10TH ADVENTURE – A VISIT TO HEAVEN PT. 02
Reaching the fourth layer, Solania, wasn’t the most perilous task for the Party, especially because Regalius kept the devil army at bay while they climbed the mountain upwards. It doesn’t mean it was easy though, as the roads along the mountain had extremely narrow passages at times and knee-deep mud the whole way. As the adventurers approached the summit, praising the gods for the opportunity to tread solid ground again, the sky changed to a glow similar to burnished silver. Mist and fog surrounded the layer, and the sparkle of precious ores could be seen in the mountains that surrounded it.
It would certainly be a paradise for dwarves or other mining enthusiasts, were it not for the gruesome devastation that ravaged the entire layer. The main difference between the destruction caused in Solania and the layers below was that this layer did not seem to have been attacked by hellish flames and sadistic devils. Instead, the air felt charged, crackling with residual electricity. Sections of celestial structures had crumbled, and there were burn marks along surfaces, carrying the scent of ozone.
In the distance, devils could be seen roaming the skies as if searching for something. Dwarves lay in the ground, unconscious or even dead, and among them, a distinct creatures with the body of a long serpent and feathered wings the color of the rainbow, lay wounded.
“What is this creature?”, Donovan asked, examining it closely.
“It’s a couatl”, Megalomagna answered. “A flying snake. A feathered sausage. A snakebird. A snird”.
“Stop blabbering”, Kharius admonished. “We need to heal it quickly”.
“On it”, Korvac said, extending his hands towards the remarkable creature.
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Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Couatl for 3d8+3: 15 HP.
* Couatl HP: 15/60
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The couatl quickly opened its eyes and jumped from the ground, startled.
“We are not your enemies”, Korvac said, his holy symbol still glowing from the spellcasting.
"That...seems to be the case", the couatl said telepathically, still coming back to its senses.
"Are you alright?", Korvac asked very respectfully. "I beg for your pardon if my healing wasn't strong enough".
"You have no reason to ask forgiveness, Korvac the Blessed", the couatl said, to the priest's amazement. "I must thank you, for this certainly would be my end without your fortunate intervention".
"Who did this to you?", Donovan asked, his hand tightly gripping Megalomagna's hilt.
"A monster that should not be. A true aberration. I could only catch a glimpse of it as it crossed through the land at great speed, and then, with a flash, my body started to burn intensely and I lost consciousness".
"It must be something strong if a snird couldn't catch air of it", Megalomagna remarked. "Few creatures have greater mind powers than a snird".
"Stop being disrespectful to the coatle...coaltol...couatl!", Donovan scolded, clearly tripping over his words.
"See, you can't even say its name", Megalomagna teased. "Snird is so much easier, and it's also more suggestive".
"Quiet! I can hear a human voice”, Bosco said, cupping his ear as he usually does.
As the party stopped to pay attention, the sounds of a battle could be heard in the distance.
"The skilled hobbit is correct", the couatl said. "I can feel the presence of four entities in the ruins up ahead".
“Four entities. Regalius said we should be wary of traps”, Kharius warned.
"Yes, but there is still a potential human being in danger", Korvac pondered. "We must go!", he declared, taking off at a run toward the source of the voice.
Then I shall join you as a means to return the grace you have done to me", the couatl said.
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A couatl has joined the Party.
COUATL
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Good
* HIT DICE: 9+25
* HP: 60
* THAC0: 7
* AC: 2
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d4 (bite) / 2d4 (tail constriction)
* SIZE: L (12' long)
INNATE POWERS: Poison, Etherealness, Detect Good/Evil, Detect Magic, Invisibility, ESP, Plane Shift (at will)
When a couatl bites an opponent, it does 1d4 points of damage and injects a deadly toxin. If the victim fails a save vs. poison it is killed instantly. If the constriction attack succeeds, the victim takes 2d4 points damage each round until it or the couatl is killed.
PSIONIC POWERS:
* Aura Sight: reads creatures’ alignment;
* All-Round Vision: -1 bonus to initiative and Armor Class;
* See Sound: can identify something via sound as if it were an image;
* Metamorphosis: polymorph – the couatl can change itself into anything with approximately the same mass as his body: a wolf, a condor, a chair, a rock. While in this form, the couatl retains his own hit points and THAC0, if possible, but gains the armor class of the new form. The couatl also gains all physical attacks that form allows, but not its magical or special abilities;
* Chemical Simulation: turns body into acid, dissolving items on contact. Causes 3 damage if used as a weapon;
* Ectoplasmic Form: converts the couatl to ectoplasm (a fine-spun, smoky substance), becoming insubstantial and ghostlike, able to walk through solid material as if it didn't exist.
* Teleport: can instantly travel from a place to another in an area of 1,000 miles;
* Time Shift: can travel up to three rounds in the future and wait for that moment to catch up. The couatl is immune to everything during those three rounds, but cannot interact with the world until the effects end.
* Mindlink: can communicate wordlessly with any intelligent creature he can contact;
* ESP: can read someone’s mind, but perceives only surface or active thoughts;
* Invisibility: can contact the minds of the intended targets and attempt to become invisible to them. It is a delusion effect, as opposed to the illusion effect created by the invisibility spell
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As the Party ran in the direction of the battle noises, they found what once probably was a magnificent cathedral. Upon closer inspection, they saw a man, clad in armor, branding a sword that emitted a bright golden light in one arm and a great shield in the other, fighting a towering skeletal monstrosity that seemed to have spawned from the depths of the netherworld.
It was possible to notice that the atmosphere around the cathedral showed increased static and a heightened charge of electricity compared to the air outside. That didn't escape Kharius's acute perception.
The man looked bruised and fatigued, fighting with difficulty as if held back by something.
The monster, on the other hand, was unnatural enough to evoke visceral fear and dread on anyone seeing it for the first time. A colossal skeleton of what seemed to have once been a dragon, patched with remnants of blue scales, snapped its jaws against the man with otherworldly vigor, its eyes being not more than glowing red points of malevolent light floating in shadowy eye sockets. It flapped its bony wings furiously, the clattering of bones and the swishing of its tattered wings adding a ghostly undertone to the cacophony. As the creature noticed the presence of intruders, it let out a fearsome roar that seemed to come straight out of a nightmare.
“An undead dragon?”, Bosco asked, stupefied.
“A dracolich, to be more accurate”, Kharius answered, frowning at the sight of the ghastly monstrosity.
“Now I understand what the cou…what the legendary creature was talking about”, Donovan said, unsheathing Megalomagna. “That’s really a thing that should not be”.
“We need to help that man. He seems in serious trouble”, Korvac said.
“Wait”, the couatl said. “Remember that I told you there were four entities here. Let your leader call the undead dragon’s attention while we circle the ruins. I already know what we are going to find inside. I can feel a malevolent aura, replete with disgusting malice, emanating from a devilish source.
“So there’s a devil fighting alongside this undead dragon, is that what you’re trying to tell us?”, Korvac asked.
“Precisely. Come! We have no time to lose!”, the couatl said telepathically, taking charge as it flew swiftly through the air with rainbow-colored wings.
“Wel…I guess it’s up to us, right Meggie?”, Donovan told the sword.
“Are you ready to take the brunt of an undead blue dragon's lightning breath?”, Megalomagna asked. “Because it's just started charging one”.
“Oh shi…”
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A Blue Dracolich has appeared.
BLUE DRACOLICH
* ALIGNMENT: Chaotic/Evil
* AGE: 8 (old)
* HIT DICE: 18+125
* HP: 300
* THAC0: -1
* AC: -6
* BREATH ATTACK: 16d8+8 (lightning breath available every 3 rounds)
* TREASURE TYPE: Hx2, Sx2, B, H, S, T
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d8+8/1d8+8/3d8+8 (claw/claw/bite) plus 2d8 cold damage or 2d8+8 plus 2d8 cold damage (tail slap) – stuns all affected for 1 round if they fail on a saving throw vs. paralyzation
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 35%
* IMMUNITIES: Charm, Fear, Sleep, Enfeeblement, Polymorph, Cold (magical or natural), Electricity/Lightning, Hold, Insanity, and Death Spells (except Power Word) or Symbols. Cannot be poisoned, paralyzed, or turned by priests
* SIZE: G (100' long)
* XP VALUE: 700.000
* Innate powers: Sound Imitation (at will); Create or Destroy Water (3x a day); Dust Devil (1x a day); Ventriloquism (1x a day).
* The senses of a dracolich are similar to those of its original form; it can detect invisible objects and creatures (including those hidden in darkness of fog) within a 10-foot radius per age category and also possesses a natural clairaudience ability while in its lair equal to a range of 20 feet per age category. A dracolich can speak, cast spells, and employ the breath weapon of its original form; it can cast each of its spells once per day and can use its breath weapon once every three combat rounds. Additionally, a dracolich retains the intelligence and memory of its original form.
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Blue Dracolich uses breath weapon on Donovan for 16d8+8: 65 damage.
Donovan throws a save vs. breath weapon: 20. Saved. Suffered 33 damage.
* Donovan HP: 194/227
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“That could have hurt, you know!”, Donovan exclaimed, easily dodging the lightning bolt expelled from the undead dragon’s mouth.
“Another strong adventurer!”, the dragon exclaimed with a deep and menacing voice.
“What are you doing?”, the battered man asked Donovan, limping as he tried to walk towards him. “You don’t have to fight this battle. It’s too dangerous”.
“I can see how dangerous it is”, Donovan remarked, more sternly than usual. Then, he realized that the man was protecting something – or someone, apparently keeping something under his arm.
A quick sideways glance revealed that the creature was a squirrel, which the man was trying to protect at all costs.
“Now I understand!”, Donovan shouted. “THAT’S the reason why you’re fighting like a wet noodle!”.
“You don’t understand”, the man said, very serious. “This creature is the most important thing in the world to me”.
“So step back! Let me take the lead in this fight”, Donovan commanded, and the man, surprised by his stout resolve, acquiesced.
In the meanwhile, the couatl led Korvac and the rest of the Party to the other side of the ruined cathedral, so they could watch the fight between Donovan and the undead dragon from behind.
Watching closely, they understood why the couatl was so adamant about other entities being present. A green, gruesome humanoid with a short and squat body – between 4‒5 ft (1.2‒1.5m) – and stubby limbs stood in a corner, covered by the ruins of the cathedral, watching the battle unfold. Sprouting from its backs was a pair of large, leathery wings colored black but with a silver trim. Its bald head was disproportionately large and elongated compared to the rest of its body, hosting porcine eyes, a pug-nose, and a mouth full of jagged teeth.
“We need to destroy that devil”, the couatl told the Party via telepathy. “It’s a dangerous amnizu. If he decides to join the brawl, not even your powerful warrior will have a chance. We are lucky that these creatures don’t like to join the fray”.
“You think you can hide from me?”, a devilish voice said.
“What was that?”, Bosco asked out loud. Then, the winged humanoid turned to them with its right hand already ablaze, and as it extended its palm towards the Party, a fireball was hurled violently in their direction.
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An Amnizu has appeared.
AMNIZU
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* TREASURE: G, W
* ARMOR CLASS: 2
* HIT DICE: 9+9
* HP: 60
* THAC0: 13
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: draining touch (1d4 + loss of 2d4 Int points)
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
* SIZE: L (12' / 4-meters tall)
* MORALE: Average (10)
* XP VALUE: 200.000
INNATE ABILITIES: Summon 1d4 hamatulas
* Regeneration (1 hp per round except if hit with fire/acid or holy weapons)
* Infravision
* Telepathy
* Charm Person, Command (at will);
* Fireball 6d6 damage – half if saved, Dominate (3x a day);
* Charm Monster, Feeblemind, Imprisonment (1x a day)
IMMUNITIES/RESISTANCES: Amnizus are immune to fire, poison, charm, feeblemind, and suffer only half damage from acid and cold – or none if they are successful on a saving throw when applicable.
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Amnizu casts Fireball for 6d6: 20 damage.
Korvac throws a save vs. spell: 11. Saved. Suffered 5 damage.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 2. Failed. Suffered 20 damage.
Kharius throws a save vs. spell: 5. Saved. Suffered 5 damage.
Couatl throws a save vs. spell: 1. Failed. Suffered 20 damage.
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* Korvac HP: 120/125
* Bosco HP: 122/142
* Kharius HP: 66/71
* Couatl HP: -05/60
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“Dispel…”, the couatl tried to tell Korvac via psionic Mindlink, before losing consciousness.
“I understand, my dear friend. I shall send that hellspawn back to the accursed sewers of the Lower Planes, where it should never have left”, Korvac said, holding his holy symbol as he started chanting a spell.
Korvac casts Dispel Evil.
“Kharius, take care of the couatl for me”, Korvac said, determined. “I will banish that fiend myself, he said, branding his powerful mace of smiting.
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Initiative Roll:
* Korvac: 10
* Amnizu: 5
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Korvac attacks Amnizu. Rolled 6. Hit.
Amnizu throws a save vs. spell: 6. Failed.
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With a grunt, the Amnizu feels the blow and its body begins to shake. He staggers, apparently confused, until a bottomless crack opens beneath its feet, causing it to fall into it. As if alive, the crack closed with a snap, like a mouth devouring its prey.
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The undead dragon, realizing the amnizu had been banished, snorted a laugh.
“I must thank you, mortals. Now that you have sent that wretched devil away, I’m not bound to their stupid baatezu rules any longer. I can finally cut loose and tear this realm apart!”, the dragon said, his voice full of malice and bloodlust.
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Initiative roll:
* Party: 7
* Blue Dracolich: 1
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Party Initiative:
* Kharius: 5+1
* Bosco: 2+3
* Korvac: 5
* Unnamed Man: 3
* Donovan: 2
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"Korvac, I'm gonna need your help with healing the couatl", Kharius said.
"Leave it to me and focus on the dragon", Korvac replied, adjusting his position on the battlefield so he could reach them quickly.
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ROUND 1
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Kharius uses the Staff of the Magi: Conjure Air Elemental function (48 charges left).
A 12 HD Air Elemental has appeared.
AIR ELEMENTAL
* ALIGNMENT: Neutral
* ARMOR CLASS: 2
* HIT DICE: 12
* HP: 65
* THAC0: 9
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2d10
* SIZE: L (12' / 4-meters tall)
* IMMUNITIES/RESISTANCES:
* Immune to poison; suffers half damage from lightning/electricity
* +2 or better weapons to hit
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Bosco clears his throat.
"I can't believe I'm doing this in front of an undead dragon...", Bosco mumbled, embarrassed.
"HOLY MOLY SUNNY DOBY!", he proclaimed at the top of his lungs, holding the Sun Blade aloft.
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Bosco uses Sun Blade: sunray function for 8d6: 25 damage. Blue Dracolich rolls 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 38. Failed. Blue Dracolich throws a save vs. spell: 3. Failed.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 275/300
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Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Couatl for 3d8+3: 15 HP.
* Couatl HP: 10/60
The Couatl has regained consciousness.
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"Please find shelter, dear friend", Korvac told the couatl, still holding its beautiful rainbow-colored, feathered body in his hands.
"I can't...leave...Tar Fenumë...needs help", the couatl said via telepathy, having a hard time concentrating.
"Who is Tar Fenumë? Is it that man over there?", Korvac asked, pointing at the man behind Donovan.
"That's Sir Bryce...Tar Fenumë is his...companion", the couatl added.
"A man clad in armor. A shining sword that clearly irradiates an aura of protection. A companion. Fighting an undead dragon by himself...he must be a paladin!", Korvac reasoned.
"I still must...recover a little", the couatl said. "Please help Sir Bryce...".
The couatl then assumed ectoplasmic form and hid among the rubble.
"Sir Bryce, a paladin of justice is in danger", Korvac said, standing up. "This mission has just reached a new level of importance".
Unnamed man uses healing power on the squirrel for 50 HP.
* Squirrel HP: 60/100
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"Tar Fenumë, please be careful. I believe reinforcements have arrived", Bryce said. "There's no need to be reckless".
"Like you never act recklessly when you see something evil", the squirrel said with a thin, funny voice, and jumped from the man's arm to the ground.
Then the squirrel started morphing into something else. its brown fur assumed a yellow hue, and it started to grow incessantly.
The more the creature grew, the more it started to resemble a lizard of some kind.
At some point, wings sprouted from the creature's back, and its head was adorned by a ribbed and fluted crest. Curving horns extended out from the crest, echoed by spines on its lower jaw and chin. Its limbs acquired powerful claws and webbed feet, and its long, scaly tail made the creature look even bigger.
Once its scales assumed a rich bronze tone and its eyes shone with intelligence, the Party had no doubts any longer.
"Another dragon?!", Donovan screamed, shocked.
"This is getting old", Megalomagna rambled. "Dragon this, dragon that. I've seen more dragons than dungeons since I've started journeying with you guys, actually".
"No time for long introductions", the man who was holding the squirrel-turned-dragon said. "Bryce Collinsworth and his Bronze Dragon lifetime companion Tar Fenumë".
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Paladin Sir Bryce Collinsworth and Bronze Dragon Tar Fenumë have joined the Party.
Sir BRYCE COLLINSWORTH (Paladin - Human)
* Alignment: Lawful/Good
* Prime Requisites: Strength, Charisma
* Strength 18/00 (Gauntlets of Ogre Power)
* Dexterity 10
* Constitution 15
* Wisdom 20 (+4 bonus to save throws against mind attacking spells or abilities. Immune to cause fear, charm person, command, friends, hypnotism, forget, hold person, ray of enfeeblement, scare, fear)
* Intelligence 11
* Charisma 19
* Level 25
* HP: 75/176
* AC: -8 (Plate Mail of Etherealness +5 plus Shield of Faith +2 plus Cloak of Displacement +2 plus Ring of Protection +1)
* THAC0 1 (+8 to attack rolls)
* Damage: 1d8+5 (holy avenger sword) +6 (Str bonus)
SKILLS:
* Can detect the presence of evil intent up to 60 feet away by concentrating on locating evil in a particular direction. He can do this as often as desired, but each attempt takes one round. This ability detects evil monsters and characters.
* Receives a +2 bonus to all saving throws.
* Immune to all forms of disease.
* Can heal by laying on hands. The paladin can restore 2 hit points per experience level, 3x a day.
* Can cure diseases of all sorts (though not cursed afflictions such as lycanthropy) once per week for every five levels of experience.
* Surrounded by an aura of protection with a 10-foot radius. Within this radius, all evil creatures suffer a -1 penalty to their attack rolls, regardless of whom they attack. Creatures affected by this aura can spot its source easily, even if the paladin is disguised.
* When wielding his holy sword, he projects a circle of power 10 feet in diameter when the sword is unsheathed and held. This power dispels hostile magic of a level up to the paladin's experience level.
* Gains the power to turn undead and fiends when he reaches 3rd level. He affects these monsters the same as does a cleric two levels lower--for example, at 3rd level he has the turning power of a 1st-level cleric.
* Can call for his companion upon reaching 4th level, or anytime thereafter. This faithful companion need not be a horse; it might be any creature the paladin has a bond with, even a Dragon. The paladin’s companion is a very special creature, bonded to him by fate. The paladin does not really "call" the creature, nor does it instantly appear in front of him. Rather, he must find his companion in some memorable way.
* Can cast priest spells once he reaches 9th level. He can cast only spells of the Combat, Divination, Healing, and Protective spheres.
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BRONZE DRAGON "TAR FENUMË"
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Good
* AGE: 4 (Juvenile – 30 years old)
* HIT DICE: 14+40
* HP: 10/100
* THAC0: 4
* AC: -2
* BREATH ATTACKS: 8d8+4 (lightning breath) or cloud of Repulsion gas
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d8+4/1d8+4/4d6+4
* IMMUNITIES: Electricity/Lightning
* SIZE: G (80' long)
* INNATE POWERS: Water Breathing, Speak with Animals (at will); Create Food and Water, Polymorph Self (3x a day); Wall of Fog (1x a day).
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"A bronze dragon as a companion!", Kharius exclaimed.
"I surmise you are here to kill the dracolich", the bronze dragon said, not diverting his gaze from the undead dragon. "We could have handled it by ourselves if not for that wretched baatezu spellcaster".
"My Party is awesome, Mr. Dragon. You can even sit back and enjoy the show, if you like. And we are really fond of destroying undead".
“You have no idea who you are dealing with”, the undead dragon said with a menacing voice. You cannot kill me and even if you could, I still would not die. You shall pay for your arrogance with your lives and then I will animate you as my army of mindless undead”.
"Mindless like you are, I suppose", Donovan mocked. "No thanks".
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Donovan attacks. Rolled 12, 7. Two hits for 1d8+10 each: 16, 12 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 247/300
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Blue Dracolich is projecting an aura of Fear.
Donovan is immune to fear (helm of valor).
Korvac is immune to fear (wisdom effect).
Bosco throws a save vs. paralyzation: 3. Failed.
Kharius is immune to fear (ring of mind shielding).
Bryce is immune to fear (wisdom effect).
Tar Fenumë is immune to fear (wisdom effect).
Bosco is frightened and will fight with a -2 penalty to his attack and damage rolls until the dragon is killed, driven away, or the fear effect is magically dispelled.
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Blue Dracolich casts Chain Lightning.
Donovan suffers 20d6: 78 damage. Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 7. Saved. Damage reduced to 39.
Korvac suffers 19d6: 77 damage. Korvac throws a save vs. spell: 11. Saved. Damage reduced to 39.
Bosco suffers 18d6: 63 damage. Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 10. Saved. Damage reduced to 32.
Kharius suffers 17d6: 57 damage. Kharius throws a save vs. spell: 20. Saved. Damage reduced to 29.
Bryce suffers 16d6: 58 damage. Bryce throws a save vs. spell: 10. Saved. Damage reduced to 29.
Tar Fenumë is immune to lightning. The chain lightning effect has dissipated.
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* Donovan HP: 155/227
* Korvac HP: 81/125
* Bosco HP: 90/142
* Kharius HP: 37/71
* Bryce HP: 46/176
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ROUND 2
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New Party Members Initiative:
* Tar Fenumë: 3
* Air Elemental: 9
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"Is everyone alright?", Donovan shouted, clearly the leader of the Party even when a paladin and a fearsome bronze dragon have joined them.
“We are fine”, Bryce said, even more battered than before.
“You clearly are not”, Donovan said with a side glance and a smirk. “Korvac, can you heal him?”.
“If he is not stubborn enough to avoid my spell”, Korvac replied.
“Do you always talk that much during a fight?”, Tar Fenumë admonished.
“Hey! Talking is kinda my thing, okay?”, Megalomagna roared with a voice too powerful for a sword to have. “We kill monsters for a living, and we do it while having fun!”.
“You are all crazy…”, Tar Fenumë grumbled, turning his attention to the dracolich.
While the Party chattered, the Air Elemental charged towards the enemy.
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Air Elemental attacks Blue Dracolich. Rolled 18. Hit for 2d10: 15 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 232/300
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Kharius casts Prismatic Spray. Blue Dracolich rolls 1d100 for magic protection: 85. Failed. Kharius rolls 1d8: 4. Green Color: save vs. poison or die; survivors suffer 20 points of damage. Blue Dracolich is immune to poison; suffers 20 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 212/300
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Bosco attacks. Rolled 8. Hit for 2d12+6: 17 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 195/300
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Korvac casts Heal on Bryce Collinsworth. Bryce HP fully restored.
* Bryce Collinsworth HP: 176/176
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Bryce Collinsworth attacks. Rolled 12, 20. Two hits for 1d8+11: 15, 17 each, plus 20 holy damage: 52 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 143/300
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“HEY! That shiny piece of metal is dealing more damage than me! Do something about it, Bonovan!”, Megalomagna shouted.
“Just be glad they are on our side”, Donovan retorted. “This guy is a fine swordsman”.
“Oh, he likes them holy avengers”, Megalomagna said in a mocking voice. “I bet it can’t even tell you the weather”.
“Just focus on the battle for now, okay?”, Donovan said, ignoring the sword’s blabbering as he prepared to attack almost simultaneously as his Bronze Dragon ally.
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Tar Fenumë attacks with claws and bite. Rolled 8, 11, 12. Three hits for 1d8+4, 1d8+4, 4d6+4: 9, 12, 20.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 102/200
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Blue Dracolich casts Shocking Grasp.
Blue Dracolich attacks Donovan. Rolled 8, 9, 13. Three hits for 1d8+8, 1d8+8, 3d8+8 plus 2d8 cold damage plus 1d8+18 shock damage: 16, 14, 23, 10, 19. Donovan suffers 82 damage.
* Donovan HP: 73/227
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ROUND 3
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“What a vicious monster”, Donovan thought aloud, still feeling the electrical energy mixed with the cold touch of the undead dragon’s claws coursing through its body.
“Stay clear of its lightning breath”, Bryce alerted. “You have done more than enough, brave warrior. Allow me to take it from here”.
“No, Bonovan will not step away from this fight!”, Megalomagna roared again. “He is the one who should destroy this undead thing, and he will do it by my blade!”.
“Meggie, stop with that”, Donovan said. “It doesn’t matter who kills it”.
“It matters to me! And I will use whatever means necessary!”, Megalomagna threatened.
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Megalomagna casts Geas. Donovan’s saving throw has been negated.
“You shall not withdraw from this fight until the undead dragon is slain, Donovan”, the sword chanted, its blade glowing purple.
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“You have seriously cast a spell on him?”, Korvac asked, enraged. “Are you really putting his life in danger just because you’re jealous of Sir Bryce’s sword?”.
“Not of your business, Karmac”, the sword retorted, dismissive. “I deserve this win. I am the most powerful sword in the world”.
Tar Fenumë limited himself to observing the unfolding discussion. But the Bronze Dragon’s exceptional intelligence allowed him to easily grasp the situation.
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Air Elemental attacks. Rolled 19. Hit for 2d10: 15 damage.
* Blue Dracolich HP: 87/200
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Kharius uses the Staff of the Magi: Monster Summoning function (46 charges left).
Warden Archon Zagzagel has appeared.
WARDEN ARCHON ZAGZAGEL
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Good
* ARMOR CLASS: -2
* HIT DICE: 15+50
* HP: 150
* THAC0: 7
* ATTACK/DAMAGE: 2d4+6/2d4+6 (claws)/1d8+6 (bite)
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
* IMMUNITIES: electricity/lightning and petrification
ABILITIES:
* Bear Hug: If Zagzagel hits with both claws, he latches onto the opponent's body in a powerful bear hug, tearing his flesh and dealing an additional 2d8+12 points of damage (only on opponents of similar size or smaller).
* Menacing Aura (evil opponents failing on a saving throw vs. paralyzation receive a -2 penalty on attack rolls, Armor Class, and saving throws)
SPELL-LIKE INNATE ABILITIES:
* Tongues, Know Alignment, Infravision (always active);
* Aid, Continual Flame, Detect Scrying, Detect Thoughts, Locate Creature, Scrying, Detect Invisibility (at will, one per round).
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"Have I just been summoned?", Zagzagel asked, puzzled.
"This staff is really something else, just as Regalius said", Kharius mused. "It has attuned itself to this plane and summoned a native being".
"More than a native, summoner", Zagzagel declared. "I am one of this layer's entrance guardians".
"I don't remember seeing you at the entrance, Sir...", Korvac said, deliberately waiting for the archon to complete the sentence.
"Zagzagel. Professor Zagzagel. I was fighting off a horde of barbazus. Repugnant devils!".
"Does that mean you're powerful?", Bosco asked with unnatural cowardice.
The warden archon scanned the surroundings.
"I'm pretty sure I wasn't even needed! But...now that I'm here and an undead dragon is in front of me, I might give you a hand", Zagzagel said, getting ready to charge.
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks. Rolled 19. Hit for 2d12+4: 20 damage.
Korvac attacks. Rolled 11. Hit for 4d6+6: 19 damage [mace of smiting effect: 5% chance of complete destruction. Rolled 1d100: 09. Failed].
* Blue Dracolich HP: 41/200
----------------------------------------
Bryce Collinsworth attacks.
"No, you won't", Megalomagna exclaimed and its blade glowed purple again.
----------------------------------------
Megalomagna casts Fumble. Bryce Collinsworth throws a save vs. spell: 1. Failed.
Bryce Collinsworth tripped and fell to the ground. He must spend this turn recovering and cannot attack.
----------------------------------------
"Why did you do that, Megalomagna?", Donovan yelled, running towards the paladin.
The dracolich grinned with diabolical malice.
----------------------------------------
Blue Dracolich makes an opportunity attack.
Blue Dracolich uses its breath weapon on Bryce Collinsworth. Donovan will be hit if he stays in the path of the lightning bolt.
----------------------------------------
"Dammit...must protect Bryce", Donovan said as he tried to run toward the paladin but was held back by a rainbow-colored flying snake.
"Don't fall for it", the couatl's voice resonated within Donovan's head. "They can protect themselves. Focus on the monster".
"But Bryce is gonna get struck head-on!", Donovan protested.
"Trust, hero", the couatl said telepathically, its snake-like eyes brimming with wisdom and intelligence beyond mortal comprehension.
Then, as the blue dracolich was about to spew electric death at Bryce, a pair of bronze wings extended in front of him. Tar Fenumë, his loyal companion, landed with a bang and raised one of his mighty limbs in front of its colossal body, the fearsome lightning breath coursing through it harmlessly.
The Party felt ashamed. Not only had Megalomagna cast a spell on a paladin ally that could put his life at risk, it cast a spell on Donovan, its owner and wielder, with the obvious intent of forcing him to do its bidding.
Because of the sword's inflated ego and exacerbated jealousy, they put the life of a paladin of justice in jeopardy. The fact that Tar Fenumë was a bronze dragon and consequently immune to lightning was sheer luck. In the heat of the battle, a mistake of that magnitude often proves fatal.
"I'm not giving you the kill, Megalomagna. You have wronged me and my party", Donovan said, challenging the Geas spell cast on him.
"Donovan... challenging a geas spell is a bad idea", Kharius alerted.
"It's fine. The command was for me to not withdraw from this fight until the undead dragon is dead right?", Donovan recalled.
"You simpletons talk like you have the choice to kill me or not", the blue dracolich said, outraged. "Abandon hope if you think having a bronze dragon wyrmling on your side will save you.
"I'm not a wyrmling anymore, undead filth", Tar Fenumë growled. "And yes, we do have a means to destroy you permanently".
The undead dragon's eyes glowed a bright red, and it snarled savagely.
"Wizard Kharius, show him", Tar Fenumë said.
Kharius nodded silently and started chanting the words of what probably was his most terrifying spell.
----------------------------------------
Kharius casts Power Word, Kill.
----------------------------------------
Upon the invocation of the spell, the blue dracolich suddenly staggered. Its tattered wings flapped uncontrollably and it felt pain, something it had already forgotten it could feel. More than ravaging its body, the spell was destroying its soul, phylactery and all. Cursing the Party and the cosmos itself, the undead dragon bemoaned its ill-fated alliance with the wretched baatezu and their foolhardy machinations. As its skeletal structure began to crumble into dust, the blue dragon turned undead harbored no remorse for the evil deeds it more than once proudly committed, but deep in its desolate consciousness, it secretly wished it had been born a virtuous dragon, like that bronze young, so it could count on staunch allies instead of the wicked and treacherous evil beings it was compelled to reckon with.
----------------------------------------
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the amnizu and the blue dracolich. Each member has earned a total of 200.000 + 700.000 = 900.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter, plus 100.000 XP for saving Sir Bryce Collinsworth and Tar Fenumë from certain death.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 4.233.170 + 1.000.000 = 5.233.170 XP.
* Donovan has advanced from level 26 to level 27.
* Donovan’s HP increased by 1d10: 6 (max HP 233).
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 4.269.170 + 1.000.000 = 5.269.170 XP.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 4.184.270 + 1.000.000 = 5.184.270 XP.
* Bosco has advanced from level 25 to level 26.
* Bosco’s HP increased by 1d6+2: 7 (max HP 149).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 4.368.270 + 1.000.000 = 5.368.270 XP.
* Kharius has advanced from level 25 to level 26.
* Kharius’s HP increased by 1d4: 2 (max HP 73).
* Kharius has learned the spell Meteor Swarm (9th Arcane Level).
The Party has found the following items with the defeated monsters:
* 15000 copper coins
* 13000 silver coins
* 10700 gold coins
* 1400 platinum coins
* 42 gems
* A necklace (Necklace of Adaptation)
* A sling (Sling of Seeking +2)
The Air Elemental has returned to its plane of origin.
----------------------------------------
As the menacing blue dracolich’s remains started to dissipate among the mist of Solania, an eerie and uncomfortable silence took over, only for Tar Fenumë to break it.
“You and your sword should sort your problems out before going back to the battlefield”, the dragon told Donovan, in a reprimanding tone. “You are clearly not attuned to each other, and there is an obvious conflict of egos between the two of you”.
“What it seems, in our humble opinion, is that you have been using each other instead of sharing the same goal”, Sir Bryce spoke in a more respectful tone. “Unless you start walking the same path, like Tar Fenumë and me, you will always fight, argue, and ultimately putting yourself and your Party in jeopardy”.
“Using each other, huh…”, Donovan thought to himself.
“And isn’t that what humans do?”, Megalomagna defied. “I’ve been used ever since I woke up in this world. I learned from what I’ve seen”.
"Intelligent artifacts are singular entities in our universe", Bryce explained. "Certain wizards refrain from crafting such items due to the profound implications involved. There have been documented cases of these artifacts rebelling against their creators, even leading to the demise of those who forged them”.
“I would certainly lead Orion’s to its demise if I could”, Megalomagna grumbled, its voice filled with resentment.
“Maybe your resentment will ultimately lead to the demise of us all”, Kharius admonished.
“Is that the reason why you are here, heroes?”, the couatl interjected. “To discuss a relationship between a warrior and his sword?”.
“Most certainly not. Thank you, dear friend”, Korvac said, seizing the opportunity to get back to the real reason why they were in Mount Celestia in the first place.
“Are you not here for the war?”, Bryce asked, puzzled. “Is there any other reason for you to be fighting an undead dragon in this plane if not to repel the baatezu invasion?”.
“We got dragged into this war inadvertently”, Donovan explained. “The real reason for us to be here is a cursed item we need to destroy”.
“You had to travel to Mount Celestia just to destroy a cursed item?”, Tar Fenumë asked, finally interested in the conversation. The dragon had again turned into a squirrel and was standing on his paladin companion’s shoulder.
“Yes, master Tar Fenumë”, Korvac answered with deference. “Even the Silvery Sea wasn’t enough to destroy it”.
Bryce and the squirrel exchanged glances.
“Would you please show us the item?”, Bryce asked politely.
“Sure”, Korvac said, taking the late Baron of Blood’s grimoire from a bag.
The mere sight of the book made the paladin scowl.
"This tome exudes a palpable miasma of the most vile, nefarious, and sinister dark magic. It's no wonder the Silvery Sea couldn't destroy it; it's shielded by the odious, wicked will of a lich, and a powerful one at that", Bryce noted.
“That wretched mummy’s will still lives, even after having its soul destroyed by my Wish spell?”, Megalomagna said, joining the discussion.
“You can cast a Wish spell?”, Tar Fenumë asked with his thin and funny squirrel voice.
“I can basically do whatever I want. It all depends on how much I want it”, Megalomagna answered, bluntly.
“I have heard stories of Orion, disciple of Lord Boccob himself”, Bryce said, scratching his chin. “But I never imagined he could create a sword of such overwhelming power”.
“It’s powerful enough to challenge its owner”, Donovan said, unhappy. “Please tell us that you know a way to destroy the book”.
“Torm”, Bryce said, without a second thought. “Torm can destroy it, I’m sure”.
“Torm?”, Korvac asked.
Torm is the patron deity of paladins and the god of duty, loyalty, righteousness, obedience and law. He wields holy magic of the highest order and no darkness can withstand the light he emanates. His realm is called Trueheart, and is located in Mercuria. Normally you would find him there, but due to the baatezu invasion, he’s probably busy somewhere else.
“I’m not sure Torm will even listen to us”, Bosco said. “Sir Luminus, a greater lammasu we have encountered, said he would try to arrange an audience with the gods, but we haven’t heard of him since”.
“So you have met Sir Luminus…good”, Bryce said, and a visible sigh of relief crossed his face.
“I believe I can help”, Zagzagel, the warden archon who had been summoned by Kharius’s Staff of a Magi, spoke after a long time observing the Party interact with great curiosity.
Everyone turned to the warden archon, suddenly remembering he had been there all the time.
“Please, Professor Zagzagel”, Korvac said, bowing. “Help us destroy the book. People on the Prime Material Plane are suffering from a curse this book has unleashed”.
The warden archon snorted an innocent laugh.
“I don’t think I can help you remove a curse that only Torm can”, Zagzagel said. “What I can do is help you ascend to the next layer, Mertion. You have a better chance to find someone who will lead you to Torm there”.
“Then please lead us there, Professor”, Korvac asked. “The longer we take, the greater the risk that our people will perish”.
“Wait”, Donovan said, turning to Bryce and his companion Tar Fenumë.
“I must apologize for Megalomagna’s behavior. Truth is, we have used each other for our personal goals and I never even considered the possibility that it could turn into a toxic relationship. Megalomagna is the first intelligent sword I have ever had, and I always treated it like a tool. Perhaps now, after this cold shower, we can try and understand each other so we can finally share a goal in the future”, he said with humility.
“You are a noble warrior”, Bryce said with the tone of a proud father. “May the Gods be with you”.
“If you ever decide to sell your items and gems, come talk to me first”, Tar Fenumë said, as greedy as a dragon-turned-squirrel can be.
Then, the adventurers nodded to each other and proceeded to climb the mountain that led to the fifth layer of Mount Celestia, Mertion.
***
With a sky not too different from Solania's, Mertion was known as the Platinum Heaven. Vast plains and savannas served as the mustering ground for paladins and other lawful good servants. Instead of mountains, Mertion had majestic citadels and huge black spherical domes dotting the plains. The city of Empyrea, also known as the City of Tempered Souls, was located on the edge of a cold mountain lake. It was known to host many magical fountains with powerful healing properties, as well as many hospitals and expert healers.
Other places, such as Arvenna, known as the Chanting Grounds, Rempha, the City of the Sands of Time and Soqed Hezi, the City of Swords, could also be found in this layer.
Although the destruction wasn’t as evident in this layer as it was in the lower ones, a sinister aura could be felt in the distance.
“It’s the Pit Fiend. It’s here”, Megalomagna said.
“We should heal”, Korvac said, halting their progress.
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts Mass Heal.
----------------------------------------
All Party members have been healed to full health.
* Donovan HP: 233/233
* Korvac HP: 125/125
* Bosco HP: 149/149
* Kharius HP: 73/73
----------------------------------------
It would be a good idea to find the God Torm before we have to deal with this Pit Fiend”, Bosco said. “Who knows how powerful that monster is”.
“Zagzagel only told us ascending to this layer would increase our chances of finding someone helpful”, Donovan said. “We shouldn’t get our hopes up about meeting the God Torm himself anytime soon”.
As the Party traversed the layer, they could finally understand why the place was intact compared to the lower layers: Mertion was the marshaling grounds where Mount Celestia’s military might trained constantly every day for situations like this. There were many competent fighters in this layer, so only the mightiest or stealthiest of the invaders would dare to invade.
"After all this fighting, it even feels weird not being received with hostility in a new layer", Bosco said. "Too bad there's this war going on; this place looks beautiful".
"Maybe the gods will allow us to visit once this is over", Donovan said, scanning the surroundings for dangers that simply were not there.
"Something's off", Megalomagna said all of a sudden.
"What is it?", Donovan asked.
"Are you not feeling it? This place is not the calm and safe place it's pretending to be", the sword insisted.
"It makes sense for this place to be calm and safe", Bosco said. "It's a training ground. Many strong creatures must gather here, including devas".
"You're a stubborn hobbit", Megalomagna said, dismissive. "Wizard, do something", he told Kharius.
"You don't tell me what to do, sword", Kharius retorted, annoyed by the sword's petulance. "I will investigate only for safety reasons".
"Sure, sure", the sword mocked.
----------------------------------------
Kharius casts True Seeing.
----------------------------------------
After Kharius completed the spell, his face became even paler than it already was, his eyes widening as if about to pop. Gritting his teeth, he clenched his fists, and a shiver ran through his entire body.
"What... is happening here?", he said, his voice choked and almost inaudible.
"What is it?", Bosco asked, nervous. "What are you seeing?".
"Was that an illusion? Or is this the illusion? I don't think I can discern anymore", Kharius said, dazed.
----------------------------------------
Kharius must roll a Wisdom ability check or be confused and unable to perform any acts for 1d4 turns. Rolled 16. Failed.
Kharius is confused for 1 turn.
----------------------------------------
"Something is definitely wrong with this place for Kharius to be so bewildered. I should cast a spell of my own", Korvac said.
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts True Seeing.
Korvac must roll a Wisdom ability check or be confused and unable to perform any acts for 1d4 turns. Rolled 20. Failed.
Korvac is confused for 4 turns.
----------------------------------------
"Are they both thunderstruck?", Donovan asked, troubled. "Let's take them to safety, Bosco. This place is as dangerous as Meggie warned".
Then, as they walked through the layer in search of shelter, things started to feel out of place. They stumbled upon obstacles that were not there, hit their faces against invisible walls and smelled blood even though the Party had just been fully healed.
"Donovan...care...ful...monst...", Kharius mumbled, still feeling dizzy.
"What is it, Kharius? Are you feeling any better?", Donovan asked, carrying him by the shoulder.
"He's trying to say a yugoloth is diving right at you", Megalomagna said.
"A what???", Donovan asked, startled.
----------------------------------------
(???) attacks Donovan. Rolled 8, 2, 18, 17, 20. Four hits for 1d4, 1d8, 1d8, 1d10: 1, 6, 2, 4 damage.
Donovan must throw a save vs. poison. Rolled 1. Failed. Strength ability score reduced to 5 (-2 to hit, -1 damage).
* Donovan HP: 220/233
----------------------------------------
"Ouch! What was that? Why am I feeling like a roper has hit me?", Donovan said, suddenly feeling his arms heavy.
The answer to that was a hideous monster, resembling a squat humanoid toad, that landed before him. It stood about 10 feet (3 m) tall, licking blood off its gruesome, frog-like face with satisfaction after the successful dive attack it made against the warrior. Its skin was warty, yellow and covered in mucus. Its horrendous face was adorned with bulbous eyes, its webbed hands and feet ending in claws, with gliding flaps under its arms to help it scan the surroundings for prey before diving at them.
"Where did that freak come from?", Bosco asked, astonished and disgusted at the same time.
"It has been stalking us since we arrived here", Kharius said, already recovered from the confusion state. "Gliding through the air, waiting for the perfect chance to strike from behind like the coward it is".
"I take offense from that", Bosco said with a smirk.
"Stabbing evil in the back is allowed", Kharius replied, smirking back at Bosco.
"Gonna need help in dealing with frog-face over there", Donovan said. "I think that monster injected some kind of poison in me".
----------------------------------------
A Hydrodaemon has appeared.
HYDRODAEMON (LESSER DAEMON)
* ALIGNMENT: Neutral/Evil
* ARMOR CLASS: 2
* HIT DICE: 9+36
* HP: 72
* THAC0: 11
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d4/1d4/1d8/1d8/1d10
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 70% to 1st level spells (5% less resistant to each higher level - e.g. 30% to 9th level spells)
* SIZE: L (10'tall)
* XP VALUE: 35.000
* Hydrodaemons can launch themselves into the air and glide like flying fish at high speeds for up to 1 turn. When airborne they may make 5 attacks: scratching with their feet for 1d4, clawing with both their hands for 1d8, and biting for 1d10; while on the ground, they cannot attack with their feet.
* The hydrodaemon may teleport without error at will, and will sometimes use a dimension door to gain altitude for its glide. These creatures may also, at will, produce darkness within 10 feet, create water, and use water walking (as the ring). They may attempt to gate in another hydrodaemon with a 50% chance of success.
* Hydrodaemons have infra and ultravision and the following spell-like abilities: detect invisible, read magic, comprehend languages, invisibility, telepathy (with creatures of 5 points of intelligence or higher).
* They are immune to acid, poison and paralysis, and suffer half damage from cold, lightning and fire of any sort. In addition to those resistances, hydrodaemons take half damage from water-based attack forms, and no damage at all if they make their saving throw.
* They can only be hurt be +1 or stronger magical weapons
----------------------------------------
Initiative roll:
* Party: 7
* Hydrodaemon: 4
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ROUND 1
----------------------------------------
* Bosco: 8+3
* Kharius: 3+1
* Donovan: 4
* Korvac (dazed)
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks. Rolled 17. Hit for 2d12+8: 23 damage.
* Hydrodaemon HP: 49/72
----------------------------------------
Kharius attacks with bow. Rolled 4. Missed.
Donovan attacks. Rolled 15, 2. Two hits for 1d8+6 each: 14, 7 damage.
* Hydrodaemon HP: 28/72
----------------------------------------
Korvac is stunned for 2/4 turns.
Hydrodaemon casts Gate. 50% chance to gate in another Hydrodaemon. Rolled 38. Successful. Another Hydrodaemon appears.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 2
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks Hydrodaemon 1. Rolled 4. Hit for 2d12+8: 17 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 1 HP: 11/72
----------------------------------------
Kharius uses Staff of the Magi: Lightning function (45 charges left) on Hydrodaemon 1. Rolling 1d100 for magic protection (60%): 58. Saved. The spell has no effect.
----------------------------------------
"Did you say this creature was a yugoloth?", Kharius asked Megalomagna.
"It belongs to their kind. The jackal-headed wizard we encountered earlier was also a yugoloth. They're a wicked, dirty bunch", Megalomagna said.
"Very resistant to magic, too", Kharius added.
"Haven't I told you that? I was so sure I mentioned they're almost impervious to magic. Well...my bad".
"You're useless", Kharius remarked, annoyed.
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks Hydrodaemon 1. Rolled 7, 10. Two hits for 1d8+6 each: 14, 10 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 1 HP: -13/72
----------------------------------------
Slashed by Megalomagna's sharp blade, the Hydrodaemon released a horrendous wail and crashed to the ground, agonizing until it stopped breathing.
----------------------------------------
Korvac is stunned for 3/4 turns.
Hydrodaemon 2 casts Dimension Door.
----------------------------------------
"Where is it?", Donovan asked, looking around but finding nothing.
"It has used a transportation spell. Don't let your guard down", Kharius said.
"How do you know it's not just invisible?", Bosco asked.
"My True Seeing spell is still in effect", Kharius replied. "It would be visible to me".
----------------------------------------
Hydrodaemon 2 attacks Bosco with a dive attack. Rolled 18, 8, 9, 17, 17. Three hits for 1d4, 1d8, 1d10: 1, 6, 6 damage.
Bosco must throw a save vs. poison. Rolled 5. Saved.
* Bosco HP: 136/149
"Damn sneaky freak!", Bosco grumbled as he painfully resisted the poison injected by the creature's vile touch.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 3
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks. Rolled 5. Hit for 2d12+8: 16 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: 56/72
----------------------------------------
Kharius attacks with bow. Rolled 12. Hit for 1d6+3: 7 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: 49/72
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks. Rolled 9, 14. Two hits for 1d8+6 each: 9, 13 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: 37/72
Korvac is stunned for 4/4 turns.
----------------------------------------
Hydrodaemon 2 attacks Bosco. Rolled 15, 4, 17. Two hits for 1d8, 1d10: 2, 5 damage.
* Bosco HP: 129/149
Bosco must throw a save vs. poison. Rolled 5. Saved.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 4
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks. Rolled 2. Missed.
Kharius attacks. Rolled 6. Hit for 1d6+3: 6 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: 31/72
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks. Rolled 9, 16. Two hits for 1d8+6 each: 8, 7 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: 16/72
Korvac has recovered from the stun effect.
----------------------------------------
"We must end this fight quickly and find shelter", Korvac said with great concern written on his face.
----------------------------------------
Korvac attacks. Rolled 11. Hit for 4d6+6: 21 damage.
* Hydrodaemon 2 HP: -05/72
The holy damage caused by the mace of smiting sent streams of lacerating pain through the toad-faced yugoloth's grotesque body. In a blinding explosion of light, the creature disintegrated, leaving behind only its foul smell.
----------------------------------------
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the hydrodaemons. Each member has earned a total of 35.000*2 = 70.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 5.233.170 + 70.000 = 5.303.170 XP.
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 5.269.170 + 70.000 = 5.339.170 XP.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 5.184.270 + 70.000 = 5.254.270 XP.
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 5.368.270 + 70.000 = 5.438.270 XP.
***
"Korvac, thank the Gods you've returned to normal", Donovan said. "I think that monster injected some kind of poison in me. I feel weak, like my arms are made of lead".
"Those monsters swim on the Styx River. They're bound to inflict nasty conditions to whomever they touch", Megalomagna explained.
"I can heal it", Korvac said and promptly started chanting a spell.
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts Restoration on Donovan. Strength ability score returned to normal.
----------------------------------------
"So why are we in such a hurry again?", Donovan said, his strength as well as his wit restored.
"This heavenly paradise you see is an illusion. Here, what does this seem to you?", Korvac said, handing Donovan a bone.
"It's a tulip", Donovan replied, holding the bone with the care he would a flower.
"That's a devil bone", Korvac said, causing Donovan to drop it immediately, disgusted.
"What else is a fake here?", Donovan asked, his face turned serious.
"Everything. It could be the Pit Fiend. An advanced illusion like this, encompassing such a large area, has most definitely been cast by a high-level magic user", Kharius said.
"So what do we do? Y'know, how do we see the real stuff instead of this?", Bosco asked, scratching his head nervously.
"You have to disbelieve it", Korvac said. "We did it too suddenly because of the spell, and ended up flabbergasted. You must see through the illusion with your own senses and you'll be fine".
----------------------------------------
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 12. Saved.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 10. Saved.
----------------------------------------
Slowly, Bosco and Donovan started seeing glitches in their perceivable reality. Fields of meadows turned into wasteland. Beautiful trees and bushes turned into piles of bodies and bones. Reflective pools of crystalline water became pools of dark blood. The sound of birds and the refreshing sensation of the cool breeze were replaced by oppressive heat and a heavy air. The sky, still beautifully platinum colored, contrasted with the gruesome battles being fought that very moment between angels and devils, hordes of devils.
It wasn't one of the Seven Heavens anymore. It was a genuine warzone.
"What is going on with this place?", Donovan muttered, in shock.
"Now this got waaay out of hand", Bosco said, frightened.
"Welcome to the real world", Megalomagna said sarcastically. "Are you ready to rumble?".
In front of them, more than forty devils engaged archons and other celestial creatures in a savage brawl. Among them, the Party could identify the Hound Archon that fought valiantly with them and the pair of moon dogs they helped protect from the clutches of a repulsive Yagnodaemon.
It was easy to see the defenders were outnumbered for the first time since the adventurers arrived in Mount Celestia. The devils seemed fiercer and more resolute – maybe due to the presence of the Pit Fiend, their fearsome general. For that reason, not even the stout Hound Archon was able to stand against the horde and, after a flurry of attacks from the fiends, the wolf-headed celestial fell, defeated.
“Hound Archon!”, Bosco shouted, calling the attention of the entire group of baatezu.
“Bad move, Bosco”, Donovan complained, unsheathing Megalomagna for the imminent battle. “We have just lost the element of surprise”.
“Sorry”, Bosco said, disappointed at himself.
“You can’t surprise those monsters anyway”, Megalomagna said. “Let’s just face them head-on and erase them from this reality”.
“You seem quite enthusiastic”, Donovan told the sword.
“I need to unwind a little”, Megalomagna replied. “Maybe forty dead devils will be enough for me to blow off some steam”.
“That’s a very bold call”, Donovan said with a smirk. “I’ll take it”.
The monsters appeared in diverse shapes and forms, but one thing they had in common was their loathsome demeanor. One was 8-feet (almost 2.5m) tall, had a round body with 5 arms ending in stubby, clawed hands, 3 legs and an insect-like head.
Others were 6 feet (1.8 m) tall humanoids wearing chains as opposed to regular apparel. The chains wrapped tightly around them like shrouds, rattling as they moved and slithering around their bodies as if alive. The areas where those monsters’ eyes, ears, noses and hair would be were also wrapped in chains, with the only visible areas being their throats, grinning mouths and the occasional glimpse of a single, glinting eye. The spiked shackles were covered in barbs and iron scraps that seemed to have been grotesquely welded on, with each length ending in a hook, blade or weighty ball.
A dozen others were short, winged humanoids, resembling 2‒3 ft (0.61‒0.91 m) tall gargoyles. They had long, keen talons at the ends of their hands and feet, and spines bristled their whole bodies. Contributing to their devilish appearance were short military forks they carried. Their eyes glowed a muted red, and they emitted obnoxious high-pitched giggles and shrieks. They were constantly hit and whipped by the stronger and more intimidating devils in the horde.
Another dozen were 6 ft (1.8 m) tall green-skinned humanoids with muscled bodies and cruel, terrifying demeanor. They had disgusting wiry beards, infested with white maggots, pointed ears and long tails. Their skin was moist but covered in scales, and despite having clawed hands and feet, they carried massive saw-toothed glaives.
A handful of other devils were lithe, 7 ft (2.1 m) tall humanoids with bodies completely covered in barbs. Their horned hands ended in strange, lengthy claws and their long, burly tails were coated in spines. Their consistently agitated appearance, accompanied by nervous tics reflected a paranoid and disturbing mental state.
The last bunch in the horde was probably the most fearsome. Appearing as ogre-sized monsters whose bodies reached up to 9 ft (2.7 m), they were roughly humanoid beings with bodies sheathed in repulsive scales. The presence they possessed was intimidating even to the other devils, as their massive wings, sweeping horns, and serpentine tails furthered their frightening appearance.
The sight of such a horde was frightening enough to make even the most powerful and brave Party doubt themselves. Because of that, the adventurers had to steel their resolve in order to be able to fight.
----------------------------------------
The Party must make a saving throw vs. paralyzation or be frightened for the whole battle (-2 to attack rolls, damage and saving throws).
* Donovan is protected against fear (helm of valor).
* Korvac rolled 11. Saved.
* Bosco rolled 16. Saved.
* Kharius is immune to fear (ring of mind shielding).
----------------------------------------
1 Derghodaemon has appeared.
7 Kytons have appeared.
10 Spinagons have appeared.
10 Barbazus have appeared.
8 Hamatulas have appeared.
5 Cornugons have appeared.
----------------------------------------
DERGHODAEMON (LESSER DAEMON)
* ALIGNMENT: Neutral/Evil
* APPEARING: 1d4
* ARMOR CLASS: 0
* HIT DICE: 11+22
* HP: 65
* THAC0: 9
* TREASURE TYPE: H
* DAMAGE/ATACK: 1d4+8 (x5)
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 80% to 1st level spells
* SIZE: L (8' tall)
* XP VALUE: 65.000
* +1 or better weapons to hit
* The derghodaemon's 5 arms end in stubby, 4-clawed hands. These claws do 1d4 points of damage, but the giant-like strength of the monster adds 8 damage. If the first 2 claw attacks hit, the target has been grabbed, and the remaining claws or weapons attack at +2. Grabbed characters may attack but cannot move or retreat until the derghodaemon is defeated.
* Derghodaemons have infra and ultravision and the following spell-like abilities: detect invisible, read magic, comprehend languages, invisibility and telepathy (with creatures of low intelligence or higher).
* They may also, at will, create darkness within 10 feet, generate fear (as a wand) within 20 feet, teleport without error, or cast a sleep spell twice a day. Despite their stupidity, they are stubborn creatures and difficult to summon and control.
* They suffer only half damage from acid, cold, dragon or magical fire; poison, paralysis, and normal weapons do no damage to them. Electricity or lightning, gas and magic missile spells do full damage.
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KYTON (CHAIN DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* APPEARING: 1d8
* ARMOR CLASS: 2
* HIT DICE: 8
* HP: 42
* THAC0: 13
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d10/1d10
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
* SIZE: M (6' - 1.8m tall)
* ABILITIES: Chain Snag
* XP VALUE: 48.000
* +1 or better weapons to hit
* Animate Chains. Up to four chains the devil can see within 60 feet of it magically sprout razor-edged barbs and animate under the devil's control, provided that the chains aren't being worn or carried. Each animated chain is an object with AC 1, 10 hit points and immunity to lightning/electric damage. On its turn, the kyton can use each animated chain to make one additional chain attack. An animated chain can grapple one creature of its own but can't make attacks while grappling. An animated chain reverts to its inanimate state if reduced to 0 hit points or if the devil is incapacitated or dies.
* Unnerving Mask. When a creature the devil can see starts its turn within 30 feet of the devil, the devil can create the illusion that it looks like one of the creature's departed loved ones or bitter enemies. If the creature can see the devil, it must succeed on a saving throw vs. paralyzation or be frightened until the end of its turn (-1 to attack and damage rolls).
* Kytons regenerate 1 hit point per melee round and can regrow lost limbs or simply reattach them. Blessed and holy weapons negate their regeneration.
* Kytons suffer full damage from silver weapons, acid, magic missile and electricity/lightning, half damage from gas, and no damage at all from fire, cold or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
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SPINAGON (SPINED DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* APPEARING: 5d4
* ARMOR CLASS: 3
* HIT DICE: 3+3
* HP: 19
* THAC0: 17
* DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d6 (military fork)
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 25%
* SIZE: S (3' tall)
* XP VALUE: 5.000
* +1 or better weapons to hit
* Attack is usually by weapon, as most spined devils carry a short military fork 4-feet long. When airborne, they are also able to use their taloned feet to inflict considerable raking damage. The spiked projections of a spined devil burst into flame when pulled loose. Up to 4 can be loosed by these creatures when they are flying over an opponent, each inflicting damage as a dart when hits are successful and causing flammable materials to burst into flame. In melee, from 1-4 spines can wound an opponent if the devil chooses to hurl itself upon an antagonist. Hits are automatic, but no other attack is possible. The following spell-like powers can be used by spined devils, 1 at a time, 1 per round, at will: affect normal fires, change self, command, produce flame, scare, summon once a day a barbed devil (5% chance of success).
* Like all baatezu, spinagons suffer full damage from silver weapons, acid, magic missile and electricity/lightning, half damage from gas and cold, and no damage at all from fire or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
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BARBAZU (BEARDED DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* APPEARING: 1d10
* ARMOR CLASS: 1
* HIT DICE: 6+6
* HP: 35
* THAC0: 13
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1d10 (Glaive) or 1d3/1d3/1d8
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 45%
* SIZE: M (6 1/2' tall)
* XP VALUE: 54.000
* +1 or better weapons to hit
* In most cases, bearded devils carry a saw-toothed glaive equipped with a treble-hook arranged at the base of the blade. The treble-hook curves backward and is used to entangle or snag opponents closing or fleeing (1d10 points damage plus held fast unless a die roll equal to success of opening a door is made). Without weapons, bearded devils attack with their wire-like beards and clawed hands. If both hand attacks succeed, beard damage is maximum, i.e., 8 points. Any creature struck for maximum beard damage must save vs. poison or immediately develop a burning rash which reduces dexterity by 1 point per round for 4 rounds (cumulative). At will,1 at a time, 1 per turn or round as applicable, bearded devils can use the following spell-like powers: affect normal fires, command, fear by touch, produce flame, summon another bearded devil (35% chance of success).
* Like all baatezu, barbazus suffer full damage from silver weapons, acid, magic missile and electricity/lightning, half damage from gas and cold, and no damage at all from fire or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
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HAMATULA (BARBED DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* APPEARING: 3d4
* ARMOR CLASS: 0
* HIT DICE: 8
* HP: 48
* THAC0: 12
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2d4/2d4/3d4
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 35%
* SIZE: M (7 1/2' tall)
* XP VALUE: 58.000
* While these monsters carry no weapons, they have sufficient weaponry with their horns, barbed hands and horrid tails. They are able to generate fear (saving throw vs. wand is applicable) upon striking an opponent. Barbed devils can perform any of the following, one at a time, per turn or melee round, as applicable: pyrotechnics, produce flame, hold person, or summon another barbed devil (30% chance of success).
* Like all baatezu, hamatulas suffer full damage from silver weapons, acid, magic missile and electricity/lightning, half damage from gas and cold, and no damage at all from fire or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
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CORNUGON (HORNED DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* APPEARING: 1d4+1
* ARMOR CLASS: -5
* HIT DICE: 5+5
* HP: 28
* THAC0: 15
* TREASURE TYPE: I
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1d4/1d4/1d4+1/1d3 (claw/claw/bite/tail) or 2d6/1d3 (fork/tail) or 1d4/1d3 (whip/tail)
* SPECIAL ATTACKS: Fear, Stun, Spells
* SPECIAL DEFENSES: +1 or better weapon to hit
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 50%
* XP VALUE: 67.000
* +2 or better weapons to hit
* Cornugons often carry a two-tined fork (75%) which causes 2d6 points of damage or a barbed whip (25%) which will cause 1d4 points of damage plus a stunning effect for the same number of melee rounds unless a saving throw versus spell is made. An unarmed horned devil attacks with a claw/claw/bite. Armed or unarmed these devils are also able to attack with their tails, causing 1d3 hit points of damage and a wound which will bleed thereafter unless bound up (lose 1 hit point/turn until bound or cured). They exude fear in a 5' radius (saving throw versus wand applies). Horned devils can do any one of the following, at will, once per turn or melee round, as applicable: pyrotechnics, produce flame, ESP, detect magic, illusion, or summon another horned devil (50% chance of success). Once a day they can create a wall of fire of triple normal strength with regard to the damage it causes (3d8 hit points).
* Like all baatezu, cornugons suffer full damage from silver weapons, acid, magic missile and electricity/lightning, half damage from gas and cold, and no damage at all from fire or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
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Initiative roll
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* Party: 10
* Devils: 6
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Party Initiative:
* Bosco: 5+3
* Donovan: 7
* Korvac: 4
* Kharius: 1+1
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ROUND 1
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Bosco attacks Derghodaemon. Rolled 18. Hit for 2d12+8: 20 damage.
* Derghodaemon HP: 45/65
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Donovan attacks Derghodaemon. Rolled 19, 20. Two hits for 1d8+10 each: 12, 14 damage.
* Derghodaemon HP: 19/65
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Korvac casts Blade Barrier. A ringed wall of energy blades appeared, dealing 8d8: 49 damage to all affected. 4 hamatulas, 2 kytons, 2 spinagons, 4 barbazus and 2 cornugons are in the area of effect.
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Hamatulas roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 58, 97, 81, 79. Failed.
Hamatulas throw a save vs. spell: 15, 4, 13, 10. Saved, failed, saved, failed.
Hamatula 1 suffers 24 damage:
* Hamatula 1 HP: 24/48
Hamatula 2 suffers 49 damage:
* Hamatula 2 HP: -01/48
Hamatula 3 suffers 24 damage:
* Hamatula 3 HP: 24/48
Hamatula 4 suffers 49 damage:
* Hamatula 4 HP: -01/48
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Hamatulas 2 and 4 have been slain.
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Kytons roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 01, 54.
Kyton 1 is not affected.
Kyton 2 throws a save vs. spell: 5. Failed. Suffered 49 damage.
* Kyton 2 HP: -7/42
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Kyton 2 has been slain.
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Spinagons roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 22, 15. Both are not affected.
Barbazus roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 03, 78, 94, 55. Barbazu 1 is not affected.
Barbazus 2, 3 and 4 throw a save vs. spell: 6, 1, 17. Failed, failed, saved. Suffered 49, 49, 24 damage.
* Barbazu 2 HP: -14/35
* Barbazu 3 HP: -14/35
* Barbazu 4 HP: 11/35
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Barbazus 2 and 3 have been slain.
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Cornugons roll 1d100 for magic protection (50%): 15, 100. Cornugon 1 is not affected.
Cornugon 2 throws a save vs. spell: 10. Failed. Cornugon 2 suffers 49 damage.
* Cornugon 2 HP: -21/28
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Cornugon 2 has been slain.
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Kharius uses Staff of the Magi: Ice Storm function (44 charges left) for 3d10: 24 damage. All monsters are in the area of effect, and all of them suffer only half damage from cold.
Derghodaemon rolls 1d100 for magic protection (65%): 48. The spell has no effect.
Kytons are immune to cold.
Spinagons roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 76, 67, 53, 16, 46, 23, 01, 99, 77, 97. The spell has no effect on Spinagons 4, 6 and 7.
* Spinagon 1 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 2 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 3 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 5 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 8 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 9 HP: 07/19
* Spinagon 10 HP: 07/19
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Barbazus roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 25, 99, 48, 19, 80, 45, 44, 39. The spell has no effect on Barbazus 1, 6, 8, 9 and 10.
* Barbazu 2 HP: deceased
* Barbazu 3 HP: deceased
* Barbazu 4 HP: 11/35
* Barbazu 5 HP: 23/35
* Barbazu 7 HP: 23/35
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Hamatulas roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 85, 38, 04, 26, 08, 13. The spell has no effect on Hamatulas 5, 6, 7 and 8.
* Hamatula 1 HP: 12/48
* Hamatula 2 HP: gone
* Hamatula 3 HP: 12/48
* Hamatula 4 HP: gone
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Cornugons roll 1d100 for magic protection (50%): 35, 64, 91, 83. The spell has no effect on Cornugon 1.
* Cornugon 2 HP: burning in hell
* Cornugon 3 HP: 16/28
* Cornugon 4 HP: 16/28
* Cornugon 5 HP: 16/28
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Devils Initiative
* Derghodaemon: 10
* Kyton: 9
* Barbazu: 8
* Cornugons: 8
* Hamatulas: 6
* Spinagon: 3
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Derghodaemon attacks Bosco. Rolled 4, 16, 7, 5, 12. One hit for 1d4+8: 11 damage.
* Bosco HP: 118/149
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Kytons use Unnerving Mask ability to assume the face of the Party’s most bitter enemy, the Baron of Blood. The Party must save vs. paralyzation or suffer a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls as long as the kytons are alive.
* Donovan: 3. Failed.
* Korvac: 7. Saved.
* Bosco: 14. Saved.
* Kharius: 1. Failed.
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Kytons 1 and 3 attack Donovan. Rolled 11, 19 and 17, 9. Two hits for 1d10 each: 13 damage.
* Donovan HP: 207/233
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Kytons 4 and 5 attack Bosco. Rolled 3, 17 and 13, 14. Two hits for 1d10 each: 8 damage.
* Bosco HP: 110/149
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Kyton 6 attacks Korvac. Rolled 6, 19. One hit for 1d10: 5 damage.
* Korvac HP: 120/125
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Kyton 7 attacks Kharius. Rolled 3, 8. Missed.
Barbazu 1 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 15. Missed.
Barbazu 3 attacks Donovan with claws and beard. Rolled 15, 9, 11. Missed.
Barbazu 5 casts Command on Donovan. The spell has no effect.
Barbazu 6 attacks Bosco with claws and beard. Rolled 1, 18, 2. One hit for 1d3: 2 damage.
* Bosco HP: 108/149
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Barbazu 7 casts Command on Bosco. Bosco must throw a save vs. spell: 11. Saved.
Barbazu 8 attacks Korvac with glaive. Rolled 13. Hit for 1d10: 6 damage.
* Korvac HP: 114/125
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Barbazu 9 casts Command on Kharius. The spell has no effect.
Barbazu 10 attacks Kharius with glaive. Rolled 6. Missed.
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Cornugons exude Fear. The Party must save vs. paralyzation or suffer another -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls as long as the cornugons are alive.
* Donovan: 13. Saved.
* Korvac: 20. Saved.
* Bosco: 13. Saved.
* Kharius: 20. Saved.
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Cornugon 1 casts Wall of Fire on Donovan and Bosco.
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 7. Saved. Donovan has avoided the wall and suffers no damage.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 14. Saved. Bosco has avoided the wall and suffers no damage.
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Cornugon 3 attacks Donovan with claws, bite and tail. Rolled 9, 8, 8, 12. Missed.
Cornugon 4 attacks Bosco with fork and tail. Rolled 1, 4. Missed.
Cornugon 5 attacks Korvac with claws, bite and tail. Rolled 14, 17, 20, 14. Four hits for 1d4/1d4/1d4+1/1d3: 1, 1, 3, 3. Korvac is bleeding.
* Korvac HP: 106/125
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Hamatula 1 attacks Donovan. Rolled 12, 11, 11. Missed.
Hamatula 3 casts Gate (30% chance of success). Rolls 1d100: 88. Failed.
Hamatula 5 attacks Bosco. Rolled, 16, 19, 11. Two hits for 2d4/2d4: 13 damage.
* Bosco HP: 95/149
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Hamatula 6 casts Hold Person on Donovan.
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 3. Failed. Donovan is paralyzed for 8 turns.
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Hamatula 7 attacks Korvac. Rolled 14, 8, 10. Two hits for 2d4/3d4: 11 damage.
* Korvac HP: 95/125
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Hamatula 8 casts Gate (30% chance of success). Rolls 1d100: 11. Success. Another Hamatula has appeared.
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Spinagon 1 attacks Donovan.
Spinagon 2 casts Gate (5% chance of success). Rolls 1d100: 98. Failed.
Spinagon 3 casts Scare on Donovan. The spell has no effect.
Spinagon 4 casts Scare on Bosco.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 8. Saved.
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Spinagon 5 casts Scare on Korvac.
Korvac is immune to scare (wisdom effect).
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Spinagon 6 casts Command on Korvac.
Korvac is immune to command (wisdom effect).
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Spinagon 7 casts Scare on Kharius.
Kharius is immune to scare (ring of mind shielding).
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Spinagon 8 throws 1d4: 4 spines at Kharius for 1d4: 7 damage.
* Kharius HP: 66/73
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Spinagon 9 casts Command on Bosco.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 10. Saved.
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Spinagon 10 attacks Donovan. Hits are automatic for 2d4/2d4/3d4: 17 damage.
* Donovan HP: 190/233
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Gasping for breath, the weary members of the Party stood battered and bruised, their faces etched with concern as Donovan lay paralyzed by a spell cast by one of the sneaky devils. The air hung heavy with the palpable dread of facing a horde of fearsome devils, presenting the beleaguered group with a daunting choice – to retreat and regroup or summon the courage to plunge back into the battle.
“We…will not…run”, Donovan said, gathering all of his strength just to be able to say anything.
“Donovan, this is getting too dangerous”, Kharius pondered. “They are resistant to magic and can also innately use magic. Imagine if all of us are paralyzed”.
“That’s not gonna happen”, Bosco said, resolute. “Elven chain mail of Free Action, remember?”.
“I can help Donovan recover”, Korvac said, holy symbol in hand. “Just cover me and he will be back in action before those wicked devils can see anything”.
With their morale intact, the Party members decide to keep fighting.
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ROUND 2
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Bosco attacks Derghodaemon. Rolled 14. Hit for 2d12+8: 17 damage.
Bosco attacks Derghodaemon. Rolled 18. Hit for 2d12+8: 20 damage.
* Derghodaemon HP: -01/65
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The Derghodaemon shrieks as the Sun Blade cuts through its tough hide and falls to the ground, dead.
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Donovan is paralyzed.
Korvac casts Remove Paralysis on Donovan. The hold effect has been neutralized.
Korvac lost 1 HP due to the bleeding.
* Korvac HP: 94/125
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Kharius casts Chain Lightning. The bolt can affect up to 26 targets.
Cornugons roll 1d100 for magic protection (50%): 97, 74, 18, 54.
The spell has no effect on Cornugon 4.
Cornugons 1, 3 and 5 throw a save vs. spell: 16 (saved), 4 (failed), 10 (failed).
Cornugon 1 suffers 26d6 / 2: 52 damage.
Cornugon 3 suffers 25d6: 88 damage.
Cornugon 5 suffers 23d6: 86 damage.
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Kytons roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 42, 15, 78, 5, 91, 33.
The spell has no effect on Kytons 3 and 5.
Kytons 1, 4, 6 and 7 throw a save vs. spell: 18 (saved), 7 (failed), 14 (saved), 11 (failed).
Kyton 1 suffers 22d6 / 2: 42 damage.
Kyton 4 suffers 20d6: 81 damage.
Kyton 6 suffers 19d6 / 2: 45 damage.
Kyton 7 suffers 18d6: 81 damage.
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Spinagons roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 67, 24, 89, 10, 52, 76, 31, 45, 83, 14
The spell has no effect on Spinagons 2, 4 and 10.
Spinagons 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 throw a save vs. spell: 2 (failed), 19 (saved), 8 (failed), 12 (failed), 5 (failed), 1 (failed), 20 (saved).
Spinagon 1 suffers 17d6: 57 damage.
Spinagon 3 suffers 15d6 / 2: 25 damage.
Spinagon 5 suffers 13d6: 51 damage.
Spinagon 6 suffers 12d6: 38 damage.
Spinagon 7 suffers 11d6: 42 damage.
Spinagon 8 suffers 10d6: 35 damage.
Spinagon 9 suffers 9d6 / 2: 16 damage.
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Barbazus roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 78, 36, 21, 95, 72, 35, 89, 14.
The spell has no effect on Barbazus 3, 5, 8 and 10.
Barbazus 1, 6, 7 and 9 throw a save vs. spell: 3 (failed), 6 (failed), 8 (failed), 16 (saved).
Barbazu 1 suffers 8d6: 34 damage.
Barbazu 6 suffers 6d6: 25 damage.
Barbazu 7 suffers 5d6: 18 damage.
Barbazu 9 suffers 4d6 / 2: 8 damage.
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Hamatulas roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 25, 78, 42.
The spell has no effect on Hamatula 1.
Hamatulas 3 and 5 throw a save vs. spell: 12 (failed), 3 (failed).
Hamatula 3 suffers 2d6: 7 damage.
Hamatula 5 suffers 1d6: 3 damage.
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As the last bolt of lightning arced through the demonic horde, a dreadful silence settled over the aftermath, broken only by the faint sizzling of residual energy and the twisted forms of the dead devils smoldering in the aftermath. The air crackled with the acrid scent of burning flesh, and the nightmarish landscape shimmered in the spectral glow of the onslaught. The spell tore through the baatezu ranks with merciless precision, the once-organized horde laying scattered and broken.
Up in the air, someone grinned.
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Cornugons 1, 3 and 5 have been slain.
Kytons 1, 4, 6 and 7 have been slain.
Spinagons 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 have been slain.
----------------------------------------
Upon beholding the devastating aftermath of Kharius’s spell, the devils quivered. Yet, a sudden telepathic message, forcibly thrust into their devious minds, swiftly restored their morale. What has prompted the baatezu to regain their will to fight mere moments after witnessing a dozen of their kind perish simultaneously remains a mystery.
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Kyton 3 attacks Donovan. Rolled 11, 18. One hit for 1d10: 1 damage.
* Donovan HP: 189/233
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Kyton 5 attacks Bosco. Rolled 1, 2. Missed.
Barbazu 1 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 18. Hit for 1d10: 6 damage.
* Donovan HP: 183/233
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Barbazu 4 casts Command on Bosco. Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 19. Saved.
Barbazu 5 attacks Korvac with glaive. Rolled 14. Hit for 1d10: 4 damage.
* Korvac HP: 90/125
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Barbazu 6 attacks Bosco with claws and beard. Rolled 9, 9, 5. Missed.
Barbazu 7 attacks Kharius with claws and beard. Rolled, 12, 13, 10. Missed.
Barbazu 8 casts Command on Kharius.
The spell has no effect (ring of mind shielding).
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Barbazu 9 casts Command on Korvac.
Korvac is immune to command (wisdom effect).
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Barbazu 10 casts Command on Donovan.
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 3. Failed. Barbazu commands Donovan to attack Kharius.
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Cornugon 4 casts Wall of Fire under Korvac.
Korvac throws a save vs. spell: 14. Saved. Korvac has avoided the wall and suffers no damage.
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Hamatula 1 attacks Bosco. Rolled 3, 8, 10. Failed.
Hamatula 3 casts Hurl Flame on Korvac for 3d6 / 2 (ring of fire resistance): 6 damage.
* Korvac HP: 84/125
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Hamatula 5 casts Hurl Flame on Kharius for 3d6 / 2 (frost brand): 3 damage.
* Kharius HP: 63/73
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Hamatula 6 attacks Bosco. Rolled 13, 12, 3. Missed.
Hamatula 7 attacks Korvac. Rolled 19, 4, 1. One hit for 2d4: 5 damage.
* Korvac HP: 79/125
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Hamatula 8 casts Hurl Flame on Kharius for 3d6 / 2 (Frost Brand): 6 damage.
* Kharius HP: 57/73
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Hamatula 9 casts Hurl Flame on Bosco for 3d6: 6 damage.
* Bosco HP: 89/149
Spinagon 2 casts Gate (5% chance of summoning a hamatula). Rolled 1d100: 32. Failed.
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Spinagon 4 throws 1d4: 1 spine at Korvac for 1d4: 2 damage.
* Korvac HP: 77/125
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Spinagon 10 hurls himself on Bosco for 1d4: 1 spine dealing 1d4: 4 damage.
* Bosco HP: 85/149
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ROUND 3
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“We must do something about Donovan!”, Bosco exclaimed. “This time he’s not pretending to be charmed!”.
“Megalomagna, do something about it, quickly!”, Korvac demanded.
“I keep telling you guys, don’t put all your kobold eggs in one basket”, Megalomagna responded. “I can’t do it all, y’know? No pain, no gain. You reap what you sow. Work hard, play harder. Or is it the other way around?”.
“Don’t worry, folks”, Kharius said, with a smirk. “Let him come”.
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Bosco attacks Cornugon 4. Rolled 17. Hit for 2d12+8: 21 damage.
* Cornugon 4 HP: -05/28
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Cornugon 4 has been slain.
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Donovan attacks Kharius. Rolled 10, 20. Two hits for 1d8+3 each: 9, 8 damage.
* Kharius HP: 40/73
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"Kharius!", Korvac and Bosco screamed at the same time.
"You held back, huh?", Kharius said, grimacing at the lingering pain from the slashing wounds but certain that it could have been much worse.
"Yeah I did", Megalomagna answered. "I hate spellcasters and you know it. But I don't particularly hate you anymore. It doesn't mean we're friends, though. You never bought me a gem incrusted hilt, or offered to cast a vorpal enchantment on me so...yeah".
Kharius chuckled. "Who could guess that Megalomagna, the mighty and incredibly stubborn Megalomagna, would have such a change of heart?".
"Don't push it, wizard. I can be sharper than a vorpal sword if I want", Megalomagna said in a threatening tone that neither Kharius nor the others took seriously.
"Fine, fine", Kharius conceded, turning to Korvac. "Don't worry about Donovan. I have a plan".
"If you say so", Korvac said, branding his mace of smiting that any evil creature, no matter how powerful, feared.
Korvac attacks Barbazu 9. Rolled 6. Hit for 4d6+6: 20 damage.
* Barbazu 9 HP: 07/35
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Korvac lost 1 HP due to the bleeding.
* Korvac HP: 76/125
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Kharius casts Mind Blank on Donovan. The effects of the command spell have been negated.
----------------------------------------
"What? What am I doing? Why is Kharius hurt? A sword slash wound? Did I do that? What happened?", Donovan asked, disturbed.
"Yes, you have been affected by a Command spell", Kharius said with a lighthearted smile. That won't happen again, I promise. Also, Megalomagna held back".
"You held back?", Donovan asked the sword, surprised.
"Yeah, yeah, focus on the battle, will ya? It's the devils' turn!", Megalomagna said, drawing expressions of confusion from the Party.
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Kyton 3 attacks Donovan. Rolled 11, 14. Missed.
Kyton 5 attacks Donovan. Rolled 8, 18. One hit for 1d10: 7 damage.
* Donovan HP: 176/233
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Barbazu 1 attacks Korvac with glaive. Rolled 17. Hit for 1d10: 5 damage.
* Korvac HP: 71/125
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Barbazu 4 attacks Bosco with claws and beard. Rolled 19, 16, 8. Two hits for 1d3/1d3: 3, 3 damage.
* Bosco HP: 79/149
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Barbazu 5 attacks Korvac with glaive. Rolled 12. Missed.
Barbazu 6 attacks Kharius with claws and beard. Rolled 14, 3, 16. Two hits for 1d3/1d8: 1, 2 damage.
* Kharius HP: 37/73
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Barbazu 7 attacks Kharius with claws and glaive. Rolled 6. Missed.
Barbazu 8 casts Command on Donovan. The spell has no effect (Mind Blank spell).
Barbazu 9 casts Command on Korvac. Korvac is immune to command (wisdom effect).
Barbazu 10 casts Command on Donovan. The spell has no effect (Mind Blank spell).
Hamatula 1 casts Hurl Flame on Bosco for 3d6: 11 damage.
* Bosco HP: 68/149
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Hamatula 3 casts Hurl Flame on Korvac for 3d6 / 2 (ring of fire resistance): 4 damage.
* Korvac HP: 67/125
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Hamatula 5 casts Hurl Flame on Donovan for 3d6: 10 damage.
* Donovan HP: 166/233
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Hamatula 6 attacks Bosco. Rolled 10, 3, 3. Missed.
Hamatula 7 attacks Korvac. Rolled 4, 12, 13. Two hits for 2d4/3d4: 17 damage.
* Korvac HP: 50/125
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Hamatula 8 casts Hurl Flame on Donovan for 3d6: damage.
* Donovan HP: 156/233
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Hamatula 9 casts Hurl Flame on Bosco for 3d6: 13 damage.
* Bosco HP: 55/149
----------------------------------------
Spinagon 2 casts Gate (5% chance of summoning a hamatula). Rolled 1d100: 08. Failed.
Spinagon 4 throws 1d4: 4 spines at Donovan for 4d4: 11 damage.
* Donovan HP: 145/233
Spinagon 10 attacks Bosco. Rolled 5. Missed.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 4
----------------------------------------
Bosco uses Wand of Frost – Ice Storm function for 3d10: 18 damage. All enemies have been affected but suffer only half damage from cold.
Kytons 3 and 5 roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 72, 45. Kytons 3 and 5 suffered 9 damage.
* Kyton 3 HP: 33/42
* Kyton 5 HP: 33/42
----------------------------------------
Barbazus 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 89, 18, 53, 67, 32, 94, 26.
Barbazus 4, 7 and 10 have not been affected.
Barbazus 1, 5, 6 and 9 suffered 9 damage.
* Barbazu 1 HP: -08/35
* Barbazu 5 HP: 14/35
* Barbazu 6 HP: 01/35
* Barbazu 9 HP: -02/35
----------------------------------------
Hamatulas 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 60, 78, 11, 39, 83, 5, 71.
Hamatulas 5 and 8 have not been affected.
Hamatulas 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9 suffered 9 damage.
* Hamatula 1 HP: 03/48
* Hamatula 3 HP: -04/48
* Hamatula 6 HP: 39/48
* Hamatula 7 HP: 39/48
* Hamatula 9 HP: 39/48
----------------------------------------
Spinagons 2, 4 and 10 roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 22, 50, 97.
Spinagon 2 has not been affected.
Spinagons 4 and 10 suffered 9 damage.
* Spinagon 4 HP: 09/19
* Spinagon 10 HP: 09/19
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 1, Barbazu 9 and Hamatula 3 have been slain.
----------------------------------------
“Meggie, I’m not asking much this time. Taunt them for me, will ya? I know you’ve been waiting for a chance to shred them with your words”, Donovan told the sword.
“That’s a reasonable request. I’ll only grant it because I do want to let them have it”, Megalomagna replied, its blade glowing purple.
----------------------------------------
Megalomagna casts Taunt. The spell has pierced the devils’ Magic Protection. Saving throws have been negated.
“Hey Imps! Come here so I can pluck your horns off and use them to scratch my back! That’s all you stupid devils are worth anyway. And look at this stupid bearded devil with the most ridiculous beard I’ve ever seen. You look like an upside down medusa! The kytons are so ugly they have to cover their faces with chains, and they still look terrible! The hamatulas are the worst. You look like a hedgehog mated with a lizard and both got beaten up by orcs during the act! And those spinagons? Oh they’re dead. They’re basically all dead. Not even worth my attention, then”.
----------------------------------------
The spell was probably more effective than it should have been. All devils turned to Donovan, their eyes burning with rage as they gripped their weapons tight and growled at him.
“Nice! Great job, Meggie”, Donovan said, satisfied with the outcome.
“Good, now do me a favor and stay alive, or we’ll become devil food!”, Megalomagna said.
“On it!”, Donovan exclaimed, charging towards the closest devil.
Donovan attacks Hamatula 1. Rolled 4. Hit for 1d8+10: 11 damage.
* Hamatula 1 HP: -08/48
----------------------------------------
Hamatula 1 has been exterminated upon being slashed by Megalomagna.
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks Barbazu 5. Rolled 6. Hit for 1d8+10: 16 damage.
* Barbazu 5 HP: -02/35
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 5 has been utterly destroyed.
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts Heal on Donovan. HP fully restored.
* Donovan HP: 233/233
Korvac lost 1 HP due to the bleeding.
* Korvac HP: 48/125
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Kharius casts Prismatic Spray. Barbazus and Spinagons have been blinded by the rays for 2d4: 5 turns regardless of magic protection.
----------------------------------------
Kytons 3 and 5 roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 54, 27.
Kyton 3 rolls 1d8: 6. Indigo. Save vs. wand or go insane. Rolled 15. Saved.
Kyton 5 rolls 1d8: 3. Inflicts 80 points of damage, save vs. spell for half. Rolled 7. Failed. Suffered 80 damage.
* Kyton 5 HP: -53/42
----------------------------------------
Kyton 5 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Barbazus 4, 6, 7 and 10 roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 73, 12, 89, 41.
Barbazus 6 and 10 have not been affected by the spell.
Barbazu 4 rolls 1d8: 8. Rolling again twice (ignoring any 8s): 4, 4. Save vs. poison or die; survivors suffer 20 points of poison damage (twice). Rolled 3. Failed.
Barbazu 4 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 7 rolls 1d8: 2. Inflicts 40 points of damage, save vs. spell for half. Rolled 18. Saved. Suffered 20 damage.
* Barbazu 7 HP: -15/35
Barbazu 7 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Hamatulas 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 68, 16, 79, 35, 62.
Hamatulas 6 and 8 have not been affected by the spell.
Hamatula 5 rolls 1d8: 7. Save vs. spell or be sent to another plane. Rolled 10.
Hamatula 5 has been sent to Limbo.
Hamatula 7 rolls 1d8: 1. Inflicts 20 points of damage, save vs. spell for half. Rolled 5. Failed. Suffered 20 damage.
* Hamatula 7 HP: 19/48
----------------------------------------
Hamatula 9 rolls 1d8: 4. Green. Save vs. poison or die; survivors suffer 20 points of poison damage. Rolled 12. Failed.
Hamatula 9 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Spinagons 2, 4 and 10 roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 8, 95, 50.
Spinagon 2 has not been affected by the spell.
Spinagon 4 rolls 1d8: 5. Save vs. petrification or be turned to stone. Rolled 1.
Spinagon 4 has been turned to stone.
----------------------------------------
Spinagon 10 rolls 1d8: 8. Rolling again twice (ignoring any 8s): 6. Indigo. Save vs. wand or go insane. 4. Green. Save vs. poison or die; survivors suffer 20 points of poison damage. Rolled 6, 14. Failed both saves.
Spinagon 10 went insane for a few seconds before dying in agonizing madness.
----------------------------------------
Kyton 3 attacks Donovan. Rolled 12. Missed.
Barbazu 6 attacks with claws and beard. Rolled 8, 16, 5. One hit for 1d3: 1 damage.
Barbazu 8 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 3. Missed.
Barbazu 10 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 19. Hit for 1d10: 1 damage.
Hamatula 6 attacks Donovan. Rolled 14, 7, 1. Missed.
Hamatula 7 attacks Donovan. Rolled 10, 18, 2. One hit for 2d4: 6 damage.
Hamatula 8 attacks Donovan. Rolled 9, 11, 4. Missed.
Spinagon 2 hurls himself on Donovan, hitting him with 1d4: 4 spines dealing 4d4: 10 damage.
* Donovan HP: 215/233
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ROUND 5
----------------------------------------
"All right, folks", Donovan said with a grin that forewarned impending doom for the remaining devils. "It's time we take out the rest of the trash so the street sweepers can do their jobs".
Bosco attacks Kyton 3. Rolled 14. Hit for 2d12+8: 27 damage.
* Kyton 3: 06/42
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Donovan attacks Kyton 3. Rolled 6. Hit for 1d8+10: 15 damage.
* Kyton 3: -09/42
Kyton 3 has been slain by Megalomagna.
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks Barbazu 8. Rolled 18. Hit for 1d8+10: 12 damage.
* Barbazu 8 HP: 23/35
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Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kharius for 3d8+3: 15 HP.
* Kharius HP: 52/73
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Kharius attacks Barbazu 6 with bow and arrow. Rolled 12. Hit for 1d6+3: 8 damage.
* Barbazu 6 HP: -07/35
Barbazu 6 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 8 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 15. Missed.
Barbazu 10 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 3. Missed.
Hamatula 6 attacks Donovan. Rolled 7, 19, 2. Missed.
Hamatula 7 attacks Donovan. Rolled 12, 8, 5. Missed.
Hamatula 8 attacks Donovan. Rolled 14, 1, 10. Missed.
Spinagon 2 attacks Donovan with military fork. Rolled 17. Missed.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 6
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks Barbazu 8. Rolled 18. Hit for 2d12+8: 19 damage.
* Barbazu 8 HP: 4/35
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks Hamatula 8. Rolled 4, 2. Two hits for 1d8+10 each: 14, 13 damage.
* Hamatula 8 HP: 21/48
----------------------------------------
Korvac attacks Hamatula 8. Rolled 7. Hit for 4d6+6: 15 damage [mace of smiting effect: 5% chance of complete destruction. Rolled 1d100: 21. Failed].
* Hamatula 8 HP: 06/48
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Kharius attacks Hamatula 8 with bow and arrow. Rolled 16. Hit for 1d6+3: 4 damage.
* Hamatula 8 HP: 02/48
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 8 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 6. Missed.
Barbazu 10 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 18. Missed.
Hamatula 6 attacks Donovan. Rolled 13, 9, 4. Missed.
Hamatula 7 attacks Donovan. Rolled 11, 20, 7. One hit for 2d4: 3 damage.
* Donovan HP: 212/233
----------------------------------------
Hamatula 8 attacks Donovan. Rolled 16, 2, 14. Missed.
Spinagon 2 attacks Donovan with military fork. Rolled 5. Missed.
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ROUND 7
----------------------------------------
Bosco uses Wand of Frost: Wall of Ice function for 3d10: 19 damage. The devils are resistant to cold and can only suffer 9 damage.
Barbazus 8 and 10 roll 1d100 for magic protection (45%): 72, 45.
Barbazu 10 has not been affected.
Barbazu 8 suffers 9 damage.
* Barbazu 8 HP: -05/35
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 8 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Hamatulas 6, 7 and 8 roll 1d100 for magic protection (35%): 13, 88, 29.
Hamatulas 6 and 8 have not been affected.
Hamatula 7 suffers 9 damage.
* Hamatula 7 HP: 10/48
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Spinagon 2 roll 1d100 for magic protection (25%): 50.
Spinagon 2 suffers 9 damage.
* Spinagon 2 HP: 10/19
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Donovan attacks Hamatula 7. Rolled 16. Hit for 1d8+10: 12 damage.
* Hamatula 7 HP: -02/48
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Donovan attacks Spinagon 2. Rolled 19. Hit for 1d8+10: 18 damage.
* Spinagon 2 HP: -08/19
Spinagon 2 has been slain by Megalomagna.
----------------------------------------
Barbazu 10 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 14. Missed.
Hamatula 6 attacks Donovan. Rolled 7, 20, 3. One hit for 2d4: 5 damage.
Hamatula 8 attacks Donovan. Rolled 11, 18, 5. One hit for 2d4: 5 damage.
* Donovan HP: 202/233
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ROUND 8
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks Hamatula 8. Rolled 11. Hit for 2d12+8: 29 damage.
* Hamatula 8 HP: -08/48
Hamatula 8 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks Hamatula 6. Rolled 14, 20. Two hits for 1d8+10 each: 14, 16 damage.
* Hamatula 6 HP: 09/48
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Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on himself for 3d8+3: 19 HP.
* Korvac HP: 67/125
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Kharius attacks Hamatula 6 with bow and arrow. Rolled 10. Hit for 1d6+3: 4 damage.
Barbazu 10 attacks Donovan with glaive. Rolled 8. Missed.
Hamatula 6 attacks Donovan. Rolled 16, 3, 12. Missed.
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ROUND 9
----------------------------------------
Bosco attacks Hamatula 6. Rolled 3. Hit for 2d12+8: 29 damage.
* Hamatula 6 HP: -20/48
Hamatula 6 has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks the last Barbazu. Rolled 8, 1. One hit for 1d8+10: 15 damage.
Korvac attacks Barbazu. Rolled 10. Hit for 4d6+6: 15 damage.
Kharius attacks Barbazu with bow and arrow. Rolled 14. Hit for 1d6+3: 8 damage.
* Barbazu 10 HP: -3/35
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With the last, lethal shot fired from Kharius’s bow, the echoes of battle subsided. Amidst the fallen baatezu, the Party stood tall, their breaths heavy with exertion.
----------------------------------------
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the Derghodaemon, the 5 Cornugons, the 7 Kytons, the 8 Hamatulas, the 10 Barbazus and the 10 Spinagons.
Each member has earned a total of 65.000 + (67.000*5) + (48.000*7) + (58.000*8) + (54.000*10) + (5.000*10) = 1.790.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 5.303.170 + 1.790.000 = 7.093.170 XP.
* Donovan has advanced from level 27 to level 28. THAC0 adjusted to -2.
* Donovan’s HP increased by 1d10+2: 8 (max HP 241).
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 5.339.170 + 1.790.000 = 7.129.170 XP.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 5.254.270 + 1.790.000 = 7.044.270 XP.
* Bosco has advanced from level 26 to level 27.
* Bosco’s HP increased by 1d6+2: 6 (max HP 155).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 5.438.270 + 1.790.000 = 7.228.270 XP.
* Kharius has advanced from level 26 to level 27.
* Kharius’s HP increased by 1d4: 1 (max HP 74).
* Kharius has learned the spell Bigby’s Crushing Hand.
***
“We should take a break”, Bosco said with his hands on his knees, the weight of fatigue etched across his face.
“We have to keep moving”, Korvac insisted. “We didn’t get this far without resting just to take a break now”.
While the Party discussed, Kharius frowned as his eyes scanned the surroundings.
“That sinister aura. I can feel it stronger now”, he said.
“That miserable Pit Fiend is probabl—“.
Before Donovan finished his sentence, something unseen mauled Kharius from behind.
(???) attacks with +4 bonus. Rolled 13, 14, 2, 17, 18, 1. Four hits for 1d6/1d6/2d8+6/2d4: 5, 1, 21, 8 damage.
* Kharius HP: 17/74
Kharius must throw a save vs. poison: 5. Failed. Kharius has been poisoned.
Kharius has been infected by a disease that reduced his Strength ability score by 1d4: 3 points (reduced to 7).
----------------------------------------
“Kharius!”, the Party members screamed, without understanding what had just transpired.
“It’s the Pit Fiend”, Kharius said, grimacing from the pain. “I might be poisoned. Dammit!”.
“You have done well so far, mortals”, a surprisingly charismatic voice echoed in their minds via telepathy. “You would make great servants to me. Tell me, what do you most desire? I can give you anything you wish, as long as you agree to serve me”.
“Reveal yourself, monster!”, Korvac shouted, resolute. “We will not bow to anyone, be it demons or devils!”.
“You are in no position to demand anything, wicked priest”, the voice retorted. “This is your last chance. Kneel before me now!”.
“Never!”, Kharius said, his voice choked as he chanted a spell.
----------------------------------------
Kharius casts Monster Summoning VIII. Rolled 9, 2. A Remorhaz and a Greater Lammasu have appeared.
----------------------------------------
In front of the Party, two familiar creatures appeared, summoned from the Prime Material Plane.
One of them, a gargantuan blue-colored insectoid worm-like monster with white eyes, a winged head and neck, standing on dozens of chitinous legs.
The other, a golden-brown lion with the wings of an eagle and the head of a man, with shaggy hair and beard. His formidable appearance was softened by his regal compassionate expression as he looked at his summoner, but quickly hardened once he saw the perpetrator of such misdeed.
"Pit Fiend", the greater lammasu said with a powerful and deep human voice. "You can't hide behind an invisibility spell forever, you coward hellspawn".
Then, the Party heard a snarl, and a figure revealed itself a few meters away from them. It was the same towering, reptilian humanoid with a long, spiked tail and huge wings that wrapped around its scaly red body. Protruding horns and fearsome claws, one of them holding an oversized jagged-toothed club added to the terrifying sight. But instead of the calm and aloof expression seen by the Party when they had just arrived in Mount Celestia, now its eyes burned with rage, its gritted fangs dripped with venom and its scales smoldered as if constantly burning from within.
"You will learn who's a coward soon enough, lammasu!", the pit fiend roared telepathically, granting everyone a headache.
----------------------------------------
A Pit Fiend has appeared.
PIT FIEND
* Alignment: Lawful/Evil
* Treasure: G, W
* Armor Class: -5
* Hit Dice: 13+330
* HP: 366
* THAC0: 7
* Damage/Attack: 1d6x2 (wings) / 1d6+6 (claw) / 2d8+6 (weapon) 2d4+venom+disease (bite) / 2d4 (tail)
* Special Attacks: Fear, venom, tail constriction, Devil Chills disease
* Special Defenses: Regeneration +3 or better weapons to hit
* Magic Resistance: 50%
* Size: L (12' / 4-meters tall)
* Morale: Fearless (19-20)
* XP VALUE: 2.000.000
* In physical combat, pit fiends use its incredible 18/00 Strength (+6 damage adjustment). They can attack six times in a single round, dividing attacks against six different opponents if necessary. They can attack with two hard, scaly wing buffets for 1d6 damage per hit. Their powerful claws do 1d6+6 damage per successful attack. The bite of a pit fiend causes any creature bitten to take 2d6 damage and receive a potent venom. A saving throw vs. poison is required or the victim will suffer 6d6 damage every round until he dies or the venom is neutralized. The bite also infects the victim with a disease called the Devil Chills, that causes the loss of 1d4 strength points (cumulative for each bite) until a Cure Disease and a Restoration are both cast on the victim (the victim loses consciousness upon losing all of his Strength ability points). Pit fiends can also attack with their tail, inflicting 2d4 damage. The tail can then hold and constrict the victim for 2d4 damage per round until the victim makes a successful Strength check to break free. Pit fiends also carry jagged-toothed clubs which inflict 2d8+6 damage per hit (this replaces one claw attack).
* Once per round, a pit fiend can use one of the following spell-like powers: detect magic (always active), detect invisibility (always active), know alignment (always active), hurl flame (6d6 damage, half with a successful saving throw vs. spell), advanced illusion, animate dead, charm person, infravision, suggestion, teleport without error, improved invisibility, polymorph self, produce flame and pyrotechnics. 3 times a day, they can cast Hold Monster and Wall of Fire. They can, once per year, cast a wish spell. They may gate in two lesser or one greater baatezu with a 100% chance of success. Once a day, a pit fiend can use a symbol of pain -- the victim must save vs. rod, staff or wand or suffer a -4 penalty on attack dice, and a -2 penalty to Dexterity for 2d10 rounds.
* Pit fiends regenerate 2 hit points per round and radiate a fear aura in a 20-foot radius (save vs. wand at a -3 penalty or flee in panic for 1d10 rounds).
* Pit fiends suffer full damage from acid, electricity (lightning) and magic missile, half damage from cold and gas, and no damage from fire or poison of any sort, even magical ones.
----------------------------------------
GREATER LAMMASU
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Good
* ARMOR CLASS: 3
* 12+7 HD
* HP: 103
* THAC0 7
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2d6/2d6
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 40%
* SIZE: L (5’ tall at shoulder)
* Greater lammasu can travel the Astral and Ethereal Planes, become invisible, teleport without error and dimension door, all at will. They radiate protection from evil in a 20' radius (-4 penalty to evil attacks and +4 bonus to saving throws) and have the curative powers of their lesser cousins - cure serious wounds (4d8+2) and cure critical wounds (6d8+6). Their priest spells consist of five 1st-level, four 2nd-level, three 3rd-level, two 4th-level, and one 5th-level spell. Fifty percent of greater lammasu can speak a holy word as well. They cast spells as 12th-level priests.
----------------------------------------
REMORHAZ
* ALIGNMENT: Neutral
* ARMOR CLASS: 0
* 14 HD
* HP: 112
* THAC0 7
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 6d6
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 75%
* SIZE: G (40’ long)
----------------------------------------
Initiative roll
* Party: 3
* Pit Fiend: 9
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ROUND 1
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Pit Fiend casts Gate. A Gelugon has appeared.
GELUGON (ICE DEVIL)
* ALIGNMENT: Lawful/Evil
* ARMOR CLASS: -4
* HIT DICE: 11
* HP: 96
* THAC0: 9
* TREASURE TYPE: Q, R
* DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1d4/1d4/2d4/3d4 (claws/bite/tail)
* SPECIAL ATTACKS: Spells
* SPECIAL DEFENSES: +2 or better weapon to hit
* MAGIC RESISTANCE: 55%
* SIZE: L (10' tall)
* XP VALUE: 79.000
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend casts Hurl Flame for 6d6: 25 damage. The Party benefits from a +4 bonus to saves from the Greater Lammasu's aura of protection from evil.
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 19. Saved. Suffered 13 damage.
Korvac throws a save vs. spell: 6. Saved. Suffered 7 damage.
Bosco throws a save vs. spell: 4. Saved. Suffered 13 damage.
Kharius throws a save vs. spell: 11. Suffered 7 damage.
Greater Lammasu rolls 1d100 for magic protection: 49. Failed. Greater Lammasu throws a save vs. spell: 19. Saved. Suffered 13 damage.
* Remorhaz is immune to fire.
* Donovan HP: 189/241
* Korvac HP: 60/125
* Bosco HP: 42/155
* Kharius HP: 10/74
* Greater Lammasu HP: 90/103
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Party Initiative
* Korvac: 9
* Kharius: 7+1
* Remorhaz: 6
* Bosco: 1+3
* Greater Lammasu: 4
* Donovan: 4
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts Neutralize Poison on Kharius. The venom has been neutralized.
Kharius casts Prismatic Sphere.
----------------------------------------
Remorhaz attacks Pit Fiend. Rolled 6. Missed.
Bosco attacks Pit Fiend. Rolled 10. Hit for 2d12+8: 27 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 339/366
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Greater Lammasu casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kharius for 6d8+6: 31 HP.
* Kharius HP: 41/74
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Donovan attacks Pit Fiend. Rolled 19, 15. Two hits for 1d8+10/1d8+11: 17, 14.
* Pit Fiend HP: 308/366
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ROUND 2
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 310/366
Pit Fiend exudes aura of terror. Donovan is immune to fear (mind blank and helm of valor).
Bosco throws a save vs. paralysis: 18. Saved.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend casts Hold Person on Donovan.
Donovan throws a save vs. spell: 11. Saved.
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Gelugon attacks Bosco. Rolled 15, 9, 1, 11. One hit for 1d4: 4 damage.
Bosco throws a save vs. paralysis (fear): 20. Saved.
* Bosco HP: 38/155
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Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Bosco for 3d8+3: 19 HP.
* Bosco HP: 57/155
----------------------------------------
Remorhaz attacks Gelugon. Rolled 13. Hit for 6d6: 24 damage.
* Gelugon HP: 72/96
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Bosco attacks Gelugon. Rolled 4. Missed.
Kharius approaches Bosco and Donovan so the Prismatic Sphere contains them.
----------------------------------------
Kharius casts Lightning for 20d6: 75 damage on Pit Fiend.
Pit Fiend rolls 1d100 for magic protection: 70. Failed. Pit Fiend throws a save vs. spell: 15. Saved. Suffered 37 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 273/366
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Greater Lammasu casts Cure Serious Wounds on Korvac for 4d8+4: 22 HP.
* Korvac HP: 88/125
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Donovan attacks Pit Fiend. Rolled 6, 16. Two hits for 1d8+12, 1d8+13: 20, 17.
* Pit Fiend HP: 236/366
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ROUND 3
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Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 238/366
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The Pit Fiend found itself plunged into a rare state of agitation. It hadn't been damaged that much during a fight in a long period, and Donovan's sword slashes, particularly, inflicted not only an unprecedented level of pain but were also cunningly effective in thwarting the baatezu general’s innate regeneration ability.
Though unaware of the nature of the Prismatic Sphere's magic, the fiend was smart and experienced enough to recognize it as a barrier of sorts. Crossing such an obstacle might not be the worst idea for a monster with the remarkable magic resistance of a Pit Fiend, but creatures of such high rank typically don't attain their status by taking unnecessary risks.
In light of that, the Pit Fiend had no qualms about sending his summon, the Gelugon, toward the sphere, even if it meant sending the ice devil to its death.
With just a pointed finger directed at the adventurers sheltered behind the rainbow-colored sphere, the Gelugon quickly grasped its assigned role: to function as a meat shield for the mighty Pit Fiend.
----------------------------------------
Gelugon crosses the Prismatic Sphere. Gelugon rolls 1d100 for magic resistance: 98. Failed.
Gelugon will be affected by the Prismatic Sphere until it dies or all colors are spent.
Gelugon is struck by red color: inflicts 20 points of damage, save for half. Rolled 19. Saved. Suffered 10 damage.
* Gelugon HP: 62/96
Gelugon is struck by orange color: inflicts 40 points of damage, save for half. Rolled 20. Saved. Suffered 20 damage.
* Gelugon HP: 42/96
Gelugon is struck by yellow color: inflicts 80 points of damage, save for half. Rolled 2. Failed. Suffered 80 damage.
* Gelugon HP: -38/96
Gelugon has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Four colors – green, blue, indigo and violet – still permeate the Prismatic Sphere.
----------------------------------------
The Pit Fiend looked dissatisfied. His strongest minion proved too weak against that kind of magic. But now it knew how dangerous that rainbow-colored sphere was and could act accordingly. And the best strategy to the case was to do nothing. By sitting idle while the Party remained sheltered inside the sphere, the Pit Fiend could regenerate most of its health and even call for reinforcements, if necessary.
The likelihood of this tactical approach being ruined by the sudden arrival of a powerful archon or angel on the battlefield was virtually nonexistent. As the exceptionally brilliant devil astutely discerned, Mount Celestia displayed a conspicuous lack of seriousness in dispatching the devil forces; otherwise, they would have banished them back to the Nine Hells long ago.
At this juncture, it became obvious to anyone but a simpleton that the invasion had been intentionally underwhelming. The notion of a lone Pit Fiend leading an army comprised of a mere 1000 lemures and a scant few baatezu from each subrace was utterly inconceivable. In the realm of true warfare, such as the infamous Blood War, baatezu clashed by the hundreds of thousands, mirroring the tanar’ri forces in their relentless onslaught. This orchestrated farce, this little skirmish unfolding within the Seven Heavens bore the mark of a sole architect, and for a single purpose.
That purpose would only be revealed in two circumstances: if the Pit Fiend utterly crushed the Party and took their belongings; or if the Pit Fiend, by a very unlikely chance, was slain by them. But that was something the adventurers wouldn’t find out unless they survived the fight.
So the reptilian devil crossed its mighty arms, enveloped its body in its scaly wings, and waited for the Party to realize how fruitless it was to stay behind magical protection against an enemy as formidable as a Pit Fiend was.
“We’re in a tight spot now”, Kharius said. “That damn monster was smart enough to send its minion across the sphere in order to understand its effects. Now that it knows what it can do, it will stand put until we decide to do something like leaving the sphere and engage it in melee. Meanwhile, it will regenerate until it gets all its health back”.
“It won’t regenerate my wounds”, Megalomagna remarked. “Nothing can”.
“Wow, is that why you are called the ‘Troll Killer’?”, Bosco mocked.
“Very funny”, Megalomagna retorted, annoyed.
“You can still cast your spells, can’t you?”, Donovan asked Kharius. “Why don’t you fulminate it from a distance?”.
“I don’t think I have enough spells in my arsenal to kill it, even combined with Korvac”, Kharius replied. “Not to mention it is very resistant against magical attacks of any nature”.
“So what do we do?”, Bosco asked, puzzled.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 240/366
----------------------------------------
“We have to be even more cunning than the fiend”, Kharius said. “Here’s my idea: we need to stay as close together as we can so we benefit from Sir…”.
“Farshid”.
“Farshid, Sir Farshid’s protection from evil aura”, Kharius complemented. “Then, we will heal. If I drop the Prismatic Sphere immediately, the fiend will certainly cast area spells like Fireball until it incinerates us all, making sure to keep its distance”.
“So what do you propose?”, Bosco asked.
“Since the Prismatic Sphere automatically breaks if I force it against the opponent, I will drop it, but only after casting a Haste spell that will buff our attack rates and speed overall”.
“You’re gonna cancel the spell that is protecting us from that giant devil?”, Bosco asked, troubled.
“It’s the only way we can defeat it”, Kharius replied. “Listen. If you were the fiend, who would you feel like eliminating first?”.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 242/366
----------------------------------------
“I don’t know and I don’t wanna think about it”, Bosco said.
“Donovan, especially because of Megalomagna, Sir Farshid and you”, Korvac said, pointing to the warrior, to the greater lammasu and to the half-elf.
“Precisely. But why wouldn’t the Pit Fiend want to get rid of you or Bosco? Can you answer that?”, Kharius asked Korvac.
“Because the fiend saw our battle against the other devils. It knows what Bosco and I can and cannot do”, Korvac pondered. “Bosco has a powerful sword but is vulnerable to charm spells and melee combat. I, on the other hand, am not even a fighter. My mace is very effective, but I must land a blow for it to deal any damage, and my spells are not offensive by nature”.
“Right”, Kharius agreed. “For that reason, we will force a melee combat between the fiend and Donovan. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll abandon Donovan in a man-to-man fight; we’ll support him by keeping the monster within sword range at all times, even if it puts us in danger”.
“He can still cast spells that could hinder Donovan’s abilities”, Sir Farshid reasoned. “Pit Fiends can utter a Power Word, Stun that would be very effective against him”.
“That’s where our cunning will be greater than the fiend’s”, Kharius said with a smirk. “Korvac will cast a Silence area spell centered on Donovan. That will be enough to circumvent the fiend’s magic protection and also keep it from casting such insidious spells. He will also cast a spell called Free Action that will help him move unhindered.”.
The party members exchanged glances, seemingly awaiting each other's approval. The remorhaz coiled up within the sphere in the effort to accommodate everyone, gargantuan as it was—the perfect nightmare material for Bosco.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 244/366
----------------------------------------
“What do you think, Sir Farshid?”, Kharius asked, respectfully.
“It could work”, the Greater Lammasu answered after taking a long breath. “But the Silence spell cast on Master Donovan is bound to repel the fiend, don’t you agree? In order to cast its most powerful spells, it must be able to speak”.
“Yes, and that is precisely the reason why this strategy will work”, Kharius remarked, triumphant. “Defeating Donovan is the thing the Pit Fiend needs the most, and even if it is a monster with no sense of honor, it still feels the shame of running from the enemy. The uncertainty lingering in its mind about what to do will be our trump card”.
“Right, let’s wrap this little meeting up”, Donovan said, hasty. “The Pit Fiend is opening a gate and more devils will come through it”.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend casts Gate. A Cornugon has appeared.
----------------------------------------
“It’s getting tired of waiting”, Kharius noted. “Donovan, drink a potion of flying. I’m glad we’ve brought it”.
Donovan drinks a potion of flying. Effects are similar to the arcane spell Fly, and will last for 3d6: 7 turns.
Kharius casts Haste on an area that encompasses the entire Party. Every member of the Party is hastened for 30 turns.
Korvac casts Free Action on Donovan.
Korvac uses Oil of Impact on the Mace of Smiting (+3 bonus to attack rolls and a +6 bonus to damage for 10 rounds).
Sir Farshid casts Cure Critical Wounds on Korvac for 6d8+6: 27 HP.
Sir Farshid casts Cure Critical Wounds on Bosco for 6d8+6:35 HP.
Sir Farshid casts Cure Serious Wounds on Kharius for 4d8+4: 28 HP.
* Korvac HP: 115/125
* Bosco HP: 92/155
* Kharius HP: 69/74
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Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 246/366
----------------------------------------
The Cornugon is charging against the Prismatic Sphere.
“This is actually great timing. I’m confident that the Cornugon will die trying to breach the sphere; let’s proceed as planned”, Kharius said. “Korvac, now”, he told Korvac, to which the priest promptly chanted the words for the Silence spell.
----------------------------------------
Korvac casts Silence 15’ Radius centered on Donovan.
----------------------------------------
Cornugon crosses the Prismatic Sphere. Gelugon rolls 1d100 for magic resistance: 60. Failed.
Cornugon will be affected by the Prismatic Sphere until it dies or the remaining colors are spent.
Cornugon is struck by green color: save vs. poison or die: 11. Saved. Suffered 20 damage.
* Cornugon HP: 08/28
----------------------------------------
Cornugon is struck by blue color: save vs. petrification: 20. Saved.
Cornugon is struck by indigo color: save vs. wand: 7. Failed. Cornugon went insane (as the Confusion spell).
Cornugon is struck by violet color: save vs. spell: 19. Saved.
"Still alive, huh...", Kharius mumbled. "Remorhaz, destroy the Cornugon", he commanded, the giant monster promptly responding positively.
----------------------------------------
ROUND 4
----------------------------------------
Initiative reroll
* Party (hasted): 4+2
* Pit Fiend: 3
----------------------------------------
Party Initiative
* Bosco: 6+3
* Kharius: 8+1
* Remorhaz: 9
* Donovan: 7
* Korvac: 6
* Greater Lammasu: 5
----------------------------------------
"Counting on you, Donovan", Kharius thought aloud, not getting an answer from the warrior due to the Silence spell.
Bosco attacks Pit Fiend twice. Rolled 17, 9. Two hits for 2d12+8 each: 22, 17 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 207/366
----------------------------------------
Remorhaz attacks Cornugon twice. Rolled 10, 2. Failed.
Donovan attacks Pit Fiend four times. Rolled 3, 16, 7, 13. Four hits for 1d8+14, 1d8+15, 1d8+16, 1d8+17: 18, 21, 22, 19 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 127/366
----------------------------------------
Korvac attacks Cornugon. Rolled 6. Hit for 4d6+12: 26 damage.
* Cornugon HP: -18/28
----------------------------------------
Cornugon has been slain.
----------------------------------------
Greater Lammasu casts Prayer. All members of the Party except Donovan and Bosco receive a +1 bonus to all rolls and the enemies receive a penalty of -1 to all rolls.
"Who are those humanoids?", the Pit Fiend thought to himself. "That warrior carrying the gem-incrusted sword is damaging me more than a balrog could. That is not normal".
The Pit Fiend had no time to waste thinking.
"I must get the warrior out of commis—wait. Is this…Silence? They've cast an area Silence on him?".
The Pit Fiend's blood boiled, its red scales ablaze. Cornered by the Party's cunning strategy, it had no choice but to teleport away and, from a safe distance, deal with the warrior.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend teleports away and casts Power Word, Stun on Donovan.
----------------------------------------
"No you won't!", Megalomagna exclaimed, it's blade glowing a bright purple.
Megalomagna casts Spell Turning. Power Word Stun has been reflected back to its caster.
Pit Fiend rolls 1d100 for magic protection: 85. Saved.
----------------------------------------
"What?", the Pit Fiend roared, its real, frightening voice finally coming out as it couldn't believe the unacceptable fact that its spell had been reflected.
"What are you so surprised about, spawn of the abyss?", Megalomagna asked with an ominous tone that made even Donovan shudder.
"What are you, after all? How can you turn my spell against me while your wielder is silenced?", the Pit Fiend said, staring at its own claws.
"Silence?", Megalomagna chuckled. "Nothing in this world can silence me, fiend. I'm Megalomagna! I'm the most powerful artifact in the world, and by that I mean every plane in existence!".
"I’ve seen many artifacts, and you are none of them", the Pit Fiend retorted, enraged.
"Your ignorance keeps you clueless, but maybe your boss is a little better informed. let me guess: is he Asmodeus? Or maybe Baalzebul? No? Let me have another shot, then. What about...Mephistopheles?".
The devil's eyes burned with hellish fire.
"Spewing archdevils names changes nothing, sword", the Pit Fiend growled.
"Oh but it does", Megalomagna said. "Asmodeus would never invade Mount Celestia unless he was absolutely sure he would win. Baalzebul is a coward that resorts to lies and trickery instead of fighting like a man. Which leaves us..."
The Pit Fiend teleported back, face to face with Donovan.
"Your sword talks too much, human. I will shut you both down", it threatened via telepathy, and Donovan grinned at the threat.
"Fantastic job, Meggie", he thought to himself. "You're welcome", the sword replied, and the warrior's eyes widened in surprise.
----------------------------------------
Pit Fiend regenerates 2 HP.
* Pit Fiend HP: 129/366
----------------------------------------
ROUND 5
----------------------------------------
Bosco approaches the Pit Fiend and attacks. Rolled 20. One hit for 2d12+8: 20 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 109/366
----------------------------------------
Kharius attacks with bow. Rolled 8, 4. One hit for 1d6+4: 5 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 104/366
----------------------------------------
Remorhaz attacks twice. Rolled 20, 9. Pit Fiend is too large for the remorhaz to swallow. One hit for 6d6: 24 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: 80/366
----------------------------------------
Donovan attacks four times. Rolled 8, 18, 13, 9. Four hits for 1d8+18, 1d8+19, 1d8+20, 1d8+21: 19, 26, 23, 27 damage.
* Pit Fiend HP: -15/366
----------------------------------------
The Pit Fiend staggered, deep gashes and lacerations throbbing all over its bloodied, grotesque body. Feeling its formidable strength abandoning it, the devil fell to one knee. However, as a high-ranking Baatezu, it steadfastly refused to look down.
"This is not what he had promised me", the fiend said in infernal language. "He never mentioned the enemies would be this dangerous".
As the Pit Fiend’s consciousness started to fade, its body felt heavy, crashing to the ground. It was astonished by the battle's results so far, but was sure that this wasn't the end. The creature held a trump card—one it had planned to use in a different situation. However, if it meant saving face and winning against those wicked mortals, so be it.
"I wish—", the Pit Fiend began uttering in Infernal, but before it could continue, Megalomagna's blade turned purple, forcefully pushing Donovan towards the monster and piercing its skull with a powerful thrust.
"You wish you had never been born, spawn from the abyss!", Megalomagna shouted, causing the Pit Fiend to scream in despair as its body began to fall apart.
The Pit Fiend's intimidating visage crumbled into a tableau of desperation and dread. Its infernal eyes, once ablaze with confidence, now flickered with terror. The relentless agony caused from Megalomagna’s blade rippled through its devilish form as it grimaced, its colossal wings twitching, utterly unable to provide the escape it desperately sought.
Deep, guttural growls of torment echoed in the air, a stark contrast to the fiend's usual authoritative and charismatic voice. Its proud stance deteriorated into horror, its limbs trembling and its claws, a Pit Fiend’s symbol of dominance, clutching futilely at the searing wounds inflicted by the sword.
In the flickering light of its dimming essence, the Pit Fiend's eyes reflected not only physical torment but the profound dread of obliteration. The realization that Megalomagna threatened not just its life, but the very essence of its being, hung heavy in the air. Each passing moment intensified the desperate yearning for a return to its infernal plane of origin, or even the Maggot Pit from where it spawned as a lemure aeons ago, a desire slipping away like smoke through spectral fingers.
As the high-ranking devil teetered on the brink of annihilation, its majestic form turned into a quivering shell, an anguished portrait of a great entity suddenly robbed of everything, including the right to exist.
In the aftermath of the death match, silence reigned over the battlefield. The stillness remained for a while and was broken solely by the cool breeze emanating from Mount Celestia, carrying with it a refreshing fragrance and a soothing sense of peacefulness. As the gentle winds passed the adventurers by, they swept the dusty remnants of the Pit Fiend away until every particle was dispersed into nothing more than an ethereal echo of the creature’s infernal presence, quickly muted by the purifying influence of the Seven Heavens.
----------------------------------------
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the Pit Fiend, a Gelugon and a Cornugon. Each member has earned a total of 2.000.000 + 79.000 + 67.000 = 2.146.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 7.093.170 + 2.146.000 = 9.239.170 XP.
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 7.129.170 + 2.146.000 = 9.275.170 XP.
* Korvac has advanced from level 27 to level 28.
* Korvac’s HP increased by 1d8: 8 (max HP 133).
* Korvac has learned the spells Prayer (3rd circle), Water Walk (3rd circle) and Heroes’ Feast (6th circle).
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 7.044.270 + 2.146.000 = 9.190.270 XP.
* Bosco has advanced from level 27 to level 28.
* Bosco’s HP increased by 1d6+2: 6 (max HP 161).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 7.228.270 + 2.146.000 = 9.374.270 XP.
The following items have been found with the monsters:
* 20,000 gold
* 11,000 platinum
* 21 gems
* A plate mail (Plate Mail of Etherealness +5)
* A Wand (wand of lightning)
* An axe (axe +4)
* A dagger (dagger +2)
* A ring (Ring of Spell Turning)
* A ring (Ring of Multiple Wishes)
* A potion of extra-healing
* A potion of diminution
* A potion of gaseous form
* 16 crossbow bolts (bolts +2)
***
“We have done it!”, Korvac shouted, holding his mace aloft in a cry of victory.
“Indeed we have”, Kharius said, evidently relieved.
“Sometimes I feel like Meggie did my part by itself”, Donovan confessed.
“It is indeed a one of a kind artifact”, Sir Farshid noted. “If I am not mistaken, the devils slain by it are exterminated for good. It’s a marvelous weapon in the cause of the good”.
“I’m not in the cause of the good, Sir”, Megalomagna interjected. “I’m in my own cause, and no one else’s”.
“Meggie has a big ego, but I know it tries hard. Right, Meggie?”, Donovan said, visibly satisfied with the battle results.
“I don’t have to try”, Megalomagna retorted. “I’m at max level from the start”.
“It also speaks nonsense all the time”, Bosco added. “Is that the downside of carrying an artifact around?”.
“If that’s all the burden you have on your shoulders for possessing an artifact, consider yourselves lucky”, Sir Farshid reasoned. “The Fangs of Turaglas, the Death Moon Orb or the Hand and Eye of Vecna have led many honored adventurers to their absolute ruin, seduced by their dark powers”.
“I am the one who has to carry the burden”, Megalomagna said. “I’m always surrounded by dolts! Is that the fate an artifact should have?”.
“I can see it has a sense of humor”, Sir Farshid remarked.
“Please don’t, Sir Farshid”, Donovan said. “If it thinks you find it funny, it will never stop”.
“We should really get going”, Kharius said, running out of patience. “We don’t know what lies ahead, and we still haven’t met Torm”.
“Torm? You’re trying to find Torm?”, Sir Farshid asked.
“Yes”, Kharius answered. “Think you can help? It would be really fortunate if you could”.
“It was most fortunate that you managed to summon me”, Sir Farshid said. “I had never seen a wizard capable of summoning a greater lammasu before”.
“I’m flattered, Sir Farshid”, Kharius said, bowing with typical elven elegance.
“I’ll help take you to the next layer, Jovar. But beware: it is guarded by Xerona and he will most certainly inquire about your presence there”, the greater lammasu alerted.
“Xerona?”, Donovan asked, tilting his head.
“One of the most powerful Solars in the entire Heavens”, Sir Farshid said. “He is stern, but inherently good and just. Be honest about your intentions with him and he might even help you in your endeavor”.
***
The Sixth Layer, Jovar, was known as the Glittering Heaven or the Heaven of Gems. Its hills were studded with precious gemstones that glittered in the light. This layer was a seemingly unending ziggurat, the stones that comprised it made of precious gemstones, similar to those seen around the surrounding hills. On the topmost terrace was the bridge of al-Sihal, formed of pure light, where the portal to the topmost layer of Celestia, Chronias, was located.
Walking through the massive structure, dumbfounded by its beauty, the adventurers proceeded onwards with uncertainty as to what they would find in the layer, and if the answers would be there at all. Would the Solar Xerona help them or get in their way? It would be great if Sir Farshid could stay and guide them all the way to Torm, but a Monster Summoning spell can only last so much – even if it has been taught by the Uncaring God of Magic, Boccob himself.
A few dozen meters ahead, the Party spotted a figure. It was a very tall, muscular man with long copper-colored hair, his skin a shade of bronze. He had two large white wings and appeared to be waiting for the adventurers.
As soon as the adventurers came close enough, the powerful man turned to look at them with gleaming eyes that resembled radiant topazes. The entity didn’t seem startled or surprised at all by their presence, and even smiled at them.
“Heroes, welcome”, the man said with a deep, commanding voice. “I have been expecting you”.
“You are Xerona, right?”, Donovan asked, cutting to the chase as usual.
“Indeed I am, glorious adventurer”, the man said. “I know what you have been looking for. You don’t have to go any further, nor do you need to ask Torm for guidance. Just show me the evil book and I will grant you your wish”.
The Party members exchanged glances, confused.
“How do you know about the evil book?”, Kharius asked, suspicious.
“I know about your presence since you stepped foot on Mount Celestia, half-elf hero”, the solar said. “I know everything there is to know”.
“How will you be able grant our wish?”, Korvac asked, also suspicious. “We have been told only a god can do it”.
“I’m telling you I can do it!”, the solar exclaimed, visibly getting impatient. “I mean, no curse in the Prime Material Plane is strong enough for a Solar. You can leave it to me. All you have to do is ask”.
Donovan looked at Kharius, then at Korvac, then at Bosco. None of them seemed convinced.
“You can drop the act, Mephistopheles”, Megalomagna said. “They’re too good to be fooled by your tricks”.
The solar's aura underwent a sudden and dramatic transformation. The once radiant topaz gleam in his eyes gave way to a haunting dead-white glow. His handsome features contorted into a fiendish appearance, complete with curling ram horns, long black hair, and pronounced fangs. Despite retaining his muscular physique, his skin adopted a foreboding bluish-black hue, while his wings took on a deep blue shade. Cloaked in a dramatic, flowing cape as dark as the deepest void, two wicked claws peeked out from beneath his garments.
“I don’t think that is the Solar Xerona”, Bosco remarked, taking a step back as he instinctively understood the entity in front of him was not the average opponent they could take on.
“We meet again, heroes!”, the archfiend exclaimed, giggling maliciously, its voice sounding like whispering wind. “It seems the accursed sword doesn’t like my style, after all. But I can still grant you the wish you want. I have only one or two conditions for it to be granted”.
“We make no agreements or pacts with devils”, Korvac said, fighting through the archdevil’s frightening aura.
“Why not, priest?”, Mephistopheles questioned. “Would you let thousands die just because you don’t want to make a deal with me? Is that your idea of goodness?”.
“He is trying to mess with your mind”, Kharius noted. “The more we let him talk, the more dangerous he will become”.
“Oh, but you don’t have the slightest idea”, Mephistopheles said with a diabolical grin. “I’m much less dangerous when I’m just talking. You should take the chance and accept my deal as quickly as possible. The old wizard will be grateful!”.
"Don't accept his deals", Megalomagna warned. "It's nothing more than a façade for a devil's pact, with your soul as currency".
“Why don’t you just shut your trap, sword?”, Mephistopheles hissed. “If these heroes knew half of what you have done, they would have tossed you into the void instead of listening to your foolish advice”.
“I don’t care what Megalomagna has done”, Donovan declared. “I accept its sins, and it accepts mine. You cannot separate us, archdevil. Now tell us where Solar Xerona is".
Mephistopheles' aura became disturbed, and its fearsome wings unfolded, resembling those of a hawk about to capture its prey.
“If you are stupid and dumb enough not to accept my deal, then all I have to do is take what I want by force”, the archdevil growled. "Give me the sword, human. I know what it can do, I saw what it did to my servants”.
“If you know what it does, then you should fear it”, Kharius stated. “It can eliminate an archdevil just like it eliminated the Pit Fiend, or you wouldn’t be interested in it”.
“Fear it?”, Mephistopheles roared and laughed hysterically. “I don’t give a shit about fear, mortal! all that matters is POWER! And that sword has the power to eliminate anything, forever! The hateful tanar’ri, Baalzebul, Asmodeus! I can finally end the Blood War, rule the Nine Hells, and after that, every other plane of existence, including your wretched Prime Material Plane!”.
"You're quick to spit out your motives, Mephistopheles. That explosive temper will lead you to ruin one of these days", Megalomagna mocked.
“My motives are glorious, sword. My ambitions, unparalleled. I have tried for centuries to find an artifact capable of what you can do, so if I can twist your personality – and believe me, I can – you will become the ultimate weapon, the most efficient war machine I have ever tinkered with!”.
"You will have to kill us all in order to make that possible, archdevil", Donovan said with the haughtiness of an elven prince.
"So be it! Killing you all is exactly what I wanted from the beginning!", Mephistopheles exclaimed, ready to cast a Mass Disintegration spell.
Then, the archdevil stopped in his tracks. His hands, poised to cast the devastating spell, froze in place, shaking with the fruitless effort to move them.
"What...is this? An imprisonment spell? How dare...they?", Mephistopheles growled as a circle of power activated under his feet and began to emit a bright golden light.
Three entities gradually became visible, flooding the layer with godlike radiance. Even the adventurers, inherently good in their alignment, felt awe and a sense of danger.
The first entity was a burly man with a powerful build and a bearded face. His eyes were covered with a bloody bandage, suggesting he was blind, and he was missing his right hand but did not try to hide or bandage his stump. He wielded a warhammer in his remaining hand and wore a chainmail. His brow shone with a white radiance, leaving no doubt as to his divine nature.
The second entity appeared as a short man, wearing but a loincloth, with a plain but kind and comforting visage, a balding head and a hairy body. This body, however, bore marks of mutilation and torture, and was covered with open cuts, closed scars, burns and a range of other wounds. The entity's joints were broken, his limbs were ravaged, and his hands were smashed yet still functional. Moving seemed to cause him a great deal of pain as he dragged himself around.
The third and last entity was a 12-feet (3.7 meters) tall blond, handsome young man, clad in ancient, helmless plate mail stained dusky purple. He seemed stern in manner, with dauntless courage set in his square jaw and righteous light flashing from his striking, deep blue eyes. His demeanor exuded incredible charisma and self-confidence combined with quiet enthusiasm, and even in the presence of one of the most powerful archdevils of the Nine Hells, he was absolutely fearless.
"Are those...", Donovan muttered.
"Gods, yes", Korvac answered, marveled by the opportunity of seeing greater deities of justice in person.
"What is the meaning of this", Mephistopheles raged, his eyes burning with uncontrollable wrath.
"Quite audacious of you to invade the Seven Heavens thinking no one would notice, archdevil", the tall, blond man said with a serious tone.
"Mephistopheles has always been like that", the short, bloodied man added. "His arrogance was his downfall in the end".
"End? Do you think this is the end? Like some second-rate deities would be enough to put an end to me!", Mephistopheles roared, even more inflamed.
"We could simply cleave your head in half with Megalomagna, and it would be your end indeed", the blind man said in response, extending his hand towards the sword in a manner that made clear that the god was entirely aware of his surroundings even though he couldn't see.
"You can't do that, Tyr. You're the god of justice, of benevolent might and honor. You wouldn't kill someone you have just put in a cage like a coward would", Mephistopheles said, maliciously.
"As soon as you trespass into the Seven Heavens, assume the appearance of a Solar, and attempt to harass a group of noble adventures into forming a devil pact with you, I am entitled to execute you", Tyr replied.
"If this is Tyr", Kharius thought aloud, "then those are...".
"Torm and Ilmater, the gods who could have helped you a long time ago but instead left you to your own devices against a horde of devils, yugoloths and a pit fiend!", Mephistopheles said.
"Now you're acting like your cousin Baalzebul", Ilmater said. "These adventurers received help along the way up here, and defeating the devils changed them all for the better".
Mephistopheles growled like a wild beast, hellfire enveloping his body as his wrath started to take control of him.
"It's time you tell them the truth, Mephistopheles", Torm commanded with his deep, powerful voice. "What really is the curse you came up with".
Mephistopheles laughed diabolically.
"The rotting curse is a farce! All I had to do was disguise myself as a desperate man and pretend the whole city had been afflicted by a disease, and these simpletons fell for it! That easily. I wonder why the sword has chosen such a bunch of braindeads as its companions".
"We saw the old wizard withered and decrepit. How is the curse a farce?", Korvac asked, defiant.
"That is where you gullible mortals helped me the most", Mephistopheles said with a villainous grin. "You made me the favor of entrusting the wizard with the Book of Vile Darkness. The old geezer's curiosity in perusing the tome led to his pitiful state".
"The Book...", Korvac mumbled.
"What great opportunity you mortals have presented me with by doing that. To get my hands on the most valuable work of evil and to be able to lure you into my brilliant scheme, all at the same time!", Mephistopheles exclaimed, seemingly consumed by his own grandiosity.
"But the lich's spellbook...it was definitely cursed. Even Sir Bryce and other powerful entities said so", Bosco reasoned.
"Illusion, feebleminded hobbit. Maybe the wizard in your Party has heard of the Misdirection spell. Combine it with an Advanced Illusion as powerful as only I can cast, and not even your noble paladin mounted on a bronze dragon will be able to tell truth from false".
"So that's the reason why the Silvery Sea did not destroy the grimoire", Kharius pondered. "It wasn't cursed from the start".
"Blame the Baron of Blood", Mephistopheles chuckled. "He was the one who opened a gate to the Prime Material Plane and gave me the opportunity to put my brilliant plan in practice. He was so consumed with hatred for the sword he didn't stop to think about the consequences of unleashing me onto his world. Of course, I had to manipulate his undead memory so he wouldn't spill the beans. In the end, all he had left was his hate".
Horror crossed the adventurers' faces.
"Wait a second", Donovan raised a hand, effectively interrupting everyone, including the archfiend. "What about the cursed items? The trouble we went through with the armor that made me trip, the horn of bubbles, the periapt that attracted monsters, the thing that turned Kharius to stone?".
"Misdirection", Mephistopheles replied with a triumphant smirk. "You have been deluded into thinking the items weren't cursed. And you fell for it beautifully".
"So the voice we heard—".
"IT WAS ME!", Mephistopheles proudly exclaimed. "I called you here, to this wretched place you call Heaven, to test my theory. At that moment, I was your god, and you paid heed to my call!", the archdevil said and laughed.
"I don't get how you can laugh so much when you are trapped in a magic circle drawn by three gods", Kharius remarked.
"Oh this? No big deal. I had some measures taken beforehand for nuisances like this. I just need to snap my fingers like this...ugh...and--"
----------------------------------------
Mephistopheles has cast Switch.
----------------------------------------
in the blink of an eye, Mephistopheles traded places with a Gelugon, leaving everyone, including the Gods, astonished.
"Typical devil behavior", Torm noted. "Throwing a fellow to the wolves in order to escape".
Then, Torm unsheathed its mighty blade and severed the ice devil's head with such a swift strike that the creature dissolved into ichor before it even understood what happened.
"You let him escape?", Megalomagna asked, irreverent and aweless just like it behaved around Boccob.
"He is a cunning and intelligent devil", Tyr said. "Our intention wasn't to kill him anyway, or we could have easily done it".
"Then why, Lord Tyr?", Kharius asked. "If the curse was a lie, and our quest was for naught, why are we here?".
"Your quest wasn't for naught", Torm answered in Tyr's stead, his expression friendly but stern.
"You have learned much since you arrived in Mount Celestia, haven't you?", Ilmater asked. "You witnessed the forces of the light battling devils and yugoloths firsthand, and you fought alongside us. You earned archons and other celestial beings' trust and favor, sometimes sacrificing your own safety to rescue them from harm".
"It was just the right thing to do", Donovan said. "I can't imagine ourselves behaving differently".
"That is what makes you good at heart. In every layer, there was someone to guide you towards the next. If they had found you unworthy of ascending, you wouldn't be here now", Torm answered.
"We are worried about the old wizard, Lord Torm, Lord Tyr, Lord Ilmater", Korvac said, bowing to the three gods with great humility. "If he really has perused the wicked book, I'm not sure we can save him".
"He has been fighting a night hag in the Ethereal Plane since the day he made the terrible decision of handling the book", Ilmater replied. "His withered state is an effect of the hag's assaults. The spells you cast that day gave him great advantage in that fight. He is going to be fine because of that".
"That is...a relief", Korvac muttered, and the Party remained silent for a few seconds.
"There is one more thing", Tyr said, calling the adventurers' attention. "It's about the sword".
"What about me?", Megalomagna asked, curious but defiant at the same time.
"Megalomagna. You are aware that you have become one of the most powerful artifacts in existence", Tyr said.
"Do you hear him, Bonovan?", Megalomagna said, flippant. "Even Tyr acknowledges my power".
"Be quiet and listen to Lord Tyr!", Donovan scolded.
The god tried not to smile, but the amusement of a father watching his children banter was obvious.
"Being a weapon that powerful has an unfortunate but foreseen drawback: you start being sought out by many powerful entities, who will attempt to snatch you and use you to further their own causes", Tyr continued.
"Like Mephistopheles", the sword remarked.
"Precisely. Since you are not a holy weapon, and no protections against evil were included in your forging process, nothing keeps an evil entity from wielding you".
"I don't like where this conversation is going", Megalomagna said.
"We believe the only way to keep evil entities away is to put you through a purification process in the Divine Forge, which will purge any stains of evil deeds you have perpetrated in the past and turn you into an inherently good artifact, to the point of harming wrongdoers who try to handle you—just like a mace of smiting does".
"An inherently good weapon, huh?", Megalomagna mumbled, suspicious. "There must be a catch. What's the catch, Tyr? What will happen to me?".
"All your properties will become holy or radiant. Your alignment will be lawful good permanently and your spells will only cause good. No more illusions or terror. No more bloodshed. No more havoc and destruction. This divine forging will effectively turn you into a holy avenger", Tyr said.
"NO. NO. A THOUSAND TIMES NO. A HUNDRED MILLION TIMES NO!", Megalomagna roared so loud the adventurers had to cover their ears. Donovan almost cut his right ear off trying to do so while holding Megalomagna.
"Calm down, Meggie! You're gonna make our eardrums burst if you scream like that!", Donovan shouted.
"I was joking at the beginning of the adventure, okay? I'm not turning into a holy avenger, no matter how many Silvery Seas I'm plunged into or how many Divine Forgings you put me through. I don't even like holy avengers, they're so boring and full of themselves! Even their bonuses are square-shaped! I'm Megalomagna! I want to be myself, with my own convictions and my ability to decide what is good and what is not", the sword declared.
The gods exchanged glances, aware that such an outcome was possible.
"There is another choice we can give you", Torm said. "But sacrifices will be required anyway".
"What kind of sacrifice?", Megalomagna asked, defensive.
"We cannot let you roam free as powerful as you are right now without a ward against evil. We must then restrict your powers. You will return to the lowest level of power a weapon can have, and will only evolve as long as your wielder is good and just", the god said.
"That seems kind of a stretch", Megalomagna pondered. "And it impacts my free will, one way or another".
"Free will is not absolute", Ilmater remarked. "As powerful as you are right now, Megalomagna, should you become a threat to the realms of good, we will hunt you down. Do you now understand how much you can disrupt the balance of the worlds, especially the Prime Material Plane?".
"I accept", Donovan said, curtly. "We will evolve together. I don't mind if Meggie loses all its powers".
"That won't work", Tyr interjected. "Megalomagna will not evolve further with you".
"Why not?", Donovan asked abruptly, visibly apprehensive.
"Artifacts are not meant to belong to anyone for long, Donovan Stride", Tyr answered. "They are too powerful for mortal beings to handle. Many who tried ended up corrupted, twisted or changed forever. Others were simply killed or removed from existence. Megalomagna, can you name someone who has wielded you in the past and lived to tell the tale?".
"Nope", Megalomagna replied. "But it was their fault, I swear!".
"We are sorry, Donovan Stride", Ilmater said with genuine sorrow drawn on his face. "We understand you have developed a friendship with Megalomagna and went through many experiences together. But since it is so adamant about not becoming a holy weapon, this is the only choice we have left in order to keep its power in check".
"I can't say I'm happy about your decision", Donovan told the gods, to Korvac's chagrin. "But I think I get your point. Megalomagna has given me lots of chances to grow and become a better warrior, and to have memorable and epic fights against the mightiest and most terrible creatures. It provided me with the best life an adventurer could want. And it helped keep my friends alive. If anything, I'm grateful for what it has done".
"I'm not gonna cry, Bonovan. I'm a sword", Megalomagna mocked.
"You don't have a heart. I know", Donovan retorted, pretending to be annoyed, but actually smiling.
"If we are agreed, then please allow me to hold it for a second", Torm told Donovan so politely it didn't seem like a god was asking something from a mortal man. Donovan hesitated, but ultimately handed him the sword after Korvac gave him an elbow to the ribs.
Torm held Megalomagna aloft and the god's blue eyes glowed a bright golden color. Megalomagna glowed purple as if trying to resist the god's influence, but as a divine rune appeared in its blade and the god's eyes returned to their original color, the sword subsided.
"What now?", Megalomagna asked.
"There is someone in the Prime Material Plane who could benefit from your experience while also helping you evolve into your original power", Tyr said. "We will arrange so he can find you".
"Please don't put me in a barrel", Megalomagna said.
"Don't end up in a goblin's den", Torm retorted.
"So, I guess this is goodbye", Donovan said with a sad smile.
"Try not to die okay, Bonovan? I know you got used to my unrivaled, unparalleled, undisputed power, but maybe now it's time for you to put that red dragon slayer to use and earn some fame for yourself", Megalomagna said.
"Take care of yourself too, Meggie", Donovan said.
"We are indeed grateful", Korvac said, to what Bosco and Kharius nodded.
"I think I'm gonna cry a little", Bosco said with watering eyes. "But I don't like when the sword calls me pipsqueak".
"You will be returned to your home plane now", Ilmater told the adventurers. "Please visit the old wizard and give him holy water as soon as you can".
With that, the Party was shifted back to the Prime Material Plane, right at the entrance of the old wizard's tower.
"Where have you been?", the woman sweeping the floor asked, startled. "My Lord is awake and has been asking for you".
"Let's go", Korvac said". Thankfully, I brought some of the Silvery Sea water with me so we don't have to fetch holy water somewhere else.
Upstairs, they found the old wizard still lying in bed, but even though he seemed weak and skinny, at least he wasn't turning into a juju zombie anymore.
"Finally...", the wizard said with a choked voice.
"Here, old wizard. Drink this", Korvac said, offering him a jar containing water from the celestial Sea.
"This is the most delicious water I have ever drank!", the wizard said, his voice immediately returning.
"Feeling better now?", Donovan asked.
"After killing a night hag in the Ethereal Plane with my bare hands? Yes, I feel good", the wizard replied.
"Were you by any chance losing the battle and saw the tides suddenly turning?", Kharius asked.
As a matter of fact, I did", the old wizard replied, surprised. "Most of my life force had already been drained away by the hag when suddenly I felt everything returning to me. Like a Restoration spell had been cast".
Kharius and Korvac exchanged glances, both smiling from the corners of their mouths. Then, Korvac's expression hardened and he gave the old wizard a very stern gaze.
"We need to talk about the wicked book".
***
Somewhere else, Megalomagna appeared stuck in a tree.
"What is a sword doing stuck in a tree?", a female voice asked.
"Don't know. Maybe it's Excalibur! Let's get it off", a man replied.
"Excalibur was lodged within a stone, you dolt!", Megalomagna raged.