The Ultimate Conflict (A New Sort of Adventure) IC

[Realms of Chaos]

Core OOC Thread (www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253202)
Group OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253608)

Grobnar Shadowsliph Another dud. It hardly even fazed you any more. The idea, courtesy of Alleon (your old mentor), hadn’t been a bad one. While you had failed at creating truly artificial divinity and examining actual gods proved difficult, the astral plane was awash with the bodies of fallen and forgotten deities. If you could find even the smallest of divine sparks, you would have something to work with. Even with your magitech cannon, however, blasting through their calcified flesh was harder than it sounded and you’d yet to find any hopeful readings. Perhaps you’d have better luck if you burrowed through one of the bodies that had attracted a cult around it. Then again, you doubt that would sit well by the cult. Well, at least you had time on your hands. In the Astral Plane, there was always time.

Tekkal: Even as you push your way through the bazaar, you know fully well that this is likely another dead end. It would seem that your journey has gained some degree of… popularity among more accomplished cons. Even so, you aren’t too worried about it. At best, some or all of your answers might be answered once and for all. At worst, you weren’t foolish enough to pay for a simple fraud and you doubted that too many people could ever hope to extort you. No, all that really mattered at the moment was the veracity of this supposed manuscript. The letter in your hands, covered in scrawling common, instructs you do turn down the next alley to your right. Peering around the corner, you see a Thri-kreen sitting on the cobblestone floor, surrounded by texts of questionable value. He seems to be looking your way…

Sir Thomas: There are few places in the world where something as large as a dragon can simply disappear. One such space was a large mesa looming over the port town of Ambris, a flat and grassy area with a climb too difficult for normal folks to reach and large enough to hold around a dozen full-grown dragons at a time with comfort. It was also one of the few meeting places where chromatic and metallic dragons were able to meet and speak without violence, a restriction that you’d kept since the meeting place was established. At the moment, however, it was empty except for yourself and Leonard, who waited off to the side simply grazing on grass. You were expecting some news from a friend, a younger black dragon who had been troubled by some of your… siblings. It seems that they allowed their apparent immortality go to their heads over the past few years. As soon as you found them, however, you’d be glad to demonstrate just how “immortal” they really are.

Captain Merriweather Price: In your time as a captain, you’ve had years and years to master strategy. You know at least a hundred ways to tip an even battle in your favor. You know how to make an enemy’s superior size, speed, and weaponry count for almost nothing. You’ve learned to face far worse than this measly storm and could turn most any setback into an advantage. For all of your tactical genius, however, it is always nice to return to the basics. Looking up through the rain and wind, you can’t help but feel young again as you watch the hull of the Cheliaxan Freighter pass by a hole in the rainclouds. They never did learn, did they?

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal


The quailian pauses, and eyes the insect-like creature for a moment. He can easily identify with the thri-kreen as it hails from the desert like himself, they too are nomads, though Tekkal finds their focus on the difference between predator and prey slightly naive. Such a thing can change quickly, especially when the prey is intelligent.
Lowering the hood of his crimson and black cloak the spellblade steps into the alley, hands on the hilts of the sisters. He can hear the two blades in the back of his head, whispering sweet suggestions in his ear, words of violence and brutality, glory and fame. He has heard it before, the two are not very innovative when it comes to rhetoric.

Stopping a few feet away from the potential source of information Tekkal holds out the letter he was given earlier.
I heard that you might have information that I need?
His voice echoes from behind the mask he wears, the strange stone it is fashioned from distorts the sound magically, forcing it into a shape that the recipient can understand.


OOC: Greater arcane sight+true sight is on, as always.
Anything out of the ordinary in the area? Does any of the texts stand out? [roll0]
In case it is needed:
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

What does Tekkal know about the area he's in right now?
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Grobnar after consulting with his former mentor and current partner, decides the best course of action to be finding the closest god husk worshipping cult and begin excavation procedures, relaying data back in real time to the research vessel, and keeping an eye out for angry locals.

[RadicalTurnip]

Patience was not one of Tomas's stronger points. He hated waiting: not that he would ever complain to his contact Gelraminosconissor that. No, there was no need to complain to a dragon that was probably trying to help. Probably. He flexed his clawed hand open and closed a few times, while he looked off into the distance, contemplating a name he hadn't heard in over twenty years: his own birth-name. Certainly it was exciting that he would see his siblings again, but he doubted that his ideology shift would allow too much of an exciting family reunion. Well, he supposed he would see soon. Finally, he impatiently took to the air again for better all-around vision.

The wind was cold at this altitude, but Tomas ignored the chill and looked around, checking on Leonard. The Bison was fairly hearty, but Tomas had a tendency to worry about anything that wasn't...well...invincible. Assured that Leonard was still happily grazing, he looked for any black specks on the horizon that he could notice.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Merriweather Price: In your time as a captain, you’ve had years and years to master strategy. You know at least a hundred ways to tip an even battle in your favor. You know how to make an enemy’s superior size, speed, and weaponry count for almost nothing. You’ve learned to face far worse than this measly storm and could turn most any setback into an advantage. For all of your tactical genius, however, it is always nice to return to the basics. Looking up through the rain and wind, you can’t help but feel young again as you watch the hull of the Cheliaxan Freighter pass by a hole in the rainclouds. They never did learn, did they?

The large man grins up at the ship as it passes by overhead. His first mate, ever alert, just waits and watches the captain. Finally, Price gives the signal, and the ship rises from the depths to crest astern of the Cheliaxan ship. As soon as the ship rises into the fresh air, he yells to his crew, "All Hands, Prepare for Boarding! Run Up The Colors!"

[Realms of Chaos]

Tekkal: The insectoid creature looks up to greet you, extending one of its four hands forwards to offer a handshake as two others search through the tomes at its feet. "Ah," he says, "the Quailia. One moment, please"

One of the insectoids lifts up a dusty scroll tube from between two books. "I have heard of your travels from... let's say less savory acquaintances, yes? You seek religious texts of your people. Old ones, I hear."

Flipping one end of the scroll tube open, the Thri-kreen extracts the scroll within, aging sheepskin covered in what looks like old Quailia. "My people do not live long, only a couple of decades each. I cannot attest for this scroll's origins but it was acquired nearly a dozen generations ago and was plenty old even then. Look, if you like, and judge it for yourself.". Two hands extend outwards, carrying the scroll with tenderness belying the creature's clawed hands.

Before you could take it, however, an earthquake seems to hit the city, causing the scroll to drop to the floor and the Thri-kreen to run for safety under a nearby archway. Around ten seconds later, the shaking stops and the Thri-Kreen slowly returns.

Grobnar:You propel to the nearest unoccupied god (which you suspect looks like a giant owl from afar) and quickly set up your equipment. The drills, thankfully, require no further input once initialized, though sensors need to be calibrated every ten minutes or so. The only other things you've seen on the plane have been the groups of cultists (which keep to their gods), an astral dreadnaught that flew by at a distance, and a group of githyanki camped out at the edge of this deific graveyard. Once the drill is going and the sensor is callibrated, you'll have 10 minutes before anything more is needed from you, ten minutes alone in this astral heap.

Sir Thomas: Soon enough, Thomas can make out a dark silhouette on the horizon, steadily flying closer. As it approaches the mesa, however, everything begins to rumble and shake. The earthquake lasts for a short while before things are still and safe enough for the black dragon to land. Whether things are truly well, however, is truly up for debate. What looks like a large, splitting crack occupies most of the sky.

Zarthrax: As the ship rises up through the clouds to join the enemy freighter, you could only hope to imagine what thoughts raced through the mind of the Cheliaxan Captain. The captain screams something indistinct to his crew and the minimal crew of the freighter start to take up arms. Well, they start to. Halfway through their fevered attempts at readiness, everyone on the enemy ship suddenly stops, staring somewhere beyond your ship.

Peeking behind you, you see that the sky itself has cracked, a spidery black crack like shattered glass that extends frightfully close to your ship. As you look around, other cracks are visible elsewhere across the sky.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

After finishing with the excavation setup, he cloaks and gazes around the openness of the ethereal plane examining the littered corpses among the deific graveyards. He thinks to himself about his next move should this corpse prove uneventful, taking note of the various cultists and their particular areas of worship.

Perhaps he'll scan over them next, some old tomes talk of gods requiring worship to survive, so perhaps the presence of even a small number of worshippers is keeping a few of these bodies on the brink of deaths grasp. And should that prove true, the potential research data could be very fruitful.

[RadicalTurnip]

Tomas ignored the earthquake at first, sparing only a small thought for Leonard. As he began noticing it's strange nature, he realized that it certainly wasn't an earth-quake. A Plane-quake perhaps? For a moment, he was stunned at the shear magnitude of the quake. He was flying above the highest point for perhaps a hundred miles in any direction. He couldn't really see anywhere where the fissures were not forming, the farthest ones looking like nothing but hairline fractures fogged by haze and distance. Finally, he dove off the top of the mountain summoning his armor to him as he did so and called Leonard away from the mountain to get him free of any falling rock hazards. The Dragon was still a long way off, and Tomas assumes it can take care of itself. As he was flying, he attempted to avoid any of the fractures, but he was also very curious. He peered into one, trying to keep his distance while doing so. What could be behind the sky, afterall?

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar: As you activate the cloak, something catches your eye, a small black line across space seems to be spidering out like some sort of dimensional crack. As you look around, you can see more cracks forming all around you, capturing everything in a loose network of sorts.

Sir Thomas: Traveling through the air after leading Leonard to safety, you find that the cracks are spreading quite quickly. At some points in the distance, they even reach down to the ground like black bolts of lightning. When you peer into the cracks, you immediately regret this decision.

Will save and Reflex save

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Looking quizzicly at the the strange net of cracks surrounding him, he attempts to examine said cracks from a safe distance to ascertain if they are perhaps portals to other planes (his first assumption) or something different. Either way he won't be going anywhere till this excavations complete.

[RadicalTurnip]

Oooh, saves already.
Will: [roll0]
Reflex: [roll1]
Also note immunities (if they matter, lol)

[Zarthrax]

Captain Merriweather Price: As the ship rises up through the clouds to join the enemy freighter, you could only hope to imagine what thoughts raced through the mind of the Cheliaxan Captain. The captain screams something indistinct to his crew and the minimal crew of the freighter start to take up arms. Well, they start to. Halfway through their fevered attempts at readiness, everyone on the enemy ship suddenly stops, staring somewhere beyond your ship.

Peeking behind you, you see that the sky itself has cracked, a spidery black crack like shattered glass that extends frightfully close to your ship. As you look around, other cracks are visible elsewhere across the sky.

Captain Price immediately seizes the wheel and turns the ship away from the crack as close to its original course as possible.

"Steady, Men! No Fresh Devilry Will Stay Our Hands!"

Desparately trying to maintain some semblance of control, Captain Price's meaty hands continue to guide the ship towards its prize, his first mate riling the crew to fervent heights.

[roll0]- Profession: Sailor roll to steer the ship away

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal:

The spellblade simply nods, moving to take the scroll as the earthquake hits. As the earth begins to shake his feet leaves the ground, and the quailia soars upwards a dozen feet before stopping. "The scroll!" In an instant he reverses his direction and dives down, grabbing the scroll and shoots back up above the bazaar.
There he takes a good look around, searching for anything that might have caused the tremors.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar:Your first suspicion about the cracks proves to hold some degree of credence as the cracks slightly widen, allowing hundreds of eyes to peer out at you.

OOC: I'm just checking but when you say that you cloaked earlier on, were you traveling to the ethereal plane via magic item or did you mistakenly type ethereal instead of astral? I'm assuming the former but I'm double checking because it kind of makes a difference here. :smalltongue:

Sir Thomas: Thomas manages to avoid the quickly-spreading web of cracks. Even after staring into them, however, Thomas only has the barest of memories regarding what he's actually seen, mostly limited to eyes and teeth lurking somewhere within. Meanwhile, the dragon's wing is pierced by one of the cracks, causing her to cry out and start falling downwards towards the ground.

Captain Price: As you shout orders to the rest of your crew, you seem to renew their will to fight, regaining full control of your ship and continuing the battle. As a matter of fact, you may have been a tad too inspirational. Hearing your distant cries, the crew of the freighter seem to have regained their senses and prepare their cannons for assault.

... at least until they are pierced by one of the many cracks.

The crack passes fully through the hull, trapping the enemy ship in place.

Tekkal: Catching the scroll and swinging upwards, you quickly catch a view of another unusual event. Though you can't be sure that it caused the earthquake, it seems quite unlikely that one would occur by chance just as cracks began to form in the very sky. Citizens in the town below look up at the sky in awe and apprehension.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar:Your first suspicion about the cracks proves to hold some degree of credence as the cracks slightly widen, allowing hundreds of eyes to peer out at you on the ethereal plane. Even as you watch, however, many of these cracks seem to grow fuzzy and indistinct, apparently losing sight of you altogether.

OOC: I'm just checking but when you say that you cloaked earlier on, were you traveling to the ethereal plane via magic item or did you mistakenly type ethereal instead of astral? I'm assuming the former but I'm double checking because it kind of makes a difference here. :smalltongue:


OOC



Yea I flubbed when I said ethereal plane, dunno what got me onto that track :P

Aka major derp

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Tucking away the scroll under his robes Tekkal flies closer to the mysterious cracks, trying to figure out what caused this strange disturbance.
His own feelings stirs the sisters, who increase their silent whispers, hoping that some unnamed danger will arrive.
"Is this because of me? But why?"


OOC:
Greater arcane sight, true sight.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[RadicalTurnip]

Snarling, Tomas flies into action. He quickly removes the Torc around his neck, activates it, and throws it at Leonard, hoping an Antimagic field will be enough to at least keep the cracks at bay for a time.

Then, Tomas Teleports to Gelraminosconissor the Dragon and assesses the damage. Angered by his friend's wound, his weapon appears in his hands as a greatsword and he takes a mighty swing at the crack in question, apparently attempting to sunder its very magic.


Ranged Touch Attack to hit Leonard with Antimagic Torc: [roll0] against AC 18 (I doubt he'd try to dodge)
Teleport (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/t/teleport) SLA miss chance (At least Studied Carefully): [roll1]
He makes up the rest of the distance with his fly speed (if he missed any)
Heal (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/skills/heal) check to surmise how the Dragon is doing: [1d20+12]
He Rages, and then uses Spell Sunder (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/spell-sunder-su) against the crack piercing the dragon. [roll2] against a CMD of 15+Caster Level.
Notes: 1) If it isn't a spell or SLA, then Spell Sunder may not work depending on reading. 2) I'm not sure if weapon enhancement bonuses apply when making a CMB check with the weapon. If so, add 16 to the CMB result.

Edit: Bah, forgot to actually roll the heal check

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: As you shout orders to the rest of your crew, you seem to renew their will to fight, regaining full control of your ship and continuing the battle. As a matter of fact, you may have been a tad too inspirational. Hearing your distant cries, the crew of the freighter seem to have regained their senses and prepare their cannons for assault.

... at least until they are pierced by one of the many cracks.

The crack passes fully through the hull, trapping the enemy ship in place.

The giant of a man grins as the Chelaxian freighter is speared like a harpooned fish.

"Seems Like The Universe Is On Our Side In This One, Boys! Prepare To Board! Helmsman, Bring Us Alongside, But Don't Touch That Black Crack Thing!"

With a snap of his fingers, two large pistols, oversized even in his meaty fists, appear. He proceeds to **** both of them, because sometimes you just never know....

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar: OOC: No problem. I just altered the previous two posts involving you to fix the issue so be sure to reread them before carrying on.

Tekkal: As you approach and the cracks spread out to cover the sky, you can see nothing magical or familiar about these cracks. Beyond these cracks, however, you can make out countless alien eyes and appendages trying to reach out into the world.

RadicalTurnip: ...make a damage roll with your weapon.

Captain Price: As you prepare yourselves for a decidedly one-sided match-up, one of your crew points up to one of the cracks, in which a single large eye can be seen, slinking sideways along the crack itself.

Roll initiative if attacking the ship.

[RadicalTurnip]

Weapon Damage Roll for a Greatsword: [roll0] (2d6 is from vicious) + [roll1] (Berserker Weapon) + [roll2] Acid Damage and I take [roll3] damage (Probably non-lethal and therefore I'm immune, but I'll leave it up to you for interpretation).

Edit: =81 Damage

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Peering at the cracks and their eyes with curiousity, he decides to wait for his excavators to finish their work before investigating this strange phenomena.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Staring at the unknown phenomena Tekkal frowns. There are not many things in the multiverse that the quailian warrior hasn't heard of, and this doesn't look very friendly either.
"Why are never the strange things soft and cute?" He mutters silently to the two blades at his side as he flies closer.
"Perhaps there are, remember; curiosity kills the felines." It's Leliel who answers, her voice is cheerful, but at the same time strangely detached. "Well, this one happens to have claws. Besides, I haven't seen anything threatening yet. Only slightly disturbing things." The blade laughs. And is that not enough? Very well, it is, as always, your funeral. Or perhaps a town drenched in otherwordly blood once we are finished?

Tekkal doesn't answer this time, all his focus is on the strange manifestation as he moves almost close enough for the appendages to reach him.

OOC
Moves in, but if the thing strikes he'll use evasive repositioning to get out of the way.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: As you prepare yourselves for a decidedly one-sided match-up, one of your crew points up to one of the cracks, in which a single large eye can be seen, slinking sideways along the crack itself.

Roll initiative if attacking the ship.

OOC-
[roll0]-Initiative
Active Auras-Aura of Readiness
All allies within 30 ft. of you add your Intelligence modifier as an insight bonus on initiative checks.


Aura of Caution
All allies within 30 ft. of you add your Intelligence modifier as an insight bonus to AC. This bonus only applies if their Dexterity bonus to AC also applies.


Aura of Vigor
All allies within 30 ft. of you gain fast healing 1 for each +1 of your Charisma modifier, rounded up.

Stances-
Iron Tyrant
Lord of Arms
Bullet Hell Stance
Blood in the Water

IC-
The Captain looks up at the eye and yells to the first mate.

"First Mate! Put Two Cannons Pointed At That Peeper, And If It Twitches Funny, Remove It From My Sky! The Rest Of You, Look Sharp And Prepare To Board!"

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar:Tiny, spider-like creatures crawl out of the web of cracks, crawling along it and landing on the god below you. Rather than a traditional body, however, each spider appears to be a small chunk of grey matter with legs and fangs.

Roll initiative
[roll0]

Sir Thomas:After protecting Leonard and quickly tending to your ally, you deliver a swing towards the crack and are surprised with your luck. Normally, when aiming to destroy spells, you slice through them like butter. This crack, however, is far more tangible and you manage to sink your weapon deeply into it, giving the crack a serious crack of its own

Tekkal: Even as you approach the crack, you can hear a terrible groan as if the world itself were bearing some horrible weight. Just as suddenly, the cracks suddenly dilate with a thunderous shattering sound and four creatures tear their way out, running across the sky as if walking on air. The first impression you get of these creatures are of giant wild cats. With a closer look, however, you can see that they are nothing of the kind. their heads and forearms are shaped vaguely like those of a cat, true, but the resemblance ends there. First of all, the things are covered in some slimy skin that vaguely resembles fish scales. Secondly, the creatures in question possess no lower jaws while their upper jaws form a circular mass of teeth to line the underside of its head. Third, the things possess two rows of eyes that follow ridges along its back. Finally, they don't possess too much of anything behind the forelimbs. Their bodies continue, true, but are quickly reduced to useless and half-formed masses of flesh that they drag behind them. Each of the creatures is as large as a dragon and they circle around the town rather ominously.

Captain Price: For a dead man, the captain of the enemy ship seemed incredibly chatty. "Come and get me if you can, Mary." he shouts, "But do mind that we're at an angle. Bring your men aboard the ship and we'll all fall to our graves. Do you really think that you can fight us all?" The captain seems to be ignoring the eye, which continues idly floating down the crack towards his ship.

[roll1]

[RadicalTurnip]

Umm, so I'm not sure if the Dragon is still falling, or hit the ground. Somehow "Pierced his wing" translated to me as "went straight through him" or whatever. Anyway, I guess I'll assume he hit the ground by now, since I took at least 2 full rounds to do what I did.

Slightly taken aback for an instant, Sir Tomas quickly regains his composure and decides to work with what he has. Hitting stuff. Tomas knows how to hit stuff.

Grinning that the confusion just became much more simple, Sir Tomas widens his stance slightly and calls to the black dragon in Draconic Are you alright? I don't know what this thing is or what it wants, but it can't be good. The cracks seem to contain prying eyes and gnashing teeth. Then, he turns to the work at hand, hacking away at a large strand.



Notes:
*My Natural Armor is 5 lower and wisdom 6 lower (lowering my will save by 3) without my Antimagic Torc.
*My AC is further reduced by 2 for raging.
*If the cracks or anything else I happen to be fighting are outsiders or aberrations, I get a +3 AC bonus against them
*So, Current AC: 57, Current Will Save: 47
Combat:
Full attack and Power Attack
1st Swing:
To Hit: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] + [roll3] = 110 Damage
2nd Swing:
To Hit: [roll4] Damage: [roll5] + [roll6] + [roll7] = 118 Damage
3rd Swing:
To Hit: [roll8] Damage: [roll9] + [roll10] + [roll11] = 117 Damage
4th Swing:
To Hit: [roll12] Damage: [roll13] + [roll14] + [roll15] = 115 Damage

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



rolls
Initiative[roll0]

CMB roll ahead of time, since the spiders rolled a 1 on their initiative.

lol.. natural 20

[roll1]



Looking at the spiders emerging with a blank stare, he retrieves a sampling container built to contain a wide manner of hazardous items and attempts to scoop a few spiders into it for later examination.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: For a dead man, the captain of the enemy ship seemed incredibly chatty. "Come and get me if you can, Mary." he shouts, "But do mind that we're at an angle. Bring your men aboard the ship and we'll all fall to our graves. Do you really think that you can fight us all?" The captain seems to be ignoring the eye, which continues idly floating down the crack towards his ship.

[roll1]

The large and experienced pirate captain laughs aloud at this.

"Oh, Aye! Now, The Question Is, Will Ye Cease All Devilry And Surrender? After All, I'd Hate Te Have To Come Over There And Get Yer Dirty Chelaxian Blood All O'er My Nice New Boots Me Wife Gave Me!"

His hands tighten a bit more on his guns as he awaits their response....

[Realms of Chaos]

Sir Thomas:given the weight of dragons, I'd assume that their wings would break long before they could hang from one. Yeah, she's on the ground, having managed to corkscrew down without much difficulty.

"Then kill them!" shouts the dragon from down below, turning back to lick her own wounds.

And, indeed, each swing of Sir Thomas' weapon seems to sunder one of the larger cracks, reducing it to dust that falls to the ground and leaving much smaller fractures in the sky where they once were. He is, however, no longer alone, the teeth and claws and eyes from the cracks emerge, curiously without anything else attached. These loose body parts fly in a random storm around you with each eye fixed directly on you.

Roll Initiative[roll0]

Grobnar: You manage to collect a few of the spiders in your containment unit, though you could hardly stop the rest of them from responding, jumping into action as they swarm all over you.

You take [roll1] damage. Make 2 fortitude saves

Captain Price:"Not this time," the captain shouts, "Crew! Run below decks and prepare yourselves. If this pirate seeks our cargo, he'll have to take it by force."

with that, the captain smiles at you with a dead man's grin as the rest of his men leap to follow the instructions. Down below, the eye slips along the crack into the enemy ship.

[RadicalTurnip]

Grinning wickedly, Sir Tomas roars at the largest looking piece of body part a challenge Come and Get it. He allows himself to descend, attempting to keep himself between the dragon and most of the body parts ending only maybe 40-feet above the ground, as he does this, he seems to be leaving himself open for attacks while his greatsword's blade shortens but its hilt lengthens dramatically. Within a few seconds, it has gone from looking like a wickedly shaped greatsword to a pitch-black lance over 10-feet long.


Initiative: [roll0]
If Sir Tomas loses initiative and the body parts attack either him or the dragon, he uses Presence of the Dragon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13461685&postcount=19) as they are swinging. If he doesn't lose initiative, he'll save it in reserve.
Free Action: Come and Get me (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/come-and-get-me-ex) Foes get +4 Attack and Damage against me. All attacks against me provoke an AoO that resolves before their attack.
Free Action: Demoralize largest looking foe (Free action from Intimidating Rage) [roll1]
Free Action: Power Attack (I'm not attacking yet, but any attacks of opportunity I make this round will be power attacks)
Move Action: Descend to above the dragon
Standard Action: Shift my Greatsword into a Lance from the morphing property. I threaten all between 20 and 10 feet with my lance, and 10 and closer with my bite.

Attacks of Opportunity (Maximum 12)
1) To Hit: [roll2] Damage: [roll3] + [roll4] + [roll5] Acid Damage Crit Threat! Total before crit = 122
2) To Hit: [roll6] Damage: [roll7] + [roll8] + [roll9] Acid Damage Total = 120
3) To Hit: [roll10] Damage: [roll11] + [roll12] + [roll13] Acid Damage Total = 113
4) To Hit: [roll14] Damage: [roll15] + [roll16] + [roll17] Acid Damage Total = 121
5) To Hit: [roll18] Damage: [roll19] + [roll20] + [roll21] Acid Damage Total = 123
6) To Hit: [roll22] Damage: [roll23] + [roll24] + [roll25] Acid Damage Total = 124
7) To Hit: [roll26] Damage: [roll27] + [roll28] + [roll29] Acid Damage Total = 116
8) To Hit: [roll30] Damage: [roll31] + [roll32] + [roll33] Acid Damage Total = 127
9) To Hit: [roll34] Damage: [roll35] + [roll36] + [roll37] Acid Damage Total = 111
10) To Hit: [roll38] Damage: [roll39] + [roll40] + [roll41] Acid Damage Total = 118
11) To Hit: [roll42] Damage: [roll43] + [roll44] + [roll45] Acid Damage Total = 118
12) To Hit: [roll46] Damage: [roll47] + [roll48] + [roll49] Acid Damage Total = 114

If there are any 20s rolled in there, I threaten for a crit. If I crit, the weapon triggers a Prismatic spray (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/p/prismatic-spray) effect (even if they aren't normally subject to crits)
To Confirm Critical: 1) [roll50] 2) [roll51] 3) [roll52]
Prismatic Spray effect: 1) [roll53] (Insane, as insanity (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/i/insanity) spell DC20 Will save negates) 2) [roll54] 3) [roll55]

Also note the Magebane property (I was hoping for the CArcane version, but assuming MiC) so if they can cast spells or invocations, it's +2 attack and 2d6 more damage (Or if they have spells or SLAs if you're doing CArc version).

I was also wrong about my will save in the previous post, I forgot that Rage increases my will save. So, my current Will Save: 52

Edit: Ack, I just realized two things. A Large lance deals 2d6 damage, not 3d6, so my totals above are off. Secondly, I will likely be doing most of my AoOs with my bite...meaning all those rolls are way off. I'll wait for your post to see which ones are bite and which are with the lance before trying to re-figure this insanity.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Quicking closing up the container, while attempting to brush and kick away the spiders he attempts a make a tactical retreat.



Fort 1 [roll0]
Fort 2 [roll1]

Assuming I make the fort saves and don't become debilitated in some way, I'm going to activate my robe as a standard action to dimension door to a safe location I can see 300ft away and hide to observe and possibly attack.

rolling stealth ahead of time.

[roll2]

ooc question : are the spiders doing physical damage ? because I've got DR10/epic and need to know if it applies to add 10 more hp back.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

"Oh. This looks bad."
Tekkal pauses for a second, taken aback by the appearance of the new creatures and their strange appearance. However, after decades of searching through the most remote corners of the planes he's seen things that would give almost anyone nightmares. It's a good thing that he doesn't sleep anymore.

"Well, they might be peaceful." He mutters, not believing his own words for a second. The sisters laugh wickedly at the suggestion and he can feel them vibrating in their sheets, longing for him to shed these creatures' blood. The spellblade swoops in closer and holds up a hand to get the attention of the others.
"Halt, what is your business here?!"

[roll0] if needed.

[Realms of Chaos]

Sir Thomas: ...[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

As you release the essence of the dragon and dare your opponent to come and attack you, it turns tale and leaves... in every single direction. Apparently, the "swarm" wasn't as coherent as if first appeared. Now, there are at least 4 smaller groups traveling off in different directions.

Grobnar: OOC: At level 30, I'm tempted to say that DR/epic is about as useful as DR/magic is at level 20. Pretty much everything I'll throw at you is going to be epic, though DR gives you some plot armor from lesser foes.

You manage to toss the spiders off of yourself as they attempt to burrow into your skin, taking only minor wounds before traveling into a more defensible position. The spiders seem to be chewing on small chunks of your flesh, pushing them together and cementing the small gibblets with their own bodily secretions. As far as you can tell, they don't see you yet.

Tekkal: The three creatures don't seem to pay you any real mind at all, electing to ignore you and run around the upper spires of the town below. If the townspeople weren't so horrified and the creatures weren't so horribly grotesque, it might almost look "cute".

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Taking aim with his magitech cannon, Grobnar attempts to fire into the cracks from which the spiders seem to be pouring out of, thinking perhaps he can seal them shut before dealing with the pests.

OOC


He's sniping and takes no hide penalty while doing said sniper shots. Not sure if I even have to roll anything but ill go ahead anyway pre emptively to try and attack the fissures in space time :P

(2 atk rolls for splitting ammo)
attack roll 1 - [roll0]
attack roll 2 - [roll1]

assuming I hit something

dmg roll 1 - [roll2]
dmg roll 2 - [roll3]

Assuming nothing significant happens with that, the next course of action will be to start picking apart the spiders.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Edit - stupid forums lagged and made it double post

[RadicalTurnip]

Looking slightly confused at the retreat, Sir Tomas lets his rage slip away. Are you alright Gelraminosconissor? he asks, careful to pronounce the name correctly as he lands beside the dragon. He gently presses a clawed hand to the dragon's side and cures some of the damage done to his wing. He then watches to make sure that none of the swarms are headed too close to Leonard, and sighs. I don't think I'll have time to deal with my brothers right now. This seems a bit more worrisome and pressing.

If Leonard seems to be out of harms way, his lance will reform into a greatsword, which he will re-sheath on his back and cure the dragon of any further damage. He will then begin retrieve his Antimagic Torc and attempt to follow the cracks and find an origin or "Master Crack" that may be destroyed to perhaps destroy all of the branches of cracks below it.


4 Rounds of Rage if my count is correct.
Cure Serious Wounds (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/c/cure-serious-wounds) SLA on the dragon: [roll0]

Are the cracks still forming? Is there still an earthquake?
What kind of damage was done to the severed cracks? Did cutting the crack destroy all of lower portion of the crack (or, put another way, the part of the crack below the cut), like I'm thinking?

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:"Not this time," the captain shouts, "Crew! Run below decks and prepare yourselves. If this pirate seeks our cargo, he'll have to take it by force."

With that, the captain smiles at you with a dead man's grin as the rest of his men leap to follow the instructions. Down below, the eye slips along the crack into the enemy ship.

The Captain frowns, then finally nods to his first mate.

"Bring Us As Close To Aside As We Can Get, Especially With That Crack Dingus In The Way. I'll Board And Take The Ship, While You Coordinate All Hands To Quickly Remove The Booty.

No Arguments On This, And Whatever You Do, This NEVER Gets Mentioned To My Wife."

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar: The first cannon shot seems to shatter much of the crack to dust, leaving only faint lines through the air where one thicker cracks had rested. As a result, spiders start swarming through that crack. A second shot to the crack fails to elicit any further response. Apparently, that was as far as you could damage them

Sir Thomas: "I'm doing fine," responds Gelraminosconissor, her face relaxing as positive energy knits up her wounds, "but what do you intend to do about these fissures?"

Leonard is easily found and he bends over to help you remove the torc. Looking up into the sky, there are fissures of varying sizes and thickness but there doesn't seem to be any single, central fissure. Thankfully, the fissures has stopped expanding.

OOC: Earthquake has stopped.
Whenever you "destroy" a fissure, its great width it reduced to a single faint line through the air in the area where you have struck the cracks. This faint line continues to connect other cracked areas. Does this answer everything?

Zarthrax: Your first mate gently eases you over the side of the ship, careful to avoid the cracks in the air. As your ship comes to a halt, however, the enemy captain shuts himself into the hull of the ship along with the rest of his crew. Of the many ambushes you have come across, this is by far the most obvious of them all.

[RadicalTurnip]

Running a hand over Leonard's flank, and scratching behind his ear, Tomas stops to think. There is no simple way that he can think of to close all of cracks, and he isn't even sure that they'll stay closed. No, attacking this problem head-on would be an exercise in futility. He needs to know more. After contemplating this for a time, he decides traveling to a city with a greater wealth of knowledge would be beneficial.

Continuing to scratch Leonard's ear, Sir Tomas mutters a few arcane words, and the two vanish from the base of the mountain.

And appear next to a wall not far from the city gates of a sprawling metropolis. The guards look at the large winged troll with apprehension as he enters, but do not bar his passage despite the chaos in the city. He goes looking for a temple of Pelor hoping for answers, but expecting nothing but more questions.

Teleport (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/t/teleport) SLA again: I think it would be a city he's been in several times, probably seen casually [roll0] Distances off for "off target" [roll1]
Edit: looks like "on target" I added the last paragraph after seeing this. I assume the cracks are visible even here?

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Upon watching his second shot seemingly disperse harmlessly, he shifts his aim and begins to carefully fire upon the spiders.

OOC


Something I overlooked
Dunno how I glazed over it, and it probably won't change anything but the first attack on the crack was a natural 20. So ill roll a confirmation roll just incase it would change the effect. [roll0] Assuming confirmed crit that's 479x3 = 1437 dmg

My penetrating shot feat lists a 60 foot line attack making attack rolls on each target in the line, so I assume being at the distance I am it wouldn't apply. Instead ill roll one attack and inform me of any changes I might need to make.

Attack 1 [roll1]
Attack 2 [roll2]

Damage 1 [roll3]
Damage 2 [roll4]

[Zarthrax]

Zarthrax: Your first mate gently eases you over the side of the ship, careful to avoid the cracks in the air. As your ship comes to a halt, however, the enemy captain shuts himself into the hull of the ship along with the rest of his crew. Of the many ambushes you have come across, this is by far the most obvious of them all.

Captain Price quickly hops over to the deck of the Chelaxian ship. He points one of his pistols at the door the captain closed and pulls the trigger.

A white coruscating line of pure destructive energy leaps from the barrel, cascading into the door with barely a whisper....

(Annihilating Blast. Door has to make a DC 30 Fort save. If it passes, it takes [roll0]. If it fails, it takes double that. If HP are reduced to zero, object is disintegrated.)

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal: The three creatures don't seem to pay you any real mind at all, electing to ignore you and run around the upper spires of the town below. If the townspeople weren't so horrified and the creatures weren't so horribly grotesque, it might almost look "cute".

Tekkal

Slightly annoyed at the creatures for ignoring him Tekkal swoops in closer and stops in front of one of them.
"Greetings."His distorted voice is flat from behind the mask.
"Please state your business in this town. Your sudden appearance and strange behaviour might be viewed as hostile, and there is no one here who desires unnecessary conflicts."

[Realms of Chaos]

Edit: Blast and Curses. I know that I typed up a response for this thread yesterday but I guess that it never got through. Sorry about that.

Sir Thomas: You teleport to the exterior of Alban Port, a sprawling trade city ruled through theocracy, at the heart of which rests a grand cathedral to Pelor. A new set of cracks, apparently disconnected from the first, has opened up over the city, allowing creatures who seem to be humanoids in red cloaks to float down from them and attack. Astral Devas and Planetars weave through the air, fighting these intruders wherever they stand as ballista bolts whir through the air, shot from the outer walls. The streets are abandoned save for a few marching soldiers with their shields and spears pointed to the fractured heavens and the few brave citizens willing to dash from one source of cover to the next. The cathedral stands strong, apparently undamaged in all of this fighting.

Grobnar: Launching a blast at the swarm, all of the brain-spiders are exterminated with a single blast. In their wake, they create a network of smaller cracks that quickly spread and shatter open. Beyond the hole, you see not some plane of madness and pain but what looks like a window into a city, viewed from high above. Red-cloaked humanoids of some sort fight against angels over a large and grand cathedral.

Zarthrax: Silently reducing the door to a pile of ash, you reveal a series of steps leading down into the lower deck. You can't see or hear anyone down there at the moment.

Tekkal: "Don't bother reasoning with them," calls a booming voice from overhead, "These creatures are abominations, loose debris from a realm of madness and entropy granted life. While I admire your restraint, such creatures cannot understand reason. All that they understand is pain."

Looking up, you see a large humanoid figure in full-plate armor, from which heavenly wings emerge. From your knowledge of other cultures' religions, you recognize this figure as none other than Heironeous.

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/53391/Heironeous.jpg

[Zarthrax]

The giant man proceeds down the staircase, ever intent on the crew that he knows is down here somewhere...

(Yeah, not even sneaking or anything here.)

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Upon viewing this planer fissure, and where it seems to be leading, Grobnar quickly returns to his research vessel and instructs his partner to have it stay concealed and follow him through the fissure, it can stay floating above the apparent cityscape, invisible and out of harms reach.

He then returns and jumps through the tear, plummeting towards the city until he gets close enough to dimension door onto a solid surface where he attempts to hide and continue surveying the scene, before making a decision as to whether he should intervene.

Hide
[roll0]

Followed by a perception check to see what he might survey.

[roll1]

[RadicalTurnip]

Patting Leonard again on the head to comfort him, Tomas whispers Stay safe before entering the city. Battle is likely, but something he would like to avoid if possible: Answers are more important right now. Nevertheless, he activates his Scabbard of Keen Edges, guessing that battle will be probable for the next hour. He knows that a large warrior such as he will likely not be hard to spot in the deserted streets, but he decides against just flying toward the temple: Sir Tomas holds his wings tightly close so that they could resemble a stylized cloak--if one were very unobservant--and sprints toward the Temple.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

At the appearance of the divine figure Tekkal leaves the aberrations behind and flies towards the god.
"You Majesty!" He manage to stammer, the normally so calm warrior awed by the appearance of such a powerful and majestic creature. He stops, hovering in the air and bows.
"How may I serve the Arch-Paladin?" He hesitates for a moment, then continues: "Is it your wish that these creatures are destroyed? Can I ask what they are, I have never seen or heard of their like?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price:Arriving at the bottom of the steps, the giant captain sees... nothing. Well, perhaps not nothing, but certainly less than you had been expecting. The lower deck is filled with empty hanging cots and barrels and satchels that you can only assume hold provisions for the crew. No living thing lurks down here, though a hatch on the far end of the ship leads down into the cargo. Were they really so desperate that they'd risk their precious treasures in a fight?

Grobnar:Descending through the cracks, you get a close look at one of the red-cloaked "humanoids". Close up, it would seem that these "cloaks" are both empty and made of bleeding flesh. Thankfully, a planetar tackles it away almost immediately. Down below, you can make out a few particular areas of activity.

On the town walls, guards are firing ballista bolts into the city in an attempt to hit the invaders.
One of the taverns has been turned into a makeshift barricade for people who had nowhere else to run. Curious heads peak out of the windows at the fights occuring above them.
A group of robed acolytes (wearing the colors of Pelor) stand on a balcony right below the bell tower of the cathedral, blasting spells at the invaders.
A distinctive bison rests near the town entrance... wait, a bison? It looks strangely familiar from somewhere.


Sir Thomas:Running through the town, you quickly arrive at the cathedral, in front of which stand a small battalion of guards. Thankfully, the actual fighting seems to have been restricted mostly to the sky so far.

Tekkal: "That form has and deserves no name," says Heironeous, "for it could have easily emerged in thousands of other profane forms. If you must call them anything at all, call them Farspawn,"

Looking up at the cracks from which they emerged, Heironeous continues, "I have been sent to help repair the world, though I don't suspect the farspawn will like that. Would you lend assist me by keeping those foul beasts busy?"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Sir Tomas slows as he approaches the guard, respecting their duty, though still wishing for haste. I've come to inquire of the most studious scholars among you about these... he gestures toward the sky, the wave of his clawed hand encompassing the cracks, the battle, and everything else amiss. ...attackers. he finishes, unsatisfied with the word. After thinking a moment, he continues. I will gladly help with the defense of this temple and of the town, but I would like an action plan that has a chance of closing off the rifts rather than just reacting. I also hope to consult wizards or others studious of the arcane and see if they have any insight as well. He looks expectantly at the guards, hoping that they'll be understanding and agreeable.


Uh... Diplomacy check? [roll0]

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Surveying the ensuing chaos, he hones in on the group of acolytes slinging spells and gets close enough to dimension door into the middle of them. Upon arriving, he attempts to greet them and get a better assessment of the situation.


Greetings! Servants of Pelor, I Grobnar would like to offer my assistance. Having just arrived, I fear I'm ill informed of the current events, however it would seem you folks are in a bit of a jam.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:Arriving at the bottom of the steps, the giant captain sees... nothing. Well, perhaps not nothing, but certainly less than you had been expecting. The lower deck is filled with empty hanging cots and barrels and satchels that you can only assume hold provisions for the crew. No living thing lurks down here, though a hatch on the far end of the ship leads down into the cargo. Were they really so desperate that they'd risk their precious treasures in a fight?

The captain frowns. He didn't like it when they fought to the last man rather than give up the spoils. It made him feel slightly horrible, until he remembered that they were Chelish, and thus evil.

With a small growl and a muttered curse, he stalks all the way over to the hatch and wrenches it open with one hand while keeping his gun close...

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price: Stepping close to the hatch, you notice that your footsteps cease to make any form of sound. It would seem that the area around the hatch is entirely silent. Of course, you realize, this stealthy advantage works both ways. Something below decks smells positively horrible, reminding you that you never really learned what the ship's cargo was.

Grobnar: "Thank you for your offer, Grobnar," calls out one of the priests, "these cracks started opening around us but an hour earlier. We are fortunate to possess the foresight to gate for help before the madness really started. Right now, our first priority is trying to close those cracks up above. They can be harmed through physical might, shrinking them down and blocking additional creatures who may try to break through. Most of our celestials are busy with our guests, however. I don't suppose that you could lend a helping hand, could you?"

Sir Thomas:The guards stand there, looking unsure, as the cathedral doors open behind them. "I recognize that troll," speaks a grey-haired female elven acolyte from inside, "he is an ally. Let him in." With that, the guards part to allow Sir Thomas entry.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Indeed I could, any idea where the biggest threat currently lies?

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Thank you Lady... Sir Tomas begins, tapering off so that the elf may provide her name. As he passes, he nods to the guards, indicating no feelings of ill-will.

As I was just mentioning to those folks, I came to inquire about the nature of the cracks, and a way that we might close them more permanently. Does anyone here have any indications of what this might be? Even hints would be beneficial. I believe that priests and mages may both hold a piece of the puzzle, surely there's a way to fight them back, rather than merely defend.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

I will do as you ask. Tekkal replies, guessing that the time for questions will be later, after the god has finished whatever work he has before him.

Turning his full attention to the 'farspawn' he charges down towards the closest beast.
"Leliel, perhaps a little something before the fight?" The only reply is a mental snicker from the weapon and a sudden feeling of icy cold energy as the blade calls upon its own power.

Unsure of how to handle the strange beings he now faces, Tekkal figures that a quick attack before a strategic retreat should give him proper knowledge of the strength and intelligence of his foes and so he charges straight into one, his two blades a blur of black steel and smoke.


OOC:
So... lets see how this goes. Never done any attacking like this before. Phew. First things first, I'm unsure on how many attacks I get Iaijutsu Focus on, since the enemy should be flat-footed for the entire round, but the immediately after drawing a weapon line is a bit ambiguous. I'll put those dice last and then you can add those that qualify :smallsmile:

Leliel just cast greater magic weapon on herself.

[roll0] In case it is needed.

Move action to get close to one of the farspawn, and then standard attack to unleash, well, this:

So, from 10 feet away, all attacks are touch:

[roll1] - [roll2], if living [roll3],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll4], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll5] - [roll6], if living [roll7], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll8], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll9] - [roll10], if living [roll11],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll12], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll13] - [roll14], 1 CON damage
[roll15] - [roll16], 1 CON damage
[roll17] - [roll18], 1 CON damage
[roll19] - [roll20], if living [roll21],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll22], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll23] - [roll24], if living [roll25],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll26], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll27] - [roll28], 1 CON damage
[roll29] - [roll30], 1 CON damage
[roll31] - [roll32], if living [roll33] ,
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll34], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll35] - [roll36], 1 CON damage
[roll37] - [roll38], if living [roll39],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll40], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll41] - [roll42], 1 CON damage

(Since I don't have the Improve Iaijutsu Focus feat, the damage is capped at 9d6, something that I always reach with my skill check.)
[roll43]
[roll44]
[roll45]
[roll46]
[roll47]
[roll48]
[roll49]
[roll50]
[roll51]
[roll52]
[roll53]
[roll54]
[roll55]
[roll56]

After having drawn Inariel Tekkal now has concealment.

I have probably forgotten something important...

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: Stepping close to the hatch, you notice that your footsteps cease to make any form of sound. It would seem that the area around the hatch is entirely silent. Of course, you realize, this stealthy advantage works both ways. Something below decks smells positively horrible, reminding you that you never really learned what the ship's cargo was.

Nose wrinkling at the smell, Price frowns as he draws closer to the hatch. Cautiously, instead of his original plan of opening it with his hands, he nudges it open with his foot while he keeps his pistols trained into the hole...

[Realms of Chaos]

Tekkal:ooc: Going to say that iaijutsu focus applies to all attacks made in same round after drawing weaponry. Otherwise the 2 attacks with 1 standard action class feature sounds pretty useless for the Iaijutsu master.

ic: Charging up to the nearest creature, you connect with hit after hit against the first creature, slicing the large creature into pieces.

The second of the three rams up against you, trying to sink in its fangs and claws to little avail (take 13 damage).

The final one of the three unfolds its face like a flower blooming except horrifically sped up. Out of that horrid mouth, the creature unleashes an unearthly howl (make a will save).

Up above, Heironeous flies up to the nearest cracks and begins some manner of heavenly incantation in celestial.

[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5]

Captain Price:Slowly lifting up the hatch, you can see that every surface in the cargo bay has been drenched in human blood, likely the source of the smell you've detected.

Grobnar:"The monsters are leaking out of the cracks above," the cleric says, pointing up into the sky. Sure enough, you see a network of cracks through the sky much like those that you saw on the astral plane, though these ones are far longer and wider. "So long as they remain open, we may never be free from these horrors."

Sir Thomas:The elderly elven woman walks at a brisk pace across the cathedral floor as you talk, making her way to the altar to Pelor. Even so, it would seem that she is listening, "Some of our oracles have already consulted Pelor on this matter. Creatures from a realm of madness are invading our realm through those cracks, as you have noticed. With enough physical force, the cracks can be constricted into mere scars, keeping out all but the smallest of monsters. These cracks are wounds on the world, however, and curing them requires time... or a lot of curative magic." With that, the elf pulls forth a chunk of a bright amber stone from the center of the altar, glowing dimly even in the mid-day light. Holding the stone out in front of her, she asks "Seeing as you seem to have wings, would you be willing to help us heal these wounds?"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas
Tomas grins. That was much easier than he expected. "Certainly, what need I do? And what does that" with the word he gestures to the amber which he hasn't taken yet "do?" After finishing his question, he holds out his hand to accept the amber, glad that he will be doing something useful, rather than floundering with just trying to futilely close the cracks himself.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Very well, perhaps second times a charm then (he says as he takes aim with his magitech cannon, and begins blasting at and into the cracks)

Not sure if I need to bother rolling hit or damage but will do so anyway, just update me on if it's necessary in this particular instance.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar:Roll for damage

Sir Thomas:"This is a chunk of a long-dead sun, bathed in positive energy by Pelor himself. Once the cracks have been reduced to mere scars on the sky, simply run this across the scars and its power should handle the rest." With that, the woman hands the relic to Sir Thomas.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

His eyes widen is surprise at the explanation. He then feels the weight fall into his hands: so mundane. And yet, there is a hint of warmth, a slight whisper of power exceedingly great, like a bright sun seen only as a dim star from far off. Speech leaves Tomas at the honor and his eyes gleam with unshed moisture as he thinks of Johan. With a nod, he spins on his heals curtly and walks briskly back to the entrance, pocketing the starstone and lifting both arms over his shoulder to grasp the sword holstered there.

As he exits the temple his great legs give a mighty push as his leathery wings unfurl themselves from around his body. With a strong heave of his wings, he flies straight toward the nearest crack, sword raised overhead.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

ooc


dmg
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: As Sir Thomas emerges from the cathedral carrying the sacred relic, he watches as a burst of light and sound fills the air above. The cracks seem to have been assaulted by a rather fantastic force as around half are dispatched by the time a second blast has concluded.

Up in the air rests a rather small figure, a certain planar adventurer that Sir Thomas can recognize (by his weaponry if nothing else). After a joint crusade against a demonic cult (the leader of which almost attained divinity, though by means too corrupt and horrific for Grobnar to simply imitate), the two of you had traveled your own separate ways, though you parted on good terms.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas has already taken flight by the time he notices his planar friend, but when he does he feels much better about the whole affair. They had adventured together briefly: it had been painful and wild and exciting and most-of-all quick...But what was his name? He's sure he'd recognize it if he heard it. Well, I mean, maybe he could at least pick from a list. Or...well, if the other names on the list didn't really sound similar. And he didn't confuse it for another name. Tomas is slightly embarrassed that he can't remember, but certainly it'll come up at some point. Hopefully. If all else fails, maybe he'll hear someone else say it.

When he finally snaps from his quick reverie about names, he quickly notices the condition of the cracks. Finally, some good news! He re-sheathes his sword and reaches into his haversack to retrieve the amber in mid-flight. "If you can close the rest of them, hopefully this will regenerate the wound" Tomas shouts. Handling the artifact of deific power with reverence, he gently touches it to the side of one of the cracks to demonstrate his point, hoping that this untested method will work the miracle promised.


OOC

Continue the spoilers, or go to normal?

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:Slowly lifting up the hatch, you can see that every surface in the cargo bay has been drenched in human blood, likely the source of the smell you've detected.

Price frowns at the display of butchery evident in the hold. Muttering inaudibly to himself, he starts to descend the ladder carefully, keeping at least one of his guns handy at all times...


(OOC: Apologies, friend's birthday party had me distracted for a bit.)

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

OOC
Sorry for my absence the last few days, I've been at work almost all the time, where mythweavers is blocked and haven't had the energy to post once I've gotten home.

Anyway, I don't know if I've missed my actions since I haven't been acting here for so long, but I'll post two sets of actions, one that assumes that Tekkal downed his first target and that he can continue to act in that round, and the other as if he chilled out the rest of the first round and continued in the next.

Tekkal, 1st alternative:
As he draws his swords, Tekkal becomes a virtual whirlwind of death. The sisters slice through his first target with ease, taking it by surprise. Years of training allows the quailia to take full advantage of his opponents defenselessness and he strikes with precision and force, leaving only bits behind.

Not allowing his foes to react Tekkal moves with a speed matched by few creatures in the multiverse as he immediately launches himself at the next opponent. Soaring through the air he sheathes his blades, preparing himself for another terrifying attack. His speed almost carries him past his intended target, but in the last moment he draws his still bloody blades again, cutting into the opponent and slowing himself.

OOC
So, since the first enemy seems to have fallen, that triggers the Relentless Force ability of the Legendary Dreadnought, giving Tekkal another full round of actions. Since the opponents still haven't acted in this case, they should count as flat-footed. If they, for whatever epic reason don't, ignore the Iaijutsu damage.

Also, since I don't know when I miss, in case I don't deal enough damage to kill the opponents, please tell me what attacks are hits and misses, since Dreadnought also adds Inevitable Strike, which most likely allows him do do a lot more damage.

He can use Relentless Force twice per round, so in case the next enemy goes down as well, I'll copy paste the rolls, since he'd move on to the next once that one is down.

All attacks are touch attacks:
[roll0], [roll1], if living [roll2],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll3], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll4], [roll5], if living [roll6],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll7], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll8], [roll9], if living [roll10],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll11], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll12], [roll13], 1 CON damage
[roll14], [roll15], 1 CON damage
[roll16], [roll17], 1 CON damage
[roll18], [roll19], if living [roll20],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll21], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll22], [roll23], if living [roll24],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll25], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll26], [roll27], 1 CON damage
[roll28], [roll29], 1 CON damage
[roll30], [roll31], if living [roll32],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll33], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll34], [roll35], 1 CON damage
[roll36], [roll37], if living [roll38],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll39], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll40], [roll41], 1 CON damage

[roll42]
[roll43]
[roll44]
[roll45]
[roll46]
[roll47]
[roll48]
[roll49]
[roll50]
[roll51]
[roll52]
[roll53]
[roll54]
[roll55]


And, in case this one goes down, here's for the next one:

All attacks are touch attacks:
[roll56], [roll57], if living [roll58],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll59], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll60], [roll61], if living [roll62],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll63], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll64], [roll65], if living [roll66],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll67], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll68], [roll69], 1 CON damage
[roll70], [roll71], 1 CON damage
[roll72], [roll73], 1 CON damage
[roll74], [roll75], if living [roll76],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll77], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll78], [roll79], if living [roll80],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll81], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll82], [roll83], 1 CON damage
[roll84], [roll85], 1 CON damage
[roll86], [roll87], if living [roll88],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll89], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll90], [roll91], 1 CON damage
[roll92], [roll93], if living [roll94],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll95], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll96], [roll97], 1 CON damage

[roll98]
[roll99]
[roll100]
[roll101]
[roll102]
[roll103]
[roll104]
[roll105]
[roll106]
[roll107]
[roll108]
[roll109]
[roll110]
[roll111]


Tekkal, 2nd alternative, OOC:
Will save: [roll112]

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar



Upon noticing a familiar face speaking to him, Grobnar responds in kind

Indeed I can! Go use that little doohickey as I blast the cracks and we should have rectified the issue in little time!

He says right before he continues blasting away at the planar fissures in the sky.







OOC



I had read it, but wasn't sure if his device was doing anything originally ;)

[Realms of Chaos]

Spoilers are now over as we move into the end-game of our intro-stories.

Captain Price:
Walking down below deck, you can see the crack that harpooned the ship in place. More importantly, you can see that a portion of the crack seems to have violently dilated, as if something had crashed its way through from the other side. The cargo on this ship, it would seem, was a tremendous shipment of gold. Bar after bar twinkles in the pale light from above, bathed now in blood like the rest of the area. Nothing attacks you as you reach the bottom. As far as you can tell, you are all on your own.

Tekkal:
Rushing from beast to beast to beast, you manage to put them all down in a matter of seconds. Heironeous is deep in thought and concentration fusing the cracks in the sky back together. The next threat to the god, however, comes not from the crack but from behind you. While the cat-like creatures were individually grotesque, they seem to have achieved new lows as you turn to see the grafted monstrosity of nature flying up from below you. Every single scrap of unharmed flesh seems to have been fused with the flesh of the other two creatures, looking almost as if they were welded together (indeed, the bubbling flesh around such contact suggests great heat). The new monstrosity possesses only the barest resemblance to the base creature with the salvaged remains of two acting as the forepaws of the third.

OOC: No damage, no will save. You took them out in 1 round.

Grobnar/Sir Thomas:
OOC: You can read RadicalTurnip's most recent spoilered post if you haven't yet, Dramiscius. It might adjust how you'd want to respond. Otherwise, I'll put up an update tomorrow.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Cursing silently to himself Tekkal turns to face the new threat.
"This... Was unexpected." He mutters, slightly annoyed, but also slightly worried. Not many things could stand against him when he went all out, and all he seemed to have accomplished here was to make the thing angry.
"Guess there's a reason to why a god just can't ignore them after all." He continued, his tone now shifting to somewhere between amused and exalted. Leliel, mind helping out your sister? He thinks, as he crosses his blades. The only reply is a feeling of eagerness from the sisters as Inariel is imbued with the powerful magic that her sibling wields. Feeling that his own form might be unsuitable for the upcoming encounter, Tekkal focuses his mind for an instant, summoning nothing more than a sliver of the power he wields.

A moment later the spellblade has grown several feet and his entire figure radiates terror in a way similar to that of a dragon. With a roar he charges the new enemy, blades leading.

Cast Frightful aspect (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/ultimateCombat/spells/frightfulAspect.html) as a free action (Multispell 1).

Leliel casts GMW on her sister, increasing Inariel's enchantment to +5. The blades grow in size as the spell takes effect and does 2d6 instead of 1d8. (I'm assuming that Frightful Aspect works like Enlarge Person, if not I'll reroll damage in the OOC thread.)

Gain +4 str, +4 con (60 more HP), +3 Natural armor (AC and SR increases to 97), DR 10/epic & magic and the fear aura described in the spell.

Move up to the new opponent and unleash a full attack. No IF this time.

All attacks are touch:

[roll0], [roll1], if living [roll2],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll3], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll4], [roll5], if living [roll6],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll7], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll8], [roll9], if living [roll10],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll11], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll12], [roll13], 1 CON damage
[roll14], [roll15], 1 CON damage
[roll16], [roll17], 1 CON damage
[roll18], [roll19], if living [roll20],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll21], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll22], [roll23], if living [roll24],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll25], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll26], [roll27], 1 CON damage
[roll28], [roll29], 1 CON damage
[roll30], [roll31], if living [roll32],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll33], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll34], [roll35], 1 CON damage
[roll36], [roll37], if living [roll38],
If the creature can cast arcane spells or invocations, add +2 to attack and damage, plus [roll39], if hit add 2 bleeding damage for the next 5 rounds, stacks.
[roll40], [roll41], 1 CON damage

[Realms of Chaos]

Tekkal:
The monstrous mass of grafted flesh seems to withstand your every blow. Each strike of the blade passed though its flesh like butter as the skin bubbles and fuses once more behind your blade. By the end of your assault, the best looks far more hideous than it once was but it is impossible to judge just how much you have damaged it (if at all). Seemingly undaunted by your more horrific appearance, the beast responds to your assault by unraveling each of its three heads, revealling long tooth-lined throats from which a throaty and entirely unnatural howl emerges.

Make a will save with a +6 bonus.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal, OOC
[roll0], add another +9 if the ability used is a spell, SLA, or (SU).

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:
Walking down below deck, you can see the crack that harpooned the ship in place. More importantly, you can see that a portion of the crack seems to have violently dilated, as if something had crashed its way through from the other side. The cargo on this ship, it would seem, was a tremendous shipment of gold. Bar after bar twinkles in the pale light from above, bathed now in blood like the rest of the area. Nothing attacks you as you reach the bottom. As far as you can tell, you are all on your own.

The Captain frowns at this predicament, not forgetting the gigantic eye from earlier having been in the crack, and in the ship, first.

He starts combing through the hold, trying to figure out where the thing that did this to his prey went to.

Perception - [roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

[roll0]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: In a blaze of firepower, Grobnar manages to wipe out the rest of the major cracks, causing the red cloaks to slow in their movements as the celestials continued the fight and giving Sir Thomas just the opening that he needed. Unfortunately, much as before, shooting further shots as smaller cracks fails to yield any addtional result. It would seem that the sound of these blasts has deafened Grobnar to Sir Thomas' shouts from below.

Tekkal: The scream, though ear-piercing and a bit unnerving, fails to have any true negative effects on you.

Captain Price: Looking around, the captain can see something in the far corner. A single large eye looks out from that corner, pulsating softly as it stares directly at you.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas continues healing the cracks with the amber as quickly as he can, taking care to not physically touch them himself if possible.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: Flying up around Grobnar's shots, Sir Thomas makes himself quite visible across town as he rubs the amber along the scare left in the sky, erasing them from sight in his wake. Within five minutes of work, the final crack is erased from the sky.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Grinning with a sigh of relief, Tomas gently places the amber back into his Haversack and looks for any of the Void creatures that may be left. Not noticing any immediately, Tomas flies back toward Grobnar to consult him about the victory. As he does so he keeps looks around to see if the elven woman has exited the Temple yet to see if the amber is allowed to visit other areas in need, or if it is required again back in the Temple.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas:

Sir Thomas sees the elven woman that he'd talked to earlier, standing on a balcony along with other high-ranking clerics beside the man whose name seems to be eluding you. Asking for permission, she is in the middle of granting it when a terrifying sound.

The sky above shatters. All of it. Behind the sky, however, rests not some realm of madness and pain but a second, flawless night sky behind it. Slivers of the sunlit sky rain down from the heavens like fireworks, each one fading out of existence long before it hits the ground.

Up in the sky, however, you see more than the moon and stars. A message has been written across the night sky in faint, glowing letters.

Grobnar, Sir Thomas:

"If you possess the strength to read this portent, know that the Great Wheel requires your strength"
"The gate to the meeting grounds has opened"
"May we all survive into the next golden age"

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Well, this is indeed an interesting development my friend, it would seem as though another grand adventure awaits us in the cosmos.

*looking over to the priest*

When did all this excitement begin to occur if you don't mind? I was out exploring the ethereal plane when the cracks appeared that led me to your city.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: Looking around, the captain can see something in the far corner. A single large eye looks out from that corner, pulsating softly as it stares directly at you.

Captain Price takes a moment to give the eye the universal sign of scorn and derision before turning to the gold and pondering the best way to get it to the ship without dealing with that.....thing....

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

The hovering buckler that has been faithfully attempting to keep Sir Tomas safe flies to get between him and the sky as he flinches away from the explosion. After a moment it comes to rest again vigilant by his side as he reads the symbols in wonder. Gesturing with disbelief at the sky, Tomas turns with mouth open to speak just as Grobnar beats him to the punch. That's alright, he's not really sure what he was going to say, anyway; he thinks as he nods to Grobnar's statement.

Nodding at Grobnar, Tomas looks around at the amassed crowd to see what they had seen, whether the spectacle went completely unnoticed by them, or if perhaps they could even read the portent.

Finally, after this, he turns again to the elven priestess and says "There are other cracks; other wounds in the world that need healing. This stone is sacred, I understand, but could your temple bear to part with it for a bit longer to further heal the world?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price: Not being a master at dealing with... whatever that is... you aren't exactly sure what would set it off. Perhaps the enemy crew attacked it to draw its ire. Perhaps it actually wants the gold (though for what is anything's guess). Perhaps it's waiting, even now, for you to lower your guard. The only thing of which you can be sure is that this being is now the source of another sound you can hear down here, a low male voice humming a jaunty tune to itself somewhere behind you.

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: None of the people below and, indeed, not even the priests on the balcony seem capable of seeing the message in the sky. According to the priests, this entire affair began around an hour ago. Amidst platitudes of great gratitude, the priests allow Thomas to take the sacred stone and ask if either of you require any divinations or healing before you travel onwards.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

"Indeed, I did have a question. Have you heard anything about something called 'The Great Wheel'? What can you tell me about it and where is it located?" Tomas asks after reverently re-pocketing the amber.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Slightly disturbed by the way the creature seemingly disregards his assault, Tekkal flies higher into the sky, leaving his foe behind and as he soars upwards he mutters a few words, sending a wave of powerful magic down towards the monster. Perhaps that might slow it down...

Move upwards 220 ft. Cast Maw of Chaos as a free action (Multispell), cast solid fog as a standard action. Both centred on the opponent.

30d6 force damage, will save DC 37 or be dazed for one turn, force concentration checks on spells and SLA:s. SR: Yes. Chaotic creatures are unaffected. Movement halved within 20 ft. radius.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: The elven woman looks up at you in confusion for a moment, "The great wheel? That is a term that scholars and sages use for our multiverse. If you don't mind me asking, Sir Thomas, why do you ask?"

Tekkal: [roll0]
Disjointed screams can be heard from the cloud below as it would seem that the maw tears into the creature's flesh. Whatever state it's in now, it doesn't seem to be coming out on its own for the moment.

Up above, you can hear Heironeous' strained voice call out, "Just a moment longer!"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Ahh yes, I thought is sounded familiar. Thank you. Tomas says with a gentle smile. Then he tries to look around without being too obvious about it, looking for a portal of some sort; a growing sense of dread telling him that the cracks in the world may have been the "Gate" to this meeting-grounds.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: Not being a master at dealing with... whatever that is... you aren't exactly sure what would set it off. Perhaps the enemy crew attacked it to draw its ire. Perhaps it actually wants the gold (though for what is anything's guess). Perhaps it's waiting, even now, for you to lower your guard. The only thing of which you can be sure is that this being is now the source of another sound you can hear down here, a low male voice humming a jaunty tune to itself somewhere behind you.


The pirate immediately whirls around and yells "Front And Center, Or Prepare to Be Disintegrated!"

Intimidate-[roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price: In response to Price's threats, the humming suddenly stops. When the voice speaks back up, it is in a voice hardly touched by fear at all. Confident, relaxed, and cheerful in tone, the voice has a certain muddying property not unlike a fresh mug of mead.

"Disintegration? Oh, how lovely. I don't suppose you could use that on my cage, then, could you? After witnessing all of that mess, I think I'm about ready to go home. I'm right here, behind these crates."

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Casually pointing his gun towards the sky, he calls out to whatever maybe speaking.

To whom do we have the pleasure of making this aquaintance?

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Holding his position, the spellblade decides to wait for his oppnent's next move, and he hovers in the air, blades and magic ready and lets the spell he cast earlier do its work.
"I seem to be repelling it for now!" He shouts at the Arch-Paladin, "But I don't know for how long, it is a most resilient beast."

Maw of Chaos again: [roll0], will save DC 37 or be dazed for one turn, force concentration checks on spells and SLA:s. SR: Yes. Chaotic creatures are unaffected. Movement halved within 20 ft. radius due to solid fog.

[Realms of Chaos]

Tekkal: At long last, Heironeous seems to pull off his spelll, collapsing the crack from which the beasts emerged and leaving only a seamless sky in his wake.

Seconds later, a pile of chopped body parts falls from the solid fog, raining down onto the ground below you.

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: Judging by ambiguous way in which you are addressed, it seems unlikely that this message was made with you two specifically in mind (even if it was made for you in a sense) and you could imagine the same message showing up elsewhere with little difficulty. In any case, it doesn't seem that the writing in the sky is responding to threats.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: In response to Price's threats, the humming suddenly stops. When the voice speaks back up, it is in a voice hardly touched by fear at all. Confident, relaxed, and cheerful in tone, the voice has a certain muddying property not unlike a fresh mug of mead.

"Disintegration? Oh, how lovely. I don't suppose you could use that on my cage, then, could you? After witnessing all of that mess, I think I'm about ready to go home. I'm right here, behind these crates."

The captain, wary of the possible trap, strides towards and around the crates confidently, his pistols at the ready...

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Noticing Grobnar's obvious indications of having seen the writing, Sir Tomas turns to him and queries him Any ideas as to the location of this gate? I think that I should not like it if this 'Great Wheel' is... halted, glancing at the priestess as he finishes.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

The spellblade shakes his head.
"What a strange day. And it isn't even time for lunch yet."
Sheating the sisters he sets off, leaving his spells and the remains of the monster behind and flies closer to the god above.
"Hail, Heironeous, I'm relieved to see that your powers could close that gap. I have never fought anything like that beast. Or beasts. What were they and what is happening that forces the gods themselves to intervene?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: The elven woman seems confused by the query, if Sir Thomas is asking her as well. "Gate? What gate?" The rest of the clerics are looking at Grobnar curiously, as if he were a man simply screaming at the sky.

Tekkal: "I am glad to hear you ask, young friend," responds Heironeous, stretching his arms as he looks down over the town, "for we are out looking for those of might like your own, gathering them so we might explain things all at once. If you wish, I could escort you to the meeting spot myself..."

The god seems to freeze in place, as if noticing something that none other can see, "...as soon as I gather one of our number who seems to be running late. Would you accompany me on this task?"

Captain Price: Sitting behind the crates in what looks like an overlarge birdcage forged of precious metals and jewels is none other than Cayden Cailean, leaning back against the bars as he gently waves in your direction, a smile in the corner of his mouth.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

"It is nothing of concern, it just seems that he" here he indicates Grobnar "and I have been contacted by someone for a quest..." Trying to think of a way to say it with tact, Tomas decides on stretching the truth "...probably because we're known adventurers.

[Dramiscius]

*Looking over towards Sir Thomas*

A great quest you say? I wonder if someone maybe able to provide further insight into the matter. There has to be someone with an idea about what's going on after all, right?

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Bowing slightly, Tekkal responds with a smile.
"I'm happy to aid the Arch-Paladin and his allies. Besides, I can't say that the creatures looked like anything I'd like to share space with."
The warrior pauses for a moment and focuses at the spells he conjured and dismisses them.
"Shall we?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Gronar/Sir Thomas: The elven priestess seems to give a bit of though before speaking again, "I apologize for our reliance upon more mere spiritual guidance. If it is knowledge that you seek, Boccob possesses a monastery to the east. I hear that the students there are far more learned of the world."

Tekkal: With a mere nod, Heironeous rips open an opaque gate with a circular motion of his sword, motioning for you to move ahead.

Captain Price: A couple of feet above your head, an opaque gate seems to open. Cayden looks up at the portal with an expression of faint surprise.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Boccob, you say? Sounds like a plan to me... Tomas begins to take a step that way, but then decides that if Grobnar was called as well, it is likely that they should perhaps stick together. He waits to see if the Boccob temple sounds acceptable to Grobnar as well before heading out.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

A plan indeed, we need to find someone with answers... or something resembling answers.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: Sitting behind the crates in what looks like an overlarge birdcage forged of precious metals and jewels is none other than Cayden Cailean, leaning back against the bars as he gently waves in your direction, a smile in the corner of his mouth.

The Captain pauses in absolute shock for a moment before sputtering out "What The Di'il Are Ye Doin' In There In The First Place?!!?"

Finally, his senses catch up with the rest of him and he looses a bol of brilliant white energy from a pistol, handily disintegrating the cage.



Captain Price: A couple of feet above your head, an opaque gate seems to open. Cayden looks up at the portal with an expression of faint surprise.

Price just looks up towards it tiredly, his guns at the ready.

"Well, At Least There's A Fight Comin'. So Far, This Whole Raid Has Been Sorta Disappointing, Even For A Chelaxian Ship."

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Nodding respectfully to the god and his display of power, Tekkal steps through the new portal, hands still on the sisters' hilts.

[Realms of Chaos]

Tekkal/Captain Price: For better or worse, it is not some Chellaxian (or even otherworldly) demon but a familiar Quailia that emerges from the portal as Cayden falls to the ground, calling out "I was captured, obviously". Moments later, the armor-clad form of Heironeous emerges from the portal, striding directly towards Cayden.

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: The monastery is reached without any particular difficulties (though the edge of cracks can be seen on the horizon), though the monastery itself seems positively alive with activity. Acolytes run from place to place as if running from some great beast (though none run from the building altogether) and others simply prostrate themselves on the ground in prayer.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

What's going on here? Sir Tomas asks loudly while increasing his pace and unsheathing the greatsword from his back, looking around for a threat.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Examining the chaotic scene, he attempts to pull one of the frantic acolytes aside to question.

Who's in charge here? We must bring back some semblance of order around here if we're to get any answers.

Acolyte! Show me the way to your master!

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas:

At the thought of bringing you to his master, the nearest acolyte seems to twinge in pain, "No, you don't understand," he exclaims. "Our lord, The Uncaring, walks these halls. To look upon his face is too much for mere mortals as ourselves."

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Enough of your banter! Bring me to your lord immediately!

[Realms of Chaos]

As if in response to Grobnar's demand, an elderly wizard in a violet robe walks out of the nearest hall, making the acolyte quake and bow before the wizard as he looks in your direction, leaning on his staff as he looks in your direction with a faint expression of interest.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/dd_gallery/dd1/Boccob_p61.jpg

"May I help you?" asks the figure, speaking so softly that it is difficult to hear him at all.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Indeed you may good sir, are you in charge here? I and my compatriots arrived through these strange dimensional cracks in the sky above your city, perhaps you can help us piece together the happenings that may have ignited this event.

And who is this "Unseen" fellow that seems to have your pupils in such an uproar?

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

We've come seeking the gate...to a meeting place. We've been called for a quest. Tomas adds helpfully, his sword gripped in one hand and hanging by his side.

[Realms of Chaos]

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: The man seems to smile as he responds in a flat voice, "I am Boccob, the Archmage of the Deities, The Lord of All Magic, The Uncaring. If you refer to the meeting place I believe you speak of, Sir Thomas, I can get the two of you there rather quickly."

Captain Price/Tekkal: Turning around, Heironeous seems to notice the thing in the corner for the first time and draws his sword once more. Turning to Price, he asks, "Is that what has produced all of this blood?"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Eyes widening in surprise, Sir Tomas did not expect to find a god here. Within a few seconds he regains his composure enough to remember his manners and bows deeply and long, stammering "Archmage Boccob, your...ah...dietyship. I knew this mission was serious, but I had no idea that it was important enough to involve the gods directly. I am honored that you would take it upon yourself to bring us to this meeting place, thank you."

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

The quailia glides effortlessly through the portal and relaxes visibly when he recognizes the figure on the other side.
"Captain Price. Well met!" He says and moves forward, but the rest of his greeting is cut short by Heironeous arrival and question.

[Zarthrax]

The formidable pirate relaxes slightly as Tekkal emerges from the portal.

"And The Same To Ye. I Figgered That The Chelish Had Nae Mages Capable Of Tha' Sort O' Witchery."

He nods at the Archpaladin's question.

"Has To Be. Unless He Somehow Managed To Do It From His Cage," he responds, jerking a thumb at Calien while holstering his pistols for now.

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price/Tekkal: Heironeous raises approaches the beast slowly, calling back to Cayden, "Get these two to the meeting grounds, Cayden. You've been wasting quite enough time on this freighter. I'll catch up when I'm done here"

With that accomplished, Cayden dusts himself off and extends his hands towards the two of you as if for casual handshakes, "Well, you heard the man. Let's get to it."

Grobnar/Sir Thomas: Boccob slams his staff onto the ground, causing a large gateway of light to come into existence directly behind himself. Stepping halfway throught he gateway, Boccob calls "Hurry in. The others are waiting."

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

*looking over at Sir Thomas* Well, no time like the present then eh? *casually walking through the gate*

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Glancing at Grobnar with a face that seems to say "Well, that was easy" and a slight shrug, Sir Tomas begins walking toward the gateway. He hesitates only slightly when he thinks of Leonard, but quickly realizes that he can probably come back for him at any time, if needed. It's just a meeting, afterall.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Raising his hand in farewell to the Arch-Paladin, the Spellblade grabs hold of Cayden's hand. "I'm certainly not one to protest the wishes of a god. Let's go." He says with a laugh.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price

The captain frowns.

"God Or No, I'll Nae Abandon Me Crew Or Me Ship Without So Much 'S A 'By Yer Leave'."

He folds his arms.

"An' Maybe I Don't Want Tae Go Gallivantin' Off When The Missus Is Expecting Me Home Wit' All O' This!"

He waves a hand toward the gold in emphasis.

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Ground:The meeting ground at the other end of the portals is a large room perhaps a quarter-mile in diameter. Every surface seems to be carved of ivory, down to the pillars that climb up to unseen depths. A large group has already assembled in the area. Fiendish, celestial, and everything in between, the inhabitants seem strong, canny, and armed to the teeth with such weaponry and dweomers that the room is filled with a soft buzz and clashes of metal on metal just from their attempts to move through the room. Up on a raised platform in the center of the room are Garl Glittergold and Yondalla, who are quickly joined by Boccob and Cayden as they survey the contents of the crowd.

Captain Price:Nodding to Captain Price, Heironeous closes the portal behind Tekkal, leaving the two of you alone with the blood-spattered gold and the creature in the corner. "Understood, captain. Perhaps you would allow me to explain things myself once this pest has been disposed of?"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

A single step through the portal, and Tomas realizes the scope of the mission, but it certainly doesn't make him any more reassured about the difficulty of the task. Another step, and he sees how many people there are, and exactly what kind of people there are (as many monstrous people as there are more common races), he becomes more nervous. Certainly it would take a combined effort of the gods to make all these people work together; it makes him uncomfortable, his hand itches to hold firmly on to the hilt of the sword sheathed on his back. A third step brings him to the realization that many good-aligned heroes may be nervous about him. He almost laughs to himself and most of the tension leaves him, he will let these people prove themselves before judging them by their race.

His fourth step is lighter, and Sir Tomas begins to enjoy the sight of the impressive meeting place, wondering off-hand what sort of creature could provide ivory large enough for the pillars of this enormous place. He walks to a place where mostly shorter races are ahead of him, but tries to stay several feet back from the people in front of him as he looks onward to the gods. He barely recognizes Garl Glittergold, he is sad to admit to himself. He's never taken nearly as large an interest in the gods as...some people.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

The quailia steps through the portal right after Cayden, and he follows him for a few steps before coming to a halt.
"Impressive..." He whispers to himself, before realizing that probably half of every being present has hearing keen enough to make out what he just said.

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Grounds:Looking among the crowd, Sir Thomas and Grobnar think that they can spot a familiar Quailia stepping through a portal similar to their own. It looks as though a couple of the deities are waiting for someone but after a minute or two pass and nobody joins them up on the alter, Cayden steps forward to speak.


"Well, hello there, everyone. Sorry if I have to skip some pleasantries but I'm sure that a few of you would go mad if I put off answering the obvious question. What is going on? Well, I've heard the story from my friends but I'm sure they won't mind if I keep things simple. Right now, the multiverse is changing. I don't mean small nudges or gradual stuff, now. I mean that you might wake up tomorrow and find that air has been replaced with ale, only for every human alive to drown in the stuff. Well, perhaps nothing quite that drastic or random. Boccob thinks there's some sort of pattern but even he can't quite tell what it is. Even so, people, continents, worlds, and planes might pop in and out of existence or be shuffled around or somesuch. Most of you probably saw the cracks from earlier. We lost continents and worlds, gods, and uncountable lives to the invasions from those cracks. Hell, thanks to those cracks, the inner planes no longer exist. And that might be just the tip of the iceberg."

Cayden speaks as easily and freely as ever, even describing the destruction of six full planes of existence. Completing his description of events, however, he pauses for a moment to let what he's said sink in.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

They lost gods to those cracks? Tomas was certainly glad he didn't encounter anything that could take down a god. Unless, perhaps it was the cracks themselves. A lump began to form at the back of his throat as he thought of the consequences this could entail: The Dragons he had worked so hard to befriend, the Dwarves of Mead Hall he had befriended, Johan's mother. Surprised worry dilated his pupils as he though about it more: this could threaten the very afterlife; even that of his best friend. He could feel the adrenaline in his system, urging him to find a problem and deal with it! Hit it until it stops being a problem! He knew he would have to wait, information could equip him better than even he could equip himself. Tomas took a deep breath. Then two. He began to calm slightly, and he looked on toward Cayden, waiting for him to continue.

[Realms of Chaos]

The meeting grounds: "Okay," Cayden says at last, "seems like we're all on the same page. Well, then, let's answer the other big question? Why you? Well, us deities have talked things over and the only thing worth doing is spending all of our time and energy trying to keep the world together and even then we're going to slip up. Things are getting bad, we can't go out in the world to reassure people, and people are going to be looking for help. This is where you, the strongest of warriors, holy men, thieves, singers, bakers, butchers, what-have you... we need people like you to step into the fray, to try to keep things calm and sane. This is all voluntary, of course, seeing as we can't guarantee our success or your survival and some of you may want to spend whatever time you've got left with your friends and family in case we fail. So, guys, care to lend a hand?"

Cayden stops once more, looking over the crowd for some sort of response. Perhaps more used to telling barroom stories than giving serious speeches, a couple of you catch him almost bowing to the assembled crowd before he seems to catch himself.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

As the spellblade realizes what Cayden is saying, the scope of what is happening it is as if he is hit with a shower of icy water.
My people. They might die, and our world with them! The quailia steps forward before he even has finished that thought.
"I will help. To preserve the multiverse I'll do whatever it takes."
His hands grip the handles of his swords, his knuckles white. Behind him the ghostly spirits rise up, each resting a hand on one of his shoulders, lending him their support. For the first time in years Tekkal can feel that his ancestors fully support his decision.
"The quailia will not surrender our home and lives to this force without a fight, and I am their representative here!"

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:Nodding to Captain Price, Heironeous closes the portal behind Tekkal, leaving the two of you alone with the blood-spattered gold and the creature in the corner. "Understood, captain. Perhaps you would allow me to explain things myself once this pest has been disposed of?"

"Very Well. I Dinnae Trust It. There Were A Ful Compliment O' Chelish Marines In Here, And The Beastie Reduced 'Em To Chum Faster Than I Blew The Door Down."

Captain Price flanks the Archpaladin, redrawing his pistols and keeping them trained on the beast, just in case.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Nodding at Tekkal's speach, Tomas knows he will help the gods. He'd rather spend his time trying to save loved ones than die with them.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Looking up towards the speaker, a small smile grin starts to form in the corner of his mouth.

Well, I've got no place better to be, and the discovery possibilities are endless! Of course I'll lend not only a hand, but my full resources to this endevor and if we're lucky perhaps still be alive when it's over.

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Ground:While a few of the less altruistic or brave step away from the challenge, you and many others stand firm in the face of the challenge ahead. "Now for specifics," Cayden begins, "but that's not my cup of tea. Boccob, you can handle that,"

Stepping up to the front, Boccob begins starting. By comparison to Cayden, Boccob sounds dry and intellectual even when talking about preserving the multiverse, though his voice and manner aren't quite unbearable.

"Right, then. There are four tasks in particular that we could use assistance with. You are free to volunteer for one or more.

First of all, as Cayden mentioned, we are going to be busy trying to keep things as stable as possible. Though we can still grant spells to our worshipers, we won't be able to handle much else. If anyone out there wishes to act in the name of your deity, you will be granted a sliver of power to represent your deity in most matters. Not a strong boost in power, mind you, but it is more of a symbolic gesture.

Secondly, things may go awry despite our best efforts and you are the best candidates available to help calm things down. Not even I can predict what this means but it could mean anything from closing more cracks to evacuating vanishing worlds to bringing serenity to a vanishing race. We will be sending out messages whenever such an event occurs. If any of you wish to form teams, it will save us the extra effort of sending out additional messages and we would be most appreciative.

Third, I would understand if some of you wish to be more proactive. If you wish to find some artifact or ritual or being who might be able to slow, stop, or reverse this process, I can't think of a more worthwhile endeavor and we'll aid you however we can. If you don't wish to risk chasing phantoms, however, do be aware that we may not require your services continually. Indeed, I hope that catastrophes remain rare.

Finally, it would seem that the lords and ladies of Faerie have created safeguards of their own, tying the fabric of existence to individuals destined for greatness. So long as they remain alive, their aspect of reality can't be changed too far, not that there is a guarantee that it would be changed otherwise. If you should find and become aware of such a being in your future, it is in all of our interests to ensure his or her survival. In case you were wondering, there are no such people in this room a the moment"

Captain Price:The archpaladin takes a couple of steps closer to the beast before pausing, "Did you disable this ship from flying?" he asks, inquisitively.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas tries to make eye contact with Grobnar at the mention of teams. Once their eyes meet, he shrugs: indicating his willingness. They had already worked together before, and from what Sir Tomas can remember it went quite well. If he could remember the fellow's name, then they could do splendidly. He remember's something about some powerful ranged abilities, and perhaps some spellcasting? Whatever the case, a few more members to round out the party would be preferred. He tentatively looks around, hoping others are mostly alone but ready to join forces.

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Grounds:The assembled beings within the meeting grounds steadily shift in place until many have formed loose groups. "Very good" says Boccob, "and will one person from each group please raise up your hands toward the ceiling?"

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Catching Sir Thomas's glimpse he gives and approving nod and raises his hand towards the ceiling.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Tekkal

Noticing a familiar face among the crowd, the warrior-mage moves over and stands besides Grobnar.
"Good to see you again. Who's your friend?" He whispers.

[Realms of Chaos]

Gemstones descend from the unseen heights of the room, floating gently downwards until an uncut emerald lands in Grobnar's outstretched hand. "Those gems you possess allow us to speak to you whenever we desire. Once each day, you may call upon their energy to send a message back through the gems to us if you have great news to share or require guidance. Are there any more questions?
"

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

I can't quite remember his name, though im sure I know him from somewhere...

looking to the newly found gem in his hand

Ah, a shiney new trinket.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Seeing Tekkal approach and speak to Grobnar, Tomas straightens and his black wings fold tighter behind him. He presents a clawed hand "Sir Tomas at your service. It seems the gods are in need of our service, so I would be happy to oblige working with anyone they trust so strongly." Tomas does his best to smile nonthreateningly. He mostly succeeds, it only looks like snarl if you aren't expecting it.

Just then, his eye is caught by large gemstones descending en mass to group-members. He seems entranced and his nose flares slightly as he watches. Even dwarves don't seem this obsessed with gemstones...but alas, dragon-blood runs in the veins of Sir Tomas. Remembering that he is introducing himself to somebody, he manages to tear his eyes away from the gemstones and look back at Tekkal.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:The archpaladin takes a couple of steps closer to the beast before pausing, "Did you disable this ship from flying?" he asks, inquisitively.

The pirate shakes his head. "Nae, 'Tis Impaled On A Strange Crack-Looking Thingie. Tae Be 'onest, Ae Dinnae Like The Looks Of It."

[Realms of Chaos]

Meeting Ground:"Are there any more questions?" asks Boccob, looking around the crowd.

Captain Price:"That's good," continues Heironeous, "because I think I recognize what this thing is. If you or your crew can attack and seal these cracks, it'll go dormant. Does this plan work for you... Captain?"

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:"That's good," continues Heironeous, "because I think I recognize what this thing is. If you or your crew can attack and seal these cracks, it'll go dormant. Does this plan work for you... Captain?"

Captain Price:

The slightly mad nautical menace grins at the Archpaladin's suggestion.

"And There I Were, Thinking Todae Was Gonna Be A Restful Day Of Piracy. Suits Me Tae The Ground Below, It Does, Unless You Plan On Calling Dibs On The Spoils? God Or Nae, I'm More Scared O' Returnin' Home Wit'out What The Missus Expects Than I Happen Tae Be O' You."

OOC Note: From now on, assume Price talks in the Tordek accent. It really is a bitch to type out...lol

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas briefly looks around for anyone to express questions, but does not have any himself.

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price:"The treasure is yours, privateer." says the archpaladin, "but do hurry and concentrate on those cracks. This thing isn't going to be so small for much longer."

The Meeting Grounds:With everyone's concerns seemingly at ease, the various groups start filtering out of the room.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

"So, umm..." Sir Tomas begins, not sure what the next logical course of action. "Do we have a specific mission of any sort?" he asks nobody in particular: Possibly of his companions, possibly of one of the gods, though he would likely be relying on them having supernatural hearing, as none of them are near.

After thinking for a few moments, he volunteers "I think we should either focus on keeping the peace or on end...'helping calm things down' I think Boccob called it, or on finding a way to reverse or counter this...attack, if that's what it is."

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Perhaps we may also venture to discover exactly what kind of force is behind this phenomena, and if it can be stopped or even reversed.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:"That's good," continues Heironeous, "because I think I recognize what this thing is. If you or your crew can attack and seal these cracks, it'll go dormant. Does this plan work for you... Captain?"

"Aye, That It Do. I Dinnae Fault The Beastie For Its Choice of Dinners, But It Isn't Safe Tae Leave It Scurryin' Aboot."

Pulling his other pistol, he takes aim at the crack itself, just upwards from the creature and looses a blistering fusillade of energy shots.


Initiative- [roll0]

Auras Active-
Aura of Readiness (Initiative +11)
Aura of Caution (+11 Insight to AC)
Aura of Vigor (Fast Healing 11)

Stances Active- Bullet Hell Stance, Blood in the Water, Lord of Arms, Stance of the Iron Tyrant

Full Attack-
Left Pistol:[roll1], [roll2], [roll3], [roll4] against touch AC
Damage:[roll5], [roll6], [roll7], [roll8] electric damage (DC 41 Reflex save or paralyzed), takes half this at tart of turn next round as sonic damage (DC 41 Fort save or deafened)
Right Pistol:[roll9], [roll10], [roll11], [roll12] against touch AC
Damage:[roll13], [roll14], [roll15], [roll16] electric damage (DC 41 Reflex save or paralyzed), takes half this at start of turn next round as sonic damage (DC 41 Fort save or deafened)

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Grounds:As most of the others walk off, a single solar wearing an uncustomary shade of dark grey clothing seems to descend from the unseen ceiling of the meeting grounds. Looking around at the scant few lingerers, it floats almost directly up to your group. "Hail, champions," it begins, looking around as if for eavesdroppers.

Captain Price:The shots Captain price launches are more than sufficient to shatter the cracks within ship, leaving nothing but a thin line through the air where they once remained. As the first shot impacts these cracks, however, the beast in the corner instantly looks out at you as it begins to grow in size. Within 6 seconds, it has at least doubled in size and it is showing no signs of letting up as dozens of additional eyes and a few pseudopodia grow from its body. Thankfully, Heironeous interposes himself between the two of you, giving you a chance to head out if you wish to take it.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Sir Tomas raises a bushy eyebrow as he watches the Solar carefully. "Well met, Angel" he bobs his head in greeting, and then waits for the Angel to continue. He watches carefully.


Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

"Are you one of the groups that the gods have assembled?" asks the angel, plainly looking a bit nervous just being in the meeting ground.

Sir Thomas:The angel seems a bit paranoid

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Looking around at the others that are with him, he replies "I suppose we are, at that. What can we do for you?"

[Realms of Chaos]

The angel speaks softly as it finally lands on the ground, "I am Rozan of the Blood Instigators. Things in the abyss have been going wrong and I was hoping to find some assistance still here."

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas glances around at his companions, hoping somebody knows more about angels and devils or demons or whoever inhabits the abyss...and what are the Blood Instigators? That doesn't sound too fun...

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price:The shots Captain Price launches are more than sufficient to shatter the cracks within ship, leaving nothing but a thin line through the air where they once remained. As the first shot impacts these cracks, however, the beast in the corner instantly looks out at you as it begins to grow in size. Within 6 seconds, it has at least doubled in size and it is showing no signs of letting up as dozens of additional eyes and a few pseudopodia grow from its body. Thankfully, Heironeous interposes himself between the two of you, giving you a chance to head out if you wish to take it.

The Captain wastes no time hauling ass back up the stairs and past the silence ward on the hold.

"All Hands To The Cannons! Helmsman, Bring Her Alongside! Use The Crack As A Guide!"

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

Glancing over towards Sir Thomas, he whispers

Well then, looks like we ought to be gettin on with it then eh?

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas clears his throat and speaks up Forgive me because my knowledge is limited, but...why exactly is a celestial worried about the goings-on in the abyss? Forgive me that I know nothing of the Blood Instigators...But what sort of help are you looking for?

[Realms of Chaos]

The Meeting Grounds: The angel, Rozan, bows his head towards Sir Thomas before he begins to explain, "As ones of your stature are no doubt aware, infernal and abyssal forces have warred against each other since times immemorial in their blasted blood war. Though we are few in number, the blood instigators are in charge of making sure that this war never comes to a close. Or, at least, we were. While I was away on surveillance, it would appear that my entire team has vanished. I need help finding them... making sure our team's existence hasn't been discovered by accident. If a common foe were to unite both sides of the conflict, things would be looking grim."

Captain Price: Your crew, hearing orders from their captain, come along side and train their cannons on the crack. After what seems like far too long of a pause, the cannons launch and the cracks begin to splinter in the sky, falling before the barrage of your crew. Down below your feet, you can feel the floorboards creak as if displaced by some large creature just below the surface.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Sir Tomas nods his head slowly as understanding washes over him about the manner of the war between the hells and the abyss. It seems...less honorable than he was expecting from angels, but it made good tactical sense. He scratched his nose for a moment into the silence, and then inquired "So this mission will need secrecy? It's not my strongest suite, but it's one I can operate under if need be. What was your team doing the last time you saw them? Are there any leads we should know about?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Meeting Grounds: Rozan nods his head, "I admit that I didn't take a good look at our base before I set off seeking reinforcements. No sense in sticking around and becoming a target myself, after all. I can lead you to our bunker if you are willing to keep your silence."

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Sir Tomas grins as he looks to his companions. "More direction than we had before" he jokes, "Certainly, lead on Rozan.

[Realms of Chaos]

"Grab hold," says Rozan, reaching out for you. "I can take us there directly."

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas places his hand on Rozan's shoulder, ready to go.

[Realms of Chaos]

After a second or two of pause, you feel yourselves torn through space by the Solar's spell. Brimstone assaults your nostrils as the white ivory floor is replaced with a blackened and blasted landscape beneath a blood red sky. You are at the base of a mountain, reaching out like a giant thorn into the sky.

[Dramiscius]

Grobnar

*Glancing upwards towards the mountain, noting the strange sky color*

And what pray tell is this *raising an obscured eyebrow beneath his weighty goggles*.. interesting place you've brought us to friend.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas looks to Grobnar, and then to the angel, and then back again at the impressively high mountain. His eyes water from the smell of brimstone, but he inhales deeply through his nose to see what else he can learn of this place. With a gesture, he motions the angel to lead on or at least further explain.


(War) Trolls have the Scent (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Scent) ability

[Realms of Chaos]

"Welcome to Avernus," the Angel starts, "The first level of Baator and where most of the action in the blood war takes place. Up until recently, we've been keeping tabs on Bel and the Dark Eight to keep things running smoothly. Now, though..." With that, Rozan walks through the peak in front of you, seeming to vanish through the wall.

ScentSir Thomas can smell fiends all around the landscape. The earth positively reeks of them, though none seem to have rammed into the wall like Rozan"

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Cautiously, Sir Tomas attempts to set a clawed hand on the place that Rozan disappeared into. If it goes through the wall, he glances back at Grobnar, shrugs, and steps through.

[Zarthrax]

Captain Price: Your crew, hearing orders from their captain, come along side and train their cannons on the crack. After what seems like far too long of a pause, the cannons launch and the cracks begin to splinter in the sky, falling before the barrage of your crew. Down below your feet, you can feel the floorboards creak as if displaced by some large creature just below the surface.

"Keep Firin', Ye Lazy, Feckless, Jackanapes! I Want That Ship Cracked Open Like The Fat Egg She Be! We've Got Treasure to Get and Devilry To Cease!"

The redoubtable Captain Price continues to exhort his crew in the aim and fire of his cannons in an attempt to open the undoubtable battle up to the skies and make things even more one-sided than they already are for the creature in the crack...

[Realms of Chaos]

Hell: The stone that Rozan passed through, though solid in appearance, feels almost like quicksand to the touch, Pressing against the surface, you easily pass through the membrane of sand and into a large hollow space.

The cave around you has clearly been augmented by its inhabitants, possessing two stairways to your left up to a higher sublevel. Down where you stand, you can see a large stone table sitting in front of you, upon which rests a placid scrying pool in the center and two inverted summoning circles (one to each side). A few rolled up parchments have been secured to the wall with pitons, displaying maps of the surrounding area. Alabaster stones have been planted into the floor, providing bright white pathways across the black stone. Everburning torches flicker along the outer walls and you can feel the essence of goodness all around you.

What rests on the higher level, meanwhile, isn't clearly visible from your current location.

In The Air: Again, your ship fires upon the enemy ship and the cracks piercing through it and again you secure many successful hits, enough so that most of the cracks are gone. As the ground below you rocks with these successful hits, however, the ground below you bulges upwards, revealing gaps between the boards through which sickly yellow fleshy tendrils slowly raise.

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Surprised at the sudden change of feel, Tomas stands briefly in the room and just absorbs the feel of the place. Immediately his nose thanks him for getting rid of the sulfur-smell. As his eyes come to rest on the summoning circles, his eyebrows furl in mild distaste. "So, this is...was your base of operations, I assume? "

[Realms of Chaos]

"Correct" responds Rozan, "and before you ask, I haven't touched anything since my allies disappeared. I can't see any sign of a struggle but even those who were supposed to remain inside at all times are missing. You're welcome to search for yourself, however."

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Nodding, Sir Tomas begins looking around the room, careful of where he steps and that he doesn't disturb anything yet. Occasionally his nostrils will flare as he attempts to get a scent. Other than the scuffing of his feat or occasional sniffing sounds, he remains silent for his entire examination. He spends a greater amount of time near each summoning circle examining them carefully. With a final quick glance around the room, he begins ascending the stairs to continue his investigation above.


[roll0] Perception
I wasn't sure if investigating the circles would be Spellcraft or Know: Arcana in the Pathfinder rules, I'm more familiar with the 3.5 rules, and pathfinder switched this around all weird. I looked under Binding Outsiders (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/outsider-categories) and it still was a bit unclear. Anyway, if they're Knowledge: Arcana, then I have no ranks, but if they're spellcraft, then:
[roll1] To see if there is anything obstructing the circles or any other problem with them for binding demons or devils.

[Realms of Chaos]

Sir Thomas:No Hellfire or brimstone can be smelled anywhere within the base, washed away with the calming scent of incense. The magic circles look just like average magic circles against evil (if inverted), though it's hard to tell what fiends were summoned within it from the magic circle alone. It's possible that a powerful fiend could break out of the magic circle but taking out an entire squad of angels and hiding all traces of having passed by would take an enormous amount of power. Traveling upstairs, you can finally see the censor in which the incense still burns. Aside from that, you can see a jail cell lined with intact walls of force, and a small circular area likely set aside for meditation or sparring (or both).

[RadicalTurnip]

Sir Tomas

Tomas walks toward the walls of force and lightly puts a hand on each wall to ensure that they aren't illusory, and then he investigates the meditation area.


Perception: [roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

The walls don't appear to be illusory and you find nothing within the meditation area. You do, however, note that there aren't even the faintest signs of footprints anywhere around you.

[RadicalTurnip]

Including Tomas's own footprints?

[Realms of Chaos]

Sir Thomas:You can kind of see your own footprints. Being stone and having only walking through the area once, you can see traces of your own passage but you have the assistance of knowing the exact path you've taken.

[Zarthrax]

In The Air: Again, your ship fires upon the enemy ship and the cracks piercing through it and again you secure many successful hits, enough so that most of the cracks are gone. As the ground below you rocks with these successful hits, however, the ground below you bulges upwards, revealing gaps between the boards through which sickly yellow fleshy tendrils slowly raise.

Cursing under his breath, the indomitable Captain Price continues yelling, even as he charges belowdecks.

"Don't Stop Firin' Until Ye Spot Treasure Fallin' Out, Ye Cackhanded Jackanapes!"

Quickly making his way back below, he yells out as soon as he gets past the silence field.

"Haven't Died, Have Ye? I'd Hate Te Be Thinkin' That Ye'd Be Taking All The Fun Fer Yerself!"

[Realms of Chaos]

Heading back below deck, the good captain can see a mash of undulating flesh filling the corridors almost completely, though a muffled verbal response from somewhere in the distance provides an answer. With one final shake of the freighter under fire, however, the flesh seems to convulse wildly like a man in the midst of a fit. Finally falling still, you can hear the shouts of joy from the direction of your ship your ship. A few moments later, Heironeous appears in the mass of flesh, coated in black ichor, and laughs a deep, hearty laugh.

"That was certainly something, wasn't it? If you don't mind having your crew dig out your bounty, I believe that I have some business to discuss with you. I did come here for a reason, after all."

[Zarthrax]

The Pirate laughs loudly and calls back to his ship.

"Swabs! Move Yer Legs, And Dig Out The Goods! I Have Tae Head Off For A Jaunt, But Ae'll Be Back Inna Minute Or Two."

Captain Price turns back to Heironeous.

"Lead Tha Way, Sirrah."

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price:Heironeous basically gives you the same news that the others have received at the meeting grounds (feel free to go back and look if you haven't already), with one notable exception. It would seem that a few of the fae have decided to set up safeguards of their own, about as vague, ephemeral, and extremely powerful as the works of the Fae themselves. Namely, a few people predicted to attain great glory in life have been anchored to the foundations of the multiverse. The more such individuals live, the less "mutable" the world will be even with the constant changes. When the basic explanation is done, Heironeous asks if you have any questions.

[Dramiscius]

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[Zarthrax]

The pirate king ponders the information the Archpaladin gave him, then nods.

"Tha Question Appears Tae Be How Do I Protect Me Land And Lady Wife From These Changes, Then?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Captain Price: "That's the question we'd all love to answer, good captain. Right now, we're having teams of the strongest and brightest who live search across this world, seeking any knowledge or help they can muster. If you are interested, I could find a place for you and your crew in this multiverse. What do you say, captain?"

[Zarthrax]

The Captain thinks the offer over for a minute, then nods solemnly.

"Aye. Can't Be Lettin' The Devilry And Whatnot Decide What Gets Ta Stay And What Doesn'. You Can Count On Me And Me Crew."