Togo's Planar Adventure set partly in Sigil (OOC)

[Ifni]

Just a heads-up - I'm safe, but I don't have power or Internet access back at home yet (post-hurricane), and it's looking pretty likely that will remain true into next week. I'll update you when I can, but don't be surprised if my posting is sporadic.

Togo, I think I still want to do the Spontaneous Search, just so I have an idea of the nature of the trap - if the Search check from the spell can achieve that?

I have masterwork thieves' tools, so I can hopefully reach a little further than the extent of my hands; can I get a sense of how far the mirror would need to move for me to have access to the depression? (I'm okay taking a penalty on the Disable Device for the confined space)

[Togo]

To reach the right place Derk would need to move the mirror a few inches out, so you can at least get your hand in. To reach the right place and see what you're doing, Derk would need to move the mirror at least a foot, and maybe more.

[Ifni]

Originally Posted by Togo

To reach the right place Derk would need to move the mirror a few inches out, so you can at least get your hand in. To reach the right place and see what you're doing, Derk would need to move the mirror at least a foot, and maybe more.

Okay, but presumably I don't need it that far out to do Spontaneous Search, since that one's a burst and doesn't actually require me to be able to see the target spot? (it works as if I'd done a Search check on "each object and space in the burst radius") Or would I need the mirror to be moved out even for the spell?

What kind of ballpark penalty would it be for disabling blind, after a successful Search check? (via Spontaneous Search) Or would it be something other than a penalty on the Disable Device roll?
(Umbriel's been doing this kind of thing for a long time and is aware of how good she is at it. She can usually take a -10 penalty, take 10, and reliably disable magical traps containing L9 spells. It may be overconfidence, but she'd rather trust in her skills than let the trap do whatever it's going to do.)

I've been assuming that a successful Search check would give me a sense of what I'm dealing with, and thus an idea of where I want to poke various thieves' tools. Is that incorrect? (Spontaneous Search also searches the whole area, so if there's a secret switch or wires or similar hidden somewhere else in the room, I should be able to pick it up.)

[Togo]

Originally Posted by Ifni

Okay, but presumably I don't need it that far out to do Spontaneous Search, since that one's a burst and doesn't actually require me to be able to see the target spot? (it works as if I'd done a Search check on "each object and space in the burst radius") Or would I need the mirror to be moved out even for the spell?

No, with the spell you can search as is.

Originally Posted by Ifni

What kind of ballpark penalty would it be for disabling blind, after a successful Search check? (via Spontaneous Search)

Typically about -10

Originally Posted by Ifni

I've been assuming that a successful Search check would give me a sense of what I'm dealing with, and thus an idea of where I want to poke various thieves' tools. Is that incorrect? (Spontaneous Search also searches the whole area, so if there's a secret switch or wires or similar hidden somewhere else in the room, I should be able to pick it up.)

It would give you a search check for each area and object, so you should be able to get a sense of what you're dealing with, enough for a disable device or similar.

To do an actual disable device, however, you need to physically reach the 'device', and that may require moving the mirror.

[Ifni]

Sorry to drag this out. A couple of alternative possible solutions spring to mind, and while one is much funnier than the other (Umbriel using Alter Self or Polymorph to transform into something with long thin limbs; I'm sure there must be some monster like that!), the other is probably more reliable.

Two questions (well, one and a half):
-I presume her Search check revealed no mundane traps or other points of interest in the depression, the back of the mirror, or elsewhere in the room?
-Can Extraordinary Spell Aim be used with Antimagic Field to exclude the caster from the effect?

I'm probably way overthinking this, probably it's a necromancy effect that won't do anything outside this room and the Wall of Force solution will work just fine, but I'm just a little wary of letting the Abbot's farewell present blow up on us. He was rather nasty in person.

[Cespenar]

The Epic Mirror Disassembly Saga.

[Toliudar]

The Abbot isn't dead. Can't be a farewell present. Perhaps an adieu.

Ifni, I like your thoroughness, but we've been stuck in the moment of 'found the mirror' for months now. Time to move on, I'd say.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Maybe Rhion can 'carry' the mirror, melded in a wild shape form?

[Cespenar]

Originally Posted by Autopsibiofeeder

Maybe Rhion can 'carry' the mirror, melded in a wild shape form?

I have, if I'm not mistaken, only one wild shape remaining (might be none as well). I'd rather not use it on carrying a mirror.

[Togo]

I'm still quite ill, so apologies for any mispellings or inconsistencies

[Toliudar]

Holy crap, Togo. If that's you while ill...

You have a gift for eccentric NPC's - and many other things as well. Now I'm doubly reluctant to kill anyone in this game, because I want to hear what they're like first!

[Togo]

Still ill. Getting bored with it. Convinced my project is falling apart while I'm laid up.

Godot, not convinced you can issue new orders to your minion without line of effect. You can see through his eyes and all, and he's still where you left him. You can see the window, and there's no smoke billowing past it.

Happy to be convinced otherwise though.

[Toliudar]

To be honest, this the first character I've had that has made more than passing use of Dominate, and the first time I've used it without telepathy. I'm happy to go with not being able to issue new commands except verbally.

[Togo]

Blaerg. Still ill. At least I'm not as fuzzy-headed now.

Just to clarify, you're happy you've got what you came for and are planning to teleport out without visiting the rest of the building?

[Ifni]

Well, Umbriel still is not convinced of that premise. I suppose I should make that clearer - I'll write something. She's happy to teleport away with the heavy stuff and prisoners, and then come back here, though. (And some healing in the interim wouldn't go astray.)

[Toliudar]

With two prisoners and a possibly-real mirror, I'd rather deal with the rest of this place - if we need to - after we've had a chance to regroup.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

In two days I am leaving for The Netherlands, followed by a busy week and a wedding and a 3 week trip to Indonesia. I am struggling to find words to express how much I am looking forward to this . Got myself a wicked suit and all, and for a guy usually in jeans and a death metal t-shirt on that's quite something else .

Anyway, the sad part of it is I won't be posting a while. I do for sure hope that when I come back this game is still rolling, and given the past year there's no reason to think it won't be. I figured it would be nice to give Togo a breakdown of Derk's current status, base modifiers, standard tactic and buffed modifiers, for ease of reference. The gray bit is for when I get caught without buffs (be it mine or Umbriel's), so the black part is what's typically relevant.

Link to sheet.

The numbers, tactics and motivations:

Spoiler

Currently, Derk is at 73 hp, of a total of 160. I had a Str reducing debuff, but I think that left when the abbot went down.

Spellcasting status, CL13, lvl 1-3 abjurations quickened, all abjurations extended:

Level	Per day	Cast	Left
0	5	0	5
1	7	2	5
2	12	0	12
3	4*	0	4
4	6	4	2
5	6	5	1
6	4	1	3

*two spells per day subtracted for Gr. mighty wallop

Basic stats (no buffs, just items)
HP: 160
Sp: 20ft
Init: +1

AC: 27, touch 14, flat-footed 26
Att: (+3) Adamantine heavy flail +22/17/12; (+1) MCLB +12/7/2
Dam: 1d10+13 (19-20 x2); 1d8+5 (x3)

Saves: F+21, R+11, W+21


Normal stats (with (near) all day buffs)
Buffs involved: GMW on flail and bow, Spiderskin (Umbriel) and twice Gr. mighty wallop (Derk)

HP: 160
Sp: 20ft
Init: +1

AC: 32, touch 14, flat-footed 31
Att: (+5) Adamantine heavy flail +24/19/14; (+5) MCLB +16/11/6
Dam: 4d6+15 (19-20 x2); 1d8+9 (x3)

Saves: F+21, R+11, W+21

Combat routine/buffs and resulting modifier modifications ()

0- Absorb and bask in Godot's sweet songs: Attack and damage modifiers go significantly up.

1- Cast swift Shield (26 minutes): AC 41, touch 14, flat-footed 40
Move into harm's way, hit something if possible.

2- Cast swift Air devotion (1 minute): AC 45, touch 18, flat-footed 44
Stay in harm's way. Hit stuff.

3- Spells of tactical note:
-True seeing
-Dismissal
-Break enchantment
-Flight of the dragon
-Wall of ice
-Dimensional anchor
-Resist energy
-Scale weakening
-Benign transposition
-Detect secret doors

4- Golden rule: if anyone dies, Derk is the first to go.

5- Weak spot: Godot. Derk will go through all possible lengths to keep her safe, even if it means wrestling a Remorhaz that's covered in poisonous goo.

[Toliudar]

Wow! Have a joyous and safe trip, Autopsibiofeeder!

[Ifni]

Congratulations again and have a fantastic trip, Autopsibiofeeder!

And Togo, I'm not sure which of these NPCs I adore more. Vilthex as friendly local community necromancer... And the PCs' replies to him have been priceless, too.

[Togo]

Good luck, and have a great trip!

I'll try to keep things moving in the meantime, and don't worry, the thought of getting Derk into some impossible tangle while you're away hasn't even crossed my mind!*

(*until now. Mwahahahahah!)

[Ifni]

... Vilthex.

Togo, I am in awe of your NPCs. (I seriously laughed out loud.)

[Toliudar]

I literally had to stand, step away from the screen, and cover my mouth to avoid annoying my co-workers with loud barks of laughter. This rocked.

[GuesssWho]

I totally love Vilthex.

[Cespenar]

Okay, I need to write this down to use when I'm DMing.

*takes a pen*

Make... awesome... characters...

Okay, done. Got it.

[Togo]

Sorry for the delay. I'm trying to look up all the stuff I gave Cespenar on the rats, and it's on a different computer. Normal service will be resumed within a day or so.

[Cespenar]

Originally Posted by Togo

Sorry for the delay. I'm trying to look up all the stuff I gave Cespenar on the rats, and it's on a different computer. Normal service will be resumed within a day or so.

I can send them back to you, if you want.

[Togo]

Nah, that's good. The main problem is trying to work out how you'd describe the conversation, rather than how I would. My view is quite different, since I know what's going on.

Then I have to work out how Nephira would view that description.

Anyway, I've had a stab at it. If you feel Nephira hasn't addressed something you feel is important, you can always ask her.

[Toliudar]

Originally Posted by Togo

My view is quite different, since I know what's going on.

A sentence almost guaranteed to freeze the blood of any Player.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Hi all, I am back. I am glad to see that both Derk and the game are still alive. The wedding was great: Beautiful bride, the castle and surrounding parks covered in snow and a clear blue sky, everybody ending up drunk and sleeping over. All well worth the formidable bill .
Trip was also great: tracked and found orang utans, swam with and rode on elephants (saw many other animals and plants of course), visited grand and very old buddhist and hindu temples, climbed volcanoes and watched the sun rise sitting on the peaks and relaxed a few days on a nice beach. Traveled by plane, train, city bus, car, boat and foot and ate delicious food!

Am currently reading up and will post as soon as Derk can do something useful.

[Toliudar]

Welcome back, and congratulations!