The realm of Celestia vanishes to be replaced with a  eld of shimmering, silver light. You  nd yourselves soaring like disembodied spirits in a bright nonspace surrounding a crystal teardrop that grows in size as you plunge toward it. With a shudder, you pass within. Suddenly you are standing on a white dais in a great translucent chamber. Crystal walls reflect the dozen great dragons surrounding you.

Silver and gold, copper and iron, and all the other hues of the metallic dragon races are here, but there is no mistaking the monumental  figure that all give fealty to. Bahamut has abandoned his humanoid form and now towers before you once more, proud and mighty. But then the great Platinum Dragon dips his head, slightly but significantly. One by one, the other dragons follow, lowering their heads nearly to the level of yours in a majestic salute.

“Friends,” Bahamut rumbles. “Champions. Welcome. You will be my guests here on the Astral Plane. I am certain most of you would like rest and all of you respite after your efforts."

Martha - for once - is overcome in the presence of Bahamut in his true form. She bows her head with the dragons. Before she can stop a tear slips from her eye. She wipes it quickly with her sleeve. She cannot find any words to speak.

Harald is also slow to speak but does manage to stutter a few words of thanks.

"Tha...that would be most appreciated, my lord Bahamut."

"Indeed, a rest would be nice, the calm before the storm." Sonliin said as another, deeper sounding voice started to emit from the paladin.

"This tempest I fear will shake the very foundations of the heavens, Grandfather..." the voice said in draconic.

Zog looks at Sonliin sideways before nodding. "Thank you, Bahamut. A rest would be appreciated. But not too much. I, for one, am eager to consider plans going forward. Rest has always made me...restive."

Gromley returns the bows of the dragons, and gives another to the first of dragons himself. "It's good to see you back as you always should be, Lord of Platinum. Now I can tell your servant that I kept my promise to her indeed."

Just like the others, Darrathier nodded the head to all of the dragons. "A rest would be greatly appreciated, indeed. We will need to gather our forces for what we will have to face."

Agon gazed around the immense crystal hall, full of divine dragons. "I would hazard we are the first humanoids to see this chamber in thousands of years, perhaps ever. This is a singular honor, Lord."

The heroes are made welcome to the Crystal Tear, abounded astral dominion of sweeping crystal chambers set with pillars of platinum and other precious metals. This is the war room and council chamber from which Bahamut and his exarchs direct the battle against the armies of Tiamat.

After a drawn-out process of introduction between the characters and the council, Bahamut directs the characters to private chambers, saying he will meet them shortly for further conversation. The adventurers’ quarters are in an opulent wing of marble halls whose shape and contents are divinely mutable according to the characters’ own will.

Each of you describe one thing you "make" with your minds in your temporary quarters.

Harald flopped down on a comfortable bed and kicked off his heavy sandals.

"This is grand" he grunted as he looked around.  "It jist needs wan thing..."

Over in the corner, appearing like magic - which of course it was - was a bar counter!

The dwarf slowly stood and walked over, licking his lips at the thought of heavenly ale.

If those in the party go looking for Zog, they have some difficulty finding him. If someone calls his name, eventually they find him. He is back in the human shape that the party met him in, sitting in what appears to be a simple cottage in some woods. He looks quite peculiar, as if something has been playing on his emotions, almost as if he were lonely or homesick. He looks around the place before nodding wordlessly to whoever found him and leaving with them away from this place that his mind created for him out of a place long past and long lost...

Sonliin entered the room, finding it well lit with a military cot, a comfortable chair and stacked with books from floor to ceiling on many subjects and languages. Off in the corner was a hot bath waiting for him as he took off his armor. After the bath, he took out a book and settled down into the chair.

Darratheir had been away from nature for too long and this place wasn't helping him feel better. When he entered in his private room, he found himself in the middle of a forest. A forest that was recovering after what seemed a violent fire.

In the middle of the place was a dead trunk lying on the ground and next to it, a fire was lit. Sitting on the trunk, the Dragonborn appreciated the heat and, looking to his right as if there was someone, he said "I wish you were here, my friend."

Martha’s quarters in the opulent crystal chambers of golden platinum pillars shift and become something more recognisable to her: the marble floor becomes sand and backed clay; the elaborate bed becomes her small hut; and the diamond chandeliers become the sun in a huge blue sky.

‘Home at last – sort of’ she says, smiling, as she pats her donkey. She allows herself liberties too: she’s laid out on a sun-lounger sipping a fruity cocktail with cherries and umbrellas through a pink straw. ‘This is the life Smell-Bell’, she slurs. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be home soon.’

Gromley's quarters becoming a plush room, perfumed and with floating trays of food and drink. He gets off his floating disk and gets on a floating cushion. Testing it and moving about until he finds the perfect way to sit in a meditative position. The glowing orb-Baldrick-which follows him everywhere keeps floating about, and telekentically gathers up food and drink at his master's telepathic request.

"No pleasant female company...ah, guess its not really perfect then." He said chuckling.

After a pleasant time--you have a hard time determining how long, but Agon or Gromley could tell you that this is normal for the Astral Plane. It does not seem a long time, though, when Bahamut has you come back to his chamber, where his exarchs sit with him.

“The war has turned under the pressure of a tide that the Dragon Queen could never have predicted, but it is not won. The forces of good and law hold their own, but Tiamat’s power is carved out by treachery. With each failure, the Dragon Queen need simply seek the next betrayal that will fuel her ambition.

“The word of my return shattered the resolve of Tiamat’s forces and gave our own armies a much-needed chance to regroup. In the weeks since my return, we have taken the fight to them, and we are near the endgame now.”

“The Dragon Queen has sent nearly half her remaining force to her last redoubt in the planes—the City of Brass in the Elemental Chaos. Already, our forces lay siege against her blue exarch who stands in command there, but his power is formidable. He is an ancient wyrm named Namissi whose thirst for blood is unequalled. We must break his defense, and time is short.

"The Dragon Queen has entered into dark agreements with the Lord of the Efreets, the powerful and power- hungry Bashumgarda. He believes that this alliance will grant him control of the Elemental Chaos, but Tiamat’s treachery runs deep. Her ritualists have used the great knowledge of the efreets to channel the raw energy of the elements. She intends to claim the efreets’ power as her own and to infuse her armies with elemental might that could tip the tide of battle.

“We might break the magical wards that protect the city and Tiamat’s army within a week ... if we had that much time. We do not. Just as the arcane wards of efreet and dragon hold us at bay, our ritualists have sealed the basalt plain of the city and the Sea of Fire against Tiamat’s remaining armies which are amassing to break our siege. Using the power of the Well of Worlds, dragon ritualists have effectively blocked the Elemental Chaos to planar travel by Tiamat’s forces, but we cannot maintain those wards for long. Within a day, Tiamat’s forces will batter through our barrier and we will be caught between two armies. We must take the city, and quickly.

“The City of Brass is sealed against physical incursion, the power of teleportation, and all forms of planar travel. Bashumgarda holds the city in an iron grip, and his allegiance to Tiamat will not waver. Our spies have determined, however, that there are cracks in both of these defenses.

"Although Bashumgarda promised his people power, Tiamat’s forces have taken over in all but name. Many of the efreet nobles now chafe under Bashumgarda’s reign. One of those, the lord Estumishu, has sway over the nobility and a claim to the throne of the Charcoal Palace as strong as Bashumgarda’s. By magical communication, we have treated with him, but he will not commit to joining us. A direct appeal—a meeting within the city itself—must change his mind.

“One of Estumishu’s followers has aided us there, with rumors of an ancient portal set within a shrine inside the city. Its power is primordial in origin, so it is not hindered by Tiamat’s magic. This Portal of Forgotten Fire connects to another primordial shrine lost in the legendary Keening Delve. That warren of timeless tunnels and cursed ruins sits not far from the City of Brass, but its narrow passages cannot be trod by dragons. A group of mortals must  nd their way through the delve and enter the city.

“Estumishu negotiates from a position of both power and pride. Those who treat with him must be able to do so as his equals and to speak with Bahamut’s voice. This mission cannot fail, my friends. I trust it to no one but you.”

Martha is still quite drunk from her cocktails earlier. 'Yushhh. Fashhhinating' she drawls, waking herself up with a blurry shake.

'Lishten Bashasmut' she rises unsteadily and points a waggeldy finger at the reborn god. 'I admidtsh I'm not your worldsh biggesht fan, nor have I been particularly on your side up to now.' She looks guiltily at Zog. 'And Zhoggsh and me nearly fell out over it.'

'But anyway! I'm all in now. You've been a really generous hosht and the cocktails were really really lovely. We're going after the Glistening Uber-Bitch! Who's with me! To the City of Brasssh! Kill the angels and screw up the devils. I mean dragons and Efreeti! Sack the Tapestries! Let's do this team!' She tries to hug everyone, even Bahamut.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

Harald drew back from Martha's hug and stared up at her.

"Hm!  Jist as well Ah stuck tae beer and didnae bother wi' they fancy whatdaeyeca'thems."

He smiled at the others.  "That said.  Ah think oor Martha has the right o' it.  An' Ah'm ready tae go as an' when the rest o' ye are ready."


I assume we are back to full health, full surges and recovered powers?

In reply to Martha (msg # 17):

"My my!" Gromley says after he gets his hug, grinning widely. "Affectionate beautiful ladies who enjoy drinking? This IS heaven..." He chuckled.

The glowing orb, Baldrick, floats by Gromley's head and lets off a audible sigh. "Quiet, Baldrick!" Gromley snaps at the creature.

He does move his floating disk nearby in case Martha falls over and needs a soft landing space-due to the cushions all over the disk.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

Zog takes all this in solemnly until Martha hugs him. He winces a bit but lets her hug him, patting her on the back.



Zog waves his hand. "All behind us now. We seek the same ends for our own reasons."

He bows to Bahamut. "I would be honored to be your emissary. For my part, with my friends here, I will see it done."

Agon had spent the intervening non-time meditating on the nature on good, evil, and power. Here at the astral, it was easy to sense the plan that had created the universe, and all the flaws that had crept into it.

For an external observer, it seemed that the archmage slept in a deep overstuffed chair, but his mind was deep at work.  His eyes now glowed with violet energy.

"We will see this mission through to completion, and return Tiamat's betrayals."

Darrathier quietly listened to Bahamut's plan and explenations and he nodded the head from time to time. Not used to signs of affection, he still awkwardly accepted Martha's hug before turning to the Platinum Dragon. "The Arrow of Fate and I will help you as well."

Several of the exarchs look a bit nervous at the mention of the Arrow. Several of you sense that they are unnerved by its presence.

Bahamut recommends that you take a few hours to prepare. The party’s goals as set out by Bahamut are:

• Enter the Keening Delve and locate the shrine containing the Portal of Forgotten Fire.
• Gate across to the City of Brass and meet with EstumF ishu’s contact.
• Attend a summit with the efreet noble and convince him and his followers to aid Bahamut’s cause.

Bahamut does not know the specifics of what the heroes will face in the Keening Delve, but he can tell you this: The vast basalt plate on which the City of Brass stands is threaded by an ageless and endless series of tunnels cut through a great mass of blood-red rock, as intro- duced in Manual of the Planes. The Keening Delve is a labyrinthine warren of ruined tunnels and caverns threaded by an endless shrieking wind—according to legend, the echoing scream of a primordial slain in the Dawn War. In the heart of the Elemental Chaos, Haemnathuun fought against Bahamut, Bane, and Ioun, and was slain. Countless centuries later, the wind that is his dying breath has scoured his former citadel into ruin. The Keening Delve is a place of madness and mystery now inhabited by slaads, demons, elemen- tals, and other foul creatures. Great treasures are said to be lost there, including artifacts and magic from the Dawn War. Some say that Haemnathuun’s living heart still beats at the center of this labyrinth, patiently awaiting the chance to be reborn.

“Estumishu’s agent is an efreet named Selerin. It is she who has been our go-between and who will take you to a secret council where you will speak. We know little of Estumishu except his hatred for Bashumgarda. He is a noteworthy noble of the efreets, but wickedness runs deep in even the best of their kind. It is said that his followers call him ‘The Smiling King,’ but I fear your reception may not be a friendly one.”

Bahamut will send the adventurers to within striking distance of their destination—a particular warren of the Keening Delve where the shrine concealing the Gate of Forgotten Fire is said to be found. Bahamut does not yet know, however, that persuading Estumishu and his followers to rise up against Tiamat will require that the heroes kill Bashumgarda. The party will discover this only in the course of their negotiations.

Further questions? If not, what do you do?

Zog shakes his head. "I am satisfied. We will learn more as we go. I am confident Agon can fill in gaps about the City of Brass that we lack, anyway. He knows much." He smiles at this last statement, which is a remarkable understatement.

Darratheir looked at all the exarchs as they seemed to tremble before the Arrow and he had a little smile. It was clear him and the party had the power to make even the strongest of all to stagger. Tiamat and her agent should really be wary.

"Great Bahamut." started to say the Dragonborn. "If you have spies in the Brass City, what makes you so confident that Tiamat doesn't also have spies somewhere that are aware of your plan ? She might already know about the existence of this portal now so we shouldn't wait too long to move."

Bahamut nods his head. "It is certainly a danger that she does, so I agree that you should move quickly now that you have been able to rest."

"Well, as a known diplomat of a powerful noble house known throughout the planes, I may be able to sneak by with you all as part of my staff..." Gromley points out.

Martha sobers up as she reflects on the tests that lie ahead. 'I'm ready', she says. 'We must do what needs to be done'.

"Aye!" agreed Harald, grim-faced.  "This needs tae get done as soon as we can.  Ah'm ready."

He checked the grip on his shield and swung his axe in a wide circle.

Sonliin jotted down what the plan of action was in his mind. "Let me make sure that I have it down right. One, head to the Keening Delve, a labyrinthine warren of ruined tunnels and cavern, toss in a wind that is believed to be the last breath of someone that went toe to toe against Bahamut, Bane, and Ioun in order to get to the shrine containing the Portal of Forgotten Fire." he said. "So other than maybe finding artifacts and magic from the Dawn War, is there any reason that we just don't Planar Portal over to the City of Brass directly?" he asked.

"Two, once we get to the City of Brass, meet an efreet named Selerin in order to go to a secret meeting. Any sign/countersign given so we know we have the right efreet?" he said, holding up two fingers,

"And three, attend a summit with Estumishu in order to convince him and his followers to aid the cause. Most likely he is going to ask that Bashumgarda be dealt with, but is there anything we need to know that might be deal killers when we try to talk them into it?"  he said, ticking off his third finger.

Zog's eyebrow shoots up. "You're not sneaking anywhere. We are going to need you to help talk with them. Every golden tongue on hand, as they say." He flashes a winning grin.



Zog cleared his throat. "I can answer that. We are supposed to meet this fellow in secret. Transporting to this location and meeting him there is likely nowhere near on Tiamat's mind or the mind of this pasha whom we will probably have to deal with. Discretion is the better part of valor."

Bahamut nods. "That is correct. This is the most discreet way to begin negotiations. Your appearance in the city would create embarrassment, hurting Estumishu’s standing in the efreeti court in a time when he needs it very strong.

"As for whether it is the correct efreet, use whatever magic you have available to you to see through illusions. A number of you have keen ability to see through lies and illusions; I would use them.

"As for 'deal-killers,' I can think of nothing that would not occur to you naturally. Trust your judgements, particularly those that lead you to compromises that will save life or lead to Tiamat's undoing."

"And because the besieged City of Brass will have defenses against anything so simple as a portal. No, to penetrate the best defenses in the cosmos, it will take the impossible!" Agon stroked his beard, considering what ancient secrets they might uncover on their journey.

"Is there anything that we should know about this Estumishu? What might make an Efreeti Lord switch sides so suddenly?"

OOC: Agon has EPIC skills in History, Arcana, and Religion, so if there is anything known, he should know it."

Bahamut nods. "Estumishu is not switching sides quickly. He has been harboring resentment toward his lord for mortal millennia. This is an opportunity for him, thus his willingness to even speak with agents representing me. He bears me no great love, be assured."

Let's get the knowledge skills of the way, then--Agon, roll Arcana and History. Anyone else who wants to assist him may roll either skill if you are trained.

I doubt any of Harald's trained skills would be of use here

"Very well. I understand the reasoning to doing it this way." Sonliin said as he pulled out a guide to the City of Brass that he picked up in his travels. Notes were attached to a small journal from his last visit.

22:45, Today: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 6.  Aid City of of Brass history.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 34):

22:59, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 31 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 4.  Arcana.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

'Hmmm. The Efreeti have long worked with Tiamat. I recall a number of episodes in the past involved an Efreeti from this clan, I might be able to recall some details that can help you Agon.'

20:51, Today: Martha rolled 35 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 11.  History (Aid Another).

Zog picked his brain to see what he could remember, and filled in a couple (small) gaps in Agon's mind.

19:52, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 34 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 13.  Arcana assist for Agon.

Agon nimbly pieced together scattered references from forgotten lore to visualize the greatest threats, and potential opportunities that lay along their path into the City of Brass.


OOC: Very sorry for the delay guys. Before Assist bonuses...

13:35, Today: Agon rolled 53 using 1d20+39 with rolls of 14.  history.
13:35, Today: Agon rolled 57 using 1d20+39 with rolls of 18.  arcana.

Agon tells you everything you need to know about the City of Brass.



As for the Keening Delve (repated from above):

---

Apart from this, you know next to little about the factions inside the City of Brass apart from what Bahamut told you. Your collective knowledge only reaffirms what Bahamut has told you.

Any other questions, or are you ready to head for the Elemental Chaos?

No more questions, ready to move on for my part.

Ready to go as well.

Downwards and onwards.

Agon informed the others of the properties of Blood Rock, and let them know he would do his best to call it out in the Keening Delve. It would be tactical terrain well worth occupying.

OOC: Ready

With a shudder, the council chamber and Bahamut melt away to a  eld of shimmering silver, then a haze of red  relight and seething smoke. The heat hits like a hammer as you  nd yourselves standing atop a high blu  of black stone. To one side, a  eld of basalt stretches as far as the eye can see. To the other, perhaps three miles away if distance is reckoned here as it is in the world, the roiling Sea of Fire blazes with an unholy light.

At the sea’s edge, the walls of the great City of Brass burn with the brightness of molten gold. The light of the city is dimmed by a seething dome of magical force that surrounds it on all sides. Pressed up against this barrier, an army stands ready. Smaller  gures and their camps spread around the walls of the city, but it is the dragons that dominate the  eld—a force perhaps  ve thousand strong.

Even at this distance, their battle cries ring loud over the roar of the sea and over a distant shrieking that seems to rise from the empty basalt plain behind you. Xerefri growls as he cranes his long neck toward that shrieking, away from the city. “There,” he says, indicating a great red-black rift that splits the ground a mile away. “May fate and goodness guide thee.” Then with a crack of thunder and a blast of wind, the silver exarch is gone.

"Time for mortal men to do what the gods cannot." Agon said. His wards flickered a light blue sheen against the ambient energy of the elemental chaos.  "Quickly, before some dragons become curious."

Once the others were ready, Agon moved towards the crack, defended by sharp eyes and stout warriors.

'Wow'.

Martha is impressed by the dramatic landscape. 'Never seen anything like this before. Things in the city must be a little tense.'

Taking off her overcoat and rolling up her sleeves as she starts to sweat, she moves towards the crack alongside Agon, chatting with him about how much easier this would be if they were in their 20s again.

"I have been on diplomatic missions to places similar to this. Shall the rest of you pretend to be my entourage? " He said to the others.

When he appeared with the rest of the group, Darratheir didn't fell really well. The heat reminded him of that night when his life changed. But instead of removing his bear skin, he stood behind it, as if it was protecting him or at least, making him feel better.

He then followed the group as they started to march.

"A few dragons there, ma friends.  Just as well we dinae hae them tau fight.  That might be just a wheen too much...even for me."

He laughed as he hefted shield and axe and followed the others towards the crack.

Zog, who has shape-shifted into a red-skinned humanoid for the occasion, chuckles. "Harald, why do I doubt that such is true? I suspect we'd give any of them a fight. Happy they're on our side, and hope we don't run into the evil Queen's entire council at once ourselves."



Zog looks skeptically at Gromley. "I would normally be insulted at that comment, but you do have skill, I will say that." He scratches one of the dark-red horns on his chin and nods. "I will be your spokesman, then, to assist with the negotiations. If it gets technical in nature, Agon will take the fore, though, as his mastery of the arcane word is superior to any skill that you or I have."

'I'm game' agrees Martha.

"The Djinn are rightfully jealous of their secrets, I will not interfere with this mission." Agon said, assenting to Gromley's plan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:27, Sat 18 Mar 2017.

You make your way down to the entrance of the Delve. The shrieking wind grows louder as you approach, to the point where speech becomes impossible at anything less than a shout. The red-black scar plunges deep into the basalt plain, forming a rough passageway leading down into darkness.

The passageway ends in a steep cliff  dropping 30 feet to the rubble-strewn  oor of a rough cavern. Four slaads stand to either side of a slab of glowing blood-red stone. Their erratic movements and howling voices suggest that some kind of ritual is in progress. Another cli  and a steep rubble slope mark a second cavern beyond, faintly lit by a pulsing blue light. Four more slaads linger in the distant shadows.

The slaads clearly have not noticed you.

What do you do?
Map:  https://docs.google.com/drawin...8Lk/edit?usp=sharing

Sonliin looked around at the assembled Sladd. "Looks like we have company. Let's see now, what do I remember about my dealings with them and what kind of ritual are they seem to be doing?" he said muttered to himself as he started thinking.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
43 for both checks
11:30, Today: Sonliin rolled 43 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 16.  Arcana:Ritual.
11:30, Today: Sonliin rolled 43 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 16.  Arcana:Slaad.

---

'Are we going to try and dupe these slaad, Gromley?' Martha asks, curious about what Sonliin discovers.

Sonliin, with Agon confirming, notes that the slaads are opening up an Entropic Nexus, a magically created gate to the Far Realm. It devours creatures, then spits them back out as horrid abominations. They are perhaps thirty seconds from completing the ritual.

Gromley needs to respond to Martha's question.

In reply to Martha (msg # 57):

Gromley sends a silent mental communication to her, and then the others. The less violence we engage in, the better our chances of getting to our objective. That being said-I fully accept the idea this whole deal could be sunk at any time. Meaning I won't be too upset if we end up handling this thing the way we normally handle things. And if they are about to sacrifice anyone to this ritual-all bets are off and we kill the lot of them...

OOC-Do they have sacrifices prepared for their ritual?

The slaads do not, happily, seem to have any living beings as sacrifice for the ritual.

And, for the record, I am assuming all party communications are telepathic unless said otherwise for these scenes while Gromley has that ability up.

"Slaad are creatures of pure malevolent chaos.  They would dismantle the very fabric of reality just for a joke. We may amuse them long enough to let us past." Agon said.

A sparkling array of lights danced out in front of the wizard, shapes like ferns and corals of infinite variety swirling into themselves.

OOC: Arcana +47, + Silent Image

Zog gets ready to blast any foes that seem hostile to Agon's sudden show of lights...

Harald mirrored Zog's martial stance, awaiting but the slightest sign of aggression in order to throw himself into the melee.

Sonliin got ready to make a run for it, towards battle or an escape.

"If these Slaads are preparing a ritual, chances are that they will want to use it so they will want to sacrifice some creatures. We might want to stop them from doing that. What do you think ?" And at these words, Darratheir prepared himself to rush in a possible fight like his companion.

'Can you cast an illusion to make it seem like their ritual is misfiring?' asks Martha telepathically, addressing Gromley and Agon. 'You could have some huge Far Realm creepy crawley come out of the centre and start screaming and flailing. They might break off the ritual for a minute as they work out what went wrong, and some of them might even flee. Might by us time?' she suggests.

In reply to Martha (msg # 66):

"Illusions are not really my speciality-it sounds more like something Agon can do. What I could do is make us all invisible, but that seems like a waste given I would want to save that ability for when we most need it. I could ruin their ritual by having one slap the other for seemingly no reason..." He offered.

"That may work, but be ready to disrupt the ritual by steel if this fails," Agon said.  At worst, they merely tipped the Slaads off to an imminent combat.

The center of the magic circle bulged and distended, emitting unearthly screams and flashes of multicolored lights. Something blasphemous could be seen breaking through the summoning grid, a tentacle covered with suckers and crystalline barbs, and the promise of much more behind!

The slaads jump back a bit from this new presence, though still chanting. They seem distracted for a few moments.

Agon, Gromley, Zog and anyone else who knows rituals realized that this bought you some time before the ritual completes and has certainly furthered the distraction of the slaads.

In other words, this delayed the ritual by 4-5 rounds. You still have surprise on the slaads. They do look intent on continuing soner or later, though, based on your passive Insight. What do you do?

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...8Lk/edit?usp=sharing

"Enough o' this faffin' aroond" hissed Harald.  "Why dae we no' jest get doon there an' rip they guys some new arseholes."

Although the dialect was somewhat difficult to understand, the intent was...quite clear!

Zog nods. "Concur. Shall we ranged types light them up first, then you melee types go tearing in?"

Darratheir nodded as well. "On your go!" And at these words, he put himself in a position that would allow him to leap quickly into the battle.

"Grand idea!" whispered Harald, his blood pressure rising and his face going Berserk Red.


OOC:  Do you want Initiative rolls, GM?

Martha mutters a prayer of protection on her allies (Cloak of Courage on the party - HS worth of thps).

Everyone roll their first round's actions and tell me in which order they want to act, and also roll initiative for the first post-surprise round. See OOC about the question around delaying.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 75):

OOC: 11:26, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 36 using 1d20+22 with rolls of 14.  Initiative.

Does my special abilities regarding Abberations kick in?

Harald motioned to Darratheir and pointed to the slaad below them (Y).  In basic sign language he indicated that the two of them should take that one out first.

Assuming agreement, Harald waited until the ranged experts took their turn and then scorched down the slope, swinging his axe into the back of the nearest slaad.


============================================================================================
Action: Charge Y

17:46, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 28 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 7.  Athletics to negotiate the steep slope safely.
17:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 47 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 14.  MBA on Y; CA with charge.
17:49, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 26 using 2d10+15 with rolls of 4,7.  MBA damage.
17:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 33 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.

Notes:
Cloak of Displacement +4
At encounter start gain +2 item bonus to AC and Ref till an attack against either of these defences hits me.

Golden Ring of Toros level 24
Property:  Gain +2 item bonus to AC and Fort when not bloodied.

These are reflected in the Bio line.

Martha attempts to descend the cliff face as best she can, though she has a bit of trouble, predictably. Unable to reach the salad yet, she fires off a bolt of radiant energy at the closest one, and keeps working her way downhill.

Surprise round action – Martha will go last.
Move half way down the steep slope?
Lance of Faith vs salad Y, hit 41 vs will, 23 radiant dmg, Y grants CA eont (note he grants CA in surprise round anyway) and can’t hide eont. +2 to hit to Harald on his next attack vs Y (this stacks with CA so Harald add +4 to your R1 attack to-hit roll).

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

20:16, Today: Martha rolled 30 using 1d20+28 with rolls of 2.  Initiative.
20:17, Today: Martha rolled 20 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 6.  athletics.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:50, Sat 01 Apr 2017.

Zog raises his hands and, through Agon's illusion, unleashes a pair of lightning bolts that strike the two distinctive-looking slaads in the middle of the room...

Elemental Bolt + Elemental Escalation. Hit Reflex 44 with Benny on X for 76 lightning, and crit on Y for 119 lightning damage. Both gain vulnerability 3 to my elemental attacks until EOMNT.
12:16, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 44 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 13.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
12:16, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 35 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 4.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
12:16, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 32 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 1.  Benny on first attack.
20:28, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 29 using 1d20+18 with rolls of 11.  Initiative.
20:27, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 119 using 5d12+84 with rolls of 5,12,7,1,10.  Crit on Y.
20:27, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 59,17 using 2d12+40,2d10 with rolls of 8,11,10,7.  Damage on X.
20:26, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 38,51 using 1d20+31,1d20+31 with rolls of 7,20.  Elem Bolt + Elem Esc on X,Y.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Tue 28 Mar 2017.

Gromley sighed and figured there was no peaceful way past the frog things. Best deal with them now...

(OOC-Minor action-projects awareness to as shown on map.)

This message was last edited by the player at 13:46, Thu 30 Mar 2017.

Solinn looked at the various Slaad trying to remember what they were and if they were vulnerable to any type of attacks.

First looking at the largest group, Sonliin felt he know a little bit about them but was uncertain.

The two powerful ones, he knew a bit more about them.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

31 for initiative. Need to see if I know anything about them before I decide what kind of attack. (No use attacking with fire if they are immune to it.)
11:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 41 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 14.  Sladd Y.
11:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 38 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 11.  Sladd X.
11:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 32 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 5.  Sladd #s.
11:38, Today: Sonliin rolled 31 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 17.  Initiative .

---

While the others started to unleash their powers on the Slaads, Darratheir "listened" to Harald and nodded in agreement. As soon as there would be an opening, he would charge the closest of the creature with the Dwarf.

---

No rolls needed for going past the slope as I'm above 20.
Standard Action: Charge with Howling Strike vs Y - 49 vs AC for 46 damage

21:26, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 49 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 16.  Charge w/ Howling Strike vs Y.
21:26, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 46 using 2d12+3d6+20 with rolls of 1,12,5,5,3.  Damage roll.
21:28, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 37 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 20.  Initiative roll.

Agon distributed some quick intelligence to the group. "The big black one is their leader and will drain the life right out of you. He is insubstantial, and will take quite a beating, but be wary when he dies. All slaads teleport in battle, so do not expect to hold a line. Hit them hard and fast."

Agon opened fire with crackling lightning that unerringly struck most of the enemy.

[Init] +35
[SoA] 14

[Standard] Chain Lightning
Primary-Y: +38 vs Reflex, (Heroic Effort 34+4)-Hit! 35 lightning damage
Secondary-X: +43 (Sage of Ages swap), Hit! 36 lightning damage
Tertiary: Hits against 1, 4, 5.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
13:27, Today: Agon rolled 36 using 2d6+25 with rolls of 5,6.  secondary damage.
13:25, Today: Agon rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  evocation mastery primary damage.
13:24, Today: Agon rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  initiative.
13:24, Today: Agon rolled 14 using 1d20 with rolls of 14.  sage of ages.
13:18, Today: Agon rolled 31 using 4d6+25 with rolls of 1,1,3,1.  primary damage.
13:17, Today: Agon rolled 12 using 4d6 with rolls of 5,1,4,2.
13:17, Today: Agon rolled 46,35,32,44,42 using 1d20+29,1d20+29,1d20+29,1d20+29,1d20+29 with rolls of 17,6,3,15,13.  chain lightning: tertiary vs numbers.
13:16, Today: Agon rolled 32 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 3.  chain lightning secondary vs X.
13:15, Today: Agon rolled 34 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 5.  chain lightning primary vs Y.

---

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 16:00, Sat 01 Apr 2017.

The party opens up with a pounding on one of the red slaad reavers...

Sonliin, need your action. It's pretty obvious that Y is close to death.

Check the status below for any corrections, everyone, and PM me if I need to fix something.

Initiative
PARTY SURPRISE ROUND <==
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon
Y, something
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

Sighing that the Slaad were trying to do a ritual, Sonliin was worried that it had cracked the fabric of space and there was something on the way that was far bigger than the large elemental humanoids they were fighting. Moving forward, the paladin deftly slide down the slope to a spot in or5der to draw them all together. Once again the smell of ionization spilled from Sonliin as lighting stared to crackle. Like a mini tornado, the foes were drawn towards his awaiting warhammer.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:Acrobatics to make my way next to the altar.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:41, Wed 05 Apr 2017.

The black slaad stops singing his ritual and glares angrily at the party. He babbles madly and then suddenly vanishes, reappearing about fifteen feet away. He then utters foul, cloying words that tear into the soul of several in the party.

Meanwhile, the black servant-slaad swings madly at Sonliin but misses.

X teleports to current location. Area burst 2 targeting Martha, Darratheir and Sonliin, hitting all three (Fort 52, 44 and 41 respectively) to give each ongoing 10 necrotic damage and leave them slowed (save ends both). 2 attacks Sonliin and whiffs.

Agon, Zog and Gromley you can tell that the ritual that the Slaad was working on is near completion. Any or all of you can easily work to counteract the ritual (Arcana DC 31) but you have to spend a Standard action to succeed toward a skill challenge stopping the ritual from completing on its own. (Wait for your turn before posting actions, as usual.)

NOW UP: Darratheir, Gromley and Agon.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon <==
Y, something
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 86):

Now that he could see and hear through his projected awareness, Gromley focused his mind and psionic power. He should be able to stop whatever the frog men where doing...

OOC: Rolling to interrupt ritual.

11:03, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 38 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 11.  Interrupt Slaad ritual.

As the wave of darkness flowed towards Sonliin, his devotion to the cause helps protect him from the necrotic energy.

OOC:Immediate Interrupt, Pure Devotion:+4 to Fort/Will until the end of my next turn.

While Gromley worked to disrupt the ritual, Agon hammered at the slaads with a barrage of force missiles, hoping to stop them from interfering.


[Standard] X: Oppressive Force +40 vs Reflex (1 Benny Spent) Miss, Half Damage for 23 Force Damage, Knocked Prone, and 5 Ongoing Force and target can't stand (save ends)
[Minor] Y: Quickened Magic Missile vs Y. 22 Force damage, which should kill it.

23:18, Wed 05 Apr: Agon rolled 3 using 1d10 with rolls of 3.  evocation mastery primary damage.
23:18, Wed 05 Apr: Agon rolled 47 using 4d10+29 with rolls of 9,4,4,1.  damage.
23:16, Wed 05 Apr: Agon rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  benny reroll oppressive force X.
23:15, Wed 05 Apr: Agon rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  oppressive force vs X.
23:14, Wed 05 Apr: Agon rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  SoA.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:58, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

Now that the Slaad in front of him was dead, Darratheir moved onto the next one to help Sonliin. When he was close enough, he raised the Arrow of Fate over his head and with a rapid movement, he slashed throughout the creature.

Eager to be fighting once more, he completely forgot that he was slowed as his body was at his best now that he had sprung into action.

---

Move action: NE then E
Standard action: Howling Fear vs 2 - 49 vs AC for 44 damages.
Save vs Ongoing and Slow - Success

Used 1 Benny.

20:55, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 35 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 3.  Howling Strike vs 2.
20:56, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 41 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 9.  Benny reroll.
20:56, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 49 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 17.  Benny reroll.
20:56, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 44 using 2d12+3d6+20 with rolls of 7,4,1,6,6.  Damage roll.
20:57, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Save vs ongoing + Slow.

Gromley’s psionic techniques work beautifully, clearly disrupting the force that is building on the altar. The slaad leader sees this and looks around wildly, trying to figure out what’s going on.  He also looks annoyed when Sonliin blocks his necrotic attack. He then shrieks as Agon’s wave of force pins him to the ground. Agon then destroys the other slaad. It then tries and fails to get away as Darratheir hacks at it, causing it to bleed black, wispy blood.

You can hear new howling from the south—it sounds as if you have more company coming.

Agon kills Y and pins down X. Darratheir hurts it some more. Z appears in the scene and moves.

The ritual has one of four successful Arcana checks from being stopped.

NOW UP: Harald, Sonliin, Martha & Zog.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon
Z, something
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

Zog keeps blasting away at the leader, who is a bit more challenging to hit when prone but not impossibly so. In the process, he destroys the other Slaad.

Move up. Elemental Bolt + Elemental Escalation on X and 2; use Benny to hit Reflex 44 on both for 68 hp on X and destroying 2.

21:16, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 57,11 using 2d12+43,2d10 with rolls of 6,8,5,6.  Damage on X.
21:16, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 44 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 15.  Benny on X.
21:15, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 40,44 using 1d20+29,1d20+31 with rolls of 11,13.  Elem Bolt + Elem Esc on X, 2.

Martha is huffing and puffing down the treacherous slope. She can’t shake the soul-tearing spell of the black salad, and her body responds too slowly. She reaches the floor of the cavern well after her boys, and manages to shoot off one quick beam of light at the most wounded enemy, before having to stop and catch her breath.

Take 0 necrotic dmg (resist) & slowed (se)
Move down slope (athletics 29)
Lance of Faith vs salad X (-2 prone) hits will 38 for 22 radiant dmg and grants CA eont & darra gets +2 to his next attack vs X.
Save vs slowed/ongoing necrotic dmg fails.

Sonliin stood next to the altar, scanning the area to see what would help interrupt the ritual as the others pounded the Slaad. Realizing that they might want to end the ritual quickly, he started sweeping the area to break apart the magics on the altar that was powering the ritual.

Use action point to once again disrupt the ritual, also use a Benny
12:22, Today: Sonliin rolled 37 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 10.  use bennny.
12:14, Today: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 13.  K:Arcana to interrupt the ritual.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Tue 11 Apr 2017.

Harald charged down the slope into the slaads trying to cower in the lower chamber.  Crashing into the nearest beast, his axe made a horrific wound in its corrupt flesh before knowing the creature along the passage and into a newly arrived beast.

OOC:  I've never figured out how to copy and paste on this thing and neither can I operate the map.  Harald charged down and attacks 3 (two strikes) knocking him into A.

Standard; Minotaur charge on 3:Critical!  52 damage + 20 ongoing (save ends)
Secondary attack 41 vs fort.  If hits knocks 3 three squares and prone (Bennie available)
Harald gains 5 temp hp
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:29, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

Martha, your Javelin of Faith misses--do you want to spend a Benny?

Sonliin, you did not need a Benny.

Harald, you get a Benny for critting a minion.

Will update after Martha answers above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

The slaad that Harald destroys explodes; Harald endures a blast of pure chaos.

The slaad leader snarls and points his clawed hand at Agon, blasting a ray of chaos at Agon. He disappears and reappears, the force chasing with him and pinning him down.

Meanwhile, Harald sees that two slaads have appeared on a teleportation circle. They step forward, and behind them three more appear. The two attacking rake at Harald with their claws; one gashes Harald and he feels chaos pulling at him…

Hit Agon for 17 damage (coming off temps) and teleports closer to Agon and next to Martha.

4 and 5 step up to attack Harald. 5 hits for 12 damage and Harald takes 5 extra damage from every hit until end of 5’s next turn.

NOW UP: Darratheir, Gromley, and Agon.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon <==
Z, something
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 20:24, Tue 11 Apr 2017.

Agon stepped forward to get a better view of the portal, and set his mind like a wall against the advancing power of the Far Realm.  He was more than up to the task, but it would take precious seconds to end this intrusion.

OOC: 19:24, Today: Agon rolled 48 using 1d20+39 with rolls of 9.  arcana: end ritual.

Gromley keeps working to end the ritual,  as that would be the easier part on dealing withe the frog men.

Ooc:
10:29, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 43 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 16.  Arcana roll to disrupt ritual.

Not thinking twice, Darratheir rushed at the closest Slaad, using the Arrow of Fate to cut throughout the creature.

---

Standard action: Charge with Howling Strike vs X - 48 vs AC for 40 damage

21:07, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 48 using 1d20+35 with rolls of 13.  Charge w/ Howling Strike vs X.
21:07, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 40 using 2d12+3d6+20 with rolls of 8,1,4,5,2.  Damage roll.

The swirl of chaos dissipates under the careful magical and psionic manipulation of the party. The slaad leader screams his displeasure, and then grunts when Darratheir hits him.

Meanwhile, back in the corridor, the big red slaad notices Harald and turns around. He springs through the air and lands next to Harald, gashing the warrior with his claws. Harald feels something slip into his veins...

Agon and Gromley beat the Arcana DC by a lot, so we'll call the ritual disrupted. Darratheir does hit, though X takes only half for being insubstantial.

Z hits Harald twice with a claw for a total of 43 hp off temps. More importantly, it succeeds at a Fort attack (Fort 51) and Harald contracts a disease, more details later.

NOW UP: Harald, Sonliin, Martha & Zog.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon
Z, K
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog<==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 14:42, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

Harald grinned at his attacker.  "Ah'm glad tae see An got he'd attention, sir."

Swinging his hammer with all his might, he smashed it into the slaad's side.  The shock was so great that it not only knocked the beast off its feet, it dazed it!

In addition it also knocked down several other nearby slaads.


OOC:. Earthquake Smash vs Z.  46 vs AC (after Bennie)
37 damage, dazed and knocked prone.
Each enemy within 2 squares takes 15 damage and knocked prone (4, 5 and 8?)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:01, Thu 13 Apr 2017.

Martha curses the slaad leader, and charges at him. She smashes her blade into him, and while it may not be the strongest blow, she certainly feels a lot better, and finally shrugs off the effects of his necrotic spell.

Take 0 ongoing necrotic dmg (resist)
Minor: Oath of Enmity vs X
Move/charge 3, Sonnlinor’s Hammer (use scabbard to make it radiant; +1 charge +2 CA). Hit 45 vs AC, 21 radiant dmg.
Free: Immortal Curse vs X
Save: (+5 due to Immortal Curse) succeeds.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
09:23, Today: Martha rolled 39,45,19,21 using d20+33,d20+33,4d4+11,4d4+11 with rolls of 6,12,3,1,2,2,3,2,4,1.  Sonnlinor’s Hammer vs X.
09:28, Today: Martha rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.  Save vs slow (+5 immortal curse).

---

Stepping closer to help aid Harald in his fight, Sonliin pointed his hand towards the concentration of foes, causing a blast of fire to erupt around them.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:Cast Combust (from the Ring of Borrowed Spells) centered on the open spot between 6, 7, and 8. VS Reflex. 41 fire if it hits, 20 if it misses.
22:34, Today: Sonliin rolled 45 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 18.  Combust on #4.
22:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 37 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 10.  Combust on #5.
22:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 41 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 14.  Combust on #6.
22:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 39 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 12.  Combust on #7.
22:35, Today: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 6.  Combust on #8.
22:37, Today: Sonliin rolled 41 using 5d6+21 with rolls of 5,3,6,5,1.  Combust damage (Fire).

---

Zog raises his arms and wind catches him, carrying him over the ravine and down. Out of his extended hands fly two lightning bolts, one into the insubstantial black slaad and the other into the red slaad engaged with Harald. He then floats down to the bottom of the slope.

Fly two squares onto the slope; Elemental Bolt + Elemental Escalation, hit X with a Benny for 68 hp before insubstantial, hit Z for 68. Both are vulnerable 3 to my elemental attacks until EOMNT. Also fly one more square as part of Elemental Escalation. Two uses of Escalation.

22:06, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 54,14,59,9 using 2d12+43,2d10,2d12+40,2d10 with rolls of 8,3,6,8,7,12,6,3.  Damage on X, Z.
22:05, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 49 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 18.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
22:05, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 37 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 6.  Benny on X.
22:05, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 39,49 using 1d20+31,1d20+31 with rolls of 8,18.  Elem Bolt + Elem Esc on X,Z.

Sonliin, you missed 5 and 8 with your attack--do you want to use a Benny on either?

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 106):

No thanks

Martha blasts X, hurting it further; Harald smack his foe hard, knocking it down. Sonliin obliterates a bunch of the clump of slaads near Harald. Zog then blasts the two more durable-looking slaads hard.

The slaad leader finally stands up and, seething, gashes Martha, not even really hurting her but causing her legs to feel heavy.

Meanwhile, the slaads keep coming next to Harald. The two that survived Sonliin's onslaught step up and slash at Harald, while two more appear on the magic circle!!

X stands and hits Martha with a claw attack for 11; Martha is slowed until the end of X's next turn. 5 and 8 both hit Harald for 12 and 17 hp respectively. Harald takes an additional 5 hp for every hit until the beginning of 5's next turn. 9 and 10 join the battlefield.

NOW UP: Darratheir, Gromley and Agon.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon <==
Z, K
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Gromley's awareness moves slightly, and then attempts to blast several of the remaining frogmen with mental fire.

OOC:
Moves awareness to current location.

Standard action-mindfire on 8, 9, 10. Area effect.

11:38, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 15 using 1d8+12 with rolls of 3.  Damage, Psi/fire
11:37, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 41,40,41 using 1d20+27,1d20+27,1d20+27 with rolls of 14,13,14.  Mindfire vs 8, 9, 10. Vs will.

If they live, they cannot see foes 5 spaces away or more.

Once again, Darratheir charged at the insubstantial Slaad, trying to inflict as much damage he could in the least possible time so he could go and help Harald who seemed to have fun.

---

Standard action: Charge with Howling Strike vs X - 45 vs AC for 40 damage.

I used a single benny.

21:35, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 39 using 1d20+35 with rolls of 4.  Charge w/ Howling Strike vs X.
21:35, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 45 using 1d20+35 with rolls of 10.  Benny reroll.
21:35, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 40 using 2d12+3d6+20 with rolls of 5,10,1,3,1.  Damage roll.

Mini-update: 8-10 die from Gromley, and X still lives after Darratheir's attack. PM out to Agon, update from him once I get a response.

The ritual finished, Agon focused on the slaad.  One of them slipped half in and out of reality, buyt force ruled everywhere.  Invisible fingers grabbed the slaad from all directions: left, right, up, down, past, future, and the first three probable alternates, and squeezed until there was nothing left but messy go.

[Sage of Ages] 20!

[Standard] Crushing Titan's Fist on X
Attack +49, CRIT! 67 Force damage, deals full damage to Insubstantial creatures. Also immobilizes.

00:57, Today: Agon rolled 16,2 using 5d6,1d10 with rolls of 1,3,4,4,4,2.  bonus damage.
00:56, Today: Agon rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  SoA.
00:56, Today: Agon rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  Crushing Titan's Fist vs X.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:17, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

Gromley vaporizes three of the slaads appearing on the scene, while Darratheir further harries the slaad leader. Agon, though, gets a moment of glory and crushes the life out of the slaad, who explodes into a field of blackness that chills Martha and Darratheir to the bone.

Meanwhile, the two red slaads near Harald team up. The prone one stays prone but uses his ally's flanking to bite Harald painfully, while the newcomer gashes Harald with his mad teeth

Agon kills X. X attacks with some death throes, hitting Martha (Reflex 44) and Darratheir (Reflex 47) for 26 untyped damage. The burst becomes a black void until the end of the encounter. The zone blocks line of sight. Any creature that enters the zone or starts its turn there takes 3d10 + 6 damage.

Z hits Harald with a bite for 35 hp and K crits for 40 hp. Harald is marked by K.

NOTE THE ZONE: The zone blocks line of sight. Any creature that enters the zone or starts its turn there takes 3d10 + 6 damage.

NOW UP: Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog. Martha takes 16 untyped hp damage to start her turn. Harald is bloodied and marked by K.

Initiative
X, Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon
Z, K
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

“Ouch!  Ya bastids!  That hurt!”

Harald glared at his original target (Z) and raised his axe.  “It’s jist you and me, sucker!” 

He swung with enormous force, his feet almost lifting from the ground as he brought the jagged axe down on the prone slaad.


BLOOD IRON (Daily) Immediate reaction
When I become bloodied I gain resist 5 to all damage till the end of encounter.

Victorious Surge using Undying Emnity vs K.  Roll three d20s and select which to use.
20:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 69 using 3d20+33 with rolls of 19,1,16.  Select the 19.  Therefore a crit on Z

Damage = 45 + 3d10 + 20 ongoing (save ends) =
20:51, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 18 using 3d10 with rolls of 1,9,8.  High Crit damage.
Total damage = 63 + 20 ongoing and Z is marked.


UNDYING ENMITY (Encounter)  Free Action
Target: An enemy marked by me or that is marking me.
Effect: I roll an extra D20 for the next attack I make and choose which dice to use (I cannot re-roll either die).  If I am bloodied when I use this power, use 2 extra D20s instead of 1.

Cloak of Displacement +4
and Golden Ring of Toros level 24

These bonuses are now over and are reflected in the Bio line.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Fri 21 Apr 2017.

'Damn this blasted cavern! It's just not made for a person of advancing years', Martha grumbles. Unable to see any of the foes on top of the bluff, she moves as fast as she can (which is exceptionally slow due to the slaad leader's magic) and reaches the base of the steep slope up. She puffs, already out of breath.

'Harald, take up there - let me send you some loving!' A blast of radiance like a firework illuminates the upper cavern, encouraging Harald and discouraging the slaad.

Take 16 dmg from zone
Healing Word on Harold, heals 74hp; Harald gains +2 attack bonus EONT & +2 defences EONT +4 fort defence & +4 saving throws vs poison eont.
move 2 south
double move, move 1 square uphill (diff terrain)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

Zog moves to the next slope and raises his arms, and the winds bear him to the top.

Move to start of slope, then Dominant Winds to fly 2 squares up to the top. Basically double move.

Sonliin slowly picked his way through the rubble in order to get into position. Once in place, a blast of fire erupted through the cavern, lashing at the Slaad but avoiding Harald.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:Move to new location.
Standard:Dancing Flame Vs Reflex. 30 Vs K, 40 Vs 5 and 48 vs Z for 46 damage.
Used a Benny on K (More than likely wasted one.)
07:14, Today: Sonliin rolled 46 using 5d6+24 with rolls of 6,5,3,5,3.  Damage.
07:13, Today: Sonliin rolled 48 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 19.  Dancing flames on Z.
07:13, Today: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  Dancing Flames on 5.
07:12, Today: Sonliin rolled 39 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 10.  Again.
07:12, Today: Sonliin rolled 35 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 6.  Benny on K.
07:12, Today: Sonliin rolled 34 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 5.  Dancing flames K.

---

Harald rocks the slaad who dared challenge him, looking better for it while Martha completely heals the dwarf and Zog and Sonliin climb. Sonliin gets close enough to unleash flame upon the slaads, destroying the black salad and burning the two red ones.

Two more black slaads appear on the summoning circle, which flashes and then goes dark.

Sonliin takes out 5 and bloodies Z. 11 and 12 appear on-scene; Zog can tell the circle will not be summoning any more enemies right now.

NOTE THE ZONE: The zone blocks line of sight. Any creature that enters the zone or starts its turn there takes 3d10 + 6 damage. Darratheir takes 21 damage to start his turn.

NOW UP: Darratheir, Gromley and Agon..

Initiative
Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon<==
Z, K
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Gromley moves forward-via his own floating disk and body this time, and uses his mental abilities once more. He moves Agon forward-and more importantly moves Darratheir out of the void of blackness.

(OOC-Move action to current location.

Standard action as a move action.

Noble Presence-Move action-close burst 3, one or 2 allies in burst.
Effect-Target shifts 2 spaces as free action, target gets +2 defenses until
end of next turn.

Agon and Darratheir are at their new locations on the map. More importantly, Darratheir starts his turn outside of the darkness.)

The summoning chamber was clear, but Agon heard the sounds of battle from up above. From the level of Harald's cursing, it seemed like the situation was in hand.  Agon passed Martha on the slope. "All this scurrying about is undignified.  Enemies should have the decency to stand in place so we can blast them." He agreed.

Feeling he was moved by an invisible force out of the dark cloud, Darratheir took a firm grip on his weapon, ready to attack whatever was forcing him outside of the darkness. But as he saw the friendly face of Gromley, he nodded gently to the gnome and as soon as he felt his power was not acting on him anymore, he rushed with great ease past the rubbles and toward Harald and the group of Slaads. Jumping easily over the slope as if it was a pair of steps, he finally cut throughout the first Slaad unfortunate to meet his blade like if it was a sheet of silk.

---

Move action: 4 SW + 1 S
Standard action: Charge with Howling Strike vs K - 53 vs AC (Crit) for 135 damage
Free action: Free MBA from Rampage vs K - 39 vs AC for 37 damage
Land's Fury: Each unbloodied enemy within 10 squares of me take 32 damage.

I used 1 benny.

08:45, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 38 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 5.  Charge w/ Howling Strike vs K.
08:45, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 53 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 20.  Beny reroll.
08:48, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 135 using 9d12+72 with rolls of 3,6,10,11,10,8,10,2,3.  Critical damage.
08:50, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 39 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 7.  Free MBA from rampage.
08:51, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 37 using 2d12+20 with rolls of 11,6.  MBA damage.

The various scholarly types make their way up the slope—but Darratheir leaps up it and buries his axe in the neck of the black slaad closest to him. He then pulls his axe free and splits the salad’s skull. It vanishes in a burst of black chaos and a wave of thunder that destroys the two nearby red slaads and wounds the remaining black one.

The last slaad springs through the air, slashing at Harald and Zog, wounding both of them and implanting something in Zog.

Nice save for Gromley; Darratheir does not take his 21 hp. Z shifts four squares attacking Harald and Zog, hitting Harald for 13 and critting Zog for 17. He also hits Fort 43 on Zog for a secondary effect of infecting Zog with a disease.

NOW UP: Harald, Sonliin, Martha and Zog.

Initiative
Numbers
Darratheir, Gromley, Agon
Z
Harald, Sonliin, Martha, Zog <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Seeing that just one enemy remains, HArald darted forward, axe raised, and slashed it across the prone creature's body.


20:42, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 39 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 6.  MBA vs Z.
20:45, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 26 using 2d10+15 with rolls of 6,5.  Damage vs Z.
(20:42, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 45 using 1d20+33 with rolls of 12.  bennie if needed - probably not)

Zog, clutching his side, raises his hand, dagger in hand, and stabs forward. Lightning surges from where the dagger touches the slaad and spreads all over the slaad's body...

Elemental bolt + Elemental Escalation, hits Reflex 39 for 65 lightning damage and vulnerable 3 to my elemental attacks.

13:05, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 56,9 using 2d12+40,2d10 with rolls of 4,12,8,1.  Damage.
13:04, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 39 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 8.  Elem Bolt + Elem Esc on Z.

"Come Harald, let us pound this Slaad into the ground!" Sonliin said as he  started to create thunder around him.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:Please move me next to Harald. Hit Fort 42 for 52 Thunder
Minor:Promise of storm
Move:Move to just below Harald
Standard:Thunderwave, using Spell Accuracy feat to avoid hitting Zog and Agon.
21:04, Today: Sonliin rolled 52 using 2d6+3d8+30 with rolls of 6,6,7,1,2.  Damage.
21:03, Today: Sonliin rolled 42 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 11.  Thunderwave Vs Fort.

---

Martha shakes off the necrotic slowing energy and rushes up the slope, joining the dogpile on the beleaguered slaad. She slashes with her blade and smites it with blinding radiance, but she has noticed the slaad implanting something in Zog. Deeply concerned, she bends forward to get a closer look – perhaps there is something she can do now to stop it in its tracks?

Move 6 (no longer slowed): 2 squares diff terrain, two normal.
Awful to Behold vs Z (using Guidance of the Past and Punitive Radiance) +2 CA, hit AC 44, 31 radiant dmg, grants CA and can’t hide eont.
Minor: heal check rolled 43 to assess disease and see if we can act immediately to stave it off.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
08:15, Today: Martha rolled 36,44,23,28,3 using d20+32,d20+32,6d4+11,6d4+11,d6 with rolls of 4,12,2,1,2,2,2,3,4,2,4,2,1,4,3.  Awful to Behold vs Z (+2 CA, Guidance, Punitive)
08:17, Today: Martha rolled 43 using d20+25+6 with rolls of 12.  Heal with Memory 1000 lives vs disease.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 08:23, Wed 26 Apr 2017.

The four allies combine to blast the last slaad into oblivion!

Both Harald and Zog seem to have a small black object implanted into their side...

Heal checks apply to identify. Declare whether you're taking a short rest and/or spending healing surges or no.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 128):

"Well...that is disgusting." He said. He has forgotten many of the icky things that come with normal mortality. Like going to the bathroom. Gromley enjoys wine, but it really had no effect on him. He only drank it out of formality and habit. He ate just for the taste-and no actual need to do so. He could make the food itself vanish from his stomach. This however, was far worse.

OOC:
09:24, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 24 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 10.  Heal check for IDing.

Short rest.

Gromley recognizes the implant as a nascent slaad. Both Harald and Zog have been "infected" with Chaos Phage, the slaads' preferred means of reproduction. He does not know enough about the disease to talk about treating it, though.

Made the Moderate but not the Hard DC. Others can roll for more info.

Cleaning his clothes and weapon, Darratheir joined the others only to see the concerned look over some of their faces. "What are this thing ? Do you recognize them Gromley ? Or you, Martha ?"

Taking a short rest but not spending any surge.

In reply to Darratheir Burnedbear (msg # 131):

"Ummm...its...errr...the way those frog things...ahhh...reproduce? Don't know much more than that...but safe to say its very unpleasent for the person...ahhh...'helping' birth a new Slaad."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:55, Wed 26 Apr 2017.

Zog sighs. "Lovely. Chaos phage. What Gromley said."

He turns to Martha. "I don't suppose you can cure this? That would be delightful if you could."

Not much better than Gromley. Assuming Pete lets her keep the roll, though, Martha's got this.
19:54, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 26 using 1d20+19 with rolls of 7.  Heal.

I missed Martha's roll above. Martha knows things.

"Er!"  The normally quite loquacious dwarf was decidedly unsure of himself at this moment.

"If ye cannae fix this, can ye no' just cut it oot?" He offered his large axe to Martha and Gromley

In reply to Harald Gaptooth (msg # 135):

"I am not really good with surgery..." He said, glancing at the axe almost as big as he was. "...and I am pretty sure you want it done with something a bit more precise in any case."

Sonliin took a closer look at the implants, trying to see what would be useful to remove it without too much harm to the hosts.

17:15, Today: Sonliin rolled 37 using 1d20+18 with rolls of 19.  Heal.
Short rest

Agon flipped through his immense library of spells, but there was nothing that spoke immediately to removing slaad eggs, or at least nothing that would not be massively harmful to the host.  He decided to investigate the remains of the ritual, more out of habit than an expectation that he'd find anything.

Martha examines the two men, her lips pursed. She looks grim as she prods the swollen, blackening wound.

'Chaos Phage', she concludes. 'The slaad has implanted parasitic tadpoles inside you both, to feed off you until powerful enough to emerge. The tadpole will begin by feeding off your blood for the first 12-24 hours, then it will extend a tiny filament up into your brains, then feed off your brain matter.'

'I don't have the time or facilities to surgically remove these here. But if we could find a clean safe space, I should be able to cut them out (heal check during extended rest). An alternative might be radiant energy micro-waves, to chemically fry the cancerous tadpoles (cure disease ritual, which Martha knows). Again, this would take time.'

'We need to deal with this before the tadpoles burrow their filaments into your brains - in about 12 hours. So long as we find a safe clean spot to stop and deal with the critters in that time, we should be able to eradicate them. But this is not a good spot to carry out the operation.'

"We might be able to open a portal to a safe place in order to get healed but it will take a while to do the ritual, if we have the needed components. The other option is for me to open a portal to a teleportation circle on this plane but there is no guarantee as to what kind of reception will be waiting for us." Sonliin suggested

"Well...I do have my Modron toy." He says to the others. Sure enough, the glowing orb called Baldrick produces the small object, floating it in front of their eyes. It which looks like a clockwork like cube puzzle able to change its shape by the user moving various panels. "It creates a gateway to a demi-realm that is clean and a safe place to rest."

"Whatever we decide to do," started the Dragonborn, "I will keep you safe during the operation if that's ever needed."

The normally self-assured dwarf is rather more excitable than usual.

"Aye!  Right ye are!  Whatever ye decide is fine by me...just get these things oota ma body afore they gae intae ma brain!"

"I say we push forward, we may be able to traverse the Keening Delve before the time limit is up, and the fate of the universe depends on our speed." Agon shrugged. "On the other hand, I don't have transplanar brain parasites in me. I think the choice should be left to those afflicted."

OOC: Cure Disease takes 10 minutes per afflicted character, but can also deal quite a lot of damage.  Assuming this is an Epic Level disease, Martha doesn't have a great modifier on it.

Zog waves his hand. "Agon is right. Time is not on our side. Let's press on. We will have to stop and risk having Martha perform the ritual later on, but we need to move on now." He turns to Harald. "With a dwarven constitution, I suspect you will be able to hold off for a half a day."

'I agree. Let us continue on our course. We must stop before the end of the day, however, to deal with the implants, no matter what happens.'

"So!  Let me see if Ah get this right" said Harald.   "We could stop for a while or go back a wee bit tae a safer place whilst ye yins figure oot how tae cure this thing; is that right?  But in the meantime ye reckon we could just cairry oan and hope it a' goes away.  HAe Ah got the right o' it?"

Zog nods. "That's the essence of it. We should be all right--for now."

'Not exactly Harald. It's less a matter of curing, then off getting the growing thing out of you. The thing inside you won't do anything permanent until the end of the day, so as long as we get it out of you by tonight you'll be grand. But if we leave it in you for a couple of days, it could really screw you up.'

The bizarre malefactions of the slaads stopped, the party rests and then moves into the caverns, trying to find your way to your meeting with the efreet.  The Keening Delve rings out constantly with the shriek of a wailing wind, making it hard to hear anything. You also discover that you can't communicate verbally with anyone more than 50' from you; fortunately, you can communicate telepathically.

You make your way through some winding tunnels that occasionally widen out into small chambers, an average of 30'x30, that lead inevitably into more corridors. You wind your way through these until eventually you come to an enormous ovoid chamber that opens up ahead, its uneven floor split from side to side. This great rift surges with the power of an elemental storm. Fierce winds swirl as gouts of fire and lightning touch the ceiling.

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...8Lk/edit?usp=sharing

What do you do?

Shall I teleport us across, or should we use another means? Gromley asks the group telepathically. I will test weather I can before we actually try, of course.

'Good idea'. Martha also prepares a spell of protection for her boys so they are safe when they get to the other side.

Cloak of Courage. Note GM: This only affects the boys, has no effect on Martha.

"Sounds like it'll be the quickest way" said Harald.  "An' the quicker the better as far as Ah'm concerned!"

"Make it so." Agon replied telepathically.  He had some options as well, but none were as foolproof as teleportation.

Darratheir didn't felt like it was necessary to add something so he simply nodded the head to show his agreement with Gromley.

Gromley floats over a stone to him, and then uses his space vortex ability on it. Trying to transport it over the burning energy gaps in the floor. Just to test weather or not it comes out safely on the other side of the gap.

(OOC-Using at will Space Vortex to teleport a rock up to five spaces, so that should be enough to get the rock to the other side of the gap.)

Gromley teleports the rock across the rift, which goes successfully. As it appears near the rift, the rift suddenly surges with blazing light, and a roaring sound of wind comes from within the rift!!

That's initiative. If you beat a 31, you can take your action--note that you see no enemies at the moment. There is nothing blocking your ability to teleport across and leave yet.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 157):

OOC:
13:57, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 31 using 1d20+22 with rolls of 9.  Initiative.

"Looks like we'll hae tae dae this the hard way" grumped Harald.

He took firm hold of axe and shield and turned to Gromley.

"Chuck me o'er there as quick as ye can, wee man.  Ah'll hud oan till ye manage tae get the others o'er there tae join me."



18:54, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 36 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 15.  Initiative.

Not liking this sudden surges of light, Darratheir looked all around him in order to identify what was happening. Looking back at Gromley, he said to the gnome : "Don't teleport me unless you feel it's really necessary. I can jump over this rift so focus on the others if they need your assistance."

20:28, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 31 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 14.  Initiative roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Wed 03 May 2017.

OOC: Init +29

OOC:Init 28

Got a 26.
23:02, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 26 using 1d20+18 with rolls of 8.  Initiative.

Martha acts fast. She leaps over the rift (assuming it looks vaguely safe to do so) before the wind and blazing light get too severe, and examines it closely from the other side (trained in perception).

Jump over rift, presumed success unless special DC involved, move as shown. Perception check.
08:02, Today: Martha rolled 44 using 1d20+28 with rolls of 16.

Martha and Harald, you are down 14 and 13 hp respectively. Do either of you want to spend a healing surge?

Martha, there is also a 20' (4 square) jump DOWN. That means it's really a 20' jump instead of a 10'. Do you want to still do that?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Sat 06 May 2017.

Martha looks down at the twenty-foot precipice, and reassesses. It was really too far for her to jump; Harald might be able to get down, but she wouldn't be able to without assistance.

Instead, she grabs a rope and ties it to something sturdy. Hopefully she'll be able to clamber down the rope til she is about half way down, then leap across the chasm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Mon 08 May 2017.

Don't. Gromley telepathically told Martha. I can transport all of us to safety all at once. I just did the test to see if it could stop teleportation in the first place.

Martha stops, nods at Gromley, then decides to ready an attack against anyone or anything that tries to stop Gromley teleporting them.

Ready Lance of Faith vs first enemy in sight.

HArald looks down at the other side of the rift and nods his agreement to Gromley's plan.  He hefts his axe, ready to smash it into amyone or anything that shows up suddenly.

Sonliin kept watch as the group made plans to cross the gap.

As the party prepares to teleport over, bolts of raw primordial energy shoot out of the rift. Agon narrowly dodges one, but Darratheir takes a shot on the shoulder; his head swims. A sudden surge of elemental energy shakes the floor and walls of the cavern as the rift flares with a blinding white light. An unearthly shriek heralds the appearance of more elementals. Their swirling forms phase into view within the storm and they move to attack! They descend upon Martha and Harald, chilling them with their touch...

The rift attacks, randomly, Agon and Darratheir. It misses Agon's reflex but hits Darratheir's for 23 lightning, cold and fire damage, and Darratheir is dazed (save ends).

Elementals 1-3 appear; two attack Martha hitting for 15 cold each (total of 30 hp) while one hits Harald for 15 hp cold.

Arcana checks can be made--PM those to me and I'll give you respective results.

All the PCs are up! Harald and Martha are waiting for Gromley currently.

Initiative
Rift
PCs <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Placing a hand on his shoulder and grimacing in pain, Darratheir looked at the rift with anger. When the elementals appear, his mind switch immediately to this of a fierce warrior looking at his new prey. A bit incapacitated by the last blow, he just moved closer to what would be his next target, taking a firm grip on the Arrow of Fate and ready to attack.

---

Move action: 1 SW
Save vs Daze - Success
21:32, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Save vs Daze.

Zog advances and, holding up his hand, unleashes a blast of static electricity that rips through the elementals...

Move up next to Gromley, then close blast 3--Static Charge. Use Benny to hit 1 for 5 hp and an adjacent enemy (2) for 31 hp. Hits 3 for 5 hp as well. Should finish all three minions.

16:42, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 5 using 2d8 with rolls of 1,4.  Damage .
16:42, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 41 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 10.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
16:42, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 35 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 4.  Benny on 1.
16:42, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 39,36,46 using 1d20+31,1d20+31,1d20+31 with rolls of 8,5,15.  Static Charge on 1, 2, 3.

Gromley gestures, and Martha and Darratheir floats over next to him without setting off any surviving foes about them. Then he gestures again-and the entire group is transported by the elemental rift to the far side of the room.

(OOC-Moving Martha and Darratheir via this power.

Noble Presence-Move action-close burst 3, one or 2 allies in burst.
Effect-Target shifts 2 spaces as free action, target gets +2 defenses until
end of next turn. As its a shift, she will cause no OAs on her.

Then using my Standard action with this power:

Song of Transition-Burst 1. Minor action. Effect-User and allies within
Burst Radius can teleport 10 spaces as a move action until.
Minor action-effect is sustained.

Minor action to sustain song of Transition.

Moving entire group on map.)

Waiting for Agon, Harald, Martha, and Sonliin.

'Thanks Gromley!' - Martha is delighted at this very sensible mode of transportation. 'If you ask me, this is the way to go.'

'Now, I see two exits, or is that a third there in the centre? Either way, we need to pick one. I can ask for an omen if we have the time?'

Sonliin looked around at the rift as they made their way to the other side. "Hum, let's take a look at the tunnel to the East." he suggested
Using the top of the map as North

"Dae we hae any indication which direction we're supposed to be goin' in" asked HArald, stamping his foot on the ground to make sure he had safely landed?

He looked up and around.  "Ah cannae see ony indication which way might be best.  Are ony of the passages bigger than the others?"

"We seek the Shrine of Forgotten Fire" Agon reminded the others.  He cast forth his awareness, attuning to sources of elemental energy in the cosmic chaos.

Or just felt if any of the corridors were notably warmer.

While the others were obviously focussing on the exits from the chamber, Harald turned round and watched the rear.  That rift was still spluttering and exploding and anything could shoot out of their at any second.

He held axe and shield ready to charge should any enemy appear.


MINOTAUR CHARGE: (level 17 - Invigorating)
49 vs AC' Damage 3d10+15.
Push target 1 square and shift to vacated square.  Make secondary attack - +51 vs Fort.  If hit, push target 3 squares and knock prone.
Gain 5 temp hp if I hit.

14:49, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 36 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 4.  Minotaur Charge vs AC.
14:49, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 49 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 17.  bennie
14:49, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 27 using 3d10+15 with rolls of 4,5,3.  Damage.
14:50, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 32 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 1.  Secondary vs Fort.
14:50, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 51 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 20.  bennie..

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Tue 23 May 2017.

Agon waited to blast any further enemies that might emerge from the rift with lightning.

[Ready] Arc Lightning attack

EDIT

22:23, Today: Agon rolled 47,45 using 1d20+29,1d20+29 ((18,16)). Readied Attacks.

30 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Mon 22 May 2017.

[Ready] Valiant Strike if they close

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
21:47, Today: Sonliin rolled 30 using 2d10+17 with rolls of 7,6.  Damage.  21:45, Today: Sonliin rolled 50 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 19.  Valiant Strike.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Tue 23 May 2017.

Ready Lance of Faith vs first enemy in sight.Hits AC31 for 17 radiant damage.


18:13, Today: Martha rolled 31,13,17 using d20+27,2d8+11,2d8+11 with rolls of 4,1,1,3,3.  Readied lance of faith.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Mon 22 May 2017.

After Zog annihilates the three elementals troubling the party, Gromley moves the rest of the party across the gap. As they do, bracing themselves for any subsequent trouble, the trouble comes. A swirling mass of elemental storm surges out of the rift and approaches the party. Harald charges and shoves the massive thing backwards. The storm responds in kind; it unleashes a pulse of electrical energy that shocks Harald slightly and that causes the storm to become less tangible. It then, exposing its flank to Harald, unleashes a storm of lightning that harms most of the party.

Agon, recognizing the lightning-based nature of the new storm, refrains from blasting it, which is fortunate, as three more shard storm ice winds emerge from the rift. He blasts two of them into oblivion right away. The third charges Sonliin and is struck down by the paladin-wizard with a single powerful blow.

Meanwhile, the rift launches another blast of multi-element energy, this time at Zog, who easily dodges it…

More minions appear; Agon and Sonliin take them down. Storm moves up and gets charged by Harald, hit for 27 hp.

The storm attacks Harald with a close blast 3; it automatically hits for 18 lightning (coming off of Harald’s temps. It then spends an action point to attack Agon, Sonliin, Gromley, Zog and Martha with a lightning attack. It hits Agon,  Zog and Martha’s Reflex for 37 lightning and thunder; it misses Gromley and Sonliin doing half damage for 18 lightning to each.

Rift attacks only Zog this time, missing with a nat 1.

HARALD, please take an OA on the Storm for using a ranged attack while next to you.

All PCs are up!

Initiative
Rift, Cyclone
PCs <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Everyone! Gather round me! I am going to get us out of here! the gnome telepathicly sends to the entire group.

(Ooc-planing on holding action until everyone is gathered around me. Then will use move and standard action to teleport us a total of 20 spaces away. Will use minor action to sustain zone of transport power.)

Responding to Gromley's call, Darratheir moved close to the group. He wanted to go and attack the Storm but they needed to focus so they could remove that Slaad's eggs quickly from Zog and Harald.

OOC: Move to current location

Harald slams his axe into the storm as it sends out a bolt of lightning past him.



"Shit!" Harald suddenly realised that everyone had moved and he hadn't even noticed.  Quickly he shifted away from the storm before using his Magic Boots to get him up close to Gromley.


21:25, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 29 using 2d10+15 with rolls of 9,5.  Damage if OA hits.
21:24, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 36 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 5.  MBA vs storm.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Wed 24 May 2017.

Martha holds her hands aloft over Gromley, and draws on her divine spark to create a shimmering sphere of protection around the halfling as he concentrates. The storm crackles and blasts the shield with lightening and elemental energy, but Martha furrows her brow and the shield holds. It is enveloping all her 'boys' with its protective energies, curling around them like arms in a hug.

'Quick Gromley - I can protect us from this thing for only so long!'

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Not an actual power.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:31, Thu 25 May 2017.

The storm lashed out with powerful blasts of raw elemental energy, a crude attack that Agon parried, channeled, focused, and directed away into a host of imaginary dimensions.  The cavern was suddenly quiet, filled with no more than the blast of the rift.

"Quickly!  The storm will return soon enough."


[Standard] Sequester vs Storm
+40 vs Fort, Banished for one round

OOC: Will use human powers of spend bennies to ensure a hit

Heeding the command from Gromley, Sonliin drew next to him, ready for the teleportation magic to move them once again.

Zog drops a ball of fire onto the storm, singing it.  He nods at Gromley. "Ready to go," he says.

Ignition on Storm. Hits (Fort 49) for 45 fire damage. It will take 19 fire if it starts its turn in any of the zone squares this turn. Already adjacent to Gromley, so good there.

16:41, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 45 using 2d12+31 with rolls of 10,4.  Damage.
16:41, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 49 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 18.  Ignition on Storm.

Gromley, your choices are teleporting to the west, to the south and to the east. As you can tell from the map, the southern hallway is narrower but turns abruptly southeast--you would only be able to teleport about 8 squares there. The eastern passagewayi is wider but seems to narrow and turn northeast after 5 squares. The western passage also seems to split after 7 squares in, turning north and south.

Which way do you wan to teleport?

Note: this decision is only for Gromley as he has the teleportation power, but you can all get a comment in during the 6-second combat round. Just make it a succinct one.

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...8Lk/edit?usp=sharing

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 192):

OOC-I will try for the south, but only when everybody is gathered round so I can transport them.

As Agon's power makes the storm vanish for a moment. Gromley uses his psionic powers and cleverly teleports you out of the room…

Harald's OA misses. Zog's attack hits. Agon's attack hits, so Storm is out of your hair for a round.

Harald, Darratheir and Sonliin have a minor and another (standard or move) action left. Zog has a move and a minor left. Martha has her full round left.

Your moves! You are out of range of the rift.

Note: It’s pretty obvious that the elemental will chase you, even if you force it to squeeze. It should be able to squeeze, given that it’s made of air.

Initiative
Rift, Cyclone
PCs <==

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit




This message was last edited by the GM at 21:41, Tue 30 May 2017.

"Yon airy thing's gonna keep comin', Ah reckon" said Harald quickly.  "If we stay here we can swamp it."

He glanced around at their surroundings.  "If Darratheir stays where he is, Ah sqap places wi' Grom, an' Zog an' Sonnlin move a wee bit tae the south - oot o' melee range, we can all get a crack at it as it tries tae squeeze in.  What dae yes a' think?"


If all OK use move to shift position.

Zog nods. "I completely agree, Harald."

Will move as instructed.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Tue 30 May 2017.

"Like the plan, lets do it." Sonliin said.

Harald had the right idea, but Agon knew a little bit more about the foe. "It will unleash elemental fury at all who stray too close.  This chamber could sign our death warrant.  The next chamber has more space, we should defend there."

OOC: Monster knowledge tells me this thing has a bunch of Burst 3 attacks.  We don't want to get too close. Also, one ability will let it go insubstantial for a round.

"I will stay at close range whatever we decide to do. If you, casters, prefer to move to the larger room, I will follow." said the Dragonborn with a nod of the head.

If the group decides to move, feel free to move me as well (Speed 8) so you can move the game along as I won't be able to post before at least 12 hours. :-)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Tue 30 May 2017.

"That makes sense" said Harald.  "Let's get intae that room an' spread oot a wee bit."


Moves into the bigger area with the others and spreads out.

Martha nods. She takes her time over the rubble, asking for help from Darratheir to get across it safely.

Double-moved myself and Darra to SE chamber.

Gromley nods, and teleports just himself into the room with the others. He figured everyone else would want to choose thier own battle ground.

(OOC-Move-teleport. Minor-Sustain teleport zone.)

One of the problems of being dwarf height was the shortness of dwarf legs.  Harald stomped towards the chamber but ended up at the barrowest part of the crevice between the two areas.

"This'll dae me just fine" he announced.  Ye's can a' shoot past me while I rip him a new one wi' ma axe."

He spat on his hands and took a firm grip of both axe and shield.


Move as per map

The party moves away. You hear the roaring of the cyclone return from above. Agon points out telepathically that it can't see you anymore, so if the party is stealthy, you might convince it that you have all gone.

Stealth checks all around. DC is 26. Anyone who exceeds a 36 will erase one failure on someone else's part. No exceptions on this Stealth check unless you want to provoke the thing to chase or unless you have a clever way to use a different skill, which I am open to :-)

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 204):

OOC:
18:17, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 33 using 1d20+23 with rolls of 10.  Stealth check.

Agon took cover behind a pillar of rock.

Stealth +34

Harald tried...yes he really tried...to tiptoe across the chamber.

Unfortunately he did not account for the broken stalagmites, the bits of broken rock and the assorted crap on the floor of the chamber.

'Crunch...crunch' 20:43, Sat 03 June: Harald Gaptooth rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3.  Stealth.

He winced as he  crunched across the area.

"Sorry!" he mouthed to the others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:22, Wed 07 June 2017.

Sonliin had a hard time of moving quietly, not as bad a Harald but still bad enough with the noise his full plate was making as he tried walking through the chamber.

21:28, Today: Sonliin rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10.  Stealth check.

Zog does his part to move away quietly...
21:32, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 29 using 1d20+16 with rolls of 13.  Stealth.

Seeing as the others tried to conceal themselves, Darratheir moved quietly in a shadowy area.

10:30, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 31 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 14.  Stealth Check.

04, Today: Martha rolled 21 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 7.  Stealth

Harald, do you want to spend a Benny to see if you can avoid a fail for the party's check collectively?

Sorry!!

21:17, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 24 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 13.  bennie.
21:17, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 18 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 7.  bennie.
21:16, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 19 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 8.  Stealth with bennie.

Close enough. Harald gets a +2 assist from Gromley's clever tactic.

The storm does not pursue--Agon surmises that the elemental assumed the party had escaped via teleportation and was no longer a threat.

The party eventually finds its way through the tunnels and soon enter the room where the fiery portal that you are to take to your rendezvous must lie. A nycademon falls back before a foul rotfiend threatening it. Another nycademon lurks close by. The fractured walls of this chamber are etched in endless runes lit by the flaring firelight of a number of lava pits across the floor. The runes are an ancient Primordial script. The detail of their meaning is obscured, but this place is clearly a shrine to primordial power.

Planar power surges within the stones and the lava vents, the lingering essence of a great portal that once stood here. A disruption to that essence indicates that creatures frequently make use of it, most likely creating their own temporary portals to and from this site.

These outsiders do not seem to have noticed you yet.

You may take a short rest before you enter this room. Indicate that you do so if you do in your next post.

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...8Lk/edit?usp=sharing

Everyone roll initiative just in case. What do you do?

00:50, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 22 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 1.  Initiative.

Maybe I should use a bennie here!  But I don’t know how many I have left.  Maybe I’ll just be slow.

Waiting to hear about Grom before I decide on the short rest.

Martha takes a breather, and at the same time checks on each of her boys, making sure they're in good spirits (update Cloak of Courage on everyone).

She is interested in this shrine of primordial power, and in the runes. 'Long before the gods were born and began to systematically close off access and subdivide divine power, it flowed freely through the world', she whispers to the others. 'This is a shrine from that time - a place of power from before the divine spark was tethered.' She breathes deep and feels the spark inside herself twinkle - she is powerful in this place.'

Short Rest. Update Cloak of Courage.

Read runes (language Primordial). Assess primordial shrine (religious knowledge/background)

08:30, Today: Martha rolled 42 using 1d20+28 with rolls of 14.  Initiatrive.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:31, Thu 08 June 2017.

It seemed that thanks to Gromley's teleport they had lost the elemental storm.
 "Good, we should leave as much of this path sealed behind us." Agon said.  He joined Martha in reading the runes.  "What mind wrote this? What secret from the dawn is time is recorded here?" He muttered, cross-referencing what he saw against his own immense store of knowledge.

Init +35
Assess the Rooms: Arcana/Religion/History +45, or Geoengineering +35 (same dice roll, whatever skill applies)

Harald stretched his arms and twisted his back, causing tendons to twang and bones to slide back into position.

"Ah!  That's better.  Now bring oan these eejits.  Ma axe needs feedin'"



Short rest.  No surge spent.  Minotaur Charge recovered

Gromley stays focused on maintaining his zone of teleportation. He was not planning to rest until they where out of here. They may need a quick exit before long. He does act as a 'mental switchboard', allowing his allies to contact each other with perfect silence.

I may be able to use a ritual on what's left of the former portal that lay there. He sent to the others.

OOC-No rest, maintaining zone of teleport.
10:27, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 31 using 1d20+22 with rolls of 9.  Initiative.

Sonliin headed in with the others, keeping a watchful eye on any foes that might appear.

"Lets hope not, the less we have to fight, the more resources we shall have dealing with her." he said

14:14, Today: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 19.  init.

<Orange> No rest

Darratheir wouldn't have minded a fight against the Storm but Sonliin was right. They should save as much strength as they could for what was coming.

"I will keep the watch with you, Sonliin. Runes... are not my thing."

No short rest. And I will go with that bad initiative.
20:55, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 18 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 1.  Initiative roll.

Zog nods. "Our goal is to get to that portal. Gromley can teleport us and Agon and I can trigger the portal."

He moves to get near to Gromley so the psion can teleport them.

Initiative 25.
18:35, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 25 using 1d20+18 with rolls of 7.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Thu 08 June 2017.

The party considers their options. The demonic figures continue their argument, completely oblivious to the party...

The evil outsiders are essentially on delay until you make yourselves known; they are ignoring you. And, a reminder, that you do NOT need to defeat them to use the portal. It is likely they will attack you if you are seen, though, so even if some of you teleport to the portal to work on it, they will attack SOMEBODY.

Let's begin with Gromley--Gromley, do you teleport everyone? If so, place minis appropriately.

Initiative
Martha, Agon , Sonliin, Gromley
Creatures
Zog, Harald, Darratheir

Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Q50-wFOAK6P78Lk/edit

Gromley sends out a silent mental communication to his friends. I can cloak all of us and then teleport all of us, but maintain both powers shall be something of a strain. Plus I won't be able to keep doing both for very long. Gromley told everyone.

OOC-Delaying my action until group makes a call about what to do next. Can I see the portal on the map? Do I need to use my projected awareness to spot it?

Martha replies telepathically. 'Good plan Gromely - lets do it. Agon - can you tell where the portal is?'

Terrain notes states we need a DC31 arcana check to identify the portal in the furthest lava pool - this should be easy for Agon.
Gromley you should teleport us 1 away from the lava pools. Half of us can defend the party while the other half activate the portal.

"The portal is close, I can sense it. Most likely within that lava rift." Agon replied telepathically. "I will ward us against fire, and I may be able to conjure a shield of force while we open the way."

He studied the demons and the room, weaving a shield against fire around the party.

OOC: Waiting for Monster Knowledge.

Using Mass Resistance to give us all Resist Fire 13, assuming that won't trigger combat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:29, Sat 24 June 2017.

While it was not necessary to speak mentally with him, Darratheir turned his head in direction of Gromley. "Do not worry. If you were unable to sustain such power, Harald and I can contain the demons out of our way."

OOC: Ready to strike if Gromley can't maintain the cloack and we are discovered.

"Our goal is beyond the biggest demon. Teleport us close, and I shall get us through." Agon said.

OOC: The R is a Rotwing Lord, a level 29 artillery. If we can get close we can squish him. AC 43; Fortitude 41, Reflex 39, Will 43. It has some burst attacks, but I don't see much way around that. It can also fly and block teleports. The Ns are Nycademon Warmasters, Lvl 28 skirmishers. They have a nasty Reach 2 melee attack with ongoing damage, and can grab and fly to pull us around.  A Wall of Force as indicated on the map should hold them for 4 or 5 rounds, depending on how they roll on damage.

Sound like a plan?

Sounds good to me.

Sonliin nodded in agreement, getting ready to send one of the foes into timeout for a bit if needed.

"If'n we cannae teleport in, can wan o' yoose no' send yon rotwing away for a wee while?"

Harald's head was hurting with the planning bit.

"Or maybe Ah should just rush in an' malafooster the blighter."

Zog nods. Quietly, he says, "Yes--Agon, if you can make it disappear, we can teleport in. I can very easily help activate the portal as well. While nowhere near Agon's equal, that doesn't look that hard to me."