DrK's Age of Worms IC pt3

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

The negative energy assaults her and she feels her physical body failing her, her life force taking a battering. All of a sudden Mirriana is there a resolute beacon of hope. With renewed strength Elkist strikes at the knights shouting out for Heironeous to lend her his guidance if just for a moment.

Spoiler: Rolls & status

Show

Not: 5ft step to flank as needed
Swift: Law Devotion
Free: Sacred Vengeance
Free(?): Smite evil
Full: Attack worm knight: Lightning Sword (1d20+16)[24] (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -7 PA, +5 devotion), damage (2d6+22)[26] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +14 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[4]
Lightning Sword (1d20+19)[25] (+5 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -7 PA, +5 devotion, +8 smite), damage (2d6+26)[32] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +14 PA, +4 smite) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[7]

Edit: gah! stupid Heironeous!

Elkist Talphrin
Female LG Half-Drow Paladin 4/ Spirit Shaman 9, Level 13, Init 5, HP 94/94, 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)

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina grimaces as even with Mirriana's presence behind her the massive swings of the Swords of Kyuss cannot all be stopped and one of the blades bites home, a crackle of fire from her mystical phoenix stance slow the blade but not enough and blood wells from the wound in her side. Seconds later she covers her face as the black energy blast of the invocation erupts around them - the white crystal on her armour glows brighter and she avoids the worst of the effects though her body is wracked with pain.

Elkist's shouts to Heronious beside her are echoed by Zarina as she activates the wand in the sword, the sword of Aqqaa turning translucent and misty as it shears through armour with ease powered by all the rage Zarina can muste, her sword cascading with acid, fire and lightning as she releases the alchemical potions attached to the hilt.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Full: Full attack
Swift: wraith strike wand

attack: 15 (base) +5 K.dev +1 h.feast -8 PA = 13
damage 1d12+5 (base) +5 K.dev + 16 PA + 1d6 xtal

Touch (1d20+13)[26] dam (1d12+26)[33] + (1d6)[4]
Touch (1d20+8)[12] dam (1d12+26)[35] + (1d6)[2]
Touch (1d20+3)[10] dam (1d12+26)[34] + (1d6)[1]

On first hit + (1d8)[1] Fire, + (1d6)[5] elec + (1d6)[5] acid



HPs 70/108

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

[DrK]

The nearest sword Knight emerges from the invocation fresh and healthy, that is until the flurry of javelins from Lan slam into it 'killing' it once more in a well aimed hail.

Even as Mirriana calls upon the fabled Rod of Seven to heal Elkist the paladin and warrior mage chop at the next sword of kyuss with wild abandon.

As the Rod is unveiled both of the Swords look up, dead faceless helms oozing pus and green worms of Kyuss focus on Mirriana as they step around Elkist and Zarina focusing on the holder of such a fabled artifact. Dark corrupted blades chop at the massive 12ft cleric.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Both Swords of Kyuss
- move to engage Mirriana
(1d20+27)[28] dam (2d6+14)[18]
(1d20+22)[42] dam (2d6+14)[23]

(1d20+27)[46] dam (2d6+14)[25]
(1d20+22)[42] dam (2d6+14)[20]

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

"Oh, you want this?" I taunt, noting the foul creatures' interest. Even beset by astonishingly accurate attacks, my armour and Elkist's spell keep me from serious harm as I get a real sense the battle has turned. With a hard glare and fancy swordwork I attempt to keep their attention on me.

Spoiler

Show

Swift: Defensive Rebuke. Target of my attack provokes AoO if I hit and it attacks anyone else.

Attack: Foehammer.
(1d20+11)[21] (22 with Furious Counterstrike) damage (5d6+5)[22] (23 with FC) Ignores DR.

Hp 62/106
AC 36

Stance: IGG, threatened foes take -4 to hit allies.

Manoeuvres next turn: (9d5)[1][3][5][3][4][3][4][3][5](31)

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

The two worm knights turn to focus on the rod-bearer Mirriana, Elkist sees the opportunity to take them down. Nodding to Zarina she moves in unison with her to engage the distracted undead.

Spoiler: actions & status

Show

Not: 5ft step to flank as needed
Swift: Holy Surge damage (2d6)[4] (if an attack hits)
Free: Sacred Vengeance
Full: Attack worm knight: Lightning Sword (1d20+20)[24] (+10 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -3 PA, +5 devotion), damage (2d6+14)[19] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +6 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[9]
Lightning Sword (1d20+15)[24] (+5 base, +3 str, +2 weapon, +1 morale (Heroes Feast) +2 flank, -3 PA, +5 devotion), damage (2d6+14)[21] (+6 str, +2 weapon, +6 PA) + sacred vengeance (2d6)[5]

Edit: again, really?!

Elkist Talphrin
Female LG Half-Drow Paladin 4/ Spirit Shaman 9, Level 13, Init 5, HP 72/94, 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 80hp (9 rounds total)

[Starbin]

Two Swords remained standing, both focused on Mir. Lan continues to move, activating his boots once more. Best to make sure he could use the distance to destroy these things. Again, the halfling sped back and forth across the room; again a flurry of javelins flew towards their enemies. Hopefully again, another would fall.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Activate boots, move 30’ first, full attack (Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, favored enemy, bane and Imp Skirmish)
Att 1 - (1d20+22)[33], Dam - (1d4+10)[12]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[31]=43
Att 2 - (1d20+17)[34], Dam - (1d4+10)[13]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[30]=43
Att 3 - (1d20+12)[16], Dam - (1d4+10)[13]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[30]=43
RS - (1d20+22)[28], Dam - (1d4+10)[11]+Skirmish and Bane - (8d6)[22]=33

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; 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)

[redzimmer]

Merrick

The battle looked like it was taking its toll on Mirianna. The undead had a negative energy burst that was decimating those not bound to vestiges of half-fiend demiliches.

Hovering above the champion of Mystara, he returns the healing gifts she bestowed on him.

Spoiler: Cure Moderate

Show

(2d8+10)[20]. I think it’s +10

“Blessings on you.”

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina breathes a sign of relief for a fraction as the two remaining Kyuss swords disengage and attack Mirriana, then she plunges back into the a massive strike inspired by righteous fury at the nearer of the two plate clad worm filled abominations. As she strikes her rage ignites the sword of Aqqa that erupts with crackling red flames as she strikes.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Swift: Searing blade
Standard: Diving Surge (1d20+19)[23] Damage

attack: 15 (base) +5 K.dev +1 h.feast -4 PA +2 flank= 19
damage 1d12+5 (base) +5 K.dev + 10 PA + 1d6 xtal + 2d6+7 searing blade = (1d12+20)[27] + (1d6)[1] + (2d6+7)[16]




HPs 70/108

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

[DrK]

The two swords of Kyuss surround Mirriana, blades hewing and chopping at the cleric, blood leaking from between her armoured plates as the Kyuss blades bite deep into the gaps between the plate. Mirriana swings back with a mighty blow that the creature evades before it spins swinging out of the way of Elkists's two massive blows that glow with holy energy and meets Zarina's blade to its own blade, fire sparking as the silvery blade meets pitted crusted sword. Behind the 3 women fighting Merrick approaches and releases some of Mirriana's concealed power healing Mirriana. The second sword moves to strike before exploding! A trio of force javelins hitting with such force that its thrown to one side, body and armour shattered, dead flesh torn and Kyuss worms wriggling across the floor as the body decays into the dust within the pitted armour.

THe lasts word knight, spins, its eyeless face fixing Lan with a cold stare before it turns back to the warrior woman surrounding it swinging at Mirrriana once and again at Zarina although Mirriana's presence and enhanced bulk impedes the blow.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Vs Mirriana (1d20+27)[28] dam (2d6+14)[22]
Vs Zarina (1d20+18)[26] dam (2d6+14)[18]

[redzimmer]

Merrick

With another flick of the wrist, Merrick lobs an orb of sonic energy at the undead.

Spoiler: Boom

Show

(1d20+7)[20] to hit
(5d6)[20] damage
(1d20+14)[20] SR vs Spell Penetration feat

[RCgothic]

Mirriana
I turn aside the worm knight's blow at Zarina, not even having to dodge its poorly conceived swing at me.
"Unholy mockery of life. Return now to the dust." My tone is almost pitying.

"Lan, finish this one off for us, would you?"

Spoiler

Show

Attack (1d20+11)[22] Damage (3d6+5)[13]
Attack (1d20+6)[7] Damage (3d6+5)[20]

White Raven Tactics for Lan

IGG. Hp:82/106

[Starbin]

Lan returned the empty gaze of the undead Knight with his own scowl. He moved forward, tumbling as he did, using the momentum to hurl a series of javelins at the final enemy. Almost before the javelins finished arcing down on the knight, Lan felt the familiar brush of Mirriana’s energy, speeding him up. He stepped and through another set of javelins, intent on ending the immediate threat.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Tumble 45 to move 10’, full attack (Rapid Shot, Point Blank Shot, favored enemy, bane and Skirmish)
Att 1 - (1d20+22)[39], Dam - (1d4+10)[13]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[24]=37
Att 2 - (1d20+17)[24], Dam - (1d4+10)[13]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[18]=31
Att 3 - (1d20+12)[24], Dam - (1d4+10)[14]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[20]=34
Rapid shot - (1d20+22)[23], Dam - (1d4+10)[13]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[18]=31
Then rinse and repeat!
Att 1 - (1d20+22)[36], Dam - (1d4+10)[14]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[26]=40
Att 2 - (1d20+17)[37], Dam - (1d4+10)[14]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[24]=38
Att 3 - (1d20+12)[15], Dam - (1d4+10)[14]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[25]=39
Rapid shot - (1d20+22)[27], Dam - (1d4+10)[12]+Skirmish and Bane - (6d6)[17]=29

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; 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)

[DrK]

With a great boom an orb of sound slams into the final Kyuss knight as it haplessly swings at Mirriana's shield. Then with Mir's command spurring him on Lan obeys. A flurry of javelins hammering into the Kyuss knight shattering it!

As the beast falls and melts into goo on the flagstones the ancient library quietens. A tome open on a dais rustling slightly and the 12 worms in rune covered crystalline flasks undulate slowly - then the room ripples and you are all brought into a strange vision.


The library seems to judder as you see it as it was centuries ago... A human man appears sitting at one of the desks now occupied by the worms. He is bold and dynamic looking with a great mane of black hair and sharp piercing eyes. A strange grey skinned humanoid with 6 long spindly arms stands at his shoulders obviously both are deep in thought. The man and creature study a collection of worn and pitted bronze discs. Faint etchings adorn the plates and seems as if alien figures and runes writhe and twitch at the behest of some sinister and alien will. The grey creature holds up three of the discs, a fourth hand point and obviously linking something together and a look of comprehension, ambition and something darker blooms in the man's eyes... then its gone. The library back to its dusty state, shattered corrupt armour and blades on the floor and a few of the books scorched by fire in the light of Mir and Elkists glowing armour.

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“Di-did the rest of you see that?”

Maybe in the echo of one of his vestiges... he was sure he had seen such a creature before...

Spoiler: Checks

Show

(1d20+12)[18] the planes
(1d20+17)[30] Arcana
(1d20+9)[17] Nature
(1d20+6)[26] Dungeoneering
(1d20+4)[8] Religion

[Starbin]

Lan snorted at Merrick’s question. ”Yeah ... just like every other vision. Let’s kill those friggin’ worms and check the room for surprises.

I’m guessing the guy was Kyuss, but what the hell was that six-armed thing?”

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Searching the room, then prepare to kill any worm surprises.

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; 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)

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

"Some sort of counselor, or teacher? They fill me with sorrow. Like they might have succeeded where they should have failed."

Spoiler: spells

Show

The usual: detect evil & spirits.

Recast heart of stone

cast lesser vigor

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

I start picking up jars of worms and placing them in a tight group in a stone corner of the room, a safe distance from any of the bookshelves.

"I think we all saw it. That looked like the moment Kyuss discovered how to ascend. This place is filled with dangerous knowledge. I wouldn't be surprised if we learn more about the other creature as we explore here."

I start dousing the collected jars in lamp oil.

"Merrick, you wanted to explore this wing to see if you could learn anything. Are there any books you think might be useful? Be cautious with anything obviously evil."

I grimace slightly as I realise the entire library just screams obviously evil.

"I mean, just be cautious. Lan, you have a knack for finding things. Perhaps you could assist him? And maybe stop him opening anything likely to consume his mind. No offense, Merrick."

I strike my flint and steel onto the oil-coated jars, stepping back to a safe distance as the flames catch. I keep a close watch on the destruction of the accursed creatures.

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“None taken. I’ve seen and shared enough hubris to not recognize the risks.”

Between the echoes of fallen gods that he bound, and his own mother’s dalliances, Merrick knew all too well.

“Let us see what we can discover.”

Before beginning his search, Merrick casts detect magic, read magic, and protection from evil. Being possessed by a god-touched book was not an experience he’d even want to experience twice...

Spoiler: Don’t ask; long story

Show

(1d20+4)[5] search

“Er... maybe yes please Lan. I would appreciate your help.”

[Starbin]

Lan nodded curtly, moving to search the room. ”Just try not to touch anything ...” Lan slowly checked the area, trying to find anything of note.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Take ten on the room for Search 28 ... and will take 20 in any areas that his magic-using friends indicate (30.

Spoiler: Status

Show

HPs: 41/83; 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)

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina looks around the room with a slow and cautious look. Like the others she pauses, unwilling to touch many of the tomes that are marked with skulls, runes of evil or other unsavoury things. She glances at the others, putting inro words what Merrick knew "The creature was a spellweaver, an undead one, an ancient race of strange alien monsters that had great mastery of the arcane, time and planes." . She looks cautiously at the now abandoned desk That man, he was the same one we saw in the throne in the first vision, Kyuss, or at least the mortal Kyuss before his death and ascension." Gesturing at the desk she nods to Merrick and Mirriana "The bronze discs, possibly some of the ancient discs of Sulim, fabled artefacts that may allow the readers to divine the future and interpret the will of the Gods... She breathes a sharp breath. "With the discs and the Spellweaver maybe he was taught the secrets of how to ascend to godhood." She looks to Mirriana, her eyes bright, "Imagine that power, imagine the goodness we could do.."

Merrick looking about looks at the desk and the dust covered Tome. Images of the worms being implanted into someone's mind and then knowledge being born. He realises that these worms in this room are not the typical worms, but lore worms. If you would let the creature burrow into your mind (and you survive the experience) it will impart a bevy of power and knowledge to the one who allows the parastite in....

Thoughts of this are interrupted as Mirriana begins to pile up the glass jars in the corner of the room and ready flames.....


--

Zarina finsihes the look around. "A vile collection of spells here, although many would be interesting to a collector and there are some treaties on the history of this place but the whole place feels tainted with evil. Do you want to salvage any of this or would you rather see it burnt?" Looking back out the door across the glowing green pit, "There is one more to explore but we are all injured, do we retreat to the jungle or do we continue?"

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“Hold! These worms are not like the others...”

Snatching up one of the jars, he tries to touch with the worm via Zceryll‘s mindsight.

What do you want, my little friend? Let us bargain...

He stops, realizing he’s being stared at.

“Er. If we wish to regroup, I can transport us all back to the barrier.”

He returns his scrutiny to the jarred green creature.

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

Interrupted in my disposal of the worms, I place a sympathetic hand on my friend's shoulder. "Zarina, there are powers in this world that are not just neutral tools; evil things that have wills of their own and corrupt those who attempt to use them. I have no doubt you would use these artefacts out of a desire to do good, but through you they would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine. Indeed, I would destroy this entire collection."

As Merrick picks up one of the jars I immediately tense, perhaps betraying my comparitive lack of faith in my other companion doing the right thing. "Case in point."

"Merrick, whatever it is you're thinking, put that jar down right now! These worms are too dangerous to exist!"

"I think we should destroy this entire collection. Lan, Elkist, surely you both agree?"

Distracted by keeping an eye and a half on Merrick, I assess our readiness.

"I have twenty five spells remaining, not including orisons, a belt of healing, and twenty charges in my wand. I can get us all patched up if we feel we can continue."

[DrK]

Zarina

Zaraina rests a hand on Mirriana's, "Yes Mirriana, I see you are probably right. If we can find these discs we should not let them out into the world. Even if one were to do good these discs could release countless horrors into the world." She pats Mirriana on her hand, "Thank you. Since reading the Codex I find myself so irrational sometimes." She grins as Merrick freezes with Mirriana's words, "Yes, we should destroy this room. I have glimpsed some of the topics in here, none of these books should see the light of day. When Merrick has finished I can destroy it with fire..."

Spoiler: Spontanoues fiery burst

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Yay for spontaneous fiery burst for unlimited fire for burning evil artefacts.

Zarina glances at her side, the blood stains splashed on her flanks. "My wounds are not dire, but some rejuvenating would be beneficial if we are to explore further this day." SHe readies herself, "I still have some magical powers remaining, although most of my most potent powers are spent I have plenty left to give and always this..." she taps the sword meaningfylly.

Spoiler: OOC

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She's at 70 / 108 HPs

and down ~50% of her spells but has some good ones like Fireballs and Haste left

[Ghostfoot]

Elkist

"The planes hold many dark secrets. Some now lost forever, some like these were never meant to be discovered by mortals in the first place." She pauses to inspect one of the strange worms.

Spoiler: OOC

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But are the knowledge worms actually evil, or just misunderstood??

Detect evil on the knowledge worms

I'm pretty good still, now that I'm healed @ 94/87 and plenty of spells.

[redzimmer]

Merrick

The shouting of Morrison’s joined the tempting whispers of Acererak and the frustrated alien gibberings of Zceryll.

Promises of a vast undead army, dragging living souls to him... feeding his hunger...

The mysteries of the universe laid bare. Secrets that would turn a weaker mind to charred meat.

...now! These worms are too dangerous to exist...

“...no.


No.”

With a resigned sigh, Merrick tosses the worm back into the pyre.

“No telling what these smoke fumes could do to us. We should move on.”

[Starbin]

Lan stared impassively as the others engaged in a morale debate of power and good. If the discs were simply tools, then Lan was certain they could use them. Of course if Mirrana had already made up her mind, it didn’t really matter. He wasn’t going to fight with her over something as uninteresting as godhood. However, Merrick’s infatuation with the worms was something different. As the strange wizard struggled internally, Lan’s eyes locked into him. The man had always been weird, but right now there was something that seemed to stand out ... a palpable taste to the air around the magic user. Eyes narrowing, Lan looked past the arcane power buzzing around the man and focused on the layer beneath the surface. There! There was the familiar sickly sweet scent of decay ... imperceptible to anyone not attuned, not trained to sense such things.

Unbidden, a glowing javelin started to form in his hand. The halfling has to consciously dismiss it. He remained taunt with tension until Merrick turned away from the squirming mass of worms. As the wizard moved past, Lan murmured ”Good choice ... decayed one. And keep that crap in check.”

Lan let the others destroy the items and worms as he moved to the door. At the question of rest, Lan shrugged. He tapped his quiver and bracers. ”As long as these don’t run out, I’m good.

Z, tell me more about this spellweaver.”

Spoiler: OOC

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Lan can keep going. How many healing spells do we have?

Spoiler: Status

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HPs: 41/83; 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]

Mirriana

I give Zarina's shoulder a squeeze as I withdraw my hand with a wry sigh. "Another case in point. We need to be more cautious with evil books."

I pull out my wand and begin ministering to our collective wounds.

"Good choice Merrick. Light them up Zarina."

I turn to our halfling scout.

"Speaking of being cautious, Lan I think we need to use you more. These last couple of battles we haven't had any chance to get our spells up. Do you think you could scout out the other room and report back?"

[Starbin]

Lan shrugged noncommittally. ”Sure, but I can’t walk through walls ... or unopened doors. Good chance they’ll get prep time too.”

Spoiler: OOC

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I suppose it depends on if they notice the door opening; but given they’ve been hanging out starring at the entryways for millennium, there’s a good chance they’ll notice
CMW - (2d8+10)[21] ... and two wand taps to top off

Spoiler: Status

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HPs: 83/83; AC: 21 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)

[redzimmer]

Merrick

“If you were invisible and flying, they might not expect that,” Merrick says, taking one last longing glance at the burning trove.

And we should make use of Zceryll. I doubt the undead are deaf.

[DrK]

Zarina

Zarina pauses and rests lightly on the balls of her feet as she awaits her wounds knitting together under the gentle ministrations of Mirriana's wands. The pain lessens, the reddened burned skin turns pink once more and the scars on her face. When the healing is complete she glances wistfully at the now burning library, just for a second wondering what manner of secrets could have been uncovered within its darkened vaulted hall.

When the healing is complete she joins the others skirting the still glowing green pit and the slime covered steps winding down the hole towards the door on the far side of the room. The double doors, solid, stone and rune covered with the marks or "conversion" suggesting something lies beyond, potentially more Swords of Kyuss if the previous chamber was anything to go by. Zarina pauses, flexing her left fist, more fragments of the now almost withered wand of strength dropping to the floor as power flows into her. Seconds later she casts a second incantation, her skin toughening and graceful smooth ridges of scales coating her neck, shoulders and arms.

Readying her blade, she nod at the double doors. "Shall we ready to open the door and see what horrors lie within? Merrick, could your small earthen companion open the door for us?"

Spoiler: Zarina

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HPs 103/108

Saves +13/10/7 (+3 vs death)
AC 38 (12 AC, 8 shield, 2 dodge, 3 dex, +3 Nat)

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)
Dragonskin (+3 NA, Fire Res 20) - 120 mins
Bullstrength - 3 mins

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