Sana nods. "Nice hits from everyone. Now let's go through this portal and find Meesh." The changeling doesn't claim any magic items, but examines one of the gems and slips it into her pocket with an inkling of an idea.
As others began the process of looting, an ecstatic, but still very much in pain Yarog once again struck up a song. Time was of the essence, so the melody is kept light enough to mend his wounds over time. Some he passes by are touched on a shoulder during it, rewinding the clock for some injuries or accelerating them to a state of a wholeness once more. Even once hail of body once more, his face still showed the strain of the battle.
"Even a brief encounters in this realm is full of perils it seems. Far more than what I initially anticipated. Oh, speaking of which. If you would hold still a moment dear."Yarog canters over to Surus for a once over, a few verse spun, and the curse of the dragon being visibly ripped from his being as a squirming blue mass of electricity. One Yarog had no compunctions lulling to rest in a more softly spun lullaby until it fizzled out of existence.
"Without rest, I am afraid that is the last time I can do this. Heimdall preserve us... heh." With a soft grin, he goes over to the treausre.
For Yarog as well, Casting (5th level)Greater Restoration, removing Teslor curse, if it should remain.
For Surus, Casting (4th level)Cure Wounds, restoring 28 HP.
For Raktimos... Once Calm-ish again, Casting (2nd level)Cure Wounds, restoring 12 Hp.
For Yarog, Cast (3rd level)Aura of Vitality, restoring over time 33 of HP.
Remaining Aura energy will go to Zippo, restoring 30 HP.
For Surus, expending last 7th level spell to remove curse with Greater Resto.
Expending 2 (1st level)Cure Wounds on self, restoring 21.
Mordok triumphantly cheers himself, trying to whoop the crowd up to a frothing excitement, as he makes the killing blow on the dragon. For good measure, he chops off the blue dragon's horn, and keeps it for later....
Gladly accepting Kali's barbarian high-five, he quickly grabs one of the Potion of Speed for himself. "This'll come in handy later ... my master gave me one of these once before ... I fought a drider once, and the damn thing kept climbin' all over the place, but that drink helped me keep up with 'em!"
Settling down, he next turns to his immediate need...."Hey, anyone know where we can get a good burger around here? I'm starving."
...One point of exhaustion for coming down out of his rage.
After giving the treasure a once over, Yarog spies one of the more expensive gems, prior to picking up one(5,000 gp gem). "Hmm... I could use this to bring one of us back once. Twice, if more fortunate." He looks to the others, "IF it is alright, I would keep this for such an emergency. Only the Potion of Flying and some of the coin would I claim as a personal share."He would say as much, and barring any complaints, stash them away in a separate saddle pouches.
"And I'm afraid, my rather large friend, that I do not on such a plane. Perhaps in the next we may be so fortunate?" He states, smiling in mild amusement. "Anything others wish not to carry, I am will carry the burden. At least until we find our feet, and maybe acquire a few things once in Banehold. For I doubt it will all be free, crisis or not."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
When the girl was born, like all Primes, Mischa was inspected.
If she had been weak, or puny, or sickly, or misshapen, she would have been immediately discarded. From the time she could stand she was baptized in the fire of combat - taught never to retreat, never to surrender. For death on the battlefield in service to the Lord General was the greatest glory an Acheronian could achieve in his life.
At the age of 7, she was taken from Banehold and plunged into a world of training and violence, fueled by countless years of Acheronian society and conditioning to create the finest soldiers the multiverse has ever known. She was taught to show no pain, no mercy. Constantly tested. Left to pit her wits and will against the war of Acheron's fury and her enemies, it was her initiation - for she would return to her people a Prime..
..or not at all.
CHAPTER THREE: CHERNOGGAR, HOME OF THE FORTRESS EMPIRE CAPITAL: BANEHOLD
OBJECTIVES:Acheron's first layer, Avalas, consists of three cubes: the Battle Cube, the Blue Cube, and Chernoggar. In order to get to Banehold - which is on Chernoggar, you must travel through the first two sub layers: the Battle Cube, and the Blue Cube. Misha awaits you all at Banehold. You all are now on Chernoggar. You have successfully traveled through the innards of the Battle Cube, and survived the electrical menace of Teslor on the Blue Cube. Defeat the challenge below to gain access to Banehold.
We stepped through the Blue Cube portal and entered Chernoggar, cube that housed the Fortress Empire Capital: Banehold. Almost immediately, our senses were assaulted by a scene unlike anything we have ever seen before.
CHERNOGGAR LORE: Chernoggar is the home of Bane, the god of fear, hatred, and tyranny. His lair upon the cube is known as Banehold, a horrifying fortress citadel of twisted iron and gore-spattered stone. Chernoggar is covered with fine black sand, and devoid of features save for the settlements and bases upon it. Unlike the other geometric bodies of this plane, Chernoggar remains stationary, fixed at a point around which the plane revolves around it's red super giant star. Chernoggar is a ghastly reflection of Bane's tyrannical will, a complete war zone of death, battle, and chaos.
The plane is a chaotic war zone. High above in the heavens, a massive threatening war ship, the Executor, sends down a rain of fire upon the plane, seeking to destroy and decimate all life on the surface. A huge rift is against the backdrop of the dark heavens, like a gushing open wound. On the surface of the plane, Acheronians battle demons and devils and minions of Praxia all at once in the largest scale battle you've ever witnessed. The Acheronians barely have time to acknowledge you as you emerge from the short range rift - but quickly recognize you as friend. In order to reach Banehold, it will require stealth, combat, cunning, and direction.
OBJECTIVE MECHANICS: Each character must make ten unhelped DC22 checks. Two each from Athletics, Insight, Perception, Stealth, and Survival as you navigate through waves upon waves of renegades, demons, and devils to get to Banehold. For each check that you fail, take the difference from 22 and multiply it by two. That's how much damage you suffer as the opposing forces intercept you and overwhelm you in your journey to reach the capital. The last stretch is here. Only the strongest will survive.
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Alright, here we go again -- Try to stick together as much as you can. Mend the fallen as we go. And if unable, put them on me. I'll shall ferry them for as along as I am able."He says -- or calls over the noise, as much as he needed to with smiling eyes. But as he turned to look back at the battlefields that laid before them, it was as if the plane's magic had once again tried to worm its way into his system.
He allowed the fear to spread and hold for a moment. In the next, a solemn breathe is taken, and Yargo is off with the others. This time he bothers not with protection, but instead held on to words of Heimdall, seeking guidance whenever he can, as much as he can to whether the race across the land.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Athletics: 1, 15
Insight:20, 27
Perception: 16, 15
Stealth: 21, 14
Survival: 7, 21
mitigating 84 damage by converting spell slots, for starters. More point conversion likely to follow. Yep, another 29 aaand 10 to crawl across the finish line. (Converting higher level spell slots to sorc points, then using bulwark of law to mitigate damage taken)
"The futility of battle in Acheron wears down the senses and saps the thrill from skilled combat. Only those in thrall to a cruel god would fight here, and only because their god willed it.
For me, there is no joy to be found in the Infinite Battlefield." - Cora Perkins.
CHAPTER FOUR: BANEHOLD AT LAST
OBJECTIVES:Acheron's first layer, Avalas, consists of three cubes: the Battle Cube, the Blue Cube, and Chernoggar. In order to get to Banehold - which is on Chernoggar, you must travel through the first two sub layers: the Battle Cube, and the Blue Cube. Misha awaits you all at Banehold. Finally, you have arrived. Meet up with the Legion Commander, rest, and eat. Then, prepare to engage your first target aboard the Executor.
PLANAR EFFECT - FAVOR THE BOLD:If a creature in Avalas hasn't reduced another creature to zero hit points within a day, the creature must make a DC25 CON save. On a failed save, you cannot benefit from any immunity, benefit, or dispel effect that removes the "frightened" condition. Nothing short of a wish spell can remove this effect, or, by slaying another creature by bringing it down to zero hit points. EVERYONE ROLL FOR THIS NOW.
BANEHOLD LORE: Banehold itself is a temple-fortress shrouded in a freezing storm of black smoke and dust, marked by a piercing red inferno which spouts eternally from its apex. The entrance to the unholy site is a black iron archway set with thousands of humanoid and bestial skulls, the eyes of which glow a sickly iridescent light. Outside the area, massive legions of Acheronian war machines protect the plane and battle for their lives. Countless soldiers engage in battle around you, and only at the foot of Banehold is it somewhat safe. Everyone is on edge. Many types of Acheronians can be seen. Within the temple are the Dreadmasters of Bane: living fanatics who maintain the fortress, oversee the Black Hand's clergy on the Material Plane, and command the spirit legions in Avalas. Rumor has it that Bane himself can be found scheming in the darkest dungeons of the fortress of the temple.
NOW: Among the legions of Hell and Praxians are the Primes - massively armored men and women of super genetic proportions. They command or are a part of the forces responsible for pushing back Hell and the Praxians. Just outside of Banehold, you are stopped by a squad of them and ordered to identify yourself in a language you might not understand. Under this heavily armed contingent, you are led into Banehold and escorted to a large command center where soldiers, Primes, and Legion Commanders discuss strategy over huge red arcane displays. You are asked to wait off to the side, not allowed to proceed further. Outside, the sounds and thundering of war literally shake the structure as you wait. From your vantage point in the distance, you can see one of the Primes who escorted you walk to an upper level command post a very familiar red headed woman looking over a massive display with her back turned to you. She is wearing yellow and red plate armor three sizes too big for her that is draped in cloth and cloaked. She tilts her head as the Prime speaks his report, and she jerks her head to look at him, as if she didn't believe what he just said, or said something shocking. She turns to look at you all to confirm this information, and then turns back to the Prime, saying something to him. He kneels, and comes back to you all as Misha turns back to the display.
The Prime returns, and barks a command at you all. "Prikhodit'. Podpisyvaytes' na menya. Komandir Legiona pogovorit s vami v komnate ozhidaniya."He gestures in the direction to a room with tables and chairs. Nothing fancy. The bare comforts. It appears to be a private waiting room.
OBJECTIVE MECHANICS:Introduce yourself toLegion Commander Misha when she comes into the room, take a long rest, roll for Favor The Bold, and prepare to engage your first target aboard the Executor.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After the first guards speak in an unknown tongue, Surus passes his hand across the battered and scored mouthpiece of his mask, casting comprehend languages.(so, he would understand the Prime's barked command)
Favor the Bold(+5 for pali bonus, correct? if not, -5 to result): 17
To pass the time until the party is attended by the Legion Commander, Surus will entertain himself by casting Arcane Eye, surveying and studying the many maps, charts, readouts and reports available in the command room while remaining unobtrusive. Deciphering the hellish script takes some time, but if given a minute he can make out about a page's worth. If asked what he is doing, he will merely repeat the words "Acquiring data" in response to any further questions.
After Legion Commander Misha enters, Surus will speak first, as all others process their new environs.
"I am Surus Anaximander II, Invested of the Motive Force and Speaker for the Great Machine. There have been... disturbing reports, Great Lady, and it was judged that your forces should receive any and all services of a full Speaker: myself. I am capable of self-initiated interplanar travel, and humbly offer whatever other services I may, unsuited though I may be to the... vigors in this fold of the Void-which-Binds."
Mordok stands his full 7 feet tall as Misha enters the room, and after Surus speaks, follows with "Yeah, me too. What him said! Empress Yasei send her finest <he points to himself> to helps Master Misha! Now, can I have hamburger? Lonnnnnnng trip here through beautiful land with many good fights to see Master, and hims hungry!"
Raktimos intones a soft prayer to Tiamat, "I will be home soon..." Before plunging head first into the shit
Raktimos casts Skill Empowerment, his muscles bulge and grow as he rushes across the battlefield. ATHLETICS: 3031
Raktimos recasts Skill Empowerment, his pupils dilate, covering his irises until they are all coal black, faint glimmering draconic runes pulsate around his eyes. INSIGHT: 2119
Raktimos groans in anger, "I should never have to do this, *growl*, but I need to survive this." Raktimos casts Polymorph, transforming into a T Rex as he searches for dangers/ the right tunnel. PERCEPTION: 1415
Reverting back to his humanoid form, Raktimos casts invisibility as they skirt around demon, devil and banite patrols. STEALTH (rolled with advantage IF i have to roll, since invisible?): 1518
Burning 7 sorcery points, Raktimos cast Skill Empowerment, his nostrils flaring as he enters a predator mode, trails and clues seem to glow in his sight as he finds the tracks leading back to the fortress, or tracks to avoid dangers. SURVIVAL: 2418
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Con: 29
Kali purposefully goes last approaching the Legion Commander. When it was her turn, she stands with a straightened back and a hardened gaze despite the aches and pains wearing down on her, but Kali would endure all the pain in the world at a chance to see Misha again. After Misha had given her the news and her choices, the paladin had been extremely busy in the frontlines. Of course, Kali didn't mind this one bit, having expected it since protecting her home was something ingrained in her blood, but that didn't make her miss Misha any less.
Like Carrhae, she is uncertain that with the new title if they were allowed to get closer to her, and she keeps herself at bay despite wanting nothing more than to pull the commander into a loving hug and kiss after what felt like years of not having seen her. Instead, she simply kneels before her in greeting, waiting for her to respond before standing up again with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "It's real nice to see you again, Misha."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Athletics: 1217 advantage flight
Insight: 86 advantage enhance ability
Perception: 2219
Stealth: 715
Survival: 2016 advantage from enhance ability
Zaeda looks at the battlefield and says, "I ain't making the same mistakes as last time." She begins to drink. Heavily. Any magical brew on her she tries to down to help. Heals 12 from elixir. Accidental reroll of the healing. Also casting mass healing word on Raktimos, Zaeda, Kali, Carrhae, and Yarog for 12
At the end of it all, Zaeda is standing. Not happy but standing. Well, barely standing. She is very drunk.
After what seemed like about a thirty minutes worth of waiting, the doors slid open with a loud hiss. Two male Primes in massive body armor entered first with Misha behind them. She stepped through and gave everyone a professional scrutinous look. She nodded, finally, and turned to the two Primes.
"Vy budete zhdat' menya snaruzhi." she ordered the men, who genuflected and then left, the door closing behind her. She waited for the doors to completely close and then walked to the corner of the room and her armor split open mechanically, allowing her to walk freely out of it to approach you all.
At this point she could barely maintain the charade and exploded into her very familiar laugh and spread her arms as wide as she could, attempting to grab as many of you as possible in the biggest group hug she could manage. The joy and happiness on her face was painfully evident, and she could barely talk from laughing at how excited she was to see old, and new, faces. She kissed Sana, Carrhae, and Kali repeatedly, unashamed, filled with love, and devotion.
Physically, Misha was a red headed woman with green eyes wearing a lightweight military black turtleneck shirt with black pants and boots - some sort of Acheronian uniform, or a burn suit for the armor. She was about as tall as Carrhae, and looked to be in her late 30s. However, one of her most striking features, being genetically created, was that she was blessed with a perfectly chiseled amazonian physique: lean, strong, and powerful. A body built for speed, strength, and punishment. If she had any fat on her, it was strategically placed in the perfect places - but Carrhae would win the boob awards with size, just as Kali would win any award with sheer muscular bulk. Misha was the super soldier.
"Ya ne mogu poverit', chto ty zdes'! Oh, oops!"she corrected herself. "I cannot beleef you are here! You made eet! Praise the Lord General, praise! I em so heppy to see you!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Con ST: 16
Sana grins and returns the hug tightly, sniffing back a few tears of her own. "Misha! It's so good to see you again. I've missed you so much." She laughs. "Ten years is really way too long to go between seeing old friends."
Sana nods. "Nice hits from everyone. Now let's go through this portal and find Meesh." The changeling doesn't claim any magic items, but examines one of the gems and slips it into her pocket with an inkling of an idea.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
As others began the process of looting, an ecstatic, but still very much in pain Yarog once again struck up a song. Time was of the essence, so the melody is kept light enough to mend his wounds over time. Some he passes by are touched on a shoulder during it, rewinding the clock for some injuries or accelerating them to a state of a wholeness once more. Even once hail of body once more, his face still showed the strain of the battle.
"Even a brief encounters in this realm is full of perils it seems. Far more than what I initially anticipated. Oh, speaking of which. If you would hold still a moment dear." Yarog canters over to Surus for a once over, a few verse spun, and the curse of the dragon being visibly ripped from his being as a squirming blue mass of electricity. One Yarog had no compunctions lulling to rest in a more softly spun lullaby until it fizzled out of existence.
"Without rest, I am afraid that is the last time I can do this. Heimdall preserve us... heh." With a soft grin, he goes over to the treausre.
For Yarog as well, Casting (5th level)Greater Restoration, removing Teslor curse, if it should remain.
For Surus, Casting (4th level)Cure Wounds, restoring 28 HP.
For Raktimos... Once Calm-ish again, Casting (2nd level)Cure Wounds, restoring 12 Hp.
For Yarog, Cast (3rd level)Aura of Vitality, restoring over time 33 of HP.
Remaining Aura energy will go to Zippo, restoring 30 HP.
For Surus, expending last 7th level spell to remove curse with Greater Resto.
Expending 2 (1st level)Cure Wounds on self, restoring 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Mordok triumphantly cheers himself, trying to whoop the crowd up to a frothing excitement, as he makes the killing blow on the dragon. For good measure, he chops off the blue dragon's horn, and keeps it for later....
Gladly accepting Kali's barbarian high-five, he quickly grabs one of the Potion of Speed for himself. "This'll come in handy later ... my master gave me one of these once before ... I fought a drider once, and the damn thing kept climbin' all over the place, but that drink helped me keep up with 'em!"
Settling down, he next turns to his immediate need...."Hey, anyone know where we can get a good burger around here? I'm starving."
...One point of exhaustion for coming down out of his rage.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
After giving the treasure a once over, Yarog spies one of the more expensive gems, prior to picking up one(5,000 gp gem). "Hmm... I could use this to bring one of us back once. Twice, if more fortunate." He looks to the others, "IF it is alright, I would keep this for such an emergency. Only the Potion of Flying and some of the coin would I claim as a personal share." He would say as much, and barring any complaints, stash them away in a separate saddle pouches.
"And I'm afraid, my rather large friend, that I do not on such a plane. Perhaps in the next we may be so fortunate?" He states, smiling in mild amusement. "Anything others wish not to carry, I am will carry the burden. At least until we find our feet, and maybe acquire a few things once in Banehold. For I doubt it will all be free, crisis or not."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
When the girl was born, like all Primes, Mischa was inspected.
If she had been weak, or puny, or sickly, or misshapen, she would have been immediately discarded. From the time she could stand she was baptized in the fire of combat - taught never to retreat, never to surrender. For death on the battlefield in service to the Lord General was the greatest glory an Acheronian could achieve in his life.
At the age of 7, she was taken from Banehold and plunged into a world of training and violence, fueled by countless years of Acheronian society and conditioning to create the finest soldiers the multiverse has ever known. She was taught to show no pain, no mercy. Constantly tested. Left to pit her wits and will against the war of Acheron's fury and her enemies, it was her initiation - for she would return to her people a Prime..
..or not at all.
CHAPTER THREE: CHERNOGGAR, HOME OF THE FORTRESS EMPIRE CAPITAL: BANEHOLD
OBJECTIVES: Acheron's first layer, Avalas, consists of three cubes: the Battle Cube, the Blue Cube, and Chernoggar. In order to get to Banehold - which is on Chernoggar, you must travel through the first two sub layers: the Battle Cube, and the Blue Cube. Misha awaits you all at Banehold. You all are now on Chernoggar. You have successfully traveled through the innards of the Battle Cube, and survived the electrical menace of Teslor on the Blue Cube. Defeat the challenge below to gain access to Banehold.
We stepped through the Blue Cube portal and entered Chernoggar, cube that housed the Fortress Empire Capital: Banehold. Almost immediately, our senses were assaulted by a scene unlike anything we have ever seen before.
CHERNOGGAR LORE: Chernoggar is the home of Bane, the god of fear, hatred, and tyranny. His lair upon the cube is known as Banehold, a horrifying fortress citadel of twisted iron and gore-spattered stone. Chernoggar is covered with fine black sand, and devoid of features save for the settlements and bases upon it. Unlike the other geometric bodies of this plane, Chernoggar remains stationary, fixed at a point around which the plane revolves around it's red super giant star. Chernoggar is a ghastly reflection of Bane's tyrannical will, a complete war zone of death, battle, and chaos.
The plane is a chaotic war zone. High above in the heavens, a massive threatening war ship, the Executor, sends down a rain of fire upon the plane, seeking to destroy and decimate all life on the surface. A huge rift is against the backdrop of the dark heavens, like a gushing open wound. On the surface of the plane, Acheronians battle demons and devils and minions of Praxia all at once in the largest scale battle you've ever witnessed. The Acheronians barely have time to acknowledge you as you emerge from the short range rift - but quickly recognize you as friend. In order to reach Banehold, it will require stealth, combat, cunning, and direction.
OBJECTIVE MECHANICS: Each character must make ten unhelped DC22 checks. Two each from Athletics, Insight, Perception, Stealth, and Survival as you navigate through waves upon waves of renegades, demons, and devils to get to Banehold. For each check that you fail, take the difference from 22 and multiply it by two. That's how much damage you suffer as the opposing forces intercept you and overwhelm you in your journey to reach the capital. The last stretch is here. Only the strongest will survive.
Athletics: 24 20
Insight: 11 21
Perception: 19 11
Stealth: 15 6
Survival: 9 7
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Hoo buddy.
Athletics: 19, 20
Insight: 6, 21
Perception: 8, 9
Stealth: 9, 21
Survival: 4, 12
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Sana casts aura of vitality again to give herself 68 hp before we go into this fun hell.
Athletics: 26, 22
Insight: 20, 7
Stealth: 2, 19
Perception: 12, 16
Survival: 21, 19
At the end of that, she promptly unloads some CWs, this time in the form of cookies because Cherri asked.
Carrhae: 8
Kali: 10
More to come, no doubt!
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Mordok laughs maniacally when they enter Chernoggar, and immediately works himself up into a lathering rage-
OOC: Mordok survives, barely, taking 102 damage. Down to 5 hit points as he greets Misha and rapidly consumes a dozen Mishatinis.
Emboldend Bond rolls-
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"Alright, here we go again -- Try to stick together as much as you can. Mend the fallen as we go. And if unable, put them on me. I'll shall ferry them for as along as I am able." He says -- or calls over the noise, as much as he needed to with smiling eyes. But as he turned to look back at the battlefields that laid before them, it was as if the plane's magic had once again tried to worm its way into his system.
He allowed the fear to spread and hold for a moment. In the next, a solemn breathe is taken, and Yargo is off with the others. This time he bothers not with protection, but instead held on to words of Heimdall, seeking guidance whenever he can, as much as he can to whether the race across the land.
Athletics(DC 22): 15, 30.
Insight(DC 22): 21, 25.
Perception(DC 22): 23, 36.
Stealth(DC 22): 34, 32.
Survival(22): 29, 25.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Athletics: 1, 15
Insight:20, 27
Perception: 16, 15
Stealth: 21, 14
Survival: 7, 21
mitigating 84 damage by converting spell slots, for starters. More point conversion likely to follow. Yep, another 29 aaand 10 to crawl across the finish line. (Converting higher level spell slots to sorc points, then using bulwark of law to mitigate damage taken)
"The futility of battle in Acheron wears down the senses and saps the thrill from skilled combat. Only those in thrall to a cruel god would fight here, and only because their god willed it.
For me, there is no joy to be found in the Infinite Battlefield." - Cora Perkins.
CHAPTER FOUR: BANEHOLD AT LAST
OBJECTIVES: Acheron's first layer, Avalas, consists of three cubes: the Battle Cube, the Blue Cube, and Chernoggar. In order to get to Banehold - which is on Chernoggar, you must travel through the first two sub layers: the Battle Cube, and the Blue Cube. Misha awaits you all at Banehold. Finally, you have arrived. Meet up with the Legion Commander, rest, and eat. Then, prepare to engage your first target aboard the Executor.
PLANAR EFFECT - FAVOR THE BOLD: If a creature in Avalas hasn't reduced another creature to zero hit points within a day, the creature must make a DC25 CON save. On a failed save, you cannot benefit from any immunity, benefit, or dispel effect that removes the "frightened" condition. Nothing short of a wish spell can remove this effect, or, by slaying another creature by bringing it down to zero hit points. EVERYONE ROLL FOR THIS NOW.
BANEHOLD LORE: Banehold itself is a temple-fortress shrouded in a freezing storm of black smoke and dust, marked by a piercing red inferno which spouts eternally from its apex. The entrance to the unholy site is a black iron archway set with thousands of humanoid and bestial skulls, the eyes of which glow a sickly iridescent light. Outside the area, massive legions of Acheronian war machines protect the plane and battle for their lives. Countless soldiers engage in battle around you, and only at the foot of Banehold is it somewhat safe. Everyone is on edge. Many types of Acheronians can be seen. Within the temple are the Dreadmasters of Bane: living fanatics who maintain the fortress, oversee the Black Hand's clergy on the Material Plane, and command the spirit legions in Avalas. Rumor has it that Bane himself can be found scheming in the darkest dungeons of the fortress of the temple.
NOW: Among the legions of Hell and Praxians are the Primes - massively armored men and women of super genetic proportions. They command or are a part of the forces responsible for pushing back Hell and the Praxians. Just outside of Banehold, you are stopped by a squad of them and ordered to identify yourself in a language you might not understand. Under this heavily armed contingent, you are led into Banehold and escorted to a large command center where soldiers, Primes, and Legion Commanders discuss strategy over huge red arcane displays. You are asked to wait off to the side, not allowed to proceed further. Outside, the sounds and thundering of war literally shake the structure as you wait. From your vantage point in the distance, you can see one of the Primes who escorted you walk to an upper level command post a very familiar red headed woman looking over a massive display with her back turned to you. She is wearing yellow and red plate armor three sizes too big for her that is draped in cloth and cloaked. She tilts her head as the Prime speaks his report, and she jerks her head to look at him, as if she didn't believe what he just said, or said something shocking. She turns to look at you all to confirm this information, and then turns back to the Prime, saying something to him. He kneels, and comes back to you all as Misha turns back to the display.
The Prime returns, and barks a command at you all. "Prikhodit'. Podpisyvaytes' na menya. Komandir Legiona pogovorit s vami v komnate ozhidaniya." He gestures in the direction to a room with tables and chairs. Nothing fancy. The bare comforts. It appears to be a private waiting room.
OBJECTIVE MECHANICS: Introduce yourself to Legion Commander Misha when she comes into the room, take a long rest, roll for Favor The Bold, and prepare to engage your first target aboard the Executor.
After the first guards speak in an unknown tongue, Surus passes his hand across the battered and scored mouthpiece of his mask, casting comprehend languages.(so, he would understand the Prime's barked command)
Favor the Bold(+5 for pali bonus, correct? if not, -5 to result): 17
To pass the time until the party is attended by the Legion Commander, Surus will entertain himself by casting Arcane Eye, surveying and studying the many maps, charts, readouts and reports available in the command room while remaining unobtrusive. Deciphering the hellish script takes some time, but if given a minute he can make out about a page's worth. If asked what he is doing, he will merely repeat the words "Acquiring data" in response to any further questions.
After Legion Commander Misha enters, Surus will speak first, as all others process their new environs.
"I am Surus Anaximander II, Invested of the Motive Force and Speaker for the Great Machine. There have been... disturbing reports, Great Lady, and it was judged that your forces should receive any and all services of a full Speaker: myself. I am capable of self-initiated interplanar travel, and humbly offer whatever other services I may, unsuited though I may be to the... vigors in this fold of the Void-which-Binds."
Mordok stands his full 7 feet tall as Misha enters the room, and after Surus speaks, follows with "Yeah, me too. What him said! Empress Yasei send her finest <he points to himself> to helps Master Misha! Now, can I have hamburger? Lonnnnnnng trip here through beautiful land with many good fights to see Master, and hims hungry!"
Mordok's Favor the Bold DC25 CON ST: 25
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Raktimos intones a soft prayer to Tiamat, "I will be home soon..." Before plunging head first into the shit
Raktimos casts Skill Empowerment, his muscles bulge and grow as he rushes across the battlefield.
ATHLETICS: 30 31
Raktimos recasts Skill Empowerment, his pupils dilate, covering his irises until they are all coal black, faint glimmering draconic runes pulsate around his eyes.
INSIGHT: 21 19
Raktimos groans in anger, "I should never have to do this, *growl*, but I need to survive this." Raktimos casts Polymorph, transforming into a T Rex as he searches for dangers/ the right tunnel.
PERCEPTION: 14 15
Reverting back to his humanoid form, Raktimos casts invisibility as they skirt around demon, devil and banite patrols.
STEALTH (rolled with advantage IF i have to roll, since invisible?): 15 18
Burning 7 sorcery points, Raktimos cast Skill Empowerment, his nostrils flaring as he enters a predator mode, trails and clues seem to glow in his sight as he finds the tracks leading back to the fortress, or tracks to avoid dangers.
SURVIVAL: 24 18
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Con: 11
Heavily injured, but still standing, Carrhae bows before Misha, not sure if she's allowed to hug her now that she's a Legion Commander.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Con: 29
Kali purposefully goes last approaching the Legion Commander. When it was her turn, she stands with a straightened back and a hardened gaze despite the aches and pains wearing down on her, but Kali would endure all the pain in the world at a chance to see Misha again. After Misha had given her the news and her choices, the paladin had been extremely busy in the frontlines. Of course, Kali didn't mind this one bit, having expected it since protecting her home was something ingrained in her blood, but that didn't make her miss Misha any less.
Like Carrhae, she is uncertain that with the new title if they were allowed to get closer to her, and she keeps herself at bay despite wanting nothing more than to pull the commander into a loving hug and kiss after what felt like years of not having seen her. Instead, she simply kneels before her in greeting, waiting for her to respond before standing up again with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "It's real nice to see you again, Misha."
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Athletics: 1217 advantage flight
Insight: 8 6 advantage enhance ability
Perception: 2219
Stealth: 715
Survival: 2016 advantage from enhance ability
Zaeda looks at the battlefield and says, "I ain't making the same mistakes as last time." She begins to drink. Heavily. Any magical brew on her she tries to down to help. Heals 12 from elixir. Accidental reroll of the healing. Also casting mass healing word on Raktimos, Zaeda, Kali, Carrhae, and Yarog for 12
At the end of it all, Zaeda is standing. Not happy but standing. Well, barely standing. She is very drunk.
After what seemed like about a thirty minutes worth of waiting, the doors slid open with a loud hiss. Two male Primes in massive body armor entered first with Misha behind them. She stepped through and gave everyone a professional scrutinous look. She nodded, finally, and turned to the two Primes.
"Vy budete zhdat' menya snaruzhi." she ordered the men, who genuflected and then left, the door closing behind her. She waited for the doors to completely close and then walked to the corner of the room and her armor split open mechanically, allowing her to walk freely out of it to approach you all.
At this point she could barely maintain the charade and exploded into her very familiar laugh and spread her arms as wide as she could, attempting to grab as many of you as possible in the biggest group hug she could manage. The joy and happiness on her face was painfully evident, and she could barely talk from laughing at how excited she was to see old, and new, faces. She kissed Sana, Carrhae, and Kali repeatedly, unashamed, filled with love, and devotion.
Physically, Misha was a red headed woman with green eyes wearing a lightweight military black turtleneck shirt with black pants and boots - some sort of Acheronian uniform, or a burn suit for the armor. She was about as tall as Carrhae, and looked to be in her late 30s. However, one of her most striking features, being genetically created, was that she was blessed with a perfectly chiseled amazonian physique: lean, strong, and powerful. A body built for speed, strength, and punishment. If she had any fat on her, it was strategically placed in the perfect places - but Carrhae would win the boob awards with size, just as Kali would win any award with sheer muscular bulk. Misha was the super soldier.
"Ya ne mogu poverit', chto ty zdes'! Oh, oops!" she corrected herself. "I cannot beleef you are here! You made eet! Praise the Lord General, praise! I em so heppy to see you!"
Con ST: 16
Sana grins and returns the hug tightly, sniffing back a few tears of her own. "Misha! It's so good to see you again. I've missed you so much." She laughs. "Ten years is really way too long to go between seeing old friends."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!