DrK's Age of Worms IC pt3

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina winces as the huge beetle crawls free from the pit, its massive sycthe-like pincers digging deep into her waist, only the thin armour and the flaming strength from her phoenix stance blunting the injuries. She kicks free and steps back, glancing at the Naga and the Beetle standing either side of her. Chanelling the power of the desert her shining blade of Aaqa ignites with brilliant fire that forces back the sickly green glow briefly before lanuching forward in a dizzying series of slashing attacks alternating between the beetle and the naga.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Swift: Searing blade
Full: Full attack (PA 2)
vs Beetle (1d20+22)[40] dam (1d12+18)[29]+(1d6)[4]+(2d6+8)[12] fire
vs Naga (1d20+22)[28] dam (1d12+18)[22]+(2d6+8)[14] fire
vs Beetle (1d20+17)[27] dam (1d12+18)[26]+(1d6)[4]+(2d6+8)[14] fire
vs Naga (1d20+12)[22] dam (1d12+18)[22] + (2d6+8)[12] fire

atk: +15+5 devotion+1 feast+1 haste+2 bulls-2PA
dam: 1d12+5+5 devotion+3 bulls (+1d6 vs undead, +2d6+8 fire) +6 PA


HPs 99/108
Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 35 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex)

Spell Effects
Heart of Air (feather fall)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs [25% fortification])
Greater Luminous Armour (-4 to hit, +12AC) hours
Shield (+8 AC) 15 minutes
Heroics (Martial strike [searing blade]) 95 minutes
Stance: +1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/EVIL
Resist acid 30
Heroes feast (+1 morale Atk/ vs fear)
Bull strength (25/30 rounds)
Haste (MERRICK) 12/12 rounds

Stance: +1CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/evil
Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear
Know devotion: +5 vs both

[Starbin]

LAN cursed under his breath as the naga dropped down on him, touching him with dark, necrotic power. Rolling nimbly back, the halfling let loose another salvo of small spears at the mystical aberration.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I’m presuming the Nagas are not undead, so full attack w/skirmishing, but no bane
Forgot extra enhancement for Bane - Add +2 to hit; dam is rolled in already
Attack 1 - (1d20+21)[25], Dam - (1d4+6)[10]+Skirmish - (4d6)[19]
Attack 2 - (1d20+16)[29], Dam - (1d4+6)[8]+Skirmish - (4d6)[11]
Attack 3 - (1d20+11)[26], Dam - (1d4+6)[8]+Skirmish - (4d6)[18]
Rapid shot - (1d20+21)[23], Dam - (1d4+6)[8]+Skirmish - (4d6)[10]
Haste - (1d20+21)[30], Dam - (1d4+6)[7]+Skirmish - (4d6)[9]

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 55/83; AC: 21 (25) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 (16) W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 60min); resist energy (30/acid, 120min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 12hrs); haste (+1 att/Def/AC, extra attack, +30’ move)

[DrK]

The battles rages on. Shimmering white light emanating from Zarina, Elkist and Mirriana battling with the insipid green glow pulsing from below. On the far side of the pit Lan spins round, a flurry of javelins hammering into the naga pinning the unusual aberration to the roof of the chamber, its life oozing from its dead body. By the pit Zarina spins around, sword of fire shearing into Naga and beetle, Elkist races ni her sword high but a moment of unluck and her blade skitters off the beast's hide but the distraction is enough to let Zarina's blade land home with burning force. THe naga seared in half, both sides plummeting from view down the pit. The beetle cracked and battered shakes and whirls back to Zarina, massive pincers seeking her once more.

Spoiler: Beetle vs Zarina

Show

Bite Zarina (1d20+22)[37] Dam (4d6+13)[25] + (2d6)[11] unholy

Merrick turns his magic to the naga that threw fire at him, bolts of force punching into its body, Mirriana throwing a hammer of force at the other one even as she summons a glowing shimmering aura that surrounds all of her allies. THe two surviving nagas hiss loudly and in a fit of rage. Both swishing tails angrily as they look at the hordes of heroes surrounding them. Both of the beasts ripple, their eyes rippling with pulses of black fire as burning hate turns to green fire as bolts of fire streak towards the party.

Spoiler: Scorchio

Show

Each naga does a scorching ray and a quickened scorching ray
vs ELkist (1d20+12)[17] TOUCH (4d6)[14] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Mirriana (1d20+12)[30] TOUCH (4d6)[13] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Lan (1d20+12)[29] TOUCH (4d6)[18] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Merrick (1d20+12)[15] TOUCH (4d6)[18] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Zarina (1d20+12)[29] TOUCH (4d6)[16] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs ELkist (1d20+12)[24] TOUCH (4d6)[12] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Mirriana (1d20+12)[20] TOUCH (4d6)[11] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Lan (1d20+12)[18] TOUCH (4d6)[11] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Merrick (1d20+12)[26] TOUCH (4d6)[17] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Zarina (1d20+12)[25] TOUCH (4d6)[12] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Mirriana (1d20+12)[14] TOUCH (4d6)[11] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire
vs Lan (1d20+12)[27] TOUCH (4d6)[16] 1/2 unholy, 1/2 fire

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

My shield protects me from the worst of the scorching rays, but my wounds are starting to tell and I find myself too drained by my spellcasting to engage in melee alongside Elkist, Zarina and Gaiseric. I sink to one knee to gain respite from the weight of my own equipment. My strength is beginning to wane and I can't keep this up much longer. Clutching my rod of lesser empower spell I call upon my divine power once more and even though my load gets heavier still shards of heavenly light spray from my fingertips to catch all our foes in the blast.

"Elkist, use this chance!" I call out, urging my companion on to greater effort.

Spoiler

Show

Divine Protection and (1d2)[2] strength damage -> Empowered Ayailla's Radiant Burst.

60ft cone. (5d6)[13] +50% = 19 Damage. Reflex DC 18 for half. Fortitude DC18 or blinded for 1 round.

Mirriana is overly encumbered and loses DEX to AC.

Swift action to use White Raven Tactics on Elkist.

hp 29/91.
AC 37/24/37

[redzimmer]

Merrick

Merrick takes a full-on scorching ray, barely evading the second. Taking a wand up, he responds in kind.

"Amateurs."

Pointing the scorching ray wand, he sends a ray to each of the nagas.

Spoiler: Wand of Scorching Ray CL 7

Show

First naga (1d20+8)[12] to hit (4d6)[12] damage
Second naga (1d20+8)[27] to hit (4d6)[12] damage

And with a twinkle of his circlet, he launches another magic missile barrage, sharing the hate for the nagas and undead beetle.

Spoiler: Rapid Casting Magic Missile

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Two for Naga 1 (1d4+1)[3], (1d4+1)[5]
Two for Naga 2 (1d4+1)[5], (1d4+1)[2]
One for the beetle (1d4+1)[5]

[Starbin]

Lan growled as the flames scorched his skin. Rolling across, Lan stumbled a bit before regaining his balance and moving forward. Three javelins came out in rapid succession as he tried to take out a naga.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

So failed on the DC 40 10' step, so moving 30' and using manyshot.
Attack - (1d20+17)[24], Dam - (3d4+18)[23]+skirmish - (6d6)[18]=41

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 55/83; AC: 21 (27) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 (16) W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 60min); resist energy (30/acid, 120min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 12hrs); haste (+1 att/Def/AC, extra attack, +30’ move)

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

Flames engulfing her Elkist stands her ground next to Zarina, armour blackening under the onslaught. She arcs her blade around, seeking an opening with any nearby opponent. Almost instinctively she waves one hand out sending the ghostly maw to hamper another naga.

Spoiler: Actions & stats

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Ongoing effect: Impeding stones vs beetle (40ft radius should encompass entire pit & beetles. Movement halved. Ref DC19 or prone.
Misc: 5ft step as needed
Move: Spiritjaws vs worm naga (1d20+11)[25] damage (2d6)[7] grapple (1d20+14)[22] vs naga (1d20)[5]+?
Swift: Law Devotion
Free: Sacred Vengeance
Standard: Lightning Sword (1d20+22)[37] (+10 base, +8 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast), +1 haste, +5 Law Devotion, -5 PA), damage (2d6+28)[36] (+16 str, +2 weapon, +10 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[7]

Then, White Raven Tactics:

Misc: 5ft step as needed
Swift: Holy Surge
Full: Lightning Sword (1d20+22)[40] (+10 base, +8 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast), +1 haste, +5 Law Devotion, -5 PA), damage (2d6+28)[36] (+16 str, +2 weapon, +10 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[9] + holy surge (2d6)[9]
Lightning Sword (1d20+17)[36] (+5 base, +8 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast), +1 haste, +5 Law Devotion, -5 PA), damage (2d6+28)[33] (+16 str, +2 weapon, +10 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[8]
Lightning Sword (1d20+22)[24] (+10 base, +8 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast), +1 haste, +5 Law Devotion, -5 PA), damage (2d6+28)[37] (+16 str, +2 weapon, +10 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[9] + holy surge (2d6)[6]

Elkist Talphrin
Female LG Half-Drow Paladin 4/ Spirit Shaman 9, Level 13, Init 5, HP 13/94, DR Light Fortification, Speed 30ft
AC 22, Touch 10, Flat-footed 22, Fort 17, Ref 13, Will 17, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ghost touch Lightning Sword +16/ +11 (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast)) (2d6+8 (+6 str, +2 weapon), 19-20 x2)
Ghost touch +1 Full plate armour of Agility, Ghost touch +1 Animated heavy steel shield (+9 Armor, +3 Shield)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 27
Condition
Permanent/ daily effects:

Pal: Aura of good
Pal: Aura of courage (immune fear, allies +4 morale bonus vs fear)
Pal: Divine health (immunity to disease)
SS: Blessing of the spirits (protection from spirits: +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves)
SS: Ghost warrior (ghost touch weapons & armour)
SS: Warding of the spirits (magic circle vs spirits:10ft radius +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves)
1/2E: Immunity to sleep
1/2E: +2 save vs enchantment
1/2E: low light vision
Armour crystal: +3 competence save vs energy drain, death spells/ effects, inflict spells)
Cloak: +4 enhancement to Cha
Gauntlets: +2 enhancement to Str
Primal instinct (wand): +5 competence initiative & survival
Armbands: +2 Str checks & skills, +2 damage on Power attack)
Mirriana: Imbue with Spell Ability

Hour+ effects:

Longstrider (wand): +10ft enhancement speed
Righteous Aura (wand): +4 sacred Cha, daylight
Heart of Air (spell): +10 enhance Jump
Heart of Earth (spell): +8 resist bull rush, overrun, trip; +18 temp hp
Heart of X (spell): light fortification (25% resist critical hits & sneak attacks)
Mass Resist Energy/30 acid for 120 minutes. (Merrick)
Heroes Feast (Mirriana): immune poison & fear, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls & Will saves
Shield Other (wand): Mirriana

Minute+ effects (not included in stats):

Protection Devotion (Mirriana), +5 sacred to AC of allies within 30ft
Law devotion: +5 sacred to attack (1 mins)

Round+ effects (not included in stats):

Bite of the Weretiger (Enhance +12 Str, +4 Dex, +6 Con, +5 natural armour)
Haste (Merrick): +1 bonus on attack rolls, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 ft move, extra attack on Full

[DrK]

Zarina

The room erupts in fire, some dark, some light! Zarina winces as the flames sear her shoulders and back, the black fire leaving nasty burns on her body. EVen as she spins around the heat of the flames dsitracting her the beetle's cruel maw closes on her waist, but in a pulse of shimmering light Mirriana's sacred wards trigger, the sacred force beating away the chitinous blades.

Before she can respond Elkist is there, the half-drow paladin's blade crackling with eldritch power as it neatly bisects the beetle even as the ground around is consumed in Ayalla's radiant flash of holy light. As the flash fades and Elkist stops swinging her blade the beetle lies dead on the ground. Closer the Naga that had so assailed them is blasted away, the radiant fire burning it before a torrent of magical missiles and the searing rays from Merrick's wand render it dead and burning on the pocked tiles.

Lan's rolls away from the naga, a flurry of javelins hammering into the beast leaving it looking weak and crippled. Zarina, seeing a chance to end this races forward, the temple and her colleagues a blur with the haste enhancing her. She flexes her left hand triggering the wand stored there, blood dripping from her hand as the magic saps her strength to gird her blade with potent force as she lashes out with furious and brutal intent.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Swift: blade of blood (5hps for 3d6 damage)
Move to last Naga
Standard: Divine surge
attack (1d20+22)[42]
Damage (1d12+18)[25]+(3d6)[7] blade blood + (8d8)[24] divine surge
---> threat 24 to confirm for 20+8 sonic damage

atk: +15+5 devotion+1 feast+1 haste+2 bulls-2PA
dam: 1d12+5+5 devotion+3 bulls (+1d6 vs undead, +2d6+8 fire) +6 PA


HPs 76/108
Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 35 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex) + 5 protection =40!

Spell Effects
Heart of Air (feather fall)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs [25% fortification])
Greater Luminous Armour (-4 to hit, +12AC) hours
Shield (+8 AC) 15 minutes
Heroics (Martial strike [searing blade]) 95 minutes
Stance: +1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/EVIL
Resist acid 30
Heroes feast (+1 morale Atk/ vs fear)
Bull strength (25/30 rounds)
Haste (MERRICK) 12/12 rounds

Stance: +1CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/evil
Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear
Know devotion: +5 vs both

[DrK]

With a final blow from Zarina tha last of the naga's is smashed across the room, sheared in half as the Sword of Aqaa blows the halves of the remains across the room. For seconds silence descends before the heroes can catch a breath and look around, the oddly green light mixed with the glowing forms of the three woman casting strange shadows.

Zarina looks about, the 7 dead naga creatures and piles of chitin from 2 massive beetles and the third that had dropped into the green glowing pit strewn near the bizzare pulsing green hole. She brushes hair away from her face, the motion leaving a streak of blood across her face. She takes stock of the others, wounds and burns on most of them before speaking, the words hesitant as the haste fades away and the world slows with a jerk... "Are you all okay? Those were creature most foul, I think I have gotten away lightly, how are you Mirriana or Elikist, you both look near the edge of exhaustion?"

She heads across to Mirriana, offering a supportive arm to half drag the priestess across the room back to the small ante chamber they had entered through. Looking at Mirriana she grasps her hand. "Thank you for your prayers, that death beetle would have had me were it not for you."

For the others the battle has temporarily ended and you can breathe for a moment as no more of the undead beetles or abearrant naga's apepar to assail you. Only a backgound hiss from the pit, the soft clank or your own arms and armour and the dripping of blood disturbs the peace

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

With the last of the beetles dead I close my eyes and say a silent prayer of thanks to Mystara before accepting Zarina's aid, nodding in exhausted agreement with the swordmaiden's assessment. As I take a moment to rest my hair tidies itself.

"I'm alright, just a little drained. That's easily cured. Restoration!"

With a pulse of divine light my strength is restored, and I let Zarina help me to my feet, clasping her hand firmly in mine. In short order I look none the worse for wear.

"For as long as I yet draw breath I shall entreat Mystara 'Not Today' on your behalves," I chuckle.

"Who requires healing? I still have the wand of lesser vigor."

Spoiler

Show

Mass Shield of Faith -> Restoration
6 charges from the wand of lesser vigor to restore full health.
20 charges remaining. 11hp each.

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“That was... challenging. I can press onward, But I would welcome some aid first, Lady Mirriana.”

While quite singed, the magus was far from exhausted.

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

Looking down at her own scorched and bleeding form Elkist is quick to take up Mirriana's offer of assistance "Your healing magic would be most welcome, friend". That had been testing. Exhilarating.

She utters a few minor prayers to Heironeous herself before drawing out a large lustrous power and speaking a holy word of power, the pearl briefly pulsing with divine energy before she stows it safely once more.

Spoiler: actions

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Cast cure minor wounds x4
Use pearl of power to recover rhino's rush

[DrK]

Over the course of ~10 minutes wounds are tended, torn and scorched flesh is magically mended and with various "pops" and puffs of light and smoke various magical effects wink out from the party. Lan and Zarina as they wandered about can see that walls of the ziggarut are riddled with the narrow tunnels where the worm naga's crawl and appeared from.

Zarina looks down the pit, her eyes widening as she looks down into the green glow where something evil was either birthed or destroyed. The edges are rough and shattered as if a great force was erupted from below though she can see the traces of the rock where clearly what would have been an impressive spiral staircase dropped into the depths possibly hundreds of feet below. The sides of the pit surrounding the broken spiral stairs are shattered and riven with cracks a surrounding the long spiral staircase into darkness vaguely visible through the cloying green vapours. She gulps and glances at the others, "There are staord leading down, winding around the edge. I think at some point that's where we have to go!"

Stepping away from the edge she wanders around the four doors of the chamber you are in. She nods to the one to the east (you entered from the west). "life and death, both steeped in evil" she mutters gesturing at the western and eastern doors, and peeking through you can see light from the east mirroring the doors you entered. Looking to the North and South doors she struggles with the ancient runes before nodding to the North door - "Conversion" and then to the southern door "Knowledge". Looking to the others, "If you are rested and healed now which would you rather we explore first?"

Once the choice is made she mutters a few arcane words, a new swirling mirror like shield winking into existence above her head before with a flickering shimmer multiple copies of the young woman appear all in various poses of sword wielding stature.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

When a door is chosen
Cast shield (24 minutes)
Cast Mirror image (1d4+5)[6] images

HPs 108/108
Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 35 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex)

Spell Effects
Heart of Air (feather fall)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs [25% fortification])
Greater Luminous Armour (-4 to hit, +12AC) hours
Shield (+8 AC 24 minutes)
Heroics (Martial strike [searing blade]) 85 minutes
Stance: +1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/EVIL
Resist acid 30
Heroes feast (+1 morale Atk/ vs fear)


Stance: +1CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/evil
Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear

[redzimmer]

Merrick

The burns heal gradually and Merrick ponders the path before them.

“I think Knowledge first. Whatever might results from ‘Conversion’, let’s just say I want no surprises.”

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

"Some secrets might be best left unknown" says Elkist without malice. As her feline countenance reverts to normal she steps forward to the door indicated by Merrick and scans the area nearby.

Spoiler: Detections

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Detect evil & detect spirits

[Starbin]

With the fight completed, Lan searches the area diligently, anxious to see through anymore ambushes. His blind sense helped somewhat, but for now he didn’t notice anything lurking. As the group prepared themselves for one of the doors, he padded forwar quietly to listen and check the door for traps.

Spoiler: OOC

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Just to be stealthy ... Move silently - (1d20+20)[37], Hide - (1d20+20)[25]
Perception checks - Spot - (1d20+17)[19], Search - (1d20+18)[36], Listen - (1d20+17)[27]
Disable Device - (1d20+20)[33]
Don’t forget, Lan has 30’ blindsense

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 83/83; AC: 21 (27) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 (16) W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 2/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 50min); resist energy (30/acid, 110min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 11hrs, 50min)

[DrK]

Aside from the dark and imposing runes the door seems heavy, stone and well made to Lan's inspection and, reassuringly, free from traps or untoward features. Nodding to the others the frontline "ladies" ready to burst in and face whatever they find. Elkist's otherworldly senses feel the palpable pressure of evil from all around the gaping pit of pure evil that blankets the area meaning her senses can't pick anything else out.

At a nod from Mirriana, Zarina and Elkist, the pair of warrior women wielding their long blades, throw open the door. Light fills the room, the warm golden glows from the trio of holy warrriors shining light into the space that hasn't seen light for a millenia. The long chamber is ancient beyond measure, must and mould rolling out in a great wave. Dozens of book shelves line the walls of the chamber that spreads some 50ft to the left and right and 40ft to the far side - and stand alone spread around the mosaic floors with elaborate traceries and runes. In addition to the rows of magically preserved dust covered tomes there are a dozen large glass jars, each with a large writhing green worm contained within and runes around the base of the jar.

In amidst this stand the guardians of the ancient repository of Kyuss's knowledge. A trio of obvious undead warriors stands ready. Baroque armour covering every inch of save for two gaping eye sockets. The ornate steel plate has a sickening green sheen and between the joints tiny green worm writhe and wriggle. The massive greatsword in each hand shaped like that of a sinuous worm with a gaping maw at the tip of the blade. The 4th creature is stooped and hunched, rotting and rusted full plate coating its body underneath long rotted clerical robes. Between the armour plates and rotted fabric dozens of tony worms writhe and wriggle. All 4 of them seem to wince and turn away from the twin glowing sources of holy illumination!

You are just entering the Halls of Knowledge to the South

Zarina has time to gasp, a refernce to a book she had once read under Marzena' the Warmage's tutelage. "Beware, Swords of Kyuss and a Wormcaller. The Swords of Kyuss arecreatures written only about in legends from the old days. Undead stormtroopers of great martial skill that require silver to slay and can unleash necromantic power that could devastate us. The lone creature in the middle is the Worm caller, once a war priest in Kyuss's mortal legions now hungry and undead but still blessed with Kyuss's divine will and unholy toughness."

Spoiler: Info on Enemies

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Swords of Kyuss: DR/ silver, good at melee, can throw dark energy fireballs
Wormcaller: Has divine SPA's and DR / silver

Seeing the quartet of evil creatures clustered in the library or dark tomes only 20ft in front of them MErrick, Lan and Zarina are the first to respond!

GO Merrick, Zarina and Lan

[redzimmer]

Merrick

Stay back! We aren’t warded from fire. Merrick speaks through Zceryll directly into his companions’s minds.

Hoisting the metamagic rod, he launches a ray of flame at the wormcaller.

He winces as the flames crackle near all the ancient tomes.

And with a final charge of Bozal’s crown, Merrick blasts the leftmost Sword with an energized disrupt undead ray.

Spoiler: Attacks

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(1d20+7)[23] to hit wormcaller
(5d6)[23]*1.5 + burning damage (34)
SR Check (1d20+12)[25]

(1d20+7)[22] to hit Sword
(1d6)[2]*1.5 vs undead (3)
SR Check (1d20+12)[22]

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina hisses a curse as she sees the three creatures with long blades fashioned like greatswords of worm like material. "Ware the swords" she calls tgo the others, "They can throw blasts of pure evil. the other is a dark cleric of kyuss". Seeking to engage the creatures to prevent then throwing "fire" she darts forward on quick legs, a silent prayer to heronious on her lips as she sees the dead flesh and writhing worms within their ancient suits of weathered armour. Chanelleing magical energy into the Sword of Aaqa she parries and counterstrikes, the glimmering sword of the Vaati clashing with the worm blades as it ignites with arcane fire.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move: To engage 3 x swords Kyuss
Swift: burn repelling shield (L3) for +3 to hit and +3d10 damage
Standard: Steelwind strike
attack: Sword 1 (1d20+20)[33] Sword 2 (1d20+20)[25]
15 (base) +5 K.dev +1 h.feast +3 mystic strike -4 PA = 20

Sword 1 roll]1d12+20[/roll] + (3d10)[21] + (1d6)[3]
Sword 2 (1d12+20)[24] + (3d10)[25] + (1d6)[2]
damage 1d12+5 (base) +5 K.dev + 10 PA + 1d6 xtal +3d10 mystic

HPs 108/108
Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 35 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex)

Spell Effects
Heart of Air (feather fall)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs [25% fortification])
Greater Luminous Armour (-4 to hit, +12AC) hours
Shield (+8 AC 24 minutes)
Heroics (Martial strike [searing blade]) 85 minutes
Stance: +1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/EVIL
Resist acid 30
Heroes feast (+1 morale Atk/ vs fear)
Mirror Image (12 minutes, 6 images)

Stance: +1CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/evil
Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear

[DrK]

The undead quiver, ancient bones and worm riddled corpses leaping into action from millenia of waiting. Flames and sizzling magical energy erupt from a sword and the worm caller as Merrickl leads the magical assault before seconds later Zarina slides into the combat, her sword slicing into two of the ancient warriors, magical energies cleaving through the armoured shell. Two of the Swords of Kyuss step forward, flanking Zarina as they move to surround her and she is sorely pressed by the assault, trusting to her multiple images of her flickering warriors to protect herself

With the two surrounding her the third steps to the side - it points the sword at the other heroes and the sword ripples, a blast of unholy energy rips free fand engulfs the door of the room washing over the rest of the heroes in a wave of unholy black evil. The worm caller with its skull head cackles loudly and points at Zarina, the command to HOLD blazing in her mind as it tries to freeze the warrior woman, the strange creature then gestures in an arcane manner and you can all feel magical power being sucked from the area as attempts to dispel your most powerful blessings.

Spoiler: EVIL

Show

Sword 1 +2: 5ft to flank each side of zarina and attack her
(1d20+25)[28] dam (2d6+18)[29]+(1d6)[1] acid
(1d20+20)[34] dam (2d6+18)[21]+(1d6)[2] acid
(1d20+25)[45] dam (2d6+18)[22]+(1d6)[4] acid
(1d20+20)[28] dam (2d6+18)[28]+(1d6)[1] acid

Mirror Image checks against things that hit (1d7)[7] (1d7)[7] (1d6)[3] (1d6)[5] (1d5)[1] (1d5)[2]

Sword 3:
5ft away from the melee
Invocation of the worm hitting Mirriana, ELkist, Merrick, Lan and Gaseric
damage (12d6)[42] negative energy REF DC 22 for half

Worm Caller
Swift: Quickened Hold person on Zarina WILL (Moment of Perfect Mind!) (1d20+19)[23] vs DC 21
Standard: Greater dispel magic [AREA] on all PCs
Start with highest level spell running on yourself and check against 11+CL of your buffs. When 1 spell is dispelled you are safe....

VS Zarina (8d20)[18][19][7][2][18][10][8][11](93) +12 on each
VS Mirriana(8d20)[18][4][5][20][2][4][8][19](80) +12 on each
VS Elkist (8d20)[8][15][14][13][19][6][6][6](87) +12 on each
VS Merrick (8d20)[4][14][1][5][18][16][8][16](82) +12 on each
VS Lan (8d20)[14][14][18][12][4][5][2][1](70) +12 on each
VS Gaseric (8d20)[9][7][1][11][10][8][9][17](72) +12 on each

[Starbin]

OOC - sorry for the delay - Lan’s action before the dead

With a thought, Lan activates his boots, moving away from the door, then reversing his direction to come flying back towards the doors. Ten feet from the portal he stopped, his small arm blurring as a series of force javelins sped towards the evil priest.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

activate boots, move 30’ as a swift, full attack vs wormcaller. Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, favored enemy, and bane in play.
Att 1 - (1d20+20)[25], Dam - (1d4+8)[12]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[25]=37
Att 2 - (1d20+15)[32], Dam - (1d4+8)[11]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[30]=41
Att 3 - (1d20+10)[20], Dam - (1d4+8)[9]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[29]=38
RS - (1d20+20)[37], Dam - (1d4+8)[12]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[21]=33
Add in Ref vs DC22 - (1d20+18)[19] ... Damn it

What was the caster level on Heroes Feast?

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 83/83; AC: 21 (26) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 50min); resist energy (30/acid, 110min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 11hrs, 50min)

[RCgothic]

As violence errupts I raise my hand by reflex, redirecting the powerful dispel back at its caster.

"Mystara's Might!" I cry, growing in stature and then covering the distance to the Wormcaller in a handful of steps, bringing it completely within my now extended reach, daring it to try and cast another spell whilst so threatened.

"Elkist, engage the Knights!" I implore, using the skills of the white raven to boost our effectiveness. "Gaiseric, you too! Don't let them get another blast off!"

Spoiler

Show

Not an action: Identify Greater Dispel Magic and return to sender as a targeted dispel.

Standard Action:
Righteous Might, 12 rounds.

Move action:
Move to engage Wormcaller and anything else I can bring within 10ft reach whilst being 5ft adjacent to Wormcaller.

Swift Action:
White Raven Tactics on Elkist. Elkist gets another turn.

Reach 10ft. Iron Guards Glare. -4 to hit allies.

Manoeuvre next round: (1d2)[1]
Shield Block or Douse The Flames

[redzimmer]

Merrick

The echo of Acererak rages as the undead minions attack.

What impudence. A mere human suggests greater mastery of the realm of the dead? We will learn his secrets and I shall ascend to Godhood!

Merrick just smiles indulgently.

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

Unholy energy washes across her searing her badly. Elkist is already on the move though, sword arcing as she shouts "By Heironeous, back to your graves you abominations!". A beacon of light she darts forward to join Zarina slashing one way before pivoting and striking out the other as Zarina and her engage in a fanciful melee dance against the blighted Kyuss knights.

Spoiler: rolls & status

Show

Swift: Rhino's Rush (x2 charge damage)
Full: Charge closest worm knight: Lightning Sword (1d20+16)[17] (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 charge, -2 PA), damage (2d6+12)[19] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +4 PA). x2 for Rhino Rush

Then, white raven tactics:

Not: 5ft step to flank
Swift: Heart of Earth -> Stoneskin
Free: Sacred Vengeance
Full: Attack worm knight: Lightning Sword (1d20+16)[33] (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -2 PA), damage (2d6+12)[20] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +4 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[9]
Lightning Sword (1d20+11)[28] (+5 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -2 PA), damage (2d6+12)[19] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +4 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[6]

Elkist Talphrin
Female LG Half-Drow Paladin 4/ Spirit Shaman 9, Level 13, Init 5, HP 55/94, DR DR10/ admantine, Speed 30ft
AC 22, Touch 10, Flat-footed 22, Fort 17, Ref 13, Will 17, Base Attack Bonus 10
Ghost touch Lightning Sword +16/ +11 (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast)) (2d6+8 (+6 str, +2 weapon), 19-20 x2)
Ghost touch +1 Full plate armour of Agility, Ghost touch +1 Animated heavy steel shield (+9 Armor, +3 Shield)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 27
Condition
Permanent/ daily effects:

Pal: Aura of good
Pal: Aura of courage (immune fear, allies +4 morale bonus vs fear)
Pal: Divine health (immunity to disease)
SS: Blessing of the spirits (protection from spirits: +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves)
SS: Ghost warrior (ghost touch weapons & armour)
SS: Warding of the spirits (magic circle vs spirits:10ft radius +2 defl AC, +2 resist Saves)
1/2E: Immunity to sleep
1/2E: +2 save vs enchantment
1/2E: low light vision
Armour crystal: +3 competence save vs energy drain, death spells/ effects, inflict spells)
Cloak: +4 enhancement to Cha
Gauntlets: +2 enhancement to Str
Primal instinct (wand): +5 competence initiative & survival
Armbands: +2 Str checks & skills, +2 damage on Power attack)
Mirriana: Imbue with Spell Ability

Hour+ effects:

Longstrider (wand): +10ft enhancement speed
Righteous Aura (wand): +4 sacred Cha, daylight
Heart of Air (spell): +10 enhance Jump
Mass Resist Energy/30 acid for 120 minutes. (Merrick)
Heroes Feast (Mirriana): immune poison & fear, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls & Will saves
Shield Other (wand): Mirriana

Minute+ effects (not included in stats):

Round+ effects (not included in stats):

Heart of Earth/ Stoneskin: DR10/ admantine 90hp (9 rounds)

[Starbin]

OOC - again, I’m late to respond. My bad! Certainly wish that damn Ref save wasn’t an abject failure!

The wave of evil power caught Lan off guard, nearly causing the small warrior to stumble. He rolled to the side, launching a series of javelins at the priest as he did so.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumble 10’ as free, full attack against Wormcaller. Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, favored enemy, bane and regular Skirmish in play.
Att 1 - (1d20+20)[25], Dam - (1d4+8)[9]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[18]=27
Att 2 - (1d20+15)[27], Dam - (1d4+8)[9]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[22]=31
Att 3 - (1d20+10)[11], Dam - (1d4+8)[10]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[22]=32
RS - (1d20+20)[34], Dam - (1d4+8)[9]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[19]=28

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; AC: 21 (24) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 50min); resist energy (30/acid, 110min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 11hrs, 50min)

[DrK]

Zarina

For a second there is nothing around her but a sea of armoured bodies, slashing wyrm blades and flickering after images as her shadowy alter selfs tried to parry and deflect blows. 4 of her alter self's exploded into illusory clouds as the Swords of Kyuss attacked and screams and shouts and a wash of dark energy washed over her and she knew the other had attacked her friends.

Then things improved as the gleaming form of Elkist strode into battle beside her and seconds later a massive shield from a now enormous Mirriana descended from behind her as the righteous and mighty Mirriana joined them. Spinning and standing by the paladin she shouted out a prayer to Heroinious to witness her courage as she slashed at the savage undead, the wand in her left gauntlet activating as blood dropped from the gauntlet and ignited along the blade with glittering red power...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Full: Full attack
Swift: blade of blood from wand 5hps for 3d6 damage

attack: 15 (base) +5 K.dev +1 h.feast +3 mystic strike -4 PA = 20
damage 1d12+5 (base) +5 K.dev + 10 PA + 1d6 xtal +3d10 mystic


(1d20+20)[34] dam (1d12+20)[27] + (4d6)[13]
(1d20+15)[21] dam (1d12+20)[23] + (4d6)[15]
(1d20+10)[20] dam (1d12+20)[32] + (4d6)[13]



HPs 103/108
EDIT: -13 sword of Kyuss hit, -39 Invocation of the worm!! = 51 / 108

Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 35 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex)

Spell Effects
Heart of Air (feather fall)
Heart of Earth (Temp HPs [25% fortification])
Greater Luminous Armour (-4 to hit, +12AC) hours
Shield (+8 AC 24 minutes)
Heroics (Martial strike [searing blade]) 85 minutes
Stance: +1 CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/EVIL
Resist acid 30
Heroes feast (+1 morale Atk/ vs fear)
Mirror Image (12 minutes, 6 2 images)

Stance: +1CL, +2 dodge AC, DR 8/evil
Xtal: +3 vs Death/Negative energy effects
Rite: +2 Saves vs Death / Fear

[DrK]

THe battle races into a bloody confrontation as melee is joined! Merrick gestures a fire engulfs the worm caller and minor magis glance off a sword of Kyuss and then the Swords surround Zarina even as she deals a mighty blow to two of the foul creatures, the sizzle of worms flash frying on the Sword of Aqaa audible over even the clash of steel.

The two swords surround Zarina blades flickering dangerously but only touch the phantom images surrounding her but 4 images are destroyed like motes of fading glass. Even as the third Sword of Kyuss steps back to hurl its dark Fire Elkist leaps through the dark flames at Mirriana's urging and although her first attack is parried her two quick follow ups, blade glowing with holy energy land hard home hacking through the creature's unearthly resilience.

Mirriana expands, her form filled with holy light and power as she strides into the dark library, her golden ring of spell battle deflecting the Worm caller's attempt to drain her protective magics. The worm caller dies moments later as a cloud of javlines enchanted to be inimical to the nature of the undead slam into it and the massive force projectiles spin it around a like rag doll smashing what ever remains of the foul spirit powering it!

In the distraction Zarina presses the attack beside Elkist but despite the feroicity and skill with a blade only a single blow lands though one of the Swords of Kyuss now is in a sorry state, armour shattered and undead withered frame cut to ribbons by the long blades of the warrior woman.

With the Worm caller dead the three swords of Kyuss seem "angry" if such a think is possible. The most wounded one calling down the dark energy directly upon them engulfing Zarina, Elkist and Mirriana along with the undead in a wave of negative power. The other two creatures press home the attack. Once engaging the massive warrior cleric, the other one, further away hacking at both Elkist and Zarina.

Spoiler: EVIL

Show

Sword 1: Cast defensively (1d20+16)[20] VS DC 19
-- invocation of the Worm (12d6)[39] Negative energy to ZARINA, MIRRIANA and ELKIST Ref DC 22 for half

Sword 3: Move and attack Mirriana - MIRRIANA GETS AN AoO
-- attack (1d20+27)[30] dam (2d6+14)[22] + (1d6)[2] acid

Sword 2: Attack Zarina and Elkist
-- attack Elkist (1d20+25)[42] dam (2d6+18)[24] + (1d6)[1] acid
-- attack Zarina (1d20+20)[37] dam (2d6+18)[22] + (1d6)[5] acid

Go go heroes

[redzimmer]

Merrick

Winding up, Merrick tosses an orb of electricity at the Kyuss Knight that shrugged of his disruption ray.

Spoiler: Zap

Show

(1d20+7)[24] to hit
(5d6)[11] damage
(1d20+14)[18] SR vs Spell PENETRATION

[Starbin]

With the Wormcaller down, Lan felt an initial wave of relief. Of course there were still three more bastiches to ruin their collective day, so he focused on the task at hand - dealing out death to the undead.

He focused on the Swords now, rolling to the side and flinging another set of force shafts. He focused on the injured one first, then moved to the next most hurt.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumble 10’ as free, full attack against a Sword. Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, favored enemy, bane and regular Skirmish in play.
Att 1 - (1d20+20)[40] (Actually 42), Dam - (1d4+8)[10]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[15]=27+11 if 26 confirms
Att 2 - (1d20+20)[25] (actually 22), Dam - (1d4+8)[11]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[18]=31
Att 3 - (1d20+20)[30] (Actually 22), Dam - (1d4+8)[9]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[25]=36
RS - (1d20+20)[27] (Actually 29), Dam - (1d4+8)[10]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[27]=39

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; AC: 21 (24) FF/Touch: 16/16
F +11 R +15 W +8
Skills: Listen/Spot/Search +17/+17/+18 Move Silently/Hide +20/+20 Tumble +33
Spells (4/6/5/2/2) 0: create water, guidance, mending, light
1: entangle, gravity bow, embrace the wild, hunter's mercy, sniper’s shot, surefooted stride, CLW x2
2: fell the greatest foes, fell the greatest foe, invisibility, exacting shot, exacting shot, CMW
3: decoy image, find the gap
4: aspect of earth hunter, deeper darkvision
Javelins (+20, 1d4+2 / +21, 1d4+3 w/in 30', bane vs undead)
Items: 1/1 Laughing Rogue; 1/2 Quicksilver Boots; 1/2 Horizon Walker
Effects: +10 Tumbling; 60’ darkvision (6hrs); embrace the wild (+2 Spot/Listen, 30’ blindsense, 50min); resist energy (30/acid, 110min); heroes feast (+1 vs attack/damage [morale], immune to poison/fear, 11hrs, 50min)

[RCgothic]

A premonition allows me to get my shield up in time to deflect the wave of darkness, but my teeth clench seeing the dark energy knit our opponents' wounds back together.

"These energy blasts heal them!" I call. "We need to focus our attacks!"

A sword approaches and I make it pay for its impudence, striking it a heavy blow with my enlarged sword that turns its own blade aside even as I see Elkist and Zarina take wounds beside me. Elkist in particular seems to be struggling.

"Hang on, I've got you!"

I step back from my own assailant and reach for the rod of seven parts. "Heal!"

Spoiler

Show

AoO against closing sword of kyuss, 30 to hit 15 damage rolled OoC.

5ft step back.

Heal from rod of 7 parts: 150hp for Elkist.

Iron Guard's Glare, -4 to hit allies by threatened foes.
10ft reach.