[PF][Planescape] Chasing what Matters [IC]

[Proud Tortoise]

OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271556)

_______________________________________

They have been summoned.

Excellent. Have we determined his whereabouts?

We have. Is this strictly necessary?

Of course it is. We cannot take the chance that the Old One will intervene.

They seem amiable enough, however.

You know it is necessary.


_______________________________________

Two weeks ago, each of you received a letter summoning you to La Pax, a tavern that floats above the streets of Sigil, on this day, the second Lady of the month. Upon entering, a bariaur asked to see your letters; when you showed them to him, he brought you to this conference room, where you now wait for the person or persons who summoned you here.

Please post to introduce yourself.

[ShadowFireLance]

The Insectiod, Saurian, Large, And Obviously Powerful Humaniod-Shaped Stood in the corner, toying with his Long, Serrated, And Dangerous looking Sword (http://www.knivesandweapons.com/images/store/MS130.jpg), While a Psdueodragon sits on his shoulder, Glaring at anyone who comes near.
His Jet Black armor appear's to be made of pure Obsidian, with a flame design, it also appears to be missing the Helmet, Revealing a Grinning, Dinosauric head with black scales and Insectiod Mandibles.
A Succube, wearing very little, is Wrapped around him, sliding her fingers down his Chest armor.

[Arkwright]

Meeting the lizard's gaze evenly is an equally mountainous human, fully eleven feet tall. He wears iron armor with a subtle gold filigree. Atop his head is a monk's hood drawn up over his forehead; strapped to his back is a long blade with a simple hilt and crossguard. His hair is brown and his eyes are blue, his ears having the subtle point of a racial bastard.

Staring into the creature's eyes, the man gives a small smile and then shifts his gaze to the wall above the lizard's head, completely ignoring him and his gyrating demonic concubine.

[ShadowFireLance]

Ooooooo, wrong thing to do...:smalltongue:

"What, You don't Find me attractive?"
The Succube swears at him,
You Should, Why aren't you staring at me?

[Athaleon]

One of those present does steal frequent sidelong glances at the succubus. His normalcy stands in sharp contrast to the hulking figures beside him - He is but a human male, imperially slim, with age lines across his patrician features and grey overtaking his short, impeccably coiffed hair. The ease with which he affects an air of justified arrogance and straight-backed pride suggests a noble upbringing.

The man tries to tear his eyes from the obscenely voluptuous succubus before him, but can't quite resist the temptation to look back. Damned if he'd ever talk to it, though.

[ShadowFireLance]

(And this is why I have her...:smallcool:)

Turning to the *Apparently* Normal Human; "Yes, You really should give into your desires, why not just stare?" She pulls out a little heart shaped box, and starts fiddling with it. :smallcool:

[Arkwright]

The taller man smiles again at the bare wall and turns, keeping his eyes away from the succubus as he moves to interpose himself between her form and the slightly less monstrous human. He refrains from extending a hand, seeing as it's about the size of the little man's head, and instead nods pleasantly. "Greetings, sir. I name myself Rihannsu. I encourage you to avoid gifting that creature with your gaze; it will be most amusing to hear her distress at being given the less than undivided attention of all. How might I know you?"

[ShadowFireLance]

"I would really pay attention to her, If I where you, She can get quite mean on certain things, one being attention."
The....Thing states, Clearly not interested in mortals bothering themselves with interductions.

[lostsole31]

Two persons walk in together, a man and a woman in their mid-20s.

The first thing you note about the man, regardless of race, alignment, creed, or other biases ... is his beauty. It is indescribable, and he is a walking work of art. He is a sculpture of flesh, not sculpted flesh. He stands 6' 6" tall, with a lithe, muscular build. Not a particularly burly one, as a great hero-swordslinger might be, but of an idealized form of a more slender man. (Think of Michelangelo's David.) He has deep black hair, a dark tan with the faintest hint of what might be scales which give a further luster to his skin, and his eyes are a shade of sea-green that may well break hearts without even his daring to do so.

As soon as he walks into the establishment - if there aren't hushed tones of awe - the musician(s) (if any) take pause. They are so enthralled and enrapt by the mere inspiration of his beauty that they play vastly more soulfully and capably than they were before, well beyond anything they played before, and likely well beyond they will ever again play. Hopefully, when he leaves, the search for beauty will continue, instead of ending in depression at the loss of his presence. Men and warriors are bolstered by him, and women (and men of a certain type) have lust, love, passion, or simply beauty stir in their hearts as their natures dictate. And it isn't always for him, for lovers are drawn even closer to each other if their love is true. Any creature with any sense of perception of their world - be it sight, sound, smell - even those of evil natures, and yes, even those normally immune to a sense of being swayed, might find themselves hard-pressed to mar his beauty through attack. Still, his effect on those around him may well be so profound for its individual effect ... that it just may be a curse as well.

No, this beauty is truly something beyond anything any of you have ever seen, and may well never be seen again, and adding to it is this aura of light that nearly covers the room. Evil creatures feel a slight sense of dis-ease in this nimbus.

The succubus, no doubt, has been upstaged phenomenally, and may well herself be in awe.It is very important to understand that this beauty goes far beyond a CHA score. His presence ... as I'm sure most of the group have ... is, of course, tremendous, though it is likely that many or even most of the group have a higher CHA score.
A large round shield is upon his back. It is made of a gleaming metal, bronzed, and has the motif of a great serpentine dragon breathing flame that goes around the inner perimeter of the shield. He wears a kilt with another thick length of cloth that goes from his right hip over his left should and comes back to his right hip. It is made of a light material of of rich beauty and obviously magical, as it roils with the various hues of storm clouds, and those shades and colors constantly shift. Strangely, for a man with such a warrior's shield, he wears no armor and carries no weapon.

He shows the bariaur his paper and is led to the back. As he comes into the room, he moves deliberately and not too quickly, drinking in his surroundings ... and each of the persons there. His eyes come to rest, after looking at the rest, on the noble aristocrat before looking to the bariaur.
DM: What can he tell about the others?
Knowledge: Arcana [roll0] - to note any arcanists and possibly type based on accoutrements, or by any special bearings, markings, or even current makeup.
Knowledge: Local [roll1] - are any of them any kind of personality or famous person that might be known?
Knowledge: Nobility [roll2] - any hints as to noble lineage, house, allegiance? and if so, from where?
Knowledge: Planes [roll3] - does he recognize the succubus for what she is? what about background or trappings of the others? If the giant-man is any kind of super-conjurer he might tell from this as well, seeing as the powers come from 'elsewhere.'
Knowledge: Religions [roll4] - anything denoting religious affiliation? Khurshid automatically recognizes Athaleon's character as a vampire of equal power to himself, but is there anything peculiar about the others in this regard?

Finally, an overall scan of persons and the setting of the room (including our host) that might be salient from observation, even if not from knowledge?
Perception [roll5]

[Arkwright]

The tall warrior-knight blinks and shakes his head as if trying to dislodge something. Focusing eyes, he peers past this new... vision and examines the woman who arises like the dark side of a blazing comet.

K. Planes: 1d20+11
K. Arcana: 1d20+11
Trying to figure out what the hell that guy is.

Paladin Spells prepared for the day:
1: Abadar's Truthtelling, Detect Charm, Divine Favour, Keep Watch, Litany of Sloth, Lesser Restoration
2: Litany of Righteousnessx3, Paladin's Sacrifice, Zone of Truth
3: Daylight, Dispel Magic, Discern Lies, Litany of Sight
4: Death Ward, Restoration, Stay the Hand

[PSinger]

The female that follows the man is humanoid, and many features might even speak of humanity in more compact form, except several distinguishing features. First, she looks like she could be a woman of mid-20s by her general features. She is stunningly beautiful - moreso even than the succubus - but not possessing quite the manner of transcendant beauty as the very tall man, nor the lasciviousness and free nature of the demon.

She is just a hair under three feet in height, average height for a halfling, but definitely more like a human woman's proportions than a halfling's ... or even a little person's. Her hair is a pure, pure white but with the faintest sense of blue in the light; it is luscious and thick and falls about her shoulders and just past the nape of her neck before it is tied in a multi-coil ponytail bound by gold loops with semi-precious stones, and this tail continuing down to the small of her back. Her slightly almondine eyes are a very dark blue that draws one in. The irises are a cobalt blue, but the pupils are the strange part. Normally, the effect of eyes flashing in the light, or at least reflected is deceptive. An extremely close look will reveal, however, that her pupils are not pure black, but rather look like a starry sky. But it isn't static, for those that may spend some time near her and are truly perceptive will see that both eyes do not show the same sky, and neither eye keeps the same celestial template.

Her skin is an alabaster white, practically like porcelain, with the same sense of blue undertones as her hair. Licking all about her at random times, to add to the incredibly exotic nature, are flickers of flame. The inner part of flame, as if to melt from her skin, is white; the second zone is a light blue; and the extremely thin outermost zone is yellow. These flames intensify towards her back. From her back extends two pairs of wings - a larger set on top going slightly upwards, and a smaller set on bottom going slightly downwards. At base, both wings have a diaphonous white-blue with darker blue veins. The white-blue flames practically engulf the wings, making it look as if those wings were made entirely out of white-blue-yellow flame.
Though the hair style and the eye color is different, and the wings are aflame, I'm really thinking of Ryoko (http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?p=Ryoko+fairy&back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3 DUTF-8%26p%3DRyoko%2Bfairy%26fr%3Dslv8-yie8&w=300&h=517&imgurl=fc04.deviantart.net%2Ffs7%2Fi%2F2005%2F207% 2F2%2F1%2FRyoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&size=43KB&name=Ryoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Freyelene.deviantart.com%2Fart%2 FRyoko-with-fairy-wings-21016356&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Freyelene.deviantart.com%2Fart%2F Ryoko-with-fairy-wings-21016356&type=&no=1&tt=115&oid=9fac2864241d41070acbd0c158768c76&tit=Ryoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&sigr=122nqmv1g&sigi=12dbhk3dd&sigb=1223l6gpi&fr=slv8-yie8) here.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?p=Ryoko+fairy&back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3 DUTF-8%26p%3DRyoko%2Bfairy%26fr%3Dslv8-yie8&w=300&h=517&imgurl=fc04.deviantart.net%2Ffs7%2Fi%2F2005%2F207% 2F2%2F1%2FRyoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&size=43KB&name=Ryoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Freyelene.deviantart.com%2Fart%2 FRyoko-with-fairy-wings-21016356&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Freyelene.deviantart.com%2Fart%2F Ryoko-with-fairy-wings-21016356&type=&no=1&tt=115&oid=9fac2864241d41070acbd0c158768c76&tit=Ryoko_with_fairy_wings_by_Reyelene.jpg&sigr=122nqmv1g&sigi=12dbhk3dd&sigb=1223l6gpi&fr=slv8-yie8
Adding to this entire sense of light and flame is that she, too, possesses this powerful silvery aura of holiness that fills La Pax (20' radius, 40' diameter). Where the man possesses an aura of courage, hers is an aura of glory.

Like the man, her tunic shows a total uncovering of one shoulder and arm, just caught up tastefully to not reveal her right breast. The material is parted at the left shoulder, and held together by a beautiful brooch facing foward. It is a sizeable brooch, and though of gleaming silvery metal, possesses the same motif of a serpentine dragon breathing flames circling the inner edges. She wears an azure blue cloak, and though her features are not hidden, there is a hood there should she desire. Affixed to her head is a circular crystal that twinkles soft magenta, white, or azure. She carries a staff made of pure platinum crowned by a glowing blue diamond.

[PSinger]

Sorry to double-post ...

Shereen also tries to get a handle on the persons in the room, as well as the room itself ...
Knowledge: Arcana [roll0]
Knowledge: Dungeoneering [roll1]. Possibly for insect-lizard?
Knowledge: Planes [roll2]
Knowledge: Religion [roll3]

Sense Motive to see if there is anything 'off' [roll4] in anyone's demeanor.

Perception for general observation [roll5]

Spellcraft to determine any interesting spell effects [roll6]

[Athaleon]

The robed man simply introduces himself, "Thonius". He tears his gaze away from the succubus to favor the giant with a small smile and a returned nod.

As the ostentatiously— ridiculously— glowy couple arrives, he can't help but wince and turn slightly away. This was Sigil, and it attracted all kinds, but really.


Lostsole, my character is not a vampire. Were you thinking of someone else?

[doko239]

"Well now, isn't this a merry gathering."

The voice has an eerie, hollow sound, as though echoing from a great distance. Eyes focused on the glowing pair of celestials snap to its source, to reveal a tall, heavily-built man standing in the doorway. His massive black-enameled armor is embossed with skeletal features and demonic runes, and stands in stark contrast to his chalky skin and white hair. A flowing blood-red cloak hangs from his neck, and seems to billow and furl in a wind that isn't there. He bears a massive black-bladed battleaxe, held almost nonchalantly over one shoulder; from the pommel dangles a short silver rod topped with a grinning skull.

As he strides into the room, faint whispers from an unseen source seem to follow him. Those present share a vague feeling of unease at his passing; there is something... unnatural about this man. Even moreso than the larger and more exotic amid the gathering, there is a sense that this creature should not be.

He comes to a halt in the center of the room, dead black eyes passing from person to creature to... thing in turn, before allowing himself a subtle smirk.

"A merry gathering indeed. But where is our host? I doubt any of you would have sent for one such as I."

Some knowledge rolls to identify people.

Knowledge: Planes to figure out what the more exotic individuals might be:
Giant lizard-thing: [roll0]
11-foot man: [roll1]
Uber-pretty-boy: [roll2]
Fire girl: [roll3]

Knowledge: Religion to identify any holy symbols that may be in evidence:
Giant lizard-thing: [roll4]
11-foot man: [roll5]
Uber-pretty-boy: [roll6]
Fire girl: [roll7]
Robe guy: [roll8]

Finally, general perception roll on the room and its contents, people included:
[roll9]

[PSinger]

ThoniusYeah, sorry.
The girls' eyes glow a bright blue as she looks around the room ...
I can't help but think of Aliyah from DUNE here. :smallwink:

Permanent arcane sight effect, but she usually suppresses it so her eyes aren't glowy blue.

She will automatically sense the location and power of all magical auras in sight. Her Spellcraft is so high that she automatically notes the strength, schools, and subschools of each aura. She can determine if each of you have spells, arcane or divine, and the strength of the most powerful you have currently available to cast. She also determines if each of you have spell-like abilities, arcane or divine, and the strength of the most powerful you have available for use.

She can automatically see invisible objects as well, so she still manages to note the same for what is normally unseen to others.

Since the rolls were general, please use the rolls in the last post for the new guy as well.
As she looks to the last one that walked in, the tall man will look towards him at the same time and with the same speed of 'swivel.' The fact that they looked at him so simultaneously and in so measured a fashion might well be unnerving. It won't take long before it becomes obvious that the two of them seem to be able to share some type of bond that goes beyond words, and they often will respond the exact same way to a new stimulous ... looking at the same rate of head turn.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu is forced to raise his hand to his face to stifle a chuckle at the newest arrival, particularly when juxtaposed with his succubus-draped fellow.

As the girl's eyes grow bright blue, he frowns at her, ignoring the black-clad arrival. "Satisfaction of curiosity about another's person is not often courteous, particularly when unintroduced. How may we know you and your companion?"

My sheet is public you can look up for yourself all the auras and spells and prepared SLAs.
I will say that your blue-eyed girl picks up a very faint illusion aura covering all of the tall warrior.

[ShadowFireLance]

PSinger:
Oh, yeah, it's really bad if you can see invisible things...:smallsigh:
DC Will and fort 34, If you fail one, you are target with Insanity, as cast by a 15th level Caster.
Otherwise, your mind forces you to look away, and each time you attempt to look at him, you have to roll again, So I would suggest not looking at him.

[PSinger]

Before Rihannsu speaks, the girl pierces the veil in seeing the invisible around Signore Scaly-Bug. The magic of the offensive-defense of what she sees isn't enough to overcome her mind or the fortitude of her divinely infused body for the few seconds she gazes there.
Well, she made her roll, much as that might annoy you. And even if she didn't, on those rounds where she would've "acted normally" she'd be able to register what she saw.

Feel free to PM me if you don't wish to post it for everyone.

Spellcraft to determine spell effect (including supernatural abilities that mimic spells: [roll0]
The girl looks to Rihannsu, then she looks up to the man at the same time he looks down to her.

The man will answer ...

[lostsole31]

As the girl's eyes grow bright blue, he frowns at her, ignoring the black-clad arrival. "Satisfaction of curiosity about another's person is not often courteous, particularly when unintroduced. How may we know you and your companion?"
The girl looks up to the man, and the man likewise looks upwards to the gilded-iron giant. "I must disagree, Rihannsu, though I am pleased to make your acquaintance. It is precisely because of curiosity on some level that introductions are made in the first place."

The man's voice is rich and mellifluous, as beautiful as his form - a rich tenor. He gives some gesture of hand to forehead, touching with his fingertips while giving a slight bow (still looking up), at which point he takes his hand away from his forehead and brings it down to touch his heart, then out at elbow's length, palm up, towards you (but not pointed upwards to adjust for your height). He then looks to the general assembly.

"I am the Shehzadah Khurshid, son of Shahzedeh Khanoum Mahteb of House Rostami of the Kingdom of Alinejad, of the world of Ananenki, here to investigate this letter that was sent to us," and here he shows the letter, "though sometimes I am simply referred to as Khurshid Stormhallowed.

"To further answer, yes, those among you that may recognize the glowing blue eyes of this girl here know its significance as a divination to further analyze her surroundings. It is, like seeing the unseen, is a function of her power. Since she does not act on or against you with this ability, any perception of rudeness or offense is simply that which you create for yourself for argument. It is no different than seeing that your armor is black, or you there have mandibles, or that you with the white hair - as is my power - give off some aura of the undead (though not fully). It is simply our ability to perceive the world around us in different ways, much as normal sight, or even darkvision, or hearing, and in some cases smell. That is all. If you tried to hide these things, then you simply did not hide them well enough, anymore than a thief who tries to hide a knife wherein the knife is noted anyway. You cannot fault the observer for the thief's lack of prowess."

He then gestures to the small female. "I introduce to you my beloved sister, the Shehzedah Khanoum Shereen, Hallowed Servant of Marduk, and wife of Ramanan, and a prophet of great ability. Thonius, Rihannsu, and company ... it yet remains to be seen if it is a pleasure to have met you. But that is a future concept, and for now, it is at least our honor."
Speaking of which ...

Khurshid has blindsense. I doubt there are any other creatures unseen in the room, but if there are ... courtesy of PCs or the DM ... he has a 15' blindsense range. He only notices presence and location, not too much more than that.

He also has scent. This is an underrated ability because the ability to parse though innumerable variations of scent is often overlooked. Please note if anyone has any particular scent worth noting. Also, if any of you have a scent that does not seem to mesh with what is seen ... Arkwright, I'm looking at you ... please - yourself or DM - note that via post or PM.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu inclines his head to return the greeting, not attempting to return the gesture. "Your words have wisdom; however I feel your argument is based upon the assumption that one is using the senses one is born with. To my knowledge, the form of sight your sister uses is one that must be achieved purposefully, thereby becoming another tool in one's arsenal rather than a natural and innocent means of perception. But perhaps I am wrong, and I have been too quick to take offence. It is an honour to meet you, Shehzadah Khurshid son of Shahzedeh Khanoum Mahteb, and you, Shehzedah Khanoum Shereen, if I may presume daughter of Shahzedeh Khanoun Mahteb."

Scent... that is an extremely interesting question.
I would say... Rihannsu's clothes and items smell like half-elf. He himself smells like Outsider. Whether the former would cover up the latter, I leave to you.

[PSinger]

Shereen nods at the last part of Rihannsu's assumption.

[lostsole31]

Khurshid looks at Signore Scaly-Bug and Co. "Some manner of small, flying dragon, it appears. A woman that has classical diabolical or demonic features, and yourself. I have never seen anything even remotely like you in my travels, scaled, mandibled warrior. What do we call you? and please forgive my own curiosity, but what manner of person are you, and by extension your coterie?"

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu turns his head and listens curiously for the answer as he scans the room.

Detect evil on the lot of you one by one. I know that of our sparkly couple already, would the rest mind posting their detected alignment in a spoiler? Thank you very much.
In case anyone tries it on Rihannsu, he pings as not evil/good.

[ShadowFireLance]

Khurshid looks at Signore Scaly-Bug and Co. "Some manner of small, flying dragon, it appears. A woman that has classical diabolical or demonic features, and yourself. I have never seen anything even remotely like you in my travels, scaled, mandibled warrior. What do we call you? and please forgive my own curiosity, but what manner of person are you, and by extension your coterie?"

OOC:
I swear, If i get Some form of Scaly Bug
again...:smallannoyed::smalltongue:

"You Should call me Malsvir, My Compainon's Name is Kothar, And my Succubus is Kiarael.
What Manner of Person am I? to my subjects I am better then Pelor, to others, I am worse then Erythnul, It all depends on the outlook, for one such as yourself, I would guess that I am evil in your eyes, such by extention, my group, and such as it be."
(Do you have Draconic as a language? If so, then It means Evil for Malsvir, and Demon for kothar)

Alignment:
The entire Group Pings Nothing.

[lostsole31]

The man muses, "It seems your name is your title, Malsvir. 'Mals' + 'Vir' = 'Evil Man.'

He nods to Kothar. "Kothar, a derivation of 'Battle Man.'"

He looks to the succubus and bows. "Interesting. '-El' is used to mean 'of God' or 'God's', though it could also mean 'angel,' and is usually a very common suffix for celestials. 'Kirara' means 'black,' so I guess it's fitting that your name means 'black angel.'

"He looks to Malsvir. Please forgive me, I am something of a polyglot; I love the complexities of the spoken word."
Just for fun ...
"Mal" comes from Latin "bad"
"Vir" comes from Irish Gaelic for "Man"

"Kothar" seems related to Irish Gaelic for "Cath" (Battle) + "Vir" (Man, as above).

"Kirara" is another Irish Gaelic for "black", and the "-el" suffix is from Hebrew. Well chosen name for a fallen angel, maybe? or just a name of irony? Good form, sir. Good form.

:smile:
He gives the same somatic greeting to Thonius as he did to Rihannsu. "A pleasure Thonius."

He turns to the pale, black-armored man, "And your name, sir?"

[ShadowFireLance]

Ooc:

Yeeeeah...
I was going for the Draconic, Which I can actually Speak...Though, I did not know any of that, The more you know...:smallcool: Though, I made up the Name for Kiarael, I really do like that word, Now....:smallcool:
Thanks.


"And I Personally beileve that words have power, And as such, you might have some amount, Well met."

[Athaleon]

Thonius simply nods and replies "Likewise."

If he were sitting at a table, he'd be fighting the temptation to drum his fingers on it. Nobility's the same everywhere, shoving their ostentation in the face of everyone who happens to look, and as verbose as the day is long.

Oh well, enough brooding. That life was decades in the past, and on balance, he was glad to have left it. This was one hell of a diverse crowd, though, and Thonius' mind began to wander in speculation of who had summoned them here and why.

[doko239]

He turns to the pale, black-armored man, "And your name, sir?"

At this, the man's eyes flash, and his face splits into a feral grin.

"I am Vargath, and the less you know of me, the better. Give you nightmares."

[lostsole31]

To Vargath Khurshid answers, "Men fear more what they do not know, rather than what they do."

[doko239]

"Quite the contrary, actually. Men fear the unknown less than they fear the unknowable."

At this, Vargath takes a meaningful glance at Malsvir before continuing.

"Fear of what one does not know is a natural response, ingrained in men's minds. It is supposed to keep them safe. Fear of what one SHOULD not know, however, is an unnatural state of being, and that is where true terror lies."

Vargath once again flashes that unsettling grin.

"But enough of the philosophy of fear. I will ask again; where is our host? I would discover the reasons for my summons."

[Proud Tortoise]

The tip of a nose and a large stomach precede their owner by several seconds as he walks into the room. While he is tall, bulky and morbidly obese, he moves with a strange grace as he takes the seat at the head of the table. "I see you'fe all arrifed," he says with a slight accent. "How were your journeys, eh?" He chuckles in a way that makes the anti-paladins want to murder him.

"Well, the gang is all here. Let's get down to business." He wipes his brow nervously. "As you might hafe heard, the Harmonium's reputation was recently dirtied by a wafe of propaganda spread by the Doomguard. It accused them of being intolerant. Of course they are intolerant, that's the point of the bally faction-" He uses the slang term carefully, obviously not used to it- "But they don't want people thinking they are. Well, not overly, at the least."

"'So,' they said, 'what do we do about it?' And this is what they came up with. They made a deal with the Doomguard that they would assemble a party of mixed aligences to retrieve an artifact hidden in the Tarterian Depths. The party would contain members representing each faction, who would cooperate to gain the artifact. Those representatives are you, of course."

[ShadowFireLance]

"What Would we get for it, and if some die along the way, Do the survivors Get the dead's Share?"

[Arkwright]

Rihhannsu raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms. "What is this artifact? Why is it worth my... 'collaborating' with these... 'people'?"

[ShadowFireLance]

Rihhannsu raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms. "What is this artifact? Why is it worth my... 'collaborating' with these... 'people'?"


"I Take Offense At being called a person."

[Arkwright]

Sizing up the creature he responds with, "Would you prefer 'Vile avatar of all abominable and horrifying'?"

[ShadowFireLance]

Sizing up the creature he responds with, "Would you prefer 'Vile avatar of all abominable and horrifying'?"

He pulls out a Piece of Parchment, Views it for a bit, and then places it back in the extradimensional Space, and turns back to you.
"Why, Yes, it states that on my Resume."

[doko239]

Vargath chuckles at the exchange, before returning his gaze to the man-shaped gelatinous cube that had arrived. The smile on his face vanishes as he addresses the new arrival.

"So what you're telling me is, I'm supposed to play Errand Boy along with this rabble, collect your pretty bauble from whatever deep dark hole it's been misplaced in, and bring it back here like a good little dog... all so some group of overdressed self-righteous professional bureaucrats can convince themselves they're not COMPLETE bastards?"

[Athaleon]

Thonius maintained a dubious expression, but since he'd already taken the time to come out to this meeting he might as well hear out the offer.

"Men will go to some trouble to convince themselves they're not complete bastards. And they wouldn't have bothered the likes of us unless they were reasonably certain that their offer would be accepted."

[lostsole31]

Khurshid shakes his head, equally in agreement and to his surprise, for the less savory characters in the room. "'Errand Boy.' YOu said it. I'm sorry, Mister ... what's your name?

"The entire purpose of Tarterus, also known as Carceri - as in 'incarcerated' - is to lock away the most horrible and damnable gods, titans, artifacts, and secrets, things which neither celestial nor demon, daemon nor devil want any part of. Most of what lies in--"

And at this he suddenly stops talking. He looks to his sister who is already looking at him; the exchange maybe lasts one or two seconds. He looks down at himself as if in thought for several seconds, with a slight look of concern. He looks up and says matter-of-factly and no longer cavalierly, "The only reason one brings something from Tarterus is so that it doesn't free itself. I and my sister will go."

[Athaleon]

Any smugness remaining on Thonius' face drains away in short order. "Well, now... If the stakes are that high, I doubt our polarized group was gathered just to score a political point. This task will require all the vileness and righteousness that our patrons could gather — Won't it?"

[Proud Tortoise]

"Of course the Harmonium know they're complete bastards. It is the rest of us they're trying to convince." He chuckles obscenely again.

"Both factions have a reason to want the artifact retriefed. The powers of the artifact are unknown, but it is in an area of Carceri that also contains some very powerful entities, and it is possible that, if one of them could find it... That entity could escape Carceri, wreaking havoc wherever it escaped to. And the Doomguard, of course, wants possesion of the artifact."

"This is plenty of reason for you to retrieve it. Howefer, the two factions are also prepared to pay thirty thousand gold pieces each... Or thirty-fife thousand if all of you return alife. Ten thousand will be paid up front," and, so saying, he produces six wooden coffers which he places upon the table.

[Arkwright]

Still sceptical, Rihannsu raises an eyebrow. "So there might be an entity who might be able to find the artifact whose powers might be enough to let it escape and wreak havoc. I count that we are being sent upon three mights- ah! but I forget; the more how shall we say 'vile and abominable' half of our little group might not kill me and my spiritual fellows because they have the princely sum of five thousand coins to gain if they refrain."

He pauses for a moment to let that sink in and then adds, "And assuming all that comes to pass, the artifact might not be one such as to give it to the Doomguard would lead to horrible, horrible consequences."

Pausing again, he finishes with "Am I correct?"

[lostsole31]

"I'll have your name, sir," says Khurshid. "But I think what may help is that there are no 'shares.' Those who survive get the sum they were individually offered. No knocking each other off to try to get more money."

[ShadowFireLance]

"I'll have your name, sir," says Khurshid. "But I think what may help is that there are no 'shares.' Those who survive get the sum they were individually offered. No knocking each other off to try to get more money."

OOC: Fine, Fine, Though if you all get confused with multiple characters, Fine..

"I personally disagree with shiny over there, But oh well, we all can't ever get along...unless, of course, we decide to deicide, or perhaps, palacide, but oh well."

[Arkwright]

"I'll have your name, sir," says Khurshid. "But I think what may help is that there are no 'shares.' Those who survive get the sum they were individually offered. No knocking each other off to try to get more money."

"I fear you misunderstand me. I speak not of concern that they would slay me for avarice; I suggest they would slay me for the pure brutal pleasure of the kill."

Turning to the abomination, Rihannsu raises an eyebrow and adds, "Am I wrong?"

Returning to Khurshid, he continues "Forgive me if I misunderstand, but it seems to me as if avarice is the only check upon the good sir's... more malevolent desires, presuming a total lack of all base empathy. And a split of five thousand is not that great a check."

[Proud Tortoise]

"You make an excellent point. Let us say... your payment will be reduced to twenty thousand jinx if the representatifes of of only one faction return, or if one of those who do return testifies that the other members of the team were directly responsible for the death of another team member."

"Oh, yes, and as for handing the artifact to the Doomguard, well... The base of the Doomguards is called the Armory for a reason. I beliefe they could cause considerable damage already, but they refrain. It is eve beliefed that they hafe one or two powerful artifacts. More powerful, in fact, than the one you are being sent to find is said to be."

[lostsole31]

Khurshid proclaims, "We can barter all day long, but actions and not chatter will bring us to this goal. If you want to hem and haw and back out, fine. Otherwise, prove your mettle - not your speeches of what bravery you have, or fear you can inflict - but let us to this task."

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu pauses hesitantly for a second and then nods firmly. "As is said. Forgive my ignorance, but how might we travel to Carceri? And how might we recognize the artifact we must recover?"

[ShadowFireLance]

Rihannsu pauses hesitantly for a second and then nods firmly. "As is said. Forgive my ignorance, but how might we travel to Carceri? And how might we recognize the artifact we must recover?"

Cue a clacking noise.
I think I can take care of that.

[Proud Tortoise]

The man begins to grin, but stops as if remembering something he had forgotten. "You will do it then?" he says happily. "As for getting there, finding a portal to Carceri shouldn't be too hard, eh?" He chuckles. "The problem is to get out again, of course."

He pushes a coffer to each of you. Opening it, you find one thousand platinum coins. "I might infest in protection against acid, were I you. You see, the artifact you search for is on the layer of Porphatys. Almost everything there can burn you with acid. The artifact is called the Staff of Dark Wind. And it might be found on a vessel that sails those waters."

[lostsole31]

Khurshid takes the coffer for he and his sister, and the man nods. "How much time do we have to make materials and research Porphatys? My sister might need a few days to craft something for the two of us."

[Proud Tortoise]

"You should leafe for Carceri as soon as possible. Within a week, I suppose."

[ShadowFireLance]

"A Week, Hmm? that's more then enough, I think I shall take my front payment and finish crafting what I started."
He grabs the coffer, turns, and walks out.

[PSinger]

Shereen does some mental calculations and looks to her brother.

[lostsole31]

"We shall also take our front payment," says Khurshid. "We will need five days to prepare."

If no party business is needed, he will entertain as a trick rider for money.As Perform, but using Ride skill for effect, like a circus equestrian. PF doesn't note several skills as Perform-related anymore (and these other skills shouldn't count for bard performances), but things like Sleight of Hand, Acrobatics (Balance & Tumble), and the like can be used for entertainment, but use Charisma instead of normal ability score since it is entertainment and not function.

Ride is already a CHA-based skill for him, and he gets a Perform bonus effect because of inspiration.

Since he minimum is far above the max DC of 30, then he should earn 3d6/ day. However, since it is so far above DC 30 (average of 55 to perform with riding), than feel free to add to this. Though a function of "in time", his skill might come far more quickly that he gains massive reputation in Sigil, possibly be approached by distant patrons and (as befits Sigil) draw the attention of extraplanar beings.

5 days x 3d6 = [roll0] gold

[Arkwright]

"Shall we return here, when our preparations are complete?"

After a meeting place is set up, Rihannsu will go out onto the streets and research an item providing acid immunity, or perhaps a spell which would do the job.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

Khursid, trick riding for one week, makes an extra [roll0] gold pieces, and is now fairly well-known by the trick-riding circuit.

Rihannsu is directed to a store selling magic items designed for expeditions to the Lower Planes.

[Athaleon]

The robed man carefully considers the offer before him. The job was dangerous, but the proffered treasure was enticing. He was sorely in need of reagents, foci, and various arcana to continue his work, and he could never escape the nagging feeling that for him, time was running short. "I'll take the job," he declared at length. The up-front payment was handsome, even if much of it would have to be invested in preparations for the task ahead.

After he departs, Thonius tags along with Rihannsu to the outfitter's shop. Walking alone through Sigil always made him slightly nervous, and besides, it couldn't hurt to get to know his new companions a little better.


Any recommendations on what to buy?

[Proud Tortoise]

Rihannsu:

"Ah, you are looking for protection from acid?" says the shop owner. "We can enchant a suit of armor with that quality, if you like. We also have rings, and shirts, and bracers."

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu nods politely to the man. "A bracer would do best for me, I suspect. Would it provide absolute immunity, or merely a certain level of resistance? For how much might I purchase this trinket? And, if I may ask, how many more similar items do you have currently in stock? Some... companions and I are preparing for an expedition, and it is possible they may require similar accoutrements."

[Proud Tortoise]

"Oh, I see, you are going on an expedition? Then perhaps I could interest you in this box of bracers? You see, they were apparently made by a wizard who was... incompetent, to say the least. They'll protect you from a good amount of acid damage [acid resistance 20], but the magical fields are, alas, a bit unstable and they won't last for more than a month. I can let you have them for fifteen hundred jinx each."

[Athaleon]

Thonius asks the merchant, "Can I see a set of those bracers?" He didn't actually think the man was lying, but it never hurt to inspect the merchandise before buying. "The incompetent wizard might have been inconsistent as well - Don't want to randomly grab the one pair that winks out after a week, after all."



If the shopkeeper hands over a set, Thonius will cast Identify (after stopping to explain, "Let me just take a closer look at these.")

Spellcraft: [roll0]

Not looking for anything in particular, just checking them over for nasty surprises (such as the "unstable power fields" being particularly vulnerable to dispel) and to make sure he's getting a more or less fair price.

[PSinger]

Shereen will make a ceremony, with Khurshid, of the bequeathing to Halim sub Khurshid. Shereen gives it and conducts a religious service, Khurshid conducts the piercing and hails, and Halim is shown to his kin and the other worshippers of Marduk.

[doko239]

Vargath will take his share silently and leave the room. Once gone, he will attempt to find a merchant selling some kind of acid protection item:

I'm kind of re-inventing the wheel here, but I didn't jump on the bandwagon when the others went looking, and Vargath's not the tag-along type anyway.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

Thonius:

The bracers appear exactly the same as any similar item you've come across, with no discernable difference in their aura.

Vargath:

You are directed to a large shop selling magic items. Armor enhancements that grant acid resistance are available.

[Athaleon]

"All right, I'll take a pair of these." Thonius hands over the coin and tries on the set of bracers. True, he had spells that could probably do better, but maintaining the effect himself was taxing, and besides, it never hurt to have extra layers of protection.

After completing the purchase, Thonius returns to his rented room to ponder what else he needs to do in preparation, and what other items he may need.


I don't want to hold up the game, but he would probably spend the next few days learning what he can about Carceri and what dangers (beyond acid) he's likely to face there, and preparing accordingly. I'm all right with moving along, and just mention whatever he was able to learn as we depart.

[Athaleon]

Thonius makes his way to meet the rest of the party at the appointed time and place. Most strikingly, he carries a long black staff, of unadorned but finely wrought metal, lashed to his wrist with a length of light chain. His voluminous robe has been tailored to a much more practical long tunic, worn along with a decidedly utilitarian set of traveling clothes. He carries various odds and ends in pouches on his person, with a small cylindrical pack over his shoulder. All in all, a far cry from the robed old man from a week ago.

There was trepidation, of course, but also an absurd sense of excitement. Thonius realized, he had spent his whole life avoiding challenges, preferring to live among lesser men whom he could manipulate or dominate with ease. He had never even tested his abilities against anything more powerful than a hedge wizard from back home.


Hate to double post, but...

One of the days in between will have been spent crafting a Handy Haversack (1,000g).

He will also have purchased three weeks' worth of trail rations, two waterskins, a bedroll, and a blanket, just in case. (~15g)

Not sure what the price would be for a good adamantine chain to secure his staff.

[lostsole31]

Khurshid, accompanied by his sister, approaches the meeting place astride a strange and wondrous creature. It is a creature that has features vaguely like that of both horse and dragon. It has a relatively equine head, but more elongated. There are three pairs of thin, long locks of blonde coming off of each side, with each pair getting shorter until they are just two-inch tufts under the lip. There is a very thick, wide bunch of dark red hair extending from behind the lower jaw about 2/3 up the way of the snout. The very wide nose/ridge is covered in jade-green horizontal scales, though the overall head is encased in a thick jade-green shell. The creature's eyes area a solid, glowing emerald green. The top-forward part of the head works its way into what almost could be described as an oblong, cabochon cut emerald. Out of this emerald comes a single stag's horn, which after about a foot branches out to two antlers that stretch up to a height of five feet, with each antler including several points of their own. In hunter's parlance, this would be a 16-pointer, but originating from a single point in the center of its head, rather than two antlers from each side.

There are no visible ears, though the solid jade-green skull casing seems to curve around something that upon closer inspection looks like the hearing holes of a dragon. What further guides you is that there are thick scales around the circumference around which a copper earring has thickly pierced smaller scales. This is the only element of something not its own nature (besides its rider) on it. A small tuft of blonde hair is atop this, but smooths backward without blocking its ears. The creature possesses a tremendous blonde mane, wild and yet possessing its own order in never quite blocking the view of its rider.

The creature is far more sinuous than a horse, but has long legs with the standard knee-and-hoof type of a horse. Thick, broad gray scales, rounded and always oriented towards the back, cover its body. On the underside, there are very thick, dark red horizontal scales/ ribbing going from underneath its jaw, down under its chest, along its underside, and all the way out to a thick, long tail. There is also a small amount of this dar-red ribbing facing forward on each leg, but only believe the knee and above the fetlock. The underside of the upper portion of each leg is the origin for very long (three feet or so), moderately thick dark-red hair.

The end of its long tail ends in a huge dash of blonde hair. Each hoof includes blonde hair surrounding the area immediately above the hoof, but it isn't very long at all. It's hard to see these though, for there are licks of golden flame coming from each hoof. A light blue mist surrounds the creature.

[PSinger]

Shereen looks about as she walks, keeping aware of who else might be interested in our little band. Since she is the size of a child, she actually rides with her brother.
The following are constant, not at will: true seeing, arcane sight, comprehend languages, see invisibility (even though true seeing should cover that). There are other abilities, but these are the salient ones.

[Proud Tortoise]

There are, of course, portals to pretty much anywhere from Sigil. By all means, utilize one.

[lostsole31]

If we know of a portal that gets us close to our destination, we might as well use that and save two high-powered spells. Otherwise, let's use the cooperative plane shift and go, but let's not waste any more play time on this, please?

[doko239]

Vargath arrives soon afterward, appearing much as he did previously, with the exception of a small white stone orbiting his head.

"Let's get this over with."

Vargath has spent the week crafting a Clear Spindle Ioun Stone, using 2000 of the 10000 advance. He has also purchased a Rod of Lesser Extend (4000) and 1000 gp worth of Onyx. The remaining 3000 will be kept for now.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu appears, clad in the same armour as before.

Diplomacy aid-another to help find that portal: [roll0]
Before he travels through, Rihannsu taps himself with Lesser Evolution Surge to gain Acid Immunity, using his Rod of Extend Metamagic
Anyone with True Seeing recognises his appearance as an illusion; beneath it there is a tall golden dinosaur-like creature holding a blade, with a bevy of magical items worn. The creature's features are very closely similar to the outer image of Rihannsu.

[Proud Tortoise]

You are able to learn of a portal to Porphatys. It is in the Lower Ward and the key is to be concentrating on attractive members of the opposite gender as you go through.

[lostsole31]

Gather both groups and on our way ...

[PSinger]

What he said ... on our way.

[Athaleon]

"Let's get this little expedition under way, shall we?"

[Proud Tortoise]

Stepping through the portal, you find yourself on a narrow bar of greenish snow jutting out of a shallow sea. It stretches in all directions, as far as you can see, and the color- a bluish shade of green- is slightly unnatural. The portal through which you have come takes the form of two greyish stone pillars leaning precariously on one another. The snow bar is about ten feet wide and stretches far in one direction; on the horizon in the same direction is a set of grey pillars.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu bends down and scoops up some of the green snow, letting it drip and fall between his fingers before he discards it.

"How... oddly beautiful."

Keen-eyed observers notice his armour not bubbling or otherwise objecting to being immersed in acid-snow.

Rihannsu raises a hand over his eyes and scans the pillars near the horizon. "Where is our destination?"

[Proud Tortoise]

The snow does feel uncomfortable to touch, however.

[doko239]

Taking note of the surroundings, Vargath pulls a short metal rod out of his Haversack and speaks a few quiet words. He briefly glows a sickly shade of green before returning the rod to its normal place.

Casting Resist Energy (Acid) on himself, using the Rod of Lesser Extend. 150 minute base duration, doubled to 300 minutes, or 5 hours. Should be plenty I think.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu frowns and pulls out his own rod, passing it to Vargath. "Would you mind casting a similar spell upon myself? Sadly, my own spell lasts only a short while; I see yours lasts significantly longer."

[doko239]

Vargath smirks at the tall creature. "Can't quite cut it on your own, eh, big guy? No matter, I'm sure you'll come in handy... someday."

With that, Vargath accepts the offered rod and casts the spell.

[ShadowFireLance]

Stepping through the portal, he breifly looks around, and stops.
Then, his form is replaced by that of a Massive Remorhaz.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu nods in thanks as the resistance spell takes affect. Then he gives a small smile and removes a ring, sliding it into his pocket. Then he doubles in size and stretches out. "Oh I suspect I shall come in handy fairly soon..." Then he takes his rod and taps his chest with another spell. "Shall we move on?"

Remove Ring of SS Reduce Person, cast Barkskin with Extend rod; all three charges expended.

[PSinger]

Shereen, astride the mighty mount in front of her brother, looks up to him with some sense of wonderment. She looks all around, and nods to her odyssean siblings.

[lostsole31]

"A sea of sulfurous acid," says Khurshid. "A charming vacation spot. I already fill somewhat ill. I'll fly up and check to see if there might be anything more ... other than that similar gray pillar over there."

"Yes," speaks the dragon-horse with a powerful voice, "I feel it, too. It is as if this place, which makes sense, gets into our bones to shake us. On your command, my prince."

Khurshid nods gives the telepathic command, and up they fly, a widening spiral upwards from the gray portal, looking at what might be seen.

[Proud Tortoise]

From higher in the air, you can see that the snowbar stretches all the way to the stone pillars in the distance, which you now identify as pointing up from the roof of a building. It has a flat roof and is at least two stories high.

[lostsole31]

Khurshid returns and reports his findings.

[Athaleon]

"For lack of any other landmarks or information... We might as well head that way."

Thonius pauses to cast Fly on himself rather than slog through the acidic snow.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu lightly steps off the ground and onto the air next to Thonius. "Onwards, I suppose."

[lostsole31]

The twins on the dragon-horse fly up and take a high position.

[doko239]

Vargath sighs theatrically. "Just gotta show off, dont you?"

He mutters a few words, and suddenly dissolves into a vaguely humanoid cloud of smoke. Anyone else who isn't visibly capable of flying finds themselves also become smoke.

"Shall we, then?"


Casting Wind Walk on everyone not flying or mounted.

To everyone else... race ya :smallbiggrin:

[lostsole31]

The trio disappear from basic view, but with so many true seeing folk they are ethereal, ZOOOmmm! They keep with the wind-walkers at a 600'/round all-out run.

[Proud Tortoise]

It does not take long before you arrive at the stone structure. It stands at least five stories high and looks like a cross between a temple and a prison. It stands in the acidic sea, its foundation several feet below the surface. Before it stands a raised stone platform about one hundred feet in diameter. Large menhirs stand around the circumference, and in the center is a large, tin gong.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu descends from the skies to land easily on the stone platform. Regarding the gong carefully, he gives a small smile.

"Oh, that is VERY tempting..."

[Athaleon]

"Almost absurdly so. Maybe the idea is to tempt us not to ring it?" Thonius deadpans as he takes a more thorough look around, with both mundane and arcane sight.


Contrary to the flavor text, he's not casting Arcane Sight, just Detect Magic for now.

[lostsole31]

Khurshid says, "We are at someone's door. It would be rude of us to not acknowledge whomsoever owns it. I don't look at it as temptation; I look at it as good manners."

He lifts his hand, and a bolt of a humming nature forms in his hand, vaguely shaped like a javelin. He tosses it at the gong so that the sound of the javelin makes a truly terrific sound of the gong.

[Proud Tortoise]

A swirl of mist begins to leak from the crevasses of the temple. Simply looking at it invites a feeling of hostility.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu frowns and steps off the temple to hover a few feet in the air. "This looks promising..."

Total Defense action until further notice- IE when the surprise round is over.

[doko239]

"Oh this should be FUN!" Vargath exclaims, as he materializes on the dais.

Some checks to try and figure out what the mist and such might mean:

Perception: [roll0]
Knowledge (Planes) [roll1]
Spellcraft: [roll2]

[Proud Tortoise]

The whirling mist coalesces into a tall, humanoid form. It clears to reveal a handsome man wearing gilt-edged armor and wielding an enormous falchion. He roars, WHO HAS RELEAS- He clears his throat.

"WHO has RELEASED me from my CONFINEMENT? WHO DARES?"

[PSinger]

Shereen looks at the (how tall?) man, trying to figure some lore of whom he might be.Collector of Stories bonus to Knowledge
Arcana [roll0]
History [roll1]
Planes [roll2]
Religion [roll3]

[Proud Tortoise]

He is clearly a titan. One of the minor ones, it seems, as you've never heard of him before.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu smiles, stepping onto the ground as he raises his own enormous Falchion, it's shine reflecting his metal armor lightly trimmed with gold.

"I dare. I name myself Rihannsu."

[Proud Tortoise]

Initiative Rolls:

Khursid: [roll0]
Thonius: [roll1]
Rihannsu: [roll2]
Malsvir: [roll3]
@#%$@ I lost the links for the other two sheets. Can you roll your own init and PM me the links? To the sheets, that is.
Titan: [roll4]

[doko239]

Vargath (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=513642)

[roll0]

"Aaah, finally, a little amusement!"

[PSinger]

Shereen's Initiative [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

Initiative order:
Thonius
Khursid
Vargath
Shareen
Malsvir
Mr. Titan
Rihannsu
This is a slightly flexible order: to speed up gameplay, you can post one slot early (e.g. the order can be changed to Khursid>Shareen>Vargath>Malsvir, but Malsvir cannot post before Vargath.)

[Athaleon]

Thonius

"Of course he's enraged at us for releasing him, why wouldn't he be?" Thonius mutters under his breath as he flies further into the air, calms himself, and draws forth the inner power. No idea who this guy was, or what sort of defenses he had - Better play it safe and use his old reliable fallback.


Move action to fly up and away from the enemy.

Casting Arcane Fusion, using it for True Strike and an Orb of Force with the Dazing metamagic tacked on for free, courtesy of Spell Perfection.

Attack: [roll0] vs. Touch AC
Damage: [roll1] Force Damage, and target is Dazed for 4 rounds (Will DC 28 negates)

Spell slots used:
1x 5th-level (Arcane Fusion)
1x 6th-level (Age Resistance) - Assume this is cast at the start of each day

[doko239]

"Hmmph. Let's see how he likes THIS!"

Vargath charges the enemy, swinging the massive Lifedrinker in a wide arc.

Attack roll (Power Attack): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] plus 2 negative levels

[lostsole31]

Khurshid (not Khursid, a type of writing) guides Halim to a charge against the titan, holy energy glowing brightly. Even though Khurshid is advancing on him aggressively, there is a beauty about him that will make the titan loathe to harm him. Halim's horn misses, but Khurshid's lightning lance just might score a horrible blow ...

As quickly as they came, they move past again.
As a mount, Halim always goes on Khurshid's initiative, even though the Halim's initiative is significantly higher ... His movement rate is 150' (perfect), and likely has to charge somewhat upward to get to the head (not a called shot) and then beyond. This means at the end of the turn he won't just likely be out of range of what he can charge himself, but what he can move in 3D.

Ride-by-Attack does not provoke AOO. Defensive charge.

Halim's charge: [roll0]
* Damage w/ horn [roll1]
Critical hit on a natural '18-20', confirm [roll2]
* Crit damage (x2) [roll3]

AC: Likely evil, so AC (and CMD) adjusted on sheet.
* Other bonuses as defined by Khurshid (Mounted Combat, Mounted Shield).
............................................

Linked defensive charge/ ride-by-attack w/ Halim. No AOO.

Divine weapon [electricity], 2H, form of a lance
* Melee touch attack (MTA) [roll4]
* Damage [roll5] electricity damage.
** Critical on '19-20', triple damage, so add [roll6]

Obviously intelligent creature, and likely evil, so AC adjusted on sheet.

Shield bonus added to Halim's AC (on sheet).
Mounted combat roll if Halim is attacked instead of Khurshid [roll7]
* Note that Mounted Combat is figured only if mount was 'hit' ... so after concealment and AC and such has failed.

EDIT: Halim's horn failed with a '1', but with a '19', the titan takes 94 electricity damage.

[PSinger]

Shereen will delay for now ...

[Proud Tortoise]

Giving a great battle cry, the titan swings his falchion at Vargath.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Arkwright]

Sorry.

Eyes quite wide, Rihannsu lowers his sword to a rest position and raises his other hand in supplication.

"I would bid peace, despite my companions' impetuousness, sir! I believe we mean neither you nor this realm any harm!"

+50 to hit and +9 to damage? Really? Huh.
Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

You can't act yet, Shady hasn't posted.

[Proud Tortoise]

Malsvir attacks with his... Shal'ark, whatever that is.

[roll0]
[roll1]


When Rihannsu speaks to the titan, he looks puzzled. Then he decides, "I shall kill you last, then."

[Athaleon]

Thonius frowns as the target of his spell shrugged off its incapacitating power. Much as he was tempted to call forth more power in a bid to make the bastard feel it, he had to remember to pace himself. No sense tiring himself out and making himself vulnerable, not unless things were desperate.

For now, he continues to conjure up orbs of force to hurl at the titan below, foregoing the daze-inducing rider effect in exchange for more raw power.


Casting a Twinned Orb of Force (4th-level spell slot)

Attack: [roll0] vs. Touch AC
Damage: [roll1] Force Damage

[ShadowFireLance]

Actions:
Keep in mind, I'm shadowing everyone, So I might get a couple of rounds to catch up, anyways:
Summoning Saitav, mounting, and forming my Sword into a lance. :smallcool:
and When he gets within 40ft, I charge and hit with my lance, and Saitav attacks; Rolls:
[mine] and damage: [roll] 1d10+20
Saitav: [roll1] and damage: [roll2](keep in mind, 5 attacks.

[doko239]

Vargath grins his feral smile again. "Still have some fight left in you, eh? Let's see if we can change that."

Full attack, with Power attack and Furious Focus.

for [roll1] damage plus 2 negative levels
1d20+18 for damage plus 2 negative levels
1d20+13 for [roll3] damage plus 2 negative levels

Swift action: Touch of Corruption, to heal self: [roll]7d6[roll]

[doko239]

Whoops, messed that up. Let's try those other attacks again:

[roll0]
[roll1]

Swift action: Touch of Corruption, to heal self: [roll2]

Edit: Ugh, probably whiffed on both of those, and maybe the first as well.

[PSinger]

Some distance away (> 100'), the witch-prophetess casts an airburst above the titan's head. Holy power emanates from the point of that 20-foot-radius spread, but was centered high enough above the titan's head to not include any 'friendly evil' allies.
Righteous smite (BE-104):
Damage to evil outsiders, blind for [roll1] rounds.
Will save vs DC 30 to reduce damage to half and negate blinding.
SR applies. CL check = [roll]1d20+15[/roll ... ya, I know. Not likely for the team.

[PSinger]

Sorry, re-rolling CL check for righteous smite: [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

The titan is now panting from effort. "Curse it! I have been bound too long... My strength..."

[PSinger]

Shereen carefully looks at the gilt-edged armor of the titan, his position, the gong, and the portal. She looks up to her brother.
Sense Motive to see if he's bluffing about his strength or not [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

He does seem to be genuinely strained from the battle.

[lostsole31]

As Shereen to Khurshid, so Khurshid to his mount. Khurshid brings Halim around in a wide circumference. This time, Khurshid draws a bow and an arrow - each made of pure electricity.

The powerful dragon-horse calls out in a stentorian voice of a basso profundo, as if the air succumbed to it and carried its message along as the mount's servant, "I am Halim sub Khurshid, the herald of the children of Marduk, and mount to the Shezehdah Khurshid Stormhallowed. My master here summoned you by ringing the gong. Your call to arms merely inspired our own, Ancient Power, and yours does not fail to impress. Are you bound to this place of ill-abode for ill of your own? or, does your gilt armor describe your place here as a guardian to keep out those who might dare to pass to free Those Who Must Not Be Freed? Come, shall we have a legendary battle for no bard to see? shall we witness useless loss of life on either side by worthies all? or, shall we come to parley?"
Diplomacy [roll0], accounting for planar influence.

[doko239]

Vargath brandishes the Lifedrinker and smiles mockingly.

"Or, if you prefer, I could start putting some effort into this little scuffle. Come, godling. Dare you test your might against TRUE power? I've had many undead servants, but never a Titan before..."

Intimidate check to cease fighting: [roll0]

[Proud Tortoise]

The titans stares at you for a moment, considering, and throws down his weapon. "What is it you want, then, puny ones?"

[lostsole31]

Khurshid will guide Halim around in wide circles, about 75' out. Halim made a fine first impression, but the ones who are likely to do the best talking on this plane are those for whom it might one day be their final 'home.'

He readies his divine weapon longbow to shoot the titan if he makes any gesture which might indefatigably be hostile.
As in, makes an attack roll, uses magic, or the like. Posturing with a fist doesn't cut it.

[Arkwright]

"We seek an object. But first, might I know more about your glorious person? I should know your name, but I am very ignorant. Who are you? Why were you imprisoned here? Why would a simple ringing of the gong awaken you?"

[Proud Tortoise]

"...My name is Draenos. I was bound here... Long ago. I do not know from whence this gong has come, as it was not here in my own memory."

[Arkwright]

"Why were you bound here?"

[Proud Tortoise]

He snarls. "You presume to ask me this question?" He makes a gesture that was probably rude long ago.

[Athaleon]

"Humor us." asks Thonius sardonically, though his expression could have said it all.

[Proud Tortoise]

"Graahgh! I do not wish to speak of the cowards."

[Arkwright]

"Humour us."

Detect Evil on Mr. Titan

[Proud Tortoise]

Draenos is strongly evil. He snarls and begins to cast a spell.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu shakes his head sadly. "A pity." Then he charges through the sky aiming his sword at Draenos' neck.

SMITE EVIL!
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Not sure if he is 'an outside with the evil subtype'; if he is, add +15 to the damage.

[PSinger]

Okay ... so remind us of initiative order again, please. Or have we dropped out and have to go again?

[Proud Tortoise]

Initiative order:
Thonius
Khursid
Vargath
Shareen
Malsvir
Mr. Titan
Rihannsu
This is a slightly flexible order: to speed up gameplay, you can post one slot early (e.g. the order can be changed to Khursid>Shareen>Vargath>Malsvir, but Malsvir cannot post before Vargath.)


However, Khursid did say he was prepared to shoot if Mr. Titan made any hostile moves, which I count as a prepared action with a chance to disrupt his spellcasting.

[lostsole31]

As soon as the titan starts spellcasting, Khurshid releases his arrow, zooming to try to strike the monster in his hand if he can to stop the spellcasting.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1] electricity damage

[Proud Tortoise]

The titan is hit, but he completes his spell anyway, disappearing instantly.

[doko239]

Spellcraft check to determine what spell was cast:

[roll0]

[lostsole31]

Halim has true seeing, as does Shereen. Shereen also has arcane sight. Halim can then telepathically 'download' what information he notes to the party what he can about the titan's position.
Paul[PSinger] is out for the night, so you're not likely go get a response from him.

[PSinger]

Shereen tries to understand the weave upon which the titan is drawing.
Aka, Spellcraft to ID spell/ effect [roll0]

EDIT: Natural '20' ... how 'bout that?

[Proud Tortoise]

You do not see the titan anywhere. He has teleported away, as Shareen is able to tell you.

[PSinger]

Ninja'd, Proud. See above post.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu 'tsks', lowering his blade. "I was wrong. We should have killed it when we had the chance. It will only cause trouble in the future, I fear..."

[Athaleon]

"If freeing history's worst criminals is as easy as smacking a gong, then who knows how many of his kind he'll gather up? I don't suppose anyone knows how to track him down?" Thonius grimaced at the thought of a dozen such titans hounding them. Or some zealous entity or another deciding that this little party ought to be punished for the trouble they've caused. "We'd better get going from here, at any rate."


Anyone have ideas? All I can think of is to burn a Limited Wish, if that would even work.

[PSinger]

The small, astral-eyed girl gets down off of the mount with her brother's help. She walks over to the titan's weapon, using her staff to help her. She sets down next to the weapon. She doesn't touch it, but puts her hand over it. This is the first time you hear her speak. She speaks in a small voice, and yet it carries power.

"Great Marduk, was this titan evil?"

Regardless of the answer, "Was he a guardian placed here to keep creatures from exiting the the inner part of this plane?"
This is part of her Seer IV godling ability. She simply asks the questions ... no need for a 10-minute casting time. Otherwise, it functions as the commune spell. She gets 4/ day, and the questions do not have to be used all at once. She'll hear the voice in her mind ... it's not on a loudspeaker for everyone to hear.

Waiting on answers before going further ...

[Proud Tortoise]

Yes. No. The words appear in your head without bothering to pass through your ears.

[PSinger]

Through her brother's mouth comes her answer, "He is evil, but he wasn't here to guard anything from getting out."

Shereen continues her questioning. "Has that titan gone to warn others of our coming?"

[Proud Tortoise]

Unclear............

[doko239]

Vargath snorts derisively. "How about some more practical questions? Has he left this plane? How can we locate him? Does he know where the Staff is kept? We do not have much time if we're serious about killing him; If he has the power to leave this place, I'd rather not search the multiverse for him."

[Arkwright]

"You may not have noticed, sir, but I would surmise that the only questions she may ask must have answers either in the positive or the negative. Thus her topics of discussion are slightly limited. I leave it to your wisdom, ma'am, as to what questions to ask."

[PSinger]

Her brother answers for her (roommates and artistic license sure helps), "Except for any direct aspect of this titan's effect on our quest ... tracking him down to kill him is pointless. She is unclear if he has gone to tell of us, though. Now she will ask one more question, and it may seem silly but it will be asked."

"Does the use of this portal bring us closer to our goal?"

[doko239]

Vargath's eyes narrow, and his voice loses its usual cynical edge, as though he is speaking entirely seriously for the first time since you've met him.

"Never leave a live enemy behind you. You either live by that principle, or you die by it. Our Titan may not be directly connected with our objective, but I'd wager we've not seen the last of him, and I'd rather he not show up when we're unprepared. Titans are not quick to forget, or to forgive. And yet he is not even the greatest of our concerns."

His gaze turns to the stone monument nearby.

"Someone, for some reason, sealed him in that place rather than simply kill him. I don't know what that reason is. Perhaps they couldn't manage it, perhaps he's important for some reason we don't yet understand, but there was a purpose to it. Such... elaborate punishments are not meted out randomly. So I ask you all a simple question."

"Do you seriously believe that someone, with enough power to construct this prison, in this place, containing that manner of prisoner, would leave such a place unguarded and unobserved? Do you further believe they are incapable of locating our Titan and putting him back in his box? And do you think them incapable of asking him, nicely or otherwise, who it was that let him out in the first place? I, for one would rather not end up in a box of my own."

[Proud Tortoise]

[COLOR="Red"]"Does the use of this portal bring us closer to our goal?"
Wait, which portal?

[lostsole31]

I think he meant that stone archway. Or, is this merely a bunch of standing stone menhirs?
Khurshid says, "Regardless, I don't think it's that cut-and-dry as imprisonment. He seemed annoyed to have been awakened, and this gong was obviously..."

And here Khurshid gets a little gleam in his eye ... and tosses another sonic spear at the gong ... just for good measure.

[Proud Tortoise]

It's just standing stones in a circle. The gong rings, but nothing happens.

[PSinger]

Shereen casts find the path to guide the party to the next portal that goes further into Tarterus.

[Proud Tortoise]

The spell points you to the left (looking in the direction of the temple), into the shallow, acidic sea.

[doko239]

Oh, good. Who's up for a swim?"

[lostsole31]

Khurshid point under the acidic sea, "That way, under the water."

Vargath makes his comment as above.Because Vargath couldn't know except directly or indirectly through Shereen ... unless, of course, he was simply guessing since there's nothing else around."I have enough spells of water breathing for myself and Halim. Anyone else?"

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu frowns. "I have spells to grant me gills or remove my need to breath- but they would only last for a quarter of an hour. Perhaps that would be enough, or would another have any suggestions?"

[lostsole31]

Khurshid adds, "To be clear, my sister would be fine indefinitely. The spell would protect myself and Halim for more than half a day, though in truth I could reduce that by including others. For each 15-hour period, every person affected beyond the first reduces that duration by half."

[Athaleon]

After some thought, Thonius pipes up "I think I know the spell you're referring to, or something very similar. I can keep myself protected for some... thirty hours, though to split the effect among multiple recipients is to split the duration. Multiple castings are slightly taxing, but we should be able to keep all of us protected."


That feeling when you know you picked the right spell for once. Life Bubble seemed like an obvious choice for a planes-hopping campaign.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu nods to Thonius and Khurshid. "If either of you would extend your protection spell to me, I would not be ungrateful."

[lostsole31]

Khurshid says, "Thonius, if you could, please. I must use the same spell for myself and my mount."

[doko239]

"I seldom have reason to go swimming; this is not something I've prepared for. I will require your services as well."

[Athaleon]

Thonius sighs slightly. "All right, three recipients means ten hours for each of us. Remember that. One caveat, though: Unless someone else has a way to transport us rapidly through the water, we're still swimming."

With that, he duly casts Life Bubble on himself, plus those party members in need of it.


Let's assume everyone who needs it gets it, we'll work out duration and number of castings as we go.

[lostsole31]

Khurshid casts and is ready to go!

[PSinger]

Shereen touches her brothers shoulder and points the way and they'll start heading out.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu nods and stretches out his arms. "Since far fewer of us can swim, I suggest we pick up rocks and then use your path-finding spell to fly over the ocean until we are right atop our target. Then we drop, and let the stones carry us down." Holstering his blade, he hovers a few feet above the ground, horizontal. "Any who cannot fly, grab a rock, and then a hand or foot."

[Proud Tortoise]

About ninety minutes of uneventful travel later, you arrive at another sandbar. Along the median stand several large pilars, two of which are capped to form an archway of sorts.

[Arkwright]

Rihannsu frowns and makes a gesture with his hand.

Detect Magic on the arch.
Spellcraft: [roll0]
What's up with it?

[PSinger]

Shereen, likewise, is viewing the arch with her arcane eyes/ true seeing.
Spellcraft [roll0]

[Athaleon]

Thonius joins the others in pondering the nature of the arch.


Spellcraft: [roll0]