Epic mythic plane scape!

[redfeline]

OOC is http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?353434-OOC-Epic-mythic-planescape&p=17559800#post17559800

IC:

The worlds are static and unchanging. A thousand years and all that is ever witnessed is the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. No new inventions, no new gods, no victory for good or evil. Why?

True power is rare. The power to truly create or destroy is so very scarce. But still abundant enough to do unrepairable damage to existence. Those few changers and movers are changed and moved.

Abducted like small children. Left in a room. Powerless and captive in their new home. They were a breed of big fish in a little pond. Let them see the ocean. Let them drown in those with rare power.

And now it is time. Centuries of careful planning, of selective breeding, of trimming and pruning. Millennia of preparations have gone into a perfectly matching crop. Time to pull the weeds.

[Yas392]

Jasmine flows with Jasmine aroma just like her name today. Portraying a normal person off-duty, she is a listener in the tavern, Golden Cow, famous for their delicious milky drinks. She is talking with one the regulars who by chance, a politician who is drinking away his recent let down and blathering his controversy of the current way the government operates. She plants a fake smile and gives her opinions. Their conversation ends when the politician thank her for company and heads to whatever business he has. In the brief interval, her guilt sets in and she pays the bill, strolling outwards. Letting the wind to blow away the negativity inside her as she stands in contemplation, a blue light envelopes her and she knows darkness.

[MikelaC1]

Her magical defenses are, as usual, perfect, and so Sabrina can put all of her thought into her blade work. The guardians of the temple all fall, one by one, to her swinging sword as she clears the room of opponents. With a powerful final blow, she finishes the last one off, and turns to the remaining door.
Opening the door she sees her final target. Her orders are to take the man, alive, and she is equipped for that sort of task as well. Her voice becomes soft and soothing, winding its way past the willpower of his defenses, relaxing him and calling to him to give up to her. His tenseness relaxes and Sabrina can tell he is slipping under her spell. Another mission accomplished.
Just as she finishes her spell, a blue light envelopes her and she knows darkness

[kestrel404]

"Their end is nigh, the path is clear - for vict'ry cry, as we draw near." Keeper calls her war-chant in a clear and ringing voice. Its cadence matches the footfalls of the small force she's called up around herself.

Around her group is darkness and cold - a cave of ice and shadow, filled with the restless dead. Keeper has tracked the last of the great Lich Kings to this dungeon fortress. She had destroyed his phylactery in the treasure room, hidden in a pocket-plane only accessible from the treasure room. And she had waded through the thousands of guardians to the Lich King's throne room, where he worked to finish his great working - a portal to the pits of hell which would flood this world with an army of demons.

"The goal in sight my friends most dear - an end to night, the dawn they fear!" The four greater Earth Elementals each hold a corner of the formation, absorbing the punishment of the undead horde between herself and the Lich King Methusel. Her two strongest allies guard her sides - Kong to the left wearing shining armor and wielding a great curved sword. Kali on the right, with ten sharp daggers flashing with elemental fury in her ten graceful hands.

Keeper can see that the gateway spell is nearly complete - the Lich king needs only sacrifice the innocent on his altar. She ends her war chant, signalling the conclusion of the march through the hordes - and instead starts up a dance, charging her two closest friends with heroism. And even as she starts her dance, she reaches out to touch them, calling out her first and favorite teleportation spell.

As the dimension door disgorges herself and her two companions right behind to the preoccupied Lich, Kali and Kong took a single step each and effectively surrounded the spellcaster. He noticed his encroaching doom just in time to scream in frustration as the two inhuman warriors literally rip him to pieces with their weapons.

A second later, Keeper grins and puts her hand on Kong's shoulder as Kali reaches down to free the innocent child from the dark altar. "Worry not, child. I will get you out of this place safely." The young boy nods, tears of joy streaming down his face as the last binding is severed. The howling battle between the undead and the elementals continues to rage as he hops from the dais. Then, with an arcane gesture, the boy sends a flash of light to engulf Keeper and Kong, wiping them from existence.

Kali looks on in surprise for just an instant before she disperses in a cloud of smoke. And below, the Elementals lose their hold on this plane and return to their home.

The Tomb is silent once more.

[Thokk_Smash]

Just another day for Delta. He is clad in the living armor of his eidolon, J'oraa, hiding his true form in the jet-black hues of the Eidolon's tough skin. His face is covered in a tough visor, reflecting his surroundings and fueling his enhanced senses as he runs through the compound. Yet another group of guards approached, hoping for strength in numbers. They were sadly mistaken.

Duck under one attack and punch another; toss a bomb in one's face and toss another man bodily into the wall. They are dispatched in less than a minute, methodical as usual, and Delta continues on to his destination. He arrives at the holding space with the objects he needs to destroy. He takes out his bombs, fingers nimble and dextrous as he crafts the deadly explosives and sets the timers. Two minutes, plenty of time for him to get out.

As he sets the last bomb down, a blue light envelops him and he sees darkness.

[Strainseir]

Another town passes by, or was it a city. Each one seems the same as the last. Each step constantly draws him again and again to the victims of Tyranny. That last city, though by now most blend into one another, he had been there before. Once before he had saved it from a corrupt king, but the one that replaced him proved to be even worse. The worst part is the eternal loneliness. Each land he frees either tires to make him in charge or lives in constant fear of what Lloyd can do.

This awful heroic fate has left this poor soul without a home or a land of his own. Lloyd was left to wander just following his feet. He hates this fate and at each place he is always determined to keep to himself and not interfere, but in every land he walks Lloyd sees a child or a mother being brutalized. The tiles then all fall into place. As he gains more victories more of the liberated stand behind him as they realize he is the man of Legend they have heard. Once more the White demon comes to claw his way threw those that would terrorize and oppress. As the blood of the old king drips from his claws looks of fear and admiration stare at him from the crowd. Days and days of wandering followed by this fighting. Now the fighting is over and instead of resting he has to leave it again.

It has been a decade... maybe more. Again and again this cycle repeats itself. All that Lloyd wants is for this to end, but he refuses to give up. Eventually his feet will take him to a new place that is different. Some day he will be able to find a place that is different. Any place will do. If he can just avoid this loop, that will do.

[Raunchel]

It is dark in Fibur, the night after the grand festival. Many are still hazy from the celebration of another year of peace and the moonlit streets are empty. Almost empty. A child's laugh resounds through the town. In front of the temple a girl runs, waving colorful ribbons that were left from the previous day through the air. A man approaches the square, but she doesn't seem to notice, she keeps up her lonely game. He appears to be drunk, stumbling on his way home. He calls: "Hey, you, hic, there! Shouldn't you be in, hic, bed?"

Finally she notices the stranger and she comes to a halt in front of him: "I don't have a home, mister."

"Don't you have, hic, parents then?"

"They are dead, I am all alone now except for my cat.", she looks terribly sad and the man hold out his arm, but doesn't quite manage to keep it still.

"Oh you poor little, hic, thing. You, ehm, can come, hic, to my house for the, hic, night. My wife wouldn't, ehm, mind."

"Thank you, mister."m she says, coming closer to the man. She bares her fangs, but suddenly a blue light surrounds her and the cat, and she sees only darkness.

[redfeline]

IC: The darkness slowly brightens to an almost painful blue white. The room is a 30ft radius half circle made of white marble. The entire room is filled with an unnatural tint and shadows seem to cower in recesses of a few pieces of rubble. In the harsh light it takes a few moments to notice you are not alone.

Five other mismatched characters stand in the room, along with a large gorilla. (Summoners will notice something missing.) Among the living are three long dead skeletons. (A DC 28 spot check notices a small clear spindle stone near two skeletons. A DC 15 notices a small metal box in the hand of the third. Feel free to roll and interact with these items.)

At the center of the room we have the source of light, a blue beam shines from a circle of runes on the floor. This unbelievably intense beam shoots up to the ceiling which looms 30ft or so above. The beam doesn't stop there, a small circle about foot wider than the beam pieces up a shaft that appears to be miles in length. On opposite sides of the room you have arched doorways barred by gates made of a reddish metal and gilded in a dull black metal and a shiny white metal.

[Raunchel]

When she sees the sudden light Ismene tries to hide in the shadow. The light is so bright, brighter than she has seen in decades at least. She tries to avoid bright light, it tends to be accompanied by people who try to hurt her, or even worse, the sun. She looks at the others, all of them are taller than she is, and some are far taller. She carefully holds Kedi, the poor little animal shouldn't be hurt by any of these strangers.

The light doesn't seem to come from the sun, which is good, there is so little shadow in here and the girl is afraid. She doesn't know where she is and powerful magic has to be involved. And that always means danger. Whoever did this either wants to hurt or to control her. Both are dangerous. If she was supposed to be killed it would already have been done, with such powersul magic it would be easy to send her to a certain doom even with such a spell. No, it has to be something else. Control then, someone wants her to do something. And that means that whoever did this knows who and what she is. Nobody abducts random people, and the others, now she can more clearly see them, seem to hold power. They don't seem like they did this. She asks in her cutest voice: "Who, who are you?"

[MikelaC1]

[roll0] spot: small box

Sabrina turns to the sound of the voice, responding in a quiet, reassuring voice. My name is Sabrina, and before you ask, no, I didnt bring you or anyone else here. I have been abducted, probably just like all of you

Sabrina is an absolutely striking beauty, which is further enhanced by the fact that she stands a statuesque 6’1”. Everything about her either hints at or reveals her devil heritage, starting with her flaming red hair which is cut and held by a jeweled headband in such a way that her small horns are not hidden. Her eyes seem to be coal black at most times, however they will flame red when she is excited or angry. Her figure is very curvy and her skin tight black (with red trim) lingerie does nothing to hide it. Another clear give away is the barbed tail curling out of her cute derriere. A red and black cape billows from her neck, but it is free of any symbols or adornments. She wears little in the way of jewelry, only a small amulet and a golden circlet nestled in her red curls, as well, the belt that holds her scabbard in place is studded with small gems, some of which glow with an inner green fire.
Sabrina is quite clearly armed, she carries a wicked looking long sword of black metal, the length of which flames with small wisps of fire. A longbow is slung over her shoulder, and it too has an aura of flame around it.

[kestrel404]

Keeper does not use her physical eyes to glance around - but the eyes covering her cloak give the impression that she can look everywhere at once. She immediately moves to Kong's side - the large Ape looming over her protectively. She is a delicately beautiful woman, what little can be seen beneath her garments. Shining armor under a decorative cloak, a metal circlet on her head, and a brightly-shining longbow strung and slung on her back in addition to a large quiver of arrows - which is interesting, considering she's holding onto a plain - if very high quality - longbow as well.

The young-looking girl speaks first, which focuses Keeper's attention on her. Kong puts a wary hand on the sword at waist, but does not draw. Then Sabrina speaks, and Keeper nods.

"I am called Keeper, and in good faith I greet you. Who are you, little one? And does anyone here object to me casting a spell to help find out what is going on?"

The half-elf's words are calming, friendly, and come in a steady cadence that is remeniscent of a slow-beating drum. Her breathing slows as she speaks, and she makes small calming gestures - overall giving the impression of an really fine actor portraying someone calm and in control.


Perception roll: [roll0]
Diplomacy, by way of Perform Oratory: [roll1]

[redfeline]

The one called keeper notices a small box roughly 3 inches cubed in the hand of one skeleton. It is made of a dull gray metal and has a visible hook latch on the side facing out to the center of the room.

[Yas392]

Sense Motive (on his act and the vampire) - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]
Disguise (to portray someone not important) - [roll2]


Jasmine is suspicion of other people. She knows the vampire is prying and she will not fall for it. Another one is a devil of some sort at least she is "honest." The archer is also genuine but either she does that to create an impression or she is trying hard to impress. If they see her, they can only see an unusual female gnome or a human explorer in black sleeveless vest connected with every else black with a curious exquisite.

Marina.

Her reply is curt and like the elf archer, genuine. She sees a clear stone of some sort in the piles of skeletons and strides to it.

[Strainseir]

[roll0] perception check on the room
[roll1] knowledge arcane on the child
[roll2] knowledge religion on the child



Bright light has enveloped him. Is this death... Death should hurt more than this... No the presence of Tigron is still there... This is something different. Then the presence of others become none to him. A low guttural lion like growl leaves him lips that sounds far too much like a lion to come from a human no matter how large," I am Lloyd... Do any of you know this place? I was wandering. A brilliant light hit me but there was no pain. We have obviously been teleported somewhere, but why..."

Then Lloyd notices the child. The magic that brought us here, for it to bring here as well... That thing was not what it seems," Trust not that child. For it to be here with not, it be not natural."

[MikelaC1]

I believe that not one of us is responsible for this. We have a common enemy that is outside of our group. We should work together for now, at least until we understand who has captured us, and what they want with us. Capturing all 6 of us simultaneously speaks to a certain level of power

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta maintains a nonplussed attitude, as if being abruptly teleported to places unknown happens everyday to him. What do you think, Sig? he thinks to his Eidolon through their link, using his nickname for the outsider.

Insufficient data, the outsider replies through the link. More information is required to formulate a proper diagnostic.

Delta does not respond, choosing to look over the beings that now share the room with him. The "child", the devil, the gnome, the bestial one, and the half-elf. A motley crew, to be sure, and one that some being had went through a lot of trouble to gather together.

The elf cracks his neck, Sigma's body following his every move. The tough black hide is covered in stylistic runes, glowing lines following the contours of his body. The hide is somewhat translucent, allowing one to see the being within. Tall, but shorter than Sabrina, and wiry with tanned skin and scars criss-crossing his limbs, evidence of a life spent fighting. His head is encased in a helmet and his face covered by a visor, making it difficult (but not impossible) to see his almond-shaped green eyes and blond hair.

He has no obvious weapons, but a few packs slung over his shoulder, and gauntlets of some kind covering his forearms. I agree with Sabrina, he says. As the adage goes, there is strength in numbers. I am called Delta.

He sweeps the room with his eyes and then strides to the circle in the middle of the room, inspecting it for any hint of its purpose.

Perception: [roll0]
Knowledge (Arcana on the circle): [roll1]
Knowledge (The Planes): [roll2]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering on the room in general): [roll3]

[redfeline]

Jasmine strides over to a clear stone on the ground.

Delta has no idea where he is but strongly suspects he has left the material plane. Glancing first at the room he recognizes the stone blocks as finely cut on polished, likely marble. The bars seem to be well kept and mainly made out of adamantine or a similar metal. Looking at the runes he doesn't recognize any of them; but the flow of the shapes, depth of the cut and the geometric arrangement hint that they contain great power.

[Yas392]

Jasmine moves to the shadows as quiet as possible to inspect the stone for any sign of sorcery and this place without obstuction. It's time to apply what she had learned from her father's laboratory. She wills her irises to be scanners.


Arcane Sight - 20 minutes
Spellcraft - [roll0]
Stealth - [roll1]
Knowledge (Arcana - Stone) - [roll2]
Knowledge (Arcana - Place) - [roll3]
Knowledge (History - Stone) - [roll4]
Knowledge (History - Place) - [roll5]
Knowledge (Religion - Stone) - [roll6]
Knowledge (Religion - Place) - [roll7]
Knowledge (Planes - Stone) - [roll8]
Knowledge (Planes - Place) - [roll9]

[Thokk_Smash]

Well, a cursory examination didn't reveal much. Taking a small flask out of his pouch, he downs its contents and feels the magic course through him. His eyes begin to glow a faint blue, and he looks around at the room with renewed interest. He avoids looking straight at the pillar of light, for fear of blinding himself from the sheer magical power, but focuses on the runes and the doorways, looking for what type of magic they may or may not contain.

Arcane Sight, lasting 20 minutes.
Spellcraft checks:
Runes: [roll0]
Doorway 1: [roll1]
Doorway 2: [roll2]

[Strainseir]

Lloyd was beginning to feel a bit closed in by this room. That was a feeling he did not like. Lloyd had wished for a change in pace and he had one. There was a door and he planned to try and open it. With a mighty shove He pushed attempting to open it if he can.

[Raunchel]

Ismene glances over the others, some try to hide something, others don't. It would almost have been amusing, if it weren't for the powerful magic that brought them all here. She examines everything closely, she hopes to find something that could be useful, she wants to be away from here, safe again. She isn't safe now, some will know her secret, they all seem to hold power, and a child wouldn't just be drawn with them, not by such magic. She produces a smile, showing her fangs. She takes particular care to examine the source of the light, it is almost certain that it holds great power of some sort.

General perception: [roll0]
Perception on the source of light: [roll1]
Spellcraft: [roll2]
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll3]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering): [roll4]
Knowledge (History): [roll5]
Knowledge (Planes): [roll6]
Knowledge (Religion): [roll7]

[kestrel404]

Seeing that everyone has started to look around and no one has objected to her casting a spell, Keeper casts the spell of Summon Eidolon - calling Kali from the ether. She uses the spell instead of enacting the ritual simply because the spell is faster - and leaves her free to use some of her more powerful abilities in a pinch.

In common and out loud, she greets her Eidolon - so that the others will know what she's doing. "Hello, Kali. I'm glad you're back. Search the room for anything interesting, and I'm going to check out those skeletons."

As Kali looks curiously at the door and the light, Keeper moves to the skeleton holding the box she spotted. She casts Detect Magic and begins to concentrate on the skeletons, and the metal box in particular.


Perception check for Kali - she's basically searching for Traps, but also examining the door and any other interesting features in the room. [roll0]
Spellcraft & Knowledge Arcana rolls for Keeper examining the box with detect magic - [roll1], [roll2]

[redfeline]

Kali checks the doors as Loyd shoves on them. The are in fact locked and tightly secure. The quality of the lock seems to be quite high. The bars appear to be admantine in nature decorated with cold iron and silver.

Keeper examines the box finding it is simply a nonmagical trap free box. The latch remains tightly fastened.

Ismene seems to recall a concept of multiple material planes. Her knowledge of magics and the art their in tells her that the blue beam is likely a leyline of magical energy. However they are normally invisible ones eyes, magical eyes or not.

Delta examines the runes which glow with some of the most intense power he has witnessed, no single school seems to be dominant but all the known schools seem contribute in fluctuating amounts to the force of the runes. Odder still the light which appeared so very bright to normal vision seems to be lacking in all intensity it is a barely precept able figment compared to the runes. Almost a lack of energy next to them.

Glancing at the doors Delta notices while a faint magic fills the room, no magic seems to be found near either door, not even on his fellow captives.

Jasmine correctly identifies the clear spindle as an ioun stone.

[Raunchel]

"This is strange, this light should not be visible, not where I am from. But a leyline could have provided the power that brought us here, especially one that is strong enough to show itself. It has been harnessed somehow, by whoever is behind this.", she walks around, frowning. She hates this, she has to be outof this room, it is far too small and she is feeling a little thirsty. She approaches one of the doors and carefully examines the lock, looking for hints of traps and the quality of the lock. If she deems it safe she will try to get them to open.

Perception: [roll0]
Disable device: [roll1]

[Thokk_Smash]

Stranger and stranger, this room becomes. Mulling over the new information, Delta walks over to the door that Lloyd and Kali are inspecting. Allow me to inspect it, he says. He inspects it for any signs of traps before taking out his tools. He fits them to the lock and attempts to unlock the door. If he manages to unlock it, he will not open it immediately.

Perception (From OOC): (1d20+34)[52]

Disable Device: [roll0]

[kestrel404]

Keeper picks up the still-latched box and hands it to Kali. Kali pockets it. If anyone looks at her, she simply states, "I don't trust lead boxes in locked rooms full of dead people."

Then she watches the group trying the door.

[redfeline]

(OOC: Remember as you examine and reexamine the room if you rolled higher then 28 you spotted the stones and the box.)

The locks are a complex set of latches designed to distribute the weight of an impact evenly across the bars instead of on a single latch. The key hole is in the center and connects it to 9 latches, 2 on any given side except for the side opposite of the hinges which has three. Ismene and Delta working on oposite doors study the doors for traps, finding none they then study the lock. A great deal of time is spent think about how to pick the lock, and as that time passes it is wisely spent double checking for traps. Once a decision is reached a few seconds of deft moves with lock picks opens the doors. Ismene and Delta went about picking the locks in diffrent manners but the end result was the same. Clearly you two could learn from each other.

(Ismene and Delta spend roughly two minute to pick the locks, unless they have fast disable device or some such. They are effectively busy until every one else catches up.)

[MikelaC1]

While Ismene and Delta work on picking the lock, Sabrina keeps a watch over them, her bow drawn taught to fire on any opponent that shows themselves. Once the door is unlocked and ready to be open, she will take the lead.

[Strainseir]

Lloyd looks to the pair unlocking the door before looking back at the door itself. He stands there calm with his arms folded, but his eyes have the look of a predator waiting to pounce. He is obviously is quite upset about the fact that he is locked up in this room. This is strange magic indeed, but a magical cage is still a cage. Those skeleton's do not bode well for those trapped inside. Either those things are guardians of this place or people like us that have been trapped inside of here.

A low feline growl rumbled in his throat as he forces demon the growing demonic rage inside of him, "Please open that door soon... I do not like this place..."

[redfeline]

Both doors swing open in a fairly uniform manner. The newly formed party contemplates which direction to go.

[Yas392]

Who in the nine hells are you and who is he? Jasmine mentally lashes back, eyes wandering over to the ioun stone she is holding. She never thought the ioun stone was sentient and it gives her a shock and the right to get some answers. But from the conjecture of her awareness, she thinks that the stone was the soul from one of the pile of the skeletons or it was given intelligence but she wants to be certain.


Wisdom check whether it was safe to pull the second one - [roll0]
Sense Motive (First Ioun Stone) - [roll1]
Sense Motive (Second Ioun Stone) - [roll2]
Knowledge (History) - [roll3]
Knowledge (Arcana) - [roll4]
Knowledge (Planes) - [roll5]
Knowledge (Religion) - [roll6]

[Thokk_Smash]

Huh. A bit anticlimactic, Delta says, putting away his tools. He peers through the open doorway in front of him, looking for any signs of passage or other beings or anything, really. What's through your door? he calls to the "child" across the room.

Perception: [roll0]
Blindsight 30ft
Still with Arcane Sight active

[Yas392]

Jasmine decides to test the stone's reliability with her manipulation of words. You seemed to have a history that stone. Why the precaution and the hatred?


Sense Motive (Words, Hunch, Intention, bluff in the words) - [roll0]
Sense Motive (Assess the strength of opponent) - [roll1]

[kestrel404]

Keeper freezes in place, then groans out loud. Then she speaks out loud.

"OK, unless someone here has a warped sense of humor, there are at least two intelligent magic items in this room - both of them Clear Spindle ioun stones. One of them is talking to me telepathically, and claims to be in some kind of feud with the other one. I'm relatively immune to the soul jar spell and similar abilities - who else thinks they can handle manipulative pseudo-psychic artifacts?"

Keeper then takes off her Robe of eyes, drapes it over her Eidolon's massive (and numerous) shoulders, and tells Kali to find the other Clear Spindle Ioun Stone in the room - probably by the third skeleton who didn't have anything on him.


Sense Motive on the telepathic contact - [roll0]
Perception on Kali - [roll1]

[Raunchel]

Ismene peers into the hallway, it was almost too easy, these doors weren't meant to hold any of them, something is happening, and she doesn't like it at all. She inhales through her nose, looking for any sort of smell in the air that might give something away. When all seems clear she advances into it, disappearing almost completely into the shadows.


Perception beyond the door: [roll0](also blindsight 30)
Perception(using scent): [roll1]
Stealth: [roll2]
Further perception: [roll3]

[MikelaC1]

Keeper freezes in place, then groans out loud. Then she speaks out loud.

"OK, unless someone here has a warped sense of humor, there are at least two intelligent magic items in this room - both of them Clear Spindle ioun stones. One of them is talking to me telepathically, and claims to be in some kind of feud with the other one. I'm relatively immune to the soul jar spell and similar abilities - who else thinks they can handle manipulative pseudo-psychic artifacts?"

Keeper then takes off her Robe of eyes, drapes it over her Eidolon's massive (and numerous) shoulders, and tells Kali to find the other Clear Spindle Ioun Stone in the room - probably by the third skeleton who didn't have anything on him.

Possessing or even attempting to manipulate a devil is never easy, and Im better at resisting such attempts than most of my kin. Do you need assistance, and do you have any idea of where the other stone is?

Sabrina sweeps the room with a Detect Magic, staying away from the obvious sources of energy, looking for the second stone.

[redfeline]

Delta's hall seems to be free of oozes, traps, and other dangers

Ismene finds the focal point for a resetting wall of force spell. She detects a very faint smell of pine needles. She detects no other dangers.

Mean while the party searches for an ioun stone in Jasmines hand, provided Jasmine keeps her hand close they won't find it.

[kestrel404]

Annoyed by the voice in her head, and the apparent disappearance of the 'little girl', Keeper mutters the activation phrase for her Stone Fist necklace, and immediately senses the presence and location of all the people standing on the floor within 30 feet. Then she gestures for Kong to come over, and roots through his backpack for a wand of Detect Thoughts, moves to a corner of the room and expends a charge from that.

She calls out to the little girl who she can now sense standing in the hall, "The possibly friendly voice in my head tells me the hallway is trapped." Then she concentrates on her spell and starts counting minds in the room, attempting to figure out just how many intelligences are present and roughly where they are.

[Raunchel]

"Something here is set to trigger a wall of force, presumably to separate whoever goes this way", Ismene whispers to the others. "Is there anything of that kind on the other side?"

[Thokk_Smash]

I've seen nothing like that yet, Delta replies, stepping into the hallway slowly. He continues to inspect the floor and walls for any signs of traps.

Perception: [roll0]
Blindsight 30ft
Arcane Sight

[redfeline]

IC: Keeper senses the soft touch of minds in the room. She notices a distinct lack of thoughts from Delta (and any one in ten feet of him) Similarly he doesn't detect the thoughts or feel the presence of the young girl (and any one ten feet from her or less.) She does however notice the extra intelligence in the hand of Jasmine. Similarly she notes the extra one in her own ioun stone. All other intelligences are exactly where they should be.

[Strainseir]

"So whomever or whatever brought us here set up traps to keep us in here. That or whatever is in those stones brought us here. Every one of my instincts wants me to flee this cage, but it is obvious that there are likely to be far to many traps.... So curious.... If you found a swift to activate a wall of force, then perhaps we should try heading the other way."

At that Lloyd moves to the other door checking it to see if he can notice any other such trap. If he sees nothing he heads through the door.


[roll0]

[kestrel404]

Kali picks up the other Ioun stone from the floor next to the skeleton.

Dropping the spell of Detect thoughts, Keeper nods. "So, Marina is holding one of the stones - and my Eidolon is holding the other one. Are you OK, Marina? Is it attacking you?" Keeper focuses on 'Marina'(Jasmine)'s mind as she asks this, to see if the thing in her hand overrides what she wants to say.

Then she responds to Lloyd - "If we need to escape from here, we can always use Planeshift, or Gate. I was able to call Kali to me, so the path to the planes is open. But before that, I'd like to find out why and how we were brought here."

OOC: Edit, because GM clarified where the second stone was.

[MikelaC1]

We should all pick one way or the other. That way, a wall will not separate us. As for potential threats on either path she shows her blade then bring them on

[Yas392]

It's rude to pry someone's thoughts, you know, especially when she's marvelling over a good find. She's irked at Keeper. She tries to walk to the door. The stone foresighted danger and warns her. Jasmine frowns but her annoyance subsides, turning to Keeper. You too? Let me guess, he spouted some bad gibberish about whatever his name was and was lying to you. She speaks her mind. Does anyone has a grinder, mortar and pestle or similar machinery that could crush stones?

Will save: [roll0]

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta takes one last look around the hallway before striding back to the room. I have a mortar and pestle, he says, sticking his hand into his pack. He brings it back out, along with a metal bowl and matching pestle. They appear to be made out of adamantium; a bit ostentatious, but the hardness is sometimes necessary for particularly exotic materials.

Going to try and grind some answers out of it? he asks wryly as he hands the mortar and pestle to the woman. He looks at the stone with his magically-enhanced sight, trying to see if there's anything that makes it stand out from a normal Ioun stone.

Spellcraft: [roll0]

[redfeline]

IC The arcane sight tells you that their is universal magic of fairly impressive strength in addition to the normal ioun stone stats.

A feminine voice is heard Why grind out answers I've been helpful. Also don't go down that way it is trapped.

A masculine voice counters Don't go the way she says it is trapped.

Oh burn in hell. Your a lier, a thief and... evil.

No I am not, you are! Ladies and gentlemen please disregard her and then discard her. Or maybe do the mortar and pestle thing.

[Yas392]

Jasmine said nothing, sizing him up. You look like a knight, yet you have these tools at your disposal. Are you a full metal alchemist or a herbalist? The only people in my world that carry those that were from those calling.

Once the bowl is prepared, she dumps the stone onto it. You might as well place the male here, Keeper. They seemed to hate each other. It's perfect for both of them cuddle with each other as we begin the questioning session.

[kestrel404]

Keeper shrugs and brings the stone over. "If you want, Kong here can wield the grinder. He's rather exceptionally strong." She points at the massive ape in silvery armor.

"Of course, I also know quite a number of sonic spells, excellent for breaking crystals. Oh, wait, was I supposed to be the good cop? Sorry, I've got this thing about intelligent magic items. Remind me to tell you the story of the two halflings and the Lich's phyalctory sometime."

[MikelaC1]

IC The arcane sight tells you that their is universal magic of fairly impressive strength in addition to the normal ioun stone stats.

A feminine voice is heard Why grind out answers I've been helpful. Also don't go down that way it is trapped.

A masculine voice counters Don't go the way she says it is trapped.

Oh burn in hell. Your a lier, a thief and... evil.

No I am not, you are! Ladies and gentlemen please disregard her and then discard her. Or maybe do the mortar and pestle thing.

Or just use the tried and true Two Brothers approach

[Raunchel]

Ismene returns to the group: "Such magic will not let us leave I fear, or even if it would work we would just be drawn back here.", she then continues to the ioun stones: "You say that you aren't friends? And even enemies? Please, tell me how that could happen."

Diplomacy if necessary: [roll0]

[Thokk_Smash]

Jasmine said nothing, sizing him up. You look like a knight, yet you have these tools at your disposal. Are you a full metal alchemist or a herbalist? The only people in my world that carry those that were from those calling.

Getting a little stereotypical there, huh? Delta says with a grin. I am an alchemist, among a multitude of other callings. In my line of work, a lot was expected of me. He doesn't say more, instead turning to the two stones.

So, Stone 1 and Stone 2, why don't you tell us what you've been telling the others? Bring us up to speed.

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Now I'm wishing I'd put more ranks into Sense Motive.

[redfeline]

Sure I'll bring you up to speed. He needs to be crushed.

No, she does. As for our fued, she is evil incarnate. And not the good kind like horns over there. Her heart is blacker then the darkest ink.

I don't have a heart stupid. And this ends now! The mortar slips free of all hands as if it were a bar of sloap grasped too tightly. Then it flys at the second stone as if to crush it.

As the mortar moves to strike the stone it turns into mud. Ha! I used one spell to counter your two. I declare myself the victor.

You can't declare yourself victor in a fight to the death unless the other one dies. All you did was declare yourself an idiot.

Sense motive DC 20+ These guys hate each other to the point of opposing each other in all things.

[Raunchel]

Ismene continues: "I am the child here, so please leave the childish behavior to me. You make accusations without proof, almost like I would do, but as I already said, I am the child here. Please explain why you loath each other so much, otherwise I fear that there isn't much that the big people can do for you."

Diplomace: [roll0]

[kestrel404]

"So, if you're both capable of casting spells and you're so violently opposed to each other that you're attempting to destroy one another...why were you just sitting there next to the skeletons until we arrived? No, I don't want to hear it. Guys, this is just a complex trap. The solution is we lock these two crystals in the room together and leave. We'll figure out a way out of the dungeon without them."

At a signal from Keeper, Kali tosses the ioun stone into a corner of the room and she and her allies back towards the door.

[MikelaC1]

I agree with Kali and Keeper...but it would be even more funny if we locked them both in the iron box

[Strainseir]

"I would agree with that. The iron box seemed to be a good home for the two of them, but have we yet looked inside to see what the box holds? It in itself could be trapped." he says as he walks over to eye the stones," Or we could smash them both."

[Yas392]

Smashing is out of the question. They have magic! Did you see how they melt that thing? They must have been the death of them. Jasmine gesticulates to the skeletons wryly. They killed both our predecessors and wait for worthy owners to mess with their heads for their own benefits. I am going with Sabrina's suggestion with locking them in a secluded compartment unless our Alchemist here can disenchant these rowdy rocks or we can control their minds with some spell.

[redfeline]

NO!NO!

Don't open the iron box.

I agree smash us if you must but don't open the iron box.

Yes but please don't open the box.

Here the mud reforms into a mortar shape and then hardens into admantine See no harm done.

[Thokk_Smash]

The manipulation of his mortar had irked Delta slightly; he liked that one. With its reformation, his irritation subsides, for the most part at least. So give us a straight answer; what is this place, and what is in that box? If either of you want us to actually listen to you, then you need to be more coherent than screaming profanities at each other. He goes over to pick up his mortar and pestle.

I lack the ability to disenchant them, but I would love to examine them more closely, given better circumstances. Some form of necromantic power pull them out, surely, but the stones radiate with universal magical energy. Very curious.

[kestrel404]

Keeper just taps her foot and waits for the others to decide what they want to do. As long as the stones don't become actively hostile...

[redfeline]

A masculine voice starts I am David and that is Sarah

Could you use my full name?

If it wasn't so long sure.

You see this is your problem and why I want to destroy you.

You want to destroy me because you were built to destroy me and I you.

Yes I must admit my only real desire is to see you destroyed.

[Yas392]

You're both at it again. Can anyone slide open that box? Jasmine's face is miffed.

[Raunchel]

"Yes, tell us why this box cannot be opened. If you do what we want we will give you the closest thing to your wish, we will ensure that you will never ever meet again."

[kestrel404]

Ignoring the arguing rocks for now, Keeper tries a new tactic. She uses the other advantage provided by the Summon Eidolon spell - and uses her Summon Monster power to call forth a Ghaele Azata (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/azata/ghaele).

[redfeline]

In the box

Hey how come you get to explain!

Because I am not stupid

Oh that is laughable. I have you know I can read and write all languages.

You can't write you don't have hands.

Oh I've had enough I will grant a wish to any one who destroys her.

Two wishes to any one killing him!

A life time of wishes!

I'll beat that. A life time of wishes and since I am smarter I won't do any of those literal screw over deals with the wishes.

[Raunchel]

"I've had it with these two! Give me the box and I'll open it to put them in together. If that doesn't sit them up we'll grind them to dust and intermix them.", Ismene exclaims. She looks like she could throw a tantrum and really is getting sick of these two.

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina fetches the one stone that was tossed into the corner and holds out her hand to whoever is holding the second one. If Ismene wants to put them together, she will let her, or she will volunteer to do it.

[kestrel404]

Keeper turns to thew newest arrival. "So, quick rundown. There are two more-than-slightly psychotic intelligent crystals attempting to get us to kill them and/or open a box. All of us here mysteriously appeared in the room with them, and those skeletons. I'm betting at least one of those crystals is evil - possibly both. Or they're overly lawful, maybe. Either way - it'd be nice if you ground them to dust. Or, if you've got a better idea?"

Keeper allows the Azata to do what she feels is correct - and continues to not mention that the box everyone is arguing over is in her posesion. She really doesn't want anyone opening it quite yet without a good reason.

[redfeline]

All I ask is that you destroy her first. After that I would happily slip into the void.

I wish only for the same. Destroy David first.

The Ghaele picks up the two Ioun stones and crushes them with ease. They are no more.

[Thokk_Smash]

One last chance, you two, Delta says, not moving to stop the stones' imminent demise. Either one of you tells us, or you both get ground to bits. Surely you'd both like to be alive when the other is dead, right?

Well, back to square one, Delta says, rubbing his armored chin. Though we do know now that the box scared the hell out of both of them. Not much to go on, of course, but still.

He begins to walk over to the doorway he opened, where no traps had been found as of yet. Should we inspect the box next? Or carry on through one of the doors?

[Yas392]

Good riddance. They had been nothing but unhelpful except for revealing the danger of the box. Jasmine just huffs, glancing at the box with her temporary magical sight.

[redfeline]

The box appears to be made out of nonmagical lead.

[Thokk_Smash]

Keeper, perhaps you could summon another creature to open the box in our place? If you're so concerned about opening it yourself. Or I could summon one to do the deed. Or we could simply leave it and continue on our way. Either way, we need to make a decision here, because every second spent is one where our mysterious abductor remains at large.

((OOC: I know Keeper hasn't said that the box is in her possession, but apparently Jasmine was able to see it, and I'm just trying to move things along.))

[kestrel404]

"Or, I could just ask this friendly azata here to do it. Would you be so kind as to take this box, walk into the hall, and open it. Look inside, and tell us what's in there?" Keeper has Kali hand the box to the azata, who dutifully walks with it out into the hallway.

She closes the door. The azata opens the box. A few moments later, Keeper opens the door - and readies an action to close it again if there's an enranged, berserk, or otherwise hostile azata on the other side.

[redfeline]

As you wish. The Ghaele walks into the hall as the party stands safely in the center room. As he opens the box nothing happens. The Box appears empty. Keeper I have done as you asked and I see no reason to remain on this plane. May I return now?

[Thokk_Smash]

Well, that was anticlimactic, Delta drawls, eyeing the box with his magically-enhanced sight. Maybe the two were so insane that they dreamed up a third party? They did seem pretty frightened, though.

He inspects the box from afar for a few seconds (i.e. a few rounds) to see if anything actually came out that may be invisible to the naked eye.

Arcane Sight on the inside of the box and the area around it.

[Yas392]

Jasmine shrugs. Well, what do you expect from a box with a non-magical lock.

[kestrel404]

Keeper takes the box back. "Thank you for your wisdom. Farewell and good hunting."

After the Ghaele disappears, Keeper turns back to the others. "Well, that was anticlimactic. I expected...more trouble than that. Anyone want to take a guess at which way to go?"

[MikelaC1]

Perhaps the trouble takes the form of something we aren't aware of yet. Someone might have been unwittingly cursed.
As for which way to go, a guess is all we have.

With nothing obvious suggesting itself, Sabrina heads into the hall that the Ghaele had opened the box in.

[redfeline]

As the celestial disappears the box falls to the ground with an unceremonious clang.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta shrugs and follows after Sabrina. Either I or the child can look for traps along the way, the man offers. As they walk he inspects the walls and floor for signs of ill-play.

Perception: [roll0]
Spellcraft for any necessary magical things: [roll1]

[Strainseir]

Lloyd actually chuckles a little as the crystals are destroyed. One should not tamper with obviously dark spirits. He then moves to follwo the group out of the hallway," At least those... things... where amusing."

[Yas392]

With her arcane sight still active, she also scour for traps and the likes in her pretentious explorer persona as her inclination to search for relics of old. In truth, she has a distaste for magical items, only choosing only one shots or few charge uses. Well, a few of them are certainly good enough to keep around to bolster her defences. She adopts a stance, heighten her instinctual senses but also tensed in case she receive punishment.


Assuming Hearing of the Air Stance - Blindsense 30 ft and +5 to Perception.
Perception - [roll0]
Spellcraft - [roll1]
Readied action to switch to Flame's Blessing if traps are fire based or use her images if there is an attack on the party.

[redfeline]

The beguiling young woman takes a few deep breaths and proceeds to feel the air as they move into the hall about 5 feet in the group suddenly comes to a halt as the trap spotting pair find a trap.

[Thokk_Smash]

I really hope there isn't a trap every other step. But let's face it, there probably is, otherwise what fun would that be? The sarcasm in his voice is tangible as he begins to attempt to dismantle the trigger for a Wall of Force trap.

Oh, and that box? It's got a strong necromantic energy coming off of it. I only just noticed it; something in the room must have been suppressing it. Maybe we should leave it there?

((OOC: edit)): Actually, it's necromantic residue, so whatever was in it might've affected whatever opened it. Either way, I really think we should ditch it.

Disable device: [roll0]

[redfeline]

Delta narrowly stops himself from setting off the trap as he attempts to disable it. (Missed target dc by less than 5.)

[Yas392]

Hmm, know any spell that can disrupt an impenetrable wall made of force? Jasmine inspects and turns to the others for counsel. We are pretty much trap here with that leak that has death written all over it if we don't take care of the wall. That said, she tunes in with her perception to determine the best possible course of action and consequences.

Wisdom check to predict what would happen if the box if left unattended or if wall of force trap is brought down - [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

A wall of force can be easily bypassed by a teleport spell. Does anyone here lack the ability or the spell?

Sabrina teleports herself to the other side of the wall.

[kestrel404]

"Your detection spell is only now sensing magic from the box because it's made of lead. Lead blocks magical detection. So there WAS something dangerous in the box, and it escaped. Which means there is likely some kind of ghost nearby. If it tried to hitch a ride with the Azata, it's in for a nasty surprise, but I don't think we're that lucky."

Keeper picks up the box again, and hands it to Kong. It seems to be just a lead box - which may be useful.

"Dimension door works nicely as well, and I can bring everyone here, if they gather close." Keeper offers.

[Raunchel]

Ismene already was on the other side when the trap was sprung. She sighs inwardly, living, always rushing and hurrying and failing at their tasks. Not that she is any different of course, but she likes to think that she is. Unfortunately the energy is necromantic, those tend to provide little in the way of nourishment. She looks over her companions, no, she needs them for now. They cannot be used to sate the thirst. She advances into the hallway, slipping into the shadows and peering through the darkness. She tastes the pine trees in the air, but longs for more.

stealth:
perception(scent and blindsight): [roll0]
stealth: [roll1]

[redfeline]

The hall appears to be trap free and as far as you know you are hidden from view.

[Raunchel]

Ismene carries on, staying forty feet ahead of the group and scouting for trouble.

perception: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]

[kestrel404]

Keeper sees that no one objects, and she senses the Vampiress move out of her tremorsense range, so she gathers the others together and teleports them beyond the trap with a simple Dimension Door.

[redfeline]

IC: Ismene notices as the floor begins to grow red in the area around her. She has a split moment to dive out of the way. (Roll a reflex check dc 40 or stand in lava. If you make your save do you dive foreward or back?)

[roll0] fire damage from lava.

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina continues toward the lava quite nonchalantly, not quite getting into the lava area, but near enough to see whats what with it.

Lava huh? Interesting enough.

[Yas392]

As the hallway is clear and she can see what she is seeing, she switches her stance to cross the bed of lava by flight. Well then, what's next.


Switched to Flame's Blessing. Gain Fire Immunity.

[Strainseir]

Lloyd silently allows himself to be dimension doored. The lava makes him raise an eyebrow,"It would seem that this place is a testing ground. The traps are dangerous but not deadly. It is as if we were in a gauntlet designed to prove our worth."

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta uses his flight to float above the lava, though with Sigma's immunity to fire it was somewhat redundant. No need to risk potentially tripping another floor-trap by walking through it, after all.

They're gonna get more than they bargained for with us, he says drily and with a hint of fire as he inspects the walls further down for more traps.

Perception: [roll0]

[Raunchel]

Ismene jumps from one wall to the other but she has missed one little detail, distracted as she is by her thirst. She briefly touches the ground with her hand. Somehow the searing heat of lava was hidden there and the hand burns almost completely off. On the other wall she crouches and looks at the wound. It is almost completely dust and she blows it off. Almost immediately the hand starts to grow back. It reminds her, this is serious, not another little game. She advances more carefully now, no longer trusting the first impression of where she goes.

stealth: [roll0]
I'll use the previous perception now. Luckily Ismene has fast healing 5 so the damage will be gone in no time.

[redfeline]

Delta finds the trigger to a suggestion spell.

[Thokk_Smash]

Got another trap here, a Suggestion one this time. Do you want to teleport past it again, or do you want me to attempt to disarm it?

If Keeper says that she wants to teleport past it, then he does not attempt to disarm it. If not, then he goes to work attempting to disarm the trap. Before he does, though, he has the foresight to take out his scroll of Mind Blank and cast it on himself in case he accidentally trips the trap. Never hurts to be cautious.

UMD on scroll, DC 35: [roll0]
Disable Device: [roll1]

If we teleport, then he just uses the scroll

[Strainseir]

Lloyd hears that the trap is simply a suggestion spell, so he just walks forward past the trap. He is getting obviously frustrated with all these traps.

"I am starting to get seriously angry at this place. I want to see sky!"

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta stops just short of taking out his tools as the lion-man storms past. Or we could do that. He shrugs and follows after once he sees that the trap has been sprung.

[redfeline]

Ahead of them the hall curves about 90 degrees clock wise.

[Raunchel]

Ismene peeks around the corner while trying to prevent herself from being seen. Her small form only makes such things easier. She hears the mention of the sky, she doesn't want to see it, not unless she knows that it is night.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Yas392]

Following suit behind Delta, she comments on the Lloyd's irascible demeanour. You can't really see the sky clearly if you don't climb the tower. Does a predator lets its prey go when it has a great chance of dining on it?

[kestrel404]

Keeper follows the others, content to allow the scouts find and identify traps. They don't seem to need her assistance, yet. She does not comment on the fact that they were summoned into a trap-filled dungeon. It's not the weirdest thing that's happened to her. This month.

[redfeline]

As the round the corner they see the exit. It is dimly lit as if a full moon is out tonight. A large pine forest looms about a half mile from the door. The only problem is portcullis, of similar design to the gates inside, blocks the exit.

[kestrel404]

Stepping around the corner, Keeper looks out into the 'night'. "Well, that was either a very short dungeon, or this is an illusion. There's an easy way to check, though."

Pulling up her bow, Keeper knocks an arrow and fires it through the porticullis into the night beyond. Imbued within to the arrow is a Dancing Lights canrip, which will cause two red orbs of light just above where the arrow lands.

Even a high-level illusion should be unable to account for the spell attached to the arrow. And the arrow might trigger some traps prematurely.

[redfeline]

The arrow lights up just the way Keeper expects it to. Every one sees two red lights appear above where the arrow lands.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta steps around the corner as well, observing the hallway with his magically enhanced sight. Very weird indeed. I'd suggest we stay on our toes, but I'm sure you all don't need me to tell you that.

He searches for traps on the portcullis before attempting to unlock it.

Arcane Sight and See Invisibility active
Perception for traps: [roll0]
Disable Device for portcullis: [roll1]

[Raunchel]

Ismene advances carefully, remaining unseen and unheard.

perception [roll0]
Stealth [roll1]

[redfeline]

After about a minute the trap free portcullis is unlocked and the light goes out. There is no switch, level, or other mechanism to lift the portcullis, it would seem the only option is brute strength. (Skipping ahead the group lifts it with little difficulty.)

As they step out into the pine woods they see a path leading off into the distance. The building they stepped out of appears to be a 15 by 15 by 15 foot cube. It is made out of adamantine and adorn with a flora and fauna pattern done in silver and cold iron. From its center the leyline of blue light shoots into the sky.

That brings us to the most striking feature. A great big glowing white ball of energy dimly lit is crossed on the vertical axis by the blue leyline. That same nexus of white light is crossed by a leyline of red and leyline of yellow. All Leylines appear to travel through the nexus unhindered and unaltered a perfect 90 degrees from all others. Equal distance away from the nexus are masses of matter. Counting the one you are on it would be six in total. Attached on one side of the yellow leyline is a chunk earth in which you can see ore, gems, and caverns in great abundance. Opposite of that you have a swirling mass of clouds and debris, all floating or falling in an idol nebula of self content matter. The red leyline attaches to a glowing ball of lava and fire pocked with basalt and obsidian. Opposite of that you have a dark blue mass of water, on its surface you can see a truely massive turtle swimming just below the surface, it shell sticks out with an island upon its back. That leaves what appears the top from your perspective. That sphere seems to be similar to the one on witch you stand but mirrored in equal amounts greatest beauty and harshest ugliness. As if some one took all that was well and right of this plane and drew it to the surface and all that was wrong and ill and pulled that to the surface as well before mushing the traits together in a random pattern.

Between each of these realms clearly exists a true void of all substance and around the white nexus a moon stands guard, and is indeed in the full phase. Each of these other bodies of mass seem to stretch off into infinity even as your own does.

[Thokk_Smash]

Fascinating, Delta breathes as he takes in the scenery. Simply amazing. Could they be representations of the elemental planes? Possibly portals?

He turns around to see the pure white ball of energy. He floats up to approach it, but not too close, as he inspects it.

Knowledge (Arcana): [roll0]
Knowledge (The Planes): [roll1]
Spellcraft: [roll2]

[redfeline]

Delta flys up for a closer inspection. As he flies he soon discovers that the nexus remains the same apparent distance from him. The object must be much too big and too far away to act with.

(Aparently I left the wrong impression. See the small edit.)

[MikelaC1]

They do appear to be elemental, and the opposite of each element are on the same line. Which means that somehow, that one pointing at the other one on her line is some sort of opposite to us...perhaps a plane of negative energy?

[Thokk_Smash]

Not being able to reach the orb doesn't seem to dampen Delta's enthusiasm at all. In fact, it only deepens it.

Returning to the ground, he replies, I would imagine that it is both the positive and negative energy planes. Assuming that we're on the representation of the prime material plane.

I do wonder exactly when the being who kidnapped us will show themself. Part of me wants to thank them for giving me the opportunity to see this. What do you all say; into the woods?

[Yas392]

Jasmine is literally seething. Like boiling on the mention of the "night" being made of illusions, she flies around, touching the "air" or anything she comes across to discern if there are any illusions to interact. She will do this until she finds out the scape of the location is authentic. She was not stupid however to not prepare a backup teleportation manoeuvre in repetition.


Will save to disbelieve if any - [roll0]
Readied Shadow Blink in case of negative effects of the planes or whatever we are in. Will refresh again if her teleport has been used.

[kestrel404]

Keeper walks out and stares around at the odd sight. "Well, that's definitely not an illusion. Or if it is, someone is trying way too hard. I wouldn't believe something like that could exist in any of the material planes - so I wonder where we are?"


Knowledge checks to try and figure stuff out:
Arcana: [roll0] What are those ley-lines? What are they doing?
Planes: [roll1] Where could something like this exist?
Religion: [roll2] Same question, from a theological standpoint
Engineering: [roll3] Is the tower we just came from bigger on the inside?
Nature: [roll4] The heck?

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina's understanding of magic is not on a par with some of others, but she can still consider things.

[roll0] Know:Arcana
[roll1] Spellcraft

[redfeline]

The Ley-lines are crossing forming a nexus. They however require further testing as no one ascertained if they drain magic of give it.
Spellcraft not used
Maybe it exists on a demiplane? Maybe?
Theologically the center of the universe.
The tower does indeed seem to bigger on the inside.
This doesn't seem to be effecting nature and those trees are pinus mugo, also known as mountain pine. Strange that they are ina valley but that doesn't really compare to whats going on in the sky which is stranger.

Those with arcane sight notice a faint amount of illusion magic by the forest.

[Thokk_Smash]

Well, hate to tell you, Jasmine, but there seems to be a faint illusion residue by the trees, Delta comments as he takes out an extract. Downing it, he sees with eyes now even more powerfully discerning than before.

He looks around with his newly-given True Seeing senses, seeing what lies beyond whatever illusions are near the forest. He then flies near the nearby leyline and then casts Unseen Servant, directing it to enter the leyline to see whether its magic is drained or strengthened.

Drink extract of True Seeing, which I used my Rod of Extend to make the duration 40 minutes.
And Unseen Servant like I said in the narrative.

[Yas392]

Jasmine facepalmed for losing control over her surroundings. Floating down near Delta, she looks at the direction of the forest, face flushed and embarrassed. Do you have any extract that could someone pierce through their disguise? I fear that I would be frustrated if someone mentions illusions again.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta shakes his head. I wasn't planning on traveling in a group when I prepared my extracts this morning. I have the ability to create infusions that anyone can use, but my ordinary extracts are specific to me and me alone. It would take me a minute to create one that you could drink, but I would appreciate it if you would keep watch over me while I do. We're still in enemy territory, after all.

If Jasmine agrees, and after he determines what happens to his Unseen Servant inside the leyline, Delta floats down and takes out his alchemical reagents and chemicals. Concentrating on the little bit of alchemical magic reserves he has for the day, he siphons it off into the chemicals; a magical rod kept in one hand to make the infusion last a bit longer. Once finished, he looks at the final product, shrugging (it's good enough for a fieldwork job), and hands it to Jasmine. It'll last 40 minutes, but maybe wait until I'm closer to the end of the duration of mine? Might as well have at least one person with it on as long as possible, y'know what I mean?

Using my last 6th level Alchemist extract slot and a Rod of Extend to make an infusion of True Seeing, duration 40 minutes.

[redfeline]

Delta's suprise round is spent drinking a potion of trueseeing.

Delta sees three huge scaly bipedal creature with four arms. It is covered in little hornlets, proceeding to break off two of those hornlets with two arms, handing them to the next set and tossing them. They explode in a grenade like fashion
.
[roll0] fire damage and [roll1] piercing damage. (reflex dc 31 half)

A similar assault hits Jasmine

[roll2] fire damage and [roll3] piercing damage. (reflex dc 31 half)

And a final assault hits Sabrina

[roll4] fire damage and [roll5] piercing damage. (reflex dc 31 half)

These three are now visible to all.

[Yas392]

Jasmine is about to accept when fire rains down. Damn timing. Time slows, she considers her options. Either she could discard her explorer persona and reveal her assassin arts or take it with pride and use more subtle means of persuasion to acquire temporary alliance with one of the creatures that is attacking them. It would be cool to show off her style but what if she is caught in an area attack by her so called allies. And besides that, she would need to catch her breathe and it will slow her down. With six or more people here, it is hardly needed. It is too earlier to reveal her images. As the assassin arts is specialized against singular and duo hand to hand, her quasi-real illusions will cause her to be viewed as a tool for nefarious purposes. This is so wrong... She awaits the raucous din from the fire, activating one of her defensive style. She is glad that she had not changed from the way of fire embrace otherwise she would have taken a lot more.


Immediate Action - Activate Thought Before Action
Reflex save - [roll0]
Improved Evasion so no damage.


Her protection from the fiery blaze repels the flame from harming her, redirected as if by a magnet. It is natural for her to dodge the incoming explosion, she is trained to dance out of artilleries that comes with the fire, the sharpen edges is just too slow. Her biological engines resurges her confidence. Right now, she feels like a ninja. A super freaking ninja.

[MikelaC1]

Round 1

[roll0] reflex save

The fire is of no concern to Sabrina, although the piercing damage does get her attention, but not in a good way. With just a thought her Shield snaps into effect, (AC:53) and she moves to attack one of the trees.

[Thokk_Smash]

((OOC: Reflex save: [roll0]))

The fire brushes over Sigma's skin without marring it, but the shrapnel leaves more of a mark. A grimace is his only response as activates two of the crystals on his belt, speeding up his reaction times enough to allow him to cast an enhancement spell on himself before moving to engage one of the creatures.

In Shadow Hand stance "Island of Blades" perpetually in order to gain benefit of Shadow Blade feat.
Swift action to activate Belt of Battle, to allow me to cast Greater Heroism on myself. Will last 190 minutes.
Move action to move next to one of the creatures, then single attack:
[roll1]
[roll2]

[redfeline]

Sabrina moves up to the first 30ft creature. (1d20+45)[56] attack & (1d8+27)[35] damage She easily hits the creature but seems to do little more than make a shallow cut.

Delta moves to a second creature and gets a similar result with his attack.

[kestrel404]

Round 1: Initiative count 25

Keeper's head whips around to look at the beasts. She immediately calls out, "<Haste!>" The arcane invocation spreads to everyone nearby.

Then without stopping, she begins her battle-chant, "Swiftly now, through fire and night, we ride to war, once more we fight." The martial words and staccatto cadence fill the area, giving everyone around a surge of courage and inspiration.


Haste will get everyone in the group who wants it. If I need to overcome someone's spell resistance, then [roll0]
Also starting Bardic Music as a Move action, so everyone gets +3 morale bonus to attack/damage & fear saves.

Knowledge(Nature) to recognize what's attacking us: [roll1]

My Eidolon & Familiar are sticking close for now, so they're not rushing off to attack, yet.

[Strainseir]

Round 1: Initiative 25

Battle has finally come, and for a brief moment the demon can become free. Llyod changes from growing over three feet taller with massive inhuman muscles. His skin turns a deep abysmal black while his hair and eyes turn to a slightly glowing brilliant white. His fingers elongate into long wicked white claws that glow with an unnatural fire. With a great burst of speed, Lloyd leaps forward at the first creature. A Brilliant white flame erupts from his claws s he slashes again and again into the nearest Creature.



Entering rage then moving. Hasted Lloyd has a speed of 100. Pounce allowing for full attack. Lloyd is now a large creature.

[roll0] Attack 1 auto miss
[roll1] Attack haste
[roll2] Attack 2
[roll3] Attack 3
[roll4] Attack 4

[roll5] Slashing Damage Attack 1
[roll6] fire damage from shocking grasp that is sub fire searing twinned and empowered and intensified
[roll7] fire that comes from the claws auto miss

[roll8] Slashing Damage Attack Haste
[roll9] fire damage from shocking grasp that is sub fire searing twinned and empowered and intensified
[roll10] fire that comes from the claws

[roll11] Slashing Damage Attack 2
[roll12] fire damage from shocking grasp that is sub fire searing twinned and empowered and intensified
[roll13] fire that comes from the claws

[roll14] Slashing Damage Attack 3
[roll15] fire damage from shocking grasp that is sub fire searing twinned and empowered and intensified
[roll16] fire that comes from the claws

[roll17] Slashing Damage Attack 4
[roll18] fire damage from shocking grasp that is sub fire searing twinned and empowered and intensified
[roll19] fire that comes from the claws

[redfeline]

OOC: you forgot Caster level check [roll0] Includes arcane thesis and duskblade.

IC: Lloyd unleashes the beast within running and leaping at the nearest target with reckless rage. The creature appears confused by its burning flesh as it trys poorly to defend itself against this onslaught of heavy blows. In the end the creature is battered and singed badly but alive and able to fight.

[Yas392]

It is not just good to rush in there. Jasmine stays behind, chanting a spell that would turn the creatures against each other. From there, she waits until there is only little risk before she would swoop in. She pluck a piece of white thread from her upper cloth sometime sticking when the fabric is loosen from the repetitive cleaning. Hmm, I could use this in my illusion magic afterwards. Best to keep it.

Anda sekalian sangat busuk. Anda benci antara satu sama lain. Mati di belasah anda sekalian.

As she curses them, she makes a gesture of crossing her two fingers and swipe one of her hands with fingers closed together in a manner of a cutthroat making a threat of slitting the disobedience. Her spells targets all three, illusions clog their mind in attempt to make each of her enemies see each other as their most hateful enemies. Her gnomish boots crack with the earth, humming as if they are in harmony. When the spell is done, she moves to whatever that could provide her cover (if there is no object, she will be behind a person to hide, targeting the closest one).


Casting Friend to Foe on our three humongous friends, Level 6 due to Earth spell (DC 27)
Move action to move to any object/person if no object that would hide her while trying to hide.
Darkstalker in effect: Tremor and Blind sense do not work against her.
Hide - [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

She easily hits the creature but seems to do little more than make a shallow cut.

Note: Greater Penetrating Strike feat allows her to bypass 10 points of DR.

[redfeline]

[roll0] save
[roll1] tie goes to the defender is how I normally play.
[roll2] Fail

Two of the monsters blink and overcome the illusion the third snarls at his former allies.

All post combat in a little bit. I feel like some one didn't take round 1 other than the monsters am I mistaken?

[Yas392]

Wow, I cannot believe it actually worked. Jasmine whispers to herself, proud of her accomplishment at causing one of them sowing discord among themselves. Don't attack the third one. It's on our side for now. Jasmine hollers out for others to hear.

[redfeline]

The injured giant speaks a curse in giant and then unleashes his full furry at Lloyd.


[roll0] Damage[roll1]
[roll2] Damage[roll3]
[roll4] Damage[roll5]
[roll6] Damage[roll7]
[roll8] Damage[roll9]
[roll10] Damage[roll11]
[roll12] Damage[roll13]
[roll14] Damage[roll15]

and a bite attack of [roll16] Damage[roll17]

Amazingly one of the attacks in that barrage hit!

The next giant turns to the beautiful devil steps 5ft back and rips off two hornlets tossing them in the 5ft square behind her they explode in a 10 ft spread. I suppose I should roll to hit ac5 on the square. [roll18]
[roll19] fire
[roll20] piercing
reflex 31 for half.

The last one turns to the second one and rips off two hornlets and tosses them at him. [roll21]
[roll22] fire
[roll23] piercing
[roll24]

[Raunchel]

Ismene bounds at the strange creatures, her hand fully restored. She draws two sharp daggers and when she reaches the closest of the gigantic creatures she jumps to the left, fooling the monster into believing that she will strike there. She bounces from her foot, quickly to the right and cuts at the creature's lower leg.

Ismene first makes a feint using her bluff: [roll0]
And then she attacks, hopefully with a succesful feint: [roll1], damage: [roll2], sneak attack: [roll3].

[redfeline]

The creature gets ready to crush Ismene when she suddenly moves away from the blow, stabing the creature as deeply as she can into its side. That said on such a big creature it still only amounts to a cat scratch.

[Raunchel]

Ismene round 2

Ismene smiles: Meowww She moves again, she never stands still for a moment, the giant will expect her this time. It won't fall for the same trick twice. Bus Ismene is centuries old, and she is filled with tricks. She makes a shallow cut to the right, letting it think that she will strike low again. Then she leaps up, and cuts across its face, she enjoys it, the spray of blood through the air, the slow oaf. This is how it should be.

And now we get to a full attack. Again a feint, done with the natural attack: [roll0]
Left hand attack 1: [roll1], damage: [roll2], sneak attack: [roll3]
Left hand attack 2: [roll4], damage: [roll5], sneak attack: [roll6]
Left hand attack 3: [roll7], damage: [roll8], sneak attack: [roll9]
Left hand attack 4: [roll10], damage: [roll11], sneak attack: [roll12]
Right hand attack 1: [roll13], damage: [roll14], sneak attack: [roll15]
Right hand attack 2: [roll16], damage: [roll17], sneak attack: [roll18]
Right hand attack 3: [roll19], damage: [roll20], sneak attack: [roll21]
Right hand attack 4: [roll22], damage: [roll23], sneak attack: [roll24]

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta-Round 2

Delta feels the magical energy suffusing his body, granting him swiftness he lacked before. Realizing that the creature that was attacking him before has been turned to their side, for the moment at least, he turns to the creature that Lloyd assaulted earlier. Reaching into his pouch, he swiftly takes out his reagents and casings and creates four bombs, ready to go off at the slightest touch. Aiming, he throws them all such that the splash damage will not hit Lloyd.

Full attack action, haste'd, throwing four force bombs. Aiming for a square on the Large (I'm assuming they're Large sized) creature that will avoid hitting Lloyd in the splash damage. If that's impossible, I'll just use my discovery that lets me get rid of my Int modifier's worth of splash squares.

All to-hits are against touch AC, including +1 to-hit from Haste

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

DC 29 reflex for half, and DC 29 or else be knocked prone

[redfeline]

The singed huge creature falls to the ground severely battered and likely dead. He final thoughts where bombs are more fun to toss than they are to catch.

The second giant falls for the ploy and is left open to a barrage of attacks. Each cut is shallow but deep enough to hit a vulnerable blood vessel or organ. The second giant falls to the ground as well.

The third giant rushes over to the second giant and begins to beat on him with savage furry. Seemingly attempting to turn his former ally into a red paste.

[Raunchel]

Ismene bites in her giant's throat. She drinks, finally sating her thirst. Shev doesn't take much, just enough. She doesn't trust the third one whoremainsstanding. But she has to drink. The thirst is too great.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta takes note of Ismene's actions with a raised brow. Good to know for the future, if they remain working together.

Approaching the remaining giant, he casts Dominate Monster on it. These are the first living things they have come across; perhaps they can get some answers out of them.

((OOC: DC 27 24 will save vs Dominate Monster))

[kestrel404]

Keeper, seeing that the battle has stopped, ends her chant. Everyone present continues to feel the lingering effects for another dozen seconds. (OOC: Lingering Song) She watches the vampiress feed, before asking the group, "Does anyone need healing?"

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina looks a bit sad that all the fighting is done, without her getting a chance to get in a second round of fighting. When Ismene bites the giant's throat, she processes it much as a human would process another taking a hors d'ouevre at a dinner party, meaning, not at all. When the Keeper mentions healing, she puts up her hand....I have a few scratches

need 39 points

[Yas392]

How did he know what I am going to do next? Jasmine is speechless. Just in case. She stretches her magic, to implant the thoughts of temptation in the event the giant resists the alchemist's mind control.


Dominate Monster (DC 31)
Caster Level check - [roll0]

[redfeline]

The giant continues to beat on the helpless victim. Almost as if he expected the other one to get up.

[Yas392]

Tch, of all the spells, it had to fail now! Jasmine strengthens her presence on his mind again but trying harder to enthrall the obstinacy that is the giant into servitude when it ignored her just now. Closing the gap and showing her goods in front to the giant, she winks seductively like a succubus and tries swaying her hips, accentuating her legs and purrs. Do not resist temptation!


Caster level check - [roll0]
Dominate Monster (DC 31)

[kestrel404]

Watching the giant beating its dead 'friend', Keeper decides to play a hunch. "Kali, stab the downed giants. Just in case they've got some troll blood in them."

Turning to Sabrina, Keeper smiles and extends a hand. "Cure Moderate Wounds." OOC: Heal [roll0]

Meanwhile, the summon goes to the downed giant that is NOT being pummeled into the ground and stabs it with each of 10 daggers, each with a different elemental effect. Then she coup-de-graces with one of the Thundering daggers, just to be sure.


[roll1] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll2], damage [roll3]+[roll4] fire and [roll5] extra on a crit.
[roll6] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll7], damage [roll8]+[roll9] fire and [roll10] extra on a crit.
[roll11] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll12], damage [roll13]+[roll14] ice and [roll15] extra on a crit.
[roll16] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll17], damage [roll18]+[roll19] ice and [roll20] extra on a crit.
[roll21] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll22], damage [roll23]+[roll24] acid and [roll25] extra on a crit.
[roll26] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll27], damage [roll28]+[roll29] acid and [roll30] extra on a crit.
[roll31] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll32], damage [roll33]+[roll34] electric and [roll35] extra on a crit.
[roll36] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll37], damage [roll38]+[roll39] electric and [roll40] extra on a crit.
[roll41] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll42], damage [roll43] and [roll44] + [roll45] sonic extra on a crit.
[roll46] with a crit-threat on a 15+, crit confirm [roll47], damage [roll48] and [roll49] + [roll50] sonic extra on a crit.

for the coup-de-grace: [roll51] + [roll52] sonic

[redfeline]

[roll0] will save

The giant stops suddenly its jaw slack and its fists red with blood.

[Yas392]

Pleased that the giant is under her command, she orders it. Now...we have questions and we would like some answers...about this place and that forest...could you answer that for us in common? Predicted that some will look at her for her beguiling act, she reverts to her own stern, explorer self, uncomfortable because she indulges herself on that act too much.

[Strainseir]

As the carnage ends Lloyd returns to a normal calm. His body returns to its normal coloration and dimensions. His eyes then narrow on the tiny vampire. Walking over to her with obvious purpose, there is obvious distaste in his eyes but no malice or killing intent. He ignores corpses even stepping on them if need be to reach the small undead.

"If the time comes that you need to feed and we have no slain foes. Take from me. I am immune to the tainted disease. Make sure that the one you fed off of will not return as one of you. Normally I would grant you freedom from your curse, but at the moment we are in need of each other in this strange place." he says in a stern and reserved tone locking eyes with Ismene.

[redfeline]

The Giant answers in a short one syllable word in giant. (He only speaks giant so the answer to the question is no.)

[Yas392]

Does anyone knows giant? Jasmine refers to the company. She points to them, implanting another order. Answer their questions.

[Thokk_Smash]

I speak Giant, among other languages, Delta offers. To the giant, he asks in Giant, What is this place, and where is it? Who else is here besides you and us?

He repeats the questions to his companions in Common, and asks, What other questions do you all have for him?

[kestrel404]

Kali repeats her efforts on the downed pile of mush, before returning to Keeper's side.

[redfeline]

Only my clan is in the forest. All others escape as quickly as they can from us. Strangers leave from that vile building, all have some power. Many not enough to escape us. However other than them only the dark one tries to bother us.

[Thokk_Smash]

And who is this "dark one" you mentioned? Where can we find them?

[redfeline]

The giant let out a small hoff The dark one and his army finds us, not the other way around. You will know when he is coming though. The light will fade, the light will always fade when he comes.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta barely keeps from rolling his eyes; apparently the giant has a flair for the dramatic. How often do strangers come from the building, and when was the last time it happened? What is this place called? What plane are we on right now? And do you know anything about those great masses in the sky?

Delta is sure to relay the giant's answers to his companions in Common.

[redfeline]

Strangers seldom come from here, every few circles of the moon or so. Before you it last happened many cycles ago. This place is called the gate house. We are on the material plane, or the bottom plane as you can see. The giant points up. The others are the elemental planes and the topmost is the after life.

[Thokk_Smash]

Aha, I knew it, Delta thinks to himself. Out loud, he says, Where is the nearest civilization, aside from your clan? And back to the "dark one", do you know who or what it is? Is the dark one the being who brings the strangers to the building behind us?

[redfeline]

The road leads to small things, it is very far. To far to smash buildings. The giant points behind him. The dark one doesn't bring people here. She was brung here herself. No one brings people here. People just come from here.

[Yas392]

Jasmine is puzzled, switching her attention to the Giant from Delta as he translates back. Himself/herself? The dark one is genderless?

[Raunchel]

Ismene looks up at the gigantic man, distracted from her surroundings by her sated thirst. There is some blood on her face, but she smiles. "Please, mister, don't call me diseased or cursed. I am happy, really happy. Maybe not now I was drawn to this place, but don't see me as a monster. I am nice, I really am. And don't fear for the rising of this unfriendly little thing, that only happens when I want it to, and I don't fancy such a companion"

She gets up, licking the blood from her lips. She looks up at the final giant, happy that she speaks its language. "This Dark One, can she leave this place? How does she leave it? Can others leave as well, without her?"

[MikelaC1]

And what does this Dark One do? Does he or she kill indiscriminately? Take prisoners for torture? Or just generally menace and make life miserable?

Not that Sabrina cares about doing such things, but pointless evil is not appreciated by devils, they prefer a planned structure. Its what sets them apart from demons.

[redfeline]

The dark one is sometimes a boy and some times a girl. I think it was a girl first, pretty for such a small thing. It hurt my eyes. Any with the right spell can leave this place. All five planes are reachable.

Turning to the demon The dark one doesn't kill indiscriminately. She kills all and builds an army by returning them. But they aren't like they once were. They are cold.

[kestrel404]

"I may be jumping to conclusions here, but I think that the 'dark one' the giant speaks of is not so much an individual as a position - if their gender and appearance changes without reason, then likely the individual has changed. Even shapeshifters tend to stick to one form unless they have reason not to. And it sounds like whoever they are, they use undead, darkness and negative energy - probably the ruler of that negative energy plane up there. I also have a feeling that dimensional travel spells will just get us to those pocket planes up there, and they are likely not connected to their counterparts outside this realm." Keeper points.

"Which makes this a very neat little trap - even my gate spells are unlikely to get us out of it. An interesting way to get around the theoretically absolute ability of that spell to overcome the normal limitations some planes have to block planar travel. Who or whatever created this pocket realm was a master of planar magics, beyond any I've ever heard of."

Looking in the direction of the road, Keeper states. "I doubt that the giant has much else to say worth hearing. At least, nothing we couldn't gain as easily from some townsfolk native to this place. Shall we follow this road and see where it leads?"

Not waiting for the others to respond, Keeper begins leading her companions down the road. A minute later, her Eidolon fades from view as the summoning spell that called it up finally ends.

[Raunchel]

"But what shall we do about this little giant? Shall we kill him?", Ismene asks in her sweetest voice.

[redfeline]

That comment causes the slightest twitch of free will to appear on the giants face. A mere moment later the spell re-exerts itself and the giant waits patently for the verdict.

[Yas392]

Heh. I would like to let you kill him but he still has his uses. You heard the giants are against the dark one's army? We could use this one to manipulate them to our advantage by persuading them to thin out the dark one's forces.

A flick of epiphany appears on Jasmine's face of something that she meaning to agree on before she was interrupted by an ambush.

Oh god, I almost forgotten about the potion. I had been meaning to accept watching your back before we were briskly cut off by the Giants, Delta.

[Thokk_Smash]

The Dark One being a title would be a bit boring, but it would explain the changing. I agree that we should keep the giant; the spell lasts for days, and I'm sure we'll be able to find uses for him.

Turning to Jasmine, he says, I will summon a creature to carry me, and on whose back I can work as we move on. I'll still ask that you watch my back, of course. And please, don't call what I'm about to make a potion. It's far more powerful than a simple mixture such as a potion. He sounds less snobbish and more affronted, but not overly so.

He spends a few seconds summoning an elder earth elemental, and gets his reagents and mixtures out on its back and begins to create the infusion. The elemental glides through the earth fluidly, most of its body hidden under the ground save for the back on which Delta rides. After a minute, the extended True Seeing infusion is made and he offers it to Jasmine. He enjoys the remaining time spent riding on its back before it pops back into its own plane.

Summon monster VIII for an Elder Earth Elemental for 19 rounds. Delta doesn't feel like dismissing Sigma long enough to use the Summoner SLA class feature to do the same; everyone's still strangers, after all.

1 minute spent making a True Seeing infusion, extended with his Rod of Extend.

[redfeline]

You travel many miles uneventfully before the forest begins to thin. The giant mutters My territory in giant, he blinks once and exerts his free will once more.

[roll0] will save.

He raises a hand to the sky and tigers a spell like ability against all the party around him. Each victim begins to fall upward. about 20ft into the air and the giant begins to run back into the forest which his home.

Reverse gravity. The giant has 19 10' cubes of it, and can easily hit all needed squares. It has no save or spell resistance apparently.

[MikelaC1]

The second Sabrina fells the upward "fall" beginning, she spreads her wings and flies toward the giant. Her blade is out, this time, the giant dies.

[roll0] attack & [roll1] damage

[Raunchel]

Ismene follows suit, she floats towards the giant, pretending to aim for his head, but she strikes lower, going for the lower back.

Feint: [roll0], to hit: [roll1], damage: [roll2], sneak attack: [roll3]

[kestrel404]

Using her bond to Kong, Keeper reacts by casting Overland Flight and giving him the spell, at the same time beginning her chant to inspire courage. Kong then picks up Keeper and floats her up above the affected area, then down, and sets her on the ground nearby.

OOC: Inspire Courage +3 within hearing range.

[Strainseir]

Lloyd actually laughs quite bit at the comments of the littlest vampire. By her level of skill with that body, she is obviously older than he. Yet this creature still pretends to act like she was but a little child. When the group then begins to talk about killing the mind controlled Giant he gets legitimately disgusted. These giants obviously pose no real threat to the might of those around him. Yet they still demand to kill him. Despite that he still plants to try and persuade them.

"This being is no threat to us. Let him go. We have no need for further bloodshed. I will not take part in slaughter."

[redfeline]

The giant is easily hit by both attacks, he roars out loud drops to all six limbs and runs in a straight line back into the forest. (420ft movement.)

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina hears the call to leave the giant be...she hears it, but does not acknowledge it. Using her bow this time, she sends 4 flaming arrows into the giants back

[roll0] attack & [roll1] damage & [roll2] fire
[roll3] attack & [roll4] damage & [roll5] fire
[roll6] attack & [roll7] damage & [roll8] fire
[roll9] attack & [roll10] damage & [roll11] fire

[MikelaC1]

one threat in there
[roll0] confirm & [roll1] damage & [roll2] flaming burst

[Yas392]

You are not running away! Flying with twice the speed, she closes the distance but still having some distance from the giant to try and stop him. She curses herself for not keeping tabs on the giant's willpower to burst free. Before he even tries to escape with full velocity, he finds himself blocked by an invisible mountain.


Using a level 6 spell slot for the shadow illusion to replicate wall of force with 150% real if disbelief.

[redfeline]

The giant slams into the wall before having 4 arrows bloom on its back. He lets out a fierce howl heard for miles around. It turns around facing its attackers. Snaps off two hornlets and tosses them at the archers square.

[roll0] pierce
[roll1]fire dc 31 reflex

A long way off a second howl can be heard.

[MikelaC1]

[roll0] REF save

As always, Sabrina laughs at the fire, although some of the piercings catch her, not as many as before.
Her eyes narrow as she draws 4 more arrows.

Will wait for rest of group to act, before firing again

[kestrel404]

Ending her song, Keeper sighs and nods. "You're right - there's not much in killing this creature. But the others don't seem to agree." Her inspiring performance ends, but the effects linger on.

OOC: Effects of inspire courage still linger for 2 more rounds.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta grimaces as he hears the far-off roars. Sounds like another giant was just attracted, maybe more than one. They need to be done with this giant, and fast, and be out before more come. Taking out his reagents once more, he creates his bombs and throws them at the giant; the bombs explode into freezing ice on contact with his tough hide.

Frost bombs this time; Fortitude save DC 29 for each hit or else the giant is staggered on its turn. Targeting touch AC.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]

[Strainseir]

Lloyd looks to the one person that is in this ragtag bunch that also seems to have any shred of Decency. He nods to Keeper then folds his arms in disgust," Now due to their savage antics more will come. Death sows more death. There seems to be no escaping this cycle even on other planes. But what can one except from a demon and an undead? I had expected more from the elf."

[Raunchel]

Ismene stops, she can't fly very fast and the giant easily is outside her reach not. She returns to the other two, who apparently don't agree with the killing: "Of course we have to kill it, and not just because it's fun. It wants to run away to its friends, and tried to hurt us. Now there will just be more of them to kill, and we might get hurt. Mercy is such a stupid thing. Why would you spare it? Or do you want to terrify the giants by letting it go?"

[Strainseir]

"Call it mercy if you will, but I have no reason to kill it. With the ease we dispatched the other two then controlled it to ask questions, I doubt it would come after us. If I was so worried about killing things that might try to hurt or kill me I would have already fallen upon you and the demon. That is not my way. Revel in your brutality if you wish, but I will not be part of it no matter what reasoning you put on it." Lloyd then turned to look at Keeper,"It is likely that those giants friends will come to that call. On top of that it would be prudent to not stay at the place this dark one or any other creature knows that prey emerges."

[kestrel404]

"My reasoning is similar, though a bit more practical. If we allow this giant to escape then it will return to its siblings. It will bear news that a new and powerful force has arrived and that three giants were overwhelmed in moments. Yes, it will spread fear among the giants and those they speak to - which will draw out those who would confront us or attack us. Possibly even bring the Dark One here. I would prefer that to having to seek out every clue to this place and confront it in its lair. The giants are not likely to attack again themselves - such creatures understand shows of strength. So killing this giant and all that follow does nothing but delay the inevitable."

[MikelaC1]

Without even taking a look over her shoulder, Sabrina calls over her shoulder to Lloyd. I'll ask just this once nicely, dont refer to me as a demon, Im a devil and proud of it. Being called a demon is more than an insult

With that, she goes back to firing on the tree-giant.

[roll0] attack & [roll1] damage
[roll2] attack & [roll3] damage
[roll4] attack & [roll5] damage
[roll6] attack & [roll7] damage

[MikelaC1]

threat on #4
confirm & [roll]28d+46 damage & [roll1] flaming burst
and since I forget flame on the others
[roll2] flame
[roll3] flame
[roll4] flame
[roll5] flame

[redfeline]

Your damage roll was miss typed. [roll0]

Fort saves
[roll1] save
[roll2] save
[roll3] save


The giant is covered in open wounds, burns and ice. It lets out another fierce howl. The reply is much louder and much closer this time.

In berserk like rage the creature runs forward at the archer on all six limbs.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta sighs; why didn't he think to do this earlier? Look, giant, it's been fun and sorry for icing you, but maybe you could just go away for a bit? he asks, gesturing his hand and speaking arcane syllables in an attempt to temporarily banish the hulk.

Casting Maze, SR vs DC 28: [roll0]

[redfeline]

I was trying to go dwarf! He says in giant. But it is to late for that now.

[redfeline]

IC: round 3

The giant lets out another fierce howl, this time the reply seems just out of sight.

Finally reaching the archer the geriviar swings with one massive fist.

[roll0] attack and damage [roll1]

[MikelaC1]

The devil easily sidesteps the massive fist and goes for her sword. Seeing as she has had little trouble hitting the massive target, she uses her power attack, to increase her damage (-/+5)

[roll0] attack & [roll1] damage & [roll2] flame
[roll3] attack & [roll4] damage & [roll5] flame
[roll6] attack & [roll7] damage & [roll8] flame
[roll9] attack & [roll10] damage & [roll11] flame

[MikelaC1]

one threat in there

[roll0] attack & [roll1] damage & [roll2] flame

Remember that Piercing Strike reduces DR of target

[Yas392]

Believe me if I had a choice and power, I would gladly prevent this but unfortunately, two of them disagreed. And I would not let you create this festivity of glory among giants. Jasmine stops maintaining her illusion when the giant engaged Sabrina. Activating her belt, she flies towards the giant, executing a barrage of punches that blurs too fast for the naked eye to see.


Free action: To end concentration on silent image.
Free action: Use 1 charge to get a move action.
Move Action: Fly to the giant.
Full action: Time Stand Still.

Attack:[roll0] (33) & Damage [roll1] (44)
Attack:[roll2] (38) & Damage [roll3] (42)
Attack:[roll4] (36) & Damage [roll5] (38)
Attack:[roll6] (19) & Damage [roll7] (33)
Attack:[roll8] (20) & Damage [roll9] (38)

Attack:[roll10] (51) & Damage [roll11] (35)
Attack:[roll12] (39) & Damage [roll13] (36)
Attack:[roll14] (36) & Damage [roll15] (46)
Attack:[roll16] (28) & Damage [roll17] (39)
Attack:[roll18] (19) & Damage [roll19] (37)

EDIT: Added the +3 from Inspire Courage because I just noticed that it was in effect.

[Yas392]

1 Critical Threat.

Attack: Damage: 4d8+17[/roll]

[redfeline]

The giant drops presumably dead. His body is badly mangled with dents, slashes and punctures.

[Yas392]

Jasmine breaths deep, chi circulating her systems to refresh her spent maneuvers. She switches to her killing stance to deliver her mercy kill on the giant. She then switches back to her fire stance and "paints" an illusion over the real features on the forest to make it seem like its natural state before their arrival. It is done. I have created a false trail that will mask our presence for a short period. We better sneak away somewhere else. Decide. It won't be long before they see us.


Switch to Assassin stance
Coup de Grace: Damage [roll0] & Sneak Attack [roll1]
Switch back to Flame's Blessing
Skill Trick: Swift Concentration
Silent Image to recreate an exact image of the forest excluding the blood and carnage to hide the party and the giant's corpse (DC 21) to disbelief.

[kestrel404]

"OK, it's dead. If you're all satisfied, it's time to leave. I'm casting Shadow walk - anyone who wants to come with us, we're travelling in the direction of the road until we find signs of civilization. You may not be able to get details, but the material realm impresses itself on the shadow realm enough that the presence of a city or town leaves marks we can use to know when it's time to return."

Holding out her hands, waits for the others to gather in, and then casts the spell.

[Yas392]

Jasmine edges closer to Keeper and join her hands with the bard. She waits for others to do so while multitasking between concentration on her illusion magic and vigilance to detect the giants.


Perception - [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina bears no mark from the rebuke the Keeper intended to inflict, she is either an instrument of seduction or divine fury; since the opponent was immune to the first, he would suffer the second. She joins hands however, staying her would not return her to her normal realm and that was where she needed to be.

[Thokk_Smash]

Delta nods and joins hands with Jasmine, making a link between himself and Keeper. He doesn't feel the need to explain himself to near total strangers, unless they press the issue. Which it does not seem they will. So he merely nods in agreement at the musician.

[Raunchel]

Ismene reaches up with her small hand to touch the others. "Can I come as well? I want to walk the shadows, I have never done that yet!", she seems excited, as if she was presented with a treat.

[redfeline]

The group vanishes into the shadows as soon as the last person takes hold of some ones hand. The group then seems to walk down what they assume is the road. All the trees and the road are indistinct and hard to make out, as are most land features. It was as if they were looking at the world behind frosted glass, and in darkness. After about an hour and a half of walking they come across what looks to them to be a small town of several dozen buildings.

(Remember when the spell ends you randomly teleport [roll0] x 100 feet away.)

[Raunchel]

"Can we go there? Please? I think that it would be fun and those people might know something. I want to talk to them and play some games. Can I, please?", Ismene says as soon as she notices the town.

[MikelaC1]

Yes, this town might have some useful occupants. I too am in favour of stopping

[kestrel404]

Keeper shrugs. "Well, it's why we came here. Let's see if anyone here will speak with us." She looks around for a person, or an inn.

[redfeline]

As the spell fades light returns to the world and the group finds themselves several hundred feat east of town, and surprisingly not on the road. No one seems to be awake, not surprising since to the best of your knowledge it is 2 or 3 in the mourning. The inn is fairly easy to find, it is the only building still lit, albeit dimly.

[Raunchel]

Ismene crouches and heads into the shadows, something is wrong, she left the shadow world at the road, not at some distance from it.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[kestrel404]

Keeper approaches the inn. She loses track of the small vampire, which is a bit worrying, but she's not going to make a fuss over it just before meeting the townsfolk.

She opens the door and looks inside to see if there's anyone she can spot.

[Yas392]

Jasmine shuffles to the shadow and braces herself for any sound, sight and vibe of anything that is unusual with their destination.


Perception (Take 10) - 42
Stealth (Take 10) - 44
Readied action to use Cloak of Deception if the party is sprang on

[redfeline]

A single humanoid stands behind the counter a thin finger pressed into a book. It has pale gray skin, a bald head, with unusually thin gangly arms and legs. Its mouth is barely noticeable, a nose nonexistent, and very large almost insect like eyes. (DC 15 know nat, to identify it as a doppelganger.)

[Yas392]

Jasmine's eyes scan the figure behind the counter for any familiarity.

Knowledge (Nature) - [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina approaches the humanoid.

Greetings sir, we were wondering if you still have rooms for the night, and if, perhaps, the kitchen is still open?

[roll0] Know: Nature

[redfeline]

IC: He looks at you with cold emotionless eyes, or at least emotionless to what your used to. More of you strangers? Yes we can give you rooms provided you don't start nothin'. The kitchen is closed til mourn'n. We'll start breakfast at 7 and we close at 9, if you want food get up then. He turns his back to you, his spine is clearly outlined under taught skin. His gangly fingers sort through a wall of hooks and pluck off a single key. The only key left on the hooks. Turning back to the group. We only the one room left, people are coming threw town to get to Junpier farm. Figure it'll be safe from the dark one. The dark one won't be causing to much trouble with the sun fire monk monastery protecting the town.

[Yas392]

So, who booked all those rooms? Jasmine's eyes are equally emotionless as she meets his eyes. And you're a doppelganger? She would had gasped if she did not speak lamely.

[kestrel404]

Keeper steps forward and takes the key, pulling some gold coins from her pouch with the other hand and lifting an eyebrow, as if to silently ask, 'How much?'

"We'll take the room. If it's too cramped, we can always use some simple magic to make ourselves comfortable. And he's a doppleganger in his native form - if it was an issue around here, he'd be shifted into some other shape. Different plane, remember?"

Turning back to the innkeeper, Keeper introduces herself. "I'm called Keeper, nice to meet you." Her tone is formal and business like, but polite and not confrontational. "Could you tell us about what's going on? We just got here - under odd circumstances."

[MikelaC1]

For now, Sabrina says nothing, content to hear the answers given...although her eyes flare just a bit at the thought of all the people who are at the Inn. Although she doesn't recognize the doppleganger as such until Jasmine identifies him, shes not terribly concerned as her true seeing would reveal any false form the doppleganger might assume.

[redfeline]

The room is six gold crowns. Doesn't mater which crowns either, the coins your kind brings are all the same gold I want. It's odd all you strangers always make a fuss about seeing a doppelganger. You don't see me shouting oh look an elf. Its rude if you ask me. His small lips turn up in a smile. Oh well I should thank you for not shouting in the middle of the night at any rate. The room is upstairs last door on the left, try to keep the noise down it is quite late.

The rooms are full with travelers, all heading to juniper farms to escape the dark one. Her kind has been attacking towns as of late, no ones sure why. Still his horde gets larger with each town destroyed. Still I wouldn't worry overly much with the red sun monastery so close we have some protection others don't.

[MikelaC1]

Does the fact that it is juniper offer some protection against the Dark One? Or just the fact that it is a farm?

Sabrina searches her memory for anything about juniper protecting against certain types of creatures.

[roll0]

[kestrel404]

Keeper hands over the six gold coins asked for. A bit high for a room at an inn where she's from, but certainly not a strain on her coinpurse for the forseeable future.

"Thanks. We'll get some sleep then. Come morning, who would be the best person to ask questions of? My companions and I are recent arrivals, brought here through mysterious circumstance, and from what you implied that seems to be...not uncommon."

[redfeline]

Aint nothin' to do with junpier. The farmer, Eustace, is a strong man. So many people are turning to him for protection. Turning to Keeper. High or not, that is what people are paying. In the mourning I'd talk to the sherif he has seen more action then most.

[Yas392]

It's not a fuss. It's not everyday you get to see the progenitor of my race face to face. And it has always been the subject of my interest. Do you shapeshift? I never seen a doppelganger stay at its natural form so overtly. There must be some story. Jasmine's eyes are sparkling with adoration.

[Strainseir]

Lloyd eyes the stranger for a while. He had not scene a doppleganger, at least that he knew of, before. The creature was still sociable so no matter. The mention of the monastery did interest him quite a bit,"Might you be able to tell me of these monks? If it is not imposing to much upon you. I would pay for your time."

[redfeline]

Of coarse the shape shifting would come up it always does. The inn keeper focuses for moment and his nude form seems to flow outward and change until he is wearing a long blue skirt and a white blouse. All dopplegangers can do it. Never seems to satisfy you strange folk though. You always seem to be looking for more.

He turns to Lloyd. Can't say much about the monks, they are real strong. Perhaps stronger than farmer Juniper even. No one knows much about it though. They seldom come down from the monastery. If you head north you'll see that one snow capped hill, that is where they live. One of them came down recently, told us not to worry none. They'd protect us if the dark one attacked. Keep your money, I charged more for your room. But market and all that. Information is always free with a smile.

Turning back at Jasmine and smiling as big as his small mouth can. What do you mean progeniter of your race mam?

[Yas392]

That terminology makes me feels old. I am sure miss is more appropriate. She almost bit her tongue. Her mind is blaring dark one when she is informed that the dark one matches the description of a doppelganger and this one might actually be an associate or the dark lord trying to trick them into lowering their defenses. She is very suspicious that he did not know about the changelings. Tell me. Didn't any doppelgangers have some offspring with different races along their lines? If you can answer this, I will consider you a real doppelganger.

Sense Motive (To detect lies or ulterior motive) - [roll0]

[redfeline]

The dress fades away in a shimmering blur as the doppelganger returns to his normal form. Well it might happen I suppose. Except I don't think you humans and elves are that common. No even if you were common I don't think it'd work. You don't have the right anatomy. You see each of us is both male and female, we shift ourselves ever so slightly when we wish to be pregnant or make one pregnant. Your kind has a fixed gender, and I don't think we can shift our organs enough to breed. He seems to be genuine in his answer.

Must be strange in your world. I guess your kinds interbreed well. Half Orcs, Half elves, and Half-lings. Not to mention all of your other kinds. As far as I can tell your from the most interesting of places. Us doppelgangers have to breed with ourselves, seems just nature.

[Yas392]

Isn't there any exceptional cases where doppelganger do not breed with each other but instead create half doppelganger with humans? Can you please tell us the name of this town? And I am interested on how you managed to set up this inn? Is the job boring or fabulous? Umm, who is this dark one? I am sorry if I asked too much question. You see, I am extremely curious about people running away from this threat that was brought up just now and I am not from around these parts.

Jasmine did not understand why she is asking questions. She tries to act as cute as possible and imitating the expression of confusion like every first timers who are inexperienced in the general field of knowledge. It may be imperial on her part to get all of her questions answered. But it is necessary to keep up the "act" of being inquisitive. After all, she's not from around here. It figures it might be better to hear from a new perspective of how the people of this town describe the dark one all in the while sensing any baloney or hesitation to give her the zing to be suspicious. It never hurts to have some pre-caution sometimes.

Sense Motive (Detecting lies, motive and body language, secret message, tone level) - [roll0]

[Raunchel]

"Yaawn. I feel tired. Can I go to bed? I want the softest one!", Ismene says, pretending to be a living girl again. It always helps to be underestimated.

Disguise: [roll0]
PErception: [roll1]

[kestrel404]

"Yeah, it's been a long day for me - I wasn't exactly napping just before we ended up in that place. Don't stay up too late questioning the innkeeper, and don't let these rapscalions pester you too much, sir inkeep. A good night to you all - I'll leave my Eidolon at our door, she doesn't need sleep, so just knock if you need entry."

Keeper takes the keys and goes upstairs. Once there, she first pulls two ten foot lengths of rope and a wand from Kong's backpack, and uses it twice - expending both charges from her ninth level Eternal Wand of Rope Trick. It's the most useful magic item she ever commissioned the creation of, and became quite popular soon afterwards. "There, those two dimensional pockets should last nine hours apiece - that'll give us plenty of room for everyone."

She then takes a minute to summon her Eidolon, Kali and order her to stand near the door, while Kong climbs one of the ropes to get out of the way. Turning to the Vampiress, Keeper becomes formal, "We have not yet been formally introduced, little undead one. As I have said before, I am Keeper. What should I call you? I have said before that I have no problems based on what a person is, as long as they do not harm me or mine, so tell me also: will we have a problem?"

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina doesnt actually need to sleep...
I'll stay up as well, you never know if something that Kali cant handle on her own will attempt to bother us
Shes also hoping to be ready to go in the morning before the others, so she can question the sheriff before the others rise, she has a way of being very convincing with mortals when she can work on them alone.

[Raunchel]

"I am Ismene, and I promise that I don't want to hurt you. You are a friend, right? This here is Kedi, she is very sweet, but now she is tired and has to sleep. I don't really sleep very much, I don't like it. But days are a little dull, I prefer the night, when the moon is shining and I can run freely. During the day there are far too many unpleasant people around, like priests and paladins. They tend to sleep during the night.", Ismene replies, pointing at Kedi.

[kestrel404]

Keeper nods, satisfied, and replies to both. "Fine. I don't especially mind staying up late, as long as I get regular sleep. And it's nice to meet you, Kedi. Good night, all of you - it's time for me to sack out. If you've got questions, Kali speaks common just fine and she'll be bored if she just has to sit there all night. Good night, Kali."

With that, Keeper climbs the same rope that Kong went up, and stretches out in in the sleeping bags he set up for her.

[redfeline]

IC: Not sure about imperil, but it is getting late. I myself need to rest soon. This town is called valenton, it is small but a good place. I have my job because it lets me live, every one must find a living, but at the end of the day work is work. The dark one is a powerful stranger, raises up the dead and uses them for her bidding. She has some obsession with the light temple, where I am guessing you came from.

He turns and closes a door over the hook wall. Puts away the book he was looking at. If you'll excuse me I need to call it a night.

[Yas392]

I see, I see. Nodding in pretentious satisfaction, she decides to let the tension drop. I guess we can talk more tomorrow. You are very interesting to talk to. Happy dreaming! Finding no traces of the dark one, at least she got some information from the doppelganger of whatever his name was. She makes the connection. Oh hells, the box. Can't believe we left it there unattended. The dark one wants the box that was pouring necromantic energies. The box is in the light temple where they came from. She/he can shapeshift and is a powerful necromancer. A vampire like Ismene or a lich or some fiend from the abyss or some undead god, what she vaguely caught in some materials in the past. And they helped the dark one by disabling the traps inside. They must have been sent here to guard the box.

Then, there is the book as well. There may be some names listed there that may be familiar. A short nap would be great. I am afraid that the shadows offer more comfort. Those can wait, she is so tired.

[redfeline]

The night is uneventful and passes quickly. The mourning is cool and damp with dew. There is a subtle wind blowing soft breezes and clouds dot the mourning sky hovering between planes. The few windows in the Inn's first floor don't let in much light. A smell akin to bacon fills the inn, and a soft smoke is barely visible giving testament to the bacon's crispiness.

Many guests are up and about and the town itself has come alive with villagers. All are doppelgangers most have various outfits on, similar to what one might find in any other village, but a little different. Colors are more vibrant, textures seem richer, patterns have more contrast, and none of the clothing appears old, worn out, or even faded from sun light.

The gray creatures seem content to go about normal lives of commoners, at least in this village. In the Inn packed bags kept at patron tables and trips too and from the adjacent stables gives silent testament to the eagerness of the doppelgangers escape to juniper farms.

[Strainseir]

Lloyd watches the hustle and bustle quite amused. This new world seems to be exactly like the old one. Just another land that is being oppressed. The bacon however smelled quite good. So in turn he chose to ignore the goings on to find the food.

[MikelaC1]

Sabrina passes through the throng unconcerned. She asks a few for directions to the "sheriff", it is he that she wants to talk to.

[Raunchel]

Ismene has spent the whole night trying to build a house outof playing cards. At one moment she almost had everything standing, but then Kedi decided to walk right through it, destroying hours of work. She then started rebuilding, she doesn´t know what else she can do, and being alone in the town is a prospect that she does not relish.

[redfeline]

Lloyd finds the inn keeper with eggs, some sort of fatty meat and a frying pan.

Sabrina doesn't take long to find the Sheriff in a small guard station. The entire building is a small stone structure. One prison cell sits empty and unused. A table is sat at by one doppelganger while a second one works at a small near by kitchen. A set of beds are in the same room still unmade in the early mourning.

The pair of guards where conversing but stopped seeing the devil. Yes mam what I can do for you?

[MikelaC1]

I was wondering if I could have a word with the Sheriff, I am part of a group of travellers that just happened to land here, and I am looking for information about the Dark One, and this migration he is causing

[roll0] Diplomacy

[redfeline]

The sheriff steps forward, sadly all doppelgangers look alike to untrained eyes so he looks the same as the others. The only notable difference is he wears a real leather belt with a dagger and some keys attached.

Not much to tell about the dark one. Some sort of spell caster but stronger then nearly all others I've heard of. The real trouble however is the undead horde it is building. It lives in a castle it built some 100 miles west from here. Raiding towns to grow its army. It wasn't a problem til recently, now it has been more aggressive about building an army of the dead.

[Yas392]

Hmm, delicious. So, you are not going to the farm for safety if the dark one strikes here? Jasmine snarfs down her bacon, savoring the taste and the smell, asking the innkeeper when her mouth is emptied. Remembering the dark one's vested interest on the temple that was their starting point, she rises up but one of her leg hit the flat part of the table that is blocking her from being fully rigid. She curses in pain but forgets it after. Verity, we need to back to the object that we left behind in that temple.

[MikelaC1]

Has anyone ever seen the Dark One? we have heard reports that he is alternately male or female. Does he do other things other than attack towns and build his army? Has he made any sort of demands, like do this and I will not attack any more?

[redfeline]

The Sheriff nods. "Well the dark one gender depends on who is telling the story. I have to admit for one of your kind having a flexible gender is rare. As for demands she, I think it was a she at first, took control of a small land and demanded to be left alone. Than something snapped and that once beautiful creature became obsessed with the temple. I am sure you've seen the four armed giants that guard it. Well guard isn't the right word, they are obsessed with destroying it, but the temple is indestructible to the best of any ones knowledge."

He paused "Where was I? Oh yes, the dark one can't get past the big giants, not that there is many of them. They are far more dangerous than their lesser four armed kin. So it has been building an army to rid the forest of giants and take control of the temple."



-----------------

The Inn keeper smiles. "Some of the town is going to juniper farms. I have faith however. If you've ever seen the red sun monks power as I once did you would have faith too. I was much younger and full of curiosity and went to the temple. I watched them train. They weren't like mortal doppelgangers they were something else." The light as little as it was in the Inn dimmed.

"The monks are powerful able to travel at amazing speeds, powerful enough to destroy massive boulders in a single attack, and that is the least of what they can do." A scream is heard out of the door.

There is an Eclipse. The dark one is coming for us! Where all going to die! Panic takes hold of the Inn and people run out of the town several of the locals are hurt in the frighted escape attempt as every one tramples out the door.

The inn keeper smiles. I hope she'll keep her word.