As the group discusses whether to follow Sparklegem, Nox produces a gaggle of additional allies. One by one, the creatures appear next to the tortle: eight Giant Fire Beetles buzz around. (Theyappear in nearby spaces where they'd fit. The large beast will follow the "squeezing" rules for moving in these tight hallways.)
Le'gal then tries to remember the exact turns the group took to arrive at the treasure room. Within the next few minutes, she sketches what she can remember on a piece of parchment:
Graxximus then tries to lead the group towards the gnome. After turning around the corner, the paladin sees Sparklegem sitting on the floor and blowing smoke turtles out of his twisty pipe. He is seemingly waiting for you: "I'm trying to remember which way to go. The door up ahead or the right turn right here" (these options can also be seen in Le'gal's sketch.)
(@All: If taking a decision for the gnome, it would be Talon's turn to wear the captain's hat.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sigil walks after Graxximus, content to concentrate on the gnome for now. With the paladin still his ward, Sigil begins attempting to remember the way back to the “shepherd”, making sure to mention that to the group if the gnome indeed seems to be leading them to a trap.
Survival: 24 or straight Intellegence (whichever applies): 12
Sigil cannot remember all the exact twists and turns that would lead back to the "shepherd" he heard about (at least not without the help of Le'gal's sketch at this time). He is confident, however, that none of the potential options the gnome referenced would lead the group immediately back the way they came.
Sparklegem says upon seeing both Graxximus and Sigil: "What about your friends, are they not coming? You'll need a whole team if you are to kill me and my friends." He then produces a seagull image next to his ear that caws like a crow: "This way then, Mr. birdy?"
The gnome opts for the turn instead of the door: "I think this is the right way. Follow the bird!"... he has a dubious look on his face. "No, no... follow me!"
"This gnome has avoided powerful magic and knows more than we think he knows. We will follow him but I appreciate the preparetions."Talon nods to Nox gratefully. He sends Fancy to follow closely behind and then leads the group a good 10 feet after that. "Ok mister animal illusionist, do you have a name? We are ready to follow you. Please lead the way."
"Ah, there you are!" the gnome says to Talon."Yes, my name is Sparklegem. Did I not say that earlier? I forget." He then sees Graxximus begin to follow him, accompanied by Sigil, Talon, Charles, and Le'gal. The invisible Fancy is also following, as is the Tressym (?) and some of the group is more than a few feet behind, being cautious.
(@Palfatreos: No word yet on what Nox is doing, or her eight beetles... Let me know.)
"We don't want to take that other door.. No, no." He says, rationalizing his pick. "This is is much better. A bit windy, and you might have to go through one of those uncomfortable reunions, but it is better than the other path, I assure you!" Sparkle gem leads the group through a left, a right, another left, and another right turn, warning you of a chute trap on the way, which you all avoid easily after he points it out (whether it is truly there or not). The party then sees a closed wooden portcullis. The gnome stops a good twenty feet before the portcullis and adds: "There. We need to go through there. That's the chamber of a old friend of yours. He will be happy to see you, I'm sure.... Now go, go... I will follow you."
Despite what Sparklegem says, the wooden portcullis is closed. You can see through it into the chamber if you get closer but would have to either force it upward to go through or find another way past it (I mean using your resources, I am not trying to imply a secret passage or anything.).
Charles will look around the portcullis and will open his spellbook, "I can cast a spell that will send me into the room ahead. If any of you were the same size as myself, I could take you a long." He flips a couple pages, "OR I could just disintegrate the damn thing and move on."
Sigil sighs. “Again, no need to make this more complicated than it has to be. Graxximus, if you want to take this one?” He stands beside the Paladin, ready to help
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Talon examines the Portcullis and tests to see if he can raise the gate. He is looking for what keeps it in place and how he might use his locksmith skills to open it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Assuming we can see through the portcullis (not a solid door) and there is a place on the other side in view and within 30 feet, Talon will use 2 actions to first dismiss Fancy into a pocket dimension and then, second, have Fancy reappear on the other side of the portcullis. Fancy is instructed to remain invisible but also search and help the team find a way through: perception (for Fancy) 15
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While Nox catches up to the party trying to balance all her beetles on her arms, Charles suggests using a cannon to open a door. Talking some sense into the halfling, Talon studies the simple portcullis gate. He finds it to be a fairly mundane mechanism. It has no locks and seems to simply work on gravity. Each of the wooden stakes that form the vertically-sliding gate are robust, but should be able to be lifted as a single object by someone with reliable upper-body strength.
Perhaps more interesting that the portcullis itself, Talon sees a large and well-lit room beyond. The ground is covered by a grassy field, which sways back and forth with the help of a breeze. There is a slight slope to the ground too, mimicking the foot of a hill. At the center, a group of individuals surrounds a large wooden table. Maps and pins make it look like they are planning a grand battle. A large tent is set up beyond them. Fancy puffs out and then back into the Material Plane, appearing on the other side of the portcullis, still invisible. It tries to get a bit closer to spy on the war-band.
The familiar moves laterally to get past the glare within the well-lit room. From his new angle, Fancy can see three individuals with unfurled wings continue to plan some sort of assault. A larger figure begins to move out of the tent. The imp knows not to call attention to itself with noise or sudden movement:
-> Fancy's stealth vs. war-band and large man's passive perception: 19;
Fancy remains unseen, but it doesn't have additional time to spy on the group ahead. Ignoring all of Talon's learning, Sigil and Graxximus sling one another at the wooden stakes, breaking through with ease. There is no passive perception that wouldn't notice that...
Talon gets a feeling that this could prove to be a difficult challange. He moves to EO, 12 (within 60 feet of all the new creatures not including Sparklegem) and concentrating he gathers a large pool of his innate divine energy to Charm these creatures. He tells them "You will do nothing and will let these innocent travelers pass through the maze in peace. Failing to do nothing will result in immediate death."
Talon instructs Fancy to fly to EP, 14
Wisdom save with DC 18 required to avoid the suggestion.
Trying to stop the fight even before it begins, Talon steps forward and issues a Mass Suggestion to the war-band. His voice travels boldly through the entire room. The Battle Angels take a moment to hear the dwarf, but their facial expression never changes. They stare Talon down, looking as serious as they did just before he stepped into the room. Talon has the strong feeling that they were never susceptible to his spell to begin with. Their large commander, on the other hand, seems to ponder the idea for a brief moment:
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Angel that is closest to Talon points his sword at him: "I see true evil behind your powers, Warlock." His words ring true with his mates, who all feel Battlefield Inspired. One of them even responds "Don't forget the Imp and its Devilish invisibility," which, in turn, Inspires the original Angel as well. Though they keep close to the ground for now, the three of them then fly with incredible speed towards the dwarf intending to cut him and his familiar down:
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Fancy: Attack: 7Damage: 26 (of which: 8 is slashing and 17 is radiant damage) Adding a d4 for inspiration: 1 for a total attack roll of 11.
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Fancy: Attack: 23 Damage: 29 (of which: 10 is slashing and 15 is radiant damage).
Fancy survives the initial slash due to his devilish skin, but the radiant wake the weapon leaves behind is more than enough to force the imp back to the hell whence it came (@Laserwhit: Unless there is something special about Fancy, he is just an Imp with 10 HP, right?)
The other two Angels aims their weapon swings at Talon, taking advantage of their mutual proximity to the target to produce even more holy power from their blades than the first Angel:
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 10Damage: 32 (of which: 4 is slashing and 14 is radiant damage).
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 14 Damage: 22 (of which: 5 is slashing and 18 is radiant damage).
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 28Damage: 21 (of which: 4 is slashing and 31 is radiant damage) This attack misses due to Talon's reaction (reference).
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 14Damage: 25 (of which: 6 is slashing and 26 is radiant damage).
The Angels then fly away from Talon just as quickly as they flew towards him. Their movement is so speedy, the sorcerer has no time to attempt a quick retaliatory slash (They have Flyby, so they do not trigger opportunity attacks.)
Sparklegem steps into the room and analyses the situation:
-> Sparklegem's randomness die: 37
The gnome focuses for a brief moment and performs a series of complicated hand gestures. Without warning, A huge Shadow Dragon appears in the battlefield. The mage says: "This won't scare them, but it should still be able to deal some damage!"
Already at a vantage point, the Dragon opens its maw and lets loose a spray of necrotic energy encompassing all the celestials, who can all see through the illusion and are thus not afraid.
INT saving throws {DC 19}:
Battle Angel#1: 6 (Battle Angel#1 - CMD: 13);
Battle Angel#2: 18 (Battle Angel#2 - CMD: 27);
Battle Angel#3: 7 (Battle Angel#3 - CMD: 27);
Ooguay: 27 (Ooguay - CMD: 27);
NOTE: Adding d4s to each roll because of their Battlefield Inspiration:2, 4, 2, 4 - no results change.
Except for the Angel that killed Fancy, they all take a full 29 necrotic damage.
(@Grx: Your Mace of Smiting is already magical. You can't cast Elemental Weapon on it.)
DM's Screen:
259 - options: Deer, Giant Fire Beetle, Scorpion, Blood Hawk, Camel, Draft Horse, Giant Badger, and Giant Lizard
As the group discusses whether to follow Sparklegem, Nox produces a gaggle of additional allies. One by one, the creatures appear next to the tortle: eight Giant Fire Beetles buzz around. (Theyappear in nearby spaces where they'd fit. The large beast will follow the "squeezing" rules for moving in these tight hallways.)
Le'gal then tries to remember the exact turns the group took to arrive at the treasure room. Within the next few minutes, she sketches what she can remember on a piece of parchment:
Graxximus then tries to lead the group towards the gnome. After turning around the corner, the paladin sees Sparklegem sitting on the floor and blowing smoke turtles out of his twisty pipe. He is seemingly waiting for you: "I'm trying to remember which way to go. The door up ahead or the right turn right here" (these options can also be seen in Le'gal's sketch.)
(@All: If taking a decision for the gnome, it would be Talon's turn to wear the captain's hat.)
Sigil walks after Graxximus, content to concentrate on the gnome for now. With the paladin still his ward, Sigil begins attempting to remember the way back to the “shepherd”, making sure to mention that to the group if the gnome indeed seems to be leading them to a trap.
Survival: 24 or straight Intellegence (whichever applies): 12
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
Sigil cannot remember all the exact twists and turns that would lead back to the "shepherd" he heard about (at least not without the help of Le'gal's sketch at this time). He is confident, however, that none of the potential options the gnome referenced would lead the group immediately back the way they came.
Sparklegem says upon seeing both Graxximus and Sigil: "What about your friends, are they not coming? You'll need a whole team if you are to kill me and my friends." He then produces a seagull image next to his ear that caws like a crow: "This way then, Mr. birdy?"
The gnome opts for the turn instead of the door: "I think this is the right way. Follow the bird!"... he has a dubious look on his face. "No, no... follow me!"
Charles steps out of the illusion and follows the group wherever they go. Trying to mentally map out wherever they head off to.
((Work has been so busy.))
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
"This gnome has avoided powerful magic and knows more than we think he knows. We will follow him but I appreciate the preparetions." Talon nods to Nox gratefully. He sends Fancy to follow closely behind and then leads the group a good 10 feet after that. "Ok mister animal illusionist, do you have a name? We are ready to follow you. Please lead the way."
Lot's of stuff ...
Graxximus keeps his shield raised but follows the gnome.
"Ah, there you are!" the gnome says to Talon. "Yes, my name is Sparklegem. Did I not say that earlier? I forget." He then sees Graxximus begin to follow him, accompanied by Sigil, Talon, Charles, and Le'gal. The invisible Fancy is also following, as is the Tressym (?) and some of the group is more than a few feet behind, being cautious.
(@Palfatreos: No word yet on what Nox is doing, or her eight beetles... Let me know.)
"We don't want to take that other door.. No, no." He says, rationalizing his pick. "This is is much better. A bit windy, and you might have to go through one of those uncomfortable reunions, but it is better than the other path, I assure you!" Sparkle gem leads the group through a left, a right, another left, and another right turn, warning you of a chute trap on the way, which you all avoid easily after he points it out (whether it is truly there or not). The party then sees a closed wooden portcullis. The gnome stops a good twenty feet before the portcullis and adds: "There. We need to go through there. That's the chamber of a old friend of yours. He will be happy to see you, I'm sure.... Now go, go... I will follow you."
Despite what Sparklegem says, the wooden portcullis is closed. You can see through it into the chamber if you get closer but would have to either force it upward to go through or find another way past it (I mean using your resources, I am not trying to imply a secret passage or anything.).
Charles will look around the portcullis and will open his spellbook, "I can cast a spell that will send me into the room ahead. If any of you were the same size as myself, I could take you a long." He flips a couple pages, "OR I could just disintegrate the damn thing and move on."
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
Nox take some time to carry all the beetles children and catch up with the rest of the party.
Nox - Adult Oblex - The Trials
Jartrin Ephok - Dragonborn - Zanoliv
Bunol - Grim Angel - The Floating Lands of Goriate
Sigil sighs. “Again, no need to make this more complicated than it has to be. Graxximus, if you want to take this one?” He stands beside the Paladin, ready to help
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
Talon examines the Portcullis and tests to see if he can raise the gate. He is looking for what keeps it in place and how he might use his locksmith skills to open it.
perception: 17 + Guidance 1
(OOC: If he finds the locking mechanism he will use his Dwarf heritage to attempt to open/pick it if necessary.)
Lot's of stuff ...
Assuming we can see through the portcullis (not a solid door) and there is a place on the other side in view and within 30 feet, Talon will use 2 actions to first dismiss Fancy into a pocket dimension and then, second, have Fancy reappear on the other side of the portcullis. Fancy is instructed to remain invisible but also search and help the team find a way through: perception (for Fancy) 15
Lot's of stuff ...
Graxx reaches out his arm and latches onto Sigil's. "Slingshot!"
Graxx will use the momentum from Sigil to launch his platecovered body through the porticulus.
Strength: 19
While Nox catches up to the party trying to balance all her beetles on her arms, Charles suggests using a cannon to open a door. Talking some sense into the halfling, Talon studies the simple portcullis gate. He finds it to be a fairly mundane mechanism. It has no locks and seems to simply work on gravity. Each of the wooden stakes that form the vertically-sliding gate are robust, but should be able to be lifted as a single object by someone with reliable upper-body strength.
Perhaps more interesting that the portcullis itself, Talon sees a large and well-lit room beyond. The ground is covered by a grassy field, which sways back and forth with the help of a breeze. There is a slight slope to the ground too, mimicking the foot of a hill. At the center, a group of individuals surrounds a large wooden table. Maps and pins make it look like they are planning a grand battle. A large tent is set up beyond them. Fancy puffs out and then back into the Material Plane, appearing on the other side of the portcullis, still invisible. It tries to get a bit closer to spy on the war-band.
The familiar moves laterally to get past the glare within the well-lit room. From his new angle, Fancy can see three individuals with unfurled wings continue to plan some sort of assault. A larger figure begins to move out of the tent. The imp knows not to call attention to itself with noise or sudden movement:
-> Fancy's stealth vs. war-band and large man's passive perception: 19;
Fancy remains unseen, but it doesn't have additional time to spy on the group ahead. Ignoring all of Talon's learning, Sigil and Graxximus sling one another at the wooden stakes, breaking through with ease. There is no passive perception that wouldn't notice that...
ROLLING FOR INITIATIVE:
THE HIGHLANDS BATTLEFIELD:
NOTE: The field goes beyond what you can see below. At the bottom of the map, you can see your Old-Friend coming out of the tent.
(Talon is up first.)
Talon gets a feeling that this could prove to be a difficult challange. He moves to EO, 12 (within 60 feet of all the new creatures not including Sparklegem) and concentrating he gathers a large pool of his innate divine energy to Charm these creatures. He tells them "You will do nothing and will let these innocent travelers pass through the maze in peace. Failing to do nothing will result in immediate death."
Talon instructs Fancy to fly to EP, 14
Wisdom save with DC 18 required to avoid the suggestion.
Lot's of stuff ...
Trying to stop the fight even before it begins, Talon steps forward and issues a Mass Suggestion to the war-band. His voice travels boldly through the entire room. The Battle Angels take a moment to hear the dwarf, but their facial expression never changes. They stare Talon down, looking as serious as they did just before he stepped into the room. Talon has the strong feeling that they were never susceptible to his spell to begin with. Their large commander, on the other hand, seems to ponder the idea for a brief moment:
-> Ooguay's WIS saving throw {DC 18} vs. Mass Suggestion: 29
The spark of doubt is infinitesimal: "You... How dare you? Who do you think you are to believe I'd fall to such a ridiculous trick?!"
Fancy moves a bit closer to Talon.
(Angels and Sparklegem go next.)
The Angel that is closest to Talon points his sword at him: "I see true evil behind your powers, Warlock." His words ring true with his mates, who all feel Battlefield Inspired. One of them even responds "Don't forget the Imp and its Devilish invisibility," which, in turn, Inspires the original Angel as well. Though they keep close to the ground for now, the three of them then fly with incredible speed towards the dwarf intending to cut him and his familiar down:
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Fancy: Attack: 7
Damage: 26 (of which: 8 is slashing and 17 is radiant damage)Adding a d4 for inspiration: 1 for a total attack roll of 11.-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Fancy: Attack: 23 Damage: 29 (of which: 10 is slashing and 15 is radiant damage).
Fancy survives the initial slash due to his devilish skin, but the radiant wake the weapon leaves behind is more than enough to force the imp back to the hell whence it came (@Laserwhit: Unless there is something special about Fancy, he is just an Imp with 10 HP, right?)
The other two Angels aims their weapon swings at Talon, taking advantage of their mutual proximity to the target to produce even more holy power from their blades than the first Angel:
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 10
Damage: 32 (of which: 4 is slashing and 14 is radiant damage).-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 14 Damage: 22 (of which: 5 is slashing and 18 is radiant damage).
-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 28
Damage: 21 (of which: 4 is slashing and 31 is radiant damage)This attack misses due to Talon's reaction (reference).-> Longsword (one-handed melee weapon attack) vs Talon: Attack: 14
Damage: 25 (of which: 6 is slashing and 26 is radiant damage).The Angels then fly away from Talon just as quickly as they flew towards him. Their movement is so speedy, the sorcerer has no time to attempt a quick retaliatory slash (They have Flyby, so they do not trigger opportunity attacks.)
Sparklegem steps into the room and analyses the situation:
-> Sparklegem's randomness die: 37
The gnome focuses for a brief moment and performs a series of complicated hand gestures. Without warning, A huge Shadow Dragon appears in the battlefield. The mage says: "This won't scare them, but it should still be able to deal some damage!"
Already at a vantage point, the Dragon opens its maw and lets loose a spray of necrotic energy encompassing all the celestials, who can all see through the illusion and are thus not afraid.
INT saving throws {DC 19}:
Sparklegem seems to be thoroughly enjoying this.
(Sigil is up next.)
Talon will react with a his special brand of magic resistence.
REACTION: shield should prevent 35 of the damage points.
Lot's of stuff ...
Sigil stands next to Talon ready to defend with either his radiantly infused sword or a Shield, depending on what oppertunities present themselves.
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear