DrK's Age of Worms IC pt4

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina by Elkist looks up at the savage shark headed giant, the beast trailing blood as it towers over her, its body marred fire fire and blades. Behind her she could hear Merrick's chanting and feel the pulsing of Mirriana's powerful magics and the new thunder of the massive bulette that was now Lan. Glancing to Elkist she speaks for the drow to hear, "We can take it together... With faith in the Lightning Lord" Before she steps forward, blade igniting with a dark angry fire as she goes to strike it...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

5ft Step in
Swift: Activate searing blade (3d6+9 fire)
Full attack (K.Devote +5. PA -2)
Activate Intensified Acid on 1st hit (3d6)[6] acid
(1d20+26)[38] dam (1d12+25)[28] + (3d6+9)[18] Fire
(1d20+21)[31] dam (1d12+25)[37] + (3d6+9)[21] Fire
(1d20+16)[34] dam (1d12+25)[36] + (3d6+9)[20] Fire
EDIT: 27 t o confirm for 34+1 sonic damage


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 93 / 125 = 135 / 157
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +8 shield +5 Nat +2 stance +2 dex (tiger)= 36
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all +3 fort (tiger) +2 Ref (tiger)
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: oleum, A Fire, L.Ember), 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)
Knowledge Devotion +5
Shield 12 mins
Spell Resistance DC26
Bite Weretiger +12 Str, +4 Dex, +6 Con, +5 Nat AC

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



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

[DrK]

The party split their focus as the battle continue to rage in the maelstrom, all of the heroes of Greyhawk Arena dripping with water that plasters hair to their heads and soaks in the layers of armour and cloth that they are wearing. By the frontline Zarina and Elkist confront the wounded giant that had nearly killed Zarina with a single blow, the young mage warrior grips her sword that erupts into flames, steam forming around her as she attacks the giant, hovering aloft on her fiery phoenix stance she shears into the beast and eventually it collapses, flesh sizzling and its top and bottom half separating.

Its mated pair howls in rage before cutting off as the hand hurls it into the water and the caster can do little as a massive hammer of force slams into it nearly crushing the life from it, only the flickering displacement protecting it as the massive bulette lands in a flurry but its claws miss in the rain and flickering magics....

Again the shark headed storm creature drags itself from the waters, this time losing any semblance of subtelty it hurls a spear of lightning at Mirriana who had commanded the force hand to bat it aside so easily. The storm casting elemental, looking visibly injured and flagging releases a great flurry of missiles at the bulette and calls down a blast of anti-magic down atop Mirriana seeking to remove her protections.


SG2: climb out the water, lightning bolt at Mirriana Ref DC15 for half, SR check (1d20+17)[28] dam (10d6)[27] x 1.5

Stormcaster: Cast defensive (auto pass) dispel magic vs Mirriana SR check (1d20+13)[30]
- dispel checks (1d20+10)[26] (1d20+10)[13] (1d20+10)[21] (1d20+10)[28] (1d20+10)[15] (1d20+10)[23] (1d20+10)[29] (1d20+10)[29] (1d20+10)[14] (apply to active enchantments as needed)

Swift: Quickened magic missile vs Lan (5d4+5)[17]









SG 1
SG 2 54
SC 103

[redzimmer]

Merrick

Giving up on communicating with his summoned pseudo-creature, Merrick focuses on the remaining giant with a volley of magic missiles of his own.

Spoiler: Sigh

Show

[roll]1d4+[/roll]

[roll]1d4+[/roll]

[roll]1d4+[/roll]

[roll]1d4+[/roll]

[roll]1d4+[/roll]

Face palm

[DrK]

Zarina The giant falls in chunks at her feet, blood splattering on her armour and running off as the rain pours down her small body. Spinning she spies the next one, crawling out the water and hurling lightning at Mirriana. With a growl under breath Zarina runs at the giant heedless of the danger and leaps high into the air twisting to avoid its massive club and seeking to shear it in half as she calls upon the Lightning Lord, her knuckles bleeding and blood coating the Sword of Aqaa as she launches a single devastating blow.... Then she slips... an errant rock and the strong wind and rain cause her to lose her balance and she sprawls forward. Running into the massive shark giant and tasting its salty sweat. It looms above her, a savage grin on its face....

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move and Tumble (1d20+16)[23] VS DC17
Swift Blade of blood
Divine Surge (K.Devote +5, PA -2, WT +6) (1d20+26)[39] dam (1d12+25)[35] + (8d8)[27] + (3d6)[13] blade blood + (3d6)[12] intensified cold
- (1d6)[5] to



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 93 / 125 = 135 / 157
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +8 shield +5 Nat +2 stance +2 dex (tiger)= 36
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all +3 fort (tiger) +2 Ref (tiger)
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: oleum, A Fire, L.Ember), 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)
Knowledge Devotion +5
Shield 12 mins
Spell Resistance DC26
Bite Weretiger +12 Str, +4 Dex, +6 Con, +5 Nat AC

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



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

[RCgothic]

"Lan, help Zarina! I've got that one!" I call out, directing my ally towards our fallen companion. Calling upon the dregs of my magic, I fling yet another hammer of force at the enemy spellcaster and then attempt to advance up the causeway towards land.

Meanwhile the forceful hand also continues to do its best to clear the causeway.

Spoiler

Show

Swift: white Raven Tactics for Lan

Move: Advance FORT (1d20+19)[27]

Standard: Mass Resurgence -> Hammer of Righteousness
FORT DC19 for half of (14d6)[49] hits unerringly
Strength sacrifice: (1d3)[1]

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

The Lan-shark howled in frustration at all four misses from his assault on the mage. He readied himself to attack again, but heard a shout from Mirriana. Looking over his shoulder he saw Zarina steadying herself as the remaining giant prepared to attack. Lan’s black eyes narrowed, and he practically flipped over as he turned and charged the giant. At the last moment he leapt up, striking at the giant with all four claws appendages.

Upon completing his first attack, he paused for a moment as he felt the energy of Mir’s command and he leapt straight up again and came down with his claws ripping at his foe.

---

Top of Rnd 5: Charge the giant, moving at least 20’. Leaping attack w/skirmish flanking with others.
Attack 1 - (1d20+26)[28], Damage 1 - (2d8+12)[16]+Skirmish - (6d6)[20]=36
- First attack is vs touch AC
Attack 2 - (1d20+26)[29], Damage 2 - (2d8+12)[23]+Skirmish - (6d6)[17]=40
Attack 3 - (1d20+26)[30], Damage 3 - (2d8+12)[24]+Skirmish - (6d6)[17]=41
Attack 4 - (1d20+26)[39], Damage 4 - (2d8+12)[20]+Skirmish - (6d6)[27]=47

Second ‘turn’ - If the giant drops, Lan will attack the caster instead
Attack 1 - (1d20+26)[35], Damage 1 - (2d8+12)[16]+Skirmish - (6d6)[22]=38
Attack 2 - (1d20+26)[43], Damage 2 - (2d8+12)[18]+Skirmish - (6d6)[24]=42
Attack 3 - (1d20+26)[39], Damage 3 - (2d8+12)[26]+Skirmish - (6d6)[21]=47
Attack 4 - (1d20+26)[30], Damage 4 - (2d8+12)[17]+Skirmish - (6d6)[21]=38

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 76/95 AC: 22 (27) 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, swift haste, 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)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker; 0/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 4/5
Effects: Bullette form (see spoiler below; 69 min remaining); Find the Gap (first attack is touch attack, 3 rnds); Mass Protection (+5 AC [sacred], 8 rnds); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour)

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]

There is another thunderous conussive blow as another massive hammer of raw magic slams into the storm caster. Finally this time the impact is telling as it seems to lose cohesion and explodes into a splash of water, its component shreds of elemental water unbound and running into the puddles as a few trinkets fall onto the rocks and into the rock pools. Before the shark giant can do anything the bulette is there, all 4 limbs ripping into the giant and with a horribe tearing sound its ripped asunder, the massive land shark claws ripping free the arms and the upper chest...

The thunder and lightning continues unabated but you can see through the driving rain that it seems like a ring around the island that its less severe once you reach the cliffs that lead up to the island plateau proper.... For now you seem to have defeated whatever ancient welcoming party is geared up to defend the ancient druidic island.

A search of the bodies reveals a few trinkets of interesting providence with rods, ancient mithral braces and a long and massive trident that shrinks as you touch it.

Spoiler: Loot

Show

Rod of thunder and lightning
Bracers of Armour +4 and Fire Resistance 10
An Aquan, returning +2 Trident
Water cloak

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“Before anyone says anything about rash decisions, let me say I have an aversion to giants threatening my life!”

The Wizard was feeling particularly defensive, though he knew deep down this combat was at least partially his fault…

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

The hulking Lan-shark ripped the giant apart, then spun around, searching for another target before the realization set in that they stood victorious in the swirling storm. It turned towards Zarina for a moment, then stopped as Merrick called out over the winds. The beast fixed the wizard with its black eyes, before turning to pick at the bodies of the fallen. Upon seeing the trident, the bullette chuffed in resignation and tapped the weapon and itself after looking pointedly at Zarina - obviously a plea to take the weapon for him.

Once complete, the beast sat back and watched Mirriana, waiting for the direction to move on.

---

OOC: Plans for the climb up? Staying with the bullette form for now, unless we need a scout

Effects: Bullette form (see spoiler below; 69 min remaining); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 76/95 AC: 22 (27) 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, swift haste, 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)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker; 0/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 4/5

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]

Zarina Zarina looks at the chunks of giant and eyes the massive armoured form of Bulette-Lan with some trepidation before reaching out and running a hand over the armoured hide. “not so small now Master Lan?” She murmurs before nodding and picking up the trident and sliding into her haversack for Lan later and letting the others claim the lightning rod, cloak and bracers Squinting through the rain and still breathing heavily she nods to Mirriana, “Once more I avoid the boneyard and the beyond thanks to you Miriana, as always my thanks and gratitude. But…. Now that we seem to have defeated the welcoming committee shall we head to cliffs and find a way up. If not perhaps we can camp or find magical protection to sleep within the confines and shelter of tye cliffs and then tackle the island afresh in the morning. I am sorely pressed today and feeling drained of much magical resources.”

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 93 / 125 = 135 / 157
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +8 shield +5 Nat +2 stance +2 dex (tiger)= 36
Fort 14, Ref 11, Will 8, : +6 to all +3 fort (tiger) +2 Ref (tiger)
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: oleum, A Fire, L.Ember), 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)
Knowledge Devotion +5
Shield 12 mins
Spell Resistance DC26
Bite Weretiger +12 Str, +4 Dex, +6 Con, +5 Nat AC

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



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

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“I have a teleportation spell prepared. It may be a risk with the magical protections here. I can send myself then attempt my transposition wand to get us up the cliffs.”

[RCgothic]

Mirriana
I breath a large sigh of relief as we emerge victorious.

"If I ever again suggest rushing in before we've had a chance to prepare properly and recover, somebody slap me!" I bemoan. "That was far too close for comfort."

"Unfortunately I had to spent my ability to conjure us a shelter for the night in the battle. We can't stay here though! Let's see if there's a lee in the shelter of the cliffs, or if we can find a way up. I wouldn't trust a teleport attempt Merrick, I think this island is designed to deposit anyone teleporting back where we arrived."

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“Well it won’t help much in this wind but if I cast a mass fly on us it might aid in climbing that cliff.”

If anything it would give them maybe one chance to land safely if their current rate of success persisted.

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan lumbered over to Merrick and waved his claws for a moment, then pointed at the cliff, mimicking climbing up ... before sitting back on his haunches for a moment, waiting.

---

OOC: If Merrick has a spider climb spell, Lan should be able to pull everyone up with some rope.

Effects: Bullette form (see spoiler below; 69 min remaining); Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour)

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 76/95 AC: 22 (27) 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, swift haste, 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)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker; 0/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 4/5

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

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist Talphrin Elkist offers her hand, linking arms to support any that need it as the group approaches the cliffs. What do you hold in store for us? she thinks to herself of the island, it's ancient druidic protectors and the blaspheming attackers that lurk within. Spoiler: actions Show Depending on height and wind severity Elkist has updraft and/ or fly capabilities to assist with her ascent.[/LIST]

[DrK]

As the party recover and strip the valuables form the dead Zarina smiles to Lan as she collects the trident that shimmers and shrinks to a medium size in her hand. The metal wet to the touch and crackling slightly as her hair frizzles and slightly with static energy

Using the bulette as a windbreak the party can reach tye base of the cliffs and suddenly as if you’ve left a ring of storm the wind dies down and the weather changes to a dry barren heat. Scaling the cliffs is easy with the lack of storm and you soon scale them and look across the island, it appears you have arrived on tye southern tip and a vast trio of mountains just from the centre but all you can see across the whole island (some 20 miles wide and 40 miles tall) is barren black ash and gravel as if all life has been scoured from the soil.

Nearby a series of rocky cairns are covered with Auran runes and Zarina, Elkist and Mirriana with the gifts from their artifacts of the ancients can read them. It’s a border menhir and points to the Eastern shore to the welcoming circle for those would treat with the ancient Druidic masters

Looking around at the bare rock Zarina looks at her own bedraggled appearance and motions to the others.”If these stones have that Darl Quethos wielding the Hamd of Verna, or even more elemental guardians I am sorely pressed. Shall we rest here and travel to the east when we are better prepared?”

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“Some recovery would suit me as well. I need to prepare for the task at hand.”

Vestiges suited city dwelling were not going to help here. New pacts and spells were a priority now for the twisted wizard.

[DrK]

The surprisingly mundane tents for such powerful and magical heroes are soon pitched on the dark gravel and some wood collected from nearby wiry bushes give rise to a small fire that allows some of the well aged and recently soaked trail rations to be cooked for an uninspiring meal.

Zarina looks out into the darkness her eyes gazing up at the stars that seem occluded and shadowed from the strange effects warping the island of the Library of Last Resort. She takes off the fine gith craft chain shirt to examine the links where the giant had near killed her. As normal the extra planar mithril seemed I damaged. “I wonder what we will find in the morning when we search out Quethos and his followers. I would love to resolve things peacefully but I suspect it will be more violence and blood. At least Quethos and his followers seem like they are servants of the Dark Powers.”

Sipping from her magical flask that fills at a command word with hot honeyed tea she offers it around. “it seems long now from the undercavern of Greyhawk preparing for the games in the arena. Now we search for the portal to an ancient Druidic plane and the location of the phylactery to one of the most dangerous dragons that ever flew across the lands.” She pauses, hand trembling slightly as she realises how dangerous their situation is. “I’m sure you can keep us safe Mirriana, you have saved most of us time after time now.”

As she settles down for the night she looks at her companions. The dependable Lan with his surly front, the fearless Elkist, the savage and silent Talsien, the strategic and powerful Mirriana and mad (but loyal) Merrick and feels restored in her faith (if out of place in such illustrious company).

Morning Preparations

Superior resistance
Heart of Air
Heart of Earth
Greater Luminous armour (1d4)[1] Str damage
- lesser restore wand (3d4)[1][1][1](3) use as needed
Tomebound Book of Bocob on fireball, cone of fire, scorching Ray

[RCgothic]

"We were all pushed to our limits today," I agree with Zarina, thankful for the dry heat that will allow us all to get dry. "I'm sorry for that, I misjudged! I thought only of getting to the island before our opponents and forgot it might have defenders of its own! But we made it and tomorrow we'll be rested and well recovered." I accept a drink and toast each one of us before settling down for the night. How strange to be sleeping in a tent again after acquiring the ability to conjure shelters from nothing!

In the morning I pray for an hour to regain my lost favours, and then spend another hour laying on a Heroes' Feast to bolster our resolves and renewing my armour and weapon enhancements. In one final act before departing, I find a smooth pebble and cast Celestial Brilliance on it, then placing the shining beacon in an easily accessible pocket of my haversack in case we need it later.

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

As they gathered to camp, Lan allowed his spell to disperse and he took the trident back from Zarina. He checked the perimeter to make sure they were protected, then sat with the others as they hunkered around the fire. His eyes continued to peer into the darkness as they spoke, even now unable to relax. After Zarina and Mirriana spoke, he grunted "No different than any other fight, I guess. But my worry is what happens now? I'm guessing if the bad guys were around, we would've noticed. And if they aren't here yet, what happens if we kill all the guardians?

Almost better to let them catch up and kill them."

---

OOC: Just some chatting before we get into it. Checking to make sure I don't need any spell changes ...

Effects: Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour)

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, swift haste, 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)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker; 0/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 4/5

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 morning (or as much as it can be called morning) dawns with the same dry heat and arid wind blowing across the desolate ash waste ofthe island. but as the pre-dawn light strengthens and you gaze around, including out to sea where you can see the halo of the storm surrounding the wandering isle wall of blue and black clouds streaked with lightning flashes you wonder where to go next. Then the choice becomes easier as Lan's sharp eyes spy three thin pillars of smoke from the east, probably made by cooking fires and only some 5-6 miles away.

Heading east you soon can see long wall of cliffs ahead that bar passage further east and amidst athe crashing clouds and the storms of Tilagos's hostile exterior you spy ruins and the source of the smoke, a ruined ship smashed on the rocks. The broken ship itself, along with the beach and a portion of the island further inland exist in a sheltered dome of relatively calm winds and constant rainy drizzle. However, a maelstrom of hurricane force winds rages all around the area outside a circle of about 400 feet in diameter, including above at a height of about 60 feet The beachhead is littered with driftwood and the splintered ruin of well over a hundred ships. These skeletal wrecks crowd the rocky shoreline, a veritable city of barnacle-claimed vessels peopled with dead sailors. Broken skeletons wrapped in threadbare rags hang out of yawning breaches in the ships’ hulls, and tattered sails whip in the fierce winds sweeping the shoreline. Beyond the shore, the rocky beach angles up slightly to an ancient maze of ruined walls and standing stones....



You are some 400ft to the North and got a glimpse between the clouds of storm that opened briefly. You cannot see people on the wrecked ship or in the ruins, but the height of the ruined walls means many could be hiding and you would not know

[Starbin]

Landahl Snowstrider, Halfling scout

Lan sighed at the image they gleaned from a quarter of a mile away. Nodding in the direction of the maze and beach, he grunted, "Guess we should scout it out ... bettin' when we get closer that'll be our competition. Ain't no way we're lucky enough for them to have died on the trip.

But before we go rushing down to beat them to the punch, anyone know how we find this place? Is it in that maze, or somewhere up here? Or further inland? That'll drive if we jump down to kill them all, or run for the prize first."

---

OOC: Figure we can get closer to the edge and scout out ...

Effects: Heroes Feast (+1 attack, immune poison/fear); +10 Tumbling; deeper Darkvision (90’, 2 hour)

Spoiler: Status

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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)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker; 0/3 Scout's headband; Winged Vest 4/5

Spoiler: Bullette Form

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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]

Zarina Zarina pauses and looks down over the ruins, squinting as she see's the streamers of smoke in the swirling eye of the storm. "Ancient ruins, a wrecked ship. I suspect we will cross blades with whoever is in there." She rests a hand on Lan's shoulder. "I suspect based upon what we have seen inland there must be a portal of some kind on Tilagos to allow one to cross over into the demi plane where the Order of Storms hid their secrets. I would think ruins like that would be a good candidate. Darl Quethos is no fool and if his boat is there I think we should investigate." She glances at Merrick. Always slightly unsure with the mad mage. "Could you teleport us into the maze Merrick, I know I can pass through the winds," she adds rubbing her ancient Ring of the Wind Dukes, "But its not the same for all of us. Would it be better for us to arrive in a spot of our choosing?" As she looks at the ruins she wonders where would be best. Pulling out her ancient Sword of Aqaa, the wind whipping and forming eddies around it and a faint singing sound echoing from the weapon. Whispering some arcane words she pulls out a thin flake of a scale and bites down, soft scales spreading up and down her neck and arms with red edges.

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast Dragonskin (Fire)

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 +30 temp HPs
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC = AC 29
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 140 minutes (+5 Nat Armour, Fire Res 20)

Heroes Feast: Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves


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



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

[RCgothic]

"I agree with Zarina," I say, surveying the ruins below. "Our goal is likely below us, and our enemy has got there first. We should pursue immediately! I'm glad I thought to prepare a little surprise for undead today," I say, retrieving the brilliantly shining stone from my pack and securing it where it can cast a wide illumination.

"I don't think we should teleport though, let's just get down there on the double!"

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist Talphrin "Do you think that they lie in wait?" ponders Elkist. "They know we hunt them. Do they scry us now as we looked upon them? I shall be happy to bait them if they lurk as cowards."

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“We can try to teleport, but be ready for anything. We could also reappear separated so we should allow Talsien to be our conduit of thoughts.

A long lists of defensive spells prepared dance on mage’s tongue.

“Let us prepare before we rush to our daily flirt with Nerull.”

Spoiler: Merrick character sheet

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spells prepared, raise your hhand if you want something. Three mass resist elements, mass fire shield and mass fly recommended

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=249687

[DrK]

Zarina Zarina nods to Mirrian, "Yes I agree, we should be bold in our approach. We cannot use too much time against the likes of Darl Quethos. If you would be so kind as to share flight with us Magister Merrick, that would help greatly, particularly as with the Ring of the Wind Dukes I can even fly through the hurricane blowing around us." She grins as she levitates a few feet off the ground, her cloak streaming out behind her and hair whipping in the winds. Moments later multiple Zarina's hang in the air as she breaks here shadow into numerous mirror images. THen she nods at Mirriana, "I stand Ready constable."

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast Mirrior Image (1d4+4)[7] images

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 +30 temp HPs
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC = AC 29
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 140 minutes (+5 Nat Armour, Fire Res 20)
Mirrior Image 14 minutes

Heroes Feast (Mirriana): Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves
Mass Fly (Merrick): Fly 60ft


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



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

[DrK]

Following the leading woman (Mirriana and Elkist striding in their armour) through the gusting wind and swirling rain Zarina soars some 15ft above their heads, the wind singing in an choirlike fashion as its strikes her or Elkist's blades that once belonged to the Wind Dukes. Behind the woman Merrick follows and Lan ranges slightly out to the flank hidden from view with his stealth skills. Its a 6 minute stride down to the ruins where you slip and slide down the cliff path onto the small bay that has the wrecks and the broken walled ruins. Ax you get closer approaching from the NW the black basalt walls rise high above you, a mixture of broken walls and ancient standing stones with markings long since washed off or removed. From down the near the beach you can hear the clunk of working tools and the guttural shouts of orc echoing from the beach to the south and you expect that some of the crew have remained behind to fix the ship.

Plunging into the maze the ground is soft and mossy between the blacks walls and everything glints in the wek sunlight in the storm's eye from a thin covering of salt although there are still plenty of plants and the walls are covered with thick nets of ivy. As you enter the maze you quickly reach a of crossoards of sort (on the NW side), to the north the walls open up into a plaza of sorts, broken columns and smashed tiles with grass and weeds jutting between them suggest it has been ruined for many centuries but in the centre of the plaza what once may have been a collection of four impressive statues of marble and basalt have been reduced to piles of shattered rubble and fragments of the statues lie scattered around the area. However Lan and Merrick's sharp eyes can see a flickering blue glow underneath one of the statues and from near the partially broken archway into the plaza Lan can see fresh-ish blood streaked on the doore frame.

To the south another plaza beckons, this one complicated by numerous stone stalagmites scattered around the broken tiles. These rocky growths are covered with strange slash like glyphs made of vertical and horzontal slashes but seem to have no other purpose. However from the base of the largest stalagmite some 40ft tall and 20ft across a tangle green glowing cystals appears to be "growing"...

So investigating north or south plaza or pushing towards the beach or deeper into the maze?
For durations, 6 minutes has passed

[DrK]

Zarina Pausing in the space between the two plazas with the strange crystal growths Zarina looks at the walls and mentions the strange druidic runes. "I cannot read most of them as druidic has been kept so secretive but there are elements of the elemental languages, aquan, auran, ignan and terran there. If they were not so damaged and wind worn I suspect they would be a living history of the Order of Storms and how the druids gathered so much data at their library." Pausing the multiple Zarina's around her pose in a variety of different positions before she gestures to the south. "Contable, I think that pathway there may offer a way south without going through the cystal plaza, its seems be a concourse or thoroughfare of sorts." She motions across a broken wall that stands maybe waist high and leaning against the mossy ston you can peer south and see the ruins form almost a long central corridor towards the beach, where maybe 350ft away you can see distant shapes surrounding the wreckage of the boat from Lashona's scrying. the boat, or at least the sections of the bow you can see look to be beached on the shingle, propped up by planks of wood or bits masts from the other shipwrecks. At least a dozen hulking shapes armed with a variety of pointy things and garbed in leathers are working around the front of the boat as the Orcish captain stands atop the deck borrding.

Spoiler: OOC

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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 +30 temp HPs
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, +12 AC +5 NatAC = AC 29
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)
Mirrior Image 8 minutes - 8 images

Heroes Feast (Mirriana): Immune POison/Fear, +1 to will Saves
Mass Fly (Merrick): Fly 60ft


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



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

[RCgothic]

"We could spend ages wandering in this maze," Mirriana replies to Zarina. "Let's play that crew a visit and see what we can find out!"