Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 huan Feb 27, 2008 21:47:09	This is the Quest for Varjo. Only Huan or Stormwind may post here. If there is a question or concern, please reach me via PM or announce it in the Tavern, thank you. Technical target treasure: A place to call home (RP) Questlog: Week 1 - Team Varjo consumes 3 more into the darkness, scouts of the Church of Denth who have poor guard material. Items Found: 3x Shadow Slave Items Used: 1x Scroll of Silent Image Week 2 - Team Varjo clean up the camp and skirmish with a cleric who bites off more than he can chew but gets away...for now. Items Found: 1x Shadow Slave Items Used: 2x Shadow Slave, 1 casting of Disguise Self, 1 manifest of Control Light Week 3 - Varjo pushes back Vargul and his companions, but the evil cleric does not wish to die for their cause. Varjo calims victory and control of the Umbral Circle... for now. Items Found: Umbral Circle ownership, 2x Shadow Slave, Loot Items Used: 2xScroll of Mage Armor, 1 casting of Disguise Self, 1 casting of Shield, 1 manifest of Control Light Quest Rewards: 17,400gp worth of goods, 9000xp (increased difficulty of encounters to offset ally penalty, not that it really mattered). Though she has technically gained 4 Shadow Slaves, any one of them would place her above her allowed cap for cohorts or allies. So they are not really included in treasure. Though, if she ever had the room, they are an exercisable option. All rolls here(ID = TheUmbralCircle). Media Credits Pic = Libris Mortis art excerpt Music = Tawfret (Jet Force Gemini)
#2 huan Feb 27, 2008 21:48:41	Varjo Experience: 45492/55000 XP Age: - Height: 5'1" Weight: 0lbs [u]Abilities[/u] STR... - [--]...(0 pts) DEX...23 [+6]...(16 pts) [18, +4 racial, +1 level] CON... - [--]...(0 pts) INT....10 [--]...(6 pts) [14, -4 racial] WIS...14 [+2]...(4 pts) [12, +2 racial] CHA...18 [+4]...(10 pts) [16, +2 racial] Effective HD vs turning: 9 [4 Undead, 2 Rogue, 1 Psychic warrior, +2 turn resistance] Hit Points: 43 [12+3x6.5(undead)+2x3.5(rogue)+1x4.5(psychic warrior)] AC 20 [+6 dex, +4 deflection], Touch 20, Flat 14 [+1 Dodge, +4 Mobility] Initiative: +6 [+6 dex] BAB: +3 [+2 undead, +1 rogue, +0 psychic warrior] Grapple: Immune Speed: Fly 50 (Good) [Base 40, +10 insight] [u]Saves[/u] Fort +3 [+1 undead, +0 rogue, +2 psychic warrior, +0 con] Refl +10 [+1 undead, +3 rogue, +0 psychic warrior, +6 dex] [Evasion] Will +6 [+4 undead, +0 rogue, +0 psychic warrior, +2 wis] [Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless)] [Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, and death effects] [Immune to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects)] [u]Attacks[/u] Incorporeal touch +9 melee touch (incorporeal), 1d6 Str, 20/x2 [+6 Dex, +3 BAB] [Blade of the night] +10 melee touch (incorporeal), 1d4+1, 19-20/x2, range 10' [+6 Dex, +3 BAB, +1 enhancement; deep crystal, ghost touch, suppression] [Blade of entropy] +10 melee touch (incorporeal), 2d6+1, 19-20/x2 [+6 Dex, +3 BAB, +1 enhancement; adamantine, ghost touch] [u]Combat modifiers[/u] • Incorporeal: Immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Damage from a corporeal source has a 50% miss chance (except for positive energy, negative energy, force effects, or ghost touch weapons). • Undead: Immune to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, damage to physical ability scores and to fatigue and exhaustion effects. • Deep crystal ([Blade of the night]): spend 2pp for +2d6 damage • Suppression ([Blade of the night]): Targetted dispel; dispel check 1d20+5+ML vs DC 11+ML • Adamantine ([Blade of entropy]): ignore hardness less than 20 [u]Feats[/u] • Dodge [1st lvl]: +1 dodge bonus to AC vs. designated opponent • Flyby attack [3rd lvl]: may take a standard action at any stage during a move action while flying • Combat reflexes (28 points Undead, 16 points Rogue, 2 points Psychic warrior) [N/A] Balance [0 cc, +6 Dex] [N/A] Climb [0 cc, +0 Str] +5 Concentration [1 ranks, +4 Cha] [1 psychic warrior] +16 Hide [10 ranks, +6 Dex] [7 undead, 3 rogue] [+4 in shadowy illumination, -4 in brightly lit area] +4 Intimidate [0 cc, +4 Cha] [N/A] Jump [0 cc, +0 Str, +8 speed] +1 Knowledge (psionics) [1 ranks, +0 Int] [1 psychic warrior] +11 Listen [7 ranks, +2 Wis, +2 racial] [7 undead] [+2 in solid objects] [Autosucceed] Move Silently [8 ranks, +6 Dex] [8 rogue] +9 Perform (dance) [5 ranks, +4 Cha] [5 rogue] [Earnings: (skill+10)xECL=190gp] +11 Search [7 ranks, +0 Int, +4 racial] [7 undead] +11 Spot [7 ranks, +2 Wis, +2 racial] [7 undead] Languages: Common (Does not speak intelligibly) [u]Powers Known[/u] [1 known] [ML: 1] [Power Points: 1; Left: 1; Use: 1] 1st[DC 13]: Chameleon [u]Buffs and Prefight actions[/u] • Bring cohort [CR8 -> 25% penalty] (Käsi) • Gain psionic focus (Varjo) • Gain psionic focus (Käsi) • Spellcasting services (Magic aura [Blade of the night], Magic aura [Blade of entropy]) [u]Equipment[/u] (Weight: 0lbs; Value: 44002 gp) [Blade of the night] Deep crystal dagger +1, ghost touch, suppression [- lbs][33002gp] [Blade of entropy] Adamantine greatsword +1, ghost touch[- lbs][11000gp] Expendables (Weight: 0lbs; Value: 0 gp) [Max: ECL2x50=5000gp] [Cohort use: 150gp] ... Spellcasting/Manifesting services (Value: 20 gp) Magic aura (Target: [Blade of the night]; Effect: non-magical aura; Duration: 1 day) [SL1 | CL1][10gp] Magic aura (Target: [Blade of entropy]; Effect: non-magical aura; Duration: 1 day) [SL1 | CL1][10gp] Equipment at home (Weight: 0lbs; Value: 5281 gp) Gold: 5281 gp Miscellaneous Statistics Encumberance: 0 lb Weight carried: 0 lb Allies (1x Ghost, 3x Shadow) Maximum Ally CR (ECL-4): 6 Maximum Ally ECL (ECL-2): 8 Maximum CA (ECL-2): 8 Cohort Käsi Pimeydestä [Ghost] [ECL8]: A twisting nightmare, that drains the living essence of those still alive, encased in a amorphous cloud of darkness. Once it was a woman, ancient and withered, with some small amount of psionic ability. Upon her death, however, she did not simply die, she became something else, a dark and vengeful spirit, no longer fully bound by the material world. Käsi Pimeydestä (Ghost) Female Human Ghost Chaotic evil Wilder 2 / Sorcerer 1 [+5 LA, ECL 8] [u]Abilities[/u] STR... 02 [-4]...(0 pts) [08, -6 age] DEX...08 [-1]...(6 pts) [14, -6 age] CON... - [--]...(- pts) INT....12 [+1]...(1 pts) [09, +3 age] WIS...13 [+1]...(2 pts) [10, +3 age] CHA...25 [+7]...(16 pts) [18, +3 age, +4 racial] Effective HD vs turning: 7 [2 Wilder, 1 Sorcerer, +4 turn resistance] Hit Points: 19 [3x6.5] AC 17 [+0 dex, +7 deflection], Touch 17, Flat 17 Initiative: -1 [-1 dex] BAB: +1 [ +1 wilder, +0 sorcerer] Grapple: Immune [Telekinetic bull rush/trip +7 | Telekinetic disarm/grapple +19] Speed: Fly 40 (Perfect) [Base 30, +10 insight] [Run 200ft] [u]Saves[/u] Fort +0 [+0 wilder, +0 sorcerer, +0 con] Refl -1 [+0 wilder, +0 sorcerer, -1 dex] Will +6 [+3 wilder, +2 sorcerer, +1 wis] [Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless)] [Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, and death effects] [Immune to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects)] [u]Attacks[/u] ... [u]Special attacks[/u] Horrific Appearance: living creature, within 60ft and sight, takes 1d4 Str +1d4 Dex +1d4 Con damage, (Fortitude save vs DC18 to negate) Telekinesis [CL12]: combat maneuver +7 (+19 disarm/grapple) ranged touch attack (no save, SR applies), range 880ft Telekinesis [CL12]: violent thrust +7 ranged attack, damage varies (Will save vs DC18 to negate (object) or None, SR applies (object)), range 880ft [u]Combat modifiers[/u] • Incorporeal: Immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Damage from a corporeal source has a 50% miss chance (except for positive energy, negative energy, force effects, or ghost touch weapons). • Undead: Immune to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, damage to physical ability scores and to fatigue and exhaustion effects. [u]Feats[/u] • Run [Human]: run at five times your speed (light or no armor). While running, you retain your Dexterity bonus to AC • Speed of thought [1st lvl]: gain a +10 insight bonus to speed while psionically focused and not wearing heavy armor • Flyby attack [3rd lvl]: may take a standard action at any stage during a move action while flying [u]Racial Abilities (Human)[/u] • Bonus feat • +1 skill point per level [u]Template Abilities (Ghost)[/u] • Medium Undead (Ethereal,Incorporeal) • Ability adjustments: +4 Cha • Horrific Appearance (Su): Any living creature within 60 feet that views a ghost must succeed on a Fortitude save (10 + 1/2 HD + Cha modifier) or immediately take 1d4 points of Strength damage, 1d4 points of Dexterity damage, and 1d4 points of Constitution damage. A creature that successfully saves against this effect cannot be affected by the same ghost’s horrific appearance for 24 hours. • Manifestation (Su): Every ghost has this ability. A ghost dwells on the Ethereal Plane and, as an ethereal creature, it cannot affect or be affected by anything in the material world. When a ghost manifests, it partly enters the Material Plane and becomes visible but incorporeal on the Material Plane. A manifested ghost can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, magic weapons, or spells, with a 50% chance to ignore any damage from a corporeal source. A manifested ghost can pass through solid objects at will, and its own attacks pass through armor. A manifested ghost always moves silently. A manifested ghost can strike with its touch attack or with a ghost touch weapon (see Ghostly Equipment, below). A manifested ghost remains partially on the Ethereal Plane, where is it not incorporeal. A manifested ghost can be attacked by opponents on either the Material Plane or the Ethereal Plane. The ghost’s incorporeality helps protect it from foes on the Material Plane, but not from foes on the Ethereal Plane. When a spellcasting ghost is not manifested and is on the Ethereal Plane, its spells cannot affect targets on the Material Plane, but they work normally against ethereal targets. When a spellcasting ghost manifests, its spells continue to affect ethereal targets and can affect targets on the Material Plane normally unless the spells rely on touch. A manifested ghost’s touch spells don’t work on nonethereal targets. A ghost has two home planes, the Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane. It is not considered extraplanar when on either of these planes. • Rejuvenation (Su): In most cases, it’s difficult to destroy a ghost through simple combat: The “destroyed” spirit will often restore itself in 2d4 days. Even the most powerful spells are usually only temporary solutions. A ghost that would otherwise be destroyed returns to its old haunts with a successful level check (1d20 + ghost’s HD) against DC 16. As a rule, the only way to get rid of a ghost for sure is to determine the reason for its existence and set right whatever prevents it from resting in peace. The exact means varies with each spirit and may require a good deal of research. • Telekinesis (Su): A ghost can use telekinesis as a standard action (caster level 12th or equal to the ghost’s HD, whichever is higher). When a ghost uses this power, it must wait 1d4 rounds before using it again. • Turn resistance (Ex): +4; Hit Dice are considered to be 4 higher vs turning attempts • Skills: +8 racial bonus on Hide, Listen, Search, and Spot [u]Class Abilities[/u] (Wilder) • Weapon proficiency (simple weapons) • Armor proficiency (light armor, shields) • Wild surge +1: A wilder can choose to invoke a wild surge whenever she manifests a power. When she does so, she gains +1 to her manifester level with that manifestation of the power. The manifester level boost gives her the ability to augment her powers to a higher degree than she otherwise could; however, she pays no extra power point for this wild surge. • Psychic enervation: Immediately following each wild surge, a wilder has a (5% per manifester level added) chance of being overcome by the strain of her effort. A wilder who is overcome by psychic enervation is dazed until the end of her next turn and loses a number of power points equal to her wilder level. • Elude Touch (Ex): a wilder’s intuition supersedes her intellect, alerting her to danger from touch attacks (including rays). She gains a bonus to Armor Class against all touch attacks equal to her Charisma bonus; however, her touch AC can never exceed her Armor Class against normal attacks. [u]Class Abilities[/u] (Sorcerer) • Weapon proficiency (simple weapons) • Summon familiar: Käsi has chosen not to summon a familiar at this time. [u]Skills[/u] (30 points Wilder, 4 points Sorcerer) +7 Bluff [0 ranks, +7 Cha] +12 Concentration [5 ranks, +7 Cha] [5 wilder] +7 Disguise [0 cc, +7 Cha] [+10 Disguise self spell] +7 Hide [0 cc, -1 Dex, +8 racial] +7 Intimidate [0 cc, +7 Cha] +4 Knowledge (arcana) [3 ranks, +1 Int] [3 sorcerer] +6 Knowledge (psionics) [5 ranks, +1 Int] [5 wilder] +14 Listen [5 ranks, +1 Wis, +8 racial] [5 wilder] [Autosucceed] Move Silently [0 cc, -1 Dex] +6 Psicraft [5 ranks, +1 Int] [5 wilder] +9 Search [0 cc, +1 Int, +8 racial] +1 Sense motive [0 ranks, +1 Wis] +2 Spellcraft [1 ranks, +1 Int] [1 sorcerer] +14 Spot [5 ranks, +1 Wis, +8 racial] [5 wilder] +4 Tumble [5 ranks, -1 Dex] [5 wilder] Languages: Common, Abyssal [u]Powers Known[/u] [2 known] [ML: 2] [Power Points: 13; Left: 13; Use: 5] 1st[DC 18]: Control light, Psionic grease Spells [CL: 1] [Spells (per day) 6|5; Spell levels: 5; Left: 3; Use: 2+1] 0th[DC 17]: Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance 1st[DC 18]: Disguise self, Shield Equipment [Wand of shadows] Wand of magic missile (Ethereal) [50 charges] [CL9] [0.0625 lbs][6,750gp] Spell pouch (Ethereal) [2 lbs][5gp] Pouch, belt (Ethereal) [½ lbs][1gp] Expendables (Weight: -lbs; Value: 150 gp) Scroll of mage armor x3 (Ethereal) [CL1] [- lbs][25gp each] Scroll of silent image x3 (Ethereal) [CL1] [- lbs][25gp each] Miscellaneous Encumberance: 2.5625 lbs (light load) [Load: 0-6lbs (light), 7-13lbs (medium), 14-20lbs (heavy)]
#3 huan Feb 27, 2008 21:49:25	Notes Even before its conquest by the Church of Denth, Chanadar Forest has always been a place of dark and mysterious magic. Its virgin purity is reinforced by the monsters that live there and do not take kindly to visitors. Still, some sorts of people find themselves at home there, mostly those who prefer solitude and who are not bothered by the creepiness. ・ Inhabitants: None. ・ District Effects: ・ +10% to Influence (Monstrous), Reputation (Ruthless and Vindictive), and all monster agents ・ -10% to Finance (all Businesses), Reputation (Heroic and Generous), and all class-levelled agents ・ No resident-generated effects Deep in Chanadar Forest...
#4 huan Mar 01, 2008 17:48:14	Varjo followed the Scholar after preparing for the journey with her own items and supplies. The trip following him to Chanadar was uneventful, but as she approached the forest, even she could feel its icy greeting of gloom. Oddly enough, she felt a sort of tugging feeling towards the forest, as if it were calling all shadows to seek peace and comfort there. Ahead she saw the scholar move towards his church camp, where he checked in with a few guards, and moved into his own tent. I usually use Red for enemies, Green for allies, and gray for comments on text. You may use whatever else color you would like. Also, feel free to equip your char with anything before setting out.
#5 Stormwind Mar 02, 2008 16:26:20	I always use DarkOliveGreen for my characters speech, and although Varjo can't speak intelligibly, her cohort can. I also use italics of the appropriate color to indicate thoughts. As far as equipment goes, Varjo will carry both her blades. (Unfortunately incorporeal creatures can't really use much of anything that isn't ghost touch, ... although ghosts are the exception due to their manifestation ability). If possible I'd love to buy an Ethereal Dorje of Matter agitation (750gp) for Varjo's cohort. Regarding preparations, Varjo will, as always, ensure that she has Magic Aura cast on both of her weapons to give them a non-magical aura. Varjo will bring her cohort with her, and both she and Käsi will be psionically focused before they leave. As she leaves the city with Käsi at her side, Varjo follows the Scholar cautiously, unwilling to be discovered at this stage. Käsi, realizing the importance to remaining undetected travels underground, directly beneath Varjo. Curiosity ... tent ... valuables within ... shadow and darkness ... forest pulls ... Although intrigued by the feeling of the forest and the calling from within, Varjo decides to ascertain the situation in the mans tent and see what possibilities for mischief lie within.
#6 huan Mar 03, 2008 11:49:37	The camp itself was of light regiment, consisting of merely 2 bored soldiers and 2 scholars, including the one Varjo just followed. Each scholar had his own tent, through which again Varjo followed the same scholar. Inside was unremarkable, mostly with navigational expeditionary charts open with various pins stuck in it. There was a collapsible table to once side, under which was a trunk that doubled as a seat. The scholar sat down and beganlooking over his reports again. "Hm.. where was I? Ah yes, the druidic circles here. Hmm... can't pinpoint their locations on the map and magic is of no use... Is this the source of the strange going ons in here?" He scratched his head as Varjo silently and steathfully looked over his shoulder on the map. So far, the group had combed the Forest as mapmakers, yet there remained some spots they for some reason could not enter. These areas on the map were marked as black circles with a question mark within them. Varjo noted one particularly large circle on the map, towards the center of the forest, and saw there were markings indicating supernaturally large levels of planar activity there. She then noted a twitch on the scholar and dipped into the floor. The scholar turned his head about, under the strange suspicion he was being watched, but then saw no one there.
#7 Stormwind Mar 04, 2008 7:30:10	What was the verdict on buying the Ethereal Dorje of Matter agitation (750gp) for Varjo's cohort? Was that ok? Varjo moves unseen to the tent of the other scholar and carefully looks within. After ascertaining the activities of the other scholar, she proceeds to exit the tent and watch the two soldiers whilst remaining unseen. Once she is sure of everyone's locations, she settles down to wait until one or more of the small force have fallen asleep. Käsi waits with her as she plans her mischief. Asleep ... leave one, maybe two alive ... fear of shadow has a pleasant taste Varjo intends to wait a while until one of the scholars falls asleep, although she won't wait until morning since she wants to take advantage of the night.
#8 huan Mar 05, 2008 0:18:54	The Dorje is fine by me. Sorry this took so long. The program I am using is new for me and I have not had practice with it. Red in leftmost tent = 2x Scholars (sleeping) Red in rightmost tent = Guard (sleeping) Red outside tent = Guard, awake with weapon (Spear) out. Green = you Your ally is not on the map yet, for I will let you place them wherever you'd like. The sun was soon setting over the camp, and the quartet of travelers spent the time packing up all supplies and information with the exception of two lone tents, in which the scholars were to sleep in one, and the guards who take shifts, and would sleep in the other. In the middle of the encampment, a campfire was dying in smolders, but still produced a small amount of light. Were it a vain attmept to ward off the darkness, anymuch much less the wind would have taken care of it then and there. Despite this, the guard made no movement towards feeding it to grow or sustaining it to prevent it from dying. Varjo was in her element now, and despite the lone guard sleepily keeping an eye out, there were many pockets of shadow to hide in, thanks to the underbrush of the forest still littered across the campiste.
#9 huan Mar 05, 2008 21:26:34	Vargul took one step softly towards the small encampment. This must have been the camp of the scouting party he had heard about through the trees, he thought, as he noted the guard still on duty, as well as the bundles of supplies and materials rolled and tossed aside either tent. He stalled a moment, still under the cover of brush and shadow, wondering what their true numbers were. The plants told him only four strangers, but he wondered what their skill was. Likely not equivalent to his own, that much was for sure, but he wondered if he should sacrifice their life energy to the Shadow Gate, or merely kill them for their Sins of trespass into this forest. For the moment he would stay concealed and contemplate this, for he was in no rush now. He had all night to patiently wait for the precise moment to lay down a decisive strike against the guards, leaving the rest of the camp helpless to his fell coup de'grace. In death they would rise again as beings of shadows, Vargul would see to that, and then they might atone for their Sins, he felt. Currently, Vargul is off the map, under total concealment
#10 Stormwind Mar 06, 2008 6:06:22	Satisfied with the situation, Varjo sinks into the ground, and sensing Käsi beside her she signals her readiness. The two incorporeal beings move a short distance away so as not to be heard and Käsi pulls out a scroll and casts it on Varjo (Cast Mage armor from scroll; +4AC Varjo). Käsi then casts a second spell, this one on herself (Cast Shield from memory; +4AC Käsi). Prepared, the Shadow and her Darkness return to the campsite the same way they left ... underground, and once there, Käsi emerges from the ground (at (2,8) - bottom left corner of map) and as the guard views her horrific visage (Horrific Appearance: Fortitude vs DC18 or 1d4 Str + 1d4 Dex + 1d4 Con damage) she uses her telekinesis to grapple him (+19 touch attack; +19 grapple check; 1d3+7 'unarmed' damage). Varjo, waiting only for the moment of Käsi's appearance, then emerges from the dying embers of the fire (moves up 10ft; mundane fire doesn't affect incorporeal) and her incorporeal shadowy hands reach into the unwary soldier (Hide +20 to remain hidden, due to being within ranks of cover, until she attacks) (Incorporeal touch +9+1(height)+2(invisible), 1d6 Str damage) Note: I assume that you can't start a pin at the same time as you initiate a grapple, i.e. instead of doing unarmed damage. If you can then Käsi will definitely try to pin and prevent the soldier from speaking.
#11 huan Mar 07, 2008 23:16:06	Sorry for the delay... I was attending a funeral but am back now. Pin is a grapple action that can only be done once grapple is sucessful. It could be done in the same round provided you have multiple BAB, and the first is sucessful. Otherwise, no. If you want to go ahead and post tatics, please do so, for I can right the encounter and make this quicker.
#12 Stormwind Mar 08, 2008 5:04:06	No problem re the delay. My condolences on the funeral. General Idea Kill the guard on duty and the two scholars ... leave the one sleeping guard alive Tactics (Initial grapple) If Käsi's TK grapple works then maintain the grapple and try to pin the guard and prevent the guard from speaking.(12 rounds of grappling) If Käsi's TK grapple doesn't work then manifest psionic grease on the guard's weapon (as often as necessary) and reattempt the TK grapple as soon as possible (If Varjo and Käsi manage to kill the guard without awakening the others) CDG the 2 scholars in their sleep (Käsi with TK grapple/pin, Varjo with incorporeal touch attack, Shadow with incorporeal touch attack) and leave the remaining guard alive and sleeping ... (If Varjo and Käsi manage to kill the guard but 1 or more of the others wake up and emerge from the tent before they have finished) Käsi will manifest control light to make the entire area totally dark. Then she and Varjo and the shadow of the dead guard will focus on one target at a time. (If Varjo and Käsi manage to kill the guard but 1 or more of the others wake up and emerge from the tent after they have finished) Käsi will use a scroll of silent image to create the illusion of the guard sitting on a log, the log covering the dead body, and then Käsi, Varjo & the shadow of the dead guard will sink back into the ground and wait to see if things settle down. - Any shadows that are created by the deaths of the guards/scholars, will be under Varjo's direct command and will attack her target alongside her (flanking). - If guards/scholars start buffing, then attack once with [Blade of the night] - If guards/scholars have ghost touch weapon (weapon that hurts them), then sunder it with [Blade of entropy] - If they face multiple targets, then Varjo and Käsi will make use of flyby attacks, starting and ending turn within the ground (Käsi will do TK grapple as her standard action) - In general, if things get dangerous and they get badly hurt, then they will sink into the ground and reassess the situation.
#13 huan Mar 10, 2008 23:40:03	I just wanted to post that I am not ignoring this quest, but I am currently under a family emergency in the wake of a funeral I attended last week. Please pardon the inconvenience, and I'm sorry it happened at the beginning of this adventure. Expect a real post tomorrow afternoon. Despite the delay, I will hasten the pace and still manage to get everythign done on time.
#14 Stormwind Mar 11, 2008 2:48:07	No problem, take as much time as you need. Real life, and especially family should come first
#15 huan Mar 12, 2008 10:41:06	Varjo and Käsi sunk into the ground, using the forest's natural foliage as cover as they hovered dangerously closer to the lone guard, who had no idea what he was up against. Varjo herself planted herself underneath the guard himself, and studied him before Käsi made her move. He was adorned with a shined iron plating, and silver emblem of Denth. As a defender of the faith, it was clear he was a paladin of sorts, and that sort of holy warrior would not mix well with Varjo and her minions, should he attempt to channel some of that Divine energy her way. It was decided then, he would convert that paladin and the energy he weilded into her own collective. At this time, Käsi now rose just above eye level above the ground, though she was still obscured from the paladin, and with her supernatural powers as a ghost, began to telekinetically warp the intangible energies surrounding the paladin, and quicken struck them together, forming a binding ring that now shrunk and contricted the paladin in place. Caught unaware by this strange an unseen attack, the paladin only reacted now, grunting as he attempted to outmuscle his way out of this scenario. Käsi was no amateur though, and her increased concentration only held the bind tighter and tighter, until the paladin was hopelessly pinned, with no way of even speaking anymore. Varjo saw this and made her move to strike. From below, he grabbed his leg and began smoothly stroking it, as if caressing, but in reality draining and withering away all of the strength in the paladin's entire body. Varjo moved up slowly, letting her quick hands massage their way up the paladin's body, deftly touching all nodes of strength, and watching as the paladin's body was rapidly growing pale and once brawny body atrophied. Behind him now, and sensing the soldier's life was ripe for the taking, she straightened her arm, flattened her hand, and thrust it deep into the paladin's chest, aiming for the main source of vitality within him: his heart. Though actually painless, the paladin sitll struggled as he felt something icy and frightening grip him from the inside. Quickly, things were growing too dark for him to see, and breathing was now labored. Käsi saw the expert blow of her master make for a critical hit, as the skin of the paladin was now blackening entirely. It was done now, and her master had a new minion. Varjo stepped away now, content with her work, and waited until the spawning was complete. It varied from person to person how long such a transformation took, but it was inevitable nonetheless. The armor, the blade he was carrying, the holy symbol around his neck, everything material on the paladin was now shed as he joined the ranks of the shadow. Hungry for strength once more, this new minion was eager to serve his master. As an after thought, Varjo realized she never attained their names, but it mattered little at this point. The trio of undead phased into the tent now, where a duo of sleeping scholars, with their precious spellbooks as pillows, were helpess and exposed. Each raising a pair of arms, it was not long before their deed was done and two more joined Varjo's growing army. She looked over at the guard tent where she saw the final lone guard asleep by himself. She contemplated slaying him as well, but then decided not too. Not because of mercy though, but because she wanted to see his reaction when he woke up and found himself alone, and to tell others this would be her welcome to all people to walked into her new home. She definitely wanted to see this, and so retreated back to the brush to awake his awake. To further decrease initial suspicion and increase the irony, she had Käsi conjure a silent image of the now-dead guard sitting on a log, staying ever vigilant. Varjo knew the guard was indeed vigiliant even in un-life, and would make a fine minion. Fight Initiative: Varjo: 25 Scholar 2: 21 (sleeping) Guard 1: 7 (sleeping) [higher mod] Käsi: 7 Guard 2: 5 [higher mod] Scholar 1: 5 (sleeping) Round 1 Varjo moves under guard. Käsi attempts to TK Grapple on Guard, Touch 17 vs Touch AC ?? (success: Grapple 23 vs Opposed 11, succeed). Guard attempts to break free to get ot other guard, Grapple 14 vs Opposed 28 (fail). Round 2 Varjo touches Guard, Touch 18 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 3 Str dmg). Käsi Pins, Grapple 37 vs Opposed 14 (succeed). Round 3 Varjo touches Guard, Touch 13 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 1 Str dmg). Käsi maintains Pin, Grapple 37 vs Opposed 15 (succeed). Round 4 Varjo touches Guard, Touch 18 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 6 Str dmg). Käsi maintains Pin, Grapple 30 vs Opposed 23 (succeed). Round 5 Varjo touches Guard, Touch 25 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 2 Str dmg). Käsi maintains Pin, Grapple 26 vs Opposed 12 (succeed). Round 6 Varjo touches Guard, Touch [nat 20, confirm 14] vs Touch AC ?? (crit: 9 Str dmg, Guard Dies and becomes Shadow Minion in 4 rds). Round 7 -10 Varjo and Käsi do a victory dance. Round 11 Varjo, Käsi, and Shadow Guard 2 combine CDG sleeping Scholar 1. (20 Str dmg, Scholar 1 dies and spawns in 2 rds) Round 12 Varjo, Käsi, and Shadow Guard 2 combine CDG sleeping Scholar 2. (28 Str dmg, Scholar 2 dies and spawns in 3 Rds) Round 13 Käsi uses a Scroll of Silent Image to create the illusion of Guard 2 sitting by the campfire. 'Combat complete' conditions met. Victory to Team Varjo.
#16 Stormwind Mar 13, 2008 9:39:57	With three of the intruders dead and the fourth sleeping, Varjo and Käsi silently examined the other papers in the scholar's tent trying to get a better idea of just what they had been after, what they were doing here. Varjo takes a particularly long look at the map that the scholar had been looking at earlier when she looked over his shoulder, and memorized it ... after all, if she intended to explore and possibly even consider living here, then she needed to know every nook and cranny. That done they retreat to the underbrush to wait for the unwary guard to awaken.
#17 huan Mar 13, 2008 9:42:47	Vargul could scarce maintain his surprise, for he just witnessed a lone shadow take down a champion of Denth by herself, and soon be joined by a ghost and her new shadow companion. He then saw the trio move into the scholar's tent, but then move out with two more shadows in tow, obviously the former scholars. Now they moved to the guard tent, but did nothing! This immediately sent up a red flag for Vargul, especially as he saw them set up an image of the same guard they just killed, and then leave. It was all too strange. After a while, nothing happened, and Vargul ventured a guess they left after their quick murdering spree. He stepped out into the open, and reassessed his equipment before moving out. Being a cleric who has personally dealt with many undead, including incorporeal ones, he was prepared magically against these foes, should they have left a sort of ambush up. He stepped over to the image, which looked like the guard was gazing into the woods, yet ready to spring up at a moment's notice. Knowing that was not going to happen, he slapped a hand in the face of the image, whcih of course passed through harmlessly. Looking over into the tend he saw there was the other sleeping guard, blissfully ingnorant of the circumstances. Vargul wondered now, though, if the strange activities of the shadows was tied to the opening of the portals. Normally, shadows the guild themselves have conjured only did as they were told, thanks to the divine energy the guild members could harness. However, here was a rogue shadow, acting in a groupd with a non-shadow, operating in what seemed to be a leadership position, utitlizing stealth and strike tactics... somewhat like a rogue. This specimen was indeed unique, and Vargul decided then he must capture it unto his own bidding. However, with such an intelligent shadow, especially with a few more under its command, he did not know what numbers he faced, and to face them alone would be foolish. Thinking quickly, he first placed a ward over himself, one that would render him hidden from all undead for a while. Now, he walked over to the guard and shook him violently awake. The guard, drowsy from the early wake up call, did not register Vagul at first, but then sprang up suddenly with a shout, "Who are you!?" "Relax... I'm a friend. Otherwise I would have slit your throat in your sleep, no? Get dressed, your camp was attacked by shadows and you're the only one left alive. If you want to live you'll come with me." The guard was dumbstruck, but sensed the sincerity in Vargul's tone, even missing the small bluff about being a friend. "You mean, the darkness really was attacking?" "Not quite.. I mean Shadows, as in the wispy undead that will suck the life out of your soul if you are not careful...they're close, but we're going to find them and cap--I mean, purge them..." Vargul was right, unknowingly. Varjo and crew were in fact close, and they had heard everything so far. She had read the guards themselves were on a private mission to scout monstrous numbers in the woods, and propose a tactical plan to 'purge' the woods, and the scholars would harvest the magical energies that made the forest so unique. The scholars too found something of importantce here, again, in the center of the woods, but amidst all their notes, failed to identify what.
#18 Stormwind Mar 13, 2008 14:00:41	Taking care to remain hidden, Varjo orders her new Shadows to sink just below the ground and await her return. Annoyed by the new intruder, particularly because he had spoiled her planned entertainment, Varjo was angry. Her anger was a cold glacial thing, and her mind was clear as she focused that anger. Sinking beneath the ground herself, she moved out and began to investigate, cautiously at first, trying to determine whatever she could about the intruder. Can Varjo see the intruder (I presume she gets a saving throw against the cleric's ward as she is an intelligent undead, and she would also see the remaining guard interacting with something)?
#19 huan Mar 14, 2008 7:31:39	Vargul is standing at 7,3. You may make a Will save to beat his Hide from Undead ward., and otherwise you can hear/see the guard interacting. If you want to lay down some tactics, then feel free too
#20 Stormwind Mar 14, 2008 15:14:48	Varjo will make the Will save (hopefully ;) ). If you could roll it that would be great, otherwise I can roll it if necessary. I suppose Käsi and the other shadows will each get a Will save too soon enough ... depending on what happens. General Idea Varjo will sic her Shadows on the unarmored guard while she and Käsi take care of the intruder Tactics Preparation - Käsi will step 5ft underground and cast Disguise self so as to look like Varjo (Disguise check: 1d20+17) Initial assault - Käsi will step out of the ground and manifest control light (Concentration check: 1d20+12 to suppress display) to make the entire campsite area completely dark. (Area: (2,2) to (9,7) (12x 10ft squares) - Varjo's new Shadows (all three of them) will delay until the darkness descends and then they will surround and attack the unarmored guard. - Varjo will delay until darkness descends and then flyby attack Vargul (or the square she thinks he is in if she fails her will save). She will finish her turn underground. Varjo's first attack will use her dagger for the suppression ability. Continued assault - Käsi will use a telekinetic grapple and pin Vargul preventing him from speaking. - Varjo's Shadows will continue to attack the guard until it's dead, and then turn their attention to the other intruder. - Varjo will continue to make flyby attacks, starting and ending each turn within the ground (only if she knows Vargul's location). If they can't locate Vargul - Käsi will take single moves around Vargul's last known location and try to find him (She is disguised as Varjo). She will ready an action at the end of each move to telekinetically grapple Vargul - Varjo's Shadows will continue to attack the guard until it's dead, and then turn their attention to find the other intruder. - Varjo will wait underground for the intruder to make his move (or for him to be located) and then she will move in and attack from above Contingencies - If Vargul casts buffs, then Varjo will use her dagger for 1 round for the suppression ability. - If Vargul or the guard use ghost touch weapons, then Varjo will use her greatsword and sunder the weapon.
#21 huan Mar 17, 2008 11:57:28	Varjo felt the cleric would be a problem, especially with his troubling spells that would likely be able to hurt her or her allies. Thus, Varjo knew Käsi and herself would have to handle the problem personally. Otherwise, the scared, half-naked guard, who shakily wielded a sword that glowed magically, she would leave the runt to the mercy, or lack thereof, of her three newest additions. First, Varjo had Käsi disguise herself, so that the cleric would not be able to tell which one was the real Varjo, should he already have figured out she was the leader of this troupe. Varjo herslef lied pateitnly in wait, for while the twilight shadows were fine for now, the deeper pitch of darkness would be ideal for swarming the armored cleric. She was a little surprised to see but one of her foes step out of the tent and into the open, for she was not sure if that meant they did not know the danger thy were in, or inviting themselves to doom. She could nto see the cleric herslef, but looking at her allies, she sensed they could. Playing it cautiously, she continued her wait until Käsi had all final preparations ready. That was not long, fortunately, as the psionic ghost warped the light in the area, dimming now to near pitch-black conditions. At this time, Varjo sent her new terrible trio to feast on the warm energy of their once living comrade, who were all too eager to oblige. The guard yelped in panic, seeing three shadows, all of whom were the former party he was a part of, were now ravenously eying him down, and grasping at his vital energy. Swinging wildly, by some dumb luck the magic in his sword was just potent enough to cut past the incorporeality of the shadow's surrounding him, but was dismayed to find they did not subdue under a mere blow. .Fearing all was lost now, he frantically looked over to the cleric who earlier affirmed all would be ok, Vargul himself was assessing the situation, not liking how he saw one shadow rise up and possess psionic strength, but also how many there were and how many more there might have been. Still, for his sake moreso than the guard's. He gripped his holy symbol, one of a pale crescent moon, and thrust it forward, using the motion to charge and rapidly expel and burst of divine energy. He hoped the scouting party, now ghosts, were not strong initially, but he knew becoming shadows would have fortified their resistance to his might. For a brief moment he pushed back the vile shadows that sought his own energy, not finding them worthy to bend to his will, and succeeded in pushing back two of the three that threatened the guard. Unknown to him however, he now broke his veil from Varjo, who had her Blade of the Night ready, as she veered in at top speed, slashing at Vargul and drawing a thin line of blood. The blow was not intended to be fatal however, as she merely wanted to sever Vargull's layers of spell preparations she figured he likely had. Käsi was quick to follow up however, binding the cleric in place with the same psionic might that subdued nearly the entire camp prior. Vargul was certainly surprised to meet such resistance., and as he looked at the lone guard feebly swing at the enfeebly scholar that feed off his body's strengths, he figured it was a wise time to tactically retreat for now, and regroup with a better attack plan. He did not like disobediant shadows, but he disliked dying even more. Concentrating as hard as he could he envisioned the safety of the circle near the gate from whence he came, and to Varjo, she looked on as the cleric suddenly vanished from the constricting grip of the telekinetic grapple. She leered as the cowardly cleric escaped from her grasp, but she felt that he would not escape for long. Turning her attention to the lone Guard now, who only now took notice that he was by himself in an encampment of dangerous undead,.. Vargul, now stepping through the dimensional door he crafted before his surprised allies, heard faintly now the wailful scream of a man being turned into a shadow slave. Fight Will saves vs Vargul Hide from Undead: Varjo: 13 (fail) Käsi: 24 (pass) ShadowGuard: 16 (fail) Scholar 1: 20 (pass) Scholar 2: 22 (pass) Initiative: Scholar2: 22 Vargul: 21 Käsi: 15 Varjo: 8 Scholar1: 5 Guard: 3 ShadowGuard: 2 Round 1 Schl2 (3,2) delays until Varjo's orders. Vargul (7,3) casts Shield of Faith and shares with Guard. Käsi (2,2) adjusts down and casts Disguise Self to look like Varjo (Disguise: 28). Varjo (3,4) waits for the darkness. Sch1 (3,3) waits for Varjo. Guard moves out of the tent while drawing a longsword, and takes a Defensive Stance (6,6). ShdGrd (4,2) delays until Varjo's orders. Round 2 Vargul moves out of the tent while drawing Holy Symbol, and casts Bull's Strength (8,7). Käsi moves to (5,5), locates Vargul, and manifests Control Light (Concentration 17 vs DC 16 to supress display) and dims (2,2,) to (9,7)). Varjo gives orders to New Shadow Trio and moves out to where Käsi indicates Vargul is (7,7), draws Blade of Night (supression) and attacks into the square, Attack (miss chance fails). Schl2 moves to (6,6, 10 ft up), Schl1 moves to (7,6), ShdGrd moves to (6,7), and all three attack, Touch 19/16/8 vs Touch AC ?? (2 hit: 4 Str dmg). Guard attacks Schl2, (attack (miss chance pass), Attack 28 (can't crit: 7 dmg) Round 3 Vargul and attempts to Turn Shadows around the Guard (Turn check: 5 [can effect up to 8HD], Dmg: 20 HD worth. The ShdGuard and Schl1 Flee at top speed.) Käsi uses Telekinesis to grapple Vargul, Attack [natural 20] (auto-hit), Grapple 25 vs Opposed 19 (succeed). Varjo fly-by attacks with Suppression Dagger, Touch 21 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 4 dmg, Dispel check 10 (fail)) and ends at (7,2). Shcl2 Touch Guard, Touch 21 vs Touch AC ?? (hit: 4 str dmg). Guard Attacks Schl2, Attack (miss chance pass), Attack 22 vs AC ?? (hit: 1 dmg). Round 4 Vargul casts Dimension Door (Concentration 26 vs DC 24) and flees from battle. Käsi grapples Guard instead, Attack 18 (hit, Grapple 37[auto-succeed]). Varjo, and Schl2 move and attack Guard, Touch Attacks [fumble]/5 (miss). Guard attempts to break free, Grapple 24 vs opposed 26 (fail) Round 5 Käsi pins, Grapple 29 (auto-succeed). Varjo and Schl2 Touch, Attacks 12/5 vs Touch AC ?? (1hit: 2 Str dmg). Guard attempts to break out, Grapple 7 vs opposed 32 (fail). Käsi pins, Grapple 26 (auto-succeed). Varjo and Schl2 Touch, Attacks 11/16 vs Touch?? (2 hits: 6 Str dmg, Guard dies and respawns in 4 rds) Victory conditions met. Gained 1 Guard Spawn, but lost another Guard Spawn and Scholar Spawn
#22 Stormwind Mar 17, 2008 14:06:08	Varjo finds the death of the remaining guard unsatisfactory, and even as the dead guard rises as a shadow, her thoughts promise unpleasantness should she lay her eyes upon the cowardly cleric again. Finally, following the call that she has felt even since she entered these woods, Varjo and her shadowy entourage head deeper into the forest, traveling cautiously as they flit from shadow to shadow.
#23 huan Mar 18, 2008 0:14:31	Vargul surprised Accio and Merth, who were now dressed in ceremonial garb and preparing bundles of incense for near-future burning. Accio was the first to speak, "Erm, is there anything we can help you with...? You like like you've seen a ghost..." "I HAVE seen a ghost!" Vargul shouted indignantly, "and it damn near well got me in its supernatural bindings." "Well, I'm surprised you let yourself get caught off guard by somethign so simple, Vargul," Merth replied lazily, avoiding Vargul's retributive glare and taking time to idly notice a flower to the side. Vargul, though not in the mood to take flak from his brothers in the guild, could not deny he did flee from that fight. It just irritated him more to have someone else point it out in his face. He exhaled, releasing some of the stress out in the breath, "Listen, I was investigating the camp of the Denth intruders, but found it was empty save one guard. The reason? A particularly potent shadow and its minions already overran the camps, surrounded me, and used powers far beyond that of normal shadows. It even pierced the wards set up to prevent such basic undead from even noticing us. "However, it would not succumb to my whim, and NO it's not for the reasons you're thinking of, jerks. It seems talented in handling one for at a time, but I'm thinking the three of us together could overwhelm it. What do you say? I'll let you keep the shadows even though that is something reserved for higher members of the order." Accio looked over at Merth, with a sudden interest in helping Vargul. After all, in their order, higher members of the Verdant Shadow were allowed to have undead, often shadow, cohorts or companions. To have one was a mark fo status and power, which were two things Accio and Merth were content to gain, even at the expense of Vargul. "Agreed? Good, now hurry up and come with me. We don't have much time before the ceremony starts..." ************** Varjo continued on, not bothering to stop and wait for the two slaves that fled earlier. Not only did she not need such weakling to accompany her, but also they would shrivel up in the coming daylight regardless. As she and her allies continued on, they could see a faint purple light reflect in the clouds, whose origins likely came from thecenter of the woods, with the strange energy signature the scholars wrote of earlier in their notes. Though she technically had no nerves with which to feel,Varjo still felt something pulse inside of her, ling a ping on a radar. She slowed slightly in her progression, with her allies matching speed now. Something inside was tugging her forward, and still resonating in sync with her energies. She could not imagine what it even meant, but she did not have long to think on it before she found herself and her allies now flying through a graveyard. Such a site was uncommon in an otherwise uncivilized forest, which meant to say there were people with customs living here. Varjo saw the graveyard was circular in design, with a large stone monolith in the middle, enscribed with soem strange tonue Varjo could not identify, Solid black, there were seven thin pillars of similar compostion outling the perimeter of the graveyard. Varjo idly wondered if the cleric fled here, finsing the may gravestones and miniature tombs a perfect place to hide.
#24 Stormwind Mar 18, 2008 10:28:48	As she flits from shadow to shadow through the graveyard, always remaining hidden in the shadows from the many gravestones, Varjo examines the monolith and the seven pillars, intrigued at what they might entail. As she examines the pillars she turns to Käsi for an opinion on the nature of the pillars. Just to ascertain the situation, does the graveyard correspond to one of the points marked on the map. Also which direction is the tugging feeling coming from? The center of the graveyard, or somewhere beyond it?
#25 huan Mar 18, 2008 17:26:48	The tugging feeling comes from the center monolith. This point is marked on the map from earlier, though the scouts discounted it as merely a primitive cemetary. Käsi turned to examine the pillars closer now, phasing out into etherealness while doing so in order to avoid any unwanted spectators. When completed she hovered back to Varjo, pahsed back into this plane and answered stoically, "Master, these pillars carry both arcane markings and etchings in the druidic alphabet. I cannot interpret the wording, but I can sense strong conjuration, abjuration, and necromancy spells from each of the pillars. These are not ornamental, and I suspect they are used in some sort of ritual given their arrangements. I would suggest that this graveyard is in fact a large summoning circle. The stones around us are not graves, but magic tablets." As Varjo chewed on those words, the pillars suddenly began to glow, turning from their obsidian black to a deep crimson. Varjo felt the air become chokingly thick as she herself felt that tugging sensation towards the center monolith. Around the perimeter of the area, the crimson began to bleed out and be absorbed into the ethcings on each of the tablets and pillars scattered throughout the supposed graveyard. The energy around them was pulsating now, rising and falling in waves, matching the vibrant pulsations of color in the area. Varjo knew something was happening, but neither she nor Käsi could say what.
#26 huan Mar 19, 2008 2:21:33	Vargul cut a path before him, as Accio and Merth followed closely behind. Merth, sardonic as usual piped up, "And tell us again how you magically know where this augmented shadow is headed?" "Use your head once in a while and you might just get somewhere in life Merth," Vargul shot back, "As a shadow, its going to be drawn to the epicenter of Umbral Circle. The Plane of Shadows is calling to it and matching in sync with its internal rhythms... it'll be like a fly to honey." "The EPICENTER!?" Accio exclaimed, conveying sincere shock in his voice, "Are you crazy? The elder is going to activate the gate in a few minutes, and we're going to the point where alll the energy is going tp spill out of? We'll be killed! Hell, we'll be turned into shadows by that amount of energy." "And THAT'S why we have to be fast, subdue and capture the shadows, and get out before the dark energy flows out." Vargul himself felt the terrible energy even from his distance out. He was but a minute away from Varjo's position, but he knew he would have to prepare not only against Varjo's forces, but the negative energy pulsations that would waver between positive and negative emanations of the area as it fluctuated and made shackwaves upon the world. Later, in a magnificent burst, the Umbral Circle would spew forth dark energy from the center monolith that would wash over the forest, kill every intelligent, living thing in a small radius (the brotherhood would be spared due to meticulous preparation and shielding). Yes, they did not have much time now, but it was alright, for as they got closer, Vargul had the trio stop and prepare themselves for assault, just in case Vargul's hunch was right. The area is a 6 square radius clearing, with infrequent rocks to hid (about 5 ft high, 8 total spread evenly) and the center monolith (5 foot radius object 20 ft tall). Foes will be a trio of clerics, each buffed with 3 spells (Kasi does not have a high enough spellcraft fro the spells. but Scholar 2 does.) I will get a map up later this morning, but you can go ahead and post tactics if you want. I can run the fight and wrap this quest up before pairings.
#27 Stormwind Mar 19, 2008 9:39:24	...
#28 huan Mar 19, 2008 10:30:13	The black object in the center is the monolith, with the 8 tablets surrounding it. Due to the fluctuating energies, starting on Round 1 the entire map will be under a Desecrate Effect, and will alternate between Consecrate at the end of every round (every odd round will be desecrated, and every even round will be consecrated) I am assuming the starting positions: Varjo: 7,11 Käsi : 6,11 Scholar2: 8,11 Guard2: 7,12 Vargul: 12,4 Merth: 12,5 Accio: 12,6 Remember, Scholar2 can take a standard action to Spellcraft and determine what spell effects are on the clerics. I'll be back in an hour and a half.
#29 Stormwind Mar 19, 2008 11:58:52	I don't know whether Scholar 2 would retain his previous skills on his transformation to a shadow (no problem either way :D) Varjo realizes that something strange and fairly powerful is going on here and the chance that these other intruders are all unrelated to what is going on here is fairly unlikely. Thus whilst she would like to investigate the stones further, she decides to be prudent by preparing for more intruders before continuing with their investigations. General Idea Käsi will blanket the area around the clerics in darkness (from up in the air), Varjo's two Shadows will charge in, while Varjo attacks Vargul. Käsi and Varjo will then attack Vargul in tandem, while the Shadows focus on one of the minor clerics. Once Vargul is down, Käsi and Varjo will continue to focus on the other clerics one at a time. Tactics Preparation (If they have time before the clerics arrive) - if her Disguise self has expired Käsi will renew it so as to look like Varjo (Disguise check: 1d20+17) - if Varjo's Mage armor has expired Käsi will renew it from a scroll on Varjo - Käsi will cast Mage armor from a scroll on herself - Käsi will cast Shield on herself from memory Initial assault - Käsi will step out of the ground flying up to 30ft high and manifest control light (Concentration check: 1d20+12 to suppress display) to make the entire area around the intruders completely dark (12x 10ft squares) - Varjo's Shadows (both of them) will delay until the darkness descends and then they will charge attack one of the clerics (Accio). - Varjo will delay until darkness descends and then flyby attack Vargul. She will finish her turn underground. Varjo's first attack will use her dagger for the suppression ability. Continued assault - Käsi will use a telekinetic grapple (+19 attack; +19 grapple check; 12 rounds) and pin Vargul preventing him from speaking. (Note that at this stage all three of the clerics should be subject to Käsi's horrific appearance ability which will do 1d4 Str + 1d4 Dex + 1d4 Con damage every round to every living creature within 60ft until they make their DC18 Fortitude save) - Varjo's Shadows will continue to attack their target cleric until it's dead (or until they are), and then turn their attention to the other intruder. - Varjo will continue to make flyby attacks, starting and ending each turn within the ground. She will use her dagger for the first round she faces a new opponent. Contingencies - If Käsi is waiting for the cooldown on her telekinesis, then she'll use control light to create darkness. - If Vargul or the other clerics use ghost touch weapons, then Varjo will use her greatsword and sunder the weapon.
#30 huan Mar 19, 2008 14:20:29	Vargul, Accio, and Merth stepped out into the clearing. Accio immediately laid eyes upon the glowing pillars of obsidian, and they widened in disbelief, ""****, the ritual's already starting ... dammit Vargul we're no where near the ready zone! We're going to die out here!" Vargul had enough of this, "Shut Up Accio, I didn't twist your arm to come here, so take point and let's get those shadows, enslave them, and get out." In the back of his mind Vargul knew it was honestly too late for any of them to get out of here safely.... on foot. Yet, he was not worried. After all, his prayer to the spirits of the woods endowed him the means to travel almost anywhere he could recall. Such magic saved his life earlier, and he was keen to utilize it again, should the need arise once more. Vargul glanced out against the twilight, and primed a guantleted fist with magic that would prove fatal to any undead, as it would disrupt the link animating their dead bodies. As he was casting this, Accio jogged ahead, not seeing anything yet, and huddled behind one of the large tablets circling the monolith. He was mindful of his surroundings, yet could not forsee the impending darkness encroaching on his position. Vargul whispered to Merth, "There is a shadow among them who can bind one's body in place.... use one of your wards to guard against this." Merth nodded, thought for a moment of the best one ot apply, and then immediately used the best spell he could think of on himself and Vargul, one that would prevents almost any restrictions upon the body. As Vargul waited for the shadows to come to the Umbral Circle, he did not know they were already upon him. Suddenly, something rose above from the groun high into the sky, reacting immediately, the trio of clerics suddenly found themselve weak in the knees in the presence of Käsi, who was now disguised as Varjo, as her malevolent and horrifc appearance made them all sick to their stomachs. Still, their glimpse of horro was mercifully cut short, as now an area of darkness descended unto Vargul and Merth. Accio looked back, finding his companions fools for being caught in such simple tricks, but looks forward again to find himself face to face with a fresh shadow. Startled, he stumbled back a step, only to see a pair of shadowy hands grasping for them. Moving to get up, Accio felt cold all of a sudden. He looked down where the icy sensation in his chest originated, to finda pair of hands grippng him internally, likely his heart. He fell to his knees and slumped over. From anger, to spite, to surprise, to death, Accio's last thoughts cursed Vargul for cheating him to this untimely death. Reactively, Vargul and Merth looked up, sensing the life force of Accio snuff out completely. Vargul held his empowered glove high, ready to smash at anything that touched him first, dangerous a gamble as that was. But, to his own surprise, his hand rattled violently, then began to bleed a bit, as he felt the components of his guantlet fall to pieces from his shocked hand. He did not see from whence it came, but whatever it was, it sundered the guantlet easily. Not giving up so easily, he pulled forth the most potent, though short range, applicable of positive energy, initially intended for healing and planned to use the positive energy to cancel out the dark energy powering the undead around him. Grasping forward he thought he felt something slip between his finger tips, but gripped nothing, to his frustration. Behind him, he heard the grunting of Merth, only to feel him slip off the radar monitoring his allies. Vargul clenched his teeth. How was this happening!? It was only one shadow; ONE SHADOW! His failure now brought the death of Accio and Merth. For now, rationalize his withdrawal, he let loose hsi trick ace now, teleporting away as a tactical retreat. fight Inititive: Scholar2: 22 Varjo: 21 Accio: 17 Vargul: 16 Merth: 13 [higher mod] Käsi: 13 Guard2: 9 Prebuff: Vargul/Accio/Merth: Bless, Shield of Faith +3, Status (my mistake, Käsi could find out too) Varjo: Mage Armor (AC = 24) Käsi: Shield (AC = 21), Disguise Self (Disguise check: 30 [no one in this battle can beat that]), Mage Armor (AC = 25) Round 1 (Desecrate) Schl2 (8,11) delays until Käsi brings the darkness. Varjo (7,11) delays until Käsi brings the darkness. Accio (12,6) moves to (11,10) while drawing light mace and casting Bull's Strength. Vargul (12,4) casts Disrupting Weapon on his Guantlet. Merth casts Freedom of Movement (reactive Spellcraft: Käsi 16 vs DC 18 fail) on himself and shares with Vargul. Käsi rises 30 ft (Vargul/Accio/Merth Fort save, 17/10/18 vs DC 18 (Merth passes), and take 1 Str dmg, 2 Dex dmg, and 4 Con dmg) and manifests Control Light from 9,1 to 14,1 to 9,8 to 14,8 (square) to decrease light by 100% (darkvision only, Vargul and Merth effectively blind). Schl2/Grd2 charge (to 10,10/10,11 respectively) Accio and touch, Touch Attack 24/18 vs Touch AC ?? (2 hits: 9 Str dmg. Accio dies and respawns in 4 rds). Varjo assesses the gauntlet as a threat and moves (11,4), draws Blade of Entropy and Sunders (Vargul cannot take AoO), Attempt 19 vs opposed 13 (succeed: 8 dmg, guantlet sundered). Round 2 (Consecrate) Vargul defensively casts Cure Serious Wounds (Concentration: 29 vs DC 19 pass) and attempts to touch Varjo (miss chance: fail) and holds the charge. Merth defensively casts Fly (Concentration: 16 vs DC 17 fail) but cannot. Käsi attempts to telekinetically grapple Vargul, but his Freedom of Movement prevents it. Varjo holds Blade of Entropy in one hand, fly-bys while drawing Blade of the Night, and attempts to strike/dispel Vargul, Attack, touch Attack 16 vs Touch ??, (hit: 1 dmg, Dispel 17 vs DC ?? fail). Schl2 and Grd2 charge Merth now, Touch attack 20/16 vs Touch AC ??, (2 hit: 10 dmg, Merth dies and respawns in 1 rd). Round 3 (Desecrate) Vargul knows he is alone now, and defensively casts Teleport (Concentration: 26 vs DC 20, pass), and flees from battle (AGAIN!). End conditions met. Victory to team Varjo
#31 Stormwind Mar 19, 2008 16:09:33	Summary for week 3 I think the summary for week 3 should be: Items Used: 2xScroll of Mage Armor, 1 casting of Disguise Self, 1 casting of Shield, 1 manifest of Control Light
#32 huan Mar 21, 2008 22:45:27	I typically wrap things up at the end of quests with a conclusion post, followed by a feedback post, allowing the player to comment/critique the quest, so next time can be a better experience. Vargul knew the discharge of shadow energy would erupt any second now. As he opened his eyes, only previously envisioning the safety of hs own private quarters in the Verdant Shadow, which was in the safety of the veil guarding the entire guild. But, something was wrong: he was still in the middle of the forest! Though not in the Umbral Circle he was not in the safety of guild, he looked up, seeing a crimson pillar of light shoot forth into dark clouds above the canopy of the forest. He must have miscalculated, or perhaps his focus on his target destination was only slightly off. Regardless, he had only seconds now to correct the misplacement of the teleportation. His mind raced to think of the spell again, but it was gone now, extinguished from his memory. What was his ace trick against the undead was now an ace trick trumping himself. Vargul felt the ground rumble beneath him as he looked forward and saw a thick veil of red energy burst from a central vortex and consume him in an irresistable field of planar energy. *** Varjo and team, while inside the thick of the Umbral Circle, were treated to an impressive display of lights, colors, and explosions, as the energies between this plane and the violent Shadow Plane, mixed in an ancient and unstable planar gate circle, were emanating splashes of mainly blood-red swathes of energy, which lashed out or created concussive waves of raw magical power that washed over Varjo, her group, and the rest of the forest as far as she could see. Still, she felt no ill effect, and neither did her companions, as far as she could tell. Even the vegetation around them seemed only tossed bask as they would through a powerful wind, but they did not seem to be affected otherwise. Still, beyond these mysterious energy pulsations, Varjo felt something tugging to her from the rift between dimensions. The rift itself was forming alongside the central obelisk, but it looked like nothing more than a crack in the otherwise smooth and flawless stonework. The crack, actually a rift, was merely inches wide, yet expulsing so much energy. Varjo herself knew little, but cared little, about the planes and their properties, but since it was not effecting her, she saw no harm in reaching out for it. With an outstretched hand she tapped the rift, and immediately all of the crimson energy stopped flowing outward, freezing in place. Then, as if reversing itself, the bands of red energy began being sucked back, though not into the rift, but to Varjo, who was touching the rift. Varjo felt stuck in place during this process, as the entirety of the energy from the Umbral Circle began using her as a conduit to seal the rift between these planes. Varjo herself felt, as best her shadow form could, the rush of power through her as she channeled the energy. As the last wisps of the energy were now coming in, Varjo snapped away, still gripping some of the red crimson energy within her. The fresh energy pusalted now within her, satiating the yearning from before, and occaisionally emanating a deepr crimson aura around her. Even her eyes would occaisionally glow red from time to time. Regardless, Varjo felt a warmth in the Umbral Circle, and a sense of belonging. Whether is was her own feelings, or the influence of the now-dormant monolith, mattered little now. Deep in Chanadar Forest, in this Umbral Circle, she was here now with a growing clan of shadow slaves, and the first step of Varjo's un-life began now.
#33 huan Mar 21, 2008 22:53:32	Quest Complete Feel free to comment on what you liked/disliked. I know I feel bad for how rushed we had to make it. I wanted to make a bigger subplot with Vargul and the guild, but I had to wipe that in the end. Due to initial setbacks in RL, I felt bad I simply could not either make the time or get the creativity to post. I tried to embellish the story regardless, and I appreciate your understanding and patience with the delays you experienced, even now. Next time I run a quest/miniquest for you, I'll make good. -Huan
#34 Stormwind Mar 25, 2008 14:22:04	Sorry about the delay in giving my feedback here ... however, here it is: To start with I absolutely love the detailed storyline. For example I'm still intrigued by the the whole idea of the Umbral circle itself. The old portal/gate to the plane of shadow seems like it could easily tie in to many stories in Varjo's future. As far as improvements ... it's hard to come up with anything in particular, although I do like posting tactics/fights in two or more parts when possible (I fully understand that it wasn't possible in this case ) I'm currently planning to obtain an intelligent weapon (assuming it gets approved when I post it in the Blackmarket ;)) and I would love to have you run the quest. I'll be taking Varjo through a normal 3FC first to accumulate some money but would plan on starting the quest on the 16th of April. The idea for the quest would be to somehow 'empower' Varjo's [Blade of the night] with intelligence and additional powers. If you're interested in running it then let me know :D
#35 huan Mar 27, 2008 9:56:24	If you'll have me, sure, I'd be glad to. Just let me know when you're ready. Huan