Rob's Epic Level Campaign

[Christ. Michael]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmGXTLfujE/U9AWMUAl8fI/AAAAAAAAUXY/BqXTuzIjaGM/s1600/he's+right+you+know.jpg

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/heal.htm

[DM7581]

Heal(at least in pathfinder version) is supposed to remove stun and other status effects, hence my placing it on a third party....

Your absolutely right. Bonus XP for catching me on the rules.

So... We interrupt the flow of time slightly. Nimm, you are no longer stunned and get to take your turn before the worms attack. Let's see how this plays out.

Go!

[DM7581]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmGXTLfujE/U9AWMUAl8fI/AAAAAAAAUXY/BqXTuzIjaGM/s1600/he's+right+you+know.jpg

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/heal.htm

XP penalty for you. Just to even things out in the cosmos for Nimm's bonus.

[DM7581]

XP penalty for you. Just to even things out in the cosmos for Nimm's bonus.

Just kidding, of course. Though he may save your life here.

[Dr_Nimm]

I make a mad dash to CM and deliver my touch injection;heal!

Lmao @ Morgan Freeman

Resurgent transformation will kick in when I'm reduced to 25% hp or less http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/r/resurgent-transformation

[DM7581]

I make a mad dash to CM and deliver my touch injection;heal!

Lmao @ Morgan Freeman

Yeah, that was good. Bonus XP for him too on that.

New resolution:

Dr. Nimm provokes an attack of opportunity with his mad dash. As he breaks away, the worm rears up and snaps at his leg, grazing him. He gets nipped at pretty good for a total of 69 damage.

I will say that Christopher takes the original hit, but roll randomly for the victim of the critical... Sorry, Christopher again. Still hurt, but not as bad. We go back on to the now conscious Christopher and then Dr. Nimm, also flanked on both sides along with Xavier. No one is stunned.

Correct me if I am wrong, but Divine Retaliation lasts only the one round, right?

Initiative, HP/SP:

Frost Worms (18)
Xavier (13): HP(245/310); SP (432/449)
Christopher (11): HP (27/232); SP (369/432)
Dr. Nimm (9): HP (84/153; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)

[Christ. Michael]

That's right. Just one round

[Xavier Alexis]

"Christopher! Nimm! Come to me and I will teleport us far above these creatures. This way, we can get the drop on them."

Once everyone is together, I cast Greater Teleport and transport us directly above the worms.

To be exact regarding our location, let us say that it would require 3 rounds of free falling to be back on the ground.

If anyone needs help flying, I can cast a Quickened Fly spell on him.

That being said, I cast a Quickened Fly spell on myself.

Greater Teleport costs 13 SP and my Quickened Fly spell costs 13 SP.

"Now, my friends, heal up and let us decide the fate of these beasts."

[Dr_Nimm]

Oh ****...he cray cray. "Hang on Rupert! Xavier... Are you insane?!?! Don't answer that. "

"Xavier, cast fly on me. I will fortify us against the worms attacks. "

Dm; in the three rounds I use
1. communal stoneskin,
2.communal resist energy (cold ) on everyone except myself. Cold resist 30 even to Rupert.
3.And targeted bomb admixture.

Imagine if they hit us with a stun up here and we just fall straight down..

[DM7581]

"Christopher! Nimm! Come to me and I will teleport us far above these creatures. This way, we can get the drop on them."

Once everyone is together, I cast Greater Teleport and transport us directly above the worms.

To be exact regarding our location, let us say that it would require 3 rounds of free falling to be back on the ground.

If anyone needs help flying, I can cast a Quickened Fly spell on him.

That being said, I cast a Quickened Fly spell on myself.

Greater Teleport costs 13 SP and my Quickened Fly spell costs 13 SP.

"Now, my friends, heal up and let us decide the fate of these beasts."

Hold up. You were stunned a second ago. You can take an immediate action if you wish, but that's it. Otherwise it is Christopher's turn.

[Xavier Alexis]

Hold up. You were stunned a second ago. You can take an immediate action if you wish, but that's it. Otherwise it is Christopher's turn.

5 posts ago I read no one is stunned.

However, if my actions are limited, then:

First, I cast a Quickened Fly spell.

Then, I cast Celerity.

Last, I teleport us as planned.

[DM7581]

5 posts ago I read no one is stunned.

However, if my actions are limited, then:

First, I cast a Quickened Fly spell.

Then, I cast Celerity.

Last, I teleport us as planned.

No one is stunned now, yes, but that was after your turn. You can use Celerity as an immediate action first if you want. Also keep the dialogue minimal to reflect the limited time this all happens.

[Xavier Alexis]

Then, I cast Celerity, Greater Teleport so it will take us 4 rounds to hit the ground and begin my free fall.

That will only cost me 20 SPs total.

[Dr_Nimm]

If we have four rounds I then take amplify elixir first then the elixirs I have mentioned, in this order:

Amplify
targeted bomb Admixture
communal resist cold
communal stoneskin (or fly if Xavier is unable to cast)

This is CM's turn;

"Assuming we have four rounds (right?), and assuming I am not stunned, I am going to control (or not) my descent on par with Xavier and Nimm's. If we're free falling, how many rounds, if any, does it take to take control of my fall speed? Might change my action sequence depending on the answer
*1: Heal myself (CL 14 + 1 Domain) for max 150 hp
*2: Cast Fire Seeds at max CL (15) to make 2 x 10d6 Acorn Grenades.
*3: Rinse and repeat
*4: Control my descent and, as a free action, drop 2 grenades over the frost worms' heads. Knowledge (insert here[base int 6+ 10]) for wind direction to make an accurate drop.

*Actions subject to change depending on DM answer"

[DM7581]

If we have four rounds I then take amplify elixir first then the elixirs I have mentioned, in this order:

Amplify
targeted bomb Admixture
communal resist cold
communal stoneskin (or fly if Xavier is unable to cast)

This is CM's turn;

"Assuming we have four rounds (right?), and assuming I am not stunned, I am going to control (or not) my descent on par with Xavier and Nimm's. If we're free falling, how many rounds, if any, does it take to take control of my fall speed? Might change my action sequence depending on the answer
*1: Heal myself (CL 14 + 1 Domain) for max 150 hp
*2: Cast Fire Seeds at max CL (15) to make 2 x 10d6 Acorn Grenades.
*3: Rinse and repeat
*4: Control my descent and, as a free action, drop 2 grenades over the frost worms' heads. Knowledge (insert here[base int 6+ 10]) for wind direction to make an accurate drop.

*Actions subject to change depending on DM answer"

You all teleport a few thousand feet into the air, giving ample time to free fall for nearly 30 seconds. You assume you are directly above the worms at this height, but are unable to see them due to the cloud cover.

You all begin your descent, buffing up each round, and finally flying/hovering in order to slow your descent. Xavier is stunned for the first round but is able to gather himself with enough time to cast a Fly spell (how many more SP?). As you approach the ground level, you can see where the worms were, as they leave behind quite a path in their borrows, but they are not at surface. They have either fled or are in hiding.

I will say that you all remain a good 50 feet above ground, and wait another round. So now we have the following effects up:

-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 150 minutes or until used)
-Amplify Elixir (lasts 23 rounds)
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (23 rounds)
-Communal Resist Cold (230 minutes)
-Communal Stoneskin (230 minutes or until discharged)

HP/SP:

Xavier (13): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (11): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)
Dr. Nimm (9): HP (84/153; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)

In game purposes, the combat sequence ends. What do you all do?

[Dr_Nimm]

If we fly away now, they can simply stalk us and ambush us again. Let's hover in a tactical area nearby and bait them: The worms sense vibrations in the ground. We can place the SCAT (Simluated Canine Alert Toy) on the ground, and I'll activate its patrol command (it patrols in a circular pattern of adjustable radius).

Its movements may attract the worms, and SCAT can also warn us if it senses danger within 100 feet by barking loudly and causing a commotion that the worms will find irresistible (hopefully). SCAT's made of adamantium, and quite sturdy, if the worms damage it, I can always Try and repair it later.

Meanwhile, we can hover off the ground nearby, and catch them by surprise.

Also, since we have some extra time, I take one of two cure critical and both cure light elixirs that I prepared,

Cure critical (with amplify)= 45 hp
2 cure lights= 32 hp (total w both)

[Christ. Michael]

If we fly away now, they can simply stalk us and ambush us again. Let's hover in a tactical area nearby and bait them. They sense vibrations in the ground. We can place the SCAT (Simluated Canine Alert Toy). It's movements may attract them, and if it senses danger within 100feet, it will alert us by barking loudly. She's made of adamantium, and quite sturdy, but if they damage it, I can always Try and repair it later.

Meanwhile, we can hover off the ground nearby, and catch them by surprise.

I second it.

[DM7581]

Dr. Nimm hovers ever so lowly to release the mechanical SCAT and then ascends to a safe distance.

He barks here and there, almost intuitively, and prances around, even lifting his leg to simulate the behaviors of a real dog. Both Xavier and Christopher look at Dr. Nimm with puzzled faces, thinking both why and how anyone would create a creature so lifelike. Dr. Nimm shrugs his shoulders as if it were nothing-- genius in their minds, a boring afternoon to him.

A few minutes go by (watch your spell durations), but SCAT fails to properly bait the frost worms. Either he is too small a morsel to engage with or they have simply moved on.

Speaking of moving on, it seems like the dragons' lairs, as the seem to be, are within visual view. There seems to be no activity on the outside... But then again...

Perception checks please.

[Dr_Nimm]

What!?!? (Eye starts to twitch)

Nonononono..... (Starts mumbling and With shaky hands takes Caustic Blood, Fire shield, Greater False life +27 hp, Walk through space)

"We... Will GET these Damn WORMS. Here, hold Rupert." (Passes Rupert to CM)

(starts rolling and stomping on the ground) "ohhh..help...I'm hurt. Oooooooohhhh" (flops around on the ground)

With my ear and body on the the ground I'm actually listening and trying to feel for the return of the worms. Just when I sense them right under me, if they come , I'll teleport 30ft away and unleash the pain! If they bite me, they can take up to 25 d6 dmg +15

Perception 41 (for the worms, I'm not paying attention to the dragons as my Gnomish ocd has kicked in).

[Xavier Alexis]

"Dr. Nimm, I am afraid we have bigger worms to fry. Wyrms, that is!"

My Perception roll is 7+28 for a total of 35.

[DM7581]

A moment passes. A few actually. Dr. Nimm seems intent on destroying the frost worms while Christopher and Xavier seem content enough to leave them alone. As Dr. Nimm obsesses, ears to the ground...

Xavier:

A shadow passes overhead. You look up, squinting into the sun. Then another shadow. Then another. You are not sure if you've spotted them first or them you, but you spot 5 large white dragons pass overhead, circling around you, poised to strike. They are about 100 feet above ground. I take it that you are still 50 feet aloft as well. Dr. Nimm is too caught up to notice their approach.

Dr. Nimm:

Almost simultaneously, you do hear the slight rumbling of the earth beneath you. Undoubtedly the worms have returned to reclaim their meal. You jump to your feet (joyously?) and prepare for them to engage. You said you would teleport 30 feet away, but it takes a move action, so you can do it on your turn.

Let me get another initiative roll please. You asked for it.

--

Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 144 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Amplify Elixir (0/23 rounds remaining) EXPIRED
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (0/23 rounds remaining) EXPIRED
-Caustic Blood (9/23 rounds remaining)
-Fire Shield (10/23 rounds remaining)
-Greater False Life (23 hours remaining, or until discharged)
-Walk Through Space (12/23 rounds remaining)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (224 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (224 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

HP/SP:

Xavier (13): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (11): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)
Dr. Nimm (9): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)

--

Remember, moving forward, I have adopted modified 5e healing rules. Out of combat you can expend HDs, up to your total, in order to heal yourself each day. That is, if you have 20 HD with an 18 Con (+4), and you are down to half HP, you can expend say 10 HD (at +4 per die) to heal yourself. This can be done as many times as you have HD remaining, so long as you have time to do it outside of combat. This puts less of a strain on the party buffers and allows for a bit more independence so that no one gets "stuck" in the healer role.

Example: Dr. Nimm is down to 1/153 HP and has all of his HD. He can expend all of them outside of combat at 23d6+69 to get himself back on his feet. He rolls 80 and adds his 69 Con modifier, healing a whopping 149. This nearly brings him back to full HP (150/153) and now he is ready to blow sh*t up once again.

Questions?

[Dr_Nimm]

Whoa.. Hold up. Nimm crazy but he ain't stupid. I made a 41(!) Perception roll, I think that buys me at least an action to prepare when I hear them coming. Sound travels farther in the ground anyway.

Even if I didn't hear them right before an anitiative roll In not going to sit there and let my two best elixirs just lapse.

Can I refresh one or both of the expired ones? I have both prepared

[DM7581]

Whoa.. Hold up. Nimm crazy but he ain't stupid. I made a 41(!) Perception roll, I think that buys me at least an action to prepare when I hear them coming. Sound travels farther in the ground anyway.

Even if I didn't hear them right before an anitiative roll In not going to sit there and let my two best elixirs just lapse.

Can I refresh one or both of the expired ones? I have both prepared

You can have both put back on. Okay, given the high perception roll, you and you alone can have the surprise round. This is a standard action only, but the worms are still beneath the surface, so you cannot strike at them. Then we will follow initiative order.

Go.

--

Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 144 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Amplify Elixir (7/23 rounds remaining)
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (8/23 rounds remaining)
-Caustic Blood (9/23 rounds remaining)
-Fire Shield (10/23 rounds remaining)
-Greater False Life (23 hours remaining, or until discharged)
-Walk Through Space (12/23 rounds remaining)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (224 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (224 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

HP/SP:

Xavier (13): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (11): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)
Dr. Nimm (9): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)

[Xavier Alexis]

A moment passes. A few actually. Dr. Nimm seems intent on destroying the frost worms while Christopher and Xavier seem content enough to leave them alone. As Dr. Nimm obsesses, ears to the ground...

Xavier:

A shadow passes overhead. You look up, squinting into the sun. Then another shadow. Then another. You are not sure if you've spotted them first or them you, but you spot 5 large white dragons pass overhead, circling around you, poised to strike. They are about 100 feet above ground. I take it that you are still 50 feet aloft as well. Dr. Nimm is too caught up to notice their approach.

Dr. Nimm:

Almost simultaneously, you do hear the slight rumbling of the earth beneath you. Undoubtedly the worms have returned to reclaim their meal. You jump to your feet (joyously?) and prepare for them to engage. You said you would teleport 30 feet away, but it takes a move action, so you can do it on your turn.

Let me get another initiative roll please. You asked for it.

--

Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 144 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Amplify Elixir (0/23 rounds remaining) EXPIRED
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (0/23 rounds remaining) EXPIRED
-Caustic Blood (9/23 rounds remaining)
-Fire Shield (10/23 rounds remaining)
-Greater False Life (23 hours remaining, or until discharged)
-Walk Through Space (12/23 rounds remaining)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (224 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (224 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

HP/SP:

Xavier (13): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (11): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)
Dr. Nimm (9): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)

--

Remember, moving forward, I have adopted modified 5e healing rules. Out of combat you can expend HDs, up to your total, in order to heal yourself each day. That is, if you have 20 HD with an 18 Con (+4), and you are down to half HP, you can expend say 10 HD (at +4 per die) to heal yourself. This can be done as many times as you have HD remaining, so long as you have time to do it outside of combat. This puts less of a strain on the party buffers and allows for a bit more independence so that no one gets "stuck" in the healer role.

Example: Dr. Nimm is down to 1/153 HP and has all of his HD. He can expend all of them outside of combat at 23d6+69 to get himself back on his feet. He rolls 80 and adds his 69 Con modifier, healing a whopping 149. This nearly brings him back to full HP (150/153) and now he is ready to blow sh*t up once again.

Questions?

Remaining as silent as I possibly can, I gesture towards both Dr. Nimm and Christopher Michael indicating that I would like to fly away from the dragons and towards Dr. Nimm.

Tell me when we are far enough that I believe I can speak to my companions without alerting the dragons to our presence.

[DM7581]

Remaining as silent as I possibly can, I gesture towards both Dr. Nimm and Christopher Michael indicating that I would like to fly away from the dragons and towards Dr. Nimm.

Tell me when we are far enough that I believe I can speak to my companions without alerting the dragons to our presence.

You are well aware of a dragon's heightened senses. They undoubtedly saw you. You are not even that far away from them either...

[Xavier Alexis]

You are well aware of a dragon's heightened senses. They undoubtedly saw you. You are not even that far away from them either...

"Sh*t and fried eggs!"

[Dr_Nimm]

"Sh*t and fried eggs!"

Lol.

"What do you want Xavier? Can't you see I'm hunting worms?! Forget those dragons... We can deal with them later. For now...wooooorrrrrms (creepy ear to ear grin).

By the way... which one of you has Rupert? I asked you to hold onto him."

Dm thanks for generosity. For my standard action I ready 5 bombs to toss on the face of the first dumbass worm to show his face. Do worms have faces? Hmmm... (Nimm becomes lost in thought).

[Xavier Alexis]

Lol.

"What do you want Xavier? Can't you see I'm hunting worms?! Forget those dragons... We can deal with them later. For now...wooooorrrrrms (creepy ear to ear grin).

By the way... which one of you has Rupert? I asked you to hold onto him."

Dm thanks for generosity. For my standard action I ready 5 bombs to toss on the face of the first dumbass worm to show his face. Do worms have faces? Hmmm... (Nimm becomes lost in thought).

"No, I am afraid I do not have Rupert nor do I know where he may have wandered."

"Come Christopher, perhaps we can actually take advantage of Dr. Nimm's insanity. Either way, we stand a better chance against what we face here if we are near one another."

I begin heading towards Dr. Nimm while looking to see whether any dragons seem to be following Christopher and I.

[Dr_Nimm]

"No, I am afraid I do not have Rupert nor do I know where he may have wandered."

"Come Christopher, perhaps we can actually take advantage of Dr. Nimm's insanity. Either way, we stand a better chance against what we face here if we are near one another."

I begin heading towards Dr. Nimm while looking to see whether any dragons seem to be following Christopher and I.

"Silence! I think I hear the worms. Yes! They are about to surface!" (Begins to quickly mix chemical bombs) "Nevermind the fool dragons...find Rupert!"

[DM7581]

I will need an initiative roll...

[Christ. Michael]

Initiative Roll: 1 + 5

[Dr_Nimm]

14..........

[DM7581]

Initiative Roll: 1 + 5

A 1 it is (sorry, doctor, too slow on the draw there). Here we go:

Dragons:

Swooping down and blasting with breath weapons, 2 dragons close on Dr. Nimm (unbeknownst to his cold immunity) while the other 3 engage in what seems like an aerial dog fight, surrounding both Xavier and Christopher.

Results: Everyone makes their saves, minimizing the damage taken (down to 0 after saves and cold resistance). Dr. Nimm is immune, further agitating the dragons. One hisses in draconic:

These are no mere mortals, what yourself!

Dr.Nimm (readied against the frost worms), you go!

Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 144 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Amplify Elixir (7/23 rounds remaining)
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (8/23 rounds remaining)
-Caustic Blood (9/23 rounds remaining)
-Fire Shield (10/23 rounds remaining)
-Greater False Life (23 hours remaining, or until discharged)
-Walk Through Space (12/23 rounds remaining)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (224 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (224 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worms (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

[Christ. Michael]

How close are these dragons that are circling Xavier and me?

[DM7581]

How close are these dragons that are circling Xavier and me?

Just around 10 feet, all around. This puts them in melee range with their bite attacks (but not their claws or tails).

[Christ. Michael]

Just around 10 feet, all around. This puts them in melee range with their bite attacks (but not their claws or tails).

And are they evenly spaced around us? What's the furthest one dragon is from another?

[DM7581]

And are they evenly spaced around us? What's the furthest one dragon is from another?

I feel like your baiting me, but yes. Pretty evenly spaced, where they are flanking you. Kind of like a triangle all around the 2 of you.

------DD-------
------DD-------
----------------
-----X---C-----
----------------
DD----------DD
DD----------DD

This is all 3-dimensional, though, but let's assume you are all on the same plane, height-wise (about 50 feet up), meaning the dragons descended slightly and are now hovering. I drew a battle map for my records on the grid. They are all within 20-30 feet of one another. There is a 5-foot space in-between each of you and the closest dragons, with each of you being flanked by 2 (the top and then the one on the left for Xavier and the one on the right for Christopher).

Fine... here is the battle map. I saved the bottom space for Dr. Nimm.

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab339/rms7581/battlegridww_zpsdc28ae54.jpg (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/rms7581/media/battlegridww_zpsdc28ae54.jpg.html)

[Dr_Nimm]

You never said the frost worms actually emerged but you seem to be implying that they did.

Attack roll/dmg (totals)
21/72
22/80
1
21/73
20/82

[Christ. Michael]

I feel like your baiting me, but yes.

What has the world come to when a DM can't trust his players to not set him up?

"Xavier, I can encircle us in a cage of blades so that they can only come upon us from a single direction, above or below."

[DM7581]

You never said the frost worms actually emerged but you seem to be implying that they did.

Attack roll/dmg (totals)
21/72
22/80
1
21/73
20/82

Exactly right. You go just as they emerge, so technically, using D&D logic, they haven't emerged (you interrupt their action), but the way the rules never make sense, you get to act just as they do. Now, you do not get a full round action on a ready, but rather a standard (this would be a single attack, but I will throw in the 2nd attack as if using TWF).

I rule that the ground erupts and you get your 2 attacks. Perfectly short of the 1 you rolled, so no embarrassing outcome for you. Both attacks hit, and deciding randomly, you strike at the weaker of the 2 worms (you couldn't take your pick in the heat of the moment, but it was a 50/50 shot anyway). The bombs sail over and erupt in fantastic fashion as the worm squirms and jerks in the flames, finally collapsing lifelessly.

The dragons are next to "react," caught quite off guard by the frost worm that just closed upon them. Take note that while the dragons are big (large in size terms), the worm is enormous (gargantuan), easily dwarfing the 2 dragons.

The frost worm is next and strikes out at one of the dragons, seeing Nimm as less than an adequate snack now that company has arrived. It bites down on the dragon, nearly tearing off the wing (79 damage). Dr. Nimm has now become an afterthought.

This brings us to Xavier.

Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 144 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Amplify Elixir (6/23 rounds remaining)
-Targeted Bomb Admixture (7/23 rounds remaining)
-Caustic Blood (8/23 rounds remaining)
-Fire Shield (9/23 rounds remaining)
-Greater False Life (23 hours remaining, or until discharged)
-Walk Through Space (11/23 rounds remaining)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (224 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (224 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20): 3 flying (Xavier/Christopher), 2 grounded (Nimm)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worms (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (412/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

[Dr_Nimm]

Dr Nimm shouts and does a victory dance, then suddenly notices the other worm ignoring him.

"I am no one's afterthought! You will pay for your insolence, fools! All of you!"

[Xavier Alexis]

What has the world come to when a DM can't trust his players to not set him up?

"Xavier, I can encircle us in a cage of blades so that they can only come upon us from a single direction, above or below."

"That is a sound plan Christopher. Whichever way you prefer it is fine with me."

I spend 17 SPs to cast a Maximized Scorching Ray on the nearest Dragon. My ranged touch attacks are 9+19=28, 11+19=30 and 16+19=35.

Each scorching ray inflicts 24 damage.

[DM7581]

Xavier's spell blasts the hovering dragon. It screeches and wails in pain, but is still up and flying, snarling at him in anger. You're gonna have to hit harder than that to finish these guys off. This takes us to Christopher.

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20): 3 flying (Xavier/Christopher), 2 grounded (Nimm)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worm: (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (395/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

[Xavier Alexis]

Xavier's spell blasts the hovering dragon. It screeches and wails in pain, but is still up and flying, snarling at him in anger. You're gonna have to hit harder than that to finish these guys off. This takes us to Christopher.

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20): 3 flying (Xavier/Christopher), 2 grounded (Nimm)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worm: (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (395/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)


Xavier was merely testing the creature's defenses. Now, Xavier shall unleash Hell!

I spend a total of 57 SP to cast 3 Quickened Scorching Ray spells on the same Dragon.

My ranged touch attacks/damage rolls:
10+19=29 inflicting 19 damage.
12+19=31 inflicting 14 damage.
16+19=35 inflicting 13 damage.
18+19=37 inflicting 16 damage.
19+19=38 inflicting 19 damage.

20+19=39(critical threat) inflicting 16 damage. I rolled a 10 to confirm which will result in 32 damage if successful.

2+19=21 inflicting 15 damage.
4+19=23 inflicting 12 damage.
7+19=26 inflicting 18 damage.

"My name is Xavier Alexis and you fools stand no chance against my friends and I! Surrender, vow to serve us and you may yet live!"

[DM7581]

Xavier was merely testing the creature's defenses. Now, Xavier shall unleash Hell!

I spend a total of 57 SP to cast 3 Quickened Scorching Ray spells on the same Dragon.

My ranged touch attacks/damage rolls:
10+19=29 inflicting 19 damage.
12+19=31 inflicting 14 damage.
16+19=35 inflicting 13 damage.
18+19=37 inflicting 16 damage.
19+19=38 inflicting 19 damage.

20+19=39(critical threat) inflicting 16 damage. I rolled a 10 to confirm which will result in 32 damage if successful.

2+19=21 inflicting 15 damage.
4+19=23 inflicting 12 damage.
7+19=26 inflicting 18 damage.

"My name is Xavier Alexis and you fools stand no chance against my friends and I! Surrender, vow to serve us and you may yet live!"

It only takes 1 casting to finish off the weakened dragon. It falls from the sky, crashing loudly nearby the other 2 below, now looking overwhelmed by not only the falling body, but also the massive frost worm threatening them.

With this new information, how do you wish to proceed? Fire upon one or both of the other 2 airborne dragons? Continue with your speech? Call it.

[Xavier Alexis]

It only takes 1 casting to finish off the weakened dragon. It falls from the sky, crashing loudly nearby the other 2 below, now looking overwhelmed by not only the falling body, but also the massive frost worm threatening them.

With this new information, how do you wish to proceed? Fire upon one or both of the other 2 airborne dragons? Continue with your speech? Call it.

I will conserve my magic if that option is available and give the other dragons a chance to consider my terms for surrender.

[DM7581]

Sure thing. I will adjust the SP totals. The dragons look at one another, taken back and a bit overwhelmed:

Dragon 1: Xavier Alexis?!

Dragon 2: Ah, yesss (hissing). We have been expecting you!

It's not their turn, however, so on to Christopher.

[Christ. Michael]

I'd like to throw one of my grenades towards the dragons so that it whizzes right by them, but doesn't touch them and hits the frost worm instead. Though I intend for them to get nipped by the splash damage.

Attack: 20+10
Damage: 57 (10 splash)

"Expecting him? What do you mean, dragon? Speak or the next one lands squarely on one of your heads!"

Pulls out next grenade and starts tossing it up and down lightly like I'm lining up my next shot

[DM7581]

I'd like to throw one of my grenades towards the dragons so that it whizzes right by them, but doesn't touch them and hits the frost worm instead. Though I intend for them to get nipped by the splash damage.

Attack: 20+10
Damage: 57 (10 splash)

"Expecting him? What do you mean, dragon? Speak or the next one lands squarely on one of your heads!"

Pulls out next grenade and starts tossing it up and down lightly like I'm lining up my next shot

You do get 3 attacks. Only throwing 1 grenade? You do have 4 total, right?

[Dr_Nimm]

To dragons: "Youre no match for either Sir Michael or Xavier by themselves, let alone together. I suggest you do as Xavier says, although I fail to see how you could be useful to us, except perhaps as leather!"

[Christ. Michael]

I've got 3 more, yes.

I'll throw one more. To show them we mean business.
Atk: Nat 20 + 15
Confirm: 11+ 15
Damage: 62 (20d6) + 20 splash (if crit affects splash)

[DM7581]

The dragon, hit by the fiery burst, though fearful, do little to give up any information... just yet.

Hurt Dragon: AH!!! (screeching in pain over the fire damage) Okay, okay! I'll speak, just save us!

Other Grounded Dragon: Fool! No! You were always a sniveling worm!

The grenade hits on target, scaring the dragons at the very least and severely damaging the frost worm. Do you want to proceed with the second attack? The dragon does look weakened...

Now, splash damage doesn't apply to critical hits (if this applies... you can always peg the other dragon with the splash damage instead...), but you do get the one dragon with the splash damage.

[DM7581]

The dragons hold their actions and withdraw from the frost worm (looking to the party to defeat the creature. The flying dragons continue to hover at a safe distance while the remaining 2 pull away and take flight, joining them. They are expecting your help with the frost worm and have at least held up their end of the bargain...

Dr. Nimm?

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20): 4 flying (Xavier/Christopher)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worm (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (376/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

[Dr_Nimm]

The dragons hold their actions and withdraw from the frost worm (looking to the party to defeat the creature. The flying dragons continue to hover at a safe distance while the remaining 2 pull away and take flight, joining them. They are expecting your help with the frost worm and have at least held up their end of the bargain...

Dr. Nimm?

Initiative, HP/SP:

Dragons (20): 4 flying (Xavier/Christopher)
Dr. Nimm (12): HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Frost Worm (12)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (376/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

The Dr. Looks up at the incompetent dragons; "Pff. Morons." Then back at the worm, cheerfully calculating vectors, trajectories and velocities while flinging his bombs at it (simultaneously calculating several other insignificant figures).

Total hit/dmg (cog+target bomb admixture)
29/91
31/77
11/76
29/75
31/81

If I drop the worm I stop throwing, but hold my remaining bombs aiming menacingly (as menacing as an old gnome can look) at the dragons.

The number of particles of snowflakes under his right shoe, the number of feathers in Christopher Michael's wings, the type of rock the worm digs through based on abrasion patterns in its skin, the diameter of the eye of that squirrel over there, while trying to figure out something he had read in the Tome of the Keeper.

[DM7581]

The Dr. Looks up at the incompetent dragons; "Pff. Morons." Then back at the worm, cheerfully calculating vectors, trajectories and velocities while flinging his bombs at it (simultaneously calculating several other insignificant figures).

Total hit/dmg (cog+target bomb admixture)
29/91
31/77
11/76
29/75
31/81

If I drop the worm I stop throwing, but hold my remaining bombs aiming menacingly (as menacing as an old gnome can look) at the dragons.

The number of particles of snowflakes under his right shoe, the number of feathers in Christopher Michael's wings, the type of rock the worm digs through based on abrasion patterns in its skin, the diameter of the eye of that squirrel over there, while trying to figure out something he had read in the Tome of the Keeper.

Very good, but the absent minded doctor forgot that he is right in the face (reach in game terms) and the frost worm gets a free whack at him for flinging into melee.

The worm snaps at Nimm, powerfully, for a modest 74 (net 64) damage.

Nimm flings the remaining bombs in desperation. During this time he finds himself slightly distracted and tries to recalculate the number of feathers on Christopher's left wing based on the beats per minute, wind resistance, total weight carried (a trivial task in and of itself to calculate), and other variables. Although he can simply multiply by 2 for a healthy estimate for total feathers, he then undertakes the same task to get a more precise read for the right. He calculates a total of 237 on the left but only 235 on the right (of varying sizes, including an equal distribution of small, medium, large, and massive feathers). "No wonder the flying angle has been off" he thinks to himself. "Perhaps an augmentation is in order to rectify the situation!" Nimm's mind fades back to reality. Luckily, the bombs finish off the creature before it can do any more harm, Nimm finding himself dodging to the side to avoid the enormous body as it crashes down onto the snow.

The dragons have yielded, if reluctantly, and land in suspicion awaiting any attempt at a dialogue.

--

Dr. Nimm: HP (116/153; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen)
Xavier (8): HP(245/310); SP (376/449)
Christopher (6): HP (177/232); SP (325/432)

[Dr_Nimm]

I sort of ask/tell the whites that I'm going to draw blood samples. I just walk over and do it. I do this right away while my elixirs are still active.

"You won't feel a thing"

I also sort of ask but not really that I'm going to take one of their scales. Out of that scale I finely carve two feather replicas and install them into Christopher's right wing next rest. If Nimm is unable to do this, he will suffer penalties due to his OCD nature. All he will think about is ttheuneven number of feathers.

Since I'm sick of fighting incompetent white dragons, I want to engineer some kind of weapon, poison, or disease specifically for them.

[DM7581]

I sort of ask/tell the whites that I'm going to draw blood samples. I just walk over and do it. I do this right away while my elixirs are still active.

"You won't feel a thing"

I also sort of ask but not really that I'm going to take one of their scales. Out of that scale I finely carve two feather replicas and install them into Christopher's right wing next rest. If Nimm is unable to do this, he will suffer penalties due to his OCD nature. All he will think about is ttheuneven number of feathers.

Since I'm sick of fighting incompetent white dragons, I want to engineer some kind of weapon, poison, or disease specifically for them.



Sweet. You can totally make an anti-dragon serum. Do you want this to be a repellant, something that does damage? Using white dragon blood, I will offer the following bonuses for any reasonable number of effects (stun, paralysis, ability damage, etc.):
+2 vs. any dragon-type creature
+4 vs. any white dragon

Now the initial save DC to resist will depend on the blood of the dragon sampled, so it may be a bit weak with some of these "lesser" types. As your mind goes crazy with the possibilities, the idea of experimenting on great wyrm blood starts to get you a bit excited... speaking of which...

Nevertheless, resistant at first, but seeing how you made short work of the massive frost worm, the dragons do allow a sample of blood be taken. They seem ready to take their leave:

Well, then... so the creatures are dead (looking at the collapsed frost worms), though our brother is slain! What is it that you want?!

They wish to know who is expecting them, yessss (hissing)....

Oh yes. Well, we are not as simple minded as you may think. Our great leader has foreseen your arrival and...

Yes, he is very eager to meet you. The mighty Chromaticus himself has spoken to him. He is well aware of your intentions, especially regarding... Tiamat (he spits)

If you seek our help. HA! That is out of the question. You are on your own. We will not betray the true chromatic king, Chromaticus Rex!

They all seem quite fanatical about this relatively new dragon quasi-deity. If anyone wishes to jump in, please feel free.

[Dr_Nimm]

Chromaticus Rex! Well you don't say... It sounds very formidable. (Shuffles away murmuring about serums...)

[Christ. Michael]

"Chromaticus Rex? What manner of a dragon is it? Is it a cruel master, one not likely to lift those loyal to him up to their feet?"

I'll approach one of the most injured looking dragons and cast an empowered and maximized cure critical wounds 4d8 (32) + 2d8 (7) + 1 Domain + 8 CL = 48 hp

"We are fierce against those who work against us, but kind to those who demonstrate loyalty and bravery. We do not lift hand or claw against those who fight alongside us. We provide the wind beneath each other's wings to lift each other up, but none stand higher than others. What do you say, my friend? Join us."

Diplomacy 33+4

[Dr_Nimm]

"Chromaticus Rex? What manner of a dragon is it? Is it a cruel master, one not likely to lift those loyal to him up to their feet?"

I'll approach one of the most injured looking dragons and cast an empowered and maximized cure critical wounds 4d8 (32) + 2d8 (7) + 1 Domain + 8 CL = 48 hp

"We are fierce against those who work against us, but kind to those who demonstrate loyalty and bravery. We do not lift hand or claw against those who fight alongside us. We provide the wind beneath each other's wings to lift each other up, but none stand higher than others. What do you say, my friend? Join us."

Diplomacy 33+4

Dr Nimm, exhaling pipe smoke looks at CM with mild surprise and thinks "Huh....I never would have suspected that he had such oratorical ability."

[DM7581]

Dr Nimm, exhaling pipe smoke looks at CM with mild surprise and thinks "Huh....I never would have suspected that he had such oratorical ability."

The 20-something charisma does that to people.

The dragons look at one another, and then the party, all the time very suspicious.

Kind words, but you have already slain one of our brothers!

Yesss! How can we trust that you will not do the same to us?

And what would you have with us? Join you? HA! That would end only in our deaths.

Chromaticus is to overtake the fallen Tia-- (interrupted)

Chromaticus is none of your concern, human. Just know that he holds more power on this realm than you can fathom!

[Xavier Alexis]

"Hear me, dragons! We have faced many would-be gods. Yet, after testing their claims of immortality, we are still here!"

"Join us and watch it be done again. If you agree, I will even restore your fallen comrade. What say you?"

My Diplomacy check is 53.

If the dragons agree to join us, I cast Limited Wish to replicate the Raise Dead spell on the fallen dragon unless Christopher Michael or Dr. Nimm have a better spell or elixir.

[DM7581]

"Hear me, dragons! We have faced many would-be gods. Yet, after testing their claims of immortality, we are still here!"

"Join us and watch it be done again. If you agree, I will even restore your fallen comrade. What say you?"

My Diplomacy check is 53.

If the dragons agree to join us, I cast Limited Wish to replicate the Raise Dead spell on the fallen dragon unless Christopher Michael or Dr. Nimm have a better spell or elixir.

Although Christopher's words seemed more heartfelt, Xavier's presence and poise in conversing with the dragons seems much better received.

They eye one another and nod, almost in unison.

Raise our brother, yesss?

Yesss! We will join you then. Let us see if the mighty Xavier is as powerful as the stories claim him to be.

Xavier continues on and chants a few words as the once lifeless body begins to move again.

(groaning) Brothers..?!

Do not be alarmed. All is well. Xavier has shown us his power and has brought you back with us. We are to join him!

The weakened dragon staggers up, shakes off the daze and then looks to the group, still a bit confused.

Indeed... Join Xavier? Very well then. What are we to do next?

[Dr_Nimm]

"Hear me, dragons! We have faced many would-be gods. Yet, after testing their claims of immortality, we are still here!"

"Join us and watch it be done again. If you agree, I will even restore your fallen comrade. What say you?"

My Diplomacy check is 53.

If the dragons agree to join us, I cast Limited Wish to replicate the Raise Dead spell on the fallen dragon unless Christopher Michael or Dr. Nimm have a better spell or elixir.

"Umm, unfortunately, I cannot raise the dead."

(Thinks to himself "hah. I'm not wasting my Elixir of Life on these glorified lizards."

[Dr_Nimm]

Although Christopher's words seemed more heartfelt, Xavier's presence and poise in conversing with the dragons seems much better received.

They eye one another and nod, almost in unison.

Raise our brother, yesss?

Yesss! We will join you then. Let us see if the mighty Xavier is as powerful as the stories claim him to be.

Xavier continues on and chants a few words as the once lifeless body begins to move again.

(groaning) Brothers..?!

Do not be alarmed. All is well. Xavier has shown us his power and has brought you back with us. We are to join him!

The weakened dragon staggers up, shakes off the daze and then looks to the group, still a bit confused.

Indeed... Join Xavier? Very well then. What are we to do next?


"First, go fetch my familiar, Rupert. He's run off somewhere. He vaguely resembles a fox."

Upon saying this, and watching them behave in their simple minded submissiveness, Nimm begins to feel pity for them. Poor fools, they are just frightened. They were so easily subdued, and now simper and beg; little more than dogs. Perhaps I've judged too harshly; if they weren't so ignorant, they might have made better choices in life. Then Nimm remembers Christopher Michael's words...

"We will raise you up!"

I use their blood not to make a lethal serum, rather an variation of my cognatogen tailored to them, boosting ttheir mental acuity. I take a haste elixir in order to speed the work. I then spend the rest of the time (traveling, resting, whatever, teaching them basic math, then algebra and geometry if they demonstrate increased learning. Also correcting any badly spoken words. I also lecture on history, particularly examples of heroic or honorable deeds of legendary good dragons. This is just for kicks... I don't intend to use it as a pretext to boost the other PC's mental stats.

[DM7581]

"First, go fetch my familiar, Rupert. He's run off somewhere. He vaguely resembles a fox."

Upon saying this, and watching them behave in their simple minded submissiveness, Nimm begins to feel pity for them. Poor fools, they are just frightened. They were so easily subdued, and now simper and beg; little more than dogs. Perhaps I've judged too harshly; if they weren't so ignorant, they might have made better choices in life. Then Nimm remembers Christopher Michael's words...

"We will raise you up!"

I use their blood not to make a lethal serum, rather an variation of my cognatogen tailored to them, boosting ttheir mental acuity. I take a haste elixir in order to speed the work. I then spend the rest of the time (traveling, resting, whatever, teaching them basic math, then algebra and geometry if they demonstrate increased learning. Also correcting any badly spoken words. I also lecture on history, particularly examples of heroic or honorable deeds of legendary good dragons. This is just for kicks... I don't intend to use it as a pretext to boost the other PC's mental stats.

Nice. Give me an Alchemy roll.

[Dr_Nimm]

Rolled a 10
Int+10
Alchemy +26
Alchemist class bonus +23

Total= 69 lmao

[Christ. Michael]

While Dr. Nimm tends to their worldly knowledge, I will tend to matters of the soul and spirit. The good dragon god is Bahamut, right? Knowledge Religion 29+15.

I'll tell them parables of good dragons who spent their long lives on earth helping those less fortunate, instead of blindingly and greedily seeking treasure and destruction of neighboring settlements. I trust they are familiar with the dragon that flew too close to the sun, and was brought crashing down to the ground for thinking himself greater than those above him. He was grounded for decades by Bahamut to teach it humility and to recognize the worth of the "lesser" races by livings amongst them.

I'll go on to tell them of humility and my life in service of a greater purpose, Pelor. How I fell fighting dark forces and was revived with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger form to help me fight for the Light against evil.

[Dr_Nimm]

Even though Christopher Michaels words originally inspired him, Dr Nimm can't resist the instinct for gnomish mischief. Whenever Christopher begins to speak to them of religious matters, Nimm yawns loudly and makes snoring sounds (yet he secretly listens with curiosity).

[DM7581]

Rolled a 10
Int+10
Alchemy +26
Alchemist class bonus +23

Total= 69 lmao

You forgot a few bonuses:

-Alchemy +48 (23 ranks, +3 Class, +10 Int, +2 racial, +10 Competence)

+12 was missing, so that bumps you up too. I'll even throw in the +5 from the Tome of the Keeper (it seems to have endless chapters of reference for nearly any topic-- quite mysteriously-- with blank pages for it to be filled in further).

That brings you to an "lmfao" 86 skill check.

There are no rules on this, but as ridiculous as it gets, I'll say that you come up with a composition (and notate it in your formulae book) on the said Dragnatogen. Once imbibed, the concoction will offer the following effects, applicable to white dragons only:

+6 alchemical (enhancement) bonus to Int
+3 alchemical (enhancement) bonus to Wis and Cha

Each dose requires a healthy amount of fresh white dragon blood to create. The effects last for 1 hour... but they are somewhat cumulative (lasting an additional hour more each time it is consumed). If consumed a 25th time, this will result in a permanent (inherent) +2 increase to the creatures Int and a +1 each to Wis and Cha. They must be consumed sparingly, and not overlap in order for the cumulative and permanent effects to take place. This means that it will take a few days for any permanent effects to be seen.

You have 5 doses-- one made from each dragon.

As a side bonus, you can create other versions, for other creatures using the same formula, but it may require additional time, money, and yeah... their blood. You are not sure of the long-lasting effects, any negative side effects, or any other downfalls. This will require some experimentation...

[DM7581]

While Dr. Nimm tends to their worldly knowledge, I will tend to matters of the soul and spirit. The good dragon god is Bahamut, right? Knowledge Religion 29+15.

I'll tell them parables of good dragons who spent their long lives on earth helping those less fortunate, instead of blindingly and greedily seeking treasure and destruction of neighboring settlements. I trust they are familiar with the dragon that flew too close to the sun, and was brought crashing down to the ground for thinking himself greater than those above him. He was grounded for decades by Bahamut to teach it humility and to recognize the worth of the "lesser" races by livings amongst them.

I'll go on to tell them of humility and my life in service of a greater purpose, Pelor. How I fell fighting dark forces and was revived with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger form to help me fight for the Light against evil.

The dragons whisper to one another as Christopher tells his tale, nodding almost condescendingly at the points he is making.

Xavier, who is very much familiar with dragons through first hand experience (and the Arcana skill), as well as Dr. Nimm who has studied much of their behaviors and habits much of his life, see the problem.

Dragons are inherently good or evil, lawful or chaotic, or somewhere in between. It is difficult, if not impossible, for one to change their nature. Such a feat would be rare exceptions in the realm of all dragonkind.

Now these are younger dragons. Dr. Nimm estimates them to be no more than 100 years old-- still old by the standards of others. At 100 even, their conceit and entitlement is just beginning.

Christopher seems to feel otherwise in his efforts, however noble. So I'll say you all take a short rest. Dr. Nimm makes his Dragnatogens, but what of Xavier and Christopher? Remember that the vast mountainside is visible with what looks like a number of openings easily accessible by flight. They start about 200 or so feet up and extend into the cloudy sky, where the mountain disappears into the cloudy sky.

What do you all do?

[Christ. Michael]

The dragons whisper to one another as Christopher tells his tale, nodding almost condescendingly at the points he is making.

I transform into a nun of Pelor and start slamming my mace onto the back of their claws every time they speak out of turn until they become squeaky good. I won't stop until I see light shining through their backsides.

Now that we're out of combat, I'll decide on Reach Spell (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/metamagic-feats/reach-spell-metamagic) as my next feat. Also, I'll take this moment to use our fancy new 5e HD system and recover some HP: 10d8 (48). Last I checked I was at 177, right?


There are also some spells I want to switch out, but that requires some more research.

[DM7581]

I transform into a nun of Pelor and start slamming my mace onto the back of their claws every time they speak out of turn until they become squeaky good. I won't stop until I see light shining through their backsides.

Now that we're out of combat, I'll decide on Reach Spell (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/metamagic-feats/reach-spell-metamagic) as my next feat. Also, I'll take this moment to use our fancy new 5e HD system and recover some HP: 10d8 (48). Last I checked I was at 177, right?


There are also some spells I want to switch out, but that requires some more research.

I like the Pathfinder version of Reach Spell, so use that one (there is slightly different version in the Complete Divine, but don't worry about it).

Also, when you recover HD, add in your Con modifier as well. What does this bring you up to?

Also, haven't heard from Xavier in a while... and you all never gave me your next move. The dragons are waiting around a bit impatiently.

[Dr_Nimm]

I take ten on int. I try to anticipate based on previous encounter patterns and local topography
what sort of foes or hazards we may face next. 30.

I also take alchemical allocation, drink a ether then spit it out, and re prepare the eelixirs I took

[Xavier Alexis]

"Dragons tell me, where were you heading when we crossed paths? And why were you heading there?"

"Last but not least, what are your names?"

[DM7581]

Dr.Nimm:

Aside from what you have already encountered...

frost giants
winter wolves
white dragons
remorhaz's
natural wildlife (bears, wolves, etc.)
frost worms

... there are a handful of other obstacles that may rise such as:

weather (most of you are immune to or have resistance to cold)
lack of food (without Leena, it is a minor hassle that is easily overcome by magic)
boredom?

As far as monsters go, here are a few that may roam the area:

giants (ogres, cloud giants)
silver dragons (though the last great wyrm of the area was slain as a part of the sacrifice for the Xixecal)
hags
tribal humanoids
giant eagles/rocs
cryohydras
wyverns

Ingron (the immoth), chraals, salamanders, and other extraplanar creatures (as well as the undead) are also possible encounter, but would be increasingly rare without some sort of organization or purpose to bring them together.

Xavier:

The dragons identify themselves by their common tongue names:

Lashreaver
Frostbite
Windbreaker
Bitterscar
Icetalon

They claim to have been on a leisurely flight, in search of a meal. The region had been crawling with the undead, making food a bit scarce, so once they saw you all, they saw what looked like an easy enough kill and meal. They claim to be heading back tot heir lairs, which are built within the mountainside, headed by a great, ancient wyrm white dragon. They say that he is the equal to the (now slain and disintegrated, unbeknownst to them) silver wyrm and that the 2 would combat for territory. He is said to be a staunch follower of this new quasi-deity, Chromaticus, as power is promised more so than to the followers of Tiamat and rewards have been given in bounty.

They eventually reveal the great wyrms name, but fear not to speak it in the common tongue. They look around as if being watched, in utter fear for their lives as they mutter his name under their breath: Urathearsvernaussirverthicha. This translates, roughly, to "the god above the white mountain." Clearly it seems, dragons of this age show no lack of humility.

[Christ. Michael]

"Is there an area within the mountain that we could enter without being noticed by sentries or dragons merely passing by? Perhaps a choice hiding spot from when you were wyrmlings and attempted to hide from your weyrmates. Take us there."

[Dr_Nimm]

"Ah, that is an excellent idea."

[DM7581]

Yes, there always is one, isn't there. The dragons look at what another upon hearing this plan. They all look quite suspicious, but you are not sure if it is them being deceptive, or just their way of being.

Yesss, there are many hidden entrances. The mountainside houses many separate lairs.

Aha! These worms! This will provide quite a feast. We shall take you to our quarters and then you can grace our master with this gift.

He will surely not kill you! Yess! We shall feast tonight!

Again, they do seem suspicious, but also very forthcoming, so it does throw you all off.

Nimm, give me an Arcana check, modified by Wisdom if you could.

[Eruasaidh]

Taking 10
Arcana +26
Wis mod +4 (12 +6 from cognatogen)

Total 40

[DM7581]

Taking 10
Arcana +26
Wis mod +4 (12 +6 from cognatogen)

Total 40

High enough.

Dr. Nimm, you find it peculiar that the dragons would ever feast on a fresh kill. You recall that they quite prefer allowing their meals to freeze for days before eating them.

Now if food was scarce, it is feasible, but highly unlikely given how particular dragons tend to be.

Any responses or follow-ups? The dragons are eager to return to their lairs with their prize.

[Eruasaidh]

"My good sirs, it is time for your dragnatogen. HolD still while I extract some blood... Praise Pelor." I look meaningfully at Christopher, hoping my incongruent religious invocation tips him off that something is amiss.

But instead of making more dragnatogen I make white Dragon DEATH SERUM MUAHAHAHA.

Take ten on alchemy...that's like 70, 75...

[Christ. Michael]

I look at Nimm after his truly uncharacteristic naming of Pelor. I'll use a Sense Motive to make sure I catch his meaning (33+19). I'll take a moment to share a very pointed parable with them:

"As the good doctor prepares your medicine, young dragons, let me regale you of the tale of the bad dragon, Yrgotult. I am sure you know it well. He befriended a group of travelers in between villages. These travelers were very tired after a long day of hard work at the field. They wore no armor and had no arms, save for weapons of the harvest; sickle, scythe, and machete. He lured them into his cave, offering them food and drink, and rest. When the travelers went into the cave, they noticed it was not a comfortable cave, but a dark, cold, and dreary one. They had their reservations but Yyrgotult beckoned them to come further in. The older and wisest traveler of the three heard the whispers of Pelor in his ear, warning him against the treachery of Yyrgotult, and his lack of respect for guest protections.

Just as they reached the end of the cave, Yyrgotult shrill cries echoes throughout the cave and his brothers spring forth from the shadows, attempting to overwhelm the travelers and feast upon them. Thanks to the Shining One's warnings, the travelers were not caught unaware and were able to fend off the dragon brothers with naught but their farming equipment. Once all the wyrms lay dead, the brothers fashioned dragon cloaks from their scales, and feasted upon dragon bone soup for many moons."

I will inspect the state of the two worms to see if they are dead, hardly dead, or totally dead. (Heal 33+20) I would like to know what kind of spell I would need to cast to get them moving again, whether a raise dead or just a heal.

[DM7581]

For starters, the worms are dead, dead. It would take at least a Raise Dead spell to bring each back, but the rise very weakened (HP equal to HD). As animals, I will assume they are "willing" to return that way neither spell would be wasted.

Dr. Nimm's message, despite the high roll reveals very little other than suspicion of the dragons. Christopher takes the hint anyway and tells his tale.

The dragons, bothered at first eventually listen whole-heartedly to the story. Emotions are visibly evoked as well, especially when the dragon is slain and otherwise consumed. They look at one another a second and then start gathering themselves.

We must travel by foot as the worms are far too large...

The underground entrance?

Yess, perfect. Come. We will lead you.

For God's sake, Xavier give me a post. Also, the marching order. The dragons insist at being up front, a little ahead...

[Christ. Michael]

I'll take point. Once we go into the mountain, I'll ready a divine retribution spell.

[Eruasaidh]

Did I make Dragon antigen? I'm going to kill those ungrateful bastards.

[DM7581]

Yeah, the anti-dragnotogen is complete.

The dragons insist on leading, as they need to guide you all through some treacherous paths. Further, they argue if you come upon any other whites, they would like at least to seem like they are in control in order not to stir up any suspicion.

Now if you ready any spell, you basically walk 30 feet and stop, look around suspiciously, and then rinse and repeat. Ready is a standard action that is not quite compatible with distance movement.

[Eruasaidh]

What's the method of delivery?

Can I coat it on blowgun darts?
Throw it in vials or mixed in to bombs?
Syringes via touch attack?
Coat a melee weapon with it?

First two options are my preference...but whatever you decide.

Let me know so I can prepare.

[Xavier Alexis]

Reading the posts, I did not notice anyone speaking to me.

Therefore, Xavier remains silent and merely listens to the ongoing conversations.

As far as marching order, I am indifferent.

Before we follow the dragons, however, I cast a Contigency spell so a Celerity spell is cast upon me if I am attacked while flat-footed.

[DM7581]

Dr. Nimm,

As you are crafting the cognatogen, it can be delivered in a number of ways at your discretion:

Contact

Merely touching this type of poison necessitates a saving throw. It can be actively delivered via a weapon or a touch attack. Even if a creature has sufficient damage reduction to avoid taking any damage from the attack, the poison can still affect it. A chest or other object can be smeared with contact poison as part of a trap.

Ingested

Ingested poisons are virtually impossible to utilize in a combat situation. A poisoner could administer a potion to an unconscious creature or attempt to dupe someone into drinking or eating something poisoned. Assassins and other characters tend to use ingested poisons outside of combat.

Inhaled

Inhaled poisons are usually contained in fragile vials or eggshells. They can be thrown as a ranged attack with a range increment of 10 feet. When it strikes a hard surface (or is struck hard), the container releases its poison. One dose spreads to fill the volume of a 10-foot cube. Each creature within the area must make a saving throw. (Holding one’s breath is ineffective against inhaled poisons; they affect the nasal membranes, tear ducts, and other parts of the body.)

Injury

This poison must be delivered through a wound. If a creature has sufficient damage reduction to avoid taking any damage from the attack, the poison does not affect it. Traps that cause damage from weapons, needles, and the like sometimes contain injury poisons.

--

Be careful with the application, because even though you do not risk accidentally poisoning yourself, the same isn't true of your allies.

Also, you regain all of your slots thanks to the ether (I calculated 96 SP to be recovered, calculated from the slots used), so you have all of the same prepared ones as before. Just make a note that some things are off:


This is what I have as far as extracts known/prepared:

1st (12): Anticipate Peril*, Bomber's Eye*, Comprehend Languages, Crafter's Fortune, Cure Light Wounds, Enlarge Person, Identify, Longshot*, Reduce Person, Shield*, Targeted Bomb Admixture**, Touch of the Sea (missing 1 prepared)
2nd (10): Alchemical Allocation*, Animal Aspect, Bear's Endurance*, Blur, Cat's Grace, Cure Moderate Wounds***, Ironskin*, Lesser Restoration, Resist Energy, Touch Injection (Heal)^
3rd (10): Amplify Elixir**, Battle Trance, Caustic Blood, Communal Resist Energy*, Displacement*, Fly, Haste*, Heroism*, Orchid's Drop*, Remove Disease, Tongues
4th (10): Caustic Blood*, Cure Critical Wounds*, Death Ward^, Enchantment Foil, Fire Shield*, Freedom of Movement*, Greater False Life*, Greater Invisibility, Restoration, Spell Immunity, Greater False Life*
5th (7): Communal Stoneskin*, Delayed Consumption (Death Ward)^, Dust Form*, Monstrous Physique III, Polymorph, Resurgent Transformation*, Spell Resistance* (missing 2 prepared)
6th (4): Heal***^, Transformation*, True Seeing*, Walk Through Space*

*Prepared, ^Used

Active:
-Touch Injection: Heal
-Delayed Consumption: Death Ward (immediate action)


You all walk along for about an hour and a half or so, the dragons dragging the massive frost worm bodies across the snow. A few wyverns can be seen circling along the peaks as you approach the mountainside, but due to your draconic escort, you are all basically left alone.

Off to the side, away from where you saw the cave openings in the side of the huge mountains, the dragons start leading you down a sizeable opening. They explain that giants had used this path some time ago when they would sack their lairs, but the whites in the area, under the leadership of Urathearsvernaussirverthicha have uncharacteristically, created a common space and lair and have been immune, for the most part, to the rising undead threat that had been plaguing the area.

The dragons look about suspiciously, as if not wanting themselves to be caught bringing outsiders into the lair. The become more at ease as they enter the underground passage. The passage itself is a chaotic array of twisting and spiraling tunnels. You can sense that there is a slight decent as you go deeper and deeper, and despite your cold immunities and resistances, it is noticeably colder here than its ever been-- rivaling that of the Xixecal's blizzard-like conditions.

It takes another hour or so until you are all snuck into what looks like one of the dragon's quarters. One remains with you as the other 4, continue to drag the frost worm carcasses away toward a separate area of the underground lair. Looking around, the room is sizeable, but simple, with select goods, fabrics, coin, and even a few chests, no doubt gathered or earned by the lesser dragon during its lifetime.

Look but do not touch! I know where every coin lies and exactly how much there isss!

Apparently, despite the sense of cooperation you have experienced with the whites, they are still covetous, untrusting dragons after all. Feel free to chime in with any conversation if you wish. The dragon stays with you a while, waiting the other 4 to return. It easily takes 2 dragons to drag each large corpse, which are both nearly 100 feet long. Each must weigh at least a few tons.


Active Spells:

Christopher:
-Fire Seeds (4 acorns in hand; 54 minutes remaining, or until used)

Dr. Nimm:
-Greater False Life (22.5 hours remaining, or until discharged)

All:
-Communal Resist Cold (134 minutes remaining)
-Communal Stoneskin (134 minutes remaining, or until discharged)

--

Vitals:

Xavier: HP(245/310), 25d4 HD remaining; SP (376/449)
Christopher: HP (235/232), 1d8+10d6/11d8+10d6 HD remaining; SP (325/432)
Dr. Nimm: HP (153/153, 27 temp HP; reduced due to Grand Cognatogen), 23d6/23d6 HD remaining, 26/37 bombs remaining

[Eruasaidh]

To dm; Why are they dragging worm bodies?! I found no reference to that in previous posts.

To the single white Dragon; "So...where have your friends gone off to? It's RATHER QUIET in here isn't it Xavier, Christopher, Rupert? Its a bit chilly... My arthritis is acting up. Luckily I have some medicines... for arthritis." (Looks around shiftily).

I drink amplify elixir, targeted bomb admixture, ironskin.

"Oh, and it looks like it's time for your dragnatogen! Wouldn't want to lose all that new intellect! Gives you a leg up on the competition eh?"

I choose to make it a contact poison, and inject him with dragnatogen poison. If he acts up I just throw the vial at him. Before I do this, I make sure I know this Dragon particular name (if I can't tell I'll ask him).

[DM7581]

To dm; Why are they dragging worm bodies?! I found no reference to that in previous posts.

To the single white Dragon; "So...where have your friends gone off to? It's RATHER QUIET in here isn't it Xavier, Christopher, Rupert? Its a bit chilly... My arthritis is acting up. Luckily I have some medicines... for arthritis." (Looks around shiftily).

I drink amplify elixir, targeted bomb admixture, ironskin.

"Oh, and it looks like it's time for your dragnatogen! Wouldn't want to lose all that new intellect! Gives you a leg up on the competition eh?"

I choose to make it a contact poison, and inject him with dragnatogen poison. If he acts up I just throw the vial at him. Before I do this, I make sure I know this Dragon particular name (if I can't tell I'll ask him).

I mentioned it here, although it was more implied than anything else. They intended to take the worms back to present to their master, as food has been scarce, and it would serve as a gift or offering to be able to be accepted more readily as outsiders.


Yes, there always is one, isn't there. The dragons look at what another upon hearing this plan. They all look quite suspicious, but you are not sure if it is them being deceptive, or just their way of being.

Yesss, there are many hidden entrances. The mountainside houses many separate lairs.

Aha! These worms! This will provide quite a feast. We shall take you to our quarters and then you can grace our master with this gift.

He will surely not kill you! Yess! We shall feast tonight!

Again, they do seem suspicious, but also very forthcoming, so it does throw you all off.

Nimm, give me an Arcana check, modified by Wisdom if you could.

Patience... (hissing). They are simply stowing the feast. And yes, does this concoction offer me power? Do tell me more!

He seems willing to allow an injection or whatever. It seems this one's suspicions are focused more on its treasure and less on its own hide. His name is Bitterscar.

[Eruasaidh]

I choose to make it a contact poison. I mix the whole batch with Oakdeath (dc+2) and night venom (adds sleep secondary effect at the save dc of the poison).

However, so as not to arouse his suspicion I I inject his dumb ass with antigen.

"Oh dear! I'm sorry. I've just given you the wrong medication! Quick, swallow this antivenom before it takes effect! Now! Now!"

I hand him a bomb vial.

[Christ. Michael]

I choose to make it a contact poison. I mix the whole batch with Oakdeath (dc+2) and night venom (adds sleep secondary effect at the save dc of the poison).

However, so as not to arouse his suspicion I I inject his dumb ass with antigen.

"Oh dear! I'm sorry. I've just given you the wrong medication! Quick, swallow this antivenom before it takes effect! Now! Now!"

I hand him a bomb vial.

I look on in disapproval. I do not object, though I am sad the the state of the world requires such deceptive tactics. I casually stroll towards the mouth of the cave to better keep an ear and eye out for returning and passing dragons.

Go, Nimm. Go! Gank that dragon, you crazy S.O.B., you!

[DM7581]

I choose to make it a contact poison. I mix the whole batch with Oakdeath (dc+2) and night venom (adds sleep secondary effect at the save dc of the poison).

However, so as not to arouse his suspicion I I inject his dumb ass with antigen.

"Oh dear! I'm sorry. I've just given you the wrong medication! Quick, swallow this antivenom before it takes effect! Now! Now!"

I hand him a bomb vial.

From earlier:

Sweet. You can totally make an anti-dragon serum. Do you want this to be a repellant, something that does damage? Using white dragon blood, I will offer the following bonuses for any reasonable number of effects (stun, paralysis, ability damage, etc.):
+2 vs. any dragon-type creature
+4 vs. any white dragon

So, I take it you are trying to make an insta-death serum. I will allow some stacking, but only partial, as adding multiple compounds somewhat thins the potency of the serum. I will use wyvern's poison as a base (since it is the most closely related to the dragon) at 2d6 Con for primary and secondary damage. Quite fitting. The save DC is based on the dragon's Con score that it was made from (10+1/2 HD+Con modifier) plus the modifiers you get for making it especially potent. I will add in the +4, plus an additional +1 for the Oakdeath. Total DC is 25.

Now keep in mind that secondary effects (2d6 additional Con and Sleep) do take a minute to kick in...

Suspicious at first, the dragon smells the elixir. The antigen sharpens his mind just slightly, but also lowers his apprehensions of mistrusting you as you see his pupils dilate, as if on some sort of high. The dragon takes a full swig and gags as the poison takes its effect. He fails his save... but only takes 3 Con damage.

Fool! What sort of concoction is this! You did not warn of any side-effects!

He continues to gag, still trusting somehow, and even takes the Molotov cocktail chaser. A loud rumble is heard from inside of the dragon (another 96 damage). Now this, the dragon definitely notices. Although weakened, the dragon is noticeably pissed. He bellows to you and then out of the room:

Try to deceive me?! You will pay! Brothersss! We have been betrayed!

I'm going to need an initiative roll.

[Eruasaidh]

"How Dare you accuse me of such vile intentions! Prepare to defend yourself, villain! Rupert -quit licking your genitals- to arms!"
Initiative 12

[DM7581]

Sorry for the delay.

Here is the initiative order:

Xavier (19)
Christopher (17)
Dragon (17)
Dr. Nimm (15)

So far only one dragon is present (and he is severely injured). Xavier, you go!

[Xavier Alexis]

"Stand down, everyone! What is the meaning of these hostilities?"

I will delay my action so I act after Christopher, granting some time to the dragon and Nimm to explain themselves.

[Christ. Michael]

I will cast Blade Barrier at max CL to block the mouth of the cave.

[DM7581]

The dragon, eyes dilated with newfound intelligence thanks to Dr. Nimm, sees his dilemma. There is no retreat through the entrance and he already witnessed you all quickly subdue his group of five.

We submit and yield to you fools only to be poisoned when our guard is down! Strike me down if you wish! We should never have trusted you!

The dragon, poised on all fours, displays his throat in mockingly admitting defeat in such an underhanded fashion. He faces Nimm, allowing him to coup de gras, but does nothing else.

You hear shuffling in the hallway, as his brothers seem to be hustling to his rescue.

Dr. Nimm?


Dr. Nimm, this is why poison use is considered evil. Be careful how you use it.

Christopher and Xavier, although you did not know "in character" what Nimm was concocting, it is now quite evident that he tried to slyly eliminate the surrendered dragon. This definitely does not sit well with either if you, especially Christopher, given that the dragons requested mercy and have been shown something entirely different and Pelor represents good and healing among other things.

[Eruasaidh]

"According to my calculations, there is a one in 760 probability that this Dragon was NOT setting us up in an ambush. Good enough odds for a preemptive attack. Even without my power of acumen, It should be quite obvious that they lured us here with sinister intentions.

Furthermore, we showed extreme clemency and charity in not only sparing them but attempting to enlighten them in ethics. It is clear that our endeavor is a failure, and our lives presently at risk.

Do not be such hypocrites. Had they got the drop on us, you wouldn't have hesitated to blast them to smithereens!

Now I suggest that we deceive them yet again. I finish off this malevolent villain, unless you find some way to incapacitate him. You two hide as if you had fled. I will fake my death. The enemies that are soon upon us will come upon this scene and think that you both have fled, and that this fool has killed me in his last act. This will lower their guard, then you ambush them. Rupert will awaken me just before you strike, or if he determines that Ill be in further danger!"

(Dm; as I understand my fake death ability, I can be awoken with predetermined stimuli. If so, I now make that stimulus Ruperts bark, who hides behind a column nearby. If I'm wrong let me know. )

[DM7581]

"According to my calculations, there is a one in 760 probability that this Dragon was NOT setting us up in an ambush. Good enough odds for a preemptive attack. Even without my power of acumen, It should be quite obvious that they lured us here with sinister intentions.

Furthermore, we showed extreme clemency and charity in not only sparing them but attempting to enlighten them in ethics. It is clear that our endeavor is a failure, and our lives presently at risk.

Do not be such hypocrites. Had they got the drop on us, you wouldn't have hesitated to blast them to smithereens!

Now I suggest that we deceive them yet again. I finish off this malevolent villain, unless you find some way to incapacitate him. You two hide as if you had fled. I will fake my death. The enemies that are soon upon us will come upon this scene and think that you both have fled, and that this fool has killed me in his last act. This will lower their guard, then you ambush them. Rupert will awaken me just before you strike, or if he determines that Ill be in further danger!"

(Dm; as I understand my fake death ability, I can be awoken with predetermined stimuli. If so, I now make that stimulus Ruperts bark, who hides behind a column nearby. If I'm wrong let me know. )

Well, now. It seems that the good doctor has finally gone mad.

We can cease combat since no one is swinging. What do you all say? The dragon continues to eye the blade-barriered exit, as if ready to flee, though he says nothing.

[Xavier Alexis]

"As always, Dr. Nimm, I appreciate your input. But, if these dragons choose to betray us they will learn the error of their ways without the need for deception on our part."

"Dragon, if there is any tricks up your sleeve, tell us now and I guarantee you your life and your freedom. We may even heal you as well."

[Eruasaidh]

"Hmm. As usual, you strike the right balance, sir Xavier. "

I hide near the inner entrance readying a bomb action....You know.... Just in case.

I let Xavier and CM handle it from here, as I lack social skills.

Stealth 39 (before size modifier).

[DM7581]

Well, the dragon is simply awaiting the end of the Blade Barrier spell. Feel free to converse some more.

In the meantime, I have been hard at work at some conversions here. I have broken everyone's character down into spoilers here, with a few tid bits regarding the why and how. Feel free to post with any edits/changes. I listed the characters as short-handed as I could. Some details are missing (personality traits, mundane equipment, etc.) so feel free to fill that stuff in with what is currently on your sheet.

Some (actually most) magical items were revamped as per 5e rules. Overall, things are scaled down a bit. Regarding epic progression, character progression ends at level 20 for the most part, but every 30,000 XP over the max, you are entitled to what is called an Epic Boon. An Epic Boon is a special ability, somewhat like a feat, but much more powerful. If none of the available boons are too enticing, a regular feat or ability score increase can be chosen. Ability score limits at epic levels max out at 30. Yes 30, not 20. 20 is so non-epic.

Here we go.

Christopher Michael


Human Cleric (Life)
Acolyte
18 (27).10.14.11.22.14
XP: 384,999/385,000
HD: 20d8+40
HP: 143
AC: 24
Speed: 30
Initiative: +0
Saves: Str +9, Dex +1, Con +3, Int +1, Wis +13, Cha +9
Weapon: Mace of Disruption* (+14, 1d6+8), Light Crossbow +1 (+7, 1d6+1)
Armor: Mithral Plate +3, Spellguard Shield
Equipment:
Magic Items: Belt of Cloud Giant Strength*, Ring of Protection*
*attuned (max 3)
Languages: Common, Celestial
Skills: Insight, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion
Feats: War Caster
Blessings: Wings (flight)
Epic Boons: Quick Casting (Bless)
Spells (DC 20):
C: Guidance, Light, Resistance, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying

Notes:
-Half-Celestials are gone, so you simply have a divine blessing from Pelor in the form of wings, which give you an angelic appearance and allow for flight at your regular speed (30)
-Since Half-Celestial is gone, you lost your ECL (which was 25) and since you were only 21st level, your XP was adjusted to the highest of the current epic progression
-I figured Life domain over Light since Christopher is/was a Radiant Servant of Pelor in 3.5, which heavily leans toward healing. Further, he didn't need a high Dex with heavy armor, but he would with medium armor
-Back to slots and picking cleric spells old school style
-Christopher was originally mace and shield, but I switched him to warmace due to the ridiculous benefits of two-handed damage in 3.5. Gone are those days


Dr. Phineas P. Nimm


Rock Gnome Wizard (Transmuter)
Sage
10.14.14.22.12.10
XP: 486,608/505,000
HD: 20d6+60
HP: 142
AC: 16
Speed
Initiative: +2
Saves: Str +1, Dex +3, Con +3, Int +13, Wis +8, Cha +1
Weapon: WARS* (Hook Hammer/Blowgun; Wis Save DC 15 or fall prone, laughing after hit), (+6, 1d6)
Armor: Elven Chain
Equipment: Alchemist's Supplies (spellcasting focus), Tinker's Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Smith's Tools, Thieves' Tools
Alchemical (5 of each, craft as needed): Acid, Alchemist's Fire, Antitoxin, Potion of Healing, Basic Poison, plus 1 each of advanced poisons in the DMG
Magic Items: CRUD (Wand of Scorching Ray), Tome of the Keeper* (Advantage on all skill checks), Cloak of Protection*
*attuned (max 3)
Languages: Common, Gnomish, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarvish, Halfling, Sylvan
Tools: Alchemist's Supplies, Tinkers' Tools
Skills: All
Feats: Keen Mind, Linguist, Observant, Skilled
Epic Boons: Quick Casting, Perfect Health, Skill Proficiency
Spells Known (DC 20):
C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp
1 (4): Expeditious Retreat*, False Life, Find Familiar, Identify, Shield*, Tasha's Hideous Laughter*
2 (3): Alter Self, Blur*, Enlarge/Reduce*, Invisibility, Misty Step*
3 (3): Fireball, Gaseous Form, Haste*, Protection from Energy*, Stinking Cloud*
4 (3): Confusion, Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility*, Polymorph*, Stoneskin*
5 (3): Cloudkill*, Conjure Elemental*, Creation*, Legend Lore
6 (2): Contingency*, Magic Jar, Sunbeam*, True Seeing*
7 (2): Etherealness, Prismatic Spray, Reverse Gravity*, Simulacrum*
8 (1): Clone*, Feeblemind, Incendiary Cloud*, Sunburst*
9 (1): Foresight*, Shapechange*, Weird, Wish
*prepared (26)
Familiar: Rupert (fey familiar)
3.16.8.2.12.3
HP: 1
AC: 13
Speed: 30
Saves: Str -4, Dex +3, Con -1, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -4
Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +5

Notes:
-I actually started building an Alchemist class, but at the end of the day, the Transmuter was so close to the flavor of it. I figure you utilize your alchemist gear as your spellcasting focus (free proficiency), even drinking extracts in order to "cast" your spells. In some cases (Fireball, Stinking Cloud, Cloudkill), you actually hurl the extract
-Bombs would be reflected as an unlimited number of Cantrips, useable at will. You have acid, fire, poison, and frost available, they all do respectable damage at this level, and some have secondary effects as well
-I shied away from some spectacular-looking spells, because I tried to envision how any spell would be "cast" by an alchemist. I can see Fireball, but Meteor Swarm, not so much...
-The tinker ability of the gnome gives you a watered down SCAT, but the weapons work out well. I allowed for a Wand of Scorching Ray (CRUD)-- it has a max of 7 charges and can be used as a Scorching Ray spell at lowest (2nd) level, but can be blasted as high as an 8th level slot for pretty impressive damage (9 rays for 2d6 damage each)
-I used a weasel's stats for Rupert (a fox, right?), and while he is not technically vestigial, the Find Familiar spell does specify that he can be stowed in an extra dimensional space. We'll say that space is inside your body and allow for the same flavor to continue
-Mutagens were a bit more difficult, but I suppose that any combination of Alter Self, Enlarge/Reduce, Polymorph, or even Shapechange mimics the general idea of it anyway
-You should know 44 spells. I picked out some that you've either used before or seem to be in the flavor of the character, mix it up if you like
-Poisons are a bit scaled down, and must be crafted with the appropriate materials (not available for purchase), so keep that in mind


Leena


Wood Elf Ranger (Beastmaster)
Outlander
11.22.12.10.16.12
XP: 355,715/385,000
HD: 20d10+20
HP: 144
AC: 21 (24 with shield)
Speed: 35
Initiative: +11
Saves: Str +6, Dex +12, Con +1, Int +2, Wis +3, Cha +1
Weapons: Oathbow* (+14, 1d8+8), Scimitar +2 (+14, 1d6+8)
Armor: Studded Leather +3, Shield +1
Equipment: Arrows (20), Arrows +3 (20), Arrows of Slaying: Giant (10), Dragon (10)
Magic Items: Boots of Elvenkind, Bracers of Archery*, Quiver of Ehlonna, Ring of Evasion*
*attuned (max 3)
Languages: Common, Elvish, Sylvan
Skills: Animal Handling, Athletics, Nature, Perception, Stealth, Survival
Feats: Alert, Athlete, Sharpshooter
Favored Enemy: Humanoids (Goblins, Orcs), Giants, Dragons
Fighting Style: Archery
Epic Boons: Peerless Aim
Spells Known (DC 17):
1: Alarm, Cure Wounds, Hunter's Mark
2: Beast Sense, Spike Growth
3: Conjure Animals, Lightning Arrow
4: Conjure Woodland Beings, Grasping Vine
5: Conjure Volley, Swift Quiver
Reli (Wolf)
12.15.12.3.12.6
HP: 80
AC: 23
Speed: 40
Saves: Str +1, Dex +2, Con +1, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -2
Weapons: Bite (+10, 2d4+8) plus DC 17 Str save or be knocked prone
Skills: Perception +9, Stealth +10
Equipment: Mithral Half-Plate barding

Notes:
-Simplified rules in 5e mean easier attack rolls. As an action Leena can make 2 attacks herself or make 1 attack and command Reli (now a very large, but a very non-dire wolf) to make 2 attacks (you do have to split your attacks up, but the animal companion gets a bonus attack as a part of your class progression)
-Of course spells are on the table, but Rangers have a small pool of spells known and the slot system in 5e is much easier to understand
-Make sure to keep track of your arrows


Xavier Alexis


Human Sorcerer (Draconic Heritage)
Sage (Wizard's Apprentice)
10.14.20.14.11.22
XP: 528,964/535,000
HD: 20d6+120
HP: 202
AC: 16
Speed: 30
Initiative: +2
Saves: Str +1, Dex, +3, Con +12, Int +3, Wis +1, Cha +13
Languages: Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant
Skills: Arcana, History, Intimidation, Persuasion
Feats: Elemental Adept (cold)
Metamagic: Empowered Spell, Quickened Spell, Subtle Spell, Twinned Spell
Blessings (VoP, max 3): Health, Protection, Magic Resistance
Epic Boons: High Magic, Immortality*, Quick Casting, Spell Mastery, Spell Recall, Truesight
*Granted from Wish Spell
Spells Known (DC 20):
C (U): Fire Bolt, Friends, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost
1 (4): Chromatic Orb, Magic Missile, Shield (SM)
2 (3): Mirror Image, Scorching Ray (QC)
3 (3): Fireball, Fly
4 (3): Greater Invisibility, Polymorph
5 (3): Cone of Cold, Telekinesis
6 (2): Disintegrate
7 (2): Teleport
8 (1): Dominate Monster
9 (2): Time Stop

Notes:
-I though about the Wild Mage, but this one gives you bonus HP and AC, and I know you are always bumping up your Con anyway
-You've lost some spells, but the game has much fewer spells to chose from anyway. Most of what you actually have used is here
-No Vow of Poverty, but Blessings do the trick. So long as you choose to continue with the whole poverty thing, you will be granted these blessings. Since a max of 3 magic items can be attuned, I chose a max of 3 blessings to be applied, all of which are relevant to your character and mirror what you had with Vow of Poverty
-I chose Shield as your Spell Mastery spell which basically gives you a +5 AC any round that you use a reaction to gain it-- for free, no slot required
-Likewise, I chose Scorching Ray for Quick Casting since you would quicken it so much


In all cases, I used the 27 point buy and arranged stats in the order of importance for each character. I also granted a +2 bonus to everyone's primary stat as reflected by a book/tome/manual of said ability score acquired at one point during your adventuring careers.

What I haven't done is advance any abilities with your Epic Boons. Using these, and you get them every 30,000 XP, you can advance any stat up to 30. Again, feel free to mess around with these builds.

I also prorated everyone's XP totals to fall in-line with the new format. Only Christopher's is grossly different as his overall ECL was changed, but it will be made up soon enough.

Let me get some feedback and then we can move on.

[DM7581]

So here are the options. I kinda like the Transmuter Wizard as an Alchemist, but there is some flavor and flair missing. Here is my take on the Alchemist:


Alchemist:

HD: d8
Armor: Light
Weapons: Simple
Tools: Alchemist's Supplies
Saves: Con, Int
Skills (2): Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Perception

1 Alchemy, Bomb
2 Mutagen
3 Alchemical Specialty
4 Ability Score Improvement
5 Poison Use
6 Alchemical Specialty Feature
7 Swift Alchemy
8 Ability Score Improvement
9 Poison Expert
10 Alchemical Specialty Feature
11 --
12 Ability Score Improvement
13 --
14 Alchemical Specialty Feature
15 --
16 Ability Score Improvement
17 --
18 --
19 Ability Score Improvement
20 Grand Discovery (Epic Boon)

Alchemy (Spellcasting):
-3 extracts known, +1/level (can learn any number of spells as Wizard, uses Formulae Book)
-May cast any spell without preparation as a ritual if it has the ritual tag
-Prepare level+Int mod/long rest
-Spellcasting ability: Int
-Spellcasting focus: Alchemist's Supplies
-Bard spell progression
-Spells "cast" by drinking extract or throwing extract (if it targets an area or individual)

Bomb:
-Cantrip as ranged attack (damaging spells only)

Mutagen:
-Gain Enhance Ability usable 1/short rest, self only

Poison Use:
-Gain Proficiency in Poisoner's Kit
-May create/use poison at no risk of injury
-Gain resistance to poison

Swift Alchemy:
-May craft alchemical items in half the cost/time (mundane items)

Poison Expert:
-Gain immunity to poison
-May craft poisons in half the time/cost
-May apply poison as a bonus action

Grand Discovery:
-Gain 1 Epic Boon as described in the DMG

Alchemical Specialties:

Grenadier:
(3): Bomber's Eye: add Int bonus to damage with Bombs
(6): Swift Bomb: Use bomb as a bonus action
(10): Bomb Admixture: May combine bomb with the effect of any 1 other spell (must expend slot, not as a bonus action bomb)
(14): Explosive Bombs: reroll 1s and 2s for bomb damage, including any damage done with the Bomb Admixture feature

Mutagenist:
(3): Greater Mutagen: affects all physical or mental stats, gain disadvantage on others (Str/Dex/Con or Int/Wis/Cha)
(6): Grand Mutagen: combines 1 other spell, targets self only (must expend slot)
(10): Enhanced Metabolism: Immune to disease, regain HP equal to Con mod (up to half HP)
(14): True Mutagen: combines up to 3 spells, targets self only (must expend slots)

Available Spells:

C: Acid Splash (Acid Bomb), Blade Ward, Firebolt (Fire Bomb), Poison Spray (Poison Bomb), Ray of Frost (Ice Bomb), True Strike
1: Cure Wounds, Heroism, Identify, Detect Magic, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Jump, Comprehend Languages,
2: Gentle Repose, Misty Step, Aid, Detect Thoughts, Spider Climb, Mirror Image, Levitate, Enlarge/Reduce, Barkskin, Enhance Ability, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Protection from Poison, Beast Sense
3: Gaseous Form, Vampiric Touch, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Fly, Haste, Tongues, Stinking Cloud, Feign Death, Protection from Energy, Revivify, Water Breathing, Water Walk
4: Fabricate, Confusion, Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility, Polymorph, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5: Wall of Fire, Greater Restoration, Cloudkill, Telekinesis, Raise Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Mislead, Scrying, Commune, Contagion,
6: Eyebite, True Seeing, Heal, Circle of Death, Disintegrate, Magic Jar, Wall of Ice
7: Etherealness, Project Image, Regenerate, Resurrection, Delayed Blast Fireball
8: Glibness, Mindblank, Feeblemind, Incendiary Cloud, Clone, Telepathy
9: Foresight, Prismatic Wall, True Polymorph, Astral Projection, True Resurrection, Mass Heal, Time Stop


So this was built using a few simple points in mind:

-The Bard has a d8 HD now, so that is a given versus the d6 I had him at (Pathfinder has the Alchemist at d8)
-I chose Con and Int for saves as the Alchemist needs to have a high Int (as a Wizard) while Con represents constant drinking of questionable substances
-Spell progression is standard across all full casters, except the Alchemist should learn spells at a slower rate than a Wizard (3 spells+1/ level versus a Wizard's 6 spells+2/level)-- of course this is less important when you consider he can still add extracts (spells) from scrolls into his formulae book
-Paths were simple: Bomber and Mutagen. One focuses on ranged attacks, while the other can tank. Either is decent without being overly powerful compared to say a sneak attack Rogue (ranged) or raging Barbarian (tank)
-I did away with the Infusion thing-- I will assume that any spell available that can be cast on an ally (Cure Wounds, Heal, etc.) is cast by the Alchemist drinking the extract and then touching the target, conferring the benefits to them
-Although the spells chosen are particular, the Alchemist is one of the only other casters that has a nice bonus of healing/buffing and damaging spells (the Bard is next on the list, but has more subtle spells), so the flexibility is there

My concern, and of course, I am looking at optimization, is will the Grenadier be a sufficient damage dealer? Will the Mutagenist be a sufficient semi-tank?

At 20th level, a Bombardier can fling 2 bombs. Let's say he uses a fire bomb (Firebolt) for 4d10+5 (assuming a 20 Int) damage. His swift bomb will average just over 30 damage (he re-rolls 1s and 2s), while his main bomb will do that plus 1 spell of his choice (Delayed Blast Fireball?) for just over 60 damage (re-rolling 1s and 2s) for the blast. Now this over course won't happen often (that was with a 9th level slot), but it is quite devastating. I think 30 and 30 damage per round is decent while not overpowering, with the opportunity for a little extra when it is needed.

Now the Mutagenist is a bit different. I threw in a watered down version of the Fighter's recovery method, but combining enhance ability with 3 other spells is still impressive, if slot-consuming. So while explosive, the Alchemist is not a long-term type of combatant, as these slots will go quick. I imagine the Mutagen ability stacked with Polymorph, Stoneskin, and Invisibility (or any other 3) will be pretty impressive in anyone's book. The HP recovery is just a bonus to reflect an unnatural metabolism. I think it works.

What do you think, Nimm? This is what Nimm would look like:


Rock Gnome Alchemist
Sage
10.14.14.22.12.10
XP: 486,608/505,000
HD: 20d8+60
HP: 163
AC: 16
Speed
Initiative: +2
Saves: Str +1, Dex +3, Con +9, Int +13, Wis +2, Cha +1
Weapon: WARS* (Hook Hammer/Blowgun; Wis Save DC 15 or fall prone, laughing after hit), (+6, 1d6)
Armor: Elven Chain
Equipment: Alchemist's Supplies (spellcasting focus), Tinker's Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Smith's Tools, Thieves' Tools
Alchemical (5 of each, craft as needed): Acid, Alchemist's Fire, Antitoxin, Potion of Healing, Basic Poison, plus 1 each of advanced poisons in the DMG
Magic Items: CRUD (Wand of Scorching Ray), Tome of the Keeper* (Advantage on all skill checks), Cloak of Protection*
*attuned (max 3)
Languages: Common, Gnomish, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarvish, Halfling, Sylvan
Tools: Alchemist's Supplies, Tinkers' Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Smith's Tools, Thieves' Tools
Skills: All
Feats: Keen Mind, Linguist, Observant, Skilled
Epic Boons: Quick Casting, Perfect Health, Skill Proficiency
Spells Known (DC 20):
C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
Familiar: Rupert (fey familiar)
3.16.8.2.12.3
HP: 1
AC: 13
Speed: 30
Saves: Str -4, Dex +3, Con -1, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -4
Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +5


I didn't go through the trouble of picking out different spells, but he looks about the same, no?

[Eruasaidh]

Sounds great. I think you did an impressive and generous job keeping all the little quirks that I like, and I agree tthat damage should be less than that of a damage specialist in exchange for utility. Casting some spells as a ritual is a cool image;
setting up a portable alchemy lab. Nimm as an off tank is wierd (but funny). I'll either do grenadier or focus on the mental part of mutagens.

My only concern is poor Rupert...1 hp?!?!

Also I have the 5e PHB but not Dmg. I won't know about anything that's not in PHB like some of the feats, books, poisons etc

[Christ. Michael]

As disgusted as Christ. Michael is by Nimm's actions, he recognizes that this is not the time for fighting between us while we're in the heart of a dragon's den. We'll talk about this when we get home.

[Eruasaidh]

As disgusted as Christ. Michael is by Nimm's actions, he recognizes that this is not the time for fighting between us while we're in the heart of a dragon's den. We'll talk about this when we get home.

(Out of character)
Lmao. What am I, a teenager?!

[Christ. Michael]

You won't have that smirk on your face once Pelor comes home with his full strength. Oh, boy. Just you wait.

[DM7581]

The other dragons, opposite the door, finally arrive:

What is it brother!?

(Hesitantly) Nothing... but, yes. A misunderstanding. Everything is fine.

Then what is the meaning of this? (referring to the Blade Barrier)

Just... a misunderstanding. Is the feast prepared?

The wounded dragon continues to eye the exit, as the Blade Barrier continues to whirl. It will eventually expire. Christopher, do you let it run it's 20+ minute course or dismiss it prematurely?

The entrapped dragon, previously eyeing the exit, now sulks quietly, only keeping his eyes on the party.

The dragons from across the door yell out:

The feast is all but ready. Are you ready to meet our master, adventurers?

[Eruasaidh]

What's in this room?

[DM7581]

It is a sizeable room. Maybe 40x50 feet or so, but imperfect. Rudely constructed, frost giants or slaves may have lent a hand in constructing these tunnels. 2-3 small/medium chests are scattered about, with coins, mostly copper, flowing a plenty. There are also some other minor treasure, gems, etc. But no other fixtures or furniture.

Nimm and Xavier both find it unusual for this many dragons to be living in such proximity. This is very unlike dragons, and especially unlike the lesser intelligent whites. Perhaps the ties with Chromaticus have something to do with it...

Despite everyone's resistance/immunities to cold, it is still noticeably frigid. It can be estimated where the dragon slumbers between 2 piles of coin.

The spell is about to expire, but an uncomfortable calmness persists, as if a sizeable level of trust has been squandered. The dragon remains silent, awaiting everyone's next move.

Anyone want to put a word in?

[Eruasaidh]

I think CM and I are waiting for Xavier to put his word in... I'm leaving the decision to them, but if nothing is decided soon I'm going to finish this fool off and start on his friends.

[Christ. Michael]

"Lead us to your master and this generous feast he has prepared in our honor."

I will dismiss the barrier and take a step towards the mouth of the cave, keeping the wounded dragon sandwiched between Dr. Nimm and myself.

As we are walking, I look back to the dragon and say, "I do hope we can avoid any misunderstandings going forward."

[Xavier Alexis]

"Well said, Christopher. I too look forward to meeting your master, dragons. Tell me, how is he taking the news of our arrival here?"

[DM7581]

The dragons speak out individually:

Our master knows not yet of your arrival. He does not take too kindly to lesser beings in his presence, hence the gift... (referring to the frost worm feast).

Yesss... You must act as if we captured and enslaved you, if not to upset him. That we allowed you to seek an audience with him.

Come, we go. The others are gathering as well...

The Blade Barrier spells ends eventually and the other 4 dragons peer into the room, suspiciously. There is an uncomfortable aura lingering, but no one speaks of it.

The dragons lead you into a different direction down the winding cavern. Again, rudely constructed, almost dug, but crafted to allow for very large creatures to pass easily through.

You all feel dwarfed by the sheer size of the extended lair. Each hallway easily scales 50 feet high, and almost the same width.

You are escorted, dragons both in front and behind you. You do pass by some frost giants who seem to be working on an extension of one of the pathways. They see you all, a bit surprised, but only chuckle in a sinister fashion, thinking you know more than prisoners.

A few smaller wyrmlings tumble past you in the hallway, fiercely combating one another. When they see you, they hiss loudly only to be subdued by a grunt and growl from the larger ones with you.

White dragons are very animalistic, and even the ever-inquisitive Dr. Nimm is taken back by the sheer amount of detail observed here.

Strangely enough, and without realizing it, Dr. Nimm finds himself walking, tome in hand, taking notes on this very peculiar experience. He does not even notice that he started recording until Xavier and Christopher look upon him, even surprising himself. Maybe all of his mental stimulants have finally caught up to him he thinks...

The passage finally opens up to an enormous room, if you want to call it that. It seems to be a few hundred feet high and just as deep. The pathway you have entered from ends only to drop off to this immense space. Looking around, you can see dozens of other like passageways entering the same way into this giant chamber. Down below, giants march around. At the same time, other whites are seen docking at the base of their openings while others glide across to others.

There is a much larger opening at the ground level, some 200 feet below (you all are about half way up or so), and the dragons beckon you to follow down the path. They glide slowly down while the rest if you walk or climb down the crude path. Other whites flying by snarl at you, but do not attack, oblivious to the purpose of your presence.

I will say that Christopher has concealed his wings under his cloak to not arouse suspicion and takes the high road with everyone else and defends by foot. The 5 whites accompanying you stay close, as if having claimed you, 2 ahead, 2 behind, and the third gliding at your same level, slowly, on the wing.

You finally reach the bottom. The 2 frost worm corpses are present as are a few frost giants doing some menial, preparatory things.

Nimm notes that it is typically the giants that enslave the dragons, not the other way around.

Quite a rare find. Yes, a rare find...

... He mumbles to himself.

You look up and can appreciate the true majesty of the lair. Dozens of openings and dozens of dragons (dungeons and dragons, ha!) line the circular space. There is a frozen over pool centered in the bottom that you are all lead to, which is immediately in front of, and about 100-200 feet away from the larger opening where the dragons' master presumably resides.

The pool itself is not empty however, for frozen within it are all manner if creature-- bear, wolf, and even humanoids. Perhaps they are stored for a future feast you all think. It is eerie to be standing over it, but it is frozen solid and will not break, as it seems to easily support all if the 5 dragons as well.

One of the dragons speaks out lowly.

Now we wait.

Only 1 dragon stays at the lead while the other 4 remain behind you all. There is an eerie and uncomfortable silence for the next few minutes.

Anyone care to add anything?

[Eruasaidh]

I point to my eyes then the eyes of the Dragon I injured. I got my eyes on you

[Christ. Michael]

"Were you all expecting us? I don't think I've got quite enough room in my stomach for frost worm AND bear. You dragons are quite generous with your diner guests."

"Tell me, how should we address your master? Is there a particular style he prefers? We would hate to offend him, especially after such an improvement in our previous frigid relations."

[DM7581]

I point to my eyes then the eyes of the Dragon I injured. I got my eyes on you

The dragon says nothing, but a low growl can be heard. He seems to somehow be controlling his seething, possibly due to his increased mental attributes thanks to your cocktail.


"Were you all expecting us? I don't think I've got quite enough room in my stomach for frost worm AND bear. You dragons are quite generous with your diner guests."

"Tell me, how should we address your master? Is there a particular style he prefers? We would hate to offend him, especially after such an improvement in our previous frigid relations."

You think this meeting is for you (hesitates)..?

Christopher, you feel as if they are withholding information, as if something is amiss. Another cuts in abruptly before you can speak up...

We know what humans do and do not eat (agitated)! Feel free to join in (snarling with a wicked laugh, knowing you would find their fare far less than appetizing). We--

Just then, a loud, booming echo can be heard down the pathway from the master's lair. All goes quite except for the slow stomping of what sounds like a massive creature approaching.

Emerging from the darkness comes the largest white dragon any of you have ever seen. It's scales have aged to less of a shiny sheen and more of a subdued, pale white. The creature is massive, powerful, and carries a regal bearing. It looks up to the other whites, which now burst out into animalistic, nonsensical shrieks, howls, and hisses.

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/17/ff/1717ff296052ad859ca520e87aa227ba.jpg

The creature then looks upon the group, the lead white shuffling aside to reveal you. It carries no sense of surprise, as if having expected your arrival. In a low, sinister tone, the creature bellows out:

Your arrival has been foreseen. Tell me, mortals, why have you come? Why should I not slay you now!

The dragon approaches slowly, a low rumble heard with each step, until it is about 20 feet away. What do you all do?

[Eruasaidh]

"Ah! Finally, a local posessing a modicum of intellect. Greetings, sir. I'm Dr. Phineas P. Nimm. Perhaps you've heard of me. These are my colleagues, Sir Michael and Xavier. To be honest, I've forgotten what exactly led us here. Actually I was never certain to begin with. I came to this wintry wonderland to conduct research, and got caught in all manner of chicanery. My latest project was to enhance the intelligence of some of your, ah, subjects? So that they may better carry out your orders. I found their powers of mentation to be sorely lacking. You see.

What fascinating scale structure you have. The density is remarkable, and the striation patterns are almost non-existent and resemble that of smooth stone rather than keratin or chitin. Thickened lateral spines increase scale tensile strength 325%. Opacity, thickness and texture suggest little new scale growth. I deduce that your last challenger to dominance was several centuries ago. Overall I estimate your age to be 7,589 years, (or whatever my int roll suggests) with a margin of error of +/-5%"

However, as I'm asessing his scales with genuine interest I'm also looking for a weak spot (knowledge devotion taking ten).

And I of course adress him in exquisitely formal Draconic.

[DM7581]

The dragon approaches even closer, now within 10 feet of the group, using his size to intentionally make the group have to look up at him.

He eats up all of Dr. Nimm's pleasantries. You all truly get to see what a conceited wyrm looks like.

Impressive tongue, gnome... (he hesitates, as if the compliments were less than adequate) But you still do not answer my question (voice raises, angrily)! Chromaticus warned me of you, particularly the half-blood (looking at Xavier). Do you think me a fool?!

The dragon doesn't have any weaknesses in its hide (this ain't no Smaug), but clearly suspects that Dr. Nimm is doing more than paying him a compliment.

The cavern of dragons starts to get riled up, their hissing and snarling echoes booming in the darkness of the mountain.

The wyrm seems to be losing his patience. Anyone care to speak up?


Your original quest was to seek out this group of dragons and try to convert them back to worshipping Tiamat. Even Bahamut was on board with this idea, which seemed odd at the time...

[Eruasaidh]

"Ah. From here, I can see the interesting arrangement of your jaw plates: they have a tetrad palisade arrangement rather than bipennate as with typical - i mean- lesser whites. And your chin spike... It must be 3 meters long! Twice the largest size on record. (Takes a note)

Ummm... I truly have no idea. Why ARE we here, Xavier, Christopher? I'm just along for the data. Do you have any whiskey? I'm out, and starting to get the shakes. Don't worry, I can handle the giant made stuff.

And I don't think you a fool. For myself to acknowledge that you have even a modicum of intellect is quite a complement. That's more than my friends get.

In fact, I'd like to test your IQ to see if it correlates with your size and age. I'll start with some basic questions. Here we go: 20 elves and 10 dwarves foolishly attack you. You killed 8 dwarves and 14 elves. 2 dwarves and 6 elves ran away. You ate 4 dwarves and 7.5 elves. How many bodies are left in your cave?"

Dm: I meant to rp finding a weakness, but also to describe my feat, Knowledge Devotion, which gives me modifiers based on knowledge rolls (approximately 47 if I take ten, before any synergy bonus if any)

[DM7581]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wi8Fv0AJA4


(waiting on a response each from Christopher and Xavier)

[Christ. Michael]

"Great and magnificent dragon, master of the mountain. Thank you for treating with us. We are under your power. Surely you can see this. You can squash us beneath your great claws as I might squash an ant beneath my my boot. We are not threat to you and yours. Please, grant us the ability to speak freely in front of you, without fear of reprisals. We have only come to initiate dialogue.

We know not of your Chromaticus. What has he said of us? He has warned you of us, though we are are but mere insects before your thunderous might. I understand the rigors of serving under a god. I am a follower of Pelor, and I must bear his standard wherever I go. I seek evil out wherever it may lie. This is my burden. You were once a follower of Tiamat, where you not? What has caused you to turn away from him/her? Please, deign to give me but a few moments of your time so I can better understand you. No further blood need be shed."

Diplomacy 33+10.

Truthfully, I have no idea why we're here. Am I correct in assuming that Gods gain their power from the number of followers? I don't remember if this question was in/directly answered before. Xavier? I think the dragon's eye-balling you.

[DM7581]

I'll follow up with the dialogue after Xavier posts.

In the meantime, I took the liberty of bringing together all of the quests on the table. I'll try to keep them in spoiler form at the end of each of my posts, bolding and/or striking out any new, old or different information.


Quests:

Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out.


Good. Now no one can say that they have "no idea" why they are standing in a cavern crawling with white dragons, lead by a powerful great wyrm.

[DM7581]

There will be no testing, Gnome, other than to test the taste of your flesh. Oh, it has been a while since I have tasted gnome (licks his chops). Is it true that the smarter they are, the more delectable they come? But your words amuse me. Perhaps I will keep you...


"Great and magnificent dragon, master of the mountain. Thank you for treating with us. We are under your power. Surely you can see this. You can squash us beneath your great claws as I might squash an ant beneath my my boot. We are not threat to you and yours. Please, grant us the ability to speak freely in front of you, without fear of reprisals. We have only come to initiate dialogue.

We know not of your Chromaticus. What has he said of us? He has warned you of us, though we are are but mere insects before your thunderous might. I understand the rigors of serving under a god. I am a follower of Pelor, and I must bear his standard wherever I go. I seek evil out wherever it may lie. This is my burden. You were once a follower of Tiamat, where you not? What has caused you to turn away from him/her? Please, deign to give me but a few moments of your time so I can better understand you. No further blood need be shed."

Diplomacy 33+10.

Truthfully, I have no idea why we're here. Am I correct in assuming that Gods gain their power from the number of followers? I don't remember if this question was in/directly answered before. Xavier? I think the dragon's eye-balling you.

The dragon stares deeply and patiently as you go on your rant. He interrupts you, lowly, in agreement whenever you speak of his might and presence.

Strangely, he seems to open up a bit to you.

Chromaticus is the embodiment of power and domination. (loudly) He represents what we dragons are destined for! (the cavern echoes with snarling and hissing of the lesser whites) A new age is upon us, servant of Pelor (sneering). Tell me, where will you stand when Pelor falls? (loudly and angrily) Oh, how slaying one of his greatest followers will further weaken the warmth! You have once again failed to explain why I should not slay you!

One of the smaller whites speaks out, almost in your defense.

Oh, great master, they slew these great beasts for you and for you only, so that we may feast. Behold! (revealing the 2 massive frost worms)

The wyrm hesitates and looks upon the corpses. There is a pause as the entire cavern grows still. A low growl can be heard as the wyrm speaks out.

You wish me to feast on this?! This warmth?! (the smaller white cowers). This is not suitable for a creature of my status, my stature! (he turns to the party, angered further, growling)

Now would be the time to speak up, Xavier.


Quests:

Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out.

[Xavier Alexis]

Chromaticus is the embodiment of power and domination. (loudly) He represents what we dragons are destined for! (the cavern echoes with snarling and hissing of the lesser whites) A new age is upon us, servant of Pelor (sneering). Tell me, where will you stand when Pelor falls? (loudly and angrily) Oh, how slaying one of his greatest followers will further weaken the warmth! You have once again failed to explain why I should not slay you!

"Allow me, for it is not only Pelor you need to be concerned with. My friends and I are actually messengers of mercy. We are here by order of both Tiamat and Bahamut to convince you and your acolytes to turn away from the false deity Chromaticus. I implore you, do not tempt the wrath of the true dragon gods. Regardless, even if Chromaticus is the embodiment of power and domination as you believe, I do not foresee him sharing his throne. It is clear to me you will suffer under his rule just like the rest of the world. What say you?"

Diplomacy 49.

[DM7581]

Stolen from 4e (one of the good aspects of the edition), I will have you guys barter, discuss, and try to present your argument to the cavern of dragons. I have gist of what you are all trying to convey and I have 2 rolls already.

This will be a Diplomacy challenge. In order to succeed you need 10 consecutive successes, with 3 consecutive failures meaning you've failed out right.

Diplomacy is one of Dr. Nimm's weaker areas, so I will focus on Christopher and Xavier. I'll say Nimm hangs back, takes notes, and possible even strikes up a low side bar conversation with one of the whites (an unfulfilling one based on the raw intelligence discrepancy).

Christopher spoke first and, even though the wyrm didn't fold, he still hasn't gotten angry enough to lash out. He seems to be willing to listen.

There is a little back and forth here, the conversation lasting somewhere close to 3 hours. The wyrm orders chairs to be pulled up (quickly chiseled and fashioned from ice by the frost giant servants) for you all to sit.

Christopher, Xavier, give me 4 additional Diplomacy rolls. Let me know the die rolls too, just don't give me the totals (10+27= 37 instead of just 37).

If you wish to throw in some extra dialogue with each roll within your post, I may throw in an additional bonus for good role playing.

[Xavier Alexis]

"If I may continue, I will not insult your intelligence by lying to you. On most any other matter, my friends and I would likely be here attempting to kill you. However, on this matter concerning Chromaticus, we share a common enemy which is a threat to both of our interests. Both Tiamat and Bahamut see the threat to this realm's very existence should this false deity succeed in his goals. This is why they sent us to you. Now, since you have given us a chance to parley with you, I believe you to be a dragon of superior intellect who can easily see this threat as well. Is my belief correct?"

My rolls:

8+42= 50


6+42= 48


20+42= 62


12+42= 54

[Christ. Michael]

"Quite right, Xavier. Chromaticus is not likely to share his power once he has ascended. To him, you and your fellow whites are nothing but tools to be discarded once his goals are accomplished. Do not allow yourself to be hooked by false promises by a being that has no love for you. You have known Tiamat and Bahamut for your many hundreds of years. You know what they represent. You know of their character and how they tend to their followers. We have no desire to rule. I only live to serve Pelor and maintain the balance in this plane.

Though we might pale in comparison to your strength, together we can be formidable allies. Your brood depends on you for your wisdom, your intelligence, and your leadership. Do not allow such folly to threaten you and yours. We might pale in comparison to your strength, but together we can be formidable allies."

Diplomacy: 33 +8 (41), +10 (43), +15 (48), +15 (48)

[Eruasaidh]

Pfff... Dr Nimm never hangs back ! He may not be a diplomat, but he can add the most powerful of all things: facts !

[Eruasaidh]

"Great and magnificent dragon, master of the mountain. Thank you for treating with us. We are under your power. Surely you can see this. You can squash us beneath your great claws as I might squash an ant beneath my my boot. We are not threat to you and yours. Please, grant us the ability to speak freely in front of you, without fear of reprisals. We have only come to initiate dialogue.

We know not of your Chromaticus. What has he said of us? He has warned you of us, though we are are but mere insects before your thunderous might. I understand the rigors of serving under a god. I am a follower of Pelor, and I must bear his standard wherever I go. I seek evil out wherever it may lie. This is my burden. You were once a follower of Tiamat, where you not? What has caused you to turn away from him/her? Please, deign to give me but a few moments of your time so I can better understand you. No further blood need be shed."

Diplomacy 33+10.

Truthfully, I have no idea why we're here. Am I correct in assuming that Gods gain their power from the number of followers? I don't remember if this question was in/directly answered before. Xavier? I think the dragon's eye-balling you.

True. Under the rule of Tiamat, the population of sheep, barbarians, seals and other juicy edibles for dragons was 33.57% more abundant in this area.

I assist this argument with Knowledge roll 4 +int+ class+book = 45

[Eruasaidh]

"Allow me, for it is not only Pelor you need to be concerned with. My friends and I are actually messengers of mercy. We are here by order of both Tiamat and Bahamut to convince you and your acolytes to turn away from the false deity Chromaticus. I implore you, do not tempt the wrath of the true dragon gods. Regardless, even if Chromaticus is the embodiment of power and domination as you believe, I do not foresee him sharing his throne. It is clear to me you will suffer under his rule just like the rest of the world. What say you?"

Diplomacy 49.

I assist this argument with a solid 19 roll, totalling 60. Recalling information where Chromaticus may have shown treachery or hostility to his loyal followers.

"Chromaticus enslaved one of his top commanders, General Winterslash and de-winged his treasurer based on false accusations"

Or something to that effect

[Eruasaidh]

"Quite right, Xavier. Chromaticus is not likely to share his power once he has ascended. To him, you and your fellow whites are nothing but tools to be discarded once his goals are accomplished. Do not allow yourself to be hooked by false promises by a being that has no love for you. You have known Tiamat and Bahamut for your many hundreds of years. You know what they represent. You know of their character and how they tend to their followers. We have no desire to rule. I only live to serve Pelor and maintain the balance in this plane.

Though we might pale in comparison to your strength, together we can be formidable allies. Your brood depends on you for your wisdom, your intelligence, and your leadership. Do not allow such folly to threaten you and yours. We might pale in comparison to your strength, but together we can be formidable allies."

Diplomacy: 33 +8 (41), +10 (43), +15 (48), +15 (48)

I support this with recalling facts about Tiamats treatment of his underlings, rolling a 16, totalling 57.

Concluding by stating the simple fact that if it were not for Pelor and the sun, all of their food would die off. No sun, no juicy walruses, and such .

"Conclusion to my analysis, Great One: historical evidence has shown that dragons prosper more with Tiamat. Addendum: You wouldn't want to eat me. Ask these two how many chemicals I ingest on a daily basis. Youd probably die, or mutate into something awful. See?" (I show the tumor on my arm where Rupert lives)

[DM7581]

You all spend a good amount of time discussing with the dragon, the other whites slowly descending and gathering around. Whispers can be heard amongst them, in draconic. You have very much so placed a sense of doubt amongst their current beliefs. The wyrm however, is still skeptical as he then addresses you:

Interesting... Tiamat has been... Adequate. Chromaticus however, promises us more. I am no fool. I know where white dragons fall in the ranks among dragonkind. Though we are the most cunning hunters and the most ruthless creatures in the frozen tundra (this gathers snarls and hisses among the surrounding whites), we are still perceived to be beneath even the wretched blacks! Chromaticus represents to us the ability for any of us to rule, so long he be fit to. It is said that he is a massive dragon, whose scales glisten with all of the chromatic shades! To Tiamat, we are nothing but the lowest peg on her totem pole. Chromaticus represents us dragons equally, no matter the color of ours scales Tell me, then, why should I pass up the opportunity to rule, not among whites alone, which I do, but among any other dragon that would be beneath me?!

Good stuff with Dr. Nimm jumping in too. The wyrm has revealed that while Tiamat leans toward law (LE), Chromaticus leans more toward chaos (CE), which is more aligned with not just the whites, but coincidentally the blacks and even reds, all who may feel restricted so to speak in following a lawful deity, especially given their chaotic nature.

Try to use this information with another post as well as a single roll (whoever posts first), but give yourself a +5 bonus to it to reflect the combined team effort.

[Eruasaidh]

I think Xavier would make the most of that bonus, ill defer.

[Xavier Alexis]

"Tell me, then, why should I pass up the opportunity to rule, not among whites alone, which I do, but among any other dragon that would be beneath me?!"

"Because, it is impossible. In my travels, I have been fortunate to experience many things which have granted me wisdom. I have met Green and Red dragons who could easily crush everyone in this lair with very little effort. I have also met Gold and Silver dragons who possessed the power to crush even them. If you follow Chromaticus' plan, you would be facing the combined might of both Tiamat's and Bahamut's faithful. Against this, there can be no victory for any of us. Imagine, what would be left of the world should such a war take place? Again, I implore you to turn away from Chromaticus' and pay no heed to his foolish promises."

Diplomacy 6+42+5= 53.

[DM7581]

The wyrm seems annoyed at best by Christopher (sorry, but you did get a failure in there), BUT he is very much willing to listen to Xavier. Maybe Christopher's shining goodness is to cheesy for the wretched whites. In either event:

(to Christopher) You know little of dragons. I will hear no more from you. The Gnome can stay. He amuses me. But, you, BEGONE! Leave us.

The surrounding dragons open a path to allow you to go, snarling and hissing at you, as if you are their next prey.

He is to remain unharmed!

Silence follows. The lesser whites cower. Christopher is free to be out of sight, but still within the room. He can still hear what is going on, but the wyrm will no longer listen to him. The giants can be heard laughing to each other and speaking under their breath, though there is no act of violence out of fear from the great wyrm.

I was going to make this a cooperative endeavor, letting you hit the 10 consecutive successes together, but I am not sure if Christopher has a high enough Cha to make it happen. That said, I have 5 total successes from Xavier. Give me 5 more rolls. This conversation is taking a bit longer than usual. Let's say another 2 hours. The whites start to dig up some of the corpses to feast. Nimm is allowed to stay.

--

Speaking of Nimm... This is astonishing. Not once have you ever seen or even heard of white dragons, the least intelligent and most animalistic of dragons, willing to discuss matters of faith, especially with a non-dragon. They usually even refrain from speaking unless pushed to death as was the case earlier outside. You find yourself scribbling notes and even drawing sketches of what you see. And what you see is a man... Yes, just a man, and a non-religious one at that, preaching theology to a very, very old great wyrm dragon and his clutch (more like a swarm). The craziest part is that this thing is evil to the core, yet Xavier's words have softened him. You think to yourself that a record of this must be made.

--

Sorry Christopher, no hard feelings. You still have that Book of Exalted Deeds, right? You can catch up there. Or pray. Xavier, it's all on you. Oh and that +5 bonus is gone, so it's all on you here.


Quests:

Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out.

[Xavier Alexis]

"I have already bombarded you with the facts as I see them. Let me end this parley with a simple compliment. Just as I have spoken to you of meeting some extraordinary Red, Green, Gold and Silver dragons in my travels, I have never met a White dragon of your magnificence. That being said, I know both Tiamat or Chromaticus would be lucky to have you as one of their disciples. I only ask you see the truth and agree that the road Chromaticus wishes you to follow leads to nothing but death and destruction for all, including you."



Diplomacy rolls:

5+42= 47

8+42= 50

16+42= 58

14+42= 56

8+42= 50

[Eruasaidh]

Thinks to himself: "An unprecedented event! Remarkable both in scope and implication! It was worth slogging through this dreadful wasteland of mindless fools. This deserves an entry in the Tome itself!"

[DM7581]

Night falls.

Hours have passed. Dr. Nimm has nearly dozed off in taking notes while Christopher quells his boredom scouring his newfound tome. Xavier's voice has ecome slightly hoarse, graciously declining any offerings by the white dragons.

The back and forth was quite engaging, with the wyrm, Urathearsvernaussirverthicha, showing no sense of urgency on the matter. Xavier composes himself appropriately, ever nervous that the slightest slip up may result in fierce retaliation by the entire swarm of dragons (his fear at being able to survive such a melee is another matter completely).

Well, I think I've heard enough, little one. (he hesitates) It is clear that you have the majesty of draconic blood in you... though it is hard to pinpoint which... (Xavier has always felt a kinship with silvers, a fact that he is loathe to bring up now). No matter. You speak truth. I was forewarned by Chromaticus that you would arrive. That you would say what you said, but you have also opened up my eyes... our eyes. Chromaticus has favored the reds. Expected... but even the blacks (angrily), has he shown more favor! Tiamat has been fair and she demands much less tribute. It is done. (he addresses the gathered dragons) From this day forth, Tiamat is our lord. If anyone ever so much as speaks the false one's name (referring to Chromaticus), that WILL be the last name you breath! Now be gone mortals! We have plenty to feast on, but food is scarce. My protection on you is ceased!

The wyrm takes his leave, gesturing only to the giants to properly prepare the frost worm bodies for a later feast. At his exit, the other whites look at you in animalistic fashion, licking their chops as if poised to strike. Before another move can be made, however, one of the whites speaks out.

Away with you! They are mine!

He is one of the dragons that you encountered outside. Icetalon, if you remember correctly.

I will escort you out.

--

He takes you through a different exit passage, hanging back with Xavier while Christopher and Nimm walk ahead. He seems fascinated by Xavier, discussing and inquiring many questions.

Who are you? Where do you come from? Are you truly the spawn of a dragon? I have never seen a creature wield magic as powerfully as you!

I expect Xavier converses in kind.

As you exit the cave, back to the surface, it is very dark. A cold mist can be seen obscuring sight slightly. There is also a very sharp chill in the air, amplified by the occasional wind chill. The dragon, about to head back in hesitates.

I... I wish to join you, Xavier. Your words and actions have caused me to question my life. What I am... why I am. Will you have me? I still feel the urges of my kind, but I know that I can learn. Can I accompany you?

Apparently Xavier's words were so profound that he was able to acquire a white dragon cohort. And shift his alignment to boot (CN).

--

A few things. You all can check back at Bear Ghost's tribe or go back to Teleroth Baine's keep. You have another day before you need to meet Artemis there, so you do have some time to relax. Of course if anything else comes to mind, feel free to speak up.

Now would also be a good time to switch to 5e. Let me know in your next post if you wish to make any edits to the character summaries I put out. Take note that some items were modified, so unless you have some one-shot equivalents that I didn't cover (potions, scrolls, even poisons), those are likely to be "lost." I will give out experience based on the new 5e format:

General XP (each): 2000
Bonus for completing dragon quest (each): 3000

Individual:
Christopher (hung in there as the holy know how guy): 500
Dr. Nimm (general superb role-playing): 500
Xavier (main player in quest, acquired dragon cohort): 1000

Totals:
Christopher: 5500
Dr. Nimm: 5500
Xavier: 6000


Quests:

Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out.

[Eruasaidh]

"Im sick of these uncouth chest thumping savages. Teleport me to Teleroths Keep! I need Artemis's consultation to plan a rough draft of my next great project. A veritable wonder... The pinnacle of science and magic combined...
... An airship!"

[DM7581]

Is this what you guys are doing? There are 3 of you. You can take it to a vote.

[Eruasaidh]

4. Rupert votes whatever I vote.

[DM7581]

While you are all discussing your next move, a soft movement can be heard from the tree line.

Leena, with Reli at her side (not a dire wolf, just a juiced up, armored wolf) makes herself visible.

Everyone knows that she could have stayed hidden. She is that good.

Maybe it was the idea of bartering with dragons that she didn't agree with. Maybe it was a few hours in solitude she needed to find peace after her near death experience. Whatever the case, she looks to you all. She stands a bit less pale than when you last saw her, as if she has gathered her bearings a bit.

--

Rupert gets no vote (unless Reli gets one too, but no), so now there would be 4 voting entities. In any case what's the next move?

Not to urge the group, but Bear Ghost did seem to look forward to feasting with you all back at his camp...

Leena, you wanted back in. You got it.

[DM7581]

I just went over Xavier's character and helped answer some questions. I haven't heard from Nimm or Christopher, though...

On that note, I had a little discrepancy:

Christopher actually has 5 "attuneable" items:
-Mace of Disruption
-Belt of Cloud Giant Strength
-Ring of Protection
-Book of Exalted Deeds
-Spellguard Shield

What I can do is drop the shield to a regular +1 (no attunement required), and remove the benefits (temporarily) of the Ring of Protection. Once you finish reading the Book of Exalted Deeds (I'll say you are about half way through), you can attune the Ring of Protection again. Sound good?

I haven't proofread my Dr. Nimm proposal yet... Get back to you on that.

[Christ. Michael]

Sounds good to me. I'll go over the Cleric abilities tonight and finalize 5e Christopher Michael.

I vote for helping King Crasus After meeting and feasting with Bear Ghost. Frozen frost work turns my stomach. I have a strong feeling my mace and Teleroth's face would meet as soon as we stepped foot in tr keep.

[DM7581]

Using the 5e Alchemist I created, all I request is that we adhere to learning spells the old fashioned way. This is a double edged sword. Now you have access to 7th-9th level spells, but I am still limiting you, at least for now to the 3+1/level spell limit (this would be 22 spells known at 20th level). Of course, if you run into any new spell scrolls (which you will), you can copy them into your formulae book as normal, so long as they also appear on the Alchemist list.

Here is what I have as your spells known (4 Cantrips and 22 1st-9th, as per the Bard):

C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
1 (4): Cure Wounds, Identify, Expeditious Retreat, Comprehend Languages
2 (3): Gentle Repose, Enlarge/Reduce, Barkskin
3 (3): Gaseous Form, Haste, Protection from Energy
4 (3): Greater Invisibility, Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5 (3): Cloudkill, Mass Cure Wounds, Mislead
6 (2): True Seeing, Heal
7 (2): Etherealness, Resurrection
8 (1): Clone
9 (1): True Polymorph

Note that the 22 spells known and the 22 slots available is a coincidence. I got the spells formula from the Wizard class (they learn at 6+2/level, so I cut it in half for the Alchemist). It makes sense that although the Alchemist can learn any number of spells, as a Wizard, he should not learn them automatically, at the same rate for free.

These were chosen off of the Alchemist list that I created, based also off of what you have used in the past:

Alchemist Spells (available):
C: Acid Splash, Blade Ward, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost, True Strike
1: Cure Wounds, Heroism, Identify, Detect Magic, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Jump, Comprehend Languages,
2: Gentle Repose, Misty Step, Aid, Detect Thoughts, Spider Climb, Mirror Image, Levitate, Enlarge/Reduce, Barkskin, Enhance Ability, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Protection from Poison, Beast Sense
3: Gaseous Form, Vampiric Touch, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Fly, Haste, Tongues, Stinking Cloud, Feign Death, Protection from Energy, Revivify, Water Breathing, Water Walk
4: Fabricate, Confusion, Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility, Polymorph, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5: Wall of Fire, Greater Restoration, Cloudkill, Telekinesis, Raise Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Mislead, Scrying, Commune, Contagion,
6: Eyebite, True Seeing, Heal, Circle of Death, Disintegrate, Magic Jar, Wall of Ice
7: Etherealness, Project Image, Regenerate, Resurrection, Delayed Blast Fireball
8: Glibness, Mindblank, Feeblemind, Incendiary Cloud, Clone, Telepathy
9: Foresight, Prismatic Wall, True Polymorph, Astral Projection, True Resurrection, Mass Heal, Time Stop

This list is not exhaustive. That is, if you feel that a spell should be an Alchemist spell, just let me know. I am sure I am missing at least a few. Of course, anything off of Pathfinder (at least its 5e equivalent) is a go, but please do not make 5e versions of spells to add (like Anticipate Peril). I don't want to create a whole new array of spells and figure out how to balance them out in the new system.

The general idea is that most self-buffing spells should be available, as well as any explosive-type. Shy away from illusion and conjuration-type spells within reason unless it makes sense from an alchemical/alchemist's perspective, keeping within the theme of the class and character.

Also make sure to denote which spells you have prepared. You can prepare a number of spells equal to your level plus your Int modifier (26) per long rest. Put it in your spoiler after we take any long rests. This goes for Christopher as well.

[DM7581]

They are still unavailable, but you can still use your 9th level slots to power your lower level spells.

[Eruasaidh]

Heres my choices for spells.

C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
1 (4): Cure Wounds, Heroism, Expeditious Retreat, identify
2 (3): enhance ability, aid, Barkskin
3 (3): fireball, Haste, Protection from Energy
4 (3): Greater Invisibility (im not a big fan of invisibility, I find it cheesy... but Ill keep it for now), Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5 (3): Cloudkill, Mass Cure Wounds, Awaken (VERY Dr. Nimm-ish)
6 (2): True Seeing, Heal
7 (2): Plane shift (to find new sources of knowledge), Resurrection
8 (1): Clone (very cool and appropriate. Do I have a clone already set up or did it get destroyed with my lab?)
9 (1): True Polymorph

Also there are some things you mentioned, such as Epic Boons...Im not familiar with them. Are they in the PhB? I only have the players guide, so anything not in there is unknown to me. If so, please explain what they do.

[DM7581]

Okay. Adjustments noted. Also remember that you get Enhance Ability for free as a part of your Mutagen Ability, 1/short rest. To have it as a spell slot is good if you plan multiple uses, but a bit redundant if you want to get another spell. Your call.

As far as Epic Boons, they are specialized abilities... ONLY available in the DMG. I have assigned each of you some based on what you have had or what you would lean to based on your current 3.5 builds. They will be granted to you (or a few given as an option) each "level up." Now although your level doesn't technically go beyond 20th, I will use it as a tracker for the amount of Epic Boons you would receive. That is, Xavier was level 25, so he would receive 5.

I will assign them or give you the option of a few to choose from unless you wish to take a feat or an ability score increase (1 stat by 2 or 2 stats by 1 each as normal). With these increases, the maximum is now 30.

I also assumed everyone had a book/tome/manual of their primary stat, thus the 22 score (normally it is capped at 20). I didn't use any Epic Boon slots for ability score increases, but feel free to make those changes if you want to.

Regarding Dr. Nimm:

-Grand Discovery: I chose the Boon of Immortality. Dr. Nimm will no longer age
-Perfect Health: Immune to diseases, etc., advantage on Con Saves
-Skill Proficiency: Gain proficiency with ALL skills
-Quick Casting: Cast any 1 1st-3rd level spell as a Bonus Action (I am iffy about this one-- Alternatively, you can take an ability score increase [24 Int is tempting], a feat, or another Epic Boon). If you want to keep Quick Casting, let me know which spell it applies to.

Be sure to keep him on the theme of alchemy. That is, he shouldn't have the Boon of Irresistible Offense (bypass any creatures damage resistance) or anything out of his theme. This goes for everyone as well, not just Nimm. This is why I will propose Boons for you when they come available.

Yeah, regarding the clone. If you had one, it was destroyed. Need to grow a new one. New lab, go!

[Eruasaidh]

OK. But do I get increased mental stats from immortality? I don't want a boon simply for flavor

[DM7581]

OK. But do I get increased mental stats from immortality? I don't want a boon simply for flavor

Immortality makes you immune to aging effects and you cannot die from old age. There are no longer any age-related mental increases. You can remove it if you want and take the +2 Int.

[Eruasaidh]

Then for an epic boon its very weak. Aging effects and dying of old age? How often does that happen? Then to play an old character i have to either take penalties and no bonuses or use a boon (and get no useful bonus).

Unless you want to tweak it ill play a younger dr nimm and have the epic boon as something more useful

[DM7581]

Then for an epic boon its very weak. Aging effects and dying of old age? How often does that happen? Then to play an old character i have to either take penalties and no bonuses or use a boon (and get no useful bonus).

Unless you want to tweak it ill play a younger dr nimm and have the epic boon as something more useful

Remember that this is a different system, so aging effects may be more common than in 3.5. As far as not dying of old age, well, as an Epic Boon, I think it is appropriate, as it is a filler for a particular style or even flavor of a campaign. Whose to say that you all won't have nearly 50 years (or more) of downtime in-between adventures? Again, flavorful, yes. From an optimization perspective, there are better choices, but I think of it as the alchemist's life long search for the elixir of youth, so it is well within theme.

[Xavier Alexis]

I... I wish to join you, Xavier. Your words and actions have caused me to question my life. What I am... why I am. Will you have me? I still feel the urges of my kind, but I know that I can learn. Can I accompany you?

"Then, we will find some of those answers together my friend and yes, I would be honored to have you by my side in these uncertain times. Tell me, what is your name?"




I vote for helping King Crasus After meeting and feasting with Bear Ghost. Frozen frost work turns my stomach. I have a strong feeling my mace and Teleroth's face would meet as soon as we stepped foot in tr keep.

"Since I know the wisdom of Pelor guides you, you know I am inclined to agree with you on nearly any matter Christopher. However, like Dr. Nimm, I too need Artemis' council. Additionally, allowing me to teleport us there would only take a moment. That being said, the question still remains, do you think you can keep your mace away from Teleroth's face?"

[Eruasaidh]

"I have no interest in Bear Ghost or his band of brutes. There are more pressing concerns... I fear that this weakening of magic, Pelor, and power struggles among other gods (whatever they really are) is but the first symptom of a much greater danger. We have no time for feasting with these club-wielding cro-magnons. Teleroth, at once!"

[DM7581]

"Then, we will find some of those answers together my friend and yes, I would be honored to have you by my side in these uncertain times. Tell me, what is your name?"

I was called Icetalon, but that me... is gone. I now shall be known as Haurach [this means "fate" in draconic]! Master, the tribe to the south... Did they not worship the false one [Chromaticus] as well? Should we not convert them like the others?

Leena, feel free to chime in...

[Xavier Alexis]

I was called Icetalon, but that me... is gone. I now shall be known as Haurach [this means "fate" in draconic]! Master, the tribe to the south... Did they not worship the false one [Chromaticus] as well? Should we not convert them like the others?

"Yes, you are right Haurach. My meeting with my friend Artemis will have to wait. Also, please call me Xavier, for I am no one's master."



"My friends, wherever we go next, I believe we should remain together. After all, it is our combined strength which has kept us from perishing thus far. Christopher and Haurach are absolutely right. We need to turn Bear Ghost's tribe away from Chromaticus as soon as possible.



"There is one more thing I cannot believe I forgot about during this discussion. That is, since we are here at Bahamut's and Tiamat's request, I feel it would be very unwise to turn away from what they have asked us to do."



"That being said, what say you all?"

[Eruasaidh]

Pffffffffffffffft.

[DM7581]

While you are all discussing your next move, a soft movement can be heard from the tree line.

Leena, with Reli at her side (not a dire wolf, just a juiced up, armored wolf) makes herself visible.

Everyone knows that she could have stayed hidden. She is that good.

Maybe it was the idea of bartering with dragons that she didn't agree with. Maybe it was a few hours in solitude she needed to find peace after her near death experience. Whatever the case, she looks to you all. She stands a bit less pale than when you last saw her, as if she has gathered her bearings a bit.

--

Rupert gets no vote (unless Reli gets one too, but no), so now there would be 4 voting entities. In any case what's the next move?

Not to urge the group, but Bear Ghost did seem to look forward to feasting with you all back at his camp...

Leena, you wanted back in. You got it.

Well, Leena hasn't chimed in, so she must have gotten bored with the back and forth in discussing what to do next. Before anyone realizes it, both she and Reli have disappeared back into the wilderness.

--

So to Bear Ghost's tribe? Very good. How are you travelling? Teleport, flight, ground?

[Xavier Alexis]

"Hearing no other complaints or comments, I suppose our next move has been agreed. My friends, gather around me and I will teleport us to Bear Ghost."

Once the party gathers around me, I cast Teleport, bringing us to Bear Ghost's tribe.

[DM7581]

C'mon guys. Let's move on then, yes? Ah, Teleport. The preferred mode of transport.

Xavier's spell brings you right in target, just outside the gates of the settlement.

You all enter the tribe, seeking Bear Ghost.

The tribe seems mellow, subdued. As you walk upon them, looking for Bear Ghost, you can tell that there is a bit of an air of few in the atmosphere. Something has changed. Eventually, you are met with an unassuming Orcish warrior

Me Grud. Bear Ghost want to speak you. Come. I take you to him.

You have the suspicion that celebration and feasting is not yet upon you all.

You are brought to a modest tent. Suitable in size for the party to stay. Bear Ghost is seen kneeling, murmuring something under his breath as if in prayer. Undeniably to Kord. As you enter he rises.

It is good to see you again, friends. I mean to challenge the chieftain once more. Then we feast! I ask that no one interfere with the outcome (he eyes Dr. Nimm)... No matter the cost. I must do this to honor the memory of my father and prove myself to my tribe!

Bear Ghost then pulls Christopher aside.

I wish to speak with you in private...

If you all need supplies or to restore you have the rest of the day. There are normal shoos in town. You can buy supplies up to and including healing potions. Let me know.


As everyone is unwinding/relaxing, Bear Ghost seeks Christopher's guidance.

I have been having visions. The gods... Have been speaking to me. Kord, Gruumsh... Eryth... (he interrupts himself) What does this mean? Have I gone mad?

[DM7581]

As Arcivus and Rurik began heading south, to the port in order to make their way to Cypress to join King Crassus' cause, Arcivus' condition only worsens.

Cold sweats, vomiting, nausea (basically the sickened condition) has afflicted him. Rurik stares at his old friend for a minute scanning to see what the is the matter.

Lad, something... Evil... Has come upon you. You are not fit to travel, let alone face off against the undead. Come... The tribe. Maybe we can meet healers there...

After a short squabble, Arcivus reluctantly obliges, the both of them eventually veering off toward Bear Ghost's tribe.

They are met at the gate by giants and Orcs, but are able to gain entrance by mentioning Bear Ghost and their ties to the party. There are some uneasy looks, especially considering the aura the 2 give off. They are heavily escorted and observed throughout their stay.

Quite the uncomfortable situation, Rurik, a self-proclaimed giant-slayer begins to have second thoughts about this course of action, but knows that a more experienced healer can be found here.

They meet with Bear Ghost, who promptly assigns a few healers to tend to Arcivus. Any hesitations to comply is met with a heavy snarl and hard stare from Bear Ghost, though it doesn't take much.

Bear Ghost: He needs rest. He can stay here as long as he needs to.

Arcivus urges Rurik to go on to Cypress without him. Upon seeing the rest of the party in tact, he decides to take his leave.

Aye, lad. See you soon. Be well. Take care of him, friends.

No rest for Rurik. He promptly departs.

Arcivus, you are being examined by some of the healers there. You are not injured, but they claim that you may have been cursed. Some time will be spent in diagnosing your situation...

You feel all sorts out of place here, what with the evil-dragon worshipping culture, giants, trolls, and Orcs a plenty (some humans as well), but it sure beats being on the road in your condition.

You're in. Go.

[Ketiara]

As Arcivus and Rurik began heading south, to the port in order to make their way to Cypress to join King Crassus' cause, Arcivus' condition only worsens.

Cold sweats, vomiting, nausea (basically the sickened condition) has afflicted him. Rurik stares at his old friend for a minute scanning to see what the is the matter.

Lad, something... Evil... Has come upon you. You are not fit to travel, let alone face off against the undead. Come... The tribe. Maybe we can meet healers there...

After a short squabble, Arcivus reluctantly obliges, the both of them eventually veering off toward Bear Ghost's tribe.

They are met at the gate by giants and Orcs, but are able to gain entrance by mentioning Bear Ghost and their ties to the party. There are some uneasy looks, especially considering the aura the 2 give off. They are heavily escorted and observed throughout their stay.

Quite the uncomfortable situation, Rurik, a self-proclaimed giant-slayer begins to have second thoughts about this course of action, but knows that a more experienced healer can be found here.

They meet with Bear Ghost, who promptly assigns a few healers to tend to Arcivus. Any hesitations to comply is met with a heavy snarl and hard stare from Bear Ghost, though it doesn't take much.

Bear Ghost: He needs rest. He can stay here as long as he needs to.

Arcivus urges Rurik to go on to Cypress without him. Upon seeing the rest of the party in tact, he decides to take his leave.

Aye, lad. See you soon. Be well. Take care of him, friends.

No rest for Rurik. He promptly departs.

Arcivus, you are being examined by some of the healers there. You are not injured, but they claim that you may have been cursed. Some time will be spent in diagnosing your situation...

You feel all sorts out of place here, what with the evil-dragon worshipping culture, giants, trolls, and Orcs a plenty (some humans as well), but it sure beats being on the road in your condition.

You're in. Go.

Instantly more comfortable when in the presence of Xavier and Christopher. Arcivus feels its all somehow going to be alright.
Greetings my dear friends. It seems I cant rid this affliction. And the further I got the worse it became. It seems like Heironeous doesn't want me to part with you guys just yet.

Arcivus has tried to explain to the healers how his curse feels. He describes it as his connection to his divine powers is tainted. And whenever he tries to "reach" for them or tap into them, he has to get through a thin layer of vile essence. Looking like the thin layer of oil on water.
total ripoff from WoT :D but it just fits so well I feel

I feel that if I am to rid myself of this curse my best chance is with you guys. And the arrangement I made with Maxim (Heironeous shelter his soul) and you all still stands I take it.

Arcivus pauses till someone gives an agreeing nod, and continues.

Besides I would hate if it were Rurik that had to carry out the deed. Thats why I had to get rid of him. I will miss him!

If the curse/darkness overtakes Arcivus they are to put him down before he succumbs to evil

So whats the plan, and how can I help out?

[Eruasaidh]

Having no interest in the tribes, I stay with Arcivus the entire time, trying to discover more about his illness. I rolled a 17... Not sure what that translates into.

I set up a tent in the camp with supplies and furnishings to make it as comfortable as possible for him. I don't really leave the tent unless necessary. Time not spent with Arcivus I use to read the Tome or offering medical care to the tribesmen.

Although I have contempt for all dimwits, I won't withhold treatment to them. When I must speak to a tribesman, I can't help but to use simple words in a loud slow tone. Such is the low estimation I have of their intelligence.

I remain isolated from the tribe in the medical tent at Arcivus bedside most of the time. Though I know I cant cure it right now I do search for clues for a cure. I also go visit the excellent Ingron, for relieving mental stimulation and consulting on a cure. At night I play chess with Rupert, who is fond of cheating, and continue trying to make him even smarter.

I take part in no decision making, Ill support my friends in whatever they choose to do. Though my preference is clearly to the Lich guy tower.

[Dr_Nimm]

Who is this impostor posting as myself! Eruasaidh?!? Ha. Dumb name.

[Xavier Alexis]

So whats the plan, and how can I help out?

"First, it is truly wonderful to have you by our side again Arcivus. I only wish our reunion was not due to your mysterious condition. As for the plan, I must address the tribe and attempt to turn them away from the false deity Chromaticus. However, I must first speak to Bear Ghost so I can ascertain the right moment to do this. In the meantime, I suggest you rest and allow Dr. Nimm to study your condition. I will return."

That being said, I seek out Bear Ghost.

Once I find him, I say, "Bear Ghost, as always, it is good to see you my friend. Unfortunately, this is not merely a social visit. We have come at the request of Bahamut to turn this tribe away from the false deity Chromaticus. Thus, I must address the tribe as soon as possible. Since you will be facing the chieftain soon, when do you suggest I do this?"

[DM7581]

"First, it is truly wonderful to have you by our side again Arcivus. I only wish our reunion was not due to your mysterious condition. As for the plan, I must address the tribe and attempt to turn them away from the false deity Chromaticus. However, I must first speak to Bear Ghost so I can ascertain the right moment to do this. In the meantime, I suggest you rest and allow Dr. Nimm to study your condition. I will return."

That being said, I seek out Bear Ghost.

Once I find him, I say, "Bear Ghost, as always, it is good to see you my friend. Unfortunately, this is not merely a social visit. We have come at the request of Bahamut to turn this tribe away from the false deity Chromaticus. Thus, I must address the tribe as soon as possible. Since you will be facing the chieftain soon, when do you suggest I do this?"

Yes, old friend. Our goals are the same. Once a proud and honorable tribe, my people have fallen. It's is my desire to see our destiny fulfilled... under the strength of Kord!

The healers are baffled by Arcivus' condition, but Dr.Nimm, you are able to determine that there is indeed an evil presence within him. He also radiates good, so this is puzzling as well. In another few days, with more testing, you may be able to discover the root cause. You are all to be meeting Artemis at Teleroth's keep later today, so maybe they can help...

Morning comes. Bear Ghost gears up to challenge the chieftain. Christopher seems distraught. After his conversation with Bear Ghost, which he is silent about to the rest of you, he has done little other than remain in prayer. He also remains near Arcivus during the day, discussing his relationship with Heironeous and if any "peculiar" omens have been felt. Arcivus I loathe to admit it, but he too (along with both Maxim and Rurik) have felt a strong disconnect with their patrons. Arcivus has viewed this as a test of faith, especially considering what came of his father, so he nevertheless has displayed his faith, unwavering.

As Bear Ghost heads out, paired with the Orc shaman (who was his father's advisor), Numvulk, the Troll Chieftain, approaches with an entourage of giants, trolls, and other, more loyal Orcs.

This draws a large crowd. Even Arcivus wishes not to miss out on the action.

Bear Ghost pauses in confusion, as he was yet to issue his challenge, the shaman doing the same.

Numvulk: Ha! You mean to challenge me again, pup? Too late! Some "elf" has done so already! You will have to wait your turn if you seek destruction!

"Some elf?" Everyone thinks? "Artemis? Maybe Leena? If not, then who?"

Just then, from a small hut emerges an unremarkable elf, dressed in nothing more than a simple brown and dark green tunic. Boots and belt. No armor. No weapons.


Xavier's truesight can see this elf for who he really is-- the ancient green dragon Garyxkilla!


The onlookers of the tribe burst into boisterous laughter as he presents himself, making his way to just outside of the anti-magic combat circle.

Garyxkilla: I see you have accepted my challenge, chieftain! For leadership of the tribe. To the death!

Another burst of laughter. A shaman comes running across toward the chieftain, as if he has discovered the green dragon's secret.

Shaman: You musn't! He is not what he seems!

Numvulk: You dare question my might?!

Axe drawn, he swiftly decapitates the shaman. The crowd erupts in cheer. Bear Ghost looks upon his people in disappointment. Such brutality is not honorable.

Numvulk: Anyone else wish to have a word?! (this quells the crowd) Very well then.

Numvulk steps into the circle, prepared for combat. Snickering can be heard around what looks like a hapless elf, who is but looking down. An orc in the crowd pushes him forward to enter the ring. His left leg kicks out to catch his balance. It falls within the antimagic circle.

If the chieftain quelled the crowd with his display, what happens next silences the crowd completely.

His magic negated, Garyxkilla's leg shows that of an immense large dragon. He steps into the circle, his form exploding forward until his presence is fully revealed. Panic sets in to the crowd as the yell out "dragon! To arms!" But Garyxkilla remains calm, his booming voice overcoming their panic. Numvulk, a battle-tested warrior, grips his axe firmly, but shows no other sign of panic.

Garyxkilla: I mean you no harm. But it is my understanding that, according to tradition, any may challenge for leadership of the tribe. Do you wish to forfeit this challenge, mighty Numbulk? Do you yield?

The dragon is obviously playing to the chieftain's ego, which works quite well.

Numvulk: Numbulk yields to no one! To the death!

At that, the savage chieftain, raging and frenzied charges the dragon. A few swings are landed, the dragon snarling in retaliation. The excitement peaks as another few hits are landed. The crowd, cheering on the chieftain. Their champion. The dragon, then, specifically locks eyes with Bear Ghost and then the exciting fight becomes anything but.

Using his massive strength, the dragon snatches, disarms, and pins the powerful chieftain. He groans in pain as he is crushed. The sound of breaking bones can be heard as the crowd oohs and awes the change of events.

Garyxkilla: I can kill you now, oh so easily, dear chieftain. But you are a prize. You are defeated. Yield and you may yet live as my champion!

Numvulk: I will not... Yield... Chromatic-- (more pressure is applied, hushing the troll)

Garyxkilla: Chromaticus is weak compared to the mighty Tiamat! Just as you are weak compared to me. Join me and I will bring glory back to this pathetic tribe and show true domination across the realm! (he lets up a bit) If not, you die for nothing, worm. You will be forgotten by these people as a fool. What say you?!

Numvulk: (looking around, but visually broken by the dragon) I... (softly) yield.

Garyxkilla: LOUDER! So that your people can hear you!

Numvulk: I YIELD!

Combat ends and the troll is once again dragged away by his posse. The dragon starts barking orders to the tribesman, demanding quarters suitable for a chief of his stature. He also requests an elf maiden to be captured by nightfall in order for the tribe to prove their worth and allegiance to him. You all get the feeling that he means to devour her.

Bear Ghost: This changes nothing. I must challenge this worm.

You all think him mad. Maybe together you can take down the dragon, but one on one... That's a hard sell.

There is a celebratory feast, though not the one you had in mind. All matter of beast is served, with ale being poured in abundance (it was probably ransacked from a trade wagon from the town to the south). I am sure many of you are reluctant to partake.

The dragon remains in the chieftain's hut, in elf form, until his larger accommodations have been prepared, which he wishes to be a bit ways off, overlooking the tribe. Many giants have left to harvest materials to begin building (trees, stones, and rocks from up north).

What do you all do?

[DM7581]

Who is this impostor posting as myself! Eruasaidh?!? Ha. Dumb name.

I know, right? And you need to correct the scale on your avatar too. It looks weird.

[DM7581]

Icetalon Haurach has been impressively docile, even offering to look after Arcivus if need be. He has remained mostly out of sight, as he seems to fear some of the frost giants that populate the tribe.

[Dr_Nimm]

Hearing all this commotion, I crankily poke my head out of the tent.

"Pff. Morons. You see, Rupert? Thats what they get when they run a strength-ocracy. Someone bigger and meaner eventually comes along. Serves them right!

Common sense that the wisest should lead, not the strongest. This is like a hippo playing king to pigs, both species of which have twice the wit of these paleolithic thugs. Hmph!"

Having no time or inclination to deal with this, I pop back into the tent and align the research based what I've found so far: evil seed in a good person. I consult with CM and Ingron, staying up late.

[DM7581]

Hearing all this commotion, I crankily poke my head out of the tent.

"Pff. Morons. You see, Rupert? This is what these primitives get when they run a strength-ocracy. Someone bigger and meaner eventually comes along. Serves them right!

Common sense that the wisest should lead, not the strongest. This is like a hippo playing king to pigs, both species of which have twice the wit of these paleolithic thugs. Pathetic! Hmph."

Pop back into the tent and align the research based what I've found so far: evil seed in a good person. I consult with CM and Ingron.

Ingron is 2 days trek north. Christopher has seemed distracted for the last few hours, leading into the morning. (Unless he wishes to chime in).

You suspect that there may be a foreign object that is inside of him, possibly poisoning him or something along those lines...

[Dr_Nimm]

Can't I teleport now Too? I don't remember where my spell list is.

Even if I have to walk or ride, it will be worth it.

"Arcivus: my preliminary diagnosis is that that there may be an object inside you that is causing this malaise. Do you know any way that could have hapenned? (I look for recent or suspicious scars or wounds). I seem to recall that you were captured by the Acolytes performing a ritual and unconscious when we found you. It could have hapenned then. Do you recall anything? Do you have any scars you don't recognize from before? Anything sore, painful, warm or inflammated? That can indicate a foreign object.

My friend Ingron lives two days from here... so vast is his learning that I'm but a student next to him... I'm sure he can help. But with all this macho foolishness outside, I'm not sure its wise to run off just yet.

In any case, lets try to find the object. Ill now examine you, but remove your armor only one section at a time and reattach it when I move on. That way if a fight breaks out, you won't be caught unprotected. Rupert, stand watch near the entrance."

I try to detect where the object is. I use magic, alchemy, my hands, special equipment like magnets or doweling rods, etc. Suspecting that removal may trigger some harmful event or condition, (cursed, on an artery etc) I won't attempt removal until I know its safe.

I can surgically open him to view the object. Knowing what it looks like will help to identify it. In fact, myself or someone can cast Identify on it while I have him open. I can try to remove it right there if we Identify it as safe to remove or close him up (sutures+heal magic), then do more research. I can always reopen him later once we have a plan. I prefer to have Ingron and even Artemis, if possible (Xavier or maybe myself can teleport).

[DM7581]

So here are the options. I kinda like the Transmuter Wizard as an Alchemist, but there is some flavor and flair missing. Here is my take on the Alchemist:


Alchemist:

HD: d8
Armor: Light
Weapons: Simple
Tools: Alchemist's Supplies
Saves: Con, Int
Skills (2): Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Perception

1 Alchemy, Bomb
2 Mutagen
3 Alchemical Specialty
4 Ability Score Improvement
5 Poison Use
6 Alchemical Specialty Feature
7 Swift Alchemy
8 Ability Score Improvement
9 Poison Expert
10 Alchemical Specialty Feature
11 --
12 Ability Score Improvement
13 --
14 Alchemical Specialty Feature
15 --
16 Ability Score Improvement
17 --
18 --
19 Ability Score Improvement
20 Grand Discovery (Epic Boon)

Alchemy (Spellcasting):
-3 extracts known, +1/level (can learn any number of spells as Wizard, uses Formulae Book)
-May cast any spell without preparation as a ritual if it has the ritual tag
-Prepare level+Int mod/long rest
-Spellcasting ability: Int
-Spellcasting focus: Alchemist's Supplies
-Bard spell progression
-Spells "cast" by drinking extract or throwing extract (if it targets an area or individual)

Bomb:
-Cantrip as ranged attack (damaging spells only)

Mutagen:
-Gain Enhance Ability usable 1/short rest, self only

Poison Use:
-Gain Proficiency in Poisoner's Kit
-May create/use poison at no risk of injury
-Gain resistance to poison

Swift Alchemy:
-May craft alchemical items in half the cost/time (mundane items)

Poison Expert:
-Gain immunity to poison
-May craft poisons in half the time/cost
-May apply poison as a bonus action

Grand Discovery:
-Gain 1 Epic Boon as described in the DMG

Alchemical Specialties:

Grenadier:
(3): Bomber's Eye: add Int bonus to damage with Bombs
(6): Swift Bomb: Use bomb as a bonus action
(10): Bomb Admixture: May combine bomb with the effect of any 1 other spell (must expend slot, not as a bonus action bomb)
(14): Explosive Bombs: reroll 1s and 2s for bomb damage, including any damage done with the Bomb Admixture feature

Mutagenist:
(3): Greater Mutagen: affects all physical or mental stats, gain disadvantage on others (Str/Dex/Con or Int/Wis/Cha)
(6): Grand Mutagen: combines 1 other spell, targets self only (must expend slot)
(10): Enhanced Metabolism: Immune to disease, regain HP equal to Con mod (up to half HP)
(14): True Mutagen: combines up to 3 spells, targets self only (must expend slots)

Available Spells:

C: Acid Splash (Acid Bomb), Blade Ward, Firebolt (Fire Bomb), Poison Spray (Poison Bomb), Ray of Frost (Ice Bomb), True Strike
1: Cure Wounds, Heroism, Identify, Detect Magic, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Jump, Comprehend Languages,
2: Gentle Repose, Misty Step, Aid, Detect Thoughts, Spider Climb, Mirror Image, Levitate, Enlarge/Reduce, Barkskin, Enhance Ability, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Protection from Poison, Beast Sense
3: Gaseous Form, Vampiric Touch, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Fly, Haste, Tongues, Stinking Cloud, Feign Death, Protection from Energy, Revivify, Water Breathing, Water Walk
4: Fabricate, Confusion, Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility, Polymorph, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5: Wall of Fire, Greater Restoration, Cloudkill, Telekinesis, Raise Dead, Mass Cure Wounds, Mislead, Scrying, Commune, Contagion,
6: Eyebite, True Seeing, Heal, Circle of Death, Disintegrate, Magic Jar, Wall of Ice
7: Etherealness, Project Image, Regenerate, Resurrection, Delayed Blast Fireball
8: Glibness, Mindblank, Feeblemind, Incendiary Cloud, Clone, Telepathy
9: Foresight, Prismatic Wall, True Polymorph, Astral Projection, True Resurrection, Mass Heal, Time Stop


So this was built using a few simple points in mind:

-The Bard has a d8 HD now, so that is a given versus the d6 I had him at (Pathfinder has the Alchemist at d8)
-I chose Con and Int for saves as the Alchemist needs to have a high Int (as a Wizard) while Con represents constant drinking of questionable substances
-Spell progression is standard across all full casters, except the Alchemist should learn spells at a slower rate than a Wizard (3 spells+1/ level versus a Wizard's 6 spells+2/level)-- of course this is less important when you consider he can still add extracts (spells) from scrolls into his formulae book
-Paths were simple: Bomber and Mutagen. One focuses on ranged attacks, while the other can tank. Either is decent without being overly powerful compared to say a sneak attack Rogue (ranged) or raging Barbarian (tank)
-I did away with the Infusion thing-- I will assume that any spell available that can be cast on an ally (Cure Wounds, Heal, etc.) is cast by the Alchemist drinking the extract and then touching the target, conferring the benefits to them
-Although the spells chosen are particular, the Alchemist is one of the only other casters that has a nice bonus of healing/buffing and damaging spells (the Bard is next on the list, but has more subtle spells), so the flexibility is there

My concern, and of course, I am looking at optimization, is will the Grenadier be a sufficient damage dealer? Will the Mutagenist be a sufficient semi-tank?

At 20th level, a Bombardier can fling 2 bombs. Let's say he uses a fire bomb (Firebolt) for 4d10+5 (assuming a 20 Int) damage. His swift bomb will average just over 30 damage (he re-rolls 1s and 2s), while his main bomb will do that plus 1 spell of his choice (Delayed Blast Fireball?) for just over 60 damage (re-rolling 1s and 2s) for the blast. Now this over course won't happen often (that was with a 9th level slot), but it is quite devastating. I think 30 and 30 damage per round is decent while not overpowering, with the opportunity for a little extra when it is needed.

Now the Mutagenist is a bit different. I threw in a watered down version of the Fighter's recovery method, but combining enhance ability with 3 other spells is still impressive, if slot-consuming. So while explosive, the Alchemist is not a long-term type of combatant, as these slots will go quick. I imagine the Mutagen ability stacked with Polymorph, Stoneskin, and Invisibility (or any other 3) will be pretty impressive in anyone's book. The HP recovery is just a bonus to reflect an unnatural metabolism. I think it works.

What do you think, Nimm? This is what Nimm would look like:


Rock Gnome Alchemist
Sage
10.14.14.22.12.10
XP: 486,608/505,000
HD: 20d8+60
HP: 163
AC: 16
Speed
Initiative: +2
Saves: Str +1, Dex +3, Con +9, Int +13, Wis +2, Cha +1
Weapon: WARS* (Hook Hammer/Blowgun; Wis Save DC 15 or fall prone, laughing after hit), (+6, 1d6)
Armor: Elven Chain
Equipment: Alchemist's Supplies (spellcasting focus), Tinker's Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Smith's Tools, Thieves' Tools
Alchemical (5 of each, craft as needed): Acid, Alchemist's Fire, Antitoxin, Potion of Healing, Basic Poison, plus 1 each of advanced poisons in the DMG
Magic Items: CRUD (Wand of Scorching Ray), Tome of the Keeper* (Advantage on all skill checks), Cloak of Protection*
*attuned (max 3)
Languages: Common, Gnomish, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarvish, Halfling, Sylvan
Tools: Alchemist's Supplies, Tinkers' Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Smith's Tools, Thieves' Tools
Skills: All
Feats: Keen Mind, Linguist, Observant, Skilled
Epic Boons: Quick Casting, Perfect Health, Skill Proficiency
Spells Known (DC 20):
C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
Familiar: Rupert (fey familiar)
3.16.8.2.12.3
HP: 1
AC: 13
Speed: 30
Saves: Str -4, Dex +3, Con -1, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -4
Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +5


I didn't go through the trouble of picking out different spells, but he looks about the same, no?

Neither Teleport nor its cousins aren't on the Alchemist list, so Xavier can take you there and back. Of course, if you want to take the ride there, we are talking 2 days one way.

What'll it be?

Also, I need to retool the elixir/ethers. I'll figure out the mechanic, but for now, just know that they will replenish X number of slots (based on potency).

[Dr_Nimm]

I sent you a list of the spells I chose. Those aren't the ones. You read them.

But I.don't remember where that list is.

Also retool what? I tthought you said I cast spells like a bard just in potion form.

[DM7581]

Keeping in line with how potions of healing work, the mana potions will work similarly:

Elixir: Recover 1d4 spell level slots (max 1st level)-- uncommon (200 GP value)
Greater Elixir: Recover 2d4 spell level slots (max 3rd level level)-- rare
Superior Elixir: Recover 4d4 spell level slots (max 5th level)-- very rare
Ether: Recover 8d4 spell level slots (max 7th level)-- legendary

I haven't worked out the GP values for the higher end versions, but that is for the sole purpose of crafting, as they do not exist for sale anywhere.

Keep in mind the following rules when using a mana potion:

-you can only recover a slot that has been expended (no powering up)
-slots must be replenished lowest levels first (you can't just regain higher level slots if you are missing lower level ones)
-each slot counts its spell level when recovering (an ether replenishing say 20 spell level slots can recover 1 2nd, 1 5th, 1 6th, and then 1 7th level slot provided no other lower level slots are missing)
-any overages rolled are lost (say if missing a 5th level slot only and roll a 6, the last 1 level slot is lost)

I hope this seems fair. I'll get on the cost/rules for crafting next.

[DM7581]

I sent you a list of the spells I chose. Those aren't the ones. You read them.

But I.don't remember where that list is.

Also retool what? I tthought you said I cast spells like a bard just in potion form.

Retool the mana potions. Your casting is fine as previously agreed. I'll go over your list when i can. You going alone?

[Ketiara]

Seeing as Nimm cant stop talking about this guy, and Arcivus is very grateful for the attention Nimm's been giving him, he would love to come along. Besides he is feeling loads better, and this barbaric society with no law but brute force rules is nothing Arcivus wants to spend more time than necessary in.

Ill come along Nimm I would prefer teleporting back and forth. If this Ingron is so knowledgeable I'm sure he will be able to explain this ritual that's been done on me. I only remember it in fragments and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me.

Arcivus looks thoughtful, as if remembering something as he is speaking of it.

Now come to think of it, I do remember them carrying some important item during the ritual. They brought it close to me, and I don't remember them carrying it away again. Don't know if they did some specific cutting to implant it in me, I don't remember more pain than usual. It was a constant torture till I died and then healing me back up to continue.

Arcivus looks troubled

I believe their goal to be for me to turn my back on Heironeus. But I never faltered.

Arcivus would never recant his faith!

[DM7581]

Seeing as Nimm cant stop talking about this guy, and Arcivus is very grateful for the attention Nimm's been giving him, he would love to come along. Besides he is feeling loads better, and this barbaric society with no law but brute force rules is nothing Arcivus wants to spend more time than necessary in.

Ill come along Nimm I would prefer teleporting back and forth. If this Ingron is so knowledgeable I'm sure he will be able to explain this ritual that's been done on me. I only remember it in fragments and a lot of it doesn't make sense to me.

Arcivus looks thoughtful, as if remembering something as he is speaking of it.

Now come to think of it, I do remember them carrying some important item during the ritual. They brought it close to me, and I don't remember them carrying it away again. Don't know if they did some specific cutting to implant it in me, I don't remember more pain than usual. It was a constant torture till I died and then healing me back up to continue.

Arcivus looks troubled

I believe their goal to be for me to turn my back on Heironeus. But I never faltered.

Arcivus would never recant his faith!

Your group did meet Ingron, as he was a friend of the now slain silver wyrm that oversaw the area. You met briefly with him and were a part of the mission to wipe out the undead and rescue the dragon. Apparently the dark rite was partially successful.

As far as what you remember of the torture, you were in and out, bound and cut open in multiple places. There looks to be evil runes and carvings about the torso, arms, and legs that may heal in time. There is a particularly deep incision just under the rib cage. Coincidentally, this is where you feel most ill, as if most of the pain radiates from your core. If something is indeed inside of you it is probably very close to this area.

[DM7581]

Spells Known (22):

C (U): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
1 (4): Cure Wounds, Heroism, Identify, Expeditious Retreat
2 (3): Enhance Ability, Aid, Barkskin
3 (3): Fireball, Haste, Protection from Energy
4 (3): Greater Invisibility, Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin
5 (3): Cloudkill, Mass Cure Wounds, Awaken
6 (2): True Seeing, Heal
7 (2): Plane Shift, Resurrection
8 (1): Clone
9 (1): True Polymorph

Oh, and if you come across any scrolls, feel free to add on more spells (they must also be on the Alchemist list I made you-- see last quoted post)

[Dr_Nimm]

Xavier can teleport us and Ill true polymorph us into whites and fly us back. How long would flying one way take?

I send for Xavier via Rupert and call a secret meeting.

"If Arcivus and I leave, Xavier has to deal with Garyxkilla nearly by himself. However, we don't know how Arcivus's condition may progress. Anything can happen to him.

We must weigh the advantages and risks. At this time, I believe that Garyx wont be an imminent threat. He will feast and gloat for a few days. He is not directly menacing any one of us.

A restored Arcivus will be that much more powerful should we decide to challenge Gary in the future.

We can of course go after Gary now, but risk Arcivus's condition worsening. For all we know, he could be turning in to something ghoulish. A concept I find interesting, though unpleasant for him.

Xavier, we would need a teleport and for you to buy us time... delay whatever Garyx has planned... If such a brute is even capable of planning.

What do you all think?"

[Ketiara]

Xavier can teleport us and Ill true polymorph us into whites and fly us back. How long would flying one way take?

I send for Xavier via Rupert and call a secret meeting.

"If Arcivus and I leave, Xavier has to deal with Garyxkilla nearly by himself. However, we don't know how Arcivus's condition may progress. Anything can happen to him.

We must weigh the advantages and risks. At this time, I believe that Garyx wont be an imminent threat. He will feast and gloat for a few days. He is not directly menacing any one of us.

A restored Arcivus will be that much more powerful should we decide to challenge Gary in the future.

We can of course go after Gary now, but risk Arcivus's condition worsening. For all we know, he could be turning in to something ghoulish. A concept I find interesting, though unpleasant for him.

Xavier, we would need a teleport and for you to buy us time... delay whatever Garyx has planned... If such a brute is even capable of planning.

What do you all think?"

I do not think I will turn into something unholy just yet! Although the more I exert myself the worse I feel.

Arcivus gets an idea.

I've not dared to do this, but in your company, It might be safe. If any unfortunate consequences occur.

Arcivus tries to cast lay on hands on himself. On one of the minor wounds/runes. If that doesn't work and he doesn't feel worse, he uses a charge of Cleansing Touch to see if it can end a magical effect. He might try and do some sort of combination of cleansing touch and lay on hands.

I also try and use my Divine Sense to notice if a consecrated object is inside me, If I can.

Unless something completely surprising happens during my little experiment, I'm on board with Nimm's idea.

Concentration Check: roll 6 + 5 + 5 (aura of protection) = 16

[Xavier Alexis]

Xavier can teleport us and Ill true polymorph us into whites and fly us back. How long would flying one way take?

I send for Xavier via Rupert and call a secret meeting.

"If Arcivus and I leave, Xavier has to deal with Garyxkilla nearly by himself. However, we don't know how Arcivus's condition may progress. Anything can happen to him.

We must weigh the advantages and risks. At this time, I believe that Garyx wont be an imminent threat. He will feast and gloat for a few days. He is not directly menacing any one of us.

A restored Arcivus will be that much more powerful should we decide to challenge Gary in the future.

We can of course go after Gary now, but risk Arcivus's condition worsening. For all we know, he could be turning in to something ghoulish. A concept I find interesting, though unpleasant for him.

Xavier, we would need a teleport and for you to buy us time... delay whatever Garyx has planned... If such a brute is even capable of planning.

What do you all think?"

"I agree Dr. Nimm. I believe we must do everything in our power to help Arcivus rid himself of this condition. When everyone is ready, I will take us there."

When everyone is set, I cast Teleport.

[Dr_Nimm]

Dr Nimm watches intently, writing plume quivering over his notebook, perversely hoping for some bizarre reaction to occur.

[DM7581]

You all are Teleported right in front of where Ingron's cave entrance was. Was. As you appear, and look around, there is no entrance. No runes. You all look to Xavier as if he had made an error in his spell, but it becomes very apparent that he hasn't when you see the abandoned camp site that lay right outside of his lair.

The mountain face is completely natural. There is no showing of a cave in or anything of that nature. It is as if the lair never existed.

Impossible! Dr. Nimm thinks to himself. You all spend some time searching around, maybe for a secret entrance, perplexed. Even Xavier's Truesight reveals nothing. Just mundane rock, you assume, for as far as you can see into the mountainside.

As this is going on, Dr. Nimm feels a strange sensation as the Tome of the Keeper starts to lightly pulsate. He quickly opens the tome to see what is going on.

On a new page, a strange message seems to be inscribed with unfamiliar penmanship:

The answers you seek are not here. Now YOU are the Keeper. They must be found on your own...

Strangely enough, as Dr. Nimm scurries to read the message, Xavier and Arcivus cannot help but peer over his shoulder to see what is written. All they see is a collection of symbols, characters, and letters-- none of it intelligible. It might as well be gibberish to them.

You all can investigate around here further, or teleport back. Call it.

--

Oh and edit on the mana potions. I think I made them too difficult. Let's keep 5e simple:

Elixir: Recover 1 spell slot (max 1st level): 200/20 GP (8/1 days of work)
Greater Elixir: Recover any 2 spell slots (max 3rd level): 500/50 GP (10/1 days of work)
Superior Elixir: Recover any 3 spell slots (max 5th level): 2500/250 GP (50/5 days of work)
Ether: Recover any 4 spell slots (max 7th level): 10,000/1,000 GP (200/20 days of work)

No rolling or needing to fill up on lower level slots in order to replenish higher ones. I think this one works better. Regarding crafting, it normally takes ten times the time, but I cut that down for Dr. Nimm, who would be able to do these things in half the time, as per the Alchemist class ability (Instant Alchemy? We'll write it in). The numbers before the slash indicate "normal" cost/time. After is the x10 reduction that Dr. Nimm can use (minimum 1 day).

[Ketiara]

Arcivus tries to cast lay on hands on himself. On one of the minor wounds/runes. If that doesn't work and he doesn't feel worse, he uses a charge of Cleansing Touch to see if it can end a magical effect. He might try and do some sort of combination of cleansing touch and lay on hands.

I also try and use my Divine Sense to notice if a consecrated object is inside me, If I can.


What about the tests I did on myself?

[DM7581]

What about the tests I did on myself?

You, Nimm, Christopher, and the healers back at the tribe have tried all manner of cure, curse, and heal spell. Nothing has seemed to work.

The scarring, while visible, will better heal in time, but what ails you feels more internal than external.

[DM7581]

You, Nimm, Christopher, and the healers back at the tribe have tried all manner of cure, curse, and heal spell. Nothing has seemed to work.

The scarring, while visible, will better heal in time, but what ails you feels more internal than external.

While you do not detect anything desecrated, and while Divine Sense will detect creatures, not objects... Strangely enough, you do sense something. It carries the sense of the undead, as if another "creature" is within you...

[Ketiara]

While you do not detect anything desecrated, and while Divine Sense will detect creatures, not objects... Strangely enough, you do sense something. It carries the sense of the undead, as if another "creature" is within you...

While searching for the cave entrance Arcivus notices something peculiar and horrifying. (He used his divine sense to help in his search.)

I have a horrible feeling that my affliction may be caused by something undead residing inside me. I think we need to get back and get this out of me! Nimm or Christoffer have you ever heard about this before?






eeewww!!! get it out get it out get it out!!!

[Dr_Nimm]

"Ingron is gone. I hope to see him someday. We must port back at once and begin the procedure. I thought about doing it here, where we will be undisturbed, but that would delay our return. Besides, I have a clinic already set up. To the village!"

Back at the tent I prepare anesthetic, healing, and disinfectant compounds. I start on Arcivus, of course always on the lookout for ways to "improve" him (flexible adamantium mesh under the skin? Internal potion reservoir? Oh my).

I try to have CM nearby for healing assistance or unholy surprises.

"Bear Ghost... Keep your goons from disrupting us, or your tribe will have worse things to worry about than a giant green reptile!"

[Xavier Alexis]

"Ingron is gone. I hope to see him someday. We must port back at once and begin the procedure. I thought about doing it here, where we will be undisturbed, but that would delay our return. Besides, I have a clinic already set up. To the village!"

Back at the tent I prepare anesthetic, healing, and disinfectant compounds. I start on Arcivus, of course always on the lookout for ways to "improve" him (flexible adamantium mesh under the skin? Internal potion reservoir? Oh my).

I try to have CM nearby for healing assistance or unholy surprises.

"Bear Ghost... Keep your goons from disrupting us, or your tribe will have worse things to worry about than a giant green reptile!"

"Dr. Nimm, perhaps I can teleport us directly from Ingron's old lair to Artemis. What do you think?"

[Dr_Nimm]

"Dr. Nimm, perhaps I can teleport us directly from Ingron's old lair to Artemis. What do you think?"

That's a great idea. Do you know if its safe where he is? Can Artemis port us back or will you be staying? Bear Ghost may need your help. If anyone can keep Garyxkilla distracted long enough, its you... But I wouldnt give a tin can in a straw hat for the tribe, so its all the same to me.

[DM7581]

Artemis is at Teleroth's lair, a place that Christopher is loathe to go. Arcivus hasn't been, but I take it that he has heard about Teleroth through the party.

Basically, he claims to be a non-evil lich, the late son of the Black Scourge, a powerful, very-evil lich that the party defeated some time ago.

Of course, defeat is not synonymous with death, so Teleroth fears his father's return and means to be ready to combat him when the time comes. He took the form of lich to secure his immortality, as the undead are ageless and it may be years or even centuries before his father returns, if he ever does.

[Ketiara]

Artemis is at Teleroth's lair, a place that Christopher is loathe to go. Arcivus hasn't been, but I take it that he has heard about Teleroth through the party.

Basically, he claims to be a non-evil lich, the late son of the Black Scourge, a powerful, very-evil lich that the party defeated some time ago.

Of course, defeat is not synonymous with death, so Teleroth fears his father's return and means to be ready to combat him when the time comes. He took the form of lich to secure his immortality, as the undead are ageless and it may be years or even centuries before his father returns, if he ever does.

I expect Arcivus know about Tiamats and Bahamut's request to turn Bear Ghost's tribe away from Chromaticus.

The will of the Gods is especially if its a direct request isnt something one should be hesitant to comply. Although it seems like Garyx has done the deed for us, feel we should supervise that he isnt going to terrorize and subjugate them more than is acceptable for their leaders to do.

And being near a lich good or evil with something undead in his body is something Arcivus is VERY hesitant to do willingly.

I say lets get to Nimm's excellent field hospital, and get this evil out of me.

[Dr_Nimm]

I expect Arcivus know about Tiamats and Bahamut's request to turn Bear Ghost's tribe away from Chromaticus.

The will of the Gods is especially if its a direct request isnt something one should be hesitant to comply. Although it seems like Garyx has done the deed for us, feel we should supervise that he isnt going to terrorize and subjugate them more than is acceptable for their leaders to do.

And being near a lich good or evil with something undead in his body is something Arcivus is VERY hesitant to do willingly.

I say lets get to Nimm's excellent field hospital, and get this evil out of me.


As you wish. Let's start right away.

[Ketiara]

As you wish.

Becoming a bit suspicious with the eagerness that Nimm has about cutting me, but never forgetting his professionalism I add with a forced smile despite the situation.

And no funny business while you are in there!

[Xavier Alexis]

That's a great idea. Do you know if its safe where he is? Can Artemis port us back or will you be staying? Bear Ghost may need your help. If anyone can keep Garyxkilla distracted long enough, its you... But I wouldnt give a tin can in a straw hat for the tribe, so its all the same to me.

"I believe it will be safe enough. And, I do agree I should return to Bear Ghost's tribe soon. But, I think it may still be best if I bring you and Arcivus to Teleroth and Artemis first. I am confident the combined skills you, Artemis and Teleroth possess can rid Arcivus of the evil which has gripped him. What do you think?"


I expect Arcivus know about Tiamats and Bahamut's request to turn Bear Ghost's tribe away from Chromaticus.

The will of the Gods is especially if its a direct request isnt something one should be hesitant to comply. Although it seems like Garyx has done the deed for us, feel we should supervise that he isnt going to terrorize and subjugate them more than is acceptable for their leaders to do.

And being near a lich good or evil with something undead in his body is something Arcivus is VERY hesitant to do willingly.

I say lets get to Nimm's excellent field hospital, and get this evil out of me.

"I understand your reservations, my friend. However, let me tell you why I believe Teleroth and Artemis are your best chance to rid yourself of the evil you are suffering from. First, Teleroth is very knowledgeable in matters concerning necromancy and second, Artemis is a wizard who specializes in knowledge. Additionally, it so happens I trust Artemis with my life so if he trusts Teleroth, I know we can trust Teleroth as well. That being said, are you willing to take that chance?"

[Ketiara]

"I understand your reservations, my friend. However, let me tell you why I believe Teleroth and Artemis are your best chance to rid yourself of the evil you are suffering from. First, Teleroth is very knowledgeable in matters concerning necromancy and second, Artemis is a wizard who specializes in knowledge. Additionally, it so happens I trust Artemis with my life so if he trusts Teleroth, I know we can trust Teleroth as well. That being said, are you willing to take that chance?"

Arcivus seems very pursuaded by the words of Xavier

I belive faith has brought me back to you. And that you all are somehow the path to ridding me of this evil so I can serve Heironeous at full strength. I take great comfort in your confidence. So yes I will risk it!

[Dr_Nimm]

"I believe it will be safe enough. And, I do agree I should return to Bear Ghost's tribe soon. But, I think it may still be best if I bring you and Arcivus to Teleroth and Artemis first. I am confident the combined skills you, Artemis and Teleroth possess can rid Arcivus of the evil which has gripped him. What do you think?"



"I understand your reservations, my friend. However, let me tell you why I believe Teleroth and Artemis are your best chance to rid yourself of the evil you are suffering from. First, Teleroth is very knowledgeable in matters concerning necromancy and second, Artemis is a wizard who specializes in knowledge. Additionally, it so happens I trust Artemis with my life so if he trusts Teleroth, I know we can trust Teleroth as well. That being said, are you willing to take that chance?"

Of course Artemis's knowledge isn't as broad as mine. Sure, hes memorized a bunch of books, but I go out and practice! And I hold 302 doctorate degrees! And I've got more street smarts. Pff... He can't see me! None of y'all see me! NONE!

[Ketiara]

Of course Artemis's knowledge isn't as broad as mine. Sure, hes memorized a bunch of books, but I go out and practice! And I hold 302 doctorate degrees! And I've got more street smarts. Pff... He can't see me! None of y'all see me! NONE!

Rather taken aback Arcivus looks at Nimm

Im only trying to get as many perspectives on the subject as possible. I would never let anyone else than you put a knife to my skin.
Arcivus smiles

Granted that you promise you wont implant any of your weird looking devises in me.

Arcivus gives Nimm a friendly pad on the back, almost knocking him over.

[Dr_Nimm]

(Picks up some spilled tobacco)

Why not? I can improooove you..

[Xavier Alexis]

Since we have all agreed on our next move, I cast Teleport to take us to Teleroth and Artemis.

[Ketiara]

(Picks up some spilled tobacco)

Why not? I can improooove you..

[S]In a rare instance of "weakness" Arcivus tries to be funny and flexes in an impressing pose

You cant improve on this, this is perfection!

And as he makes a full body pose he his entire body spasm and Arcivus falls prone and he starts vomiting black bile...

Help me!




Lets go!

[DM7581]

So are you all checking in with Bear Ghost first, or going straight to Teleroth's? Keep in mind that Christopher is still at Bear Ghost's tribe.

[Dr_Nimm]

Nope. As soon we get there I request Artemis's immediate assistance in an emergency procedure, set up a sterile area, and begin. I was hoping CM would be here, but we can't afford the time.

Its up to Xavier if he wants to head back to the camp. Besides, I assume we didn't just vanish without telling.CM or BG. I'd imagine they know where we are? If not...screw it.

[DM7581]

You all vanish under Xavier's spell, appearing promptly in Teleroth's common area.

This is an old and worn down keep. Few niceties exist, seeming as if it has been uninhabited for decades if not longer. Low groans, the sound of the undead, can be heard echoing throughout the corridors.

You all hastily scour for Teleroth, Artemis, anyone really.

The entry chamber leads into Teleroth's personal chamber, where you are met with a small troupe of zombies. They snarl and start approaching, their eyes particularly on Arcivus. As a paladin, his holy aura is unmistakable and these vile creatures are nonetheless drawn to it.

There are 6 zombies in the pathway coming your way. What do you do?

[Dr_Nimm]

I back away from them and call out for Artemis as loudly as I can. If I don't hear a reply I say:

"Men, we don't have time for this. Lets go back to the camp. Artemis is resourceful and powerful... But he's beyond our control at this time. What we can do is help Arcivus right now: he will likely worsen if we dawdle around here.

As soon as Arcivus is healed, we should return here immediately to search for Artemis. Make haste!"

[Ketiara]

I back away from them and call out for Artemis as loudly as I can. If I don't hear a reply I say:

"Men, we don't have time for this. Lets go back to the camp. Artemis is resourceful and powerful... But he's beyond our control at this time. What we can do is help Arcivus right now: he will likely worsen if we dawdle around here.

As soon as Arcivus is healed, we should return here immediately to search for Artemis. Make haste!"

Arcivus already brandishing Oathkeeper ready for battle manages to see the reason in Nimms suggestion. Although he hate leaving a battle like this. But Rurik taught him the wisdom of live to fight another day.

ARRGH!! I vow to finish all of you!

Severely frustrated to leave a battle like this he finishes his vow off by Turning unholy. (he waits till they are within 30 ft)

Wisdom save DC 18 or be turned for 1 minute.


Spells Known (15):
((D) = Devotion spells)
1 (4): Protection from Evil and Good (D), Sanctuary (D), Bless, Heroism, Shield of Faith, Wrathful Smite
2 (3): Lesser Restoration (D), Zone of Truth (D), Aid, Branding Smite, Locate Object
3 (3): Beacon of Hope (D), Dispel Magic (D), Blinding Smite, Aura of Vitality, Crusaders Mantle
4 (3): Freedom of Movement (D), Guardian of Faith (D), Death Ward, Aura of Purity, Banishment
5 (3): Commune (D), Flame Strike (D), Banishing smite, Destruction Wave, Circle of Power

[Ketiara]

Arcivus now both distressed by his illness and now also the fact that Undeads unlive with his knowledge of them.

Nimm I have one request for you, and this will be the only one... ever. Get this out of me! No more travelling no more consultations with people more intelligent than you.

Now Gnome up and sharpen your knife, and cut this evil out of me! Dont make me beg! Id rather die!

[Xavier Alexis]

You all vanish under Xavier's spell, appearing promptly in Teleroth's common area.

This is an old and worn down keep. Few niceties exist, seeming as if it has been uninhabited for decades if not longer. Low groans, the sound of the undead, can be heard echoing throughout the corridors.

You all hastily scour for Teleroth, Artemis, anyone really.

The entry chamber leads into Teleroth's personal chamber, where you are met with a small troupe of zombies. They snarl and start approaching, their eyes particularly on Arcivus. As a paladin, his holy aura is unmistakable and these vile creatures are nonetheless drawn to it.

There are 6 zombies in the pathway coming your way. What do you do?

First, I say, "Dr. Nimm, Arcivus, get behind me. I will deal with these creatures if it becomes absolutely necessary."

Next, I step back to ensure I am out of danger for as long as possible.

Last, I yell, "Artemis, Teleroth, this is Xavier and I am here with Dr. Nimm and Arcivus! We have come so seek your council!"

[Dr_Nimm]

Arcivus now both distressed by his illness and now also the fact that Undeads unlive with his knowledge of them.

Nimm I have one request for you, and this will be the only one... ever. Get this out of me! No more travelling no more consultations with people more intelligent than you.

Now Gnome up and sharpen your knife, and cut this evil out of me! Dont make me beg! Id rather die!


Lmao. Gnome up.

[DM7581]

As you all back behind Xavier's bold stance, a deep echoed voice can be heard booming throughout the keep. It is issued in Infernal, for those of you who can understand:

Leave them! Back to your posts!

The zombies hesitate upon hearing the command, then walk harmlessly past you all, lightly brushing your shoulders. An added snarl is instinctively given by one of the mindless creatures toward Arcivus.

You are all then beckoned by the same familiar voice-- the unmistakable voice of Teleroth Baine.

Enter here friends. Arcivus, Ridion, and I have been expecting you...

Teleroth is an average built, albeit mostly skeletal male. He is dressed in dark tones-- blacks, greys, and some hints of purple. He carries a large scythe as well as a very openly worn medallion carrying the symbol of Wee Jas the goddess of death and magic.

You all settle in. First things first. After about an hour in inquiring about Arcivus' condition, even Artemis is baffled. You all feel a bit unsettled as Teleroth looks on. No matter how pleasant he seems, the stench of death about him, with his glowing red eyes is something that none of you are sure you can get used to.

Stumped, Teleroth approaches and takes a quick look at Arcivus' bare body. He then looks at the group.

Have you encountered a lich? I sense an essence not unlike that of my own phylactery. It seems that your enemies cleverly, though recklessly, infused this man's body-- or a part of it-- with a phylactery.

--

Now that he mentions it, you do recall that one white dragon consuming a vile, dropping dead, and then rising as a dracolich shortly after. You should all know better than to think he would be dead so quickly.

[Xavier Alexis]

As you all back behind Xavier's bold stance, a deep echoed voice can be heard booming throughout the keep. It is issued in Infernal, for those of you who can understand:

Leave them! Back to your posts!

The zombies hesitate upon hearing the command, then walk harmlessly past you all, lightly brushing your shoulders. An added snarl is instinctively given by one of the mindless creatures toward Arcivus.

You are all then beckoned by the same familiar voice-- the unmistakable voice of Teleroth Baine.

Enter here friends. Arcivus, Ridion, and I have been expecting you...

Teleroth is an average built, albeit mostly skeletal male. He is dressed in dark tones-- blacks, greys, and some hints of purple. He carries a large scythe as well as a very openly worn medallion carrying the symbol of Wee Jas the goddess of death and magic.

You all settle in. First things first. After about an hour in inquiring about Arcivus' condition, even Artemis is baffled. You all feel a bit unsettled as Teleroth looks on. No matter how pleasant he seems, the stench of death about him, with his glowing red eyes is something that none of you are sure you can get used to.

Stumped, Teleroth approaches and takes a quick look at Arcivus' bare body. He then looks at the group.

Have you encountered a lich? I sense an essence not unlike that of my own phylactery. It seems that your enemies cleverly, though recklessly, infused this man's body-- or a part of it-- with a phylactery.

--

Now that he mentions it, you do recall that one white dragon consuming a vile, dropping dead, and then rising as a dracolich shortly after. You should all know better than to think he would be dead so quickly.

"Teleroth, if a phylactery has indeed been infused with Arcivus, how can the process be reversed?"

Also, once I see Artemis has a free moment, I ask him, "Artemis, my friend, what information did you have to tell me?"

[Ketiara]

Arcivus looks sickned by what he hear. And explains his experience to the two.

"Why would anyone infuse a phylactery in my body. What would they gain by this? Am I at risk of turning into a lich? Am I protecting another lich's phylactery? And how can I fix this problem?"

[Dr_Nimm]

Just as I suspected!

[Ketiara]

Just as I suspected!

Arcivus frowns at Dr. Nimm

For future reference I would like you to share such suspicions with me


Arcivus is completely taken aback by the fact that he may have a phylactery inside him. Its much worse than anything he imagined!

[Dr_Nimm]

Consider yourself lucky. You have a doctor and a bona fide lich here. If you want to have a phylactery removed, this is the place! Cheer up!

[Dr_Nimm]

Of course, I'm all for leaving it in, to see what interesting developments occur!

By the way, Teleroth, there are many things I wish to ask you...many things ...

[Ketiara]

"Im thinking it must go, sorry to disapoint"

[DM7581]

Arcivus looks sickned by what he hear. And explains his experience to the two.

"Why would anyone infuse a phylactery in my body. What would they gain by this? Am I at risk of turning into a lich? Am I protecting another lich's phylactery? And how can I fix this problem?"

Teleroth responds to both Xavier's and Arcivus' questions.

Maybe it was done as some assurance... and possibly a cruel joke. The only way to truly destroy a lich... or dracolich is to destroy their phylactery. The dark ritual performed over you seemed to used critical components of your body as said phylactery. That is destroying the phylactery would mean destroying yourself-- permanently.

He gives you all a moment to soak this in before he continues...

Now, if said lich would be destroyed while the phylactery were on another plane of existence... yes. That would cause the spirit of the dracolich to escape, looking for its phylactery in vain. Only then will it become inert and this condition reversed. Have you any idea where this dracolich is? You must keep Arcivus on another plane. Any would do. Then destroy the creature. I doubt that the creature is as careless as you may think. It is likely searching for you this very second, young paladin.

--

Ridion, an age-old psion, frozen in time from years past stands idly by along with Guardian, his former adventuring partner. Ridion is dressed in little more than common clothes, seemingly retired form the adventuring life given his age (early 40s). He is completely bald, but it seems as if he never had any heair at all the way it is worn. His eyes are eerily ice-blue.

Guardian is an ancient creature known as a warforged. He was one of 12 soldiers created by ancient magic years ago. As was revealed earlier (during our live sessions), he too was frozen in time and has just started regaining some of his memory. Nehlrus was an adventuring partner, but has returned as an undead warrior champion, now claiming to serve dark powers. Teleroth suspects this to be the Black Scourge, whose true name he is loathe to speak.

http://dungeonsmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/warforged-01.jpg

--

Artemis carries on with Xavier.

Before anything, Xavier, tell me, what do you know of your brother. What do you remember of him?


Xavier: Truthful, you know very little of Kaine. As a matter of fact, you were raised not knowing you had a brother until you met him later in life and saw that he was a spitting image of yourself. You got to know each other very little before his untimely demise, leaving you riddled with questions about his past, yours, and the purpose of the attack.

[Ketiara]

Maybe it was done as some assurance... and possibly a cruel joke. The only way to truly destroy a lich... or dracolich is to destroy their phylactery. The dark ritual performed over you seemed to used critical components of your body as said phylactery. That is destroying the phylactery would mean destroying yourself-- permanently.

He gives you all a moment to soak this in before he continues...

Now, if said lich would be destroyed while the phylactery were on another plane of existence... yes. That would cause the spirit of the dracolich to escape, looking for its phylactery in vain. Only then will it become inert and this condition reversed. Have you any idea where this dracolich is? You must keep Arcivus on another plane. Any would do. Then destroy the creature. I doubt that the creature is as careless as you may think. It is likely searching for you this very second, young paladin.

Cruel joke indeed! I reckon this is an ultimate mockery of Heironeous.

After a pause Arcivus says to himself.
[
I would sacrifice myself in a heartbeat if it meant destroying a lich or dragolich.

Looking up, realizing he said it out loud.

But only as a last resort. Would it be possible to have Xavier port me to another plane once we have the dragolich on the ropes? I would hate to NOT dealing the killing blow! But by no means will I let you fight this without me. I have a score to settle!

Arcivus cant look at Teleroth without feeling some kind of disgust, but knowledge is knowledge, and this unperson hasnt shown any enmity towards us, but every fiber in his body screams that this is wrong and evil. But trying to hide his feelings he turnes to Teleroth.

Is there any way to contain or shield the device so I don't have this sickening feeling all the time. I have to use most of my concentration to keep from vomiting

What is the cons to the sickened condition

[DM7581]

Basically, poisoned. Disadvantage on attacks and checks.

[Ketiara]

Basically, poisoned. Disadvantage on attacks and checks.

Yea thought it might be something like that...

[DM7581]

So the next goal would be to rid Arcivus of this undead attachment. Artemis provides a helping hand.

Well, no use in assuming where he is. Where is Leena? Surely she could have tracked the creature for you... No matter.

An expert in Divination, Artemis reveals a large crystal ball and begins casting Scry. It takes about 10 minutes, so everyone clears the space and allows him to cast uninterrupted.

He beckons for Arcivus.

The spell is far more potent if I have a possession of the creature in question. Sorry to have to use you, but you do have the key to its soul...

Artemis concentrates on the orb, moving his hands about as if able to make something out.

Trees... A farm? Not to familiar... Oh, no. The village. To the north. It-- Agh!

Some sort of arcane backlash sends Artemis backpedaling a few feet, though Guardian is there to catch him.

I got a good look, but he detected me and shunt me out. So much for tracking you, Arcivus, the dim-witted creature, no offense, Icetalon Haurach, has taken siege upon the northern village. Either he assumes you are there or means to draw you there.

It seems you have your work cut out for you, then. Teleroth interjects.

As much as I would love to save the very village that despises me, they all probably assume this creature is one of mine. I think I'll sit this one out.

It is well known that the town is ill-equipped to handle an undead attack. What do you all do?

[Xavier Alexis]

Artemis carries on with Xavier.

Before anything, Xavier, tell me, what do you know of your brother. What do you remember of him?

"I am afraid I know very little of Kaine. As a matter of fact, I was raised not knowing I had a brother. Unfortunately, even after we met, we learned very little about each other before his untimely demise."




It is well known that the town is ill-equipped to handle an undead attack. What do you all do?

Am I familiar enough with the area to teleport us there?

[DM7581]

"I am afraid I know very little of Kaine. As a matter of fact, I was raised not knowing I had a brother. Unfortunately, even after we met, we learned very little about each other before his untimely demise."





Am I familiar enough with the area to teleport us there?

Artemis continues on with Xavier:

Before you embark... I have a sense that you and your brother have... "special" ties to unknown forces. It has been speculated by many, among Dragonkind, especially, that you have been referred as a "half-breed." This is no mistake. I feel that your brother's death occurring with the absence of the realms most powerful magic soon to follow is no coincidence. We'll discuss more about this later. Also, your expertise may be needed as well, Dr. Nimm.

And, yes, you have been to this village before (it is the one where the huge pyrohydra attacked you).

[Ketiara]

Artemis continues on with Xavier:

Before you embark... I have a sense that you and your brother have... "special" ties to unknown forces. It has been speculated by many, among Dragonkind, especially, that you have been referred as a "half-breed." This is no mistake. I feel that your brother's death occurring with the absence of the realms most powerful magic soon to follow is no coincidence. We'll discuss more about this later. Also, your expertise may be needed as well, Dr. Nimm.

And, yes, you have been to this village before (it is the one where the huge pyrohydra attacked you).

Arcivus has a very hard time taking in all this information.

so what you say is there's no way of containing this phylactery so I don't feel this sick?
And that icetalon the dragolich is terrorising a village north of here?

Arcivus is very eager even in his current state to slay this creature ridding himself of this affliction. He can't stand being this weak.

[DM7581]

Arcivus has a very hard time taking in all this information.

so what you say is there's no way of containing this phylactery so I don't feel this sick?
And that icetalon Haurach the dragolich is terrorising a village north of here?

Arcivus is very eager even in his current state to slay this creature ridding himself of this affliction. He can't stand being this weak.

Icetalon Haurach is Xavier's dragon cohort. You do not know the name of the dracolich. He likely shed his mortal name anyway, so it is of little importance.

Teleroth responds to your inquiry:

I see no other resolution. The good doctor may insist upon surgery, but I sense that only complete obliteration... through disintegration, for example, of certain... vital components of your very body will truly remove the essence of the phylactery. Your survival is another matter. Such are the limitations of the living...

Artemis seems to start preparing his gear.

I will accompany you all. All the better in case things go awry. We must have Arcivus on another plane when the final blow is dealt! (to Ridion and Guardian) I know you two are still weak and recovering. We will return soon and follow up with our business with Xavier.

Artemis fiddles through a few scrolls, but is otherwise ready. Be sure to track your slots. That has been 2 Teleport spells already, going on a third. Are we

[Xavier Alexis]

When everyone is ready, I teleport us to the village to engage the dracolich.

[Dr_Nimm]

Go ahead...

[Ketiara]

Arcivus kneel down saying a quick prayer. A dim aura of light surrounds him as he finishes...

I'm ready!

[Dr_Nimm]

Arcivus kneel down saying a quick prayer. A dim aura of light surrounds him as he finishes...

I'm ready!

Hmph...superstition.

[Ketiara]

Hmph...superstition.

“None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith.”

Arcivus gives the the grumphy gnome a friendly pad on the shoulder.

"You should give it a try some day, aren't you always trying to widen your horizon?"

Arcivus walks towards Xavier denying the good Doctor the final word.

"We are ready Xavier, I must say its a cleaver way of traveling. Doesn't it tire you at all?"

[Dr_Nimm]

(Blows pipe smoke at the back of his head as he walks away)

[Ketiara]

(Blows pipe smoke at the back of his head as he walks away)

Arcivus hides a smile of amusement, as he grabs Xaviers shoulder readying for the magic to transport him.

[DM7581]

Everyone ready? Good.

Xavier's spell transports you all to the center of town, right outside the tavern where he last got drunk and, coincidentally, where he fought and defeated a mighty pyrohydra with Bear Ghost not too long ago.

The town is in chaos. As soon as you all arrive, you are greeted with mobs of people fleeing and screaming. All around are mixed mobs of zombie and skeleton humanoids and animals (bears and wolves). The dracolich must have taken control of the left over undead in the Doom Blizzard Peaks as the undead presence held by the Shadow of the Void was severed.

You do not see the dracolich immediately, but your hands seem full right off the bat. There are a number of innocents that could use some rescuing:

-an old man with but a walking staff lay, tackled to the floor, while 3 zombies pummel at him

-fleeing children being chased by what looks like skeletal wolves

-a few militia men, with what looks like their captain, trying to fend off a small mixed group of the undead; their resistance seems to attract a crowd as more approach

-screams can be heard within nearby buildings, including the tavern

A few bodies, completely frozen in ice, are a good indicator that the dracolich is in fact here.

What's the plan of action?

[Ketiara]

Everyone ready? Good.

Xavier's spell transports you all to the center of town, right outside the tavern where he last got drunk and, coincidentally, where he fought and defeated a mighty pyrohydra with Bear Ghost not too long ago.

The town is in chaos. As soon as you all arrive, you are greeted with mobs of people fleeing and screaming. All around are mixed mobs of zombie and skeleton humanoids and animals (bears and wolves). The dracolich must have taken control of the left over undead in the Doom Blizzard Peaks as the undead presence held by the Shadow of the Void was severed.

You do not see the dracolich immediately, but your hands seem full right off the bat. There are a number of innocents that could use some rescuing:

-an old man with but a walking staff lay, tackled to the floor, while 3 zombies pummel at him

-fleeing children being chased by what looks like skeletal wolves

-a few militia men, with what looks like their captain, trying to fend off a small mixed group of the undead; their resistance seems to attract a crowd as more approach

-screams can be heard within nearby buildings, including the tavern

A few bodies, completely frozen in ice, are a good indicator that the dracolich is in fact here.

What's the plan of action?

First thing first, Arcivus brandishes Oathbringer his massive gleaming perfectly polished and oiled greatsword. The movement seems almost ceremonial. Reciting a silent prayer he gently touches the blade to the forehead.

That done

Arcivus looks for areas of either high ground, or places good for fighting and making a stand. He also tries to remember if he knows anything about the mobs he is going to fight.

If he feels he can shout to make contact to the children running he will, but not if its pointless. He will try and make them run to us. If the wolves is within 30ft or if he can move so that they are, he will try and turn them. (will DC18)

Alright! Dont split up the groupe, stay with 30ft of me. Children and women first. Then the old guy, someone see if we can signal the militia to come to us!

If the wolves aren't within reach of a turn attempt, he casts Bless as a 2nd lvl spell on himself, Xavier, CM and Nimm.

Can someone get those wolfs of those children s tails?

Bless: Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.
Aura of Protection: +5 to all saves within 30ft
Aura of Courage: Immune to frighten within 30ft.
Arcivus also have a continuous protection from evil on himself

If Ive pushed my actions for the round, feel free to remove whatever you feel. If I have a choice of saving children with a turn attempt thats priority nr 1.


Spells Known (15):
((D) = Devotion spells)
1 (4): Protection from Evil and Good (D), Sanctuary (D), Bless, Heroism, Shield of Faith, Wrathful Smite
2 (3): Lesser Restoration (D), Zone of Truth (D), Aid, Branding Smite, Locate Object
3 (3): Beacon of Hope (D), Dispel Magic (D), Blinding Smite, Aura of Vitality, Crusaders Mantle
4 (3): Freedom of Movement (D), Guardian of Faith (D), Death Ward, Aura of Purity, Banishment
5 (3): Commune (D), Flame Strike (D), Banishing smite, Destruction Wave, Circle of Power

[Xavier Alexis]

"We are ready Xavier, I must say its a cleaver way of traveling. Doesn't it tire you at all?"

"Do not worry, my friend. I still have enough magical energy to see this dracolich defeated. Besides, rest is not a luxury we can afford right now. Time is of the essence."


Can someone get those wolfs of those children s tails?

"Leave the wolves to me."

How many wolves are there? I am thinking about casting a Quickened Scorching Ray spell followed by a Twinned Fire Bolt spell if necessary.

I will also try to turn the attention of the zombies towards me with some noise and gestures.

"Hey, over here! Come and get me!"

[Ketiara]

And of course we all move with Xavier if he needs to move. We will try and stay within 30ft of each other at all times

[Dr_Nimm]

Taking one last puff from the pipe, I run towards the old man, while I toss a bomb at the zombies attacking (can I still determine what squares get hit?). Activating the WARS pipe to hammer mode, then somersault, landing in between him and the zombies, brandishing the WARS in wide arcs (it had reach before in 3.5.. up to 10')

I can bomb as a bonus action. Does that mean I can still attack?

Acrobatics rolled a 12
Bomb roll 11

I don't know my modifiers, or if this action is even possible. Little lost.

[Ketiara]

Having anticipated Dr Nimms action I moved so I can let him be in range of me (30ft) for as long as possible while still keeping Xavier and the rest in 30 ft range.
(I'm hoping you will let arcivus previous experience with Dr nimm (last time fighting the dragolich) know that nimm might do something els than planned, and taking that into account when moving)

[Dr_Nimm]

"We have a greater probability of saving a higher number of lives if we work independently against these minor creatures. You need not fear for my safety, sir. Like the honey badger, small size may belie ferocious resilience!"

[DM7581]

A bit chaotic. Okay, let's try some theatre of mind. I'll bust out a map I we need to.

You are all positioned in front of the tavern, which faces east. The main road through the town runs roughly north-south here, where most of the commotion is occurring.

To the left of where you are, about 20-30 feet away is the old man struggling with zombies.

The militia are holding the main road, engaged by a group of undead, about 40 feet away, on the far side of the road.

The skeletal wolves are chasing the children southbound, off the road, heading around a building next to the tavern. They are about 10 feet away, but moving fast, away from you all.

The frozen bodies are scattered all around, as are the screams heard across town.

Now. Before any actions. Roll initiative. Go.

[Ketiara]

Rolling with disadvantage: 14 and 6 +0

[Xavier Alexis]

Initiative 11 +2

How many wolves do I see chasing children?

"Children! Get behind me now!"

[Dr_Nimm]

21. 19+2....

[DM7581]

Arcivus will act separately because he has disadvantage in checks. Everyone else will use Xavier's initiative roll since it was the first one posted.

I'll break this down, the monsters into groups:

Old man zombies: 10
Mixed mob: 1
Skeletal wolves: 10

Order:
Artemis/Dr. Nimm/Xavier: 13
Icetalon Haurach: 11
Zombies/Wolves: 10
Militia: 7
Arcivus: 6
Mob: 1

Artemis will go after Xavier/Nimm to follow your guys' lead. Get to it!

To clarify actions, you get:

-1 move up to your speed (which can actually be broken down between actions/bonus actions so long as it does not exceed your speed)
-1 action (attack, cast a spell, use object, etc.)
-1 bonus action, if available
-1 reaction, if available (usually in response to another's action)

So yes, Nimm, you can bomb as a bonus action in addition to another action (which can also be a bomb).

Modifiers are easy and I wrote out your characters in shorthand. Everyone has a +6 proficiency bonus. Bombs use that plus your Int bonus. Total modifier of +12 to hit. Spells and effects can make this even higher. Since you have the Boon of Skill Proficiency, you get a +6 to any skills. Acrobatics adds in Dex, for a total of +8. Got it? Good. Same rule more or less applies to everyone else, modified only by your own character's modifiers.

Please be as specific as possible with actions and even go ahead and throw in a reaction response if it may apply (if attacked by so and so, cast shield spell).



Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out. Garyxkilla has recently won leadership of the tribe, upsetting Bear Ghost even further.

[DM7581]

Taking one last puff from the pipe, I run towards the old man, while I toss a bomb at the zombies attacking (can I still determine what squares get hit?). Activating the WARS pipe to hammer mode, then somersault, landing in between him and the zombies, brandishing the WARS in wide arcs (it had reach before in 3.5.. up to 10')

I can bomb as a bonus action. Does that mean I can still attack?

Acrobatics rolled a 12
Bomb roll 11

I don't know my modifiers, or if this action is even possible. Little lost.

If you want to continue with this action, it would break down like this:

-move 5/10 feet (part of the move)
-use swift bomb (bonus action)
-complete move (remainder of move, which you can draw your weapon)
-attack with WARS (action)

So yeah, this checks out. Just need an attack roll. And yes, you can specify "squares," but only your Acid Bomb can hit 2 squares, any other bomb is targeted, but may have secondary effects (Ice Bomb for example reduces move).



Current:

The Dragon Gods: It all started with the assault on The Academy. The chromatic dragon followers of Tiamat and their crazed human worshipper, Skylla, acquired the Orbs of Dragonkind and attempted a ritual to bring her back to the realm. Bahamut himself intervened, as a new dragon deity, Chromaticus was accruing power, weakening Tiamat. You were all charged with converting this clutch of dragons back to Tiamat. Along the way, the silver Orb of Dragonkind was stolen by a follower of Chromaticus. You are not sure where they reside, but there may be a stronger organized group of dragons somewhere out there. As for Chromaticus, he is not yet a deity, which implies that he exists somewhere on the prime material plane, his form or origin still unknown.

Sick as a Dog: Arcivus mysteriously fell ill during the last venture. It has been revealed that his body was ritualistically infused with the phylactery of a dracolich. The only way to save him and destroy the dracolich is to have him escape to another plane of existence and then destroy the creature. Only then will the evil presence become inert and hopefully his condition healed.

Pending:

Strained Magic: Something in the realm has affected how magic works, with the most powerful of magic (9th-level spells), becoming effectively non-functional. This raises an eyebrow for obvious reasons, but especially in how it has limited both divine and arcane magic.

Brotherly Love: Xavier's brother, Kaine, also a mage of sorts, was horrifically and ritualistically slain by a combined effort-- devils and demons, two groups of sworn, eternal enemies of the lower planes. Artemis has information regarding Kaine's soul and wishes to speak with Xavier about it.

Guardian's Past: Guardian, the Warforged warrior along with his psionic friend, Ridion were awaken from having been entrapped over 1000 years ago. They were betrayed by Nehlrus, a premier champion of their day as well as another mysterious figure speculated to now be the mighty lich known only as The Black Scourge. Teleroth Baine,a "good" lich claims to be preparing for his return, as he claims, The Black Scourge is his father. Nehlrus has returned, now an undead champion, and even claimed the Sword of Kas, a powerful, evil artifact. You all suspect that this quest and the undead threat (Call to Arms, below) may be tied in somewhere.

Mentioned:

Dying Gods: It has been mentioned by creatures of reasonable power that the gods have been fading in their strength. With the hysteria of the undead threat and the conflict among the dragon deities, this has come to no surprise, but this has been especially taxing on Christopher, who has experienced direct communication from Pelor, the "main" god of the realm (opposite to Nerrull on the good-evil axis). Pelor "dying" would mean certain doom for both the weak and the champions of good across the realm. Christopher has experienced a dimming essence from Pelor, but has been loathe to speak of it.

Call to Arms Against the Undead: King Crassus of Cypress has issued a call to arms for all willing and able warriors to join his cause, as an undead epidemic has spread across the realm. It has been said that he has secured the entire island of the Kingdom of Cypress and has arrived upon the mainland. Arcivus and Rurik were last heard to be joining his ranks.

Tribal Woes: Bear Ghost (now an NPC) has returned to his tribe to finally pursue his destiny in furthering their glory. They have shifted from proud and powerful followers of Kord toward savage and ruthless followers of Chromaticus. Even the Orcish leadership was overthrown when clans of giants were united by a powerful troll chieftain. He is yet to defeated in single combat, with the winner claiming mastery over the clan. Bear Ghost means to change that, as his first encounter was nullified, interrupted by the meddling Dr. Nimm, who tried to sabotage the fight by poisoning the chieftain. The princess Titania and her Lion companion Leandro were taken captive by the troll chieftain, as a spoil of war, as she is the last of the Mountain Lion tribe, which were allies of Bear Ghost's Wild Jaguar tribe. All other tribes in the vicinity have either been conquered and assimilated (this one is thousands strong) or entirely wiped out. Garyxkilla has recently won leadership of the tribe, upsetting Bear Ghost even further.