Pax Viginti Team 1 IC [5E]

[TriciaOso]

The orb on the plinth flashes once more, and one of the other tubes begins to detach hoses and drain fluids, preparing to birth another monster. However, the display hovering in the air stutters and glitches, damaged by the lightning strike, and the creature does not emerge this turn.

Spoiler: The Mantibrax

Show

The creature within has the burly feline body and scorpion tail of a manticore. Like every manticore, it has a human face, filled with triple rows of teeth; this face is the same old man's face, seen all over the room.

The squid-like monster already on the field lashes out with a pair of tentacles; one misses Temaias, but the other picks up Jeevok, then hurls the goblin at the paladin. Temaias ducks out of the way, and Jeevok flies another ten feet before smashing into the wall, his head colliding with another tank, which cracks. He gets an excellent, terrible view of the creature inside.

Spoiler: The Zazzlehydra

Show

The creature is monstrous, resembling an attempt to weave a large number of serpents together into a humanoid form. Both arms and legs seem to have too many joints, and end in fanged faces; eyes and mouths stud the ropey torso. Worst of all, the shoulders are topped with a humanoid head, and once you see that face, you can see the resemblance in all of the faces. It is the face of Zazzlebrax.

The display glyphs flash red, and fluid begins to drain from the tank through the crack. The creature within thrashes, and slams an appendage against the glass, damaging it further and gushing more fluid out, drenching Jeevok.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Jeevok takes 18 damage. Make a CON Saving Throw.

[Ninja Dragon]

Jeevok tries to dodge the tentacle that grabs him, but it's too fast. He feels helpless as he is thrown into the air, hitting a tube of glass.

Ignoring the pain, he looks at the glass, and sees a creature just as scary as the one that just hit him trying to come out.

Realizing they are surrounded, he decides to be pro-active and take it down before the creatures all come out and overwhelm them. He yells to his buddy:

"Temaias, I'll handle this thing here. Kill the tentacle monster before it hits us again!"

He then gets down to work, hitting the monster in front of him 5 times in a burst of action, feeling as the magic from the bard powers up his movements to hit it harder.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Bonus Action: Commander's Strike on Temaias (can make an extra attack as a reaction and add 1d10 to damage.
Action: attack twice. 30 dmg.
Action surge: attack 3 times. 42 dmg.

[Thokk_Smash]

“I’ll try to stop the orb from spewing out more monsters!” Eokos yells. Focusing his power through the Doss Lute, he throws a powerful jolt of dispelling energy at the orb in the center. “The squid thing shouldn’t be immune to cold, Temaias!”

Then, he says to the giant squid, “Is that all you’ve got? I’ve had worse trouble with indigestion after calamari!”

((OOC: Dispel Magic at the orb at 6th level.

Bonus action: Vicious Mockery at the kraken through Discord

Edit: VM takes an action, so no Mockery, but Eokos does still taunt the squid because rule of funny))

[TriciaOso]

Temaias reacts to Jeevok's command and slashes at the malformed kraken as Eokos dispels the orb.

The dispel magic is not powerful enough to fully disenchant the orb, but it does suppress a magical effect; in this case, the orb loses control over activating the tanks. The glyphs that were counting down all stop, resetting to normal. However, the power down is too late for the activated tube containing the Mantibrax; it pauses halfway in its rise, but there is enough space for the beast to squeeze out. And the Zazzlehydra is no longer contained at all, its glass tube smashed thoroughly.

With its ability to control the tubes deactivated, the orb switches in lair action and pours healing magic into the Zazzlehydra. The creature was only partially-formed and badly injured by Jeevok's attack; the healing restores much of the damage Jeevok did, but it cannot make it more fully developed.

The many mouths studding the Zazzlehydra begin to gnash their teeth, growl, laugh horribly and snarl as it pushes out of the ruin of the tube on its snaky limbs; the sound is horrifying and maddening.

Spoiler: DC 16 WIS save

Show

On a failure, roll a d8. On a

1-4: The creature is stunned until the end of the turn.
5-6: The creature is frightened until the end of the turn and uses its movement to get as far as possible from the Zazzlehydra.
7-8: The creature doesn't move, and it uses its action to make one melee attack against a random creature (other than itself) if one is within reach. It otherwise does nothing.

[Nyan]

Temaias after striking at Jeevoks tactical advice notices the hydras horrid laughter and looks towards it. Naturally Temaias being blessed by all manner of forces and wards shrug the effects off without issue but he does notice that Eokos grips his head showing obvious signs of falling to the creatures howls. "Eokos! Stay back!" He then uses his spectral tail to grasp on to the satyr as he uses his mighty wings to pull them both away from the hydra. In the same motion, using the speed of his dash he also lands another blow at the giant Kraken. As the blade strikes it cauterizes the wounds of the beast with holy flame through the power of the platinum dragon. He looks only for a moment back at Jeevok as he leaves to assault the Hydra but has complete trust he can handle it on his own.

As he ends his movement his tail lets go of Eokos while Temaias' focus now goes back and forth between the Kraken and the Manticore about to break out of its prison. He looks back over his shoulder at Eokos for a second. "You got my back, don't you?" There was no sense of fear or worry in his eyes. Rather Temaias grinned a fanged smile back at the Satyr, his large wings unfurling to their full splendor to make his frame even larger, shielding his ally from the creatures in front of them. Like he has done for countless centuries Temaias placed himself in harms way to protect those he cared about. His silhouette almost like an icon back in his world, a icon of hope, protection and most importantly, faith. Temaias turned his eyes back at the creatures in front of him and bellowed his challenge. "COME THEN FOUL CREATURES! I, KING TEMAIAS WILL BE YOUR FOE!" as he does he exhales a cloud of icy mist which instantly condenses around his body, creating an armor made of ice. An additional layer of defense in his already impressive amount of protections. He has stood in the face of gods and not backed down and he was not about to do it this day either.

Spoiler: ACTIONS

Show

Using first attack to grapple eokos, second to attack the kraken with a smite for extra damage.
Move action to move us where we are standing on the map now.
Bonus action using sorcery points to cast Armor of Agathys at 5th level.

[TriciaOso]

The displays along the right wall flicker and vanish as the Zazzlehydra squeezes out. Like the kraken, it takes up more space than its body with its twining serpentine limbs. The horrible sound of its gnashing teeth and demented laughs fill the room as it takes up the center position.

Jeevok gets a chance to attack as it pushes past him, but he discovers that his sword has lost its blade of radiant light as the Zazzlehydra's antimagic field fills the room. Eokos tries to counterspell before the field reaches him, but the spell fizzles. Then all the spells fizzle. Even the orb in the center of the room loses its magic, powering down and sending all of the equipment into standby. Temaias's glorious armor and otherworldly form seem to melt like ice in the sun, and the dancing illusory images around Eokos still.

On the other side of the room, the Mantibrax squeezes out of its tube and attacks Temaias with its claws, tearing into him. It flings a poison dart at Eokos, almost casually, and pierces him in the furry thigh, as the cacophony of the Zazzlehydra sweeps over him. Finally, the kraken lashes out with its tentacles and lifts all three adventurers into the air.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Temaias takes 40 damage from the claw attacks. 18 damage to Eokos with the poison dart.

Then all three of you are grappled and take damage from the Kraken:

Temaias 9, Jeevok 17, Eokos 10.

Eokos is stunned. Jeevok passes, even without bless.

[Ninja Dragon]

Jeevok is very annoyed that his Sun Blade isn't working.

But that's just it. Annoyed. He knows better than to rely on a single shiny tool to protect himself. And magic? Who needs that.

He pulls his trusty old rapier. It has been years since he had last used it. To kill the previous owner of the Sun Blade. But he made it sure to always keep it sharp.

He cannot move due to the tentacles holding him, but the poor thing forgot to restrain his arm. Which is just what Jeevok needs to pierce it in the eye.

He then falls, get up, and takes a deep breath, trying to recover his strength after being grabbed and squeezed twice.

"Two more to go!"

[TriciaOso]

Temaias strikes at the Zazzlehydra, pouring his all into the stroke, and cuts a gash in the monstrosity. It retaliates, reaching out with its claws for both of them; Temaias dodges out of the way, but Eokos, still half-stunned, is grabbed and dragged closer, the claws digging into him. It holds him tight against the fanged maws of its torso, which gnaw horribly at him.

With Eokos out of the way, there is nothing to obstruct the Mantibrax from rushing forward to pounce on Temaias. It flings a poison dart at Jeevok, but misses; but the gnashing, howling babble of the mouths still sends him reeling. A moment later, Temaias also succumbs.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eokos: 35 damage from the claw and 36 from the bites. You are grappled.
Temaias: 13 damage from the Mantibrax claw attack.

The Zazzlehydra drops the anti-magic field, and steps up to the orb, laying his jawed appendages on it. The runes flash, and by the time Temaias and Jeevok come out of their stun, they are both magically restrained.

The two monsters stand to either side of them. A panel in the south wall slides back, hidden behind the apparatuses, and an old man enters, stepping gingerly over the kraken. He's carrying a string with fish on it.

"You lads did pretty well," he says, in what would be a thick Greek accent. His face is very familiar. His skin is ice-white. "Almost earned the ticket, yeah? Let's chat."

[Nyan]

After all the harrowing attacks Temaias found himself overwhelvmed. But at the last moment before he found himself losing to the assault of the beasts he instead found himself trapped. Restrained through magic and with only inches away from unconsciousness the monsters attacks cease. The armor of ice covers his body once more as the antimagic field is removed.

At the new figures appeance and the relase of the magic restraints Temaias would without a moments hessitation look away from him. Instead looking to his friend Eokos and whispers a breif prayer. To save him from death. Only after this is done does he finaly turn to look at the new figure and asks.

"Are you the enchanter?" he asks cautiously. Not sure what to make of this man.

[TriciaOso]

"In a manner of speaking," he says. "Something between a clone and a simulacrum, let's say. Legally and spiritually, no, but I am a fairly reliable proxy for himself."

He gestures at the Zazzlehydra. "Formidable, isn't it? I fancy if you'd drawn any other of the options you'd have won the day. Unpleasant design, though. It's just not worth it, I'm afraid."

The Zazzlehydra grunts, the same face slack and fanged.

[Thokk_Smash]

Eokos breathes in a gust of air, bursting to a seated position with a shout of alarm. "What was--! Sunova--!"

Inkokos makes choking motions on Eokos' chest as Eokos regains his bearings. "Oh, damn, near-death experiences never get easier," he groans, getting to his feet with a grunt. Spying the regular human man with Zazzlebrax's face, Eokos nods. "Pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Eokos, a new member of the Adventurer Corps. The bruiser over there is Temaias, and the swordslinger is Jeevok, also of the Corps."

[Ninja Dragon]

One moment, Jeevok had just finished off the giant squid and was running towards the hydra to take it down.

The next moment, the beast screamed. Jeevok focused every cell of his body onto resisting it, but he just couldn't. It wasn't just a matter of effort. His mind was just not strong enough.

Then, for what felt like the longest seconds of his life, what was left of his counciousness watched as the beast turned its back on him and started decimating his team. First, it knocked out the satyr. Then went after the dragoborn, which was also not moving. Jeevok knew his clone would probably work, but Temaias did not have one. He felt like dropping his pride and screaming for the dungeon's owner to come save them, but even that he couldn't do.

Until it all ended, and he was able to move again. Jeevok had to make an effort to calm down and not continue the attack that was started against the hydra, but now towards the new target. He then listened as Temaias and Eokos tried to negotiate with the man, and realized what he had to do. Politics were not his field. He did not like the platitudes that went into making it work, and that is why he had retired from the goblin council a few years after the war ended. But if he wanted to get anything done, beyond the things that the sword could accomplish, he would have to once again hide his feelings and start doing the platitudes.

"Those are some... interesting creatures. Got me good, this one" - Jeevok says, embarassed - "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Zazzelbrax, and I suppose I am curious to why you seem to dislike the Corps, so I would love to hear your stories that caused that impression".

"I imagine the reason you did not come in person is because you want to make some deal, first? Tell us, what is it that you need from us?"

Even then, Jeevok couldn't help but go straight to the point.

[TriciaOso]

Jeevok is correct. There is a deal on offer.

Spoiler: Exposition!

Show

The simulacrum explains that while trying to add a time travel element to the dungeon, something with badly wrong, most likely because the enhanced chimera, Yanartas, is 1/3 sphinx. The rotating doors are caused by his interference, as well as the failure of the spiral staircase to lead more than a few days into the past or future.

Zazzlebrax* explains that the chimera used the breaking of the vault to steal a dungeon control orb, and has escaped into the future with it. The wizard wants it back badly.

He will receive you and the summons to the Council if you can retrieve it; if you die, he will negotiate with Yanartas instead.

Then Temaias offends him and he Banishes you all. However, the spell is not strong enough to reverse your travel between spheres, and--

You regain awareness of yourself in a large squarish room, perhaps 120 x 100 feet. It appears to be carved of stone, but an unusual stone, with a slick black glittering surface that throws back light strangely. The light comes from the bright smokeless torches flanking the exits, a very old-school look. Doors stand in all four walls, and a stair rises in the center of the room around a central well, giving you six possible exits.

The nearest door, leading away to what may well be the north, seems to be formed of black ice. It's as if water was pouring over the lip of the doorframe and froze mid-flow. However, there is no ice on the ground around it. There is no handle, either; it only seems to be a door because of its size and shape. Otherwise, 'frozen waterfall' might be a better name.

The well in the middle drops to darkness in the center; however, you can see the light of several other landings below until they blur together with distance. The stair is made of ancient heavy timbers of blond wood and there's no guardrail, but it seems in decent repair on this level and the next. Looking up is much the same, although you can see some waving greenery up there, as if plants are growing there. A few steps up and down show that the floor two landings above is almost impassable with plants sprouting from the wooden steps, while the steps two landings below are rotting and in some cases missing.

[Nyan]

Temaias would set up Leomunds tiny hut via the wand before he settles down with a grunt. His familiar crawling up at his shoulder and Temaias smiles before giving it a gentle scratch under the chin. "Well then. Shall we rest? I'll take the first watch so I wont need to put on this armor an extra time." He comments as he and his familiar take the moments to look around the room. He would speak with the familiar quietly every now and then, but making sure not to disturb his friends sleep. After the hours had passed Temaias would wake up the next individual for the next watch. He would then spend several minutes to take of his armor in a very ritualistic manner. Treating every piece of said armor as if it was a holy relic worthy of reverence. Incense was lit, prayers were made, purity seals checked and repeated. Finally he settled down, resting his head on his backpack and his familiar would curl up ontop of his chest. About two seconds would pass after that point and Temaias would start snoring like an ancient dragon in a rumbling cave.

[TriciaOso]

Just as Temaias is settling in to sleep, something strange happens. There's a whispering, rushing wind that fills that cavern, but soundless, forceless; sensed in the tingling of your skin. Your hair stands on in and your fingernails tingle. A groan rises from the central stairwell, and a murmured mingling of voices from south and west. The torches dance and flicker, dropping the room into darkness just for a moment.

When it passes, the room has changed somewhat. The curtain of gems covering the vault vanishes in a twinkle, replaced by nothing at all. The doorway to the south, which you smashed to splinters, is partially filled by the vault door, viewed edge on, extending at right angles from the doorway. The vault door vanishes, in turn, from the western doorway, replaced by a swiftly melting block of ice in the form of a frozen waterfall. And the northern door is clear, except for a curtain of sparkling gems.

Nothing else seems to change, but you know you are now on one floor--one day--deeper into the dungeon.

[Thokk_Smash]

Eokos' eyes open a fraction of a second before Temaias' hand shakes him awake. One of the downsides of being so keyed up for years, on the lookout for signs of danger or enemies. Still, he gives Temaias a smile as he hops to his hooved feet. "Nothing amiss?" he asks as the other man moves to do his evening rituals.

It's peaceful...until the dragon-man starts snoring to wake the heavens and hells. Eokos grimaces for awhile until his ears start to tune out the droning noise. Hopefully they don't have to take too many rests together; he'll enjoy the comfort of his Pax-given bed.

As the hours of his watch pass, he keeps an eagle eye on their surroundings. The different positioning of the doors is interesting; the northern door, Yanartas' domain, is now freely accessible. Part of Eokos itches to explore it, but he won't leave his watch to do so. Instead, he simply takes out his lute and makes sure it is tuned, trying to come up with a suitable ballad for their current adventure.

[Ninja Dragon]

Jeevok goes into a heavy sleep, quickly. He wasn't very injured, but he did spend a lot of energy in that day to avoid being injured.

He has nightmares while he sleeps. Most of them seem to be related to Jeevok losing his ability to move while people he knows die in front of him. Many of them are goblins he knew, some who actually died during the war, and some who didn't. In one of the dreams, he also sees Temaias, Eokos, and Raven. It is the same story, someone stuns his mind and suddenly he cannot move, then people start dying around him.

He is awaken by Eokos, telling him he has the next shift. The goblin feels relieved he can actually move by himself. And fustrated at what the nightmares say about what happened in that day.

He then decides to put hios guard time to something productive. He grabs three of the ioun stones and starts focusing on them, in order to attune to their power.

[TriciaOso]

You are all finishing up your long rests when it begins. Yanartas descends through the stairwell, not using the steps but dropping like a stone. When he reaches this level, his draconic wings snap out, wider than the well, and with a single powerful flap he comes forward, digs his claws into the floor and begins to squeeze out. His huge body barely fits through the space, and he has to negotiate his three heads one by one. Nevertheless, it all happens very quickly and without a lot of noise.

The body is large and muscular, scaled but with the feline build of a lion, feet ended in brass-shod hooves. The lion head is central; the goat head cranes over its shoulder, and the draconic head extends on a long serpentine neck, sniffing the air. The tail that comes behind is a barbed manticore tail, but the head within the leonine mane is not like a manticores; it is feline but humanoid, with a noble nose and high brow. Its tail is prehensile and wrapped around a large black orb.

It surely sees your dome, but strides purposefully towards the melting waterfall that blocks entry to the medusa temple.

[Thokk_Smash]

"Ah, hells. Game time, guys, Yanartas is here," Eokos motions to the others. "I say we try to talk with them first. I'll take point, Temaias, try to follow my lead. Jeevok, try to get a sense of how powerful it is."

With that, Eokos pops his head out of the Tiny Hut with a personable grin on his face. "Hail and well met, Yanartas The Three!" he calls out, nonthreatening and jovial. "Might I beg a moment of your time before you begin your incursion upon the Mother Medusa's domain?"

[TriciaOso]

The three heads swivel around, watching you as well as the rest of the room. "No," says the lion.

The dragon takes a deep breath and blasts a gout of flame towards the frozen waterfall, which explodes into steam and chunks of flying ice.

The goat, however, studies you curiously. "What a curious creature you are. Are we related?"

"Can you not even spare a moment for one who knows about the orb you now carry?" Eokos asks with a knowing tone. "Aren't you interested in the secrets of your own world? Isn't that why you're attacking the Medusas and the Bullywugs--because you've realized there are things you didn't know about the world you thought you owned?"

He knows he's sorta just stalling for time while he thinks of a better in with the creature, but he hopes that his guess is right. To the goat, he gives another confident smile. "I was surprised at how familiar you look, too! Isn't it crazy?"

The chimera turns away from the steaming waterfall. "What are you implying?" growls the Sphinx. "What do you know about the orb?" (CHA saving throws for all as he casts Zone of Truth)

Eokos pits his will against the spell on pure reflex, easily overcoming it. Only after he does that does he realize it would have possibly been better to allow it to affect him. Still, he says, "I know that it was created by a wizard of great power named Zazzlebrax. I know it can be used to control parts of this dimension, but it requires runes of power held by yourself and the other two Powers. If you don't believe me, ask my associates."

Having said that, Eokos steps fully from the Tiny Hut, banishing the sphere and revealing his comrades. "But more importantly, the orb is just an introduction. An introduction to a story you didn't know was taking place. The world is far more vast than you knew, and we can show you proof."

"He s telling the truth" - says Jeevok, realizing being able to be trusted by his enemy is a great tactical advantage. So long as Eokos is still able to lie, though.

The chimera growls through three mouths. "I will have my proof when I control this universe."

"I think I can understand," Eokos says. "If only very vaguely. You've had the rug pulled out from under you, and now you're scrambling for any semblance of control over your situation. Is that about right?" Eokos is keeping his body language nonthreatening, keeping his tone thoughtful and helpful. He is trying to make it obvious he only wants to help.

Temaias was still mumbling prayers as he in a ritualistic manner put on his suit of armor. But still listening intently to the convesation. The rites were second nature at this point. The small platinum dragon helping him as best as it could by holding straps or giving him the lighter peices of the suit. Once the chimera surrounds them in a zone of truth there was almost an suprising lack of resistance to the magic, rather acceptance. Temaias was a soul of truth through and through of such purity his instinct was to not resist such magics.

"But say you do find the truth we speak once you have control...What would you want to do after?..." He paused only breifly in his prayers to question the chimera.

Yanartas bristles. "I don't answer to you creatures," snarls the lion head. It turns and begins to stalk towards the entrance to the medusa's temple.

[Ninja Dragon]

The party watches in powerless frustration as Yanartas goes into the medusae' temple.

The only thing left is to attack the beast. But during the night, they talked about a better plan. Since the stairs allow them to travel through time, they will use it to go back one day and meet the medusae again, and hopefully help them prepare an ambush.

They start to climb up. The stairs don't look very firm, though. Eokos and Jeevok manage to dodge the more dangerous spots and get to the top. But Temaias, being the embodiment of strenght that he is including the heavy armor, simply falls through one of the stairs steps as the walk up.

He gasps and tries to reach and slam his clawed fingers in to the next staircase but he finds himself shredding the wood as if it was paper. Jeevok then quickly grabs his sending stone and screams into it "AREN'T YOU A DRAGON? FLY!"

The momentum sends Temaias in to a tumble as he falls only to vanish in a flash of light and appearing infront of his friends. Standing stock still his scaled cheeks red and eyes wide open. "....IM FINE!" He exclaims, before turning and marching up the rest of the way as if nothing happened.

"Oh, that works too" - says Jeevok.

[TriciaOso]

The decay in the stairs seems to decrease as you go up and get worse further down; the stairs above this level are beginning to sprout green buds and sprigs of leaves. Temporal effects. You emerge easily back on the floor where you began.

Looking around, you do not see your dome, and the burning door to the south is still there. The vault door to the medusa temple is shut, however, allowing you to pin down your timing pretty closely. Your past selves must even now be fighting the medusas, escaping through the tunnel, or lingering on the cliff by the waterfall.

The vault door is locked of course, but you're on the side with all the tumblers, and you've unlocked it before. It should be simple enough to pass through. You do not hear sounds of fighting from within.

[Ninja Dragon]

Jeevok dons his sun blade and shield, and gets ready to enter the room.

"Ok, let's go. Hopefully they will believe in our story".

[TriciaOso]

You easily unlock the vault door. The first room of the temple is empty, except for the body of the single medusa you slayed in your early attempt. This narrows down your time frame; after the attack, after your parley, before they can retrieve the corpse of their comrade. You probably have a narrow window before they return.

Not being under attack, you finally have the chance to take a good survey of the room despite the darkness. It is a long rectangular room, supported by pillars, and the far end holds a wide arch obscured by the same kind of pebbled curtain you saw in the main room. You see several more bullywug statues that you did not get a good look at before, although only one is carrying any loot of note; at the far end of the room, one of the squat frog-like humanoids is wearing a lion skin as a hooded cloak. It's far too big for him, and the golden fur puddles on the ground.

[Thokk_Smash]

Eokos looks at the lionskin pelt with longing, but steadfastly moves towards the medusa lying on the ground. Taking the Physician's Blade and muttering a quick prayer, he slashes the fresh corpse and invokes the blade's restorative properties. He breathes a sigh of relief when the medusa awakens. The sudden feeling of oppression from the medusa's gaze is arduous, though, so he quickly gives the medusa a smile.

"Sorry about that. I promise, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please don't attack me."

He finishes with a quick apologetic grimace, before hopping away from the Medusa towards the entrance. Taking some clear powder from his pouch, he sprinkles it before him and a transluscent wall of force appears, boxing their group in and protecting them from any impending assault.

[Nyan]

Temaias was not exactly hundred percent sure on what their plan was. Not that it mattered too much. While they were unlocking the vault door Temaias waited patiently before following in as the three of them rushed in. He pondered for a moment how it would be to meet himself and if he did what would he do...He thought perhaps with several of him there could be no way for any foe of justice to stand in their way but all this time related matters was far beyond the rather simple mind of the paladin so he let the matter rest pretty quickly. He studied the room as they went instead to see if there was anything they missed. And while Eokos went to resuscitate the medusa he would take a quick glance to the pelt and assuming he had enough time, would snag it and bring it back with him before the wall of force was put up. He would however wait to ask his friends what it actually did if it was anything of note as they awaited the reinforcements to arrive.

Spoiler: COMMUNE QUESTIONS IF STILL POSSIBLE

Show

1: Would it be of assistance to us and those of the pax to convince Yanartas to join the Pax?
2: Would it be dangerous to the lives of innocents to not have Yanartas join the pax, but let Yanartas roam free beyond this demiplane?
3: Would it do good to convince Zazzlebrax to return and continue working with the Pax rather than cutting ties with them entierly?

[TriciaOso]

Spoiler: COMMUNE

Show

1: Would it be of assistance to us and those of the pax to convince Yanartas to join the Pax?

No.

2: Would it be dangerous to the lives of innocents to not have Yanartas join the pax, but let Yanartas roam free beyond this demiplane?

Yes.

3: Would it do good to convince Zazzlebrax to return and continue working with the Pax rather than cutting ties with them entierly?

Yes.

Temaias makes it back with the lionskin just in time for the wall to go up. It's not long before the Magna Soror comes from behind the beaded gate, flanked by two lesser medusae. They are, if your ability to recognize medusae is any good, the one you revived and the one you spared earlier. The Magna Soror is a huge creature, generally the same shape as her little sisters but much bigger. It's hard to make out much detail if you are averting your eyes, however.

Spoiler: If you do not avert your eyes, make a CON sav.

Show

Her face is twisted in a grimace of rage or pain, eyes wide, and seems frozen that way. She has four arms, two of which are massively muscular and end in savage talons coated in the same venom that drips from her fangs. Her mass of snaky hair spills down her back, and writhes and dances actively. Each of the snake has the same deadly gleam in their eyes as the medusae's own. She wears a leather breastplate and shield, with a wand held in her free smaller hand. Her tail extends far back into the darkness.

[Nyan]

Temaias did avert his eyes from the creature that arrived, infact he was turned towards his allies. He had been pondering on the answers that his god had given him but had not had the time to address those thoughts to his friends. So he would via the message spell speak with the two of them in turn. "I had doubts before about the chimeras place in all of this...But no longer. It holds the wicked arrogance of a tyrant and a festering shadow in its heart. I have seen it many times before and as such I will not allow this creature to remain a risk to the lives of innocents. It needs to be slain." After which he would place a hand on the shoulder of his satyr companion. "Bahamut is told about in legends for his use of words and diplomacy rather than of might. May his voice speak with yours my friend." Eokos then feels his body suffused with a bolstering energy. His voice would call every so slightly louder, ring with clarity and truth, his bearing more regal and steadfast.

Spoiler: ACTIONS

Show

Casting Guidance on Eokos. Will aid him with his diplomacy check when he does his pitch. :P

[Thokk_Smash]

Eokos takes Temaias' words in with a grave nod. He had wanted to try and reason with the creature; it seemed intelligent, and he thought it would be a shame for it to die. If Temaias says it will threaten the lives of innocents, though...that does change things.

Still, he presents a diplomatic smile to the Magna Soror as she and her sisters approach. "Salutations and good day, madam," he says, without so much as a grimace at the brunt of the three medusae's gaze. "First, I would like to apologize for the incident earlier. We did not intend to provoke your sisters, and though we were trying to defend ourselves we were stricken when she fell. That is why, despite saying we would leave, we returned to bring her back."

He pauses a moment before he continues, "Of course, there is a reason we came here to begin with. And I would like to apologize to your sister, Pollexia, but we did not give her the full information before. We thought it was necessary to deliver it to you, the Magna Soror yourself, first. It has to do with the Three, and the events that have occurred to cause the changing of the doors, and what that means for the future."

[TriciaOso]

The Magna Soror narrows her eyes to slits; a gesture that would seem hostile under other circumstances.

"Sssay on."