Action thread: Group 9

[ieatfood7]

Vir's spell resistance is insufficiant, and Sheerak is now dazed (assuming that She didn't get to hit the thing prior to that with AoO, as referenced above...I didn't add an extra +2 to her save, but I'd still have lost).

[FireInTheSky]

{Ror9 on the Link} Let's get into the air, and a little ways away from the bridge, so that I can blow it.

Ror9 takes his own advice, and flies diagonally away from the bridge, to end up flying somewhere above the barracks.  Once the rest of the party joins him, Ror9 thinks "BOOOM!"

[ieatfood7]

(click to show/hide)

Ror waited until we joined him, so that presuposes that nothign happened while Sheerak was dazed.  If If that si not the case, MM, please clarify.

[MetroMagic]

(click to show/hide)

working out some complex details on this thread, will post soon as I can to sort things out

[ieatfood7]

Sheerak utilizes the effects of the healing ritual on them all to remove the Dazed modifier and follow Ror.

(click to show/hide)

Thanks for the reminder that we can do that!

[MetroMagic]

The impenetrable fog is quiet again; then in the near distance, a deep sigh is heard next to the triangular building. Between the sounds and Tremorsense, it must be a fairly bulky creature around six to seven feet tall. Other faint sounds carry the tense suggestion that more creatures are gathering but it’s hard to get a fix on them, even with Tremorsense. None have the heavy clawed lack of finesse of an Umber Hulk.

Meanwhile, eight Mirror Images spring up of all, for a total of 48 images, and then the images begin to shift into other forms:

Ror9 becomes a Lillend, followed immediately by Halfaz9, and reluctantly by Tanatou9, who seems more reconciled to this change than other Tanatou copies were to changing into a Feeding creature like a Barghest. After due consideration in balancing Chaos with Forbiddance, Vir9 shifts to a Quasit and shrinks immediately to Fine size.

Star comments to Vir9 on the Link, Vir9, a Quasit often has a greenish cast over gray hide, but it may please you to choose a brighter green cast over a brighter, bluer, gray, recalling the Colors of Chaos that were Dreamed at you… making at least a partial use of the Theory of Similarity, which is as important in  Chromomancy as it is in much the rest of Magic.

Sheerak9 lags behind a moment; she was Dazed by the Maw of Chaos, and missed her chance for a return attack, but then threw off the Effect using Ror9’s Circle.

Seeing Ror9 beginning to lift off with Halfaz9 and Tanatou9 in a group of three Blue-Green Chaos creatures, headed diagonally away from the bridge toward a point above the barracks, followed by Vir9 as a Quasit, Sheerak9 chooses Marilith as a form to balance Chaos and Forbiddance, and she begins to change too.

The nearest point above the barracks is a good sixty feet, plus elevation, away from the foot of the bridge, far enough away to BOOOOM the bridge, according to the instructions from Janis.

Traveling toward that nearest point above barracks, Ror9 feels himself go through six resistances, and in Lillend form, finds that it is a struggle to avoid damage as the very nature of the creature, Chaotic Good, resists his mutability of Alignment. Likewise, Halfaz9 and Tanatou9 find it a difficult struggle to impose their normal Alignments that gave them some protection from the Forbiddances, while in the form of a creature naturally made of Chaotic Good. For Vir9 and Sheerak9, their plan was to use the new form’s Alignment to protect against the Forbiddance partially, and so they have no struggle with the Chaotic Evil Alignment they have chosen. Vir especially does find the Quasit’s natural urge to play truly nasty pranks very hard to resist, though.

(click to show/hide)

Alignment, and Forbiddance damage, will work as follows:

(1)  Ror9, Halfaz9, Tanatou9 determine their Alignment

For your new form to succumb to your old Alignment instead of asserting its true nature, the form must FAIL a WILL Save, not succeed at it. If it succeeds it wins. You must apply all of the plusses you get, however you do get two chances to fail because you still roll twice.

If either of those rolls fails, then your new form cannot maintain its fundamental nature and succumbs, at least temporarily, to the old alignment you are trying to force on it… or in Ror’s case, any alignment he is trying to force on it.

PS. If you want protection from your new form, I suggest “it may please you” to let your new form assert its natural Alignment once you get in position above the barracks.

(2)  Ror9, Halfaz9, Tanatou9, Vir9, Sheerak9 determine their Alignment

Then you roll two WILL Saves to receive only half damage for whatever Alignment the previous two saves determined you have – or in the case of Vir9 and Sheerak9, the natural CE Alignment you did not try to force to be different.

Got it?
---First two Saves determine your Alignment, for Ror9, Halfaz9, Tanatou9.
---For all, second two Saves determine whether you take half damage for that Alignment.

Halt9 – Your procedure follows whichever steps match what you decide to post with your Polymorph Self, if anything, and whatever distance you decide to move.

(click to show/hide)

Recap: Characters9(Initiatives) and Creatures
Vir9(17) the Fine Quasit, a very Fine Quasit indeed
Halt9(15) is Halt9 unless posted otherwise
Halfaz(11) the Lillend
Ror9(10) the Lillend
Tanatou9(9) the Lillend

I’ll be calling Initiatives shortly… I may not get to post on this thread for a couple of days, leaving you on a classic cliff-hanger… Here it comes!

Sheerak9 is lagging behind the group9 slightly since she had to recover from being Dazed, but has just about caught up as she finishes the change to Marilith. Suddenly her self-image on the Link is shock, frozen. There is the briefest moment with a welter of powerful impressions:

Two limitless minds focused as one, in boredom, then surprise, then angry amusement, then… nothing. Sheerak9 the Marilith vanishes. Calls to her on the Link are met with silence.

Tanatou9 the Lillend, and Ror9 the Lillend, have only one fix on that very brief moment of impression: Deity-touched; everything else about it concealed.

[MetroMagic]

In the air above the north end of the barracks building, group9 hears two rumbling blasts echo through the slave pens area, one from directly north across the bridge on the far side of area BB, and the other, not as loud, echoing down from the far end of the slave pens area to the northeast.

These are followed by three more, much fainter ones, farther to the north and east.

Underneath area BB speeding on his way to location9, Sable is jounced around by shockwave after shockwave, first ones from the east and west, slightly north nearby, then a third from the east, and finally two more from the northeast, distant. None are hard enough to jolt him off course, but they’re enough to rattle his teeth and give him some pleasant anticipation for what he can do with the sixteen charges he is carrying.

[MetroMagic]

In the air above the north end of the barracks building, group9 hears one more faint rumbling blast echo through the slave pens area, far to the northeast.

Underneath area BB speeding on his way to location9, Sable is jounced around by yet another shockwave from the northeast, distant, also not hard enough to jolt him off course.

[ieatfood7]

(click to show/hide)

So what can Sheerak 9 see and hear?  I assume she's not dead with such an unusual description of effect and no save.

[MetroMagic]

From Sheerak9, The Link^TM is silent; there is neither visual nor audial from her.

(click to show/hide)

Answer via PM.

[Scout89]

Halfaz9 changes his appearance into that of an Efreeti to avoid Forbidance damage. He intends to stay in that form.

Through the link he says, "What are we waiting for? Lets make this creature taste our steel!"

[MetroMagic]

(click to show/hide)

We didn’t get to those WILL saves about whether the new forms win or the characters’ Alignments win, but it’s time to move on rather than let the combat drag over dice...  a lot of complicated dice. So I’m handling the issue like this, for now:

The Alignments will combine in the characters’ favor, whichever is advantageous… kind of like Ror.  Note that depending on what you’re dealing with, 3.5 Sub-Types may be more effective than Alignments since they indicate the creature is made of that Alignment, not just acting from it, so stronger results are possible.

In the air above the north end of the barracks building, all 45 images plus copies in group9  wait tensely as Halfaz9 urges the attack and then tries to gather his Concentration to begin to change form from Lillend to Efreeti… their sharp ears pick out an indrawn breath in the near distance, and as Blindsense finds focus on the human female form in that direction, coming in through the fog from above…

Flying within the very stuff of nightmares, she dives once more. This time, she is not even shooting. She is laughing… with her full breath, an evil laugh so gleeful it is like a caricature, a beautiful contralto made horrible with anger and malice so great that only Dream could hold it.

As she comes in view once more the fog thins and she becomes visible, Blue Green Chaos in a cloud around her. It washes over group9, catching Halfaz9 in mid-change.

As it touches Vir9 the Fine Quasit (and a very Fine Quasit indeed) the raw, primal Energy of Blue Green Chaos soaks into his Quasit form and as a creature of Chaos (though also Lower Planar) and partially Green himself, he is partially Healed of the previous damage Vir9 received from it.

(click to show/hide)

It’s random, what else?!? Vir9, roll percentiles to find out how much of the 86 damage is Healed, 1d100, +2 Luck from Janis. Simple math, the Healing is 86HP times the percent you roll. Hope for a 00 or above!

Halfaz9, Ror9, and Tanatou9, all Lillends, also creatures of Chaos and fully Blue Green natives in the Colors of the raw, primal Energy of Blue Green Chaos from which they are formed, absorb all of the Energy they are exposed to and are Healed in the same amount they were previously damaged.

Fortunately for Halfaz9, his change was slow; he is still recovering his Concentration from the Effect of the previous assault of raw Chaos on his senses… but with the Healing, that lapse of Concentration is gone, and his intent to attack clears his head.

The woman’s laugh runs down like a failing Siren’s call as she runs out of breath and draws another, her gaze fixed frightfully on group9 to unleash yet another Dream horror on them while the Blue Green raw Chaos runs its own course.

In that moment, an Opportunity presents itself to attack her. As it happens, only Halfaz9 is near enough for melee, but everyone can fire a Ranged attack at her.

There’s no Time even to complete his change; Halfaz9 is a strange looking mash of Blue Green wings, Red muscular arms, and an indistinct shape as he attacks, but the sword master forms he practiced till beyond automatic take over and he flows with them to meet her just like at home on the plains outside the City of Brass.

Star’s warning begins on the Link as everyone unleashes their attacks.

(click to show/hide)

Victims of Fly-By, and who knows what else, you still have a chance!

Let’s see those attack d20s, with all those plusses!! And please also post your damage rolls at the same time, in case you hit, to save some posting. See Tanatou’s rolls in a spoiler below for plusses and a sample (but real, it counts) attack/damage post.

You’re all going simultaneously in this moment, so you’re all effectively in the same batch of Initiatives for now… just post and roll. The Ranged attacks will hit her before Halfaz9, partly because she is closing at speed, so you’re not shooting into melee either; Halfaz9 will be swinging after your shots hit   :-)  …or miss  :-(

Halfaz9, you can choose a ranged attack if you’d rather; there is no requirement for melee from you.

Halt9, we’re holding the Chaos Effects on you in abeyance for the moment while you shoot (I guess I’m assuming that’s his preferred attack anyway) so you have a chance to post and strategize before we move on to what comes next.

Tanatou9 fires his crossbow.

(click to show/hide)

A d20 twice, with all plusses: Masterwork +1 Quickload Crossbow (1d10+1, 19-20/x3), BAB+11, Paladin+1,+2, DEX+2, Aerial 3D Combat Training +4, Morale+3, Luck+2, Time+2, I think that’s it. 1d20+28 total, and Quickload lets him snap off two shots in the Time of one.

FYI, everyone’s plusses include: Aerial 3D Combat Training +4, Morale+3, Luck+2, Time+2

First crossbow bolt, better of two attack rolls:

Rolled 1d20+28 : 18 + 28, total 46

Rolled 1d20+28 : 10 + 28, total 38

First crossbow bolt, one damage roll:

Rolled 1d10+1 : 8 + 1, total 9

Second crossbow bolt, better of two attack rolls:

Rolled 1d20+28 : 14 + 28, total 42

Rolled 1d20+28 : 20 + 28, total 48

Second crossbow bolt, one damage roll:

Rolled 1d10+1 : 3 + 1, total 4

Underneath area BB, still speeding on his way to location9, Sable is watching this combat carefully on the Link to help him decide what to do when he gets there.

[Scout89]

Half changed into an Efreeti, Halfaz begins an intricate dance of blades, attacking the enemy with a flurry of slashes.

(click to show/hide)

He uses Mongoose Dance to strike two time more with his highest base attack bonus, once with each end of his double-bladed scimitar.
Base: +24/+24/+19/+19/+14/+14/+9; Extras: +24/+24; Bonus: +11;

First Attack

Rolled 1d20+35 : 19 + 35, total 54

Rolled 1d20+35 : 5 + 35, total 40

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 5 + 7, total 12

Second Attack

Rolled 1d20+35 : 17 + 35, total 52

Rolled 1d20+35 : 20 + 35, total 55

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 6 + 7, total 13

Third Attack

Rolled 1d20+30 : 4 + 30, total 34

Rolled 1d20+30 : 13 + 30, total 43

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 3 + 7, total 10

Forth Attack

Rolled 1d20+30 : 16 + 30, total 46

Rolled 1d20+30 : 20 + 30, total 50

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Fifth Attack

Rolled 1d20+25 : 8 + 25, total 33

Rolled 1d20+25 : 5 + 25, total 30

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Sixth Attack

Rolled 1d20+25 : 5 + 25, total 30

Rolled 1d20+25 : 17 + 25, total 42

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Seventh Attack

Rolled 1d20+20 : 15 + 20, total 35

Rolled 1d20+20 : 1 + 20, total 21

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 1 + 7, total 8

Bonus #1

Rolled 1d20+35 : 1 + 35, total 36

Rolled 1d20+35 : 16 + 35, total 51

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

Bonus #2

Rolled 1d20+35 : 8 + 35, total 43

Rolled 1d20+35 : 10 + 35, total 45

Damage

Rolled 1d6+7 : 2 + 7, total 9

[Scout89]

(click to show/hide)

Trying to confirm 1st, 2nd and 4th attacks

Confirming critical strike on 1st attack

Rolled 1d20+35 : 19 + 35, total 54

Confirming critical strike on 2nd attack

Rolled 1d20+35 : 14 + 35, total 49

Confirming critical strike on 4st attack

Rolled 1d20+30 : 16 + 30, total 46

No critical failures.

[MetroMagic]

(click to show/hide)

And two N20s, at a quick glance! Cool!

They will mount up quickly, with all of the attacks that some have, and the double rolls.

[Debatra]

Halt9 unleashes a volley at the creature.
 

(click to show/hide)

Rolled 1d20+41 : 19 + 41, total 60

Rolled 1d20+41 : 11 + 41, total 52

 

Rolled 1d6+14 : 5 + 14, total 19

---

Rolled 1d20+41 : 8 + 41, total 49

Rolled 1d20+41 : 6 + 41, total 47

 

Rolled 1d6+14 : 4 + 14, total 18

---

Rolled 1d20+41 : 7 + 41, total 48

Rolled 1d20+41 : 16 + 41, total 57

 

Rolled 1d6+14 : 5 + 14, total 19

---

Rolled 1d20+36 : 10 + 36, total 46

Rolled 1d20+36 : 9 + 36, total 45

 

Rolled 1d6+14 : 5 + 14, total 19

---
Since I'm actually not sure, an additional +4 to all those damage rolls if the target is Human, +2 if an Elf (Favored Enemy). +1 to attack and damage if Halt9 is within 30' (Point-Blank Shot).

Since Halfaz9 is going "last" here, he's considered as flanking her if any of my shots hit.

[FireInTheSky]

Chicka-Chicka-Boom-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!



EDIT:  As soon as the blast goes off, and before the Chaos creature returns, Ror9 will charge and discharge a Quickened Lesser Circle of Blood.  (This way, if we get hit by shrapnel from the blast, that damage won't be increased from the Circle of Blood.)

[MetroMagic]

(click to show/hide)

***Vir9 POST***

It’s always a bit of a dilemma for the DM to play a PC evenhandedly. So your suggestions are welcome; Vir9 is posted in the Combat Stats thread.

Following the player’s request for us to keep going, unless we get a post overriding this one, the following actions (and rationales) will be Vir9’s at the moment.

In particular, Sable, what do you think? First, you were as involved as anyone in the discussions around Sheerak and Vir’s creation, and second, Vir and Sable have some character elements in common… sneaking not just beatdown, and more about style than Magic.

(1) NOT just a defensive stance with no attack, a simple option that was suggested. That doesn’t seem at all like Captain Vir the Pirate.

(2) Trigger this Ritual as a Free Action, 50 foot radius so everyone gets it, since group9 was just hit by a Spellcaster, and it helps everyone with combat generally:

Ritual of Deflection CIRCLE OF GOOD HOPE- You gain a +9 deflection bonus to your AC, and use of the Deflect Arrows and Snatch Arrows feats. In addition, you may choose to turn spells that target you, as per the spell turning spell; the effect of this ritual ends when you have turned nine spell levels, regardless of the remaining duration of the ritual.

(3) Ranged weapon attack; Vir9 only lists one of them:

Short bow 30/30/25(x3); should also be Masterwork+1

(click to show/hide)

3 attack rolls, twice for each, and 3 damage rolls in case they hit
30/30/25, I’m assuming that includes such fixed things as BAB, DEX; Masterwork. Maybe not the other bonuses: Aerial 3D Combat Training +4, Morale+3, Luck+2, Time+2, I think that’s it. Net 41/41/36.
Attack 1:

Rolled 1d20+41 : 13 + 41, total 54

Rolled 1d20+41 : 13 + 41, total 54

Rolled 1d6+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

Attack 2:

Rolled 1d20+41 : 4 + 41, total 45

Rolled 1d20+41 : 19 + 41, total 60

Rolled 1d6+1 : 6 + 1, total 7

Attack 3:

Rolled 1d20+36 : 15 + 36, total 51

Rolled 1d20+36 : 3 + 36, total 39

Rolled 1d6+1 : 4 + 1, total 5

(4) Righteous Aura is a possible defensive at-Will action for Vir9, but it might be a change in Vir9’s low-profile “Fine creature” strategy, so I haven’t put it in. Your thoughts?

1 hour per level Righteous Aura -- Glow as if daylight had been cast, +4 Sacred to Charisma, upon death explode into 20 ft. radius burst that does 2d6 damage/CL (max 20d6) to all evil creatures but heal all good creatures the same amount

[MetroMagic]

(click to show/hide)

Ror, for the extra 3d4 damage from the Lesser Circle of Blood, we need a bunch of 3d4 rolls!

For later attacks characters can roll their own, but now for these attacks, to avoid needing a lot of extra posts from everyone and keep the game moving...

Ror, please make all those 3d4 rolls as a result of your Circle, and label them for each character and each of their damage rolls, so we know which 3d4 bonus damage goes with which damage roll.

I'd rather have a character make the rolls than the DM!

Thanks!

[Debatra]

So, did any/how many of my arrows hit?