The party finds that things in Sigil are eerily similar to when they left some days ago. There are a lot of whispers, though, that were not there before: whispers of trouble in many places. Nemeroff soon resolves that he must return to his troops, as suddenly the battle against the efreeti has gone badly.

The rest of the party is called by the Great and Terrible Bone Witch to a private house somewhere towards the center of the city. She explains her abrupt disappearance: the man she had tackled was an ancient enemy, a wizard-servant of Tiamat that she had hoped to find in this place. From him, she had extracted lore that would be of use to the party.

At this place are also three others that Agon, Gromley, Harald and Zog did not recognize...

Martha and Sonliin, please introduce your characters.

Martha stands up from the chair and curtsies awkwardly. 'Pleased to meet you all', she says politely. 'My name is Martha Venger. The Great and Terrible Bone Witch believes we may of assistance to each other.'

She knows who some of these others are - has even taught about them in history class. Everyone's heard of Archmage Agon, obviously. And the paladin next to her had a familiar crest - Lord Sonlinn perhaps? An august group this!

'I received a message from Bahamut, shortly before he was killed', she reveals, deciding instantly to trust these brave-looking men. 'He said he had found a weakness in Tiamat's defences. I have had an omen on this matter. That's why I am here. If our paths are aligned, I would be honoured if you would allow me to work with you.'

She itches her face nervously. She's not usually impressed by power, but this is different. These people might adopt her as part of their group. She might make friends, find some sort of family. Have people to take care of. She had to play it cool, not get too friendly too fast. 'You can just call me Grandma Martha if you like', she suggests. 'Anyone married? Kids?'

The gnome on the floating disk made of energy zips over to her. Getting up from a pillowed longue chair, he bows to the woman with a flourish of his hands. "Greetings dear lady! It is so nice to meet someone with a degree of refinement! No offense to my companions, but they get positively dull after a while." He grinned at the others.

The strange glowing orb floated near the gnome's head, and let off what sounded like an annoyed sigh as the gnome spoke.

"Quiet, Baldrick!" The Gnome snapped at the floating bit of energy, which just made it sigh again.

"I am Gromley Underhill, diplomat and adviser to house Phiarlan. It will be a great pleasure to travel with you on this most unfortunate of tasks." 

Harald stomped forward and held out a gnarled hand.

"Pleased tae meet ye, hen.  Ah'm Harald.  They cry me Gaptooth sometimes 'coz Ah lost a couple o' teeth in a wee stramash a few years ago."

Martha grins. 'What a shame Harald. Don't worry, I'm great with soups.'

'As for this 'unfortunate task' Gromely, I would have thought the notion of destroying Tiamat would be a happy one. Shame about Bahamut, but you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs!'

In reply to Martha (msg # 5):

"The unfortunate part being more of the fact we have to engage in it at all. I thought gods always fought each other for all time, and all that. Now with Tiamat's foil gone, we are looking at our own eternal war-even if we are successful, I doubt any of of the dragon lady's followers will be on the forgiving side."

He raised an eyebrow. "Besides, I would not equate the loss of one of the major forces against evil as 'broken eggs'. It makes it sound like he can be easily replaced."

The short, ordinary-looking human next to Harald rolls his eyes at Gromley's comments. At Martha's comments, he straightens up rather abruptly, losing expression in his face.

"I beg your pardon, but if you are here to leave the 'eggs' broken, you may leave. Some of us had a more substantial relationship with Bahamut and find news of his death perhaps the worst news we have received in a long time.

"I do not often claim a name, but the last name Bahamut called me was Zog, so by that name I introduce myself. And in that name I ask you: how are you going to help us save Bahamut, exactly?"

He does not seem overtly angry, but there is something in his eye that suggests he is deadly serious.

Arriving in Sigil, Soliin looked around to locate the person that went by the name "Great and Terrible Bone Witch" finding the directions he headed to the private house that she was located. Heading up the stairs, he knocked on the door.

"Good day."said the air genasi wearing plate mail armor "I was told that the one known as Great and Terrible Bone Witch resided here?" he asked. "I am Sonliin from the temple of Ioun in Greyhawk,Oerth. I was told that Bahamut has perished, is that true?"

'Hmm. Cunning. I'm thinking the Great and Terrible Bone Witch told us what we needed to hear to bring us together. I hadn't realised your goal was saving Bahamut, good Sirs. Hmmm.'

She introduces herself brightly to Sonliin, but doesn't answer his query in case she makes another faux pas. 'Temple of Ioun! Interesting. It all comes together' she mumbles.

'I'm sorry if I made light of your loss, Sir Zog. I did not mean to offend. To be honest, I wasn't really intending on saving Bahamut at first, but now that you mention it, that would be helpful in fighting Tiamat. My primary aim is ending her dark reign. I think the stuff she's done is terrible, don't you?' She bites her lip. It's probably best not to mention her past right now. Let it sit for a while. Too many paladins.

'The gods do fight each other, Gromley, but they rarely finish each other off. Some sort of unwritten heavenly rule I should imagine, preserving the balance and all that.' She waggles a finger in the air like a schoolteacher. 'Which is precisely why this terrible tragic event might be our opportunity. With Bahamut gone - I mean of course temporarily weakened Zog - we must defeat Tiamat in order to restore the balance. I have a feeling Ioun would agree.'

A goblin woman waves Sonliin in. "I am she, Sonliin of Ioun. And the lunatic woman here is quite correct--it is precisely Ioun that we need.

The Great and Terrible Bone Witch next introduced a third being, an angelic being named Amyria. For an angel, Amyria does not look well, and in speaking reveals the cause:

“I .. have not been well. The others believe that my grief over Bahamut’s passing and the progress of the war are responsible. I have done nothing to dissuade them
of their ideas, but they are incorrect. Since the fall of the Platinum Dragon, my dreams have been wracked by increasingly vivid visions. Each night I see myself pierced through with an arrow of bone wrapped with sinew and flesh and adorned with burning runes. Silver-chased blood spreads from my wounds and runs from the head of the arrow. The power of these visions is frightening and ancient beyond explanation, but I cannot describe them as evil or malicious.

“With every fiber of my being I know these visions to be a gift, a last gift from Bahamut to his beleaguered children. The artifact from the visions is the key; it must somehow be able to foil Tiamat’s foul schemes. You all were considered allies of Bahamut or at least enemies of Tiamat. I beg of you to search out the identity of and recover this fateful artifact, without which I fear we will all be lost.”

"And the only way I know to be sure to find this is to secure the help of Ioun herself. This, Sonliin, is where we hope you can help us. Can you lead this group to the astral domain of Hestavar and entreat your patroness to aid us?"

Agon felt the lose of their patron as keenly as any. This was, in the end, a wizard's war. His magic and knowledge against the likes of IrFelujhar, and the lich's thousand year scheme had proven superior in the end.

"A pleasure to meet you, Martha and Sonlinn." He said in a smooth baritone.

Agon's eyes visibly lit at the suggestion of a journey to Hestavar.  An entry into the cosmic archives was something even the greatest wizard aspired to. "In desperate days like these, we should take any thread. I trust your visions, Amyria"

'I concur Agon. My visions have shown that Ioun will provide the missing piece of the puzzle. We will find this unpleasant-sounding bone arrow, and use it to kill Tiamat. Onto Hestavar!'

This was exhilarating. And much better than she had been expecting. She gets a pang when she recalls her schoolkids back home - will they miss her? Probably not. She has no one to miss her, to hope she arrives safely home.

'Amyria', Martha takes the sad angel aside later. 'Look I'm not being rude, just giving you a homely heads-up. You look terrible. You need to pull yourself together. He's gone, and you need to move on. IF you need someone to talk to, even just to sit down and have some tea and just talk about the weather, I'm here for you'. She puts her hand on the angel's shoulder. 'Time is a healer', she adds, remembering too late these things are likely different for angels.

"Ah must admit Ah'm no' the best when it comes tae researchy things" grumped Harald.  "But Ah'm happy enough tae gang wi' ye all.  Worst comes tae worst, Ah'll stand in front of ye whilst ye dae the necessary bookwork."

"'Tis me trade after a'" he added brightly.

Sonliin cocked an eyebrow, curious at the notion that Ioun was what they needed. As he entered The Great and Terrible Bone Witches abode, he greeted the others that were assembled, more so at the appearance of Amyria and the tale of the bone arrow.

Listening to her story and the description of the projectile, he thought back in his memory as to what it could be, and if it might work on the Dragon Queen.

"I will not have a problem with taking the group to Hestavar in order to seek her aid. It will require a place that I can perform the ritual along with the required components to create the portal. We can leave as soon as everyone is ready. You will need to stick together, the portal will likely be open for a short time." he said

---

12:39, Today: Sonliin rolled 35 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 11.  History +24.
12:39, Today: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 16.  Bone arrow? Religion +24.
12:38, Today: Sonliin rolled 30 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 6.  Bone arrow? Arcana +24.

Both Agon and Sonliin are unaware of this artifact, a fact that surprises both men.

Amyria smiles sadly at Martha but says nothing in response.

The Great and Terrible Bone Witch nods. "Good. I am going to go somewhere else--I am going to head to the Astral Sea to find an ancient Githzerai wizard who may be able to help us as well. And be wary: agents of Tiamat may very well have suspicions about our actions and may try to stop you."

She shows Sonliin a nearby room where he can perform his ritual.

She adds, "I will also be sending one other to help you, as a sort of reinforcement. His name is Darratheir. He will come to you with the code phrase of "Hope flies like a bone arrow."" She grins a terrible goblin grin.

Like Sonliin, if you want to make skill checks to prepare for the trip, feel free.

Sonliin, go ahead and make an Arcana check for the ritual; give yourself an automatic +4 to the roll for assistance from Agon and Zog.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:24, Thu 04 Feb 2016.

Once everyone was assembled to make the journey, Sonlinn, Zog and Agon completed the ritual to open the portal to Hestavar. The fabric of space was torn asunder, to allow them to make the trip. Seeing how the portal opened so readily, Sonliin smiled "I believe we are expected." he said.

---

OOC:
14:55, Today: Sonliin rolled 49 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 17.  Ritual +24 arcana, +4 (assist), +4 for Planeshifter.

It will be open for 5 rounds

'Extraordinary' says Martha in wonder at the portal. 'I've never seen that done so fast. You have quite the talent, young man.'

'If you don't mind, I'll allow one of you brave men to go first, and I'll enter in the middle of the group.' She rubs her hands in anticipation, quite thrilled at how this adventure is turning out.

Harald hefted his shield and his axe.

"It's usually me what does the 'stickin' heid in bear trap' bit.  So Ah might as well carry on as usual."

Without the least sign of hesitation he stepped forwards into the portal.

Zog eyes Martha carefully and smirks. "I will be watching you. Do not make me doubt your willingness to aid Bahamut, or you will pay." Though he is smiling slightly, his words are cold as ice.



Zog nods. "I agree. We will be happy to go."



Zog rolls his eyes. "She's an IMMORTAL. She's unaffected by time."



Zog chuckles. "It is a rare privilege for me to have someone walk into a trap first. Agon, shall we?" He follows Harald into the portal...

Agon nodded to the Great and Terrible Bone Witch. "Stay safe. I predict agents of Tiamat will try to capitalize on this victory." He walked confidently through the portal, ready to face another world.

As the others started to cross over to Hestavar, Sonliin pulled out a worn wooden die from his backpack using the disembodied hand. Flipping it up in the air, the die came to earth where the hand picked it up and placed it back in the backpack. Before entering the portal, he looked around to make sure that there was no one that did not need to cross to the Bright City and was the last to step in, closing the barrier behind him.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Sun 08 May 2016.

Martha smiles sadly at Zog's aggressive response to her apology, but holds her tongue. He's young, she thinks. She's been there too; holding onto certainty and clear notions of black and white and gods, like it was the most important thing in the world. Hopefully Zog would not be hurt as she had been.  She resolves to take particular care of this vulnerable young man.

Martha will knit something for Zog. Not sure what yet. Scarf? She will procure something in Hestavar. And learn how to nit.

She strides confidently through the portal behind Zog, her mind on other things, taking absolutely no precautions whatsoever.

Gromley let others go ahead first, listening with his ability to detect thoughts for screams of pain or alarm. Once the other side of the portal is deemed safe, his floating disk heads through the portal while he adjusts his pillows to get comfortable.

The heroes are deposited upon a pristine white sand bank that winds its way through a peaceful lagoon sparkling in the sunlight. Beyond the beach are open, airy buildings carved from white marble and roofed with gold. Elegant ships ply the lagoon and glide through the sky, darting about within the cloud of earthmotes that rises ever higher. Manicured cobblestone streets and breathtaking buildings of every imaginable architectural style crown these floating neighborhoods. Hestavar, the Bright City, lies before them.

The sun-warmed sand winds toward the city ahead, the way sprinkled with rocky outcroppings and small pools. Tiny waves lap at the edges of the bar, contributing to the peaceful, calming ambiance.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, another rip in reality appears, and a trio of massive red dragons appear and start flying at the party!

Note that there is no map for this encounter. Think in terms of narrative or skills to resolve this. The dragons are currently 500' feet away. Describe how your character reacts to this situation. Keep in mind that you are on an outer plane with a strong Good alignment--a very friendly environment from your perspective.

Zog's eyes go wide. "Was not expecting that here. Perhaps I'm too credulous. Agon, back me up, here."

He starts flying in mid-air, the air swirling around him. He suddenly changes visage into the appearance of an angelic being.

"HERE ME, DRAGONS. STOP AND DECLARE YOURSELF, LEST ALL THE FORCES OF HESTAVAR DESCEND UPON YOU!"

Zog's voice is magically enhanced for volume and effect.

Using Bluff (41), Intimidate (44) and Arcana  (32) in a mash-up. Two bennies to get decent rolls in my good skills.
14:23, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 44 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 19.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
14:23, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 41,31 using 1d20+22,1d20+25 with rolls of 19,6.  Bennies on 26, 29.
14:23, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 26,29,32 using 1d20+22,1d20+25,1d20+19 with rolls of 4,4,13.  Bluff, Intimidate, Arcana.

Gromley's sense of priority kicks in...and the gnome on the disk proceeds to vanish from sight. As it normally did...

OOC-
20:09, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 32 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 11.  Reactive stealth.

Harald just shrugged.  "What else did ye expect folks?  A rabid bunch of vegetarian, hippie pixies?"

He strode out in front of the others and stood, axe on hip and just waited for the shit to hit the fan.

Agon nodded and also took to the air after Zog. The presence of evil dragons on a plane of Good stung his pride. He spoke into their minds, in perfect draconic. Hello. Just wanted to let you know: we can fly, we can speak into your minds, and well, curiosity has some dangerous consequences. Land, and we can talk this out like civilized beings"

OOC: I can fly, with a spell. Not many options if we don't have an extended rest, but I have telepathy with an item.

Seeing the intruders in the home of his deity, Sonliin started sounding the alarm, banging on his shield with his hammer and calling out in the language of the plane. "Ad Arma! Draco Conflagratio Horriblis!" he called out in a booming voice.

Martha's limbs turn cold as she sees the dragons descend on them. 'Spawn of Tiamat; these dragons do not belong in this place', she says. 'Be careful Zog. I have your back.'

Martha draws on her own divine power to envelop Zog in a radiant shield, one specifically designed to protect against dragons. Zog is bathed in light, enhancing his angelic appearance. 'The shield will not hold long Zog', she warns. 'It will merely slow them down if they mean to attack'

15:59, Today: Martha rolled 40 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 19. Martha Religion check, dragon ward of light around Zog. Hoping to protect Zog and also enchance his angelic aura (intimidate and bluff check).

"Hang on a wee minute there" called Harald.  "How did they big buggers manage tae get here?  Dae ye no' hae some kinda magical defences against this kind o' thing, Sonny lad?"

The dwarf used his keen eyesight to examine the rapidly approaching dragons.  He was not entirely sure whether he should be preparing to fight them or not but something did feel a little strange.


23:56, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 25 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 8.  Insight check.
23:58, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 47 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 20.  Perception check.

Sonliin watched the swooping forms as they got closer trying to make sure that they were what he had fought before...

---

23:18, Today: Sonliin rolled 38 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 14.  Knowledge Arcana.

Dragons were naturally prideful, red dragons the most of all. They had on the one hand a duty to destroy such minions of evil, but on the other hand, with Tiamat ascendant they were all hunted fugitives now.

Agon waited to see what the dragons would do.

OOC: Arcana +50

Harald points out the vector of the incoming dragons’ attack to Zog and Agon. With Martha and Agon’s help, Zog suddenly presents himself as a rather formidable foe, winds swirling around him, a cascade of the light of Hestavar surging around him and arcane power rocketing around him in quite a display. This sight, plus the telepathic voice in their heads suddenly ringing, causes the dragons to pause in air for a long minute.

Then, out of nowhere, a dragonborn appears, flying in the air apparently of his own power. His appearance creates a loud CRACK that resonates thoughout the plane, and seems to magnify Sonliin’s echoing call for assistance. Within seconds, at least a hundred angelic beings materialized, teleported by some greater power in the city, and restrain the dragons, which fight like mad.
Meanwhile, the dragonborn flies up to your group…


Darratheir, introduce your character!

Appearing from nowhere, the Dragonborn was displaying wings made of light. He passed by the red dragons, ignoring them and heading directly toward the remote group of adventurers. If he wasn't covered in green scales, it would have been impossible to say it was a Dragonborn from this far as he was wearing a massive animal skin covering him completely, including his head and most of his body.

When he started to be closer, you could see it was a bear skin that was covered with large scalds running from the head to the legs but the wearers face was invisible, hidden under the hide. Without revealing himself, he finally landed right in front of the group as the wings disappeared and he moved toward the Dwarf.

"You should be Harald Gaptooth." he said laconically. "Your wizard friend, the great Elminster sent me before you and your allies to save you from this ambush. And I am glad to see I arrived in time."

Stepping back to see the group as a whole, he continued his introduction. "I am Darratheir Burnedbear, slayer of Baelamohn, the Lord of the Black Flame who served Tiamat." He then bowed before the other and waited for Harald to react. Despite the skin covering him, you could see he was tall and bulky. There was also what looked like a massive Fullblade in his back, going over the hide that was partially hiding it.

Zog allows the swirling winds to end as he gently lands. He walks over to Martha, extending his hand.

"That was impressive. Thank you for your help. I apologize for my words earlier--I fear your words may have hit a chord with me. I am not in the habit of alienating those who seek to be my ally so quickly. Forgive me."

"Aye!  That's right enough, sonny, Ah'm Harald Gaptooth.  But tae be completely honest Ah wiz kinda lookin' forward tae a wee bit stooshie wi' they dragons."

He smiled, gaptoothedly and held out a gnarled hand.

"But never mind.  Ony friend o' Elminster is a friend o' mine.  Pleased tae meet ye."

Matha is impressed at the entire scene, and rushes forward, stooped-back and wild-haired, to meet Darratheir.

'Sir Darratheir, what an honour to meet you. I had heard Baelamohn had been vanquished, and had rejoiced, but I never expected to get a chance to kiss the hand that dealt that blow. You must tell me of the battle some time'. She somewhat awkwardly tries to kiss his hand, but she's so excited her lips are too dry so she just sort of brrhes it against her cheek.

'These red dragons your men are fighting', she points up. 'Are they sent by Tiamat? Do you know how they got here? Can we help you defeat them in any way?' Though it seems Darratheir's angelic host have the matter fully under control.

To Zog, Matha ignores Xog's hand and leans in for an affectionate cuddle instead. 'There is nothing to forgive. You have accepted me in your group and allowed me to help you, and gave me the chace to earn your respect. I cannot explain to you how special this is to an old woman who thought she would die alone in the back of nowhere. I will always have your back, even when we don't see exactly eye to eye.' As she speaks, she looks around to the rest of the group, including everyone in her words.

For the first time in years, Martha feel likes a person with a future – with a meaning. With a destiny.

But she keeps one wary eye on those red dragons, omens of darkness to come.

Sonliin surveyed the battle, happy to see that the horde of angelic beings appear to deal with the trio of dragons as the Dragonborn joined the group

"Pleased to meet you Darratheir" he said "I am Sonliin from the Temple of Ioun. It appears that the defenders have well enough in hand. If we go up to join them, they might mistake us as coming to the dragons aid, although, I am also curious as to why they showed here."

"However, I also fear that Tiamat is on to us and time is of the essence. We had better save the tales of glory until after we we meet my Mistress." he said, flicking an eye to the battle in the sky.

When Harald greeted him, Darratheir simply nodded the head as Martha was soon keeping all his attention. By mere reflex, he quickly removed his hand when she took it and did something that felt weird to him. He also took a step backward to keep more distance with the group.

"My lady, I will be more than happy to narrate you the hunt that lead to the destruction of this evil that tried to corrupt the world." When she mentioned the dragons, he looked over his shoulder to see the raging battle that was taking place in the sky. "You are right, these dragons have been sent by Tiamat. Elminster is afraid that they plan to invade this plane, this was just a warning. As for the angels, they are not with me. They might be the guards of this place."

All the time he was speaking, he was taking the best cautions to avoid showing himself, hiding behind his burned bear skin. You could only distinguish his facial features and his eyes that were sometimes reflecting enough light to be visible.

He then turned to Sonliin when he started to speak. "I'm please to meet you as well, Sonllin of the Temple of Ioun. I would be honored to meet your Mistress. As you said, time is a luxury we can't afford at the moment. Please, be our guide."

'Sonliin, we should hurry to meet Ioun and see how we can assist in repelling Tiamat's agents. I fear Tiamat knows that your mistress holds the key to her defeat. Your mistress may be in great danger.'


13:16, Today: Martha rolled 36 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 11.  Insight check: are the angels winning? Or do they require our help to defeat the dragons before we move on?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

Agon nodded in satisfaction as the angels did in the dragons. Good was still fighting back, but there would be more attacks to come.

"Well met, Darrathier. I am Agon the Archmage. It's good that Ioun and the last servants of Bahamut are working together now.  This is no time to let dissension or fear slow a response against evil. We will all do what is necessary." Agon was grim, looking for vengeance.

"The sooner we get a move on, the sooner we can pit an end tae yon Tiamat."

Harald waved his arms to gather the group up.  "And maybe there'll be a wee jar or two besides."

Zog flinches a bit as Martha cuddles him. He smiles politely, though, and bows when she releases him. "Thank you."



Zog nods. "Agreed. Lead on, Darratheir." He walks up to Harald and asks quietly, "Jar of what, exactly?"

A troop of seven angels fly up to the party. They bow as one and draw their swords in salute of Darratheir.

"Hail, servant of Ioun," they say in one voice. "Your arrival has been expected. Come with us."

They lead the party forward off the beach into Hestavar. White sand gives way to sculpted marble and manicured cobblestone as the heroes make their way into the city proper. The vast majority of the city lies above them on the many earthmotes that rise to the heavens. Even at ground level, the bustle of an active, thriving metropolis envelops the characters. The open, airy streets, lined with beautiful homes and businesses of all descriptions, are thronged with exalted going about their business and troops of angels going about their gods’ business. Despite all the activity, there remains a sense of peace and contentment that no mortal city could duplicate.

etting anywhere in a massive, bustling city built on hundreds of independent and sometimes mobile floating chunks of rock is a daunting task for outsiders. Fortunately for the heroes, the natives of Hestavar take great pride in their ability to navigate the confusing three-dimensional maze and especially as they have eager and commissioned guides like their angel guides, the party is able to lead them on.

Kerith-Ald occupies the entirety of its own earthmote. The majority of the many structures on the earthmote are given over to the magic academy, university, and vast library that make the tiny island of rock perhaps the greatest center of knowledge that exists. The Swan Tower for which the complex is named rises above all the others and is the private resting place and retreat of the goddess Ioun. The fabulous library of the Swan Tower is far too large to be contained within any single structure on the earthmote; it is spread among several adjoining buildings. The storied halls are overflowing with every manner of tome, scroll, and loose paper imag- inable, all meticulously cataloged and filed on one of the countless shelves or in some other receptacle by a veritable army of scribes and librarians. The knowledge contained within the library is freely available to all who seek it, but those that abuse this hospitality quickly find themselves expelled and barred from reentry by the hosts of Ioun.

Here, standing and waiting for the party, is an amazing being. Resplendant in a whilte robe with a long, flowing white beard, this is clearly Athearsauriv, exarch of Ioun, who has taken a deva form for purposes of speaking with you.

"I send you greetings on behalf of our lady, Darratheir, and greeting to your allies. Erathis, Ioun, and Pelor have withdrawn from Hestavar to attend a meeting of gods to discuss Tiamat's actions. They wished that I would convey to you her desire that you use whatever resources you find here to aid you in your task. You will find that each of you will be able to find knowledge here, each in your own way."

And what he speaks is true--this place contains wonderful inventions to let even the illiterate learn things that they seek to learn!

Skill challenge! You are researching more information about this flesh-covered arrow here. You can use the obvious skills--Arcana, History, Religion. You can also use CHA skills to find someone to get help. And, if you describe it cleverly, you can use physical skills to aid the others as well. A well-thought-out or well-written description of what you are doing will lower the DC for your check.

What do you do?

"Anyone care to join me in the library?" Sonliin asked the group. "We can each conduct our research and later meet to pool everything together. This library is vast so do not be afraid to asked one of the researchers for assistance." he said

Sonliin headed to the library, searching the tomes to see if if there is a mention of the flesh-covered arrow

History 40, Religion 31, Arcana 28, Nature 33 (Just to make sure all bases are covered)
21:16, Tue 09 Feb: Secret Roll: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+23 with rolls of 10.  Nature research +23 for good measure.
21:16, Tue 09 Feb: Secret Roll: Sonliin rolled 28 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 4.  Arcana Research +24.
21:15, Tue 09 Feb: Secret Roll: Sonliin rolled 31 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 7.  Religion research +24.
21:15, Tue 09 Feb: Secret Roll: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 16.  History research +24.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:52, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

Martha follows Sonnlin into the library, relieved to get out of the serene grandeur of the city. She has learned to distrust ordered and obedient societies; they make her skin crawl.

'I have two ideas', she declares to the team and Athearsauriv. 'If Tiamat suspects Ioun is the key to her undoing, it would be just like her to send spies into the library to conduct her own research on the topic. She likes to be prepared, and she has an extensive network of servants on every plane.' Martha speaks from experience. 'I'd like to look through your records of all the book requests and topics perused that may relate to Tiamat or ancient artefacts over the last two years, if that is possible'.

In such an ordered place, surely a clerk keeps a list of things like that.

'Secondly, there is a possibility that the mention of this artefact is in a religious text - I'm thinking specifically of the 'Hierographology of Greyhawk', and the 'Whisperings of the Mystic Ondko Oboekiya of Vorel', both of which contain amongs the earliest references to Tiamat. If I could locate an early edition of those in this library I could read through them and see if I find anything useful.'

15:54, Today: Martha rolled 23,36 using d20+21,d20+21 with rolls of 2,15.  Religion check; History check.

EDIT: Spend BENNIE rerolling my Religion check;
08:56, Today: Martha rolled 41 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 20.  Spending a bennie (history roll). GOT A CRIT!!!!
This message was last edited by the player at 08:56, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

Agon enjoyed the respect given to him by the citizens of Kerith-Ald. This was his kind of place, devoted entirely to the single purpose of knowledge.

"Those appear to be sound plans, Martha and Sonlin." He patted the package of papers he had taken from Irfelujhar's lab. "I have something undoubtedly not in the Great Library. A plan for killing a god, produced over a 1000 years by one of the most skilled and wicked arcanists in existence.  I will study these papers, to learn how we may turn Tiamat's weapons against her."

Speaking with the library staff, Agon arranged for access to the most secure and warded study carrel in the whole library.  He added his own magical protections of a double runed circle in silver dust to keep strangers out and the danger in, and then squared his shoulders and opened the lich's notes.

OOC: Spent a benny, Arcana +43
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

As the angels were approaching the group, Darratheir turned to face them. In return to their greetings, he bowed at them and he followed them when they invited the group to take the direction of the city. It was the first time the Dragonborn came to this plane and he was impressed by what he could see. Despite the existence of constructions, the nature seemed to be well preserved by the inhabitants and it helped him feel more comfortable, even when being inside the city walls.

When he recognize Athearsauriv, Darratheir knelt before her, his head lowered. "It's a honor to meet you, Athearsauriv. Your hospitality is incommensurate with what I have been used to. May you pardon the offense my simple presence do to this grand place."

This said, he stood up and in a sweeping move, he opened his arms wide, removing the bear skin he used to hide himself since the beginning. Standing 7-feet tall, he looked even more impressive now that his muscle structure was visible. It was also now clear why he was hiding under this skin. His body, from the head to his feet, was covered with multiple large scalds, testimonies of one of the worst night of his childhood. He was repellent and looked out of place in this library.

The vision could have been worse if he wasn't wearing clothes to hide most of his body. Covering his chest and his legs down to the knee was a Stalkerhide Armor giving you an oppressive feeling. A closer look could let you put your finger on the origin of this feeling: an unsettling screaming face was etched on the leather.
Hanging to his belt, you could perceive a bone mask just as much disturbing as it was carved in bone and representing a grieving, tearing figure. You didn't noticed the mask at first as it was partially covered by the somber mantle that the Dragonborn was wearing on his shoulders, adding to the heavy atmosphere the Barbarian was drawing.
These troubling piece of gear where completed with more mundane parts as Darratheir was also wearing large Iron Armbands coming with a pair of armored gloves and a pair of boots that seemed to help him walk faster than usual.

His head still lowered, he put his mantle's hood to hide the most of his it, letting appear only his face as he raised it and he turned toward the rest of the group. "Elminster told me you were looking for information about an artifact. What is it and how can I help you in your quest ?" he then asked with a monotonic voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:48, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

'Agon that sounds fascinating!' Martha looks up from the library records, thrilled at the prospect. 'If you don't mind, I would love to study those papers also. I've learned a thing or two about gods over the years, and might be able to assist'.

Gromley is only half listening to the others, as he zips around on his floating disk. Instead of looking through the books, he heads right for anyone who looks like they work here. If they are female and attractive would be a bonus as well.

"Dear Lady, is this place your area of expertise? I am dreadfully sorry to be a bother-but I was hoping to get some help looking for a topic of intrest! I would be more than happy to make sure your time is not wasted in return for any help you might offer..." He said, letting his smooth voice, good looks, and bright teeth do the work for him.

OOC-
14:40, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 46 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 19.  Spending a bennie. Diplomacy.

“Well, Ah’m no’ the most edicated, ye ken.  But Ah know ma way aroond a library an’ Ah might just be able tae spot onything aboot creatures o’ the Abyss an’ that.”

Harald did not sound too confident but he was quite willing to do piece work, finding volumes, fetching and carrying.


02:10, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 29 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 12.  bennie.
02:09, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 18 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 1.  Dungeoneering.

Zog pulls Darratheir aside and fills him in on what the angel told them in Sigil. "So, basically, if you want to help me or Agon climb up and get some books and such, we're looking for information about this bone arrow. Just don't mention it to a lot of people."

He then springs into action, joining Gromley in the buttering up of the staff, praising and sweet-talking them while concealing the purpose behind his questions about a "bone-arrow of Io." He knows enough about the topic to be mildly useful to Agon or Martha, but mostly gets Agon or Martha what they need. He asks Darratheir to help fetch the books and do anything physically demanding.

CHA skill rocking, assisting Agon or Martha whoever needs it more.

08:56, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 43,42,21 using 1d20+25,1d20+22,1d20+19 with rolls of 18,20,2.  Diplomacy, Bluff, Arcana (assisting Agon).

Martha, typically, has managed to rub up the library clerks by recommending a different numbering system for the books, based on a hierarchical classification she developed for Tiamat's Dark Library of Strife. Zog's intervention comes just in the nick of time. 'Thanks Zog'.

Darratheir, you can assume that Zog answered your questions. Go ahead and make a skill check appropriate to helping these guys do their research.

"Thank you, Martha, but this is something I need to do alone. These papers are drenched in an unimaginable evil, and it would be best that the corruption be as contained as possible." Agon knew that there was steel in the unassuming old woman, but he didn't as yet know quite how deep it ran.  And at times, the wizardly habits of secrecy took over.

'Oh well' Martha shrugged innocently. But she resolves to win Agon's trust and allow her to see those papers in due course, whatever it takes. She wants to deliver the killing blow, drive the knife deep into her former mentor, and twist it. 'Back to my clerk lists with me then.'

Darratheir was not a scholar, that was certain. He never attended a school and he learned a few things about life the hard way, in the wild. The hard way, this is how he learned that Varness' berries weren't edible to most of the creatures. After three days being dying, vomiting and bleeding all the time, he was finally saved by a young human cleric who learned him that dried goblin stomach reduce to powder was the only antidote to the toxin present in the berries. That was a lesson he would never forget.

He was probably not the best to find the good books or parchment, but nonetheless, he could still help his own way. The Dragonborn was tough and he could perform many acrobatics someone could have thought impossible to do. He then joined Harald to help him retrieve the books catching his attention. When a volume was placed too high in the shelves, Darratheir used his powerful legs to jump here and there, sometime even wall-jumping to reach a better position. Used to this kind of move, he managed to be almost quiet but his behavior was drawing attention toward him. However, he didn't paid attention to all the repressing gazes taking on him. He was what he was, a creature from the wild and he couldn't restrain his habit.
He was even making light of the situation as he grinned at Harald every time he was getting back on terra firma with a new paper in hands.

15:30, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 35,26,35 using 1d20+20,1d20+22,1d20+17 with rolls of 15,4,18.  Acrobatics, Athletics, Perception (Assisting Harald).

Sonliin, already in the good graces of the citizens of this plane and adept in the ways of knowledge, is the first to discover some information about this mysterious arrow. Traces of it are found in the obscure history of the Dawn War, when gods fought primordials for control of the Prime Material Plane. The original dragon god Io was cut down during that struggle by the primordial known as the King of Terror. When the sundered halves of the deity fell to the ground, they sprang up as the twin gods Tiamat and Bahamut. A single fragment of Io’s physical form remained separated from the newly birthed gods. This bone seems to match the description of the thing fashioned into an arrow in Amyria’s dreams.

The others had a bit more trouble getting what they wanted. It took all of Gromley and Zog’s charm and finesse to gain access to the right places. In some cases, the books were stored in dizzying heights that Darratheir had tp balance precariously on the tops of ladders just to reach. The items he retrieved were of use to the party, however.

Martha, for her part, uncovered the most interesting next tidbit. There was some contention between the archdevil Asmodeous and the trio of Pelor, Earths and Ioun. Asmodeous, in a prior age, had sought access to Hestavar’s knowledge for his devils and followers. In a show of cooperation characteristic of an earlier age, the three gods granted this, but only with guarantees that Asmodeus and his adherents would treat Hestavar, its environs, and the souls of its inhabitants as strictly off- limits for their usual deviltry. An agreement was reached, which included the securing away of a powerful artifact that was said to be of interest all the gods.

Harald has no such luck, unfortunately. His pursuit of questions pertaining the use of such a weapon turn out to be fruitless.

Agon, though, finally gets a name for the object: the Arrow of Fate. It is a potent weapon against both the primordial and the divine, forged as it was during the upheaval of the Dawn War. As time wore on, claims arose that it was capable of exerting a powerful influence over the forces of life and death. He believes he understands enough about the artifact to make use of it if necessary!

They key questions remain: where is it? And what did the gods do to secure it? And how as a mere mortal to gain access to it?

Critical phase of the skill challenge. Choose your skill use carefully. Use only your best skills in this portion. Note that intellectual skills are not required—social or physical skills can be used. But restrict your roll to your very best skill. As before, excellent descriptions will earn you more attainable DCs

Had they missed anything?  Was there a tit-bit of information hidden in or within the books and parchments gathered together?

Harald stretched out his hands and started to turn the pages, his eyes shifting from page to page.  His fingers stroked the edges, searching for any semi-invisible marginal annotations, for anything that the group may have missed.

Harald was very perceptive for a dwarf but this was probably the most important task he had ever undertaken.  He threw all of himself into the task and even utilised the power of his Phoenix Helm to help.


22:35, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 37 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 10.  bennie reroll.
22:35, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 32 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 5.  Perception check.

Zog, meanwhile, moved about the library trying to get any little bit of help he could to find information for the others. He also whispered encouragement to the scholarly types to inspire them to greater feats of knowledge.

When in doubt, Zog talks his way through it. With a Benny, Diplomacy of 44.
18:11, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 44 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 19.  Benny.
18:11, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 28 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 3.  Diplomacy.

"Actually, my dear lady. Maybe you could help me out with a few things."

Agon set the wards on the chamber, spread and unfurled the first of the notes. "I never thought that you would turn from Tiamat, worldslayer." He said with feigned non-nonchalance. Being so close to the legendary assassin was scary, even for Agon. "Oh yes, I know who you are, Martha, and your works. I'd heard you left the game, but perhaps a score the magnitude of a god brought you back in.

Your motives are your own, of course. Myself, I have always sought knowledge, but now I seek something different... Vengeance on Tiamat. You know something about that, yes?" There was a cold edge in his voice. This was probably not the best time for the Archmage to be studying the notes of a lich alone.

****

Later, recombining their evidence, Agon presented a new line of inquiry. "It seems a reasonably supposition that this Arrow of Fate was sealed away by Asmodeous. He would covet such an item, but be unwilling to use it, knowing that he could only slay one of the gods before an alliance of the others destroyed him. Quite a clever balance of power." Agon stroked his beard. "Divination across the planes, and through whatever wards that protect the Arrow of Fate, is a tricky task, but I believe I can do so, and give an approximate location.  We will require something else that contains the essence of Io.  A true artifact would be best, but I may be able to conjure a substitute from items invested with the essence of Bahamut and Tiamat."

Benny spent. Arcana +43

Martha's not surprised Agon has heard of her. She had been a fearsome villain in her day; she thinks back - shakes her head. 'If I could do it all again now, being older and wiser and knowing what I know...', she confides to the Sage. '...I wish I could say I would never follow the same path. But the young can be ambitious and unprincipled - history is full of their misadventures. In any case, I barely remember that part of my life anymore, it feels like a different Martha.'

Martha pores over the lich notes with Agon, her delight at being accepted by the Mage forgotten now that she has access to this fascinating research. She reads it eight times, but still she's missed something. She brings herself back - remembers what it was like to be the Scale of Tiamat so long ago. 'Look!' She realises. 'We missed something. See the way he's written that word - he's thinking of something else. The essence of Io was the clue.' It was thinking about her past that has given her the inspiration.

Perception Check CRIT 49!

09:14, Today: Martha rolled 65 using 2d20+25+d6 with rolls of 16,20,4.  Perception check, guidance of past  & memory 1000 lifetimes.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:25, Mon 15 Feb 2016.

Needless to say, the professionals who ran this place where tough nuts to crack. However, Gromley had charmed his way with a 'foot in the door' so to speak. The closer was his summoned chest of personal effects...including the elvish wine he kept for such situations. After a few drinks and a empty bottle-the librarians where more than willing to find what he asked for...and something extra on the side as well.

OOC-
09:04, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 48 using 1d20+30 with rolls of 18.  Endurance.

Sonliin headed towards the most restricted section of the library, to the very bottom most storage area that had the dust of millennia coating the books. Using his floating hands to carefully open the fragile scrolls and turn the pages of the tomes, he started to research the possible location of the artifact and to see what security measures were placed on the arrow. "Hum" he thought, "This looks like some notes from a scholar that helped store it."

09:25, Today: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 16.  History.

As he was expecting it, Darratheir was of almost no use in this library. Even if he was one of the best suited to gather the hard-to-get books, now that they had them, he couldn't help but staying there like a statue while the others were reading the books more and more to find that little word which could make the difference.

Not really at his ease in this closed area, he started to go back and forth between the alleys of the library and it became clear that his presence was disturbing to most of the scholars that were looking at him with a disapproval gaze now.

16:49, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 45 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 13.  Intimidate.

Sonliin started the decisive phase by simply finding out what the most restricted section of the library was. They were initially denied entry, despite Sonliin’s good standing. However, the prowling Darratheir soon scared away many scholars in neighboring areas, and Gromley then rather cleverly out-drank the remaining scholars, ensuring that nobody would disturb the scholarship therein.

Sonliin found the right books, finding notes from a scholar that helped place the artifact. Unfortunately, the fellow appears to have been mad—until Martha cracked the code in the language, leveraging her understanding of the Queen Dragon’s ways. Agon then calculated from this the essential truths they needed.

To safeguard the Arrow and ensure that the accord would last, Erathis, Ioun, and Pelor wove a great ritual in four parts, one for each of the deities and a fourth representing their collaboration. Each of the gods warded their seal in their own way. Pelor forged his into the form of a great bell that would announce the coming of dawn and set a garrison of angels to watch over the bastion constructed to hold it. Erathis bound her seal into the very flagstones of the largest market square upon the mercantile earthmote and neighborhood of Methion. Ioun secreted hers away within the Sealed Library, a cloistered haven hidden within the fabric of the domain, where a trusted few researched sensitive projects for their lady. The fourth seal, protected by the first three, rests under the constant storm that marks the Salts district. It is accessible only should each of the others be undone. Even so, the gods set a terrible foe from the Dawn War to guard the Arrow from any who would disturb it.

Now, the key questions for the party: can they find and “break” (deactivate) the seals that prevent access to the Arrow—and can they convince the citizens of Hestavar to let them?

At the very least, though, Zog helps with the immediate problem of the party’s trespassing. He convinces several of the officials in the library that the whole business in question was in fact in memoriam of Bahamut, and that causes the librarians to quiet their protests—for now.

You succeeded at the skill challenge! What do you do?

Zog, who had changed shape to resemble an older sage to negotiate with the librarians, shifted back to his "normal" form to talk to his allies.

"Well, it seems to me we should go speak to the servants of Ioun to begin. Perhaps we can reason with them and remove that obstacle, and perhaps enlist their aid in speaking with the adherents of Erathis and Pelor."

'I agree. Erathis, Pelor and Ioun have their three greatest temples on this plane, and all three would want to help us defeat Tiamat. Even through the three deities have retreated for their meeting, their high priests might be inclined to help.'

'Alternatively', she considers without enthusiasm, 'We could try and find this god-meeting and confront - I mean discuss with - them directly. But that might be a lot trickier. In any case we should begin with Ioun'.

'Athearsauriv, exarch of Ioun', she addresses the avatar in the library. 'You know what must be done. Can you provide us with advice?'

Taking the group aside, she speaks to them quietly without anyone else hearing. 'We should consider another possibility - that even these three nice gods wouldn't want mortals to get a weapon that can kill a god.' Martha is suspicious of divine motives. 'Don't you think it's suspicious that all three are conveniently 'in a meeting' at the exact time we need them most?' she shares; but she's quick to backtrack and apologise if anyone in the party takes offence at her dark views.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

"The Sealed Library of Ioun would be the place to start in my opinion. We might find additional information on the other seals there." Sonliin said.  "As for the Gods all having a meeting at the same time, it could be that they are busy dealing with other mischievous misdeeds that Tiamat is cooking up to keep them from focusing her attention on her. Or, they want us to deal with the problem ourselves to see if we are worthy."  he added

"That is an excellent point." Agon said. Martha was right that the gods might be willing to go to great lengths to keep a legendary weapon like the Arrow of Fate out of the hands of mortals.  "We will be judged by our actions, or lack thereof. While the Gods hesitate, I propose we break these seals and retrieve the arrow. I will beg for forgiveness once Tiamat has paid for her crime against the order of the universe."

'I like your attitude Agon; The time for conference is over. I agree it's time to act swiftly and clearly. Our fates - and perhaps far more than that - are in our hands alone.'

'Good idea Sonliin, let's go there immediately. Do you know the way?'
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

It was good to finally know where to look to get the Arrow of Fate. Defeating Tiamat was now a closer possibility than it had ever been. If at first Darratheir stood behind the group while they were discussing the possibilities - he was new to this group and had difficulties to find his own place because of his appearance - but when they started to settle on a direction to take, he came closer to the others. "I agree that we should start breaking this seal without referring to the gods. If they are willing to let us get the arrow, they will not interfere. If they prefer to keep it out of mortals hands, then they will send their guards to stop us." He stopped a few seconds, looking at the reactions before adding. "And whatever their choice, I will get this Arrow. I owed Tiamat this pleasant look. I had like to return him the favor."

Martha looks into Darratheir's eyes and nods - each recognises a kindred spirit. The dragonborn knows he can depend on her.

Zog nods his assent. "Now, just the matter of finding a secret library, it seems. Shall we ask the exarch over there, for starters?"

"Odd that one tiny arrow could kill something so massive." He shrugged. "Are we sure this is on the up and up? There might be other things at play here."

"That might explain why they went to so much effort to protect it." Sonliin said.

Athearsauriv walks over after having been addressed by Martha. "I did not follow what you wish done. I would like to assist you on your errand, but I do not understand how I should do so. What do you seek to do as your next action?"

Zog turns to the exarch. "Good exarch, can you show us the way to the Sealed Library?"

Darratheir nodded to what Zog asked. "I agree with him. It would be of great help to use if you could help us to find this Sealed Library."

'Exactly'. Martha gladly explains everything to the exarch - how the party met, what they hoped to achieve, what they had discovered about the bone arrow and the trials ahead of them, in extreme detail. Since they plan to tackle the Sealed Library first, the exarch may be able to point them in the right direction and/or offer them advice.

The exarch nods solemnly. "My lady created the Sealed Library, a structure itself hidden within the fabric
of the domain. Trusted scholars and devotees of the goddess that are tasked with conducting sensitive research on their lady’s behalf are granted access to the sanctum to pursue their work. A number of doorways lead to and from the library, enabling the scholars within to move about the city and collect whatever materials they might need. Occasionally, creatures devoted to the pursuit of knowledge are shown these secret ways, but only those that have earned the full confidence of Ioun and can be trusted not to reveal what they know."

He smiles beatifically. "Sadly, I do not have actual access to the library. I have never needed to do so. I can, at most, perhaps make some introductions to a couple of people who may know where it is, but you may need to find your own way into the library."

He nods to Sonliin. "Your presence will certainly help."

Sonliin nodded in agreement. ""The path to knowledge starts by opening the book." one of my teachers said when I was in school." he said to the group. "I guess the first person to speak with would be the head librarian as they are most likely to have done research there. They might be able to allow us access or speak kind words to someone that does."

The exarch agrees to introduce you to the head librarian. This turns out to be an ancient-looking elf who looks at you all with the greatest of suspicion...

How do you get him to open up to you? Social skills obviously apply, but many other non-Intimidate skills could also be used.

Martha peers suspiciously back at the librarian through her glasses. 'Hi. I'm Martha. And I'm with a bit a bunch of paladins and a sage and a funny little bloke on a flying thing and a dwarf.' She coughs. 'Umm. And we want to get into the Sealed Library to break a seal that Ioun created, but in order to help Ioun kill Tiamat.'

She looks around at her new friends, adjusts her glasses. 'So, can you help us? The little bloke is very convincing if you need convincing, but frankly common sense would indicate you'd want to help us defeat Tiamat. And they all look obviously heroic and paladin-like, and you have probably already heard of Sonliin.' She takes off her glasses and wipes them carefully. 'Unless you'd rather stand in our way? In my old job I used to deal with difficult librarians all the time.'

Harald turned half away and muttered; "THAT I can believe!"

'Yup' Matha explains, matter of fact. 'I built a special place to retrain them.'

"Now, now, Martha, you can get more with honey than you can with vinegar." Sonliin said. "I am Lord Commander Sonliin from Oerth. As you might have heard a short time ago, a trio of dragons followed us when we arrived from Sigil. They are believed to have been sent here by the Dragon Queen to try preventing us from foiling her plans." he said. "We desire access to the Secret Library as there is an artifact that will aid us in trying to restore balance in the universe. If you know anything about the seals placed by Ioun, Pelor or Erathis, it would help speed us on our quest."

Darratheir who had put his bear skin back on his shoulder stood silently in the back of the head librarian office. Only occasionally, when Martha was referring to her tough friends, he was releasing some grunts to remind their host of his presence. And when the lady was done with the listing of the group, he added innocently "And don't forget the barbarian."

The librarian looks coldly at Martha. "I recommend against threatening me in any way, or you shall find yourselves dealing with the authorities here." He turns and looks as if he is about to leave, just simply ignoring Harald, until....

---

The librarian turns, looking Sonliin up and down. "You are  known to me. Your service to the Lady of Knowledge is appreciated. However, there is an issue with your request. If there were such a secret library, would its secrecy not be worth protecting? Would there not be some proof of worthiness to be admitted to entry? Why would one hypothetically allow this group entry."

He turns and looks at the dragonborn barbarian with a look of genuine curiosity when Darratheir speaks, interestingly enough.

Zog steps forward. "Well, good sir, may I present to you Agon, the arch-wizard? He is reputed to be one of the greatest pratctitioners of his art in the multiverse. Would not such an individual, his bodyguard," he says, indicating Darratheir, "and other associates in a matter requiring only the most REMARKABLE knowledge." He smiles serenely.

Zog had a good line of argument. Flattery almost always worked.

"Indeed." Agon templed his hands. "There are enough clues scattered through this library for a sufficiently dedicated researcher to piece together a very accurate record of what occurred, and why the Gods acted as they did. For better or worse, this group already knows the secret."

He wondered why the librarian was staring at Darratheir. "As for worthy, we are all devoted champions of good, and worthy in different ways. As me anything, and I will answer truly. The other each have their own areas of expertise."

Zog, make a Diplomacy check. Gromley, if you want to chime in, this is a good time. Agon, make one of your patented Diplomacy rolls.

They seemed to be dithering. "Take us to the Secret Library." Agon said with strange harmonics in his voice.


22:46, Today: Agon rolled 43 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 11.  Suggestion: Arcana.

As the Head Librarian seemed interested by his person, Darratheir moved closer to him, close enough to him so he could reveal himself. Removing from his head the part of the bear skin that served as a hood, he offered a hard to support spectacle as his burned skin was appealing to nobody but maybe the undeads.

"Look, wise man. This is what Tiamat did to me when I was just a child. This attack also killed several members of my tribe and a vast portion of the IronThorns forest, where I come from, disappeared in the Great Black Fire. For this malevolent act and many others, I have swore to defeat the Dragon Queen."

He stopped a moment and hid his head again under the bear skin. "That's why we are here. We need your help to restore the divine balance and to make Tiamat pay for her acts."

11:10, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 18 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 3.  Trying some diplomacy.
I knew I wasn't good at moving someone to pity. Next time, I bang his head agains his desk. :D

'Proof of worthiness'... a divine trial!?!' Martha exclaims, aghast. But she quickly recovers and nods fervently as Agon describes her as a devoted champion of good, deciding to keep quiet - for once - for the good of the group.

But she can't contain herself when Darratheir removes his bearskin. 'She will pay for her crimes, Darratheir.' she whispers to him. 'I can also make you a salve to ease the itching, if you want. But at least scars of the body will heal; those of the mind sometimes don't. I will stand beside you as we take her down, partner.'

This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Sun 21 Feb 2016.

The Dragonborn nodded to Martha. "Thanks for your offer. But I'm not seeking treatment. I prefer to keep these scars, and the physical pain that come with them, to keep my mind focused and the real objective. Defeat Tiamat. I will know no rest until her or her servant can breath."

Diplomacy as requested:
22:01, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 39 using 1d20+28 with rolls of 11.  Diplomacy.

In reply to Zog the Faceless (msg # 98):

"I assure you, my good sage of books-my credentials speak for themselves. As the advocate for the noble house I serve, I am well known throughout my world, and a few others. I would be more than happy to show you the seal and my writ of approval..."

OOC-10:14, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 43 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 16.  Diplomacy to assist Zog (Or visa versa).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Mon 22 Feb 2016.

The man seems mildly entranced by Agon's presence and his words, and the sweet words of Zog and Gromley seem to sway him when he hesitates.

However, instead of making an obvious reference, he refers you to--an apothecary in the city. "Proceed there and ask Eldervaren for the Elixir of Mental Hope. He will then have tests for you to determine how to proceed. Go with Knowledge."

No further questions will sway him. He now simply stands content and insists that he has given you what you need to be on your way.

Martha nods at the man, relieved at the lack of divine trials, and departs.

'You know what this reminds me of a little', she remarks to the group on the way to the apothecary. 'A game called Donkeys and Doorknobs played by some of the nerdier kids in my class back home. At the start of the game they have to run around imaginary towns doing this sort of thing until they get enough points to do better stuff.

In any case, at least we know exactly how to proceed, which is always something. Well done Agon, Zog and Gromley.'

When the head librarian was done with the group, Darratheir bowed slightly before him to thank him and he followed Martha outside. However, he stayed silent when she mentioned her class.

"Thank you very much for your time," Sonliin said to the Head Librarian before departing with the group to find the apothecary. "Lets see if we can get some directions to Eldervaren and the Elixir as I have not been to his shop." he said to the group.

Zog nods. "Agreed. Happily, I am skilled in asking for directions."

He smiles and then suddenly shifts form. He now appears like a young, eager deva male, clutching his hands anxiously. "Come, let's find our way."

He then proceeds to ask for the nearest apothacary's shop.

The gods delighted in testing mortals, and Agon is willing to go along--to a point.  But this could be interesting. "I'd like to see what an apothecary approved by the God of Knowledge sells."

"Well Ah hope it's "Strong Liquor o' Bein' Awfully Clever."

Harald laughed.  "Well, strong liquor at least."

Zog, make a Streetwise check. Agon, make an Arcana check, and if others with knowledge skills like History or Religion want to contribute a roll, this would be an appropriate time.

Sonliin scratched his chin trying to remember if he has heard anything about a shop run by Eldervaren in the city.

19:14, Today: Sonliin rolled 40 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 16.  History.

Noticing Darratheir’s silence Martha asks ‘did you have problems with learning when you were young? You don’t have to say if you don’t want to, but I am interested.’

On the streets asking for direction, Martha muses out loud. ‘You know, I always thought about opening a little shop when I retired. Still thinking about it actually – even though I love teaching the kids all the complaint letters sometimes get to me. I had never thought of an apothecary, but it makes sense, considering my cleric training and knowledge of healing. Do you think it’s too late to start one up, after we kill Tiamat obviously?’

She considers how to locate the shop. ‘Presumably people with health problems would visit the apothecary, let’s see if we can spot any on the streets’. She scans the crowds for likely candidates and sees where they are heading.

13:25, Today: Martha rolled 45 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 20.  Heal check to identify ill people on street. CRITICAL SKILL HIT!

When Martha asked him about his past, Darratheir's first reaction was to turn his head in the opposite direction while grumbling. "Hrmph... From where I come, we learn things the hard way. My tribe is the protector of the great Ironthorns Forest and our role is to watch over it. Us, young Dragonborn are soon taught to take care of nature more than ourselves." He stopped a moment, considering whether he should continue or not before finally speaking again. "And as you might imagine, my apprenticeship has been quite... Hectic, if I must say, and I have soon had to learn everything by myself, alone in the wild."

He made another pause, looking all around him, his eyes glowing by the sunlight every time he was moving his head. "And to be honest, I never felt good outside of nature. I don't like to be in a city for too long and this crowded place starts to bother me."

Zog is rather excited at the idea of having to find something exotic like this apothacary's shop, so he wracks his memory for every good-aligned magical component that could be part of an exotic potion that one might find on the home plane of the Benign Powers. He comes up with a pretty good range of suggestions.

You and me, Martha--we critted it! Arcana of 39.
20:32, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 39 using 1d20+19 with rolls of 20.  Assisting Agon, if feasible

Agon searched his memory for what he knew of this particular shop, and relied heavily on the 6th sense that drew magic user to magic as he wandered aimlessly through the city like a lost dog.

Arcana +44, plus any assistance from Zog

Before you get too far down the road of looking for the ill of Hestavar, Darratheir remembers a really critical detail about Hestavar: nobody is sick in Hestavar. Good health is pretty much guaranteed by the fabric of the plane.

However, Martha's trained eye does note something that might perhaps require assistance: the constant light in Hestavar had something of an odd effect on someone outside to long. In a literal sense, if one is in Hestavar's light too long, one would start glowing. Yet a number of people seemed not to glow, for reasons that were not clearly obvious.

Agon, with Zog's assistance, works this out, and find the situation closer to what Harald suggested than they might have thought initially: these non-luminous people were clearly consuming something to keep them from glowing. This material would almost certainly come from a specialized brewer rather than a proper apothacary, based on what the arcanists know about Hestavar's peculiar ecology.

One person can try to make a Streetwise check--first come first serve. Your DC target is in the early 30's so keep that in mind.

One thing Zog is good at is finding out things on the street...

No problem--38.

21:11, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 38 using 1d20+22 with rolls of 16.  Streetwise.

The party makes its way to the only place in the entire city that seems to fit the bill--to find that it is perched atop a rather precarious floating mote of land high in the air, accessible only by tenuous ladders or by leaping...

Physical challenge--what do you all do to get up there?

'I must tell you, I'm not entirely comfortable with this' admits Martha, eyeing the dangling ladders suspiciously. 'Surely there's got to be an elevator'. She scans for signs in the area but finds none.

'I don't know if I can do this without help', she explains, 'but on the other hand I don't want to wait down here while you young men clamber and leap up there without me.' She tests the lowest rung of the ladder carefully, to see if she has a chance (assess DC - can I do it with athletics 13 or is it a no-go?)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Sat 27 Feb 2016.

You would assess that you have less than a 15% chance of making it with your level of Athletics, which, while not unimpressive by mortal standards, is a bit underskilled for this particular challenge.

'This is the fundamental problem with god-designed cities' Martha declares, frustratedly. 'Sure they're pretty and all that, but the underlying assumption is that the inhabitants are perfect in mind and body. It's all very well for immortals and angels, but humans are flawed - they get old, and weak, and make mistakes. I've had it with Utopia!'

She gets out her purse (an old one, black leather decorated with a symbol of Tiamat, she keeps it out of sight of Zog and Sonliin) and counts her pennies, then asks around locally is she can hire a flying carriage or pegasi.

Sonliin looked upwards towards the mote in the sky. "Maybe someone can fly up and drop a rope in order to get everyone up safely?" he asked.

When Sonliin suggested that someone should go up and throw a rope, Darratheir stepped forward. "If only I was a dragon with wings. But at least, I've got some muscles and I'm quite good when it comes to jumping everywhere." He looked up at the floating mote. "This one might be quite tricky to reach. But if I get to go there in one piece, I will throw you a rope."

20:37, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 26 using 1d20+22 with rolls of 4.  Athletics. Damn dices. :(

Sonliin watched as the Dragonborn started to get ready to leap, "Stop!, you need to back up some more to get a better running jump." he said, trying to keep Darratheir from harming himself.   

---

OOC: Darratheir, you have 10 Benny, might want to use one. Check out the re-rolls and bennies section.

"Stop, I shall handle this."  Agon had many ways of reaching the mote, it was just a matter of picking the best one.

OOC: I can Fly up and drop a rope, if we have one long enough. Or with more time I can cast Phantom Steeds, which at this level almost certainly have a fly speed.

EDIT: to be clear, I am doing this. Would prefer to use Fly, but that only effects Agon.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Sat 27 Feb 2016.

Zog looks at the others, smiling. "A small reminder that you are traveling with an elementalist of the air." He bows to Agon. "I would welcome your company in flight, arcane master, if you wish to join me."

He takes the rope and begins flying from perch to perch until he reaches the mote in question...

Use my at-will Dominant Winds to find spots to land and fly up.

Agon and Zog cleverly use their ability to fly or cause flight to ascend and help the others fairly easily ascend. The building in question is occupied by shelf after shelf of jars containing various rather thick liquids.

A very calm-looking gnome--always an unnerving sight, a calm gnome--smiles serenely at you. "Hello! How may I assist you?" He is not known to Sonliin nor does he seem to recognize your party.

'Are you the apothecar?' Martha inquires. 'Is that what they are called? I'm Martha  pleased to meet you Sir', she introduces herself formally and everyone else in the party too. 'We are here on an important mission to save the world, but first I wonder if I could ask if you've always wanted to be an apothecar, and whether you think it's that hard to pick up, for someone with no experience?'

Martha's thinking quite seriously about this. She needs to plan ahead for what will happen after they kill Tiamat. She knows the cold feeling of loss that comes when you've achieved your aims and are left with nothing, and has no desire to feel it again.

"The head librarian told us that you would have tests, tests of worth. How do you assay living beings, alchemist?"  Agon asked.

The gnome looks at Martha for a long moment, blinking. He smiles broadly. "I am very sorry, but there are no apothacaries in Hestavar. We have no ill people here. I offer a fine array of liquors for one's clarity of thought or entertainment but that is all I have to offer, I am afraid."



At this, the gnome's eyes light up. "Ahhh, very good. That is another story altogether. I have several draughts to help you. First, a test of faith. Who among you has depth of faith and understanding of why one has it?"

'Drats', says Martha disappointed.

But at the alchemist's first test, she perks up. 'In a sense, I do. I have had faith, and then lost it. I have reflected on my loss, and my choices. I feel I understand faith more deeply now, and in a way that I didn't when I believed it was the most important thing there was to me.'
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Mon 29 Feb 2016.

The gnome hands Martha a draught from a nearby shelf. "Very good. Try this."

Make a Religion check.

Martha looks at her friends for support, then gulps down the draught in one go! (Drawing on her previous lifetime of experience (& a benny), she rolls a 45!)

22:06, Today: Martha rolled 31 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 10.  Religion check - drink draught!
22:06, Today: Martha rolled 40 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 19.  Spend bennie.
22:07, Today: Martha rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes.

Martha feels a wave of surreality pour over her. She experiences some mild hallucinations...

Sonliin smiled as the wave of rapture spread over Martha from drinking the potion. "What might the next test be?" he inquired of the gnome

Darratheir nodded at Agon and Zog when they helped the group to reach the top of the mote. "Thanks. I will be sure to remember that I can count on you if I need to fly." he said with a grin. He then followed the group inside the building and once again, he waited a bit in retreat compared to his companions. He would then wait silently until one of the test could suit his capabilities.

Gromley floated along on his disk behind the others. Although Baldrick could lift the gnome and the disk, it could not lift anything heavier than 100 pounds-which meant he could not lift the others. Agon seemed to handle the situation well enough, and so Gromley followed along. He nearly spoke up when the other gnome offered the drink-but hearing it of the religious persuasion he wisely chose to forgo the liquid.

Martha’s relates her hallucination to the party. ‘I’ve never taken drugs before’, she spits into a napkin. ‘The things I do in the name of revenge!’

‘I saw myself as I was when I was a young cleric of Tiamat. I felt like I had felt back then – it was uncanny. Unsettling. Because nowadays when I look back on my life I always think I was a fool to have believed all that stuff, that something was wrong with me to turn me to such fervent belief. I viewed the certainties of my faith as due to a lack of proper sense of myself.'

'But when the draught took me back to my younger self, I wasn’t feeling any of those things. I felt complete. My faith wasn’t just filling a hole inside me or blinding me to the truth – it was strengthening and supporting me in the actions I was already taking. Instead of being a shackle, it was an instrument. All these years I had blamed my faith for what I had become, but in fact the real problem was me. Would I have become a monster even if I had never fallen under Tiamat’s spell? Have I been blaming her all these years for my own failings?’

‘It’s also made me realise that I have been too quick to judge those of you who have strong faith. The draught has showed my loss of faith wasn’t an inevitable step along the journey of discovering who I was, it was just a personal step I had to take in my own life. If I could do it all again and follow a deity who didn’t try to destroy everything good in this world, I could have retained my faith and it would be supporting me still’.

Martha has a lot to think about.

The gnome nods happily. "Very good, very good. The next test is a test of endurance. Who has the mind or body to endure here?"

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 136):

"That would be me..." Gromley said-raising his hand. By looking at him, one would find it laughable. Gromley was a handsome gnome, but the idea his body was some sort of perfected instrument seemed impossible. He was in good shape...for a gnome. Being 3 feet tall one would think the such a contest should go to the dwarf or one of the other mighty warriors.

"That would be..."

Harald stopped abruptly in confusion.  He glanced down at his sturdy body and then over at Gromley.

"How can you..?"

"Eh?"

He stood in silence for a few seconds and then just shrugged.  If Gromley reckoned he could do this, then who was Harald to argue.  He trusted all of his companions...  well most of them...  He still was not too sure about Martha...

"Ah suppose Ah'm gonna get the housework test then" he grumbled.

The gnome chortles--the first gnome-like behavior you've seen out of him, now that you think about it--and he hands Gromley the draught.

He looks at the dwarf. "You seem a perceptive sort. Perhaps you shall have the test of sight!"

Gromley, make an Endurance check. Harald, make a Perception check.

In reply to Harald Gaptooth (msg # 138):

Gromley grinned up at the dwarf. "No fears, my good dwarf. As soon as this ugly work is done, I will allow you to take me to a drinking contest of your choosing to prove what I say."

He took the vessel and drank his fill.


OOC-10:38, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 42 using 1d20+30 with rolls of 12.  Endurance.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Wed 02 Mar 2016.

Gromley has a remarkable vision but feels better for it...

Tears formed behind Harald’s eyes as he saw in his mind’s eye the mounds of bodies, the males, females and children that filled the caverns of his lost clan.  That was where his life had truly started.

His travels had taken him to many paces since then.

He saw again his old master.  He had arrived there in such a sorry state!  Mauled almost unto death by that ancient red dragon.  “You gotta be tough if’n you goes agin a dragon” the old dwarf used to say as he drilled Harald unmercifully.  Harald smiled as the old dwarf’s voice re-echoed in his head.  Was he still alive, even after all these years?  Maybe one day…

In the years since he had left the master more dragons had fallen and more information had come to light.  Some kind of centuries-old plot, devised by Tiamat and his cronies.  It had been Elminster of course who had first figured it out.

A sudden thought came to Harald as he mentally retraced his steps; his long running quarrel with the Zhentarim?  He laughed out loud as he realised it was probably Elminster they should be blaming, not him.

His eyes dropped to his old axe, cradled on his lap.   He had found it buried in the skull of a skeleton warrior on the road to Waterdeep.  It wasn't much; it certainly wasn't old Skullsplitter.  He fingered the battered holy symbol he wore around his neck on a twisted thong.  It was all he had left of his old life and still bore the dried blood of his grandfather.  His eyes glistened as an image of his grandfather’s waraxe passed before his eyes.  Skullsplitter it was named and somewhere it still existed - he could feel it in his water.


02:07, Wed 02 Mar: Harald Gaptooth rolled 34 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 7.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 141):

Seeing what was happening to the others, Darratheir seemed interested by the gnome and his potion. Still silent, he approached closer to the group and wondered if their host would have something for him to drink.

Sonliin smiled seeing the revelations that was occurring in the members of the group, hoping that it will lead to their goal of defeating Tiamat.

The gnome looked pleased. "Yes, two more tests, then. Hm, hm. A test of knowledge--history of the universe, perhaps?" He hands a vial to Sonliin. "I know of you, sir. Perhaps this one for you."

History check for Sonliin.

"Thank you." Sonliin said as he accepted the vial. He pulled the top off and swallowed it in one gulp, the potion opening his mind to the universe.

Sonliin's vision takes him back to the first dragons that appeared, watching how Bahamut created the good dragons and Tiamat created the evil ones, in the family tree of dragons. Some branches growing strong while others were pruned. In one branch, the line of Tagamut, Sonliin saw something that that answered a question that he had and begged many more that the group will answer with their actions.

OOC:42 so I guess Sonliin knows the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Needed to use a benny since the roller did not want to play nice.
23:54, Today: Sonliin rolled 42 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 18.
23:54, Today: Sonliin rolled 32 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 8.  History +24 spend benny.
23:53, Today: Sonliin rolled 26 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 2.  History +24.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

Martha listens intently as Harald relates his vision. Unexpectedly, tears form at her eyes that she struggles to hold in - it's all so personal, and moving. She feels herself move forward and envelop the dwarf in a hug before she can hold herself back. 'We'll find Skullsplitter and kill lots more dragons Harald' she mumbles to him.

The gnome nods wisely. "Very well. You are worthy. More worthy than you know. But what you seek may be difficult to justify. Proceed."

This last word is more a command than an offer as the floor beneath the party gently but quickly sinks into the "ground." The ground is, of course, some ways below--it is surprising to be sinking into what appears to be an elevator down into what should be thin air. Agon, Sonliin and Zog recognize this as a dimensional effect probably related to the plane. Agon would explain further, but the party arrives at their destination rather quickly.

You find yourselves in what appears to be a well lit and appointed library. Solid tables and plush chairs are scattered about the room, which is dominated by a mirror-still reflecting pool and massive shelves that sweep around the entirety of the room and reach to the ceiling some 40 feet up. Five scholarly-looking individuals, two high in the air upon ladders, look up in surprise as you enter.

One of them steps off her ladder and floats to the ground.

"Remarkable. Agon the Mage. Darratheir Burnedbear. Gromley Underhill. Harald Gaptooth. Martha. He who has no Face, Zog. And the great Sonliin, servant of our Lady. We greet you, but we do not rejoice at your coming. We must ask you not to do what you came here to do."

So, the test had been passed and the group was now moving... somewhere probably outside of this reality or something like that. Darratheir had never been really versed in this kind of unnatural tricks after all. When one of the five individuals came to them and pronounced his name, the Dragonborn nodded the head to acknowledge. He then made a step forward and bowed before his interlocutor. "With all due respect, why allow us to come here if you just want to make us change our mind. We must re-establish the balance of power and this can only be done by defeating Tiamat."

'We are open to your suggestions however. We don't actually need to 'break' this seal, if you don't want to. All we need to do is temporarily deactivate it long enough to enter the fourth seal. It only need be deactivated for a minute, in order for us to retrieve the bone arrow that will allow us to defeat Tiamat and restore balance to the Universe. Do you think we could find a compromise?'

Martha is being diplomatic, for once.

"I think what he means is that we regret the task we must perform." Sonliin said "Knowledge must remain neutral in order for everyone to use it. Take the healing arts, it can be used to heal or know the location to slip a dagger in order to quickly silence someone. The knowledge is not good or evil, just the application. So in order to help the dragons, we must return things back into balance before the imbalance can disrupt the rest of us."

The scholar who spoke smiles serenely. "We did not allow you to come here. You proved yourself worthy to one of our gatekeepers. You are clearly worthy to partake of the knowledge of this library. But to destroy a Seal of the Secret? You threaten to break the truce between our plane and the Nine Hells. Would you see all our knowledge destroyed in a war with the fires of the Hells?"



The librarian looks surprised at this suggestion. "This is a worthy observation. And quite valid. The terms of the agreement with Asmodeous were to keep the seals unbroken, and he is one who is prone to keep the letter of his agreements. Interesting."



The librarian now broke into a large smile. "Words of wisdom from one of the chosen of Ioun. We are honored to speak with you while still mortal, Sonliin." He bows, as do the others. He then stands aright. "This plan is wisdom. We agree to our part--the deactivation of our seal temporarily--if you are able to secure the agreement of the others who guard the other seals. We will monitor your progress and will, upon invocation of our lady's holy name and naming of our Third Seal, deactivate it. If you fail to persuade the others, we will not deactivate it to maintain the truce. Agreed?"

'Agreed' nods Martha, checking with the others that they are happy with the plan.

'On to the next one?'

Harald buffed his fingernails on his beard and looked ever so pleased with himself.

"Aye!  Ah kent fine that when they heard ma tale o' woe, they wadnae be able tae deny us.  Noo is that just three mair seals an' we're a' set?"

Sonliin returned the bow to the librarians. "Agreed."  he said.

"Flagstones in the market place or the bastion for the bell?"  Sonlinn asked the group when they departed.

'The bastion' Martha suggests. 'Sounds more exciting.'

Zog looks half pleased half relieved at this turn of events. At Martha's recommendation, he nods. "Agreed. What kind of beings would we find at the bastion, good librarians? I want to, ah, dress the part."

"Thanks for your help." answered Darratheir to the librarian while bowing himself. He then turned to the group when they started to decide what could the next destination be. "The bastion ? It could be guarded. I hope that the guards will be as understanding as the librarian." said the Dragonborn. "But I'm not against a fight if it's our only choice." he then added. A smile could be barely seen on his hidden face.

The librarian's face falls. "A fight would ruin our agreement. If you initiate violence with the angelic protectors who guard the bastion, our bargain is off. You will have to defeat all of us to deactivate the seals. The proposed path is far superior to violence. I foresee that there will be much violence in your future, but violence here in Hestavar against natives and the soul-kin of your ally Sonliin would be vastly counter-productive."

He turns to Zog. "Those manning the Bastion are angels of Ioun. If you come here, I can imprint the image of one in your mind."

He places his hand on Zog's forehead, and suddenly Zog's form shifts into that of an angel! "Apologies if that was involuntary, but your form should be most appealing to the angels now."

The Dragonborn nodded the head. "Don't worry. I won't initiate a fight about who are our allies. But I would still defend myself against any attack that would come, was it from an enemy or an ally."

"Then the attacks will come from Tiamat and her ilk, not here. The tests placed before us weeds out the unworthy as they would resort to violence to solve them. There will be plenty of battle in the future Darratheir Burnedbear." Sonliin said, still mulling over the comment from the librarian about seeing him while still mortal.

"No offense to the devout, but servants of the gods can be...very inflexible. I fear if we don't meet demands, we may have them forced upon us." Gromley points out.

'None knows that more than I, Gromley', Martha points out. 'However, we should not fight against those who are on our side; in any case Sonliin would not agree to fight angels of Ioun.'

'No. We will find a peaceful way to achieve our aims, as these wise men have suggested. We will save ourselves for the one fight which is necessary - the battle against Tiamat.'

Zog starts as if shocked when the librarian changes his shape--a bit of irony, thought the air elementalist. He pulls out a mirror and whistles. "That is pretty," he says in awe. "I will remember this one. Not that you gave me an option." He chuckles and bows to the librarian. "Thank you. May we meet again in victory."

He turns to the others. "Let's get underway, shall we?" asks the newly radiant blonde angel-sorcerer.

The Dawnbell Bastion is a light fortification and gar- rison built and maintained by angels of Pelor upon three small, neighboring earthmotes. The elegant tower that rises several times the height of its sister buildings is open at the top, revealing the bastion’s primary function as home to the Dawnbell. The bell that lends the complex its name tolls but once a day, announcing the beginning of each day in a city that knows no darkness.

The bastion can be reached by a soft fall that deposits travelers onto the largest of the earthmotes and can be left by a similar manner to reach motes below. The guardians are accustomed to their bas- tion being used in this manner and pay little heed
to you as you float down.

Gleaming doors seemingly crafted from solid gold and covered with bas-reliefs of angels triumphing over the forces of darkness are thrown open, reveal- ing a scene of intense serenity. An immaculately manicured sand garden lies surrounded by reflecting pools in the center of a circular room. A number of angelic figures in deep contemplation are spread about the area or perched on the balcony that runs the circumference of the room. The nearest angel turns from its meditation when the heroes enter the room and addresses you:

“Welcome to the Dawnbell Bastion, citizens. There is no shame in seeking guidance in the Bright City, for none are truly lost who seek the path. Where is it that you desire to go?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:29, Wed 09 Mar 2016.

'Hi Angels. I'm Martha and these are my buddies. We're like a heroic little family. We are trying to restore balance in the world after the demise of Bahamut. It's what he would have wanted, we reckon. The librarians of Ioun are on-side too and now we need your help in order to carry out the next part of our quest'.

Martha is happy to explain all the details, without holding anything back, but gives plenty of space for the others to explain as she reckons they would be much better than her at dealing with angels.

Zog steps forward, his face radiant. "Allow me to tell the dark tale. You have an opportunity to help right a great wrong."

He then describes the sordid affair and the discovery that the group made. He frames it in such a way that it is clear that there is a great threat to Light and Life if nothing is done, and emphasizes that the magical power of the bell need only be suppressed for a very short time.

He'll also repeat this to as many angels as necessary!

When they arrived at the Dawnbell Bastion, Darratheir decided to stay behind the others. They have proved until now that they were better than him with negotiations. Sure the Dragonborn will be able to shine on his own but it wasn't his time now.

Martha and Zog, make Diplomacy checks. Martha can also make a Religion check.

Woot!
20:48, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 43 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 18.  Diplomacy.

Sonliin stood back, letting the others interact with the angels of Pelor at the bastion.

:( 07:25, Today: Martha rolled 27 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 6.  Religion check.

EDIT:
18:33, Today: Martha rolled 36 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 15.  Religion check (bennie; reroll under 10).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

17:25, Today: Martha rolled 22 using 1d20+16 with rolls of 6.  Diplomacy check.

EDIT:
18:32, Today: Martha rolled 27 using 1d20+16 with rolls of 11.  Diplomacy check (bennie; reroll under 10).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

Harald wasn't the most diplomatic of dwarves but he was quite good at reading faces and attitudes.  As Zog told the tale of their trials, he watched intently to see if there was anything he could possibly interject that might help.

18:01, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 29 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 12.  Insight check.

Martha strikes about the right tone with the angel to introduce Zog's story.  Harald is able to interject at a couple points to whisper in Zog's ear to give him insight into the angel's mood. The angel listens attentively and earnestly to Zog's tale, stoically but with obvious concern.

All this eventually results in the angel holding up his hand. "I will fetch my supervisor," he says simply. He returns ten minutes later, flying--with an angel that looks exactly like him.

"Well-met. Firstly, I would like to hail one among your number. Gromley Underhill, I once aided you in a matter. It is pleasant to meet you again. Please, Gromley, explain why your group wishes to have us violate our orders and a truce with the forces of Hell for this matter?"

Gromley, your turn to contribute. Take +2 to your roll as Zog no doubt auto-succeeds. Others (Agon, Darratheir, Sonliiin) can contribute. If you are not sure how, send me a PM.

"Because, my good sir-the one benefit of dealing with the forces of evil is that they are totally disloyal to one another. The only creatures they hate more than well, you-is the next demon or devil up on the rung to power. Their willingness to betray makes them predictable, and we can use that to further our needed goals. Goals that are about the greater good-which I am sure that is what you are all about. If you are willing to die for your cause, then doing something less than death, but still distasteful, may be required."

OOC-16:55, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  Diplomacy w/assist from Zog .

'Let me tell you something. Let me tell you all something'. Martha interjects, uninvited. 'The thing about the 'forces of hell' is that truces are observed only when it suits them. I know. I was one of those. Tiamat does deals all the time, and she sticks to them while they are useful, but she does not bat a draconic eyelid when she feels its useful to break them.'

'With Bahamut dead Tiamat is ascendant and all your deals and truces with her are worth nothing. Look at us...' She points out her team. 'A former servant of Tiamat, a servant of Ioun, and Bahamut, a gnome you know, a dwarf and a dragonborn. We have nothing in common yet we work together, compromising every step of the way, to save our world before it is too late. You too must work with us and compromise. If there was another way, we would try it, but time is running out and this is it. You must help us.'

Gromley's words have struck a chord with her, and she can't help speaking out of turn. Such was the gravity of the situation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:54, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

The commander blinks. "Your logic is persuasive, Gromley and frizzy-haired-mortal woman. But I need to understand how you may shut down the effects in question on the bell before I proceed. Can one of you explain the mechanics of such an operation?"

Everyone looks to the archmage in the room.

Agon, time to explain how this will work to everyone :-) Arcana check, with a bonus for a cool explanation. Sonliin can roll as well--Zog, hold off.

"While there is an agreement to keep the seal closed, it did not take into account of an emergency. Asmodeous made the agreement expecting to keep the bone arrow contained but with Bahamut dead, it has changed the balance of power towards Tiamat and not him. He is in the horns of a dilemma. While he would hate to have the arrow back in play, he knows that with the shift, it will not be long before she starts playing in his turf.  If the seals were kept intact but disabled for a short period in order for us to retrieve it, he can deny that he had anything to do with it and at the same time shift things back in place, at no expense of his own resources." Sonliin said

---

11:28, Today: Sonliin rolled 42 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 18.  Arcana.

Sonlinn had the essence of the matter at hand.  "I will need a blackboard to discuss this properly, but perhaps, yes." An illusion sprung into existence before Agon, jeweled orbs and ghostly epicycles and glowing runes meshing into a machine of terrible purpose. "This diagram represents my understanding of the state of the seals." His explanation was lengthy, involving phrases like "meta-stable planar harmonics", "quantum psuedo-shifts", and "time-like spectral philotic states".

He finished up. "...and so, as per Lemma 3a, it is possible to bypass the seals for a short period of time without breaking them, by arrange a convergent temporal-null which will allow us to enter the final chamber and retrieve the, ah, artifact, without violating any treaty terms."

11:17, Today: Agon rolled 36 using 1d20+32 with rolls of 4.  arcana.

Silently, Darratheir was listening to his new companions. Agon especially seemed to know what he was talking about but the Dragonborn was completely lost as he wasn't really versed in the arcane power. Still, he understood that they could revoke the seals for a short period and that was enough for him.

"Oh and just like the seals that diplomats place on their correspondence, it is possible to open them without destroying the seals in the process, however it does a bit of work."  he said and started describing other means of accessing the seal.

The angel commander grills Agon and Sonliin for technical details on how this shut-down will work. The pair are able to satisfy his questions more than adequately, to the commander’s amazement.  He also presses the party to validate that the Librarians at the Sealed Library agreed to this as well, seemingly amazed at this. He is clearly impressed with the party’s abilities after all this.

Finally, the commander slowly nods his head. "I believe this course of action is defensible to my lord Pelor. And it does seem for the greater good. I will not agree to this until the keepers of the the Seal of Erathis agree as well. If we have union, then we will cooperate with your plan."

They are kind enough to point out direction to the market square where the Seal of Erathis lies. “The only trouble,” the commander admits, “is that I do not know who the keepers are. This may be a challenge to find out. You will know when you know, however.”

Knowing nothing else of use, the angels promise to cooperate and send the party on their way. As they move through the city, they enter a more crowded/built-up area. A modicum of silence descends as you enter a rare pocket of calm amidst the constant commotion of Methion.

Suddenly, Martha and Harald notice something: A glint of silver catches your eye as something crouches low to avoid being seen on a nearby rooftop, and the faint rasping of steel being drawn echoes from an alley. Ambush!

Everyone roll initiative. ONLY HARALD AND MARTHA act in the surprise round. Nobody else post anything but initiative, please.

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

Harald and Martha, if you beat an initiative of 39, you act first in the surprise round. Otherwise, don’t post your actions if you don’t beat a 39.

16:54, Today: Sonliin rolled 28 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 16.  init.

'Oh my Gosh! An ambush!' screams Martha, and leaps into Harald's arms for protection instinctively.

22:14, Today: Martha rolled 31 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 5.  Initiative.

"An ambush? Where?" Agon focused his second sight to detect the threat, forgetting the real world for a dangerous moment.

15:46, Today: Agon rolled 18 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 1.  init.

Darratheir was angry with himself. Since he was in this city, everything was just peace and calm and, resting a bit on his laurels, he was unable to spot an ambush in time. But in the meantime, he was happy. Finally, some action. And a way to show his own skill. The day started to be really good now.

09:37, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 22 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 7.  Initiative roll.

Although he very quickly realised something was up, Harald was pretty slow to react.  Not that it would have been easy with an armful of Martha!


15:55, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 18 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 1.  initiative.

OOC-11:44, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 15 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 2.  Initiative. Note: If creature is an aberration, Gromley cannot be surprised by it, nor can it hide or use cover against him.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Mon 14 Mar 2016.

Zog is rather flabbergasted to be ambushed in the streets of Hestavar...
20:14, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 16 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 1.  Initiative.

Out of nowhere, a silver-skinned dragonborn appears and gashes Darratheir with his long-spear, then abruptly disappears and reappears next to Agon, gashing him as well with a painful glowing wound.

Another dragonborn of the same coloring can be seen flying across the rooftops, landing on a perch point high above the party.

More disturbingly, a twenty-foot-tall devil--unmistakably so from the massive horns and red skin--lands on another rooftop nearby. He points at Harald specifically and grins.

As a standard action, D teleports in front of Darratheir, hits him for 21 hp damage and 10 ongoing radiant damage (save ends) and then teleports next to Agon and attacks him, hitting him for 18 hp and 10 ongoing radiant damage (save ends). C and X fly to current locations with their one surprise round action.

If it matters to your character in some way, you have passed one Milestone today. You can still only spend one Action Point this combat.

Martha is up! REMEMBER: this is a surprise round, so you get one and only one action (standard, move or minor).

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin (surprised) <==
A-B, E
Agon (surprised), Harald, Zog (surprised)
Numbers
Gromley

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 13:25, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

'This is very inconvenient!' declares Martha crossly, extracting herself from Harald without any hint of embarrassment. 'I'm thinking that devil has it in for you Harald. Don't fear - we will beat him and his minions.'

'Who are you and what do you want?' shouts Martha at the dragonborn foes. 'Are you agents of Tiamat? If not, we have no quarrel with you.' Martha searches for insignia of Tiamat on any of the dragonborn nearby.

Cast Cloak of Courage (standard, utility power, close burst 2 centred on Martha). All allies except Gromley gain HS value THPs, & +4 defences vs fear effects EONT.

Another silver dragonborn appears and does the same thing that the others did; this time, Darratheir blocks the blow ably and the dragonborn replies by teleporting to another spot by Agon, striking the wizard. Fortunately, the divine power that Martha called shields Agon from feeling the blow.

There is something else moving in the shadows above; none of the party seems to have a good view on them, though.

Firstly, A and B are not visible to you—they acted, but you don’t know what they did or who/what they are.

E does exactly as D did earlier—he teleports over to attack Daratheir, missing this time, and then teleports to attack Agon as well, hitting for 19 hp (which comes out of temp hp). The attack also does ongoing, but it is the same type that Agon currently has.

Agon and Darratheir then take 10 ongoing at the start of their turns.

Harald is up! REMEMBER: this is a surprise round, so you get one and only one action (standard, move or minor).
Agon and Darratheir, make a saving throw each against the ongoing.

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin (surprised)
A-B, E
Agon (surprised), Darratheir (surprised), Harald, Zog (surprised)<==
Numbers
Gromley

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 00:18, Tue 22 Mar 2016.

As the second Dragonborn tried to attack him, Darratheir protected himself from the blow with the help of his bear skin. Revealing his head in the process, he yelled at his attackers in Draconic : "Not this time, not like that. Stop this now and fight me face to face if your really are Dragonborns. Or you will die in disgrace by my own blade !"

17:48, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 15 using 1d20 with rolls of 15.  Saving throw.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

The dragonborns answer Darratheir like they answer Martha, with grim silence.

Agon, need your save; Harald, need your action.

"Later, my friend." Harald grunted at the unreachable devil before turning his attention to a closer target.  With a wild yell he barrelled along the street, shashing into the nearest dragonborn.

"Take that" he yelled, smashing his axe into his opponent.


Charge attack on D.
23:33, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 26 using 2d10+14 with rolls of 2,10.  damage to D.
23:32, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 49 using 1d20+31 with rolls of 18.  Charge vs D.

A great many other figures move around. All of them appear to be devils, smaller, human-sized ones. These are very well-equipped, wearing plate armor, heavy shield and black-metaled longsword.

Meanwhile, the dragonborn adjacent to Harald unleashes a blast of silver gas that fills the narrow road. The gas dazzles the eyes and chokes the breath, hindering Martha, Darratheir, Zog and Harald.

The dragonborn perched on a tower flies down and, landing next to Agon, daring the wizard to attack him, almost lazily attacks Harald. With instinct borne of a thousand combats, Harald blocks the blow. The dragonborn snarls and disappears; a second later he appears and attacks Martha, but his blow flies wide of her as his aim is off. He bares his fangs in frustration.

The massive devil, meanwhile, points at Harald, shouting, ”Besiege him!” He then points at the dragonborn closest to him and suddenly the big devil is standing next to Sonliin; the dragonborn has teleported to the top of the building where the devil stood moments ago. He stabs at Martha with his massive trident, scraping her and dragging her closer to him. ”I can smell you, traitor,” he whispers to her. ”My master does not like contract-breakers,”

Numbers 1-20 move for their surprise round actions.

First regular turn:
D uses a breath weapon; it hits Martha, Darratheir, Zog and Harald for 26 radiant damage, and all PCs hit are blinded (save ends).
C flies down, provoking an OA from Agon, and misses Harald; as part of the same action, he teleports to his current location and misses Martha as well.
X uses an at-will power to mark Harald; all X’s allies have +2 to hit Harald now. He uses a move action to swap places with E. He then attacks Martha, hitting for 19 piercing damage and ongoing 5 damage (save ends the ongoing) and pulls Martha 1 square adjacent to him.

First normal turn—Martha and Sonliin are up!

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin <==
A-B, X
Agon (surprised), Darratheir (surprised), Harald, Zog (surprised)
Numbers
Gromley (surprised)

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 12:23, Tue 22 Mar 2016.

[NA] Take 10 ongoing damage

[Save] 6, continue taking damage
02:33, Today: Agon rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4.  save vs ongoing.

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:41, Tue 22 Mar 2016.

'So you are aligned with Tiamat!' Martha screams back at the devil, her eyes gleaming in vengeful anticipation. She spits on the road and laughs hoarsely like a hag. 'Your contracts are worth nothing when you and your dragonbitch mother are exterminated. You think I care about breaking a contract! I will break more than a contract you fools!'

Her wrath becomes manifest, emanating in waves of hatred and rage, repressed inside her for so many years, that strike terror into her allies and foes alike.

Resist 16 radiant dmg from D; take 5 ongoing dmg.
Minor: Purify: me and all allies in burst 5 (ie all PCs) are cured of blindness and all ongoing dmg.
Standard: Wrath Upon Dragons: close burst 5, enemies only vs 1,10,11,12,13,15, C, D, X will, 19 force dmg on hit & -2 to their attacks EONT.
Strength of Ayrkashna (daily, item power) on self, gain regeneration 5 end of encounter.

11:23, Today: Martha rolled 35,40,32,31,31,38,43,30,40,19 using d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d20+25,d12+15 with rolls of 10,15,7,6,6,13,18,5,15,4.  Wrath Upon Dragons vs 1,10,11,12,13,15, C, D, X.

Sonliin swept his eyes over the group of foes to categorize them as to what they are along with their respective strengths and weaknesses.

---

OOC:Used three Benny for rerolls.
X - Arcana 43 (used a benny)
A-B - Arcana 38 (used a Benny)
C-E - Nature 44 (Used another Benny)
Numbers - Arcana 33 (Did not use a benny)
11:23, Today: Sonliin rolled 43 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 19.  benny reroll on Arcana for X.
11:24, Today: Sonliin rolled 38 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 14.  roll again.
11:25, Today: Sonliin rolled 44 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 20.  Benny to reroll.
11:26, Today: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 9.  Arcana on the numbers.
Free action: Use Vulnerability  +4 to all defenses  and +7 to damage rolls until EoNT except on what it resists if => hard knowledge check is made. (Will finish attacks once information is received)

Posted your results in PM.

Sonliin finished his review of the foes and gave a quick summary. "The big guy is a War Devil Lieutenant and resistant to fire, so use something else. He helps boost his buddies so he needs to go away for a while to contemplate the error of his ways." Sonliin said as he pointed his warhammer and muttered some words. With a flash the War Devil Lieutenant disappeared.

"He will be back shortly. Now, as to his buddies, the Mithral Dragonkin are the ones that like to blind people with their breath. They are resistant to Radiant energy so I will have to use something different and if you do try to hit them, they can teleport away if you miss them, so be sure to hit them solidly. However, they are weak against mental attack, just like the big guy." he said

"As for the two other types of devils, bigger kind are called Assassin Devils and the small ones are Legion Devils. The Assassin ones can do a shadow net that can entangle and weaken you at the same time along with being resistant to fire. I think they are much nastier foe so drop them quickly as they like to team up on weak people (Combat advantage) and attacks that can hurt their health seem to be more useful. I have not had to deal with the Legion Devils so someone else might know." he said.

In a storm of thunder and lighting, Sonliin started to glow as the foes near him were pulled within reach of his warhammer and the paladin slammed it down, causing a peal of thunder to erupt, striking the foes.

---

OOC:X is the War Devil Lieutenant, A-B are the Assassin Devil's and C-E are the Mithral Dragonkin. No info on the guys with numbers
Standard: Sequester on X, use the 11 from the dice of auspicious fortune to make it a 37 Fort roll. War Devil Lieutenant is gone until it makes a save.
Minor:Divine Aegis (Stance) you and allies within 2 squares gain +2 to all defenses.
Move: as minor  Promise of storm until EoNT +3d8 thunder or lightning
Action point:Champions call (Use Benny on D) Hit Will 45/46 for 47 thunder (20 thunder damage on the minions)
23:23, Today: Sonliin rolled 45 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 18.  Benny on D.
23:22, Today: Sonliin rolled 34 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 7.  Benny on D.
23:22, Today: Sonliin rolled 33 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 6.  Champions call D.
23:22, Today: Sonliin rolled 45 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 18.  Champions call C.
23:34, Today: Sonliin rolled 46 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 19.  champions call on 13.
23:34, Today: Sonliin rolled 46 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 19.  champions call on 12.
23:34, Today: Sonliin rolled 45 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 18.  champions call on 11.
23:37, Today: Sonliin rolled 47 using 5d8+20 with rolls of 5,4,5,8,5.  damage (Half on the minions).
X, A-E Sonliin has +4 defenses until Eont. also 13 should be next to Sonliin as I was not able to move it
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Wed 23 Mar 2016.

The devil chuckles at Martha. ”Foolish little mortal. You don’t even understand grammar. I said my MASTER sent me. Tiamat is a mistress, and not mine.”

He is less amused when Martha destroys several of his devil minions, damages his assistant and wipes away the blindness from her allies’ eyes (as well as the radiant glow bothering Agon).  He is even less amused, cursing audibly in the second between the words of Sonliin’s spell and his vanishing into thin air.

Sonliin then pulls in a number of enemies, destroying several of the devils and bothering the two nearby dragonborn with a burst of thunder! There is some shrieking involved

Then, however, a new enemy appears nearby. Another devil, this one casts a black net on the area near the party; Darratheir and Gromley escape, but Agon, Harald and Zog are caught by black, cloying tendrils…

Martha’s attack destroys 1, 10 and 15 and damages D for 19, giving him the stated penalty.

Sonliin destroys 11, 12 and 13 and pulls D adjacent.

A appears (being previously invisible) and hits Agon, Harald and Zog with  burst 2 attack. All three are restrained,  weakened, and take ongoing 10 necrotic damage (save ends all).

B moves invisibly.

Agon, Darratheir, Harald and Zog are up! Agon, Harald and Zog, note your conditions below.

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog <==
Numbers
Gromley (surprised)

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

“Raargh!”

Delving deep within himself, Harald finds the might of the Dreadnaught warrior and rips apart the conditioning that the Assassin Devil had put upon him.

“That...was uncalled for” he yelled as he launched himself at the building on top of which the Devil was gloating.  A quick glance at the situation and the dwarf warrior used Agon’s immobilized body as a ladder to aid his vault to the roof.

"Sorry pal but needs must" he grunted as he passed.


Unfailing Resources: Free action -
Take 10 damage and saves automatically vs save ends effect.
(Probably also takes 10 necrotic at start of turn)

Move: Climb wall using Agon as stepping stone
Standard: Inexorable Advance vs A (2 attacks and 2 shifts)
Mark A; Total damage vs A =  25? + 29  + 20 ongoing


23:39, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 42 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 18.  Athletics check to climb wall.

23:54, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 39 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 10.  Inexorable Advance (!) vs A.
23:54, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 31 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 2.  Inexorable Advance (2).
23:54, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 49 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 20.  benny reroll.

Damage - attack 1 (if it hits) = 25
00:01, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 25 using 1d10+19 with rolls of 6.  Damage 1 if it hits.
Damage 2 (crit) = 29 + 20 ongoing damage (save ends)


Critical Hardening: Since Harald scored a crit with a weapon he gains resist 10 till end of his next turn.

Agon shook with fury as Harald roughly climbed over him. "I'll show you the power of the Archmage!" He roared. One of the dragonborn tried to follow up, but Agon wasn't there anymore. Instead he stood at the top of the tower above them. He raised his staff and lightning slashed down from the cloudless sky and split, bolts frying every single one of the lesser devils. Not content with that display of mastery over energy, Agon warped gravity beneath the battlefield, crushing the dragonborn--and the unlucky Zog.

"Now finish them!"

[NA] Take 10 ongoing
[AP] Free, Teleport 10 to top of tower. Make Save at +14, all effect end.
   Chain Lightning
   Primary vs A: +35 vs Reflex. 33 damage, half on miss.
   Secondary vs C & D: +40 & +48 vs C & D Reflex. 24 damage, half on miss
   Tertiary: vs Minions except for 5, 8. One survives, your choice.
[Standard] Crushing Titan's Fist. Hits A, C & D, and allies at -5 and half damage thanks War Wizardry.
   A: +43 vs Reflex. 40 Damage and Immobilized
   C: +44 vs Reflex. 40 Damage and Immobilized
   D: +35 vs Reflex. 40 Damage and Immobilized
Allies
   Darratheir: +26 vs Reflex, Miss
   Zog       : +32 vs Reflex, 20 Damage and Immobilized (are your stats current?)
   Gromley   : +34 vs Reflex, Miss
 (doesn't hit me because it's at ground level)
Creates Zone where movement costs 4 more UEoMNT

EDIT: Per Sonlinn's advice in OOC, spending 2 Bennies.
Chain Lightning vs D: +48 vs Reflex
Crushing Titan's Fist vs A: +43 v Reflex

---

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

11:42, Today: Agon rolled 43 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 17.
11:42, Today: Agon rolled 33 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 7.
11:42, Today: Agon rolled 33 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 7.  reroll till 10.
11:42, Today: Agon rolled 31 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 5.  benny reroll, crushing titan's fist vs A.
11:41, Today: Agon rolled 48 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 19.  reroll till 10.
11:40, Today: Agon rolled 37 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 8.  benny: chain lightening vs D.

03:01, Today: Agon rolled 34 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 13.  Crushing Titan's Fist vs Gromley.
03:01, Today: Agon rolled 32 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 11.  Crushing Titan's Fist vs Zog.
03:00, Today: Agon rolled 29 using 1d20+21 with rolls of 8.  Crushing Titan's Fist vs Darrathier.
02:58, Today: Agon rolled 40 using 3d8+23 with rolls of 6,4,7.  daamge.
02:57, Today: Agon rolled 35 using 1d20+26.  crushing titan's fist vs D.
02:57, Today: Agon rolled 44 using 1d20+26.  crushing titan's fist vs B.
02:57, Today: Agon rolled 36 using 1d20+26.  crushing titan's fist vs A.
02:54, Today: Agon rolled 3 using 1d6.  reroll 1. evoker feature.
02:54, Today: Agon rolled 22 using 2d6+19.  secondary damage.
02:53, Today: Agon rolled 33 using 4d6+19.  primary damage.
02:48, Today: Agon rolled 11 successes using 12d20 with the Target Number system with a target of 3.  Tertiary vs Minions.
02:44, Today: Agon rolled 40,31 using 1d20+29,1d20+29 with rolls of 11,2.  secondary vs C& D.
02:43, Today: Agon rolled 35 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 6.  Chain Lightning Primary vs A.
02:41, Today: Agon rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  AP Save.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

Now that he wasn't blind anymore thanks to Martha's help, Darratheir was able to evade Agon's attack. Grabbing his Fullblade in his left hand, he then deployed his arms wide to remove the bear skin he was wearing, revealing himself in an attempt to frighten the two Mithral Dragonkins. "I don't care if your master is a male or a female. I will kill you all the same." he said while taking a firm grip on his blade to prepare his next move.

---

Standard Action: Wave of Terror - Close Burst 2
Vs C : 36 vs Will
Vs D : 43 vs Will
--> Hit for 21 Psychic damage and the targets fall prone. UEoNT, the cannont stand if I'm next to them.

15:17, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 30 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 1.  Wave of Terror vs C's Will.
15:18, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 36 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 7.  Wave of Terror vs C's Will (Benny).
15:18, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 43 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 14.  Wave of Terror vs D's Will.
15:19, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 21 using 2d8+11 with rolls of 2,8.  Wave of Terror damage.

Zog closes his eyes as Darratheir makes his attack and then drives a dagger of lightning into the dragonborn near him....

Elemental Bolt delivered in melee, hitting Reflex 44 (with CA from D being prone) for 23 hp damage. Spend Benny to make saving throw.

16:25, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
16:25, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  re-rolling until 10 or better.
16:25, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Benny.
16:25, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Saving throw.
16:25, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 47 using 2d12+35 with rolls of 7,5.  Damage (halved from weakened).
16:24, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 42 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 15.  Elemental Bolt on D in melee.
This message was last updated by the player at 20:31, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

Harald proceeds upwards and pounds on the devil up there; Agon then partially damages him. Aron’s lightning flies seemingly everywhere, destroying many devils and damaging the dragonborn on the ground.

Agon’s crushing fist, then, smashes the enemies closest to him as well as hitting poor Zog and making it hard for anyone to move on the ground.

The sudden revelation of Darratheir’s true appearance literally knocks the two nearby dragonborn on their arses. Zog then blasts one of the prone dragonborn, adding injury to insult.

Meanwhile, two of the legion devils rather bravely charge at Martha, but to no effect as she dodges their blows.

Then, another dragonborn swoops up on his silver wings and lands adjacent to Agon. He breathes, deliberately catching only the wizard, but blinding the wizard in the process.

Harald hits A twice. Agon misses A, hits C and D for stated damage, and wipes out a LOT of minions.
Crushing Titan’s Fist hits A and C for 40 damage, misses D. Hits Zog for 20 hp. All hit are immobilized (save ends).
Darratheir hits both targets, bloodying both of them. Zoe hits, natch.
5 and 14 charge Martha and miss. 8 continues to hide.
E flies up and hits Agon for 19 hp radiant damage and Agon is blinded (save ends).

Gromley is up!

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog
Numbers, E
Gromley <==

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Mon 28 Mar 2016.

Gromley decides to free up his friends from worrying about the last two minor devils. He sends down the mindfire from above-even magic fire is unlikely to harm devils-but the mindfire burns thoughts as well-thus destorying both creatures.

(OOC-Mindfire on 14 and 5.

10:19, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 48,36 using 1d20+28,1d20+28 with rolls of 20,8.  Mind fire vs 14 and 5. Vs will. Does both fire and psi damage, thus bypassing the resistance of both. As they are minions that should destroy them.)

As Gromley fries the minds of two of the remaining minion devils, the dragonborn cower at Darratheir’s feet for a moment, then whip their spears around and, teleporting to the north of him, stab at the warrior, gashing him. They then teleport to the south and stab unsuccessfully at Martha with their long-spears.

Then, rather abruptly, the massive devil returns from its unexpected exile, seething mad…

Gromley gets a Benny for critting on a minion.

C and D do a little coordinated fighting—they attack Darratheir, hitting him once for 14 (hitting AC 45 with prone penalty), then teleport to current location and attack Martha, one missing badly and the other just missing thanks to her attack penalty on D this round.

X makes its saving throw. Because its space is occupied, it appears just to the south of its prior location.

Martha and Sonliin are up!

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin<==
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog
Numbers, E
Gromley

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Mon 28 Mar 2016.

Martha scowls at the devil's criticisms. 'Oh please. 'Mistress' is sexist - it's got connotations of submissiveness and sexual eagerness, as you know. A female master should still be a Master; I always called Tiamat master. There's nothing wrong with my grammar you ruffian; I'm a teacher I'll have you know. I'll give you a grammar lesson, you sexist degenerate.'

She takes a step forward towards the clustered dragonborn and lashes out with her blade. It ignites as it hits and the dragonborn sees through Martha's old flesh into her raging soul - and for a moment is shocked at what he sees.

Regen 5, note GM by hp are +16hp due to resist radiant, see my last post, not that it matters.
Move 1 forward,
Standard: Awful to Behold vs C (+2 prone), Guidance of the Past (free) rolled 42 vs AC, likely hit in which case 25 radiant & psychic dmg & blinded eont, +6thp to Martha, C can't hide eont, next healing word gains +2d6 hps & zone in burst 1 around C gives allies +1 to hit with radiant powers eont.
Minor: Healing Word on Agon & self, each spends 1 surge and heals HS+7d6+4 hp & +2 defences EONT +4 fort +4 saves vs poison.

Martha rolled 38,42,25 using d20+30,d20+30,6d4+11 with rolls of 8,12,2,1,2,2,4,3.  Awful to Behold vs C (+2 prone).
Martha rolled 22 using 5d6+4 with rolls of 3,2,5,2,6.  Healing Word on self.

Summary:
C gets 25 rad/psy dmg & blinded eont and can't hide eont (if AC42 is a hit)
Martha on full hp +6thp, +2 defences +4 fort +4 poison saves eont
Agon gets HS+7d6+4 hp & +2 defences EONT +4 fort +4 poison saves eont
All allies gain +1 to hit using radiant attacks vs all enemies within 1 of C (ie C,D and X).

Seeing the War Devil Lieutenant return, Sonliin smiled "I would say that I am sorry for wrecking your plans but I am not. Now feel the Holy Wraith of Ioun!" he shouted, stepping forward and unleashing a blast of thunder.

OOC:Move to new location
Minor: none
Standard: Shout of condemnation (hit D and X, not sure about C) for 50 thunder damage and those that were hit take ongoing 5 thunder and are subject to Divine Sanction (17 damage that I can change the type of damage as needed (Elemental challenge)) Save ends both
Used two Benny to attack since I am not sure if they have used their Prescient Defense
00:32, Today: Sonliin rolled 41 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 14.  Shout of condemnation Str Vs Will on X.
00:31, Today: Sonliin rolled 45 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 18.  benny on D.
00:31, Today: Sonliin rolled 35 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 8.  Shout of condemnation Str Vs Will on D.
00:30, Today: Sonliin rolled 39 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 12.  use benny on C.
00:30, Today: Sonliin rolled 36 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 9.  Shout of condemnation Str Vs Will on C.
00:36, Today: Sonliin rolled 32,18 using 2d6+23,3d8 with rolls of 5,4,3,7,8.  damage.

Martha’s radiance doesn’t seem to bother the dragonborn that she censures, but the horror of her visage makes him close his eyes involuntarily, bothering his mind. Sonliin, meanwhile, blasts the ears and very bones of his foes with his blast. The very-wounded dragonborn seems to be on his last proverbial legs.

As his dragonborn companion quails, the big devil snorts. “Little witch, you again demonstrate your ignorance. All gender is inferior. The devils of Lord Asmodeous have no gender and need none.”

While he is ranting, his companion above is locked in mortal battle with Harald. He smiles a wicked, pointy-toothed grin and then vanishes from sight.

Meanwhile, Gromley hears footsteps by him, and then another creature just like the one that Harald had been next to appears—clearly having been invisible a moment before—and throws the same kind of shadow-net as the other had at the party.  He turns and grins at Gromley with nasty, sharp teeth and a wicked-looking black sword.

Martha hits C with her power and is blinded.

Sonly hits C and X for 50 thunder/5 ongoing thunder and mark.

I took the average of the healing roll for Healing Word and applied to Agon, which healed him to full.

A uses his Standard to turn invisible. His current location is correct; you can target him at -5 to hit. He makes his saves against the ongoing and the immobilization.

B moves invisibly to current location and targets Zog, Darratheir, Sonliin and Martha with an area attack. He hits the first two, missing Sonliin and Martha; each is restrained, is weakened, and takes ongoing 10 necrotic damage (save ends all)

Agon, Darratheir, Harald and Zog are up!

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog <==
Numbers, E
Gromley

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Mon 28 Mar 2016.

One of the mithril dragonkin climbed onto the tower behind Agon, forcing him to deal with the immediate threat rather than continue to rain lightning from the heavens. An offhand blast of thunder sent the enemy tumbling to the cobbles.

[Standard] Thunderwave vs E.
Attack +38 vs Reflex, (Benny spent), 28 damage and Pushed 1 into street
[Minor] Quick Magic Missile vs D. 17 Force damage

Zog winces as the shadows cloy at him again but focuses on taking out foes. He blasts the prone dragonborn next to Martha, asking Martha to step aside for a half-moment, and fries the dragonborn.

Hoping Reflex 37 for 21 hp damage takes him out. Made save vs. many conditions after taking my 10.

12:07, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Saving throw.
12:07, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 43 using 2d12+35 with rolls of 5,3.  Damage (halved from weakened).
12:06, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 37 using 1d20+25 with rolls of 12.  Elemental Bolt on C.

Add 9 hp from Learned Boost.
12:36, Today: Zog the Faceless rolled 19 using 2d12 with rolls of 11,8.  Learned Boost added.

"Ah ken ye're in there somewhere, pal."

Harald swung both axe and shield in an attempt to both damage and wound the invisible demon.


18:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 27 using 2d10+14 with rolls of 4,9.  damage if a hit.
18:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 38 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 14.  benny reroll.
18:47, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 31 using 1d20+24 with rolls of 7.  Tide of Iron (@ -5).
Move devil 1 square south if that was a hit and Harald into the devil's original space.

"Where do you think you are going ?" yeld Darratheir before in teleported himself behind the fleeing devil back the second after. He then waved his blade above his head, trying to cut a big chunk of meat from one it.

---

Move Action: Shadow Step - Teleport in position to flank B with Gromley
Standard Action: Howling Strike vs B. Deal 22 damage if I hit (It was 44 but I'm weakened).
Saving throw: Succes
Spent 2 bennies

21:04, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 36 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 7.  Howling Strike vs B'sAC.
21:05, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 40 using 1d20+29 with rolls of 11.  Howling Strike vs B's AC (Benny).
21:06, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 44 using 2d12+3d6+19 with rolls of 8,6,3,6,2.  Howling Strike damage (If hit).
21:06, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Saving throw.
21:07, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Saving throw (Benny).
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:25, Wed 30 Mar 2016.

Agon attacks E; E uses an Immediate Interrupt to increase his Fort by 4, causing Thunderwave to miss.  Agon does hit D with magic missile for 17, though. Zog kills C. Harald hits the invisible A and marks him. Darratheir hits his target.

8 moves around out of your sight.

E attacks Agon, hitting him for 22 weapon damage and 10 ongoing radiant damage (save ends).

Gromley is up!

Initiative:
C-D, X
Martha, Sonliin
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog
Numbers, E
Gromley <==

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Mon 11 Apr 2016.

Gromley frowned. "How rude! To show up without asking permission!" He proceeds to take control of the creature's mind that had suddenly appeared, and send him running off to fight his friend who happened to be fighting his friends.

Then he turns his attention to the war devil. "And you did not ask permission to return!" A portal opens under the huge otherworldly beast and it vanishes with a 'pop'.

OOC-Using Sudden control on B. Hits, and he will move and then attack D with +12 to hit and damage.

Using an action point and 6 psi points to do space vortex on X. Does 22 force damage, and then X is removed from play until the end of my next turn.

17:50, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 22 using 2d12+12 with rolls of 6,4.  Damage.
17:50, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 42 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 16.  Action point, 6 psi points, Space vortex vs X. vs reflex.
17:46, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 44 using 1d20+28 with rolls of 16. vs will  Sudden control vs B.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 01 Apr 2016.

B staggers over, a very surprised look on his face, and viciously slashes the dragonborn on the ground. X, meanwhile, is about to continue lecturing Martha when Gromley sends him vanishing again.

The dragonborn on the ground finally stands and tries his teleporting trick on Martha and Zog, but fails to hit either. He looks resigned to his impending death.

B attacks D for 41 hp damage and 5 ongoing (save ends) from Gromley’s power. Gromley also hits X for 22 damage and sending the devil off the map again for a round.

D teleports, attacks Martha, teleports and attacks Zog, missing both (AC 33 for both rolls).

Martha and Sonliin are up!

Initiative:
D, X
Martha, Sonliin<==
A-B
Agon, Darratheir, Harald, Zog
Numbers, E
Gromley

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





This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Mon 11 Apr 2016.