and stares at its attacker with an obvious challenge.

Haruka's crystalline blade slices deeply into the already damaged construct, its attempts at defense all for naught. While it remains standing after the deep blow, the damage done is obvious, and exposes the internal workings of the mount to some degree.

While the winged creature had weathered the previous attacks without faltering noticeably, it fails to do so as Amha lashes out at it in a whirlwind of claws. The deep blows gouge huge sloughs of already partially melted mithral out of the construct, and after a few attacks, it is obviously too damaged to continue doing much of anything. It shudders a moment, and falls to the ground, obviously out of commission.

The mithral golem slides off the destroyed mount with apparently practiced ease.... only to be hit with a meteor as Vera's spell completes.

There's the Reflex Save for the spell. [roll2]

Here's the Map:http://s7.postimage.org/5n1bpxe3b/Golem_Continued.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/5n1bpxe3b/)

I'll put the golem's actions in the next post.

[Shazek]

The golem, apparently off-balance from the destruction of its mount, is thrown to the ground by a comet which is considerably smaller than its own head. In spite of this, it wields its two chains with ludicrous skill, lashing out with both from the ground at the two beings within reach.

It failed that save with a Natural 1. Wow. Even if it's knocked prone, it'll take a full attack, aiming half at each of Amha and Haruka..

Haruka:
Attack 1: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]
Attack 2: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]
Attack 3: [roll4] Damage: [roll5]
Attack 4: [roll6] Damage: [roll7]
Attack 5: [roll8] Damage: [roll9]

Amha:
Attack 1: [roll10] Damage: [roll11]
Attack 2: [roll12] Damage: [roll13]
Attack 3: [roll14] Damage: [roll15]
Attack 4: [roll16] Damage: [roll17]
Attack 5: [roll18] Damage: [roll19]

Not pulling any punches, here.


Your turns.

[dextercorvia]

Vera

As the golem lashes out at her companions, Vera dives toward them. Her screech is a song of alacrity and displacement. As soon as she is in range, she casts a spell on the trio, and then teleports.

Immediate Action, after the first hit on each (and the golem is committed to a full attack ;) ) Vera casts Greater Celerity (Alacritous Cogitation). That move action will allow her to move to within 50' of Amha and Haruka. She then uses the standard action to cast Dimension Step (teleport up to your base land speed now) on the three of them. She will use her free teleport to move straight up 90'. My best estimate puts that at ~140 above the current altitude of Amha and Haruka.

This is just the counter. I'll post this rounds actions later.

[AmberVael]

Hathur

Hathur flies further away from the golem, lifting higher into the air as she makes one slight gesture towards Amha. This accomplished, she moves towards Haruka, and repeats her gesture.

Hathur will use a move action to get to Amha, then will cast Delay Death on Amha as an immediate action (which uses up that turn's swift action).
She'll then use her standard action to move close enough to Haruka to be in range for Delay Death, end her turn, and immediately use her immediate action to cast Delay Death on Haruka (which uses up her next turn's swift action).

[dextercorvia]

Vera

With another song, Vera casts two more spells at the golem.

Move to just within 50'. Cast Slow (Will DC 28) and Orb of Fire. RTA [roll0] Damage [roll1]

After casting, return to previous position.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

Gazing down upon the now dismounted golem, Haruka smirks, and again dives down towards the construct, this time bobbing and weaving to avoid its chain.

The bubble of darkness reforms around her, and seems to almost bounce off of the mithril, a clear bell tone of crystal on metal immediately following as Haruka climbs rapidly back up.

Full-round: Dive charge attack, Deep Impact active, psionic channelling empowered crystal shard. Auto-success on tumble check to avoid AoO.

Touch Attack: [roll0]
Sword Damage: [roll1]
Crystal Shard Damage: [roll2]

Swift: Manifest hustle to gain a move action, use move action to move 100' directly up, tumbling when within reach.

[Chambers]

Amha

As the massive chain digs into Amha's exposed flank he has only a moment to doubt before he's whisked away by Vera's powerful magics. << My thanks sorceress. >> Without pausing to lick his wounds he dives straight down, back towards the golem, his claws striking at it faster than the eye can follow.

Full Round Action - Charge (Power Attack/Shocktrooper for full, Leap Attack & Battle Jump)
Swift Action - White Raven Tactics (on self)
Full Round Action - Full Attack

He taps the Tumble DC to avoid the Attack of Opportunity from Charging.

Charge Attacks
Primary Claw Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Primary Claw Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

Bite Attack [roll4]
Damage [roll5]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll6]
Damage [roll7]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll8]
Damage [roll9]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll10]
Damage [roll11]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll12]
Damage [roll13]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll14]
Damage [roll15]

Tail Spike Attack [roll16]
Damage [roll17]

White Raven Tactics Full Attack
Primary Claw Attack [roll18]
Damage [roll19]

Primary Claw Attack [roll20]
Damage [roll21]

Bite Attack [roll22]
Damage [roll23]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll24]
Damage [roll25]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll26]
Damage [roll27]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll28]
Damage [roll29]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll30]
Damage [roll31]

Secondary Claw Attack [roll32]
Damage [roll33]

Tail Spike Attack [roll34]
Damage [roll35]

HP 189/286
AC 39 (Currently 27)

Maneuvers Readied: Dancing Mongoose, White Raven Tactics, Iron Heart Surge, Sudden Leap, Rabid Bear Strike

[Shazek]

The golem watches Hathur closely as she flies across the sky, but does not try to take action to stop her.

As Haruka's bubble of darkness approaches, the golem swings out with a chain, but, unable to see her, fails to come anywhere near the powerful warrior. Her crystalline blade slices deeply into the mithral the golem is composed of, tearing it badly, and leaving the golem off balance, just in time for Amha's fury.

Amha's claws shred the mithral effortlessly, each blow removing ever-greater sheaves of the valuable metal. He whips out with his tail, and severs the golem's head, leaving it in pieces, totally destroyed.

-COMBAT OVER-

Amha's WRT is unnecessary- he kills the golem with the last of his pounce attacks. Vera's turn didn't come up, so her spells remain unspent.


The golem's two chains lie on the ground near it, inert. Their magics appear totally intact, and the two are identical to the eye.

You each gain a level.

I honestly have no idea where the balance point between challenging you all and murdering you all is. All I'm sure of is that anything that can't cast, fly, and violate the action economy is screwed because you guys have all that, and Disjunction would likely spell a TPK. I'm trying to see if there is a middle ground there.

[Morcleon]

Haruka

The bubble disappearing again, Haruka is revealed, with a wide grin on her face. "That was pretty fun. Now, let's see what those chains were..."

She lands beside the final resting spot of the golem, staring down at the enormous chains. An admiring whistle comes from her. "Wow... those are some pretty powerful magics..."

[AmberVael]

Hathur

"I doubt any of us can put them to use though. Still, perhaps the pieces of the golem and its weapons can fetch a good price or serve well in a barter should we ever get a chance to meet someone willing to trade. Unfortunately, given what we've encountered so far, it seems like such people would be in short supply. Still, perhaps in one of the cities that Durul spoke of to us we can find someone."

Hathur glances over the others. "Assuming any of us have a method of carrying it. Vera, perhaps you have a magical solution that might serve?"

[Shazek]

As you discuss the golem's remains and weapons, you note that it is getting very dark out, to the point that it seems like night would have before the Testing Grounds were forged. Somehow, though, it seems eerier, blacker, than any night you remember. Shadows play strange tricks on your eyes, and in spite of your vast powers, you feel very small compared to the infinite black. Perhaps now would be a good time to rest.