Secret of mana IC thread Part II

[WindStruck]

Larimar scratches a tuft of fur on his head. "So why are we bothering with these trolls, again? I guess my memory isn't that great. Did they happen to know something important?"

[Aegis013]

"I think the goal with the trolls would just be to stop the violence between the residents of the area and the trolls. I think it's a noble goal, though I suspect it wouldn't be in our interests to approach the trolls without a plan." Jahn says "I doubt they'd know anything relevant to our greater mission, but given the Black Rabite and the Claw-Birthed Lady have both been in the area, it's not impossible."

[Alhallor]

The desert has you again and after the coolness of the cave and the utter cold of shades realm it seems the heat hits you double as hard, even while being soothed by Coney's very useful cloak.

Thanks to your spectral horses the estimated travel time is again cut remarkably short, but now the wisdom of only travelling in the beginning and the end of a day becomes appaerent. The sun seems to send heat at you like a hammer, even in between days and when the sun has set itself high you are battered by a temperature that even Coney's cloak can't fully shield you from, making the pause in some ruined structure or by a hastily constructed shelter from Eliana quite needed. The amount of water needed has risen too, though it's merely a cantrip that takes care of that, sometimes the blinding sun is so massive and the sand reflects the rays in such a way that it may blind you when looking at it too much, but with a healers grace that problem is taken care of.

Luna also seems on your side, thanks to your horses you are able to get out of the way of a sandstorm that would have complicated matters even further.

When you enter another valley of dunes Eliana let's you travel slower, way slower than the horses can run and sends you a zig-zagged way across multiple dunes, pointing out subtly shifting sand formations that hide chitinous bodies and hungry mandibles.

Finally after two days you reach another ruined structure where you can take shelter in, it seems metallic in nature and has been partially sawed off, but still gave enough protection from the sun to be considered a safe shelter, behind it the desert has changed.

The usual sandy plain seem to be almost cut, like with a sword. Not unlike the weirdly cut Four-Season-Forest. Where shifting and weaving sand was on your side, there was a flat yellow plain before you, everything seems to shimmer with heat and you can kinda make out a structure far, far into the flat plain, though it's hard to tell if you're eyes are playing a trick on you.

I never got into this part of the desert, but if Salamander would like it, I guess we can try to reach him from there.

There is some last-minute preparation. More conjured water, Eliana checks if you're protected against the sun adequately and you ride out into Salamanders Domain beginning nightfall. The change is immediately clear when you cross the line. The night-air is filled with suffocating heat, even with proper protection it seems like you breath in molten, mottled, dusty air that scratches on your lungs. A bit of water washes your mouth out, but the dusty coarseness then sets into your stomach. Even your untiring spectral horses seem like they have lost some spring in they're steady steps.

You ride through the night, the mountain becoming closer and closer. You need to, because even imaging the heat this vale would have by day seems laughable horrendous, but you make it, you reach the mountain, it's peak spewing fourth shimmering heat and what looks like burning dust and you see a small carved path leading directly into the mountain, a small shrine that depicts salamander formed from sand, it's depicting him as a small lizard with flames instead of legs and holding a delicate burning staff.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Sorry that I sprang that much forward but with your traveling method and your guide there is really not much that hinders you going further. Any last minute preparations you want to make before diving in?

[Ridai]

After the simple, yet effective advisory signage direct towards Shade and warning of the trolls was installed, it was off to Salamander.

Once they reach the volcano, somehow making things even hotter than they already became, Thaum decides to include actual fire protection in their travels. The heat continues to be something draining Thaum, but one has to keep going.

When they reach the path into the mountain proper, well, no other choice but to head in.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Thaum casts mass resist energy (fire) on the whole group for 20 points of fire resistance for 100 minutes.

[Aegis013]

Jahn, drinking deeply between stanzas, and sometimes coughing from the sand, sings a tune. The song is both for the group's morale and hopefully something the fire sprite will appreciate.

"Braving the brutal sun
The heroes did travel
Valor second to none
Heat a judge's gavel

Off to Salamander's home
The great fire sprite alight
Shining through the gloam
Of the desert twilight

Respect and mighty power
Salamander wields true
His fire doth empower
Enemies his glour rue.

Perform (1d20+18)[26]

[WindStruck]

"Bleh, I knew I should have spent some time looking for some nice airy desert robes," Larimar says, spitting traces of muddied sand out of his mouth.

"Hope I don't get heat stroke and forget why we came here!"

[Alhallor]

When Thaum's spell takes effect it's immediately noticable with the air becoming way much easier to breathe. Eliana who has fared better than most, perhaps to her heritage, was still battered down by the heat and also seems better. I hope your spell holds long enough.

If Jahn's spell had an effect on the mountain and even the residents inside, well both doesn't want to tell, but was there a small flicker on the statue? An amused grin perhaps? Surely it must have been because of the heat that makes everything waver.

When you descent deeper into the mountain, even more heat washes over you, but thankfully Thaum's protection keeps it very bearable. But you can also all feel the mere presence of Salamander infuse the very air, without suffocating the magic of the other sprites. You are greeted by a hot-orange color which takes you some time getting used too, especially after the darkness of the night, though when you continue the small cave opens up into a wide cavern that seems almost exclusively filled with lava, though there is actually a small pathway that is littered with molten chunks of pebbles and rock. The battering heat does nothing to slow you even down thanks to the powerful protection woven unto you, but your eyes take a moment to adjust to the heat and Maybe a bit too late you see three Salamander-like figures, that don't seem like the sprite itself. One hangs back a tail in the lava, like the persiflage of someone who wants to cool they're legs off on a hot sommer day in a cool stream. All three of the figures are wielding gleaming hot ironwrought spears they are brandishing at you. Two smaller Salamander-beings slither towards you while the bigger one makes a decisive motion and a familiar spell greets you, though this time it's thrown at you.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Once in a blue moon you lose Initiative and this time it's the case. You are all hit by a FIREBALL, (10d6)[37] Reflex save against 15 for half but you can still deduce the 20 fire resistance.

The lava does it full 20d6 damage only if you're fully immersed and deals 2d6 fire damage constantly that you can safely ignore thanks to your protection.

Where there is no Difficult Terrain there is a lot of loose rubble, which ups the DC of any Tumble and Balance checks by 2.

Also for what it's worth all spells with the (fire) descriptor have they're caster Level uped by 1. In regards to what happens when Jahn plays his song. We'll see when he does

If you want to know more about the Salamander-like beings, roll a Knowledge (Arcana).

Also I'm gonna control Coney till she is with you, because she would definitely still help you out in searching Salamander.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Nevarlan nights ARE hotter than the day.

[Aegis013]

Reflex (1d20+7)[24]

As the flames wash over Jahn he grunts "For some reason, I wasn't expecting a fight. Anyone speak Ignan? We could try to talk them down."

Though given the aggression, he smartly elects not to use Dragonfire against the lava-dwelling creatures and employs his Badge of Valor and Inspirational Boost to provide regular Inspire Courage. Then Jahn boldly marches to the nearest salamander creature while still singing.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Swift: Inspirational Boost
Immediate (consuming next round's swift): Badge of Valor
Standard: Inspire Courage +4 on attack and damage rolls
Move: walk to J6, potentially provoking AoO if the target has reach avoiding the lava pits.

Maneuvers granted:
(1d6)[1] - Mountain Hammer
(1d5)[5] - Divine Surge
(1d4)[3] - Tactical Strike
(1d3)[2] - Battle Leader's Charge

Next round (1d2)[2] - Revitalizing strike

Spoiler: Status, Conditions, Buffs

Show

HP: 79/79 HP
Steeley: 0/5

Inspire Courage +4: countdown timer starts when Jahn stops singing at the start of next turn

[Ridai]

"If it does not, I will renew it," Thaum simply answers Eliana.

As they are ambushed, to a degree, the healer says "The elemental languages were still semesters away" and sends out the usual burst, which in this environment charged with Salamander mana looks more like a vague expanding bubble of protective mist, disappearing soon after first emergence.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Thaum casts the usual recitation for +3 luck to AC, attacks, and saves for all of Thaum's allies.

Active buffs: mass resist energy (fire, 20 points), recitation (+3 luck to AC, attacks, and saves; everyone but Thaum)

[kinem]

Ken is taken by surprise by the sudden burst of fire, and despite the protection from Thaum's spell, he ends up a bit singed.

Sizing us the sizzling opposition, he decides to try a spell that can be deadly, but takes time to do its work - and which can be called off, if there's a sudden breakout of negotiations. A longsword-shaped blade of force appears next to the salamander who threw the fireball.

"We don't want a fight. Just to talk! But we will fight if we must!" he declares, in case the salamanders can understand.

OOC: Swift: Blademage's Edge
Cast Empowered Spiritual Weapon vs larger salamander
Attack (1d20+12)[29], damage (1d8+3)[11] x 1.5 + 10 = 26

[WindStruck]

Larimar winces, but his reactions and heat protections make the fireball dissipate harmlessly around him.

Eh, I don't speak the language either, but I'll try and understand 'em!

He pulls out a wand and flicks it.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Comprehend Languages

[Alhallor]

Eliana flicks gracefully over the fireball, not even singed, emboldened by Jahn's song she strides besides him and attacks the Salamander with her rapier, not being concerned about the blistering heat he radiates.

Spoiler: Eliana attack

Show

Attack: (1d20+13)[22]
Damage: (1d6+7)[9]

Coney get's singed a little by ducking a bit too late, but she rolls to the side stretching her ears out and a black iridiscating bolt shoots towards the big salamander.

Spoiler: Spell Coney

Show

Ranged touch attack: (1d20+8)[14]
Damage: (1d4)[3] Levels

Jahn's song seems to almost get swallowed up by the roaring of flames and the noises the lava produces, but it's still keeping up and prevails over the noise.

Ken's Blade of Force springs up and hits the Salamander square in the shoulder. It seems to his aggressively, blood trickling down his shoulder but he doesn't seem to be disturbed.

From Larimar's perspective some of the hissing and flickering that the Salamanders produce suddenly transform into eligible words.

Spoiler: Larimar

Show

And now they are talking in that ABHORRENT foul language! Get them small ones! Focus on the casters! When the blade bites into the shoulder of the salamander he utters a string of curses that would make your face flush red if it wouldn't already be that hot.

One of the two Salamanders that have rushed forward surprises Jahn with an attack but not with his Spear but instead of his tail that shoots forward and whacks the singer.

Spoiler: AoO from the salamander against Jahn.

Show

Attack Roll: (1d20+9)[17]
Damage: (2d6+1)[8]
If the salamander hits he try's to wrap itself around you, effectively grappling you. Grapple check: (1d20+11)[14]

The same salamander then focuses his attacks on Jahn.

Spoiler: Attacks on Jahn.

Show

If the salamander has succesfully grappled you before it try's to hold the grapple.
Grapple check: (1d20+11)[19] If succesfull he deals constrict Damage. (2d6+1)[10] and attacks you with his spear.
Constricted spear attack: (1d20+11)[27]
Damage: (1d8+3)[9]

If the grapple isn't succesfull he just pokes you with his spear two times.
Attack 1: (1d20+11)[13]
Damage 1: (1d8+3)[9]
Attack 2: (1d20+6)[22]
Damage 2: (1d8+3)[10]

The other salamander slithers past Eliana and try's to skewer Ken.

Spoiler: Attack on Ken

Show

Attack: (1d20+11)[14]
Damage: (1d8+3)[6]

A bunch of smaller Salamanders appear and rush Coney and Thaum.

Spoiler: Larimar

Show

The small ones talk too.
Get down! Get down! We'll get you! Take that! charge!

Spoiler: Attack against Coney

Show

Attack 1: (1d20+6)[10]
Damage 1: (1d6+1)[6]
Attack 1: (1d20+6)[20]
Damage 1: (1d6+1)[6]

Spoiler: Attack against Thaum

Show

Will save 1: (1d20+6)[18]
Attack 1: (1d20+6)[24]
Damage 1: (1d6+1)[4]
Will save 2:(1d20+6)[12]
Attack 2: (1d20+6)[15]
Damage 2: (1d6+1)[2]

Spoiler: Updated map and OOC

Show

All the flames in one basket
For all of our sanity I'll omit the fire damage.

[Ridai]

Thaum really does not want to be here, and he would appreciate it if these fire beings stopped hindering them.

More mist flies out, this time to Ken, mending wounds, before another protective layer is added to the whole party.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Swift Close Wounds on Ken, healing (1d4+29)[33] HP (excess becomes THP)

Standard Mass shield of faith on the whole party, +4 deflection bonus to AC for 10 minutes.

Active buffs: mass resist energy (fire, 20 points), recitation (+3 luck to AC, attacks, and saves; everyone but Thaum), mass shield of faith (+4 deflection bonus to AC)

[Aegis013]

Jahn manages to parry and counter all but one of the creature's attacks, entering the snowflake wardance, Jahn uses the momentum of the enemy's spear thrust to pirouette into a powerful slash back at the enemy.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Free: Start Snowflake Wardance
Standard: Divine Surge against the creature in front of him

(1d20+21)[24] to hit
On a 38+ (1d20+21)[35] to confirm
On hit it deals (1d8+5)[7] plus (2d6)[4] plus (8d8)[41] +4 from IC = 56 total
On a crit it deals (1d8+5)[10] more +4 from IC = 14 more on crit
Jahn takes (1d6)[4] reciprocal damage

Spoiler: Status and Buffs

Show

Jahn takes 6 damage from the spear that hit him, and 4 from his own weapon
HP: 74/79, Steeley 5/5

Snowflake Wardance 13 rounds
Inspire Courage +4 for 5 more rounds

[WindStruck]

Larimar jumps back a bit and unloads some arrows onto the smaller salamanders trying to attack Thaum.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Consider Larimar at -1 J.

attack1: (1d20+21)[37]
damage1: (1d6+7)[8] + (1d6)[2] nonlethal

attack2: (1d20+21)[25]
damage2: (1d6+7)[13] + (1d6)[5] nonlethal

attack3: (1d20+16)[22]
damage3: (1d6+7)[10] + (1d6)[1] nonlethal

I'm SURE these things must be magical beasts, right???

Hm. Or maybe elementals or monstrous humanoids? If not a magical beast, subtract 2 from damage rolls.

He yells in Elven, "Oh yeah? What about this language?"

He didn't feel he needed to point out that they were swarming Coney and Thaum.

[kinem]

The salamander's attack on Ken misses as the elf dodges it.

Damn it, then we have no choice but to fight these things, probably have to kill them. We shouldn't have come here after all. Not worth it for just a tale, but I hope we at least get some useful information.

That being the case, Ken has a job to do.

OOC: Swift: Blademage's Edge
Empowered Spiritual Weapon continues to attack larger salamander
Attack (1d20+12)[13], damage (1d8+3)[10] x 1.5 + 10 = N/A
Attack (1d20+3)[20], damage (1d8+3)[9] x 1.5 = 13

Ken attacks with his greatsword the creature that tried to strike him:
Attack (1d20+20)[28], damage (2d6+10)[19]
Attack (1d20+15)[27], damage (2d6+10)[17]

[Alhallor]

Did the small thing try'd to communicate with him? It was nearly incomprehensible, what was even more incomprehensible was that one of his lesser kin had already fallen, the other was heavily wounded and even when the spectral blade missed him once, it bit into him again and would probably continue to do so. Combined with the weird weakness he felt after having been hit by this weakening spell and the Flames of this place and they're weapons being ineffectual against that beings there was only one possible solution. Especially because the Young kin were really ineffectual against the spellcasters who should absolutely be squishy but weren't.

The big Salamander Held his weapon high and screamed.

Spoiler: Larimar

Show

We yield! We yie

We yield! Stop it! Save my kin!

The smallest salamanders and the slightly smaller ones stop in they're tracks while the biggest one let's his spear fall to the ground with a heavy THUD.

We yield. It seems to almost give it physical discomfort to formulate the words in your language, like his tongue isn't even made for this sounds to leave it's mouth.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

One of the smallest Salamanders is safely unconscious thanks to Larimar's arrows, the medium one that Jahn hit is bleeding but not dead. The other 3 smallest aren't hurt and the other medium one is hurt but not dead. The biggest is hurt and has been hit by Coney's Enervation

[Ridai]

As soon as the yield happens, Thaum sends healing mists in order of importance. "We merely wish to meet the sprite Salamander. We have no quarrel with you." A preferable end to the fight, compared to fighting until the bitter end.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Sending Cure Light Wounds to the three wounded Salamanders for (1d8+27)[30] HP. Sending a restoration to the level drained Salamander.

[Aegis013]

In response to the creatures' yield, Jahn stops the Snowflake wardance and quickly rummages in his Haversack. Pulling forth a wand, Jahn expends a charge to cast Cure Light Wounds on the bleeding creature in front of him, ensuring it stabilizes and possibly returning it to consciousness.

Cure Light Wounds (1d8+1)[6]

"Sorry about the violence and I'm glad it looks like it ended before there was any loss of life. We're on an important mission and are hopeful that the fire sprite may be able to help us so we wanted to visit."

[kinem]

Relieved, but not entirely sure that the danger has passed, Ken dismisses the Spiritual Weapon before it can attack again.

[WindStruck]

Larimar cautiously approaches the big one. "I noticed it seems you hate our language, but I'm afraid we don't know any others that will be easier on you. For the time being, however, I can understand your native language, if you prefer."

[Alhallor]

The salamanders are more confused than anything when they are actually healed, even rescued from death by they're former enemies. That even the draining effect get's removed by the healer flabbergasts the bigger salamander and Larimar's offer seems to be an overkill of kindness for the salamanders which they need a minute to comprehend.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm going to assume that Larimar translates what the salamander is saying from here on out.

The big salamander nods towards the group and then especially towards Larimar.

When he speaks it seems to perfectly emulate the sounds of a campfire or the flowing of lava all around but for Larimar it's actually understandable speech.

I thank ye small one, your tongue does hurt upon mine, I'm a bit surprised by your… Kindness. The smaller salamanders huddle behind the big one while the ones in your height are at his side, still stunned from the critical goodwill attack you delivered.

You are not the only one who wants to talk with the sprite, Lord Xantoro

Spoiler: Larimar

Show

You're spell has a field day with that one, it almost seem to break down because the name seems to also imply a lot of things your spell can't easily comprehend and translate to you, it gives you the impression of great authority though and the butchered phrase "flames that hurt" before continue working as intended.

and his aide also wanted to meet the sprite and didn't wanted to be bothered. I don't know if you can wait the 4 months it will probably take him to talk with him, but I won't stop you continuing further if that is your wish. He only took us with him, they're will be no further obstactles between you and him. Please take this.

He lowers his massive spear and lays it on the ground.

You would have the right of the stronger to take it and I see you have no intention too. I can forge another and I know that my life and that of my kin is more important than my weapon.

Spoiler: Spear

Show

When you have the time to inspect it this spear is a Large Environmental Spear +3 it can be sized down or up to a smaller or bigger wielder (but not to be a different kind of spear) the environmental enchantment makes it nearly indestructible by temperature extremes and if you're in an environment where you could get subdual Cold or heat Damage it becomes a frost or flaming Spear respectively. If you are hit by fire or ice damage that transforms the spear to a frost or flaming weapon for one round. It's effectively a Large Spear +4. Should you want to sell it.

After having gifted the spear towards you the big salamander slightly lowers his head, the other salamanders deeply bowing towards you.

[WindStruck]

"Ah, thank you.. four months is far longer than we would have expected to wait. But our meeting should be brief, and we'll be as polite as we can about it," Larimar says with a wink.

[Aegis013]

After Larimar translates Jahn asks credulously "Did they say it'll take us four months to reach the fire sprite? What does he live so deep in the earth that his abode is the entrance to the underworld?" It's obvious to those who know him that Jahn begins to imagine some kind of epic journey but he shakes his head. "Larimar, would you check and see if that's what they meant? I really want to meet Salamander, but I suspect we may not have four months before the Claw-Birthed Lady or the Black Rabite make another move."

[WindStruck]

Larimar shakes his head at Jahn. "No, I am pretty sure his Lord Painful Fl- er, Lord Xantoro was just planning on speaking to Salamander for that long... which in itself seems kind of incredulous too. Maybe they just have a lot to talk about," he says with a shrug.

[Ridai]

Thaum sighs at the news of just how ludicrously long the lead salamander wants to talk with Salamando. "With a period of four whole months of talks left, I am fairly confident space for a short inquiry can be made." Of course, he is already preparing for trouble, given how readily his subordinates attacked the party.

[Alhallor]

Pretty sure they take at least 4 months, with they're ridiculous legs of they'rs. I mean if they take really small steps.

I'm confident that you can reach Salamander and Lord Xantaro in a sufficient timeframe. The larger salamander and the smaller ones get back into the warm embrace of the lava some of the smaller ones wave to you when you get past them.

"Look at that I always heard these were pretty egomaniacs." Mentions Eliana while you walk past them, she does wave back.

It takes you another hour of getting through rough spaces, avoiding lava patches and getting over a small stream of the stuff while still following kind of a way. The burning hot lava seems to subsist behind your eyes when you're blinking and you're sure that without the protecting spell constantly shielding you from harm you're clothes and hair would probably already had burst into flame. You see some fire elementals dancing on the lava in a certain spot and after the aforementioned hour you see some kind of rough stairs out of black stone which feel cool even through your shoes. Climbing these up you come upon a platform, seeing a very large winged human with burning hair who notices you and comes towards you. You see behind her another one of these salamanders and behind this, pretty small looking seems to be Salamando himself, gently floating above the ground, seemingly talking with the other salamander, but again in hissing, and crackling which emulate a burning fire.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

By my math Comprehend languages has been gone, but Mass Resist fire should still have like half an hour going.

The very large human looks down upon you, arching an eyebrow.

"If you want to talk to one of the lords you'd have to wait, he has an important discussion with the other lord." She gestures towards the two talking, which didn't seem to have noticed you, yet. She does talk understandably at least.

I'd ask you how you got past the entourage but I'm sure I don't want to know.

She seems relatively relaxed but she does seem to measure you.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Extended business meeting.

[Ridai]

Even with all the protective spells, Thaum increasingly dislikes the current environment, all treacherous paths and heat shimmer.

"Greetings to you. We were informed to the effect of the current meeting lasting several more months, and would humbly request a short half hour break for a quick audience with Salamando. Afterwards, we will depart in order to let the current talks proceed in peace." Thaum thinks about drinking some more water, but given he is not actively sweating due to the spells, he reconsiders, given the heat of his surroundings. And drinking water in the presence of, apparently, fire lords.

[Aegis013]

Jahn, suspecting the fire-haired humanoid's comment about the entourage indicates worry, adds "We didn't come here looking to inconvenience or harm you and yours, the entourage was alive and safe when we left them. We were hoping to humbly request the fire sprite's wisdom in hopes of aiding us on our quest. While it is of great importance, I don't wish to minimize the importance of your own business here either, as I don't know what it is, nor do I intend to pry into your business here without invitation. Is it possible we could compensate you adequately for the interruption so we might inquire of the sprite for the half hour or so we seek?"

Jahn gesticulates with his hands as he talks, and flashes his big smile, hoping to make a good impression while ignorant of the customs of this individual.

[WindStruck]

"Well, I don't think we can wait here forever..." Larimar chimes in.

"Erm, Thaum, about how much longer are these fire protections going to last?"