Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Abyssal Stalker 12-13-06, 03:22 AM	This is a mission where Archdevil Asran tries to make contact with a para-military group called The Shadow Star Assassins in The Plains of Naestitya (Lawful Evil, EL10). If you are not me or Zevox, you shouldn't post here. If you have some concerns, you can PM me or post in the tavern. Result: Success! Week 1: Asran beats a half-blackdragon assassin. Week 2: Asran beats a guardian naga. Week 3: Asran beats a pair of Greater Shadows. Items used: Asran is a frozen character, and therefore his used items are returned at the end of the quest. 3FC info: Asran is in the beginning of the cycle, so tracking 3FC info isn't necessary. Rewards: Asran is frozen and therefore gets no rewards.
Abyssal Stalker 12-13-06, 03:23 AM	Archdevil Asran I shall find a way to purge this taint from my blood. Male Half-Fiend [Human base] Medium Outsider (Extraplanar) Lawful Evil Ranger 2/Fighter 4 (LA +4) [ECL 10] XP/TNL: 52,747/55,000 [15,500 start + 18,747 fights + 18,500 quests] Height 7’2’’, Weight 204 lbs, Age 259 (Ageless) Fiend of the EAST HABARI TRADE COMPANY Deity: None. (Formerly served Mephistopheles, Lord of Cania) Activities this week: Fight 1 The Time Roll: Ongoing Effects: Items Used: Spells/PP Used: Abilities Used: Free Activity: STR...22 [+6]...(10 pts) [16, +4 racial, +2 enhancement] DEX...18 [+4]...(4 pts) [12, +4 racial, +2 enhancement] CON...18 [+4]...(10 pts) [16, +2 racial] INT....10 [+0]...(0 pts) [8, +2 racial] WIS...14 [+2]...(6 pts) CHA...20 [+5]...(6 pts) [14, +2 racial, +1 4th level, +3enhancement] Hit Points: 58 [6 HD] [8Rng + (5.5*4)Ftr + 4.5Rng + (4*6)con] AC 23 [+4dex, +7armor, +2natural], Touch 14, Flat 19 [+7armor Mithral Breastplate (+2), +1natural Amulet of Natural Armor +1] Initiative: +4 [4dex] BAB/Grap: +6/+12 [+6bab, +6str] Speed 30ft, Fly 30ft (Average) Damage Reduction 5/magic Spell Resistance 16 Saves: Fort +11 [3rng +4ftr +4con] Refl +8 [3rng +1ftr +4dex] Will +3 [0rng +1ftr +2wis] Attacks: Melee “Hell’s Bleeder” (+1 Battleaxe) +13/+8 melee, 1d8+7 [20/x3] [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1enh] Claw (secondary) +10 melee, 1d4+3 [20/x2] [6bab, +6str, -2secondary] Bite (secondary) +10 melee, 1d6+3 [20/x2] [6bab, +6str, -2secondary] Full Attack: Battleaxe + Claw (secondary) + Bite (secondary) “Hell’s Cleaver” (+1 Flaming Adamantine Greataxe) +13/+8 melee, 1d12+10+1d6(fire) [20/x3] [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1enh] Full Attack: Greataxe + Bite (secondary) Masterwork Cold Iron Battleaxe +13/+8 melee, 1d8+6 [20/x3] [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1MW] Masterwork Silver Battleaxe +13/+8 melee, 1d8+5 [20/x3] [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1MW] Full Attack: Battleaxe + Claw (secondary) + Bite (secondary) Claw +12 melee, 1d4+6 [20/x2] [6bab, +6str] Full Attack: Claw x2 + Bite (secondary) Bite +12, 1d6+6 [20/x2] [Generally used in grapple or for AoOs when holding bow] [6bab, +6str] Ranged “Cania’s Icicle” (+1 Composite Longbow (str+6)) +11/+6 ranged, 1d8+7 [20/x3] [Range 110'] [+6/+1bab, +4dex, +1enh] - Rapid Shot +9/+9/+4 ranged, 1d8+7 [20/x3] [Range 110'] [+6/+1bab, +4dex, +1enh, -2rapid shot] Sunder “Hell’s Bleeder” (+1 Battleaxe) +17/+12, 1d8+7. [+3 damage when held 2-handed] [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1enh, +4Improved Sunder] “Hell’s Cleaver” (+1 Flaming Adamantine Greataxe) +21/+16, 1d12+10+1d6(fire). [+6/+1bab, +6str, +1enh, +4Two-handed, +4Improved Sunder] Conditional Attack Modifiers: +2 damage melee and ranged vs Humans. +6 damage melee Smite Good. +2 attack and x2 damage melee Diving Charge. +1 to 6 damage (doubled with two-handed weapons) and -1 to 6 attack melee Power Attack. - 1 damage ranged w/ silver arrows. Feats: Multiattack [Human bonus] Track [Ranger bonus] Power Attack [1st level] Improved Sunder [Fighter 1] Blind-Fight [Fighter 2] Hover [3rd level] Rapid Shot [Ranger bonus] Cleave [Fighter 4] Leadership [6th level] [Score: 16 (Cohort), 18 (Followers)] Human Racial +4 Skill points 1st level Bonus Feat 1st level +1 Skill Point per level Favored Class: Any (Fighter) Half-Fiend Racial (Template) Ability score bonuses: +4str, +4dex, +2con, +2int, +2cha. Claw and Bite weapons (treated as magical for damage reduction purposes) Natural Armor +1 Fly at base land speed (average maneuverability). Outsider type Smite Good 1/day (Extra damage equal to HD on melee attack against good creature) Spell-like Abilities: Darkness 3/day [CL 5], Desecrate 1/day [CL 5], Unholy Light 1/day [CL 5] Darkvision 60ft Immune Poison Resist 10 Acid, Cold, Electricity, and Fire Damage Reduction 5/magic Spell Resistance 10+HD Level Adjustment +4 Ranger Class Favored Enemy Humanoid (Human) (+2 bonus on damage rolls and bluff, sense motive, listen, spot, and survival checks vs humans) Track (bonus feat) Wild Empathy ([i]Like diplomacy, but on Animals. Add Ranger level and charisma bonus) Combat Style (Archery) (Free Rapid Shot bonus feat, does not require prereqs, while wearing light or no armor only.) Fighter Class Proficient w/ all simple and martial weapons, all armor, all shields. Bonus Feats 1st, 2nd, & 4th level. Special Abilities: Smite Good 1/day [1/1 remaining] (Extra damage equal to HD on melee attack against good creature) Spell-like Abilities [CL 6th]: - Darkness 3/day [3/3 remaining] - Desecrate 1/day [1/1 remaining] - Unholy Blight 1/day (DC 19) [1/1 remaining] Darkvision 60ft Immune Poison Resist 10 Acid, Cold, Electricity, and Fire Damage Reduction 5/magic Spell Resistance 16 Favored Enemy Humanoid (Human) (+2 bonus on damage rolls and bluff, sense motive, listen, spot, and survival checks vs humans) Wild Empathy (Like diplomacy, but on Animals. Add Ranger level and charisma bonus.) Skills (36 Ranger, 12 Fighter): +3 Balance [0rnks, +4dex, -1armor] +5 Bluff [0rnks, +5cha] [+2 vs humans] +5 Climb [0rnks, +6str, -1armor] +16 Handle Animal [9rnks, +5cha, +2circumstance] [3Rng, 6Ftr] +8 Hide [5rnks, +4dex, -1 armor penalty] [5rng] +9 Intimidate [4rnks, +5cha] [4Ftr] +5 Jump [0rnks, +6str, -1armor] +2 Knowledge (Religion) [2rnks, +0int] [4rngcc] +8 Listen [6rnks, +2wis] [6rng] [+2 vs humans] +8 Move Silently [5rnks, +4dex, -1 armor penalty] [5rng] +10 Profession (Torturer) [6rnks, +2wis, +2circumstance (MW Torturer’s Tools)] [6rng] [Make money: (10+10)*10 = 200 gp] +2 Sense Motive [0rnks, +2wis] [+2 vs humans] +7 Spot [5rnks, +2wis] [5rng] [+2 vs humans] +2 Survival [0rnks, +2 wis] [+2 vs humans] Speaks Common, Infernal, and Abyssal. [2RngCC, 2FtrCC] Buffs and Prefight actions: Sharpen Hell’s Bleeder and Hell’s Cleaver. Bring Senorda and Arynat (ECL 8 & Class Ally, 25% rewards adjustment.) Senorda casts Extended Mage Armor on self (Duration 14 hours, 2 SL). Arynat turns invisible (At will spell-like ability, duration 6 minutes). Equipment: “Cania’s Chill Ward” (+2 Mithral Breastplate) [15 lbs][8,200 gp] [armor penalty -1, max dex 5, light armor] “Hell’s Bleeder” (+1 Battleaxe) [6 lbs][2,010 gp] “Hell’s Cleaver” (+1 Flaming Adamantine Greataxe) [12 lbs][11,020 gp] “Cania’s Icicle" (+1 Composite Longbow (Str+6)) [3 lbs][3,000 gp] Masterwork Cold Iron Battleaxe [6 lbs][320 gp] Masterwork Silver Battleaxe [6 lbs][400 gp] Amulet of Natural Armor +1 [0 lb][2,000 gp] Belt of Giant Strength +2 [1 lb][4,000 gp][5o] Gloves of Dexterity +2 [0 lbs][4,000 gp] Cloak of Charisma +3 [1 lbs][9,000 gp][5o (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=9986771&postcount=279)] Quiver with 106 arrows [15.9 lbs][5 gp 3 sp] - 37 Cold Iron arrows [5.55 lbs][3 gp 7 sp] - 40 Silver arrows [6 lbs][82 gp] Brooch of Shielding [101/101] [0 lbs][1,500 gp] Mephistopheles’ Seal [1 lb][25 gp] [Treat as Silver Unholy Symbol] Belt Pouch (Miscellaneous Items) [1/2 lb][1 gp] Miscellaneous Items in Belt Pouch Wand of Cure Light Wounds [20 charges] [CL 1st] [.1 lb][750 gp] Wand of Cure Light Wounds [50 charges] [CL 1st] [.1 lb][750 gp] Masterwork Whistle [1 lb][50 gp] Strange Holy Symbol [Quest Item] Ancient Tome [Quest Item] Baphomet's Notes [Quest Item] Potions in Belt Pouch 3x Potion of Shield of Faith +2 [CL 1st] [.1 lbs each][50 gp each] 2x Oil of Magic Weapon [CL 1st] [.1 lbs each][50 gp each] 4x Potion of Protection from Good [CL 1st] [.1 lbs each][50 gp each] 4x Potion of Protection from Evil [CL 1st] [.1 lbs each][50 gp each] 1x Potion of Invisibility [CL 3rd] [.1 lbs][300 gp] Psionic Tattoos 5x Tattoo of Force Screen [ML 1st] [0 lbs][100 gp each] Expendables: 3,850/5,000 gp Allies and Equipment "Wrath", Hell's Fury [Quested][Handle animal Advanced Dire Bat ally][5o] "Malice", Hell's Fury [Quested][Handle animal Dire Bat ally] "Senorda Lilyst", Tiefling Transmuter 7 [Quested][Leadership Cohort] 2x Large Leather Barding (on Wrath and Malice) [30 lbs each][40 gp each] Equipment at Home: Gold: 46 gp Masterwork Torturer’s Tools [1 lbs][50 gp] Miscellaneous Statistics: Encumbance: 0-173 (light), 174-346 (medium), 347-520 (heavy) Weight carried: 73.95 lbs [b]Wrath, Hell's Fury Genderless Fury [Consider it a Male Advanced Dire Bat] Large Outsider (Lawful, Evil, Extraplanar) [Actually Large Animal] Lawful Evil [Technically True Neutral] CR 4 Str 18 [+4], Dex 22 [+6], Con 17 [+3], Int 2 [-4], Wis 14 [+2], Cha 6 [-2] [+1 str @ 8 HD] Hit Points: 82 hp [11 HD] [(4.5*11)Animal + (3*11)con] AC 22 [–1 size, +6dex, +5natural, +2armor], Touch 15, Flat 16 [+2 Large Leather Barding] BAB/Grap: +8/+16 [8bab, +4str, +4size] Space/Reach: 10ft/5ft Speed: 20ft, Fly 40ft (good) [Base 20ft, Fly 40ft (good)] Saves: Fort +10 [7Animal, +3con] Refl +13 [7Animal, +6dex] Will +9 [7Animal, +2wis] Attacks: Bite +12 melee, 2d6+6 [20/x2] [8bab, +4str, -1size, +1focus] Feats: Alertness [1 HD] Stealthy [3 HD] Improved Natural Attack (Bite) [6 HD] Weapon Focus (Bite) [9 HD] Special Abilities: Blindsense 40ft (A Hell's Fury uses echolocation to pinpoint creatures within 40 feet. Opponents still have total concealment against the Fury unless it can actually see them.) Tricks (Wrath): Defend, Attack, Heel, Seek, Guard, Down. [Note: Tricks not linked were taught via NPC services. See Past Expenditures for date and price.] Skills: (14 Animal) +4 Hide [0rnks, +6dex, +2stealthy, -4size] +19 Listen* [11rnks, +2wis, +2alterness, +4racial] [11Animal] +11 Move Silently [3rnks, +6dex, +2stealthy] [3Animal] +8 Spot* [0rnks, +2wis, +2alterness, +4racial] *Racial bonus to Listen and Spot lost if blindsense is negated. Miscellaneous Statistics: Encumbance: 0-200 (light), 201-400 (medium), 401-600 (heavy) Weight carried: 30 lbs Malice, Hell's Fury Genderless Fury [Consider it a Female Dire Bat] Large Outsider (Lawful, Evil, Extraplanar) [Actually Large Animal] Lawful Evil [Technically True Neutral] CR 2 Malice is standard Dire Bat with +2 armor to AC (Lage Leather Barding) the following tricks: Tricks (Malice): Attack, Heel, Defend, Seek, Guard, Down. [Note: Tricks not linked were taught via NPC services. See Past Expenditures for date and price.] Senorda Lilyst Female Ancient Baatezu Seer [Consider Tiefling] Medium Outsider (Native) Lawful Evil Transmuter 7 (LA +1) [ECL 8] Height 5’6’’, Weight 121 lbs, Age Uknown Deity: None. STR...8 [-1]...(0 pts) DEX...16 [+3]...(6 pts) [14, +2racial] CON...12 [+1]...(4 pts) INT....22 [+6]...(13 pts) [17, +2racial, +1 4th level, +2enhancement] WIS...10 [+0]...(2 pts) CHA...6 [-2]...(0 pts) [8, -2racial] Hit Points: 26 [7 HD] [4Wiz + (2.5*6)Wiz + (1*7)con] AC 17 [+3dex, +4armor], Touch 13, Flat 14 [+4shield Shield] [Extended Mage Armor prebuffed] Initiative: +3 [3dex] BAB/Grap: +3/+2 [+3bab, -1str] Speed 30 ft Saves: Fort +3 [2Wiz, +1con] Refl +5 [2Wiz, +3dex] Will +5 [5Wiz, +0wis] Attacks: Masterwork Greatsword +3 melee, 2d6-1 [19-20/x2] [3bab, -1str, +1MW] Masterwork Longbow +7 ranged, 1d8-1 [20/x3] [100' range] [3bab, +3dex, +1MW] Feats: Alertness [Familiar] [Within arm’s reach only.] Scribe Scroll [Wizard Bonus 1st] Extend Spell [1st level] Skill Focus (Knowledge (The Planes)) [3rd level] Energy Substitution (Sonic) [Wizard Bonus 5th] Improved Familiar [6th level] [b]Tiefling Racial Ability Score Adjustment: +2 dexterity, +2 intelligence, -2 charisma. Proficient w/ all simple and martial weapons. Darkvision 60ft +2 racial bonus to Bluff and Hide Darkness (Sp) 1/day (CL = HD) Resistance 5 to Fire, Cold, and Electricity Favored Class: Rogue Level Adjustment +1 Transmuter Class Summon Familiar Scribe Scroll (Bonus Feat 1st level) Bonus Feat 5th level (Metamagic, Item Creation, or Spell Mastery) Prohibited: Necromancy and Illusion. Spellbook free spells: 1st – Shield, Shocking Grasp, Expeditious Retreat, Mage Armor, Comprehend Languages, True Strike, Grease. 2nd – Feather Fall, Comprehend Languages. 3rd – Alter Self, Resist Energy. 4th – Bear’s Endurance, Scorching Ray. 5th – Haste, Hold Person. 6th – Fly, Dispel Magic. 7th – Polymorph, Black Tentacles. Special Abilities: Darkvision 60ft Darkness (Sp) 1/day (CL 7th) Resistance 5 to Fire, Cold, and Electricity Skills (70 Wiz): +2 Balance [0rnks, +2dex] +0 Bluff [0rnks, -2cha, +2racial] -1 Climb [0rnks, -1str] +11 Concentration [10rnks, +1con] [10Wiz] +16 Decipher Script [10rnks, +6int] [10Wiz] +4 Hide [0rnks, +2dex, +2racial] -1 Jump [0rnks, -1str] +16 Knowledge (Arcana) [10rnks, +6int] [10Wiz] +16 Knowledge (History) [10rnks, +6int] [10Wiz] +16 Knowledge (Religion) [10rnks, +6int] [10Wiz] +19 Knowledge (The Planes) [10rnks, +6int, +3focus] [10Wiz] +0 Listen [0rnks, +0wis] [+2 alertness familiar] +2 Move Silently [0rnks, +2dex] +18 Spellcraft [10rnks, +6int, +2synergy] [10Wiz] +0 Spot [0rnks, +0wis] [+2 alertness familiar] Speaks Common, Infernal, Draconic, Elven, Gnome, Dwarven, and Halfling. Spells memorized: [5/7/6/4/3] [CL 7th] [Transmutation bonus] 0: [DC 16] Resistance, Detect Magic, Message, Message, Mending. 1: [DC 17] Shield, Shield, Shield, Magic Missile, Shocking Grasp, Sonic Shocking Grasp, Expeditious Retreat. 2: [DC 18] [s]Extended Mage Armor, Resist Energy, Sonic Scorching Ray, Scorching Ray, Alter Self, Alter Self. 3: [DC 19] Hold Person, Dispel Magic, Haste, Haste. 4: [DC 20] Black Tentacles, Polymorph, Polymorph. Spellbook: 0: All cantrips minus Necromancy and Illusion. 1: Shield, Magic Missile, Expeditious Retreat, Shocking Grasp, Mage Armor, True Strike, Grease, Feather Fall, Comprehend Languages. 2: Alter Self, Resist Energy, Bear’s Endurance, Scorching Ray. 3: Haste, Fly, Dispel Magic, Hold Person, Arcane Sight. 4: Polymorph, Black Tentacles. Equipment: Cultist’s Robes Masterwork Greatsword [8 lbs][350 gp] Masterwork Longbow [3 lbs][375 gp] Quiver w/ 40 arrows [6 lbs][2 gp] Heaband of Intellect +2 [0 lbs][4,000 gp] Spell Component Pouch [2 lbs][5 gp] Wand of Magic Missiles (50 charges) [CL 9th] [.1 lb][6,750 gp] Scrolls (Total Value 2,400 gp): Scroll of Stoneskin [CL 7th] [0 lbs][950 gp] 2x Scroll of Flame Arrow [CL 5th] [0 lbs][375 gp each] 2x Scroll of Heroism [CL 4th] [0 lbs][200 gp each] 2x Scroll of See Invisibility [CL 3rd] [0 lbs][150 gp each] Equipment at the Dark Sanctum: Senorda's Spellbook [3 lbs][15 gp] Miscellaneous Statistics: Encumbance: 0-26 (light), 27-53 (medium), 54-80 (heavy) Weight carried: 23.1 lbs [b]Arynat Male Imp Tiny Outsider (Evil, Extraplanar, Lawful) Lawful Evil Height 1’ 8’’, Weight 22 lbs, Age Unknown (Ageless) “Deity”: Senorda Lilyst Str 10 [+0], Dex 17 [+3], Con 10 [+0], Int 10 [+0], Wis 12 [+1], Cha 14 [+2] Hit Points: 13 [7 HD] [HP = 1/2 master’s, HD = master’s] AC 24/25 [+3dex, +9natural, +2size, +1 dodge (vs 1 foe)], Touch 15/16, Flat 21 Initiative: +3 [3dex] BAB/Grap: +3/-5 [+3bab, +0str, -8size] Speed 20 ft, Fly 50 ft (Perfect) Saves (Uses own base or master’s, whichever is higher): Fort +3 [3Out, +0con] Refl +6 [3Out, +3dex] [Improved Evasion] Will +6 [5Wiz, +1wis] Attacks: Sting +8 melee, 1d4+Poison [20/x2] [3bab, +3dex, +2size] Melee Touch +8 melee [3bab, +3dex, +2size] Tiny Mundane Crystal Composite Longbow +9 ranged, 1d4 [20/x3] [Range 110’] [3bab, +3dex, +2size, +1MW] Alchemist's Fire +8 ranged touch, 1d6 fire, 1 splah, 1d6 fire secondary [Range 10'] [3bab, +3dex, +2size] Feats: Dodge [1 HD] Weapon Finesse [3 HD] [b]Imp Racial Outsider Traits: - No body/soul duality. - Proficient w/ all simple and martial weapons. - Does not need to eat or sleep. Tiny Size: +2 size bonus to AC and attacks, +8 size bonus to hide, -8 size to grapple, carry 1/2 medium creature. Special Abilities: Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 13, initial damage 1d4 Dex, secondary damage 2d4 Dex. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +2 racial bonus. Spell-like abilities (CL 6th, save DC charisma-based): At will – Detect Good, Detect Magic, Invisibility (self only) 1/day – Suggestion (DC 15) 1/week – Commune (up to 6 questions, CL 12th) Alternate Form (Su): As Polymorph spell (CL 12th), at will standard action, does not regain hp, only Bat and Tiny Monstrous Spider. Damage Reduction 5/good or silver Natural weapons treated as Lawful and Evil for overcoming DR. Fast Healing 2 Immune Poison Resist Fire 5 Alertness (gives feat to master while within arm’s reach) Improved Evasion Share Spells Empathic Link Deliver Touch Spells Skills (Uses master’s ranks or own, whichever is greater.): +10 Concentration [10rnks, +0con] [10Wiz] +10 Decipher Script [10rnks, +0int] [10Wiz] +8 Diplomacy [6rnks, +2cha] [6Out] +17 Hide [6rnks, +3dex, +8size] [6Out] +10 Knowledge (Arcana) [10rnks, +0int] [10Wiz] +10 Knowledge (History) [10rnks, +0int] [10Wiz] +6 Knowledge (Local [Cania]) [6rnks, +0int] [6Out] +10 Knowledge (Religion) [10rnks, +0int] [10Wiz] +10 Knowledge (The Planes) [10rnks, +0int] [10Wiz] +7 Listen [6rnks, +1wis] [6Out] +9 Move Silently [6rnks, +3dex] [6Out] +6 Search [6rnks, +0int] [6Out] +7 Spot [6rnks, +1wis] [6Out] +12 Spellcraft [10rnks, +0int, +2synergy] [10Wiz] Speaks Infernal, Celestial, and Draconic. Equipment: Tiny Mundane Crystal Composite Longbow [.75 lbs][400 gp] Quiver w/ 100 tiny arrows [3.75 lbs][5 gp] 5x Alchemist's Fire [1 lb each][20 gp each] Miscellaneous Statistics: Encumbance: 0-16 (light), 17-33 (medium), 34-50 (heavy) Weight carried: 9.5 lbs Character Background Default Tactics None – Tactics sent individually. Fights Results: (tot. 18,747 xp) 1: Vs Aeryll Nalladar vs The White Hand; MindWandererB, TheMagister: Loss [3rd place] [+600 xp] [+666 gold] 2: The Harvester, Caterane: Loss [+600 xp] [+667 gp] 3: Marcus Tallfellow, Macbrea: Win [+1,575 xp] [+1,750 gp] 4: Sola Nicous, Erithmu: Win [+1,350 xp] [+1,500 gp] 5: Uilo, Dracazar: Win [+1,680 xp] [+2,080 gp] 6: Sola Nicous, Erithmu: Win [+1,680 xp] [+2,206 gp] 7: The White Hand, TheMagister: Win [+1,680 xp] [+2,206 gp] 8: Leif Goldeneye, Sunwolf: Loss [+666 xp] [+1,104 gp] 9: Aerryl Naldar, MindWandererB: Surrendered [+800 xp] [+1,293 gp] 10: Aerryl Naladar, MindWandererB: Win [+2,200 xp] [+3,278 gp] 11: Saffron Brass, Vathelokai: Loss [+771 xp] [+1,465 gp] 12: Vs Gaston Dar'ath vs Sunstroke & Dronnar Darkjof; Waywreth, MindWandererB, DSugui: Win [+4,245 xp] [+7,226 gp] 13: Intercepted by Little Daisy and Loddick Saffrion; DSugui, Erithmy: Loss [+900 xp] [+1,674 gp] Quest Results: (tot. 18,500 xp) 1: Miniquest: A Preying Faith (EL 5), King Uther: Success [+1,200 xp] [+1,708 gp] 2: Miniquest: Evil Spreads it's Wings (EL 5), King Uther: Success [+1,500 xp] [+1,708 gp] X: Frozen Quest: To Prevent Destruction (EL 6), King Uther: Success 3: Miniquest: Gathering Darkness (EL 6), Iced: Success [+1,400 xp] [+2,000 gp] 4: Quest: A Meeting with the Devil (EL 8), King Uther: Success [+6,300 xp] [+8,925 gp] 5: Quest: Breaking the Seal (EL 9), King Uther: Success [+8,100 xp] [+13,500 gp] Past Expenditures (tot. 70,570 gp): 13,500 gp Start + 1,708 gp Miniquest: A Preying Faith (EL 5) + 1,708 gp Miniquest: Evil Spreads it's Wings (EL 5) + 666 gp Fight 1 + 160 gp Masterwork Greataxe + 667 gp Fight 2 + 1,750 gp Fight 3 + 1,500 gp Fight 4 + 2,080 gp Fight 5 + 2,206 gp Fight 6 + 2,206 gp Fight 7 + 2,000 gp Miniquest: Gathering Darkness + 1,104 gp Fight 8 + 1,293 gp Fight 9 + 3,278 gp Fight 10 + 2,000 gp Gauntlets of Ogre Power +2 (sold 7/15/2006) + 8,925 gp Quest: A Meeting with the Devil + 1,465 gp Fight 11 + 7,226 gp Fight 12 + 1,674 gp Fight 13 + 13,500 gp Quest: Breaking the Seal 70,616 gp total Expenses on 2/12/2006 (Creation) - 5,200 gp +1 Mithral Breastplate - 4,000 gp Gauntlets of Ogre Power +2 - 2,010 gp +1 Battleaxe - 1,000 gp Masterwork Composite Longbow (str+6) - 750 gp Wand of Cure Light Wounds - 320 gp Masterwork Greataxe - 2 gp Quiver w/ 40 arrows - 25 gp Silver Unholy Symbol - 1 gp Belt Pouch - 100 gp Tatoo of Force Screen - 50 gp Masterwork Torturer’s Tools 3/8/2006 - 200 gp 2x Tattoo of Force Screen - 200 gp 4x Potion of Shield of Faith +2 - 100 gp 2x Oil of Magic Weapon - 50 gp Masterwork Whistle 3/21/2006 - 100 gp Tattoo of Force Screen 3/22/2006 -50 gp Teach Malice "Defend" 3/38/2006 - 3,020 gp Adamantine Greataxe - 100 gp Tattoo of Force Screen 3/29/2006 - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Good - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Evil - 50 gp Teach Wrath "heel" 4/5/2006 - 50 gp Teach Malice "heel" 4/11/2006 - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Evil - 100 gp Tattoo of Force Screen - 2,000 gp Enchant Adamantine Greataxe (+1) 4/12/2006 - 50 gp Teach Wrath "seek" 4/17/2006 - 100 gp 2x Potion of Protection from Good - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Evil - 100 gp Tattoo of Force Screen - 3 gp 60 arrows - 4 gp 40 Cold Iron arrows - 82 gp 40 Silver arrows - 320 gp Masterwork Cold Iron Battleaxe - 400 gp Masterwork Silver Battleaxe 4/192006 - 50 gp Teach Malice "guard" 5/15/2006 - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Good - 80 gp 2x Large Leather Barding 5/20/2006 - 1,500 Brooch of Shielding - 3,000 Enchant +1 Mithral Breastplate (+2) - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Good - 100 gp Tattoo of Force Screen 5/28/2006 - 300 gp 3x Tattoo of Force Screen - 100 gp 2x Potion of Protection from Good - 100 gp 2x Potion of Protection from Good - 100 gp 2x Potion of Shield of Faith +2 6/21/2006 - 2,000 gp Enchant Masterwork Composite Longbow (str+6) (+1) 7/15/2006 - 1 gp 20 Arrows - 4,000 gp Belt of Giant Strength +2 - 4,000 gp Gloves of Dexterity +2 - 200 gp 2x Tattoo of Force Screen - 100 gp 2x Potion of Shield of Faith - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Evil - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Good - 750 gp Wand of Cure Light Wounds 8/8/2006 - 300 gp 3x Tattoo of Force Screen - 4,000 gp Cloak of Charisma +2 - 2,000 gp Amulet of Natural Armor +1 9/4/2006 - 5,000 gp Upgrade Cloak of Charisma +2 to +3 - 100 gp 2x Potion of Shield of Faith +2 - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Good - 50 gp Potion of Protection from Evil - 200 gp 2x Tattoo of Force Screen - 300 gp Potion of Invisibility 9/29/2006 - 6,000 gp Enchant +1 Adamantine Greataxe (Flaming) - 6,750 gp Wand of Magic Missile (50 charges) [CL 7th] - 4,000 gp Headband of Intellect +2 - 350 gp Masterwork Greatsword - 375 gp Masterwork Longbow - 2 gp 40 Arrows - 5 gp Spell Component Pouch - 15 gp Senorda's Spellbook - 100 gp Summon Familiar - 400 gp Tiny Mundane Crystal Composite Longbow - 100 gp 5x Alchemist's Fire - 5 gp 100 Tiny Arrows - 750 gp 2x Scroll of Flame Arrow [CL 5th] - 400 gp 2x Scroll of Heroism [CL 4th] (Bard scribed.) - 300 gp 2x Scroll of See Invisibility [CL 3rd] - 950 gp Scroll of Stoneskin [CL 7th] - 300 gp 3x Tatoo of Force Screen - 450 gp Scribe Arcane Sight into Senorda's Spellbook (150 service, 300 materials) Total Difference: 46 gp Miniquest: A Preying Faith: Tattoo of Force Screen, 1 charge from Wand of Cure Light Wounds. Miniquest: Evil Spreads it's Wings: Tattoo of Force Screen, Potion of Shield of Faith +2. Fight 1: Tatto of Force Screen, Potion of Shield of Faith +2. Fight 3: Tatto of Force Screen, Potion of Protection from Evil, 8 charges from Wand of Cure Light Wounds. Fight 4: 2 charges from Wand of Cure Light Wounds, Potion of Protection from Good, Tattoo of Force Screen. Fight 5: Potion of Protection from Good, 11 Arrows. Fight 6: 5 charges from Wand of Cure Light Wounds, Potion of Protection from Good, Tattoo of Force Screen. Fight 8: Potion of Protection from Good, 2 Arrows, 6 charges from Wand of Cure Light Wounds. Fight 10: Potion of Shield of Faith, Potion of Protection from Evil, Tattoo of Force Screen. Quest: A Meeting with the Devil: 3 Tattoos of Force Screen, Potion of Shield of Faith, 1 arrow, 3 Cold Iron arrows, 2 charges Wand of CLW. Fight 11: Potion of Protection from Good. Fight 12: Potion of Shield of Faith, Tattoo of Force Screen. Fight 13: Potion of Shield of Faith, Tattoo of Force Screen, Potion of Protection from Evil. Quest: Breaking the Seal: 3x Tattoo of Force Screen, Potion of Shield of Faith, 6 charges Wand of CLW. Duergar Half-blackdragon rogue 6 assassin 1 Size/Type: Medium Dragon (psionic) Hit Dice: 7d6+21 (48 hp) Initiative: +2 Speed: base speed 20 ft. Armor Class: 21 (+5 armor, +4 natural, +1 dex, +1 deflection), touch 12, flat-footed 21 Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+8 Attack: Light Crossbow +7(+9+1) ranged (1d8+1(+2)/19-20/x2) or claw +8 melee (1d4+8/x2) or +6 ranged touch Insanity Mist (1d4 wis DC15 + 2d6 wis) Full Attack: Light crossbow +7(+9+1) ranged (1d8+1(+2)/19-20/x2) or 2 claws +8 melee (1d4+8/x2) and bite +6 melee (1d6+4/x2) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Duergar traits, spell-like abilities, sneak attack +4d6, death attack DC12, 60-ft line of acid 6d8 DC16 Special Qualities: Darkvision 120 ft., duergar traits, poison use, evasion, trapfinding, trap sense +2, uncanny dodge, immune to sleep, immune to paralysis, immune to acid, expansion 1/day ML7, invisibility 1/day ML7 Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +2 Abilities: Str 19, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 9, Cha 6 Skills: Balance +6, Bluff +2, Climb +6, Disable Device +6, Disguise +6, Escape Artist +9, Forgery +5, Hide +10, Listen +0, Move Silently +14, Open Lock +7, Sense Motive +4, Sleight of Hand +6, Spot +5, Tumble +9, Use Magic Device +5 Feats: Quicken Spell-like ability (expansion), Multiattack, Point Blank Shot Challenge Rating: 10 Alignment: Lawful Evil Level Adjustment: +3 Equipment: Evil Outsider Bane Light Crossbow 9385gp (+1+2, 1d8+1/19-20/x2), Mithral Chain Shirt +1 2100gp, 20 Cold Iron bolts 4gp, Insanity Mist 1500gp, Ring of Protection +1 2000gp, Cloak of Resistance +1 1000gp Guardian Naga Size/Type: Large Aberration Hit Dice: 11d8+44 (93 hp) Initiative: +2 Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares) Armor Class: 18 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +7 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 16 Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+17 Attack: Bite +12 melee (2d6+7 plus poison) or spit +9 ranged touch (poison) Full Attack: Bite +12 melee (2d6+7 plus poison) or spit +9 ranged touch (poison) Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Poison, spit, spells Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft. Saves: Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +11 Abilities: Str 21, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 18 Skills: Bluff +18, Concentration +19, Listen +13, Diplomacy +8, Disguise +4 (+6 acting), Intimidate +6, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +17, Spot +13 Feats: Alertness, Combat Casting, Dodge, Eschew MaterialsB, Lightning Reflexes Environment: Temperate plains Organization: Solitary or nest (2-4) Challenge Rating: 10 Treasure: Standard Alignment: Usually lawful good Advancement: 12-16 HD (Large); 17-33 HD (Huge) Level Adjustment: — Equipment: Winged Boots 16000gp 2 Greater Shadows Size/Type: Medium Undead (Incorporeal) Hit Dice: 9d12 (58 hp) Initiative: +2 Speed: Fly 40 ft. (good) (8 squares) Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 deflection), touch 14, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +4/— Attack: Incorporeal touch +6 melee (1d8 Str) Full Attack: Incorporeal touch +6 melee (1d8 Str) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Create spawn, strength damage Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., incorporeal traits, +2 turn resistance, undead traits Saves: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +7 Abilities: Str Ø, Dex 15, Con Ø, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 14 Skills: Hide +14*, Listen +9, Search +6, Spot +9 Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack Environment: Any Organization: Solitary Challenge Rating: 8 Treasure: None Alignment: Always chaotic evil Advancement: — Level Adjustment: —
Abyssal Stalker 12-13-06, 03:27 AM	After the recent incident with Lady Indivara, Asran dwells into his chambers, slightly annoyed by the dragons arrogant behaviour. It didn't matter, for he had more important issues to take care of. Senorda waits in his room, sitting at the table with her back turned towards Asran. The baatezu is meditating and is probably having a vision. Asran waits for her to wake up from her trance and asks: "What do you see?" "A Dark Star Burning. A Golden Serpent battling a Black Figure. Glowing red light. And a huge Shadow, so massive that it shrouds the battling Serpent and Blackness. The Blackness cutting down the Serpent and setting the Star on fire. The huge Shadow spreading its fingers towards the deeper Black and the Blackness cutting off the fingers of the Shadow." Senorda turned to face Asran. "The Blackest of the Black, it is you of course. And the glowing red light is your father's presence. I do not know of the others." I'm quoting the setup for the quest from the EHTC thread. You can start posting.
Zevox 12-13-06, 11:16 AM	"Strange portents..." Asran mutters to himself, tossing the symbols over in his head in an effort to decipher them. Only the star and the shadow seemed to strike a chord in his memory, and he tried to latch onto that feeling of familiarity to discover what they meant. For a while, it seemed to remain just beyond the edge of his reach. Then he thought back to his time in Hell. "Illent." He pronounced, certain of his deduction. "So my father has enisted that wyrm's aid - as if watching for corrupted Celestials constantly wasn't nuisance enough." He clenches his clawed fist, frustrated at this new developement. Noticing Senorda's confusion, he explains, "He was a servant who joined my father long after your imprisoning - a Shadow Dragon dissatisfied with the minor services Tiamat let him perform on Avernus, seeking greater power. He works for my father as a spymaster and general of one of his armies, and my father rewarded him by imbuing him with Baatezu blood." His eyes flash red flame as his frustration builds at the thought of just what he was facing here. "By now he is ancient beyond any of his kin living on this plane, and one of my father's most powerful servants." He shakes his head, trying to clear it and look at this logically. "But no, my father wouldn't send him personally. He couldn't spare so valuable a general and spymaster just to kill me, and since Illent is part Baatezu now he falls under the prophecies that no fiend will be able to stop me, and my father knows this." He sits on the couch, uncertain of what to make of the rest of this prophecy. "There will be something else at work here, but something Illent has his claws in." "Arynat!" he calls out, and the Imp fluttered from its perch by the windowsill to the arm of the couch Asran sat on. "Yes boss?" he asks in his typically rapid, slightly annoying voice. "Go back out into the city and search for anything unusual being spoken of. Not about the celestials and warriors this time - I want to know about secrets spoken more quietly than that. Those to do with the symbol of a dark star or shadow especially." Arynat blinks a few times in confusion, thinking the description terribly inadequte, but when nothing more seemed forthcoming he took off, vanishing in mid-flight as he left to search the city.
Abyssal Stalker 12-13-06, 01:35 PM	Senorda layed a strange glance on Asran. "Do not underestimate the threat you are to your father. And do not underestimate your opponents. Making one of those mistakes shall be your fall in the end, if you choose the wrong path." Whether the Seer had seen this on a vision or not, didn't come clear to Asran. The ancient Baatezu had the gift of seeing, but along that she had great wisdom. Asran could never be sure which was speaking. With those words Senorda left Asran to his thoughts.
Abyssal Stalker 12-13-06, 03:13 PM	Aerynat returned after four hours from the task Asran had given to him. "Boss! They are coming! Someone has been asking about you! A big cloaked fellow, they said. Had a crossbow with him, but nothing else. Assassin, if you ask me." "When?" was the only thing Asran needed to know. The plan was already forming in his mind. Assassins of Illent were famous of their capabilities. They might be able to sneak upon him, but they are going to get surprised. Asran would be prepared and the hunter would become the hunted. "Not long. Couple of hours, me thinks. One, maybe two. Can I torture him?" Aerynat rolled pretty good on his Gather Information check. I'll let you choose the battleground for this.
Zevox 12-13-06, 03:46 PM	"We'll see," is all Asran replies to the Imp. If torture was what it took to get this one to tell him what his master was up to, he'd gladly let the Imp have his fun. If not, then perhaps more could be gained here by diplomacy, if he was lucky. If there was one thing he knew about assassins, it was that in the open, they were much easier to deal with. Grabbing his extra weapons that lay on the floor of his chambers, he opened wide the window of his room and stretched his wings. "Get..." he started to command Arynat. "Already here." Senorda said, coming up behind her master. "Good. We ambush this one atop the hill this place is built into. Arynat, you'll wait outside the window here - in Bat form, invisible as often as you can be. Send Senorda a warning when you spot our assassin friend, and we'll prepare with her magic. This one will be answering our questions before long." Scraping his claws along the windowsill as much for dramatic effect as for the assassin to find later, Asran climbed out of it and spread his wings, heading up to the hilltop. Plan then: Ambush on the hilltop. Arynat uses alternate form into a bat, then hangs out invisible above the window to Asran's room as a sentry. He'll use his empathic link to warn Senorda when he spots someone/thing. Asran and Senorda should position themselves about 60' from where someone climbing the hill would come into view after getting off the top of the complex. When Arynat gives his signal, Asran will use his Darkness SLA on his armor and he and Senorda will hide in it. Senorda will Alter Self into an Ice Mephit (+4 natural armor, fly 50' (perfect) and rise to the edge of the darkness, then cast Shield for another +4 AC, then ready to cast Hold Person on this guy when he comes into view. When that happens, if Senorda's spell seemed to work, Asran will charge with his greataxe (activate its flaming ability on the way, but leave it off during the wait since I don't want it spotted), then proceed to hack into him (no CDGs - I want him alive if possible). If it doesn't work, Asran will tap a tattoo of Force Screen and fly up 15' using his hover feat to prepare to dive next round, and we'll take it from there. Oh, in any event, once the duo spots the Assassin, Senorda should empathically request Arynat to get up there. We may want him for delivering touch spells if things go badly.
Abyssal Stalker 12-14-06, 02:14 PM	Asran and Senorda move outside the EHTC building, readying themselves to the upcoming fight and Arynat lands above the window invisible. The trio waits with a patience that only ageless creatures are capable of. The sun moves at the horizon, slowly turning into a thin blood-red glow. Finally, the land is covered in darkness. "It begins." Senorda whispers. "He is close." At the same moment Asran's infernal wrath creates a swirl in the darkness, drawing it at him like a magnet. The darkness is imbued with Hell's essence itself, blocking even the sight of creatures that normally see in the dark. The other devil reveals one of her many forms, turning into a horrid fiend cold as ice. "He heard!", Senorda hisses as Arynat warns her mentally. She casts another infernal incantation as she rises at the edge of the covering darkness. The assassin moves towards the building right after Arynat retreats towards his mistress and then Senorda launches a mental attack on the intruder, but she realizes that the mind of the creature is far too complex for such a simple attack. Seeing that their plan doesn't work, Asran swirls ans twists the darkness, forming it into a floating shield. His massive wings raise him in the sky, ready to rain agony over the assassin! Initiative order: Senorda (shield, alter self) Asran (force screen) Arynat Assassin Senorda identifies the creature as a half-dragon. Rolls are here (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?u=Dark+Star+Burning).
Zevox 12-14-06, 06:35 PM	What sort of Half-Dragon? It'd be nice to know what element not to use (and what type of breath weapon to expect, incidentally). Senorda reacts quickly, grabbing the wand that hangs at her belt and snapping out the word to activate it, sending a series of magical bolts unneringly into the creature. [Draw & use CL 9 MM wand] Asran, miraculously still unobserved, barked out the word of power to activate his mighty axe's blazing property and charged the assassin, letting gravity increase the force of his blow to great proportions but being careful to strike at non-vital parts of the creature's form. [Dive, but take the -4 attack to do nonlethal damage. Should be +12 for 2d12+20(nonlethal)+1d6(fire) vs FF AC given he didn't spot Asran last round. Remember his blindfight feat means 2 chances to overcome his darkness' concealment if needed.] [For Arynat, since I'm not entirely sure where he is, just get him onto Senorda's shoulder if he isn't yet.]
Abyssal Stalker 12-15-06, 01:57 AM	Senorda's bolts blast in a flash of red light, burning the flesh of the black half-dragon. He responds by moving towards her and tosses a small vial at Senorda, but the vial barely misses her and breaks harmlessly at the ground. As Senorda notices what substance it contained, she spits out an infernal curse. "You filthy maggot, how dare you use that against me!" Asran dives at the half-dragon, but the assassin easily dodges the clumsy attack. Senorda casts a simple protective spell, and not a moment too early. The half-dragon bursts out acid, torching Asran on the way and covers Senorda in the corrosive slime! Senorda uses her wand again, and this time the bolts of energy burn with even a deeper red. Asran swings his axe, hitting the half-dragon with the blunt end of the weapon and knocking him down. Round 1: Senorda 2/26hp (shield, alter self, resist energy) Asran 24/58hp (force screen) Arynat full hp Assassin 30/48 Round 2: Senorda 2/26hp (shield, alter self, resist energy) Asran 24/58hp (force screen) Arynat full hp Assassin -10/48 (46 lethal, 8 nonlethal)
Zevox 12-15-06, 11:51 PM	No time for RP right now (late), but this is why I asked about the color (if Senorda can ID it is a Half-Dragon, she should be able to tell what kind, especially since it should be obvious from the color of its scales) - I was going to have Senorda resist its breath if it didn't use it that first round, which would reduce that damage by 20 and save her. Couple of notes while I'm at this: looks like you didn't give Asran his real full attack in the rolls (should've been two with the greataxe, one with his bite), and you forgot the +1d6 fire damage from the axe (I know thats lethal, but with the rest of it nonlethal I'm not worried about killing him). Also, if you take a look at the mission rules in the Guildhall, theres automatic healing between battles for them (like in an arena fight). Anyway, lemme know if that can be changed so Senorda resist the acid (I know it'll make this last longer, but thats why I pointed out the attack error). If not, well, I should be damn happy this is a frozen mission, or I'd need to do another quest to get her back.
Abyssal Stalker 12-16-06, 03:29 AM	Well, I did some checking. Senorda has +16 knowledge arcana, so she probably should be able to recognize it as a black half-dragon. So resist energy it should be. My fault, I was too hasty - I just didn't think that you would've had any problems with this encounter. 44 out of 6d8 was quite surprising. I'll edit that in later, now I need to go christmas shopping with my wife...
Abyssal Stalker 12-16-06, 09:38 AM	Asran drags the unconscious half-dragon inside the Dark Sanctum. The Undertaker comes to see what is happening: "He is still breathing. He would make a really nice stuffed half-dragon...hee-hee... And I have just the perfect room! We have vacancy in the cellar...hee-hee." Asran drags the assassin down to the cellar and through the Undertaker's gruesome laboratory, into a round room. There they shackle the half-dragon to the wall and make sure that he doesn't bleed to death before Asran gets to question him. "Shut the door behind you," the archdevil says to the necromancer.
Zevox 12-16-06, 11:49 PM	Asran waits for Senorda to arrive, the ancient seer bearing no signs of the wounds the creature had just inflicted on her - just what was the limit of her power, anyway? - and her hyperactive familiar winging his way right behind her graceful stride. Asran simply glanes at Arynat and says "You know what to do." The Imp sighs, but begins running a quick scan of the assassin for magic. "Call the Furies," Asran adds to Senorda. "Their presence may help this one understand what hes dealing with here." Senorda simply nods and whispers incantation to simple sending magic, and as Arynat completes his scan of their captive Wrath and Malice fly through the door, powerful wing beats disturbing the air with noise as they fly to perches hanging from the ceiling. Okay then, quick recap: So far, Asran used one darkness SLA and a tattoo of force screen. Senorda cast Extended Mage Armor, Shield, Alter Self, Resist Energy, and Hold Person, plus used two charges of her wand. And Arynat hasn't used anything important. Just for my own convenience, so I know what I still have for the next two encounters. Anyway, at this point, Arynat should use detect magic on our guest and inform Asran of anything he finds (which is why I'm stopping now). Senorda will use one of her message cantrips (eh, might as well, shes never had any other use for them) to call in the Furies - just a little added intimidation factor thanks to their rather horrific appearance (in other words, they're for the RP :) ). Once I've got Arynat's results, things will get interesting.
Abyssal Stalker 12-17-06, 09:14 AM	Arynat starts scanning the half-dragon. "This is obviously magical, nothing fancy. Just a normal enchantment," he says, pointing the finely crafted chain shirt. He then tries to pull off the ring in the half-dragon's finger. "Hmm...stuck." The imp flies to Asran's tools and grabs huge tongs, almost as big as Arynat, and brutally snaps the assassin's finger and the ring at the same time. The assassin wakes up and starts to scream in agony, only to loose consciousness once again. "Ha, magical as well! But nothing special, just for protection." Arynat throws the ring over his shoulder. "The cloak is magical too. Nothing fancy either. Don't this guy have anything useful?" Arynat goes to check the crossbow the assassin had with him, and suddenly spits in disgust. "I'm not touching that one! You know, it's specially made to kill baatezu. One arrow from that to your chest and you say bye-bye. You better get rid of that nasty thing!" "What about this?" Asran asks and points at the odd-shaped key hanging on the neck of the half-dragon. "Hmm...It's a key of some sort. It definitely is magical, but I have no clue where the hell you can get with it." "The portal key. You must step through the stars and the winds will carry you to face the golden serpent and the shadow. The fingers of the shadow stand in front of you and there the Blackest of the Black will stand or fall." "Where is the portal?" "I do not know." You can check the assassin's stats from the second post on this thread. His equipment is listed there, if Arynat's description wasn't enough. The portal key is a RP item.
Zevox 12-17-06, 09:49 PM	Grunting in mild frustration, Asran pulls the key from the assassin's neck, the cord snapping with ease under the strength of his pull. "Wrath, Malice." Asran says simply, nodding towards the assassin. The Furies take the hint, moving to closer perches, craning their grotesque heads - human-like, but with bestial features and with mouths full of rows of dripping fangs wide open - almost backwards to stare into the captive's face. Satisfied, Asran decides it is time to awaken their captive and begin questioning. He lashes out with one clawed hand, drawing it over the unconscious assassin's face painfully. "Wake up." he says simply, obvious a command. The assassin's eyes begin to flicker open... Figured you should be the one describing his reactions and whatnot :) . Simple procedure from here. Blunt statement that he is one of the Shadow Star Assassins, followed by the questions of why he was after him (mostly to confirm Asran's suspicions) and where the headquarters he hails from is located. We'll see what his reactions are and find out just what needs to be done here, eh? :)
Abyssal Stalker 12-18-06, 07:53 AM	THIS SEQUENCE CONTAINS TORTURE AND SUCH. DO NOT READ, IF YOU FIND THAT KIND OF MATERIAL REPULSIVE. I have warned you, haven't I? The assassin's eyes widen as he sees the furies, snapping their vicious jaws only inches away from his face. He doesn't scream, allthough it is obvious that he is in pain. But still, he doesn't seem to be intimidated by the awful destiny that must lay before him. "Who sent you?" Asran asks with a neutral tone of an experienced questioner. "Who do you think?" the assassin answers. "Arynat. Nail his foot on the wall," Asran commands in infernal. The expression on the assassin's face reveals that he understands perfectly. "No!" he shouts, but that doesn't stop Arynat. THUD! The assassin screams. THUD! The furies let out terrible screams that faintly sound like laughter mixed with the screams of tortured souls. THUD! "There you go, boss." "I do the questioning here." Asran has made his point clear to the half-dragon. "Who sent you?" "I can't tell you. They'll kill me!" "In my hands your destiny will be even worse. Death would be an ease. Arynat, the boot." "Sure, boss!" Arynat searches the toolkit for the correct tool and after throwing out several nasty-looking devices, picks a boot-shaped tool with a grin on his face. He straps the metal boot around the assassin's other foot and screws it tight with a handle on it's side. "And a bit tighter!" The assassin screams, as the screw inside the boot starts to squeeze his foot. "Who sent you?" Asran's tone hasn't changed. "The shadow stars! The shadow stars!" the assassin screams in agony as Arynat screws the boot tighter. "Good. We are making progress," Asran says politely. "You filthy halfbreed. Just kill me! You'll get nothing more!" the assassin replies with an acidic spit mixed in blood on Asran's face. SNAP! He screams as Arynat screws and the bones in his foot break under the pressure. Asran wipes the spit off and continues: "This portal key. Where is the portal and where does it lead?" "In the plains...south of here..." the half-dragon whispers between his teeth. "Where does it lead?" "To hell! To hell with you!" "He doesn't learn, doesn't he?" "No." Asran punches the assassin in the guts. "Why are you here?" "I...was...supposed...to...kill...you" "Who is your master?" Asran asks, and the eyes of the assassin widen in terror. "I...can't tell you." "You are not listening. Arynat, cut his ear off." Arynat picks up a saw-toothed blade and starts to cut the assassin's ear. "No! Please, I can't tell you that! No!" the assassin screams, as blood spurts from the side of his head, where his ear used to be. His agony grows as Arynat rubs some salt in the wound to stop most of the bleeding. "Looks like he can't," Senorda speaks. She has been silent all the time, but now she interferes. "There are spells that can prevent one's mind of revealing something important." "Hmmm. So, with this key I can travel through the portal in the plains of Naestitya. And it will lead me to Hell. How is the portal marked?" "It...is...in...the...ruins." the assassin sobs. "Marked...with...the...moon...and...the.. .stars." "Good."
Abyssal Stalker 12-19-06, 12:15 PM	I paused so that you can decide what to do with the assassin. I wanted to leave that call for you to make. You can consider yourself healed in the Dark Sanctum.
Zevox 12-19-06, 02:46 PM	Sorry I haven't had a chance to post anything good yet - yesterday and this morning I was busy with a big essay (on the plus side, with that thing done I'm done with school for a few weeks :) ), and now I need to be off to work soon, so I don't have time. Rest assured I'm not forgetting this, and intend to keep this going - just figured it could stand to wait a bit more than some other things, since we finished that encounter so quickly.
Zevox 12-20-06, 02:19 PM	"Fine then. If his mind is magically blocked, we'll just have to get to the bottom of this more directly." He pockets the key, then asks the assassin one of final question. "Now then shadow star, would you now prefer to live or die?" A dark flame flashes in his eyes, and he gives a sharp-toothed grin as he awaits the weakened killer's response. Whichever he responds, Asran gives the opposite. hes been useful, but the resistance and insults are irritating enough that hes getting no favors out of Asran. Obviously if he lives he gets thrown in the dungeon - and be a plaything for Arynat later :devil: . If he dies, the Furies get a nice large meal. Anyway, with that answered, its off to the plains, Senorda and Arynat in tow.
Abyssal Stalker 12-21-06, 12:40 PM	"I am already dead. And you know that too. The Stars do not accept failure. Go ahead, make it quick! Kill me!" "Leave him there to rot." Asran replies and leaves the room, commanding his infernal horde to follow. "Boss? Can I have him?" "Later. Now we have more important things." Asran climbs the narrow stairs out of the cellar, walks through the main hall and outside. He spreads his black wings and rises to the night sky with Senorda and Arynat. They head south, to the plains of Naestitya. After a short flight, the trio lands to the ruins. "Senorda, you know something of this place." That is not a question. "Once, this was a monastery, devoted to Boccob. The walls hid secrets, as it has always been and will always be. In the depths of this place the abbot served some devils of the Sixth. I can still feel the blood of the innocent. And then the ordinary happened, what always happens in the mortal world. Someone found out and they tore the place down. The portal must still be here." They search the ruins, and Asran finds what they are looking for. "There. The stars." Asran spots a crumbling pillar with carvings of the moon and stars. He searches the pillar, and finds a hole, shaped like the key he took from the assassin. He fits the key into the hole, and twists it. A blue beam shoots from one of the stars, drawing an oval to the air. The beam dies, and suddenly the oval flashes, opening a portal in front of Asran. A ripple goes through the portal. "That is odd. Portals are usually stable."
Zevox 12-22-06, 01:55 PM	"An unstable portal - great." Asran murmured. He had little experience with portals, but he had heard some few rumors about unstable portals, and the last thing he wanted to do was step into one that could send him anywhere at random. "Is there any way to stabilize it? Or at least discover where it will lead us?" Sorry again for the delay in posting, but I had quite a lot of work yesterday. Good news is I'm free today and tomorrow, so we should be able to get somewhere now :) .
Abyssal Stalker 12-23-06, 03:45 PM	"No, to both of the questions. It must have been damaged during the destruction of this place. The only way to know where this portal opens is to travel through it," Senorda replies. "This will lead you to the golden serpent. I have seen it and it shall happen. Where it will happen, remains yet to be seen. I believe it is safe to travel trough this. The Stars have been using this, as you can see." Senorda points at the footprints that seem to appear from nowhere right in front of the portal. "One thing more. We must all step through it at the same time, otherwise we might not step out in the same place. You will know when to step through it. There is still something that I don't yet see quite clearly..."
Zevox 12-23-06, 05:16 PM	"So be it, then. Arynat, invisible." Asran orders, and the Imp readily complies - eager though he is, he knows the value of caution. "No good can come from staying here longer. We enter now." Yeah, not sure what you meant about the "you'll know when" part, but anyway, this is all I can see to do atm, so off we go :) .
Abyssal Stalker 12-24-06, 10:57 AM	The group steps as one into the portal. They enter the vortex they all are familiar with, but suddenly everything changes. The reality starts to whirl around them and they feel their flesh tearing apart. They are on fire at the same time as they freeze. They are torn apart again and again and only their infernal essence is enough to keep them together and to prevent them from losing their minds. For a moment that feels like eternity, they are tortured by the portal and then they are violently shoved out of the portal on a cold stonefloor. They all breath heavily and feel surprised that they are still alive. Portal travelling shouldn't have been like that, there was something wrong. Asran realizes that they are inside a great hall carved from stone. High pillars rise above their heads and disappear inside a heavy mist 30 feet above them. At the opposite side of the hall there's a pedestrial with a sarchopag at the top of it. In front of the pedestrial stands a statue of a massive golden serpent with a human face that keeps changing all the time. The trio stares at the statue and suddenly it comes alive. "You have broken the peace of the tomb of Kel-Thriel. You shall pay for your crimes." OK, ready to fight?
Zevox 12-24-06, 12:05 PM	Eh, any clue from Senorda as to what this is? If its what I think it is (Gold Dragon), she should be able to tell. If its not, well, thats useful information right there even if she can't tell what it is. Okay then, until I have info, basic opening buffing sequence. Asran taps tattoo of force screen and draw's Hell's Cleaver, Senorda casts alter self (Ice Mephit) and ascends 50' (or as high as she can get plus back about 10-15'). Arynat is invisible and on her shoulder (waiting to get touch spell to deliver). Asran is virtually growling in frustration at this turn of events. "Perfect," he says sarcastically as he calls up a field of defensive power around himself, "Not only are we not in Hell, but we've been shunted into the middle of the tomb of some mortal who decided to leave an overprotective guardian for his corpse!" He draws his massive axe Hell's Cleaver, the flames of its magic running over the Hell-forged metal in response to his anger. As Senorda mutters one of her shape-shifting incantations, he says simply to the beast before him, "If you're intelligent enough to understand me, I'd suggest you stand down. I don't know where we are, but I could care less about whoever or whatever is buried here. I have more important things to worry about. If you insist on battle anyway though, you won't survive."
Abyssal Stalker 12-24-06, 01:49 PM	Senorda at least can tell you that it's not a dragon. Arynat detects good on it. The room is about 40x60ft. You don't see the ceiling, because a thick mist begins at 30ft that blocks sight (consider it like obscuring mist). There are pillars at the sides of the room that rise into the mist. You are at the other end of the room and the creature is at the other end. The creature is large. Initiative: Senorda 15 Monster 13 Asran 8 Arynat 7 (invisible) Round 1: Senorda (alter self, 35ft high, inside mist) Monster (mage armor (Senorda identifies)) Asran (force screen, draws hell's cleaver) Arynat (moves along Senorda)
Zevox 12-24-06, 02:07 PM	Mist eh? Then alter Senorda's movement to put her just within the mist (altitude 30'). Round 2: Senorda - Cast Haste (affect Asran, herself, and Arynat, duration 7 rounds), draw scroll of heroism. Asran: Draw/drink potion of SoF (AC now 30). Arynat: Stick with Senorda. Not sure if he'll be doing anything here - it'll depend on how long this takes. "A protective spell," Senorda states simply. "It intends combat." "So be it, then." Asran replies pulling out a potion and quaffing its contents to better protect himself. Senorda rises into the air, concealing herself in the mist while uttering the words to a potent support spell, one that would speed the group's reactions greatly.
Abyssal Stalker 12-24-06, 04:13 PM	The serpent moves to face the intruders. "You have been warned!" And with those words, it spits some venom towards Asran, but Asran dodges it easily! Summary: Round 2: Senorda casts haste and draws a scroll (alter self, haste) Monster moves a bit forward and spits venom at Asran (mage armor) Asran quaffs a potion of SoF (force screen, haste, shield of faith) Arynat does nothing special (invisible, haste) The distance between Asran and the monster is 20ft. Senorda is 35ft high inside the mist (concealment) with Arynat. They are about 50ft away from the monster.
Zevox 12-25-06, 12:49 AM	"As have you, fool!" Asran bellows, hefting his axe. He waits a moment before his own attack as Senorda's chanting is heard, and twin jets of flame spring from her fingertips and sear the beast before them. Asran grins and charges forward, slashing heavily with his axe at his foe. Arynat grumbles a little, but otherwise simply waits for the word from Senorda to do his part if he is needed. Meh, forgot Heroism was a touch spell. Oh well, having the scroll in hand is no disadvantage, so no big deal. Senorda: Move to within 40' of the Serpent and cast Scorching Ray. 2 rays, ranged touch +6 each, 4d6 fire damage each. Asran: Charge if still at least 10' between him and our foe (+16, 1d12+10+1d6(fire) damage). If 10' or less, 5' step if needed and full attack (+14/+14/+9 for 1d12+10+1d6(fire) each with axe and +11 for 1d6+3 from the bite). Arynat: Again, nothing worth noting. Next round he may be getting a shocking grasp to deliver though.
Abyssal Stalker 12-25-06, 04:18 AM	Senorda's flames seem to do nothing to the guardian. It launches several bolts of raw energy at Asran, but they do nothing due to the fiend's natural protections. Asran grins and charges the guardian, but can't get through it's magical protections. Round 3: Senorda casts scorching ray, misses with both (2 natural 1's...) Monster casts magic missile, doesn't get through SR. Asran charges, misses. Arynat does nothing.
Zevox 12-25-06, 09:43 AM	Hissing in annoyance, Senorda chants the words to another spell, and Arynat's claws begin to crackle invisible electricity. She pulls forth her wand, taking aim at their foe while Asran unleashes stroke after at the beast. Arynat flies off, swooping down onto the beast to grasp its side and send Senorda's electricity coursing through its body. Ouch, that sucks. Well, heres hoping for a bit better luck this time: Senorda: Cast shocking grasp, Arynat as toucher. Draw wand of MM. Asran: Full attack (Greataxe +14/+14/+9 for 1d12+10+1d6, bite +11 for 1d6+3). Arynat: Charge-touch with shocking grasp (+13 [8base +2invis +2charge +1height] touch, 5d6 elec). I'm sure you can figure the strategy from here. Senorda blasts with MMs, Asran full attacks, Arynat withdraws and goes invisible again (just stay away from the battle). If things go badly, Asran will drink his invis potion, retreat up into the mist, and heal up with his wand(s) before diving back down to fight again. Senorda should stick up in the mist out of sight while hes doing that - don't want her taking shots while hes not the focus of its attention. Oh, if the thing ever targets Senorda with a MM, have her cast shield the next round to keep those from downing her. And retreat into the mist to see if she can get its attention back on Asran (do that if it targets her with anything at all).
Abyssal Stalker 12-25-06, 09:52 AM	Suddenly, as Senorda casts the spell, the guardian turns invisible! Round 4: Senorda casts Shocking Grasp and designates Arynat as the toucher. Monster casts Greater Invisibility (Senorda identifies) and moves but you don't pinpoint. Do you want to change your actions?
Zevox 12-25-06, 09:56 AM	*blinks* Ouch. Damn. Just great. Okay then, this round Asran will take off his amulet of natural armor and put on the brooch of shielding. Arynat will wait on Senorda's shoulder. Next round Senorda will drop that other scroll, draw her see invis scroll, and cast from it. She can then tell everyone where this thing is and we can continue. Remember that Asran's blindfight feat will let him reroll failed miss chances while the greater invis lasts!
Abyssal Stalker 12-25-06, 11:50 AM	Asran switches his amulet to another one and Arynat curses as there's nothing to attack. Senorda draws a new scroll and casts a spell to let her and Arynat see invisible beings. She shouts the guardian's location to Asran. The guardian, annoyed by Senorda's constant intrusion, spits some venom at the baatezu but the natural protections of Senorda easily overcome the venom. Asran charges the guardian, easily hitting the serpent even it is invisible! The axe draws some yellow blood that turns visible. Arynat follows Asran's lead and delivers a shocking handshake on the guardian. Round 4 summary: Senorda casts Shocking Grasp and designates Arynat as the toucher. Monster casts Greater Invisibility (Senorda identifies) and moves but you don't pinpoint. Asran switches amulet of natural armor to brooch of shielding Arynat does nothing. Round 5: Senorda casts see invisibility and locates the monster Monster spits venom at Senorda, Senorda resists (good luck this time, 20! on the save) Asran charges the monster, hitting for 17 damage Arynat delivers shocking grasp for 12 damage Situation: Senorda (alter self, see invisibility, haste) Monster (mage armor, greater invisibility, -29hp) Asran (force screen, shield of faith, haste) Arynat (invisible, haste)
Zevox 12-25-06, 01:16 PM	Basically, the strategy above holds true. Asran full attack/charge as appropriate (full attack prefered - thats what the haste was for), Senorda MMs, Arynat delivers the spell then sticks back.
Abyssal Stalker 12-25-06, 03:33 PM	Senorda blasts a series of energy bolts, torching the guardian badly. The guardian responds fire with scorching rays, but they fly wide. Asran hits once again with his axe. Arynat returns to Senorda. Senorda blasts again with the wand, but loses sight of the monster when it dispels her scrying spell. Round 6: Senorda uses MM wand for 17 damage. Monster casts Scorching Ray at Senorda, but misses. Asran full attack, one hit for 17 damage. Arynat returns to Senorda. Round 7: Senorda uses MM wand for 12 damage. (monster has 75 damage) Monster dispels Senorda's see invisibility and moves away. (no pinpoint)
Zevox 12-25-06, 04:48 PM	Grrr... damn it. I don't want to use the second scroll in case the next encounter includes invis, so have Asran guess his position from the listen (four possible squares, better odds than with a medium creature) and charge, and Arynat will start scanning with detect good (he should've gone invisible last round, btw). Senorda will move up further into the mist for total concealment next round so shes no longer a target, and Asran will guess again or take cover if he heard nothing. The round after both will delay until after Arynat so he can tell them where to strike (takes 3 rounds of concentration to pinpoint an aura with the detect good). Then hit it with MMs and physical attacks until this is over. If the thing starts getting deadly, I may need to change this to just using the second scroll, so feel free to stop and wait for me again if something big happens before the detect plan works out.
Abyssal Stalker 12-26-06, 12:30 PM	Asran, confused by the sudden lack of information from Senorda, swings randomly with his axe but finds nothing solid. Arynat starts to scan the area for the guardian, while Senorda moves deeper to the mist. Then the fiends hear the guardian casting. Senorda and Arynat shout instructions to Asran, and he charges to the direction. He swings his axe again, but can't hit the invisible creature. The guardian casts a new spell and once again Asran's axe finds only air. Then Arynat finishes his scanning and finds the guardian, but a little too late! The guardian attacks Asran, but can't bite through the fiend's protections! Now Asran gets a hold of the guardian's position and strikes true! Blood spurts from the wound, coating the infernal axe with even more blood! The guardian doesn't give up so easily, and starts biting Asran viciously! Asran keeps hacking with his axe and the floor turns slippery from blood that flows from both Asran and the guardian. Then the serpent turns visible, and Asrna takes the opportunity, severing it's head with a massive swing! Round 7 summary: Senorda uses MM wand for 12 damage. (monster has 75 damage) Monster dispels Senorda's see invisibility and moves away. (no pinpoint) Asran tries to guess monster's location, with no success. Arynat starts to scan with Detect Good. Round 8: Senorda moves higher, gaining total concealment. Monster heals 24hp with Cure Serious Wounds (Senorda identifies, Asran hears and guesses location correctly) Asran charges, but misses. Arynat keeps scanning. Round 9: Senorda does nothing. (haste ends) Monster casts Divine Power for +6 str and +9hp. (Senorda identifies, no pinpoint) Asran charges wrong square. Arynat finds the monster. Round 10: Senorda does nothing (can't target MM due to not seeing the monster) Monster moves and attacks Asran, misses. Asran hits the monster once for 23 damage. Arynat keeps pinpointing. Round 11: Senorda does nothing. Monster hits Asran for 18 damage. Asran full attacks, misses. (force screen ends) Round 12: Monster misses. Asran hits once for 13 damage. (shield of faith ends) Round 13: Monster hits for 19 damage. (greater invisibility ends) Asran hits twice for 26 damage. Congratulations for defeating a Guardian Naga (if you hadn't already guessed what it was) equipped with Winged Boots. Asran used a tattoo of Force Screen and a potion of Shield of Faith. Senorda used Alter Self, Haste, Scorching Ray, See Invisibility and 2 charges of MM wand.
Zevox 12-27-06, 01:40 AM	Yep, I figured it out pretty much as soon as you said it wasn't a Dragon, and the spells, especially greater invis, pretty much sealed it. Heh, this makes two Nagas Asran has beaten - one Dark, one Guardian. Too bad theres not any tougher ones, or he could make a habit of it ;) . Although I suddenly wonder how a snake-like creature could wear boots... good thing it never came up. Ignoring the gore dripping from his axe, Asran slings the weapon over his back and walks over to retrieve the amulet he had dropped, replacing the magical brooch with it again. "Scan the room for magic," he barks at Arynat, who has become visible again, "then you're going to get us some answers about where we are and why by Stygia's depths that portal sent us here." Arynat balks. "Wait boss, you don't mean - " "Yes," Asran barks, interrupting the Imp. "Just pick a deity you've never contacted - its not like theres any shortage of Gods in the multiverse." Arynat grumbles something profane, but begins to comply, starting a scan of the room. Senorda meanwhile lands near Asran and dismisses her magic, returning to the form she favors when walking among mortals. "Perhaps you should reconsider, my lord," she warns. "There are no shortage of those deities who would sell us out to your father or one of the other Lords of Nine." "So we'll be selective," Asran responds, considering the deities he knew of. "Gargauth," he decides after a few minutes. "The Tenth Lord has no love for those who dwell in Hell, but no doubt he would gladly aid one working against the Lords of Nine." "He may not see it that way," Senorda replies. "And even if he does, he is a crafty one. We may not be able to trust anything he says to be anything more than a half-truth." "A half-truth is better than nothing at all," Asran replies. Okay, so if you couldn't tell, I'm looking for Arynat to do a quick scan of the room with detect magic, then use his 1/week Commune ability to get us some info. Gargauth is mostly for RP - if you don't know, hes a minor FR God, a former Archdevil who was banished from Hell. Hes the demigod of betrayal, cruelty, and political corruption, and is totally focused on the accumulation of power through political means. Hes polite and compassionate in appearance in order to get what he wants. So then, to kick off the questioning (I get only 6, so I guess I'd best word this carefully): 1: Is the structure we are in in Hell? 2 (only if 1 is "no"): Is it on the Prime?
Abyssal Stalker 12-27-06, 02:24 AM	Yeah, I know the boots were a little stretch. I just prefer to make monster equipment as easy as possible, and it was a simple way to spend 16k. :) And a good item against 3 creatures with the ability to fly. Arynat starts scanning the room for the presence of magic. "Whoa, boss. This place is magical. The walls, the floor, everything. The mist definitely." Arynat moves to check the sarchopagus. "Odd. This isn't magical. Everything else is, but there's nothing magical in that box. It's just a coffin." "Wait. This is written in celestial." Arynat takes a moment to read the carvings on the sides of the sarchopagus. "Read it aloud." Senorda commands, and Arynat reads the text. The text speaks of an archangel, whose remains are buried in the tomb and of two opposed prophecies. The other prophecy speaks of "...A great evil that desecrates Kel-Thriel's tomb, forever sealing him from the world..." and the other tells how "...Kel-Thriel rises again to command the armies of Heaven in the Last War..." The both of the prophecies describe a battle of golden light and the blackest darkness. The fight comes to an end in both, but the result seems to be different. I don't know if this changes what you wish to ask.
Abyssal Stalker 12-28-06, 01:38 AM	Arynat starts the ritual. He falls into sleep-like state for a moment. Then he raises his head and there's a totally different gaze in his eyes. His voice has changed into a much deeper version of a devil. It speaks in infernal: "Asran, son of Mephistoteles. What do you want to hear? Anything you want, I can give you." Gargauth was always offering something, but everything came with a price. This time Asran hoped things were different, for the Lord of Tenth was binded by a spell to give answers. He wouldn't break the laws of the multiverse. "Is this structure we are in on the Prime?" Asran quickly starts his query. "No. Is there more you want to know?" Figured you'd want to skip the first question, they wouldn't bury an angel in Hell, right? Sorry to rush, but we need to get things running in order to make it to the final encounter.
Zevox 12-28-06, 09:04 AM	Sorry for the no-show yesterday, but between sleeping in, work, and falling ill, I didn't get a chance to post any RP. Also, just a reminder, Commune is only supposed to give yes or no answers unless giving just that would be harmful to the Deity's interests. "Is it in the seven heavens?" Asran inquires, guessing that to be the most likely place an angel would be buried. Okay, heres some follow-up queries: If the answer to the above is no, Senorda will interject with a guess - "Is this place within a demiplane of its own?" If thats still no, I'm out of ideas as to where we could be. So other questions from Asran: 3/4: "Is this place linked to the activities of the Shadow Star Assassins?" 4/5: "Is it linked to Illenthranatar's interests somehow?" 5/6: "Should I open the sarcophagus in order to fulfill the prophecies given by Senorda and the inscriptions here?" ...and since I can't think of a sixth if I was right about the Heavens, we'll stop there.
Abyssal Stalker 12-28-06, 09:18 AM	Yes, I'm aware of that. I just thought to add some spice to Gargauth's answers. I think he wouldn't be a simple answer-machine, being the demigod of betrayal after all. Take your time, I'll speed things up if it becomes necessary. RL first. "No, it is not." Senorda interferes, as Asran starts to run out of guesses: "Is this place within a demiplane of its own?" "Yes, Ancient One." "Is this place linked to the activities of the Shadow Star Assassins?" "No." "Is it linked to Illenthranatar's interests somehow?" Yes, it is. "Should I open the sarcophagus in order to fulfill the prophecies given by Senorda and the inscriptions here?" "Yes, you should." And suddenly Gargauth was gone, leaving Arynat a little dizzy. "I hate this!"
Zevox 12-28-06, 10:03 AM	"Just remember the reward you'll recieve when this is all over," Asran reminded the Imp. When Senorda had summoned him, Asran had promised Arynat that when he obtained his destiny to rule Hell, he would promote him immediately to Pit Fiend if the Imp served him well in the meantime. The reminder caused Arynat to rub his hands together in glee, and he eagerly flew back to Senorda's shoulder, his loathing of the power he had just used forgotten. "Very well then," Asran starts, approaching the sarcophagus "its obvious what this will most likely bring about. Let us be prepared." He calls up another shield of shadows and drinks another potion before drawing his axe, and Senorda begins chanting off spells to prepare them. Okay then, buffing before opening the sarcophagus: Arynat: Invisible, flame arrow (Senorda's scroll) on 50 of his arrows, holding sonic shocking grasp from Senorda, positioned above and to one side of the sarcophagus (dive position, readied to "partial charge" dive at sight of a foe). Senorda: Polymorphs herself into an Avoral (RP: fallen celestial, important stat changes below), shield, heroism (scroll), Sonic Shocking Grasp (Arynat as toucher), holding wand of MM. Asran: Stoneskin (Senorda's scroll), Heroism (Senorda's scroll), prot. good potion, tattoo of force screen, holding Hell's Cleaver (greataxe). Senorda buffed: Str 15, Dex 23, Con 20, mental stats same. HP: 54 AC: 32 (+6dex, +4armor, +4shield, +8natural), Touch 16, Flat 26. Speed: 30', Fly 90' (Good). Attacks: MW Greatsword +8 melee, 2d6+3 [19-20/x2] MW Longbow +12 ranged, 1d8 [20/x3] Saves: Fort +9, Reflex +10, Will +7 Asran buffed: +2 morale to attacks/saves, +2 resistance to saves vs Good foes/spells, AC 27 (29 vs good), DR 10/adamantine (max damage absorbed 70). Okay then, with all that up (and please make sure Asran activates the tatto and drinks his potion last in that whole sequence to ensure maximum use of them), open up the sarcophagus and let the battle of good and evil begin :) .
Abyssal Stalker 12-28-06, 11:44 AM	:) Actually, I wasn't planning on the last encounter quite yet! Sorry, if I've mislead you, but the RP was going so well that I didn't want to interrupt things. Senorda grabs a hold of Asran's arm. "Do not rush. Gargauth's answers may hide something of essence. I see the pattern now." Asran lowers his axe in order to wait for Senorda to explain herself. "You will not find the Stars here. This place, where ever it is, hides nothing but the remains of a fallen angel. Hell has always been on war with Heaven. Kel-Thriel is a commander of their armies and preventing him from rising would be a great deal to Hell. But what then? Another angel will take his place. Maybe not so capable, but still a significant foe. No, I think that we are here for some other reason, and that reason probably is something more complicated. I believe the portal was trapped, and threw us here. Any mortal travelling through it without the correct method would be drawn to the trap and would die. A fiend on the other hand, might make through and end up here. And here he would face the guardian." "And die. Or kill the guardian and fullfill the prophecy. Either way, Illent wins." "It is up to you, if you wan't to fullfill the prophecy. I believe we can travel through that portal back to Prime safely. I'm sure I can figure out a way around the trap, and get us to the right place, now that I see the pattern. It was concealed from me earlier. It seems like Illent's powers are stronger than expected."
Zevox 12-29-06, 07:28 PM	Asran considered his options for a moment - but just for a moment. Destroying an Archangel would be a more than worthwhile endeavor, but as with all Fiends the affairs of the lower plains held a greater pull on Asran than anything to do with the upper plains - after the events the one time the Heavens had tried to interfere with the Blood War, no Fiend felt the upper plains to be any real threat to the lower ones any longer. "Back, then," Asran decides. "Let this one rot until the end of time."
Abyssal Stalker 12-30-06, 08:12 AM	Asran, Senorda and Arynat march to the portal, and step in as one. This time the travelling is normal - and in a blink of an eye they are back in the ruins. Nothing has changed, the moon is still high and the night is calm. Senorda closes the portal by pulling off the key and then starts to research the carvings carefully. It seems to Asran that there are more stars in the pillar than there were earlier. Senorda goes through the carvings for a long time, but suddenly she puts the key back to the hole and the portal forms again with a flash of blue light. The ripple goes through it like before, but then Senorda speaks some words Asran doesn't understand, and suddenly the portal goes black. First Asran thinks that it closed, but then he realizes that he can see through the darkness. The portal is still there, forming a pitch-black oval in the air. "It is ready to deliver us to the kingdom of Illent." "Good. Finally, prepare yourselves." Asran commands. Senorda takes one of her many forms, a twisted replica of a celestial. Arynat turns invisible and readies himself for combat, and only a faint rattling of electricity reveals that he is still here. Asran draws his infernal might, thickening his skin and grasping Hell's Cleaver in a firm hold. Then they step through the portal entering the Shadow Stars' world. At the instant they step out of the portal, they are surrounded by minor devils. They are inside a great cavern, with sharp stalagmites hanging from the ceiling high above. The walls of the massive cave are full of cracks, and the fires of Hell glow from the cracks, illuminating the cavern. It is like the cave itself is carved inside a sea of magma, stabilized with infernal magics. Several fiery pits burn in the floor, sprouting 50ft-high flames every now and then. The moaning of tortured souls echoes throughout the cave. In the other end of the cave rises an enormous shadow, Illenthrantar, the Shadow Dragon of the Eigtht Hell. "Stop. You are not the ones who will stop them!" Illent commands the fiends around the portal, and instantly the minor devils freeze at their position just as if time itself had stopped. Senorda and Arynat follow Asran through the horde of devils, until there is no one between them and the dragon. "Asran. You are supposed to be dead. That is your father's will." Asran can sense a hint of sarcasm in Illent's voice. Then the mighty dragon moves himself and spreads his wings. Asran watches the huge wings open, and then he sees that a part of Illenthrantar seems to melt from both tips of his wings and form a shadowy creature. The shadows start to head towards him. I used the buffs you mentioned earlier, swapping the prot.from good to evil, if that's OK with you? You have one round to buff some more if you feel and then we roll initiative. Senorda recognizes the creatures easily as Greter Shadows. http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4913/darkstarburning3sa5.jpg Illent Shadows Asran Senroda Arynat Fiends (non-combatants)
Zevox 12-30-06, 02:43 PM	With these foes, a bit more buffing is going to be wanted - for the 1 buffing round, Senorda will Polymorph Asran into an Avoral (fallen celestial again) and Asran will swap Hell's Cleaver for his bow, Cania's Icicle, then in round 1 Senorda uses her scroll to put Flame Arrow on his quiver. Greater Shadows eh? Wow - very nice thematic foe, but this won't be easy by any means. Even with Asran's 22 str, they'll have little trouble draining him, so he'll have to use his new form's flight avoid them and do archery. Good thing that bow is already magical, or I'd be depending on Senorda to win this with her wand... Asran, Avoral form/Heroism/etc: Str 17, Dex 25, Con 20, mental stats same. HP: 64 AC: 37 (+5dex, +7armor, +4shield, +9natural, +2deflection), Touch 17, Flat 32. DR 10/adamantine (max absorbed 70) Speed: 30', Fly 90' (Good). Attacks: +1 Compiste Longbow +16/+11 (+14/+14/+9 rapid) ranged, 1d8+4+1d6(fire) [20/x3] Saves: Fort +14, Reflex +13, Will +5 (+2 resistance to all vs evil) So then, round 1: Asran delays until after Senorda, then rapid-shoots a shadow. Senorda casts flame arrow from her scroll on Asran. Aynat flies as high as he can (to set up to invisible dive for his touch spell next round). If the shadows go before them and base them, they'll instead withdraw. "So it is," Asran replies, making sure to show no fear even in the face of so powerful a leitenant of his father's. He hadn't seen Illenthranatar much during his time in Hell, but he had learned much from each encounter with the powerful Dragon-fiend, and one of those things was that he did not respect those who displayed fear at his mere sight. "Yet I live in spite of his efforts. And you have seen what is happening to him because of his fixation on me." He matches gazes with the massive Dragon while strapping his axe back across his back and calling upon his powers to bring forth his icy bow. As Senorda casts another shape-shifting spell, he turns his attention towards the shadows breaking from Illent's form. "But we'll speak of that when these things are gone," he says as the magic takes effect, transforming him into a twisted version of a celestial much like Senorda.
Abyssal Stalker 12-31-06, 08:35 AM	Initiative: Asran 21 (Stoneskin (long), Heroism (long), Protection from Evil (9), Force Screen (10), Avoral (91)) touch AC21 vs incorporeal touch Arynat 18 (Invisible, Flame Arrow on 50 arrows (long), holding Sonic Shocking Grasp) Left Shadow 13 Senorda 12 (Shield (long), Heroism (long), Avoral (long)) touch AC20 vs incorporeal touch Right Shadow 8 Round 1: Asran delays after Senorda. Arynat flies to the ceiling. (60 ft high) Left Shadow bases Asran. (ground level) Senorda casts Flame Arrow on Asran's quiver and moves away. (20ft high) Asran steps and rapid shoots Left Shadow (damage: 12+14) Round 2: Arynat dives at Left Shadow, scoring a hit with Sonic Shocking Grasp (damage: 17). http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5059/darkstarburning32ab1.jpg Your call, it's Senorda's turn.
Zevox 12-31-06, 12:53 PM	Actually, that Shadow probably isn't. I see you rolled 10d6 for the grasp, which I'm guessing is from the dive, but diving won't double the damage from a spell effect, just from claws, talons, or slashing or piercing manufactured weapons. So, presuming it is actually still alive: Senorda: Magic Missile the injured Shadow with her wand (5d4+5) and fly out of charge range of the other shadow. Asran: If based, withdraw out of charge range of the shadow. If not, rapid-shoot the remaining Shadow. Arynat: Fly back to Senorda's shoulder.
Abyssal Stalker 12-31-06, 01:53 PM	Edited. I wasn't sure about it, but you're absolutely right. Round 2: continued after Arynat Left Shadow misses. Senorda flies behind the frozen devils and takes out wand of MM and blasts Left Shadow for 19 damage, finishing it. Asran rapid shoots Right Shadow and hits once for 6 damage. Right Shadow charges Asran, but misses. Round 3: Arynat moves to Senorda. Senorda blasts Right Shadow for 17 damage. Your call. Positions about the same, but Senorda has moved to the left side of the portal, behind the minor devils to ground level.
Zevox 12-31-06, 03:38 PM	With Asran still at full strength, he should be fine to just 5' step and rapid shoot this turn. So that, plus another volley from Senorda. Keep that up until/unless Asran gets hit.
Abyssal Stalker 01-01-07, 10:45 AM	Round 3: continued after Senorda Asran rapid shoots and hits for 12+16+15 damage, destroying the shadow. The shadows emerge from Illent's body, and start to float towards Asran, hellfire burning in their eyes. The trio of intruders spreads into different directions. Deep-red orbs of burning energy shoots from Senorda's fingertips at the closing shadows. Arynat takes his chance and in a flash of lightning dives from the top of the cave, driving electricity through the other shadow. Asran takes out Cania's Icicle, and sends a hail of burning arrows at the shadows. The arrows fly straight through the shadows, but every arrow rips some of the shadows essence as they pierce. The shadows surround Asran, but their draining touches pass right through Asran. Asran laughs and with his powers of darkness drains the remaining essence of the shadows, trapping them inside his infernal armor. "So the prophecy your father so much has tried to hide is true. I had to see myself," Illenthrantar laughs.
Zevox 01-02-07, 03:35 PM	"So you've learned of that? I suppose theres a reason you're one of his top spymasters after all." "If you've heard of that, surely you've heard of some of the rest of it, such as how I cannot be stopped by any Devil. And you've seen what is happening to my father - he is so obsessed with me now that he overlooks the threat of Mokriat, believes him no threat at. He is become too prideful to listen to his lieutenants. In short, he is becoming sloppy and foolish." "Change is coming to Hell..." Asran begins, only to be cut off by Illenthranatar. "It already has." Slightly confused, Asran asks, "What do you mean?" "The Hag Countess is dead, Asran. Asmodeus has installed his daughter Glasya as Duchess of the Sixth, and she has remade all of Malbolge using the Hag Countess' bloated corpse." Illent explains. "So Glasya now rules the sixth? Something must have caused Asmodeus to feel he requires an ally among the other Lords too - that is a bad indication." He shakes his head, knowing that if Asmodeus was worried, it was something all of the multiverse should take note of. "But as I was saying, change is coming to Hell for the first time since the Reckoning. If Mokriat has his way, perhaps no Lord save Asmodeus will be safe. And if the prophecies about me can be fulfilled, even Asmodeus will not last. You know this, Illent. Act on it. I want you to join me. Remain here with my father as his lieutenant, but use your resources to keep an eye on the situation here - as I suspect you usually do anyway - and keep me appraised of it. And put the Shadow Star Assassins on the prime at my disposal as well, so that I may use them to help find the corrupted celestial agents my father sends against me and eliminate them in advance. Do this, and I will see to it that when I fulfill the prophecy and rule Hell, you will rule one of its layers - whichever you should desire, barring the one I choose to rule from."
Abyssal Stalker 01-03-07, 01:25 PM	Illent lets out a sinister laughter. "Don't you see the irony? The one who dares to stand before me and ask me to betray my master is his own son - a son who dares not stand before his father! And you are asking me to face Mephistoteles and hide all of this?" After a dramatic moment of silence Illent continues as he sees Asran isn't affected by his intimidation. "Fine. But remember, Asran, your prophecy isn't the only truth in the multiverse." "Take this crystal," Illent says, and a shard of obsidain black crystal forms out of Illent's body and floats to Asran. "You can use it to contact me. And I can contact you, if something of importance comes out. Now go. The minor fiends will never now what happened."