DrK's Age of Worms IC pt4

[DrK]

Even as cracking energy flows over Zarina the young mage screams in pain, only just clinging to her frame. She feels her soul being tethered to her body by Mirriana before the Captain is smashed away from her, the massive orc rolling across the shrub and grass as a stony fist smashed into it

He doesn’t get a chance to rise as a flurry of javelins slam into his body, only able to cough up gouts of green blood as he is pinned to the ground by the angry Lan

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina breathes a sigh of relief slumping down into her knees. Her skin is pale and clammy and her side is sheeted with blood from the orc savagery. ”Thank you.” she says simply to Lan as he floats over the dead Captain. Then “Thanks to both of you.” she adds including Mirriana in her warm smile. Struggling to her feet she looks at the devastation with orc bodies littering the smoking wreckage by the shore and more orcs in the still smouldering grass where Elkist lies. “is she alive, is she ok?” Zarina asks as she limps across towards the downed paladin

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zarina "Brightblade"
M LG Human Warblade/Ftr/Wiz/S.Sword/Abj.Champ/ JPM 1, Level 1/1/4/1/4/ 4 (15), Init 2,
HP 43 / 125
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC +8 shield = AC 37
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all
Base Attack Bonus 13/7/2
Fullblade +1 +16/11/6 (2d8+4, 19-20)
MW Comp (+2) Longbow (20, 20 cold iron, 10 silver) +16/11/6 (1d8+2, X3)
Sword Aqaa (thundering +2 sword) +17/12/7 (1d12+5(+1d6 vs undead) , 18-20

3x Capsule: Int Acid, Int Cold, Spark), Wand Chamber (Heroics): Least true death xtal (+1d6 vs undead) (+1d8 on Crit, + Hurricane Wind, + Synergy w/Lightning Sword) [

Lesser crystal of life keeping (+3 vs Death effects, Energy drain, Inflict) Gith craft Mithril Chain Shirt +1, Stacks with armour: Least crystal of Arrow Deflection (+2 AC vs ranged) Dastana +1 (+7 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 11

Condition

Superior Resistance 24 hours (+6 to all saves)
Greater luminous Armour 28 hours (+12 AC)
Heart of Air (+10 jump checks, feather falling, +10ft fly speeds)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs 28, +8 vs Bullrush etc.. - discard for stoneskin)
Dragonskin 134 minutes (+5 Nat Armour, Fire Res 20)
Shield - 28 minutes (+8AC)
Know Devotion (+4)

Heroes Feast (Mirriana): Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves
Mass Fly (Merrick): Fly 60ft
Mass resist [acid][fire] (Merrick) 140 mins


Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear



Abilities
Stance: Leading the Charge (+10 damage)
[Active] Stance: Mystic Phoenix (+1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 2xSpell/Evil)
[Ready] Moment Perfect Mind (Ctr)
[Ready] Divine Surge (strike)[Ready] Searing strike (boost)

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan landed with a small thud, letting the healer types help the unmoving heroes. Putting away his bow, he moved to check the bodies of each of the orcs - both to ensure none of them were still breathing as well as checking what items they had. He nodded awkwardly to Zarina, uncomfortable with the praise before glancing at the ship and grunting to Mir. "Might need some magic if you want to search the ship."

---

OOC: Whew! So, looting away

Effects: gravity bow (66 rounds); embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 0/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[DrK]

To Zarina's relief the paladin is indeed alive, although Elkists's skin is ashen and pale and blood has pooled in the sandy gravel around her. Zarina does not look much better, her side still dripping blood where the savage orcish mistress of the Tiger Claw had taken out some massive chunks and her breath still catching from the pain of the Priest of Grumsh's powerful magical assault. Looking at Mirriana who still looks relatively serene Zarina shakes her head. "A close run thing priestess. If there had been more of them, or Darl Quethos had been here that could have ended differently. At least now with the ship and crew gone Darl Quethos and his followers will not be able to flee so easily."

As Lan lands beside her she drops to one knee and embraces the halifling. "My thanks again. Your quick throws have once more saved my life. At some point we shall have to work out how I am to repay you." she adds, a smile on her face, despite the pain. Looking around she starts helping Lan to stack the armour and weapons from the dead orcs and dragging the dead back to the still burning wreckage of the boat where each of the orcs can be tossed into the massive bonfire pyre. As she tosses each one it the fire she clutches the holy symbol at her throat and offers a prayer to the Lightning Lord for each of the Orcs.

That done she survesy the loot and trinkets that have been recovered and then turns to the others. "THere must be something in these ruins that will help us find the Library of Last Resort? Shall we heal up and search onwards"

OOC
using 3x 1 charges of the healing belt (2d8)[11] (2d8)[9] (2d8)[12] (before healing at 43/125 Hps)


LOOT

Each Orc carries....

14 x Assorted +1 Weapons (Greataxe (5), military cutlass (treat as scimitar) (3), Longspear (2), Orc double axe (2), Harpoon (1), Falchion (1)
14 x Studded leather armour +1
14 x Potions [Water breathing] [Cure moderate]

On the Priest/Captain

Spiked (+1) Full Plate +2 of moderate fortification
Orc Double Axe +1 dwarf bane / +1 flaming w/ lesser of return
Cloak of resistance +2
Holy reliquary symbol (Grumsh) of Wisdom +4
Potions [Cure Serious Wounds (2), Protection from Good, Barkskin (+3)]
Wands [Ring of Blades CL8 22 charges; Cure Moderate 33 charges]
Bracers of Strength +4

On the First Mate
Boots striding and springing
Studded leather +3
Tiger claw kukri +2
Batorian green steel Hand axe +1
Fetish (necklace) of Tiger Claw stance (blood in the water)
Gloves of Dexterity +4

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist Talphrin "My thanks," says Elkist, smiling as she accepts the hand up even as she winces in pain. She to offers a quick prayer over the dead as she circles the area taking in the destruction of the fight. "That looked like the full crew. Darl Quethos will have only his few cronies with him now. The tieflings, the efreet and the kenku." Having checked over her armour and equipment she grabs hold of an orcish longspear jutting from the ground and hefts it testing the weight. "Lets find them and stop them" Spoiler: actions Show Presuming Mirriana brings Elkist to consciousness. Takes: longspear +1 spiked +1 full plate of fortification +2

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina prowls around stretching as the healing belt restores some of the damage and then thanks Mirriana as she is touched the wand that slowly knits the burnt flesh together. As Elkist rises and washes the armour in the sea Zarina helps her rinse the armour, "Orc certainly carries a strong aroma. I wonder how long it will keep the smell? I should be able to help when rested, or at least change the smell" she offers (mainly by offering to presdigitate the armour clean). With the orcs dealt with she nods at Elkist's fierce words and grins. "Yes, these ruins must hold some secrets that will unveil the way into the Library of last resort". Once Lan, Mirriana and Merrcik are also healed up she'll gesture around the ruins, "Which way do you think Mirriana? Or Lan? Can you track where Darl and his cronies went?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zarina "Brightblade"
M LG Human Warblade/Ftr/Wiz/S.Sword/Abj.Champ/ JPM 1, Level 1/1/4/1/4/ 4 (15), Init 2,
HP 108 / 125
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC +8 shield = AC 37
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all
Base Attack Bonus 13/7/2
Fullblade +1 +16/11/6 (2d8+4, 19-20)
MW Comp (+2) Longbow (20, 20 cold iron, 10 silver) +16/11/6 (1d8+2, X3)
Sword Aqaa (thundering +2 sword) +17/12/7 (1d12+5(+1d6 vs undead) , 18-20

3x Capsule: Int Acid, Int Cold, Spark), Wand Chamber (Heroics): Least true death xtal (+1d6 vs undead) (+1d8 on Crit, + Hurricane Wind, + Synergy w/Lightning Sword) [

Lesser crystal of life keeping (+3 vs Death effects, Energy drain, Inflict) Gith craft Mithril Chain Shirt +1, Stacks with armour: Least crystal of Arrow Deflection (+2 AC vs ranged) Dastana +1 (+7 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 11

Condition

Superior Resistance 20 hours (+6 to all saves)
Greater luminous Armour 24 hours (+12 AC)
Heart of Air (+10 jump checks, feather falling, +10ft fly speeds)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs 28, +8 vs Bullrush etc.. - discard for stoneskin)
Dragonskin 94 minutes (+5 Nat Armour, Fire Res 20)


Heroes Feast (Mirriana): Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves
Mass Fly (Merrick): Fly 60ft
Mass resist [acid][fire] (Merrick) 80 mins


Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear



Abilities
Stance: Leading the Charge (+10 damage)
[Active] Stance: Mystic Phoenix (+1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 2xSpell/Evil)
[Ready] Moment Perfect Mind (Ctr)
[Ready] Divine Surge (strike)[Ready] Searing strike (boost)

LOOT

Each Orc carries....

13 x Assorted +1 Weapons (Greataxe (5), military cutlass (treat as scimitar) (3), Longspear (1), Orc double axe (2), Harpoon (1), Falchion (1)
1 x Longspear +1 -----> Elkist
14 x Studded leather armour +1
12 remaining x Potions [Water breathing] [Cure moderate] ---> Zarina Cure moderate x2, Water breathing 2x2

Spiked (+1) Full Plate +2 of moderate fortification ----> Elkist
Orc Double Axe +1 dwarf bane / +1 flaming w/ lesser of return
Cloak of resistance +2
Holy reliquary symbol (Grumsh) of Wisdom +4
Potions [Cure Serious Wounds (2), Protection from Good, Barkskin (+3)]
Wands [Ring of Blades CL8 22 charges; Cure Moderate 33 charges]
Bracers of Strength +4

Boots striding and springing
Studded leather +3
Tiger claw kukri +2
Batorian green steel Hand axe +1
Fetish (necklace) of Tiger Claw stance (blood in the water)
Gloves of Dexterity +4

So I'm assuming that Wand of Cure Moderate will go to Elkist or Mirriana.
Zarina would be interested in Either the Gloves of Dex OR the Bracers of Strength? Any preferences or objections

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Relieved his companions are fine, even if he doesn't say anything, Lan perused the items, finding only the gloves to be of any real value to him. Of course, if Zarina mentions them, he will say nothing, letting the lovely warrior take them as he prepares to lead on. Turning to Mir, he grunts, "You ready to move on?" When she gives the nod, Lan will start to track, look about for signs of the direction in which the others went.

---

OOC: I think Lan would like the Gloves, as they provide him better dex (always good for the ranged dude). As for the other stuff, I suppose he could take 2 and 2 of the water breathing and CMW potions. Not sure anything else really helps him. Even the leather armor isn't as good as what he's wearing. Did we want to check the boat?

Spot - (1d20+19)[24], Search - (1d20+20)[21] or Survival - (1d20+13)[15]
EDIT: There's the Lan luck!

Effects: gravity bow (66 rounds); embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 0/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[DrK]

As the healing goes on Lan starts to scout out and about climbing above walls or flying up into the air to have a look out into the maze of ancient crumbling ruins. Towards the centre of the maze he then spies something of interest, the top of the rim of a large circular disc hewn from obsidian. To Lan's sharp eyes it harkens back to the ancient ring that had surrounded the ancient Spire of Long Shadows. Around the rim at three points in the circumference Lan's sharp eyes can see holes or dents, but without getting closer (a few hundred feet to the clearing its in) its hard to get details of what the dents may hold (or be missing) or any inscriptions.

He also see's a few other things of interest that may suggest other clearings or openings. The previously seen square of shattered crystalline spars, a shimmer of water where a pool of some kind may be and a third opening in the ruined walls where numerous spindly stone stalagmite tips can be seen jutting above the walls.

OOC
4 options
1/ Obsidian Ring
2/ Pool of water
3/ Stone spires
4/ Crystal fragments

Spoiler: LOOT

Show

Each Orc carries....

13 x Assorted +1 Weapons (Greataxe (5), military cutlass (treat as scimitar) (3), Longspear (1), Orc double axe (2), Harpoon (1), Falchion (1)
1 x Longspear +1 -----> Elkist
14 x Studded leather armour +1
10 remaining x Potions [Water breathing] [Cure moderate] ---> Zarina Cure moderate x2, Water breathing 2x2, Lan CMW x2, Water breathing x2

Spiked (+1) Full Plate +2 of moderate fortification ----> Elkist
Orc Double Axe +1 dwarf bane / +1 flaming w/ lesser of return
Cloak of resistance +2
Holy reliquary symbol (Grumsh) of Wisdom +4
Potions [Cure Serious Wounds (2), Protection from Good, Barkskin (+3)]
Wands [Ring of Blades CL8 22 charges; Cure Moderate 33 charges]
Bracers of Strength +4 ---> Mirriana

Boots striding and springing
Studded leather +3
Tiger claw kukri +2
Batorian green steel Hand axe +1
Fetish (necklace) of Tiger Claw stance (blood in the water)
Gloves of Dexterity +4

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Coming back to the group, Lan reported what he had found. Peering back towards the maze, he grunted, "I'm thinking the obsidian ring matches what the dragonlady mentioned ... but you all know more about secret libraries then me. Where to?"

---

OOC: So gloves to Lan? And is the boat completely destroyed, or any salvageables?

Effects: gravity bow (66 rounds); embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 0/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[RCgothic]

"It's as you say, the ring of obsidian sounds most likely," I agree with our handling scout, making sure the unclaimed spoils are still gathered up to be sold later

"I'm a little concerned I've used a lot of my high-level magic already today, but it enemy has the lead so we should not wait it it can be helped. Let's investigate the ring "

[DrK]

The party move out, walking or flying through the ancient stones. As the wind from the ring of storms whips around nearby there are low hums and whines as the wind rolls through the lichen covered structures. Strange runes still abound and increase in number as you close on the open space where the obsidian ring is.

Reaching it all of magical sensitive heroes can feel the magic radiating from the strange black ring of obsidian with tye same repeating runes and graceful patterns that you’d seen on the ring in the jungles near the last spire. At three points around the ring a fist sized hole is open with strange swirling patterns leading into it.

Mirriana, Merrick and Zarina can all feel the swirling conjugation magic around the ring. On the ground near the ring there are three discarded chunks of crystal, one a deep blood red, one a shimmering azure blue and one a vibrant emerald green. Lan seeing the broken ground spies footprints and marks consistent with a pair of massive large burning feet and several other sets of boots and with them terminating in the ring.

Likewise Zarina and Merrick deduce that the crystals complete the ring structure and when supplied with arcane or divine energies the gateway will open. Zarina looks at the crystals and then at Mirriana ”It requires raw power to activate the gate. It doesn’t matter what manner of magic the ring will absorb the power.”

OOC
If you plug in the 3 crystals and supply it with 12 spell levels the gateway will open

[RCgothic]

"This is going to take a fair amount of magic expenditure.", I lament, plugging the crystals into their slots. "OK everyone, get ready," I warn.

To start with I tap the first crystal with four charges from my wand of Lesser Restoration.

For the second crystal, I fuel it with a Dark Way and an Elation.

For the final crystal, Mass Shield of Faith!

[DrK]

As the party cluster around the ring Mirriana steps forward and releases a vast surge of Mystara's power into the ring. Even as she does Zarina reaches out and offers her an embrace, "You did not have to take it all upon yourself... I have arcane reserves." She can say little else as the power flows into the obsidian ring, crackling lightning flashes in a great sheet of blood reds, actinic blues and deep emerald greens before it reaches out with tendrils of arcane power that capture and grab you sucking through the swirling portal.

Your senses swim as noise and light assail you before what seems the briefest second you appear standing on the massive obsidian disc once more but in a different world. The sudden shift in environment is shocking and overwhelming for a moment. The sound of the raging tempest gone replaced by a gentle wind carrying birdsong and the drone of buzzing insects. The sky above is slightly overcast but flecks of silver and gold flicker in the clouds. The edge of a sprawling black forest with trees towering hundreds of feet into the air fills the view in one direction. Dense and overgrown the branches sag with moss and leaves, the dark eaves brushing the ground like a great curtain of greenery. From within comes a cacophony insects and singing birds. Here and there and only in the corner of your sight a green glow flickers and glimmers but always vanishes before you can focus upon it. In the other directions grassy hills covered with thick scrub and long grass fill the very near horizon. To the the opposite side of the forest the hills rise rapidly into towering rocky barren mountains. Your view of distance skewed by the short horizons and strange dull light. Lightning flickers amongst the peaks and the dull rumble of thunder contrasts the bird song. Even as you slowly become aware of your surroundings you realise that not all of you are there... Merrick, the master of arcane cannot be seen and only the three women of the holy orders (Mirriana, Zarina, Elkist) and their diminutive halfling brutal skirmisher (Lan) has made the trip.

As you look around there is a flicker in the trees and 4 beings step out from the nearest trees a hundred or so feet away. THey look strange and unearthly even while resembling "people". The tall gallant looking figures are bedecked in gossamer armour with cloaks of viscious nettles draped on their shoulders. A halo of insects surrounds each one. In their hands each holds a strange barbed spear and on their backs each has four flag poles bearinga banner; fiery red tinged with flames; translucent white trailing wisps of cloud; deep brown and cracked like dry earth and the last a deep ocean blue writhing with bubbles.




The nearest of the strange looking fey guardians steps closer raising the spear above his head, clearly offering truce while he speaks. "I am Tylantharos, guardian of this realm. We are the Last Resort as surely as the trees, rocks and stones and sea around you. We protect the secrets of this Land from all trespassers.
You have mastered the portal of storms so you must be brave but it remains to be seen if your belong here at all. Why have you come to Last Resort?"

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

The guardians make no threatening moves, so neither do I in return.

"Please believe we would not be intruding without good reason" I explain. "We are pursuing a powerful servant of the Dracolich Dragotha who wishes to reclaim his phylactery. Dragotha in turn is a servant of the worm-god Kyuss. We fear that with his phylactery returned to him, Dragotha may actually be powerful enough to bring about the prophesied return of Kyuss, which would be doom for the entire material plane and possibly beyond! We have to stop Darl Quethos from retrieving it!"

Spoiler

Show

Attempting Diplomacy [roll]1d20+12

[DrK]

The peaceful words clearly don't have a large effect on the fey as weapons are still raised slightly, but you get the impression it is waryness rather than actual threat they are showing you. The one called Tylantharos takes another step forward before speaking again in their strangely musical voice. "You seek though you may not realise it. The fountain of dreams is linked to all things in the Last Resort. The earth, the trees of the Doomshroud, the clouds above, my life and that of my brothers are part of it. If the water's are consumed the Order of Storms's Rites are undone. All of the knowledge kept secret from the world will be release and the great creatures of legend imprisoned upon this isle will be unleashed upon the Material Plane once more. You say you are heroes..."
At those words the other three strange watchers laugh with musical voices. "Then prove it. Accomplish four tasks and prove yourselves to be the heroes of old returned. The fountain shall not be despoiled lightly. You say the others are villians and servants of our nemisis yet they spoke the words of the Order and knew of the four trials. Though they carried an artifact of fell power their aura's did not have the blemish of evil upon them."

The fey have been disconnected from the material plane for centuries and are quite neutral. The spell casters realise that Darl et al may have used non detection and the like to quash their auras of evil when dealing with the Fey Watchers.

He pauses again to look at his fellow fey then back receiving nods from all three, looks back to you. "The fountain of dreams shall know those destined for its gifts in but one way. It will know them by the Trials of Tilagos. Survive these trials and you may slake your thirst on waht you seek. For the fountain holds much knowledge and is what you seek. Fail and Last resort shall be your grave." He pauses to gesture around the strange island demiplane with with his spear before with jumping into the air and shouting loudly.

"I am Tylantharos. The first trial is the claiming of Krathanos's Golden Belt". Beside it the second then leaps into the air shouting loudly. "I am Beskawahn and the second trial is the silence of the Doomshroud's Mournful Song". The next one to speak is on the far end, "The third trial you seek shall be the death of the thorn vale nightmare. I am Thadimar and so shall it be." The fourth one pauses looking to the sky and the distant mountains. "I am Sayren-Lei and the final trial is the harvest of a Feather from the Roc King."

They speak and in your minds you can see the island swirling in your throughts as they present you a view of the island to aid you in your trials. "We favour all of those who quest with this knowledge so that all may be judged equally. But hurry for the library is free to those who are worthy, no matter their view of the mortal realms.

Spoiler: Big Map of Tialgos

Show

The clearing with the portal and the fey: 0912
The doomshroud: 1210 in the forest
Kranthos's Keep: 1615 on the southern coast
The nightmare vale: 0507 in the low mountains
King Roc is at the mountain peak: 0702

As Sayren finishes Tylantharos speaks once more. "Accomplish these 4 trials and return here. We shall show you the fountain of dreams, until then we wait, and watch If you prove yourself and the others do not then that shall be the truth of what you speak. Our time is passed, our watch is done" . As he speaks the last the other 3 begin to fade back into the trees, only Tylantharos lingering for a moment if you wish to shout a question to him but you can all sense the massive weariness within the fey as he may be looking for a release even if the outcome may not be beneficial for the rest of the material plane...

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina offers a small curtsy to the strange fey Watchers of the Wild. "Do you possess the knowledge we seek in the library should we even complete these challenges." To her question the 3rd Watcher, Thadimr speaks in his low voice "The library see's all that the Order saw. We saw the rise of the Worm God, we were there for the chaining of the ziggurat and we saw the theft of what you seek. We will speak no more, but know when the library is unveiled it will flow to all corners of the world." Zarina pauses, "What does that mean?" to which Beskawahn, the slender second watcher, replies "When you unveil it the knowledge will flow into all the lost books. Scholars will find new pages in their scrolls, libraries will discover the lost tomes on their shelves and sages will awake with the knowledge burning their mind" Zarina steps back considering and then looks Mirriana, Elkist and Lan. "I do wish Merrick were here with us, but this will cause some issues, everyone may gain access to this knowledge when the Library is unveiled. We shall be in a race against all interested parties. Although I guess..." and here she shrugs looking at the ragged burnt, torn and worn green dress that she wears under her armour, greaves and vambraces "That sort of time pressure will not be new to many of us" Looking "north" to the Mountains or south to the forest and coast she asks Mirriana and Elkist, "So do think Roc's and a nightmare first to the north or to the south to the forest and the keep?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zarina "Brightblade"
M LG Human Warblade/Ftr/Wiz/S.Sword/Abj.Champ/ JPM 1, Level 1/1/4/1/4/ 4 (15), Init 2,
HP 108 / 125
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC +8 shield = AC 37
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all
Base Attack Bonus 13/7/2
Fullblade +1 +16/11/6 (2d8+4, 19-20)
MW Comp (+2) Longbow (20, 20 cold iron, 10 silver) +16/11/6 (1d8+2, X3)
Sword Aqaa (thundering +2 sword) +17/12/7 (1d12+5(+1d6 vs undead) , 18-20

3x Capsule: Int Acid, Int Cold, Spark), Wand Chamber (Heroics): Least true death xtal (+1d6 vs undead) (+1d8 on Crit, + Hurricane Wind, + Synergy w/Lightning Sword) [

Lesser crystal of life keeping (+3 vs Death effects, Energy drain, Inflict) Gith craft Mithril Chain Shirt +1, Stacks with armour: Least crystal of Arrow Deflection (+2 AC vs ranged) Dastana +1 (+7 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 11

Condition

Superior Resistance 20 hours (+6 to all saves)
Greater luminous Armour 24 hours (+12 AC)
Heart of Air (+10 jump checks, feather falling, +10ft fly speeds)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs 28, +8 vs Bullrush etc.. - discard for stoneskin)
Dragonskin 24 minutes (+5 Nat Armour, Fire Res 20)


Heroes Feast (Mirriana): Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves
Mass Fly (Merrick): Fly 60ft
Mass resist [acid][fire] (Merrick) 80 mins


Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear



Abilities
Stance: Leading the Charge (+10 damage)
[Active] Stance: Mystic Phoenix (+1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 2xSpell/Evil)
[Ready] Moment Perfect Mind (Ctr)
[Ready] Divine Surge (strike)[Ready] Searing strike (boost)

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan listened to the group speak, a frown growing on his face. After the speaker finished, Lan growled aloud. "What a load of crap. You ain't lookin' for heroes ... you lot are looking for a way out. You want questions? I got some. What did you tell the 'good' group carrying around the Hand of Vecna ... the same thing ya told us?

What did they ask and what answers did you give?

Which way did they go?

Do we have to do them in order?

How do we keep the knowledge hidden?"

---

OOC: Pushing buttons! How much time has passed since we ended the fight?

Effects: embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 0/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[DrK]

The multihued fey looks at the halfling coldly before answering. ”The challenges must be met. The order matters not to us only that you prove yourself worthy.” At mention of the others there is a glimmer of a smile, “A wise question. The bull headed beast went South to seek Kranthos. The rest North to the Rod king. Although all looked pained and weary. If you seek rest the glade here offers shelter, none of the beasts of Tilagos will bother you here.”

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina listens to the interplay and then nods respectfully as the fey seem to grow thinner fading like mist as they leave the four heroes in the grassy meadow. She looks at the obsidian ring nearby, “This one seems the same as the other one. We can leave if we want, but they said it would be safe to camp here. I’d we wait here and have a rest maybe Merrick will join us once more?” It’s more hope than belief in her voice though. Putting her pack down she starts to assemble her small tent and bedroll and looks to the others. “We should rest whilst we can. I suspect tomorrow will be harrowing, particularly if we meet Darl Quethos and his followers. Shall we head North to confront him directly or south to the lone Minotaur.” OOC Everyone can rest and recharge spells abilities wtc…

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zarina "Brightblade"
M LG Human Warblade/Ftr/Wiz/S.Sword/Abj.Champ/ JPM 1, Level 1/1/4/1/4/ 4 (15), Init 2,
HP 123 / 125 +18 temp
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC +8 shield = AC 37
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all
Base Attack Bonus 13/7/2
Fullblade +1 +16/11/6 (2d8+4, 19-20)
MW Comp (+2) Longbow (20, 20 cold iron, 10 silver) +16/11/6 (1d8+2, X3)
Sword Aqaa (thundering +2 sword) +17/12/7 (1d12+5(+1d6 vs undead) , 18-20

3x Capsule: Int Acid, Int Cold, Spark), Wand Chamber (Heroics): Least true death xtal (+1d6 vs undead) (+1d8 on Crit, + Hurricane Wind, + Synergy w/Lightning Sword) [

Lesser crystal of life keeping (+3 vs Death effects, Energy drain, Inflict) Gith craft Mithril Chain Shirt +1, Stacks with armour: Least crystal of Arrow Deflection (+2 AC vs ranged) Dastana +1 (+7 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 11

Condition

Sanctified spell (1d4)[3] Str
Lesser restore wand as needed (3d4)[4][1][1](6)

Morning spells
Superior Resistance 20 hours (+6 to all saves)
Greater luminous Armour 24 hours (+12 AC)
Heart of Air (+10 jump checks, feather falling, +10ft fly speeds)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs 28, +8 vs Bullrush etc.. - discard for stoneskin)



Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear



Abilities
Stance: Leading the Charge (+10 damage)
[Active] Stance: Mystic Phoenix (+1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 2xSpell/Evil)
[Ready] Moment Perfect Mind (Ctr)
[Ready] Divine Surge (strike)[Ready] Searing strike (boost)

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan was ready to move on, but looking at his companions, it was obvious they needed a rest. Back in the Kush, he knew better than to linger in dangerous areas, but this one was supposed to be safe. Better to let them gather their strength for the coming day. It sounded like quite a few battle's lay in their future.

Sighing, Lan nodded curtly. "Guess we rest. But I'd rather catch these gits unawares. Tomorrow, let's take one of them out. I'm okay with going after the leader or the bull ... but maybe we pick off the minotaur first and hope the leader's group takes some casualties?"

---

OOC: Any recommendations on ranger spells? Will we get heroes feat again? What about our mass resist energeries, or mass fly ... I certainly liked those :)

Effects: embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 2/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[RCgothic]

"We'll be able to move faster if we rest and prepare some travel spells," I suggest. "In the morning I can cast Wind Walk, which should allow us to overtake the minotaur and maybe take him out first. I don't think they know yet that we're pursuing them..."

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan grunted, nodding in deference to Mirriana, heading towards the glade while muttering, "Yer th'boss ..."

---

OOC: Ready to go ...

Effects: embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour); Mass Resist Energy (Fire and Acid, 30 ER, 140 minutes); Mass Fly (14 min)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 (28) Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 2/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 136/155 AC: 28 (34 w/skirm)
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[DrK]

The night passes quietly. The soft winds on Tilagos warm and filled with the smells of the nearby forest. Sounds echo across the meadow where you have pitched your tents near the shining obsidian ring an in the woods and distant hills. Roars, grunts and bellows are carried on the wind and Zarina, Elkist and Lan (the ones with knowledge of the natural world) can only glance at each other imagining the size of the beasts associated the sounds. Only once is there a moment of concern as Lan on watch at one point spies the 4 elemental flags of one of the fey watchers in the nearby trees. The watcher offers the halfling a nod before turning and vanishing leaving Lan no idea how long he was watching or what he watching for.

In the morning the foursome enjoy a feast of fruits and breads that have a hint of the divine around them as Mirriana calls forth a heroes feast to feed the party. After their food the party prepare their morning spells and other rituals praying over weapons and armour, blessing their bodies and soon enough the part are clad in warding abjurations, shimmering with holy power and garbed with weapons and armour of power. Mirriana raises her hands once more and all 4 of them feel their bodies shimmering and growing lighter before they form part of the wind and as strange cloud like figures. The clouds surround you all as you become mist like and take to the the air. The ground blurs as you ghost over the rolling hills towards the coastal fastness where you believe Kranthanos may lurk.

As you fly you see the occasional animal beneath you, all on this Isle seem blessed with size and power, even the stags looking as large as bull elephants. Eventually as hills give way to loose scree and moor and the crashing sea waves and crackling clouds of the storm over the water come into view you see on the top of the high rocky cliffs a grand ruined keep. Once well crafted even from a mike away you can see gaping holes and outer walls shattered and broken by a great force. It's a walled square with 4 cracked towers and stones like dead fingers rising from its core hinting at once having a central tower. But as you get closer you realise its sized for a creature that is titanic in nature, the doorway through the main wall a towering gateway some 50ft wide and 90ft tall and the walls spiking some 200ft into the air!

As you approach you can see 3 winged humanoid shapes orbiting the towers....


OOC
Assuming you cast your morning spells and have a Heroes Feast.
Using Mirriana's Wind Walk it only takes you ~30 minutes to cover the ~30 miles down to the southern coast of the island.
I've assumed you are pausing to hang in the air some 2000ft away (about half a mile) whilst you consider how best to approach the keep

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist Talphrin Hovering above the elder island Elkist takes a few moments to observe the area ahead. "No sign of the minotaur. Maybe it has yet to make it's attempt for the Belt." Spoiler: rolls Show Spot (1d20+10)[21] Knowledge to ID (1d20)[9]+X Any ground cover on the approach to the ruined keep? Spoiler: Stats Show Elkist Talphrin Female LG Half-Drow Paladin 4/ Spirit Shaman 11, Level 15, Init 5, HP 105 + 22 temp/105, Speed 30ft AC 23, Touch 10, Flat-footed 23, Fort 21, Ref 16, Will 21, Base Attack Bonus 12 Ghost touch Lightning Sword +19/ +14/ +7 (+12 base, +4 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast)) (2d6+10 (+8 str, +2 weapon), 19-20 x2) +1 longspear ( , ) Ghost touch Spiked (+1) Full Plate +2 of moderate fortification, Ghost touch +1 Animated heavy steel shield (+10 Armor, +3 Shield) Abilities Str 18, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 29 Condition Permanent/ daily effects: Pal: Aura of good Pal: Aura of courage (immune fear, allies +4 morale bonus vs fear) Pal: Divine health (immunity to disease) SS: Blessing of the spirits (protection from spirits: +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves) SS: Ghost warrior (ghost touch weapons & armour) SS: Warding of the spirits (magic circle vs spirits:10ft radius +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves) 1/2E: Immunity to sleep 1/2E: +2 save vs enchantment 1/2E: low light vision Armour crystal: +3 competence save vs energy drain, death spells/ effects, inflict spells) Circlet: +6 enhancement to Cha Gauntlets: +2 enhancement to Str Armbands: +2 Str checks & skills, +2 damage on Power attack) Mirriana: Imbue with Spell Ability Primal instinct (wand): +5 competence initiative & survival Armour: moderate fortification (75% resist critical hits & sneak attacks Boots: +10ft enhancement speed, +5 competence Jump Cloak: +2 resistance all saves Hour+ effects: Heart of Air (spell): +10 enhance Jump Heart of Earth (spell): +8 resist bull rush, overrun, trip; +22 temp hp Heart of X (spell): light fortification (25% resist critical hits & sneak attacks) Heroes Feast (Mirriana): immune poison & fear, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls & Will saves, +10 temp hp Shield Other (wand): Mirriana Righteous Aura (wand): +4 sacred Cha, daylight Minute+ effects (not included in stats): Round+ effects:

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina looks at Elkists's wispy form as they can all see that the way towards the ruined keep is devoid of any cover bar the bare blackened rocks. Gesturing down she slowly she approaches the ground and over the course of half a minute or so she melds back into her solid form. Staring at the keep she shudders as to all of them the apparent ruins look to be blasted by fire and storms. The ground within 200 yards of the blocky walls cratered and devoid of any plant life. Hovering over the walls all of the party can see what appears to be 3 winged creatures, creatures with the legs of and wings of falcons and the upper body of savage feral looking woman armed with cruel looking recurved bows. The harpies swirl on the updraughts hovering ~150ft up in the skies. As you approach the gates of the keep Zarina can feel the tension rising, made worse as Lan can clearly make out a heavy set of cloven footprints heading towards the gate (although no sign of returning yet). Zarina pauses some 400ft from the gates, "I do not feel warmed by the keep or harpies Mir'" she adds, a brief blessing or two following as red scales emerge from her skin and coat her body with a thin layer of pliable scaly protection and a dull blue green nimbus of protection. Protected somewhat Zarina nods towards the gate, "Are we ready? Although I would pass caution. I have remembered where I recall the name of Kranthanos before. He was Titan of legend, who claimed to be a servant of Kord and was said to have been imprisoned by evil gods some fifteen centuries ago. he was a murderously insane menace who terrorized the Material Plane in his belief that his might gave him a divine right of rulership." She gives an involuntary shiver, "We must be wary, but the Titans are being of great power and intellect, we may be able to negotiate if the Gods smile upon us."" OOC Anyone casting any spells before they advance into the keep?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Dragonskin; Protection from evil


Zarina "Brightblade"
M LG Human Warblade/Ftr/Wiz/S.Sword/Abj.Champ/ JPM 1, Level 1/1/4/1/4/ 4 (15), Init 2,
HP 125 / 125 +18 temp
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC +2 deflect = AC 31
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all
Base Attack Bonus 13/7/2
Fullblade +1 +16/11/6 (2d8+4, 19-20)
MW Comp (+2) Longbow (20, 20 cold iron, 10 silver) +16/11/6 (1d8+2, X3)
Sword Aqaa (thundering +2 sword) +17/12/7 (1d12+5(+1d6 vs undead) , 18-20

3x Capsule: Int Acid, Int Cold, Spark), Wand Chamber (Heroics): Least true death xtal (+1d6 vs undead) (+1d8 on Crit, + Hurricane Wind, + Synergy w/Lightning Sword) [

Lesser crystal of life keeping (+3 vs Death effects, Energy drain, Inflict) Gith craft Mithril Chain Shirt +1, Stacks with armour: Least crystal of Arrow Deflection (+2 AC vs ranged) Dastana +1 (+7 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 11

Condition


Morning spells
Superior Resistance 20 hours (+6 to all saves)
Greater luminous Armour 24 hours (+12 AC)
Heart of Air (+10 jump checks, feather falling, +10ft fly speeds)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs 28, +8 vs Bullrush etc.. - discard for stoneskin)
Dragonskin (+5 NA, Fire Resistance 20) 140 mins
Protection from Evil (+2 Delection AC, blocks mind control) 28 mins

Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear



Abilities
[Active] Leading the Charge (+10 damage)
[Inactive] Stance: Mystic Phoenix (+1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 2xSpell/Evil)
[Ready] Moment Perfect Mind (Ctr)
[Ready] Divine Surge (strike)
[Ready] Searing strike (boost)

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan peered at the ground, squinting up at the castle. To Zarina's comments, he grunted noncommittally, then murmured, "Gotta see what's up ahead, and see if the bull has engaged already. Looks like he made it past the harpies ... " Lan prepared to move ahead, ready to scout out whatever he could find.

---

OOC: Thinking invis scouting up ahead, looking for signs of the minotaur, and if there are any signs of combat or traps and such along the way. Want to use the flight for as long as possible. Casting embrace the wild and deeper darkvision, once we're close and in scouting mode, he'll cast invisibility.

Anyone have mass resist energy?

Effects: invisibility (7 min); embrace the wild (+2 Spot / Listen; gain low-light vision; gain 30' blindsight; 70min); deeper darkvision (90ft darkvision, no 20% miss chance for shadows; 7 hours); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); wind walking (6 1/2 hrs?); +10 Tumbling

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 95 AC: 22 Touch/Flatfooted: 17/16 Move 30' Initiative +7
F +16 R +21 W +13
Skills: Listen/Spot +19 Search +20 Move Silently/Hide +22 Tumble +36 D Device +22
Spells (4/6/6/4/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: detect fav enemies, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride
2: fell the greatest foes, invisibility, invisibility, swift haste, easy climb, exacting shot
3: decoy image, find the gap, find the gap, foebane
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
5: summon nature’s ally V, summon nature’s ally V
Javelins (+23, 1d4+2 / +24, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead); +1 Comp shortbow (+22, 1d6+2 / +23, 1d6+3 w/in 30', lesser truedeath crystal)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 2/2 Horizon Walker; 3/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 5/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

Show

HP: 155 AC: 28
Space and Reach: 15 feet/10 feet
Stats: Str 27 Dex 15 Con 20 / Int 13 Wis 14 Chr 8
Land speed 40 ft, burrow 10 ft,
Senses: darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision, scent, tremorsense 60'
Gain +12 natural armor, two claw attacks (+22 / 2d8+8)
Retain abilities, BAB, saving throws, skills

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

"I had hoped to catch the minotaur before he got here, he must have hustled through the night. Be quick Lan, we need to get the belt before the minotaur does," I say as I hunker down with the rest of the party.

"If the harpies spot us I can use my griffon to fight them in the air. This would be a lot easier if Merrick was still here."

Spoiler

Show

Extended Heroes' Feast 24h
Extended Wind Walk 28h
Extended Superior Resistance 48h

Greater Magic Weapon
Magic Vestment x2
Celestial Brilliance

Detect Magic
Protection from Evil

[DrK]

As the trio of warrior women wait back from the keep the halfling wraps himself in shroud of magical invisibility and scurries forward quickly on his agile feet. Hopping from rock to rock and slipping between boulders he stays close to the ground easily evading the watching trio of harpies that are hovering overhead.

Like a ghost he creeps up to the gateway and peers through, still invisible he can easily look around the massive doors. A smell of ozone lingers nearby and fresh craters seem to dot the ground. Peering into the walled square Lan can see it’s an empty shell, he can also make out a faint line of runes around the rim of the gate spelling “Keep of the Shackled Conquerer”

The weathered walls of the keep are torn and ragged. They appear to have been battered down on more than one occasion, their chipped stone blocks rebuilt haphazardly into makeshift structures with little integrity. Four crumbling towers overlook the outer courtyard. The north easterly one with a mass of twigs, branches and ripped cloths and blankets forming a nest of sorts with the wall streaked with harpy leavings. The archway providing entrance into the compound looms empty, its iron portcullis now nothing more than a heap of twisted black metal lying on the ground nearby. In one corner of the ruin are makeshift cages, seemingly made of a strange iron and crystalline material containing two of the massive four armed girallons that you had seen on your flight. The gargantuan monkeys cramped and filthy with muck matted fur trapped in the cages. A their cage holds two humanoids, one an old man in battered full plate, the other a thin lean lookimg man in baggy desert robes, both bear signs of recent wounds.

At the far end of the keep is a mighty throne of twisted metal and stone, the source of which appears to ace been the walls themselves and then beaten into the correct state. Sitting atop the throne is a figure that dwarfs Lan by a hinge amount. The towering majesty of Krathanos is impressive, the Titan being at least 30ft tall and emanating a dark menace seems to fit the lore that Titans are partially divine. His bearded face is lowered as he appears deep in thought. Garbed in heavy black metal greaves and vambraces his belt is wrapped with a thick golden belt. By his right arm rest is a colossal hammer the size of a small cart whilst in his other hand he clutches the decapitated head of a Minotaur. The rest of the body beaten into bloody pulp nearby along with a pair backpacks and some wands and other items (presumably from the prisoners judging by the size). The Titan looks up, not seeing Lan but addressing the head, his voice a deep low rumble as he speaks archaic giant ”You irked me bull. I warned you I did not like beasts where head and body do not match. My belt is mine.” with that he drops the head and leans back in tye throne apparently watching the trio of spiralling harpies ignoring the howling of the Girallions.

[Chambers]

Donal Ren

"I'd say....a four." Donal says to the Titan, continuing their one-sided conversation of Donal's review of their imprisonment. "Now that's a four out ten, mind you, not four out five." Donal holds up four fingers and wiggles them to help the Titan count. "I wouldn't say that I'm a connoisseur of prison cells but I have suffered that misfortune once or twice." Donal winces and shifts his weight off his left side. "I appreciate the open air for now, but what about when it rains? Would be nice then for a roof, is what I'm saying. A roof would greatly increase your prisons ranking."

"If you wanted -" He pauses to wait for a break in the large monkeys howls. "If you wanted to deliver your message to the deceased Bull I'd be happy to raise his spirit for questioning. It'll have to wait until the morning though, if you do. In the meantime, would you like to have a talk about ransom possibilities?"

[DrK]

Within the Keep

Crouched by the door Lan sees the man in the cage speaking with the massive form of Krathanos. Even battered the caged man seems sure of himself as he critiques the sub par conditions he finds himself in. Watching Lan can see one of the harpies flutter down and alight on the arm of the throne, whispering to the Titan who laughs to himself in a dark and sinister manner. The harpy, its plumage white and black reminscent of a vulture hops down on its clawed feet and pulls off a strip from the dead minotaur, its humanoid face feral and mad. Before it flaps back into the sky.

With a heavy creak of metal Kranthanos rises from his throne and looks to the cage where Donal and his newfound friend are. "Visitors. More Visitors. Something stirs in the Material Realm, to have gone decades between guests and now 3 sets in as many days. A great change is coming. Maybe I can be freed of torment..." he muses the last as, pausing to pick up the massive pony sized hammer, he strides to the gate of the keep. For Lan crouching down by the doorway Kranthanos is enormous,, 30ft tall, weight thousands of pounds and excuding power he towers above the hidden halfling gazing down across the rock as the trio of women, Zarina Elkist and Mirriana who all glow with holy light. The Titan squints at them, Lan hearing the whispered "ANgels perhaps. Although of a type I do not recognise" before he advances into the doorway, ignoring the howling of the massive girallions.

"Greetings to the Keep of the Conquerer" he shouts in a voice to rival thunder amd clear to Zarina, Elkist and Mirriana hundreds of feet away....