Wells of Darkness IC

[Ason]

Aspexia frowns at the water. "Telepathy failed me too. It may be more than water separating us. My companion," she tilts her head at the bird, "and I have one more spell that might help. Failing that, that other demon you mentioned may be our only path forward."

Aspexia then speaks in a strange language to her familiar. The bird turns into a small winged devil, casts a spell, and then discusses with Aspexia in the strange language once more.

Spoiler

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Familiar: casting Augury as its 1/day imp SLA, asking the question "Will diving into this pool of water bring us weal or woe?"

Talking: the two talk to each other using the language granted by Speak with Master.

[Powgow]

"If good ol' Seizer still keeps an eye around here, he'd know already." Alrunes shrugs, "The tree-burnin' wasn't exactly subtle, y'know?"

Unfortunately, her impromptu searching session turned empty-handed, but it afforded her a front-row seat on everything nearby. That sure does look like her mother inside the body of water, alright.

She also noticed that the carcass stayed mostly okay after submerging in the water. It's still dead, but it didn't disintegrate the remains. That means it's relatively safe as far as Abyssal hazards go. It sure is more pleasant than acid rain.

"Seizer did build the prison, but if he ended up imprisoned himself, he might also want to escape." Alrunes mused out loud, glancing at the construct.

"Who was that anyway?" She nudged at the retriever. If that was also a passer-by, it was rather unfortunate. This deep into the layer, though?

"Anyway, let me test the waters." She chuckles a bit at her pun, "I'm rather sturdy, so if it didn't crumble," She nudged at the submerged retriever again, "-I won't combust and turn to dust. Well, maybe."

After that nonchalant dismissal of bodily destruction, Alrunes flies near the ones currently musing about the possibilities. With little ceremony, she dips one of her legs into the water.

Spoiler: OOC

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Flies over the water near Shami-Amourae before hovering above it and dipping one of her legs in.

[samduke]

Reiza Duneknight Slayer/Sentinel [AC 48, Touch 25, Flat-footed 39 DR:5/- HP:483 Perception:35 Delayed Damage Pool: 102 Reserve Points: 19 Second Wind (Ex): 10d6+9 heals no more than 50% max Conditions: none That pointing at the retriever is a Local, of this fine area that we find ourselves wandering through

[paradox26]

The Augury attempt comes back with a result of Weal, but as is usual with the spell it doesn't offer much more information than that.

The attempt to remember information about such an effect comes back with nor result. It is clearly something beyond the limits of mere spells, and is a more fundamental affect provided by either the planes or the ones who created such a place, or who now run it at least.

ALrunes dips a leg into the water, and suddenly, she hears a telepathic voice. It is sultry, and appears likely to be coming from Shami-Amourae herself. It appears that the water, as well as being defensive, has other properties as well.

The telepathic voice calls back, "Who are you, and have you come to release me?"

[Powgow]

Alrunes' expression lights up with recognition once she hears the voice inside her head.

"Mother? Mother, it's me, Alrunes! I've come to free you from this prison!"

Her psychic conversation isn't subtle. The others who share the psychic connection with the demon will hear the curious exchange. Even if she hasn't been forthcoming with her motive - nor could she articulate it - the bond between them could serve as an explanation. Well, perhaps. Does filial piety even exist among demons?

"How would I do that? Should I tear these enchantments asunder? Drain all the water in this place?"

Those who would prefer to hear voices instead of psychic signals could see the demon shrugging as she submerged another foot into the water, settling down in a strange leisure position even as she floated unmovingly.

"Huh. Water's surprisingly fine."

Perhaps touching the water is necessary to communicate with the former Succubus Queen.

[paradox26]

The telepathic voice of Alrunes's mother calls back, "Find Ahazu. He may have the knowledge or the keys to how to release me, my child. Try searching for him at the Overlook."

[Powgow]

"Overlook? That sounds...familiar. Where did I hear it from..."

Spoiler: OOC Mechanic

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Pageant of the Peacock lasts 10 minutes per Bardic Performance rounds used. If it's already past 10 minutes, Alrunes will spend another round to refresh the ability. I don't know what Knowledge roll to get information about this Overlook, but Pageant can replace any Knowledge roll.

Bardic Performance Rounds: 22 or 23/24

Knowledge (History/Planes (?)): (1d20+54)[63]

[samduke]

Reiza Duneknight Slayer/Sentinel AC 48, Touch 25, Flat-footed 39 DR:5/- HP:483 Perception:35 Delayed Damage Pool: 102 Reserve Points: 19 Second Wind (Ex): 10d6+9 heals no more than 50% max Spell Points 29/31 Conditions: Mass Planar Adaptation: ignore planar effects, resist fire 30, Collective, Flight for the day (95 ft fly (perfect), lasting 26 hours)

at the mentioning of the Overlook
Knowledge History (1d20+10)[14]
Knowledge Planes (1d20+35)[49]

Well we need to find Ahazu then

[paradox26]

The Overlook Citadel stands in the middle of the plane, so not too far away, and within walking distance. It sits atop the tallest tor of the plane, and its blood red spires catch the dim light brightly. It is dominated by a massive corner tower. Once the stronghold of the cult of Ahazu, it was overrun by the forces of Orcus, who to the best of your knowledge still control it to this day.

[samduke]

Reiza Duneknight Slayer/Sentinel AC 48, Touch 25, Flat-footed 39 DR:5/- HP:483 Perception:35 Delayed Damage Pool: 102 Reserve Points: 19 Second Wind (Ex): 10d6+9 heals no more than 50% max Spell Points 29/31 Conditions: Mass Planar Adaptation: ignore planar effects, resist fire 30, Collective, Flight for the day (95 ft fly (perfect), lasting 26 hours)

It seems we need to get ourselves out of this hole and head to the Overlook Citadel which stands in the middle of the plane, However there is a massive Corner Tower that is probably crawling with the forces of Orcus which we will probably need to deal with

Move action return to the hole where we dropped down and take a moment to consider options for dealing with the Monkeys , and that AMF, in order to get back out

[Powgow]

"Ah! Of course! Not to worry, mother! I'll find ol' Seizer and get you out in no time!"

Alrunes floated over the water and back to dry ground. She knows where the Citadel's general direction is but not its exact location. Luckily for them, she can still fly.

"So, uhh, you guys need a hand?"

[Starmage21]

Jaxon frowns, looking up at the trees needing to climb back out after having fallen down.

"I worry that Ahazu will not wish to be found, or he may ask an unreasonable service in trade for Shami-Amourae. Its a problem for later, so we best make our way back out with due haste. Dealing with demonic forces is at least something we've demonstrated we're capable of. I foresee the forces of Orcus only a bump in the road."

Jaxon produces a regular hempen rope

"I'd appreciate any assistance you can render here, Alrunes"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

HP: ???/285
Max Spell Points: 120
Current Spell Points: 114

Currently affected by:
Temporal Blur 50% Miss Chance for 21 Minutes
Planar Protection for 21 Hours
Mystic Shell for 21 Hours (4 layers left)

[samduke]

Alrunes if you have the ability to get us all to the top side of this hole that would be appreciative

[paradox26]

You manage to climb, fly, and teleport your way to the top of the pit. You hear the gorallons below you screaming in outrage, but they don't come after you.

[samduke]

Reiza will take the lead heading towards where Orcus forces at the tower should be, so that we can hopefully find Ahazu

[Starmage21]

"Reiza, wait one moment please. There are many fiends which can drain the life from those they prey on. I would not have us engage them without being prepared. I will reinforce our life-forces with energy from the Positive Energy Plane"

Jaxon widens his stance as the red crystal atop his staff glows as if heated white hot. He passes it in a wave in front of him, the white light washing over his companions.

"There. Now we can go."

He follows Reiza, as second in formation.

Spoiler: OOC

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Jaxon casts Negative Energy Protection on everyone using the Mass enhancement. This costs 3 Spell Points.

HP: 271/285
Max Spell Points: 120
Current Spell Points: 111

Currently affected by:
Temporal Blur 50% Miss Chance for 21 Minutes
Planar Protection for 21 Hours
Mystic Shell for 21 Hours (4 layers left)
Negative Energy Protection for 21 hours

[samduke]

After receiving some additional protections Reiza leads the group onwards

[paradox26]

You travel to the fortress known as Overlook. As you approach, you can see abyssal bats flying a patrol over the tower. Known as Varrangoin, they are hairless bat like creatures that are human sized. A flock of four of them spot you, and turn towards the party, heading down at you with apparent malice.

Spoiler: OOC

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Roll Initiatives, and if you want to know more about the Overlook, please roll a Knowledge Planes check.

[Powgow]

Alrunes could appreciate the adventurers looking at the bright side of life - and even somewhat foolhardy - the casual dismissal of Orcus' forces might be premature. Sure, there might only be an advanced force this far from his layer, but good ol' skullhead is nothing if not persistent. And good at carrying grudges.

However, they are adventurers, after all. They're the most unreasonable profession across all the planes.

"Ah, well, it shouldn't be that bad."

She said that to herself but suspects this abyssal layer might be listening. The situation proves her case in short order: the welcoming committee.

"There they are~. Took 'em long enough."

Alrunes waves her hand in greeting in response to the overgrown bat swooping at her. In the meantime, her mind still wanders as she tries to recall more things about this peculiar fortress.

Spoiler: OOC

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Conserving bardic performance rounds here and roll regular Knowledge: Planes.

Initiative: (1d20+5)[20]
Knowlege Planes: (1d20+30)[49]

[samduke]

Reiza Duneknight Slayer/Sentinel AC 48, Touch 25, Flat-footed 39 DR:5/- HP:483 Perception:35 Delayed Damage Pool: 102 Reserve Points: 19 Second Wind (Ex): 10d6+9 heals no more than 50% max Spell Points 29/31 Conditions: none

Knowledge (Planes): (1d20+36)[47] for the abyssal bat (in ooc)

Actions:
Initiative: (1d20+13)[24] (in ooc)
Draw Sword and shield
Studied Target: abyssal bat
Guardian Challenge: abyssal bat

seeing the bats coming in at them Watch it they are dangerous

edited

[Starmage21]

Jaxon's gaze settles on the bat-like figures diverting towards the group and his facial expression goes dark, his brow somewhat furrowing

"Such is the nature of The Abyss. Its inhabitants are full of malice and some of them are stupid enough to believe they can start with violence. We shall teach them the errors of their ways."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Initiative: (1d20+14)[25]
Knowledge (The Planes) check: (1d20+38)[58]

HP: 271/285
Max Spell Points: 120
Current Spell Points: 111

Currently affected by:
Temporal Blur 50% Miss Chance for 21 Minutes (Has this expired since I cast it in the prison?)
Planar Protection for 21 Hours
Mystic Shell for 21 Hours (4 layers left)
Negative Energy Protection for 21 hours

[paradox26]

The party, being well and truly on the alert, take the creatures napping, and manage to get off the first attacks.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The party gets first shot at the varrangoins.

[samduke]

Reiza Duneknight Slayer/Sentinel AC 48, Touch 25, Flat-footed 39 DR:5/- HP:483 Perception:35 Delayed Damage Pool: 102 Reserve Points: 19 Second Wind (Ex): 10d6+9 heals no more than 50% max Spell Points 29/31 Conditions: none

Previous:
Studied Target: abyssal bat varrangoin
Guardian Challenge: abyssal bat varrangoin

Hit them with bright light, like daylight it will blind them for a time

Actions:
Move Action: Stealth: (1d20+35)[44]

Scout: As a swift action, identify a creature’s weaknesses Knowledge (Planes) (1d20+36)[45] (DC= 10 + creature’s CR)

Find Gap: abyssal bats varrangoin, AC -5


Attack: varrangoin
+6 enh (+7) Bastard Sword:
1) (1d20+36)[49] Bane(outsider evil)
2) (1d20+31)[49] Bane(outsider evil)
3) (1d20+26)[37] Bane(outsider evil)
4) (1d20+21)[34] Bane(outsider evil)

Confirm Crit 19-20x3
1) (1d20+36)[43] Bane(outsider evil)
2) (1d20+31)[32] Bane(outsider evil)
3) (1d20+26)[28] Bane(outsider evil)
4) (1d20+21)[28] Bane(outsider evil)

Damage
1) (2d8+25)[33]
2) (2d8+25)[29]
3) (2d8+25)[38]
4) (2d8+25)[35]

Hunter’s Surprise (Ex): Add sneak attack damage to all attacks made against one target
1) (6d6)[23] + Deadly Strike: +21 damage
2) (6d6)[21]
3) (6d6)[20]
4) (6d6)[20]