The Whispering Cairn (Inactive)

Game Master Death-Lok

Round 1:
Exousia regenerates 10 hit points and full-attacks the blue dragon (she is at -27 hps)!
Attack: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (9) + 31 = 40
Damage: 3d6 + 21 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1) + 21 + (6, 5) = 39
Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38
Damage: 3d6 + 21 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) + 21 + (5, 1) = 37
Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
Damage: 3d6 + 21 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3) + 21 + (5, 1) = 40
Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Damage: 3d6 + 21 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) + 21 + (6, 6) = 40

Friar then casts his last Firestorm on the pack of 3 dragons watching!
SR check vs. right dragon: 1d20 + 18 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 4 + 2 = 30
SR check vs. middle dragon: 1d20 + 18 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 4 + 2 = 43
SR check vs. left dragon: 1d20 + 18 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 4 + 2 = 36
Damage: 108
DC 24 Reflex save for 1/2 (54)
Creatures that fail their Reflex save catch on fire, taking 4d6 points of fire damage each round until the flames are extinguished.

Waiting for your action, Vulcan.

Vulcan turns targeting Exousia's opponent.

Caster level check: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Empowered Scorching Ray (RANGED TOUCH): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Fire: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 6, 5, 1) = 22

Caster level check: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Empowered Scorching Ray (RANGED TOUCH): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Fire: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 2, 4, 2) = 21

Caster level check: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Empowered Scorching Ray (RANGED TOUCH): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Fire: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 5, 6, 2) = 22

Vulcan's blazing rays strike, in quick succession, the blue dragons already burning hide as Exousia cuts into the serpent with her great blade. It is all too much for the beast and it collapses under the onslaught. Valgrim makes equally short work out of his opponent. Friar Ferez's Fire Storm spell blackens the cliff face where the three distant dragons perch and they emerge...completely untouched. You hear some additional spellcasting coming from both the direction of the perch and from behind the building the blue disappeared behind.

Your all up again. Where would you like to reappear with the giants Bublaka?

Your high perceptions and will saves tell you that the dragons on the perch are illusory after the Fire Storm interacts with them.

There appears to be an alley between two buildings up and left from Bublaka's last position on the map. He will try to drop them in there to have a moment to get their bearings.

The familiar glowing blue doorway appears on the lower level and Bublaka and the two giants appear through it.

The blue that retreated behind a building - which building?

Behind the building it was originally on, to the north.

Thanks.

Bublaka: I added Tor and Hurgwrath to the map where I think you wanted to show up. I also placed a blue marker to designate the other Blue Dragons last location.

Got real quiet all of the sudden. No one is directly being attacked at the moment. Just waiting to hear what your actions/plans are. Initiative isn't really all that important for the moment.

That was exactly where I had in mind.

Bublaka spies the dwarf fresh from dealing carnage to the dragon and the archon beyond him. He tries to pantomime a question to the ranger, asking where the dragons are. I assumed there would be much more combat out here and it would be obvious where these two could best deal their damage.

Beckoning the giants to lean down so he can whisper to them, he suggests, "We are at a disadvantage, not knowing where the dragons are, and are lined up perfectly for a lightning strike from the blue. I suggest that we step around the building here so they at least have to make more of an effort to strike us."

He motions to Tor to step around the corner to the left (if Bubba is looking at Valgrim) and for the fire giant to step around the corner to the right (same orientation) while he stays put and listens.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40

Was waiting for more posts.

Bublaka: I think I have enabled rights for you to move the giants. Give it a try. If they for some reason disagree with where you place them than I'll move them but they for the most part seem to be listening to you (your high diplomacy rolls with them have definitely helped).

Hurgwrath looks over the scorched bodies of the dead dragons and nods his head appreciatively, "You are skilled. Very well...we should be able to make the citadel." He points to the imposing distant structure across the bridge.

Valgrim goes full-defense, while waiting for the dragons to reappear.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Valgrim: 1d20 + 32 - 30 ⇒ (17) + 32 - 30 = 19

Valgrim readies himself for any retaliation coming from the surviving dragons. As he scans the distant ledge he looks for any sign of the serpents who are supporting the illusions. His sharp eyes catch the slightest of movement, even at this distance, at the top of the cliff directly above the ledge. Yes, he is certain of it...there is at least one, no two, blue dragons up there.

I am still here as well.

Friar looks at the Exousia and says in nicest possible way, "Great job slaying the blue. From now on, warrior of light, please call out how many dragons you see in the immediate vicinity, so we don't waste spells on illusions."

GM, btw, Valgrim has see invisibility on.

Exousia is also looking around for the missing dragons.
Perception: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (2) + 27 = 29

Ferez: FYI, Her True Seeing only goes out to 120' feet. If she had known they were illusory I would have definitely added that in. Exousia does not see the dragons at the moment (but Valgrim can of course point out where they are to her).

The angel quirks an eyebrow at Ferez and gives a radiant smile, "Thank you but I was not aware they were illusions either. I cannot see through them at this distance. So it is you that has been my eyes in this case."

I will wait to see how Valgrim wants to share his knowledge with the rest of us.

Valgrim physically points out the dragons, while maintaining his full-defense, "Two blues over there!"

The bard steps over in the alleyway to see if he can spot the dragons. Keeping his voice low enough for Valgrim's sensitive ears only, "Do tell. Can you pinpoint their location for me? Are they next to something in particular?"

Valgrim looks again, for more detail, not standing adjacent to the bard.
Perception: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (16) + 34 = 50...+4 for being in favored terrain
See invisibility is range of vision so no penalties.

Valgrim has no problem pointing out a copse of trees that overhangs the Rift giving the serpents cover. He watches the two dragons that in turn seem to be watching all of you. More draconic spell casting is heard echoing through the canyon.

Again keeping his voice low, "Shall I point them out to the others?"

If Valgrim agrees, Bublaka uses the dwarf's description of the dragons' locations to glitterdust them.

Save vs. Blindness is Will DC 18; no save vs. their new sequined appearance; spell resistance doesn't apply

Friar readies a Boneshatter spell on first dragon within 120' he sees that Exousia says is real.

If Exousia can see dragons Valgrim pointed out and they are not illusions, she will cast a blade barrier on them.

I'm pretty sure the glitterdust will identify the real wyrms since I suspect they are still out of Exousia's true seeing range.

Was waiting for Valgrim's response since you said you were asking him. I'll just assume that it is ok at this point.

The dragons are currently at 300' feet (thus the -30 I was giving Valgrim's perception checks). Just looked up Glitter Dust and Blade Barrier spells. They both are medium range spells, so go 280' feet for Bublaka and 260' feet for Exousia. It is, of course, easy to take a few steps forward to cast the spells. Just letting you know that you are at the limit of your ranges right now if you choose to do so.

Bublaka takes note of his target and its distance. Aware of the limitations of see invisibility, he casts greater invisibility on himself and moves toward the dragons. First round, roughly 15' closer because of walking around building

He continues moving toward the trio and casts glitterdust on the nearer pair at the end of his movement. Second round, his position shown on the map, 275' from the intersection of the nearer two dragons

Third round, casting see invisibility for the one he missed

Friar keeps same readied action.
Exousia flies toward dragons 30' and casts Holy Smite on them, looking out to see if they are real or illusions.

SR check vs. left dragon: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
SR check vs. middle dragon: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
SR check vs. right dragon: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage: 5d8 ⇒ (4, 1, 7, 3, 6) = 21
DC 21 Will Save for half damage
Failure = Full damage and blindness for 1 round

#1 Save versus Glitterdust: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
#2 Save versus Glitterdust: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
#3 Save versus Glitterdust: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

#1 Save versus Holy Smite: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
#2 failed to penetrate SR
#3 failed to penetrate SR

Exousia and Bublaka launch their assault on the distant dragons in tandem. Bublaka's glittery dust coats their blue scaly hides and makes them glint in the sunlight. Not only does this make the two that were hiding among the trees much easier to see but it also reveals the third dragon lying in wait next to them. The serpents are not caught off guard by Exousia's spell and they avoid the brunt of the blast with two being unaffected at all.

They react like real dragons and not illusions.

With the realization that they have been discovered the three dragons take to the air and spread out, moving to a distance of 400' feet away. As they take flight a double of each of them appears about 150' feet from you and they each cast a spell on the three closest of your group.

Dispel Magic on Bublaka targeting his resistance to lightning: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25 Dispelled!
Dispel Magic on Ferez targeting his resistance to lightning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 No effect.
Dispel Magic on Exousia targeting her resistance to lightning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Dispelled!

Meanwhile the missing blue that disappeared behind the building suddenly reappears up in the open sky just out side the cavern, close to the ceiling. It dives paying no heed to the chains that pass through its illusory body. It stops 45' feet above the flying angel and casts a spell that lances out at her as a black necromantic ray. The spell splashes off her harmlessly.

Spell Penetration versus Exousia: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 So close but it failed to penetrate.

Exousia can plainly tell that the closest dragon is a illusion but it cast a very real spell at her.

The dragons are well above the citadel and seem to be giving it a wide berth.

Map updated and you can all take your actions.

Do any of the the real dragons look wounded, besides the one who just took 10 damage from Holy Smite?

Exousia's round:
She casts Dispel Magic at image that shot black ray at her:
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

They can choose what effect to dispel? How do they know what effects are in play? I thought the dispel just started at the highest-level effect and worked its way down the list until it worked or there were no more effects to attempt against.

I guess they'd have to spell craft to identify all acive effects before deternining what to dispell. That's a hell of a lot of rolls to affect people like Valgrim with like 50 spell effects on him

They aren't close enough for detect magic or arcane sight, so there's no information to make the check against, but that's not the point. I was just wanting to clarify because I didn't think that's how the process would work.

Ah, let me explain. They are just generally dispelling resist energy(electricity) effects. They are used to opponents putting it up as a defense and have seen you in action (thus know you are high level, powerful, and generally would have resist energy(electricity) up when facing them). So they are not necessarily identifying anything specific. Just a precursor to what you can imagine they will be doing next. Does that make sense?

Ferez: None appear wounded other than the smite damage.

For a moment the illusory dragon briefly flickers but its magic is too powerful for the angel's Dispel Magic to overcome. (CL 20)

EDIT: Hmmmm, I was just lumping Resist Energy(electricity) with the Communal Resist Energy(electricity). They are definitely trying to dispel Resist Energy(electricity) specifically, so perhaps the communal version is different enough to not be effected?

Second EDIT: After further reading I think they would have had to target Communal Resist Energy(electricity) specifically. So your resist effects are still up and fine, Bublaka and Exousia. Funny thing, if they had done a generic dispel on you than they probably would have ended up dispelling one of your resist effects since they need to roll really high to dispel anything else cast by you guys. Carry on, nothing to see here ;)

Do we still have Haste going?

This Round's action:

"I tire of these dragons. Time to take fight to them. Bubba, sing our glories, so our blows will be as deadly as possible and try to dispel spell-casting illusions."

Valgrim walks next to Friar and hands him his helm and tells him to step 5' from him, to not be adjacent. Finally, he yells out to the angel, "Exousia, come join us."

I see where you are going with this, Valgrim. ;)

Friar takes helm from the dwarf and puts it on. What type of action to put helm on, GM? Move? Standard? He then takes 5' step away. If Move action, he would have standard action left, so let me know so he can cast spell.

Exousia is disappointed that her spell did not dispel illusion. She flies back with her move action not adjacent to Friar, but within 5' of him, curious to know the dwarf's plan.

Since my plan to cast see invisibility is not necessary since they got dusted,

Bubba begins singing a traditional Skald ode, substituting the party's names in for the valiant warriors of the original. swift action

How far is the illusory dragon? Is he within 280' of the bard? I have a move action and a standard action to decide.

Valgrim: Yes you still have Haste going, has only been about 6 rounds since you Dimensioned Doored out.

Ferez: I'd say it is only a move action to take and don the helmet.

Bublaka: Yes, the illusory dragon is well within that range Bublaka.

Standard action: The half-orc bard attempts to dispel the illusory dragon.

Greater Dispel check: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35

Move action: He draws the whip of fury for its AC bonus.

"Great job, Bubba!"

Friar casts Blessing of Fervor with his Standard action.

Vulcan: Any action?

Bublaka: The illusion disappears as your Dispel Magic succeeds!

Vulcan delays. I have been a bit busy myself but time to move on.

Two of the closest dragons continue to swoop in toward you, passing through the chains as they do. Exousia confirms your suspicions as they come into range, "Those two are also illusions."

Two of them unleash tremendous bolts of lightning through your ranks while the closest "Vermirox" instead breathes his lightning up toward the ceiling. As it strikes the roof it plays in all directions across the rock, and far out into the canyon, forming a roiling storm cloud in its wake. Just as you think it is over a powerful bolt of lightning strikes down from the cloud toward Bublaka!

Bublaka: DC 29 reflex save versus lightning for a possible 20d8 ⇒ (7, 1, 4, 8, 7, 1, 8, 6, 8, 2, 6, 7, 7, 4, 5, 3, 1, 8, 1, 3) = 97 damage.

DC 26 Reflex saves for Exousia, Ferez, and Vulcan as the other two dragons lightning bolts pass through them for a possible 16d8 ⇒ (7, 8, 2, 7, 4, 1, 8, 4, 5, 4, 7, 1, 7, 3, 4, 4) = 76 damage.

The blue aura area is the extent of the lightning storm Vermirox generated. 1d6 ⇒ 3

I am so confused. Who is Vermirox? The missing blue that disappeared behind the building? His image got dispelled last round. Then there's the three dragons who flew up and spread out with illusionary doubles. Is he one of them? Also, if this is Project Image spell (7th level), there's a Will save for interacting with the illusion and Exousia would be immune with her True Seeing. Also, spell states that spells can originate from illusions, not breath weapons. Unless the real dragons flew by and breathed on us. That was not clear in the description. Which dragon cast the lightning storm? Illusory Vermirox or real one?

Reflex: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 Save for half 38 - Protection (30) -Natural resistance (5)=3 damage total

As the electricity washes over the sorceror, he barely registers the attack leveling a baleful glare on the attacking dragoons.

If Reflex saves are required:
Friar Reflex save: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 1 = 34...no damage due to ring of evasion
Exousia Reflex save: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 = 24...fails, takes 46 damage

Valgrim: Yes, this is like Project Image but blue dragons have the special ability to use their breath weapons through it. Exousia does indeed see through the two closest dragons because they are illusions (so they appear translucent to her). I have stated which ones are illusions and not required saves for the rest of you because once you know they are illusions (are told by Exousia) than what's the point. The spells and breath weapons originating from them, however, are not illusory in nature. Kind of like casting spells through a crystal ball is my take. As to Vermirox. He is the cool dragon standing on the rock ledge in the picture. There are currently two of him of which you are unsure whether one or both are illusory as nothing has interacted with either since the second one appeared. If you were asking who Vermirox actually is than the answer is he is the ancient blue dragon you made the deal with (to kill the giants) before meeting the giant's King. The Vermirox dragons are labeled on the map. Hope that clears up some stuff. Sorry, I know it is a confusing situation but I'll try and be a bit clearer.

Ferez: Yes, saves were still required.

It's all your actions again so feel free to take them.

Thanks GM! Love that after all these years of playing I am still surprised by creatures. Awesome ability and thanks for clarification. It is confusing with illusions.

I completely missed that 1) Vermirox was visible and that 2) a double had appeared.

Reflex DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 1 = 25

Bah! I should have had that one!

97 points of damage - 30 points resistance - 14 temp hp = 53 dealt

I should mention that all the currently active dragons, illusory or otherwise have the magical sheen of glitterdust adhering to them. In other words, the illusions are mimicking the effect also.

The illusionary dragon that Bublaka dispelled did not have the glitterdust effect showing on it and it resembled the blue dragon that disappeared behind the building. You do not see the actual dragon at the moment though.

Just waiting on your actions at this point. If you need further clarifications please feel free to ask.

Friar Ferez easily sidesteps the deadly lightning bolt as it flashes past him but Exousia is not fast enough to avoid hers. She grits her teeth in pain as the lightning burns several holes in one of her wings feathers. Vulcan casually avoids the main blast from the lightning but a few tendrils arc across his body...but he barely registers them, once again seeming at home in his element. Thinking the danger has passed as none of the dragons targeted him, Bublaka fails to see the tremendous bolt coming directly down on him from the storm...he's staggered for a moment but the tough half-orc still stands tall after disappearing momentarily in the brilliant flash of energy. His clothes smoking but he still stands.

Friar's turn:

Friar calls out to Bubba, "You okay to heal yourself? Need to take the fight to these dragons!"

He then steps 5' to the equidistant Valgrim and Exousia, touches their shoulders and summoning the power of the helm, disappears with both warriors, reappearing next to one of the true blue dragons! I hope this is what you had in mind, Valgrim.
Teleport roll: 1d100 ⇒ 41...perfect!

Exousia's Turn:
I forgot Exousia's temporary hit points (thanks Bubba!), so she is down 32 damage at beginning of round.

The winged angel, her feathers starting to grow back (regeneration: 10), steps 5' away from the cleric and attacks the dragon with true seeing!

Angel's Normal attack: +27/+22/+17
With Belt of Giant Strength +4: +29/+24/+19
Inspired: +33/+28/+23
Hasted: +34/+34/+29/+24
Power attack: +29/+29/+24/+19
Attack #1: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44
Damage: 3d6 + 37 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) + 37 + (1, 4) = 51
Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48...possible critical
Damage: 3d6 + 37 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5) + 37 + (3, 4) = 52
Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44
Damage: 3d6 + 37 ⇒ (5, 1, 1) + 37 = 44
Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35
Damage: 3d6 + 37 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 2) + 37 + (1, 4) = 47
Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Damage: 3d6 + 37 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) + 37 + (2, 2) = 52

HP: 207/229

Friar: Exousia's temporary hitpoints got used when she was in melee with the blue dragon she previously killed. Or should have anyway if they were forgotten then. Also, she is now totally healed up from the earlier damage, so all she has is the lightning damage minus the 10 she regenerates this round.

Yes, that was perfect, Friar. GM, is the blue dragon that Exousia attacked still up? How many of her strikes drew blood? It affects my action this round. How badly wounded is it, if it is still up?

Valgrim hesitates a moment, taking note of how the angel's attacks effect the mighty Vermirox. All but one of her attacks bounce harmlessly off the mighty serpents blue scales, that sparkle golden in the sunlight from the effects of Bublaka's glitterdust. Even that single blow is hindered somewhat by the magically hardened skin underneath (stoneskin) and absorbed by some protective magic (false life). The single blow draws blood but is not even close to being fatal (barely scratched) as the dragon turns at the last second to avoid what looked to be a much more lethal blow (no critical confirmation). Exousia sees through it's illusion and cries out a warning to Valgrim, "He is displaced!" Powerful auras of flames (fire shield - chill version) and electricity (dragon's natural electricity aura) crawl all over the dragon but do not seem to be able to penetrate Exousia's equally powerful defenses. You also take note that other magical protections (such as mage armor) seem to be in place and turning the angel's blade aside.

EDIT: Also, it is finally time to make those dragon fear will saves for Exousia, Ferez, and Valgrim. Two DC 24 and one DC 27 save please.