[User]
 Climbing the sheer mountainside leading to the Storm Bird's perch, the agents of the Sundom find themselves drifting from reality to something straddling the line of dream.  Fear settles in their stomachs at the sight of the valley spread out below like a polished mosaic, yet somehow every one of them finds the will to continue.  Eventually, clouds obscure the lands below, and they brave a world of mist and icy stone for the last span of their climb.  Eventually they reach the summit, a broad plateau bending towards a central depression scarred without countless lightning strikes.  There the Storm Bird awaits them, huddled in rest but no less alert than in his vigil over Kursaal.

   "GREETINGS, AGENTS OF THE SUNDOM.  YOU HAVE RISKED A GREAT DEAL TO DISTURB MY REST."

[User]
 The retinue of Arrakhi is a diverse group to say the least. A gold-scaled Ko huddled in warm clothing, a Scrim made of Comet Stone, and the half-elven Thalaz'ir and his youngest sister Cerys, the latter of which has come to take notes and draw a sketch of the great beast.

  "Indeed so, Storm Bird. You know me, but I feel I do not yet know you. Does the guardian of Mamut have a name? There is much to talk about, and a name would go far in times where trust is in short supply."   Says Aneirin, stepping forward while his retinue remains behind him, wary of the beast's power.

[User]
 Feathers rustling, the Storm Bird gives rise to another peal of thunder before answering.

   "I HAVE NO MORTAL NAME, THALAZ'IR, FOR I AM AS I HAVE BEEN SINCE THE MOMENT OF MY AWAKENING IN THESE PEAKS.  YOUR KIND KNOW ME AS STORM BIRD - THAT IS ENOUGH."

[User]
 "Very well. I have come to ask for your counsel, and your blessing. Through miracle, Arrakh-Rah now stands close to your eyrie, and the lands around it are fortified. We erected the Starspire to defend your eyrie and our lands from the Blight that plagues us, and those that serve it. Though my grandmother talked you down from destroying the Targiz, I believe her counsel to have been unwise and misguided by her former affection for Ells Ogra."   The Thalaz'ir lets out a sigh, rubbing his chin as if conversing casually, when in truth, the magnitude of this conversation may shake Mamut.

  "Before the fall of the Uzii, the Trinity of Light launched a crusade against the Targiz in an attempt to purge the blight forcefully from Mamut, and we would have succeeded were it not for the intrusion of the Uzii. Though we lost nothing tangible, we lost time. The Trinity intends to declare its full might to purging the blighted Targiz and this disturbing cult, but be not confused. This is no mortal quarrel, this is the first step in securing the borders of Mamut against the cancer of the Blight as you have told our forefathers for multiple generations now. We follow your example, and finally heed your words."   Aneirin pauses, reaffirming his words and putting emphasis on his intent.   "The Trinity of Light shall become a bastion against the Blight, with the Sundom at its head."
  "To this end, I ask your blessing. I am Regent of the West Wind, holder of Mesiron. My cousin, son of Doraan, Orlin, is a master craftsman. I seek to bless a weapon with the power of the storm, your breath of lightning and purification, and to fit Mesiron into the weapon as a catalyst of power. Will you help us, guardian of Mamut?"

Hastily, Cerys draws her reference of the great bird in its eyrie, enamored with its beauty, even as it could bring them low in an instant.   "Great one, I have a question of my own, if you will forgive my intrusion. The power of the Trinity's faith is real, tangible. If we performed a miracle to bolster your own power.. would you accept the gift?"

[User]
 The Storm Bird's feathers ripple, and with them a fresh wave of storm clouds billow out around the eyrie.

   "IF VIOLENCE PROVES THE ONLY ANODYNE TO THE ROT IN THE TARGIZ, THEN YOU CRUSADE WITH MY BLESSING.  BUT BE WARNED - I SEE ALL, AND I SEE THE KNIFE EDGE THE TARGIZ BALANCE UPON.  I THOUGHT THEM LOST TO DARKNESS, BUT THE SEER PROMISED A LIGHT TO GUIDE THEM.  THE SALVATION OF ALL CHILDREN OF THE WORLD SOUL IS MY DUTY, AND IF YOU WOULD SERVE AS PARTNER TO THE GUARDIANS IT MUST BE YOURS AS WELL.  SO LONG AS YOU WALK THE PATH, I WOULD NOT SCORN YOU MY BLESSING."

There is a miniscule shift in one of the Guardian's eyes, so small that perhaps Cerys imagines the thunder.

   "YOUR MORTAL MAGICS ARE OF A DIFFERENT KEN THAN MY LIFE, CERYS OF ARRAKH'RAH.  I CANNOT SAY WHAT STRENGTH I MIGHT DRAW FROM YOUR PRAYERS, BUT AS TIN MOLDS COPPER INTO BRONZE, THE MELDING OF MORTAL AND IMMORTAL MAGIC MIGHT WORK TRUE WONDERS."


[User]
 *old spy-film computer letter-chirp*
TIMESTAMP: Yesterday, 0435hrs Central Daylight Savings Time/0535hrs EDST
LOCATION: Outside Univlle, South Dakota, United States

Josiah "Tyger" Colquhoun sat up at he thought was the alarm clock's warning. Turning on the light, he saw his iPhone had just pinged.

"Oh...  Who  found  What  now?"

Reading in the early morning light, he swiped several screens, then stumbled 45 feet into the paper-strewn disaster that was the office of Warehouse 13 in his boxers and an ancient scrub top. Pulling over the desk chair, he began typing away, and read the new screen.

"Okay... so what do We know of that could do this...?" So asking the Ether, Josiah rolled backwards to a beat-up percolator and the coffee-stained porcelain mug beside it. The late 30s-mid 40s former factory worker poured black liquid into the cup, took the cup and rolled over to a wall-spanning Dewey Decimal System.

Drawers were pulled.

Cards were fingered through, and read.

The fingers and eyes stopped.

The drawer was closed, coffee was sipped and Josiah shuffled into the hallway. A filing cabinet drawer was opened, and there was more muttering and coffee-slurping before he found the file he needed.

"Found, Aisle D98 Section 481."

"Found, catalogued and in London."

"Lost, whereabouts unknown."

"Found, in transi--Wait."

Josiah reread the entry, swore in German, then walked into the office. He picked up an iPad-sized tin and opened it. When a face appeared in the little screen inside, Josiah began, "Arty. Get me a plane ticket and a Land Rover to the Valley of the Pharaohs in Tanis, Egypt."

 *old spy-film computer letter-chirp*
TIMESTAMP: Tomorrow, 1021hrs Local ZULU
LOCATION: Archeology Dig-site, VALLEY OF THE PHARAOHS Tanis, Egypt

Josiah pulled up to the crest of the rise on the ancient WW2-eral BMW motorcycle. In the valley below were the usual assortment of tents, porta-johns, air-conditioned trailers, and pits. People in light, desert-colored clothing wandered about like ants over a bowl of sugar. Josiah pulled out a military-grade macrobinoccular and scanned the dig.
Spotting what he was looking for, the "Procurement Officer of Things Best Kept Locked Away" (as Josiah liked to call himself) sighed, "Welp... I guess I start there."

So saying, he put away the macrobinoccular, kicked the motorcycle's transmission into first, and slowly puttered down into the valley. He hoped and prayed to any god that would be fair for a procurement that wasn't "as complicated as last time."


[User]
 "Welcome to Ciudad Juarez! Say No to Vampires!" is one of the many posters celebrating the trade city freedom from vampires. There are only tight streets packed with people and vehicles. All kinds of people walk by, many wearing heavy weapons and armor. Street vendors call out to pedestrians and selling all kinds of trinkets. Stores line the streets and selling about everything that you can think of. It's only early in the morning, but the bars are loud and full of activities. There are a couple of red light businesses here and there. Guards armed from heads to toes stand in front of body shops, workshops, and warehouses. Gambling halls and lights are active even during the day.

The police patrol aka "FED" is on foot, on hovercyles and motorbikes, and even some on horseback. Even in the sky, anybody can see some of them in power armor.

A group of people appears to be gathered, around what seems to be a cowboy with his brown duster, dark mid-length hair, a large mustache, badly shaven, and pistols strapped, looking right out of a western movie.

 "Hey, pardners, looking for some brave souls to take down a pack of vampires near Morillo family farm. I need credits, you need credits. They are paying to get rid of the vampires, easy peasy. I just need a few good mercs to come with me! We kill 'em, make some money and come back to party! 5000 credits for each vamp we kill! What say you, pendejos?"

[User]
 Kai emerges from a privy behind one of the seedier saloons wiping sick from their mouth and, while adjusting their poncho saunters over to the group.

Sotto voce, or it would be if not for the morning's whiskey:  "Well if this ain't a posse coming at us."

[User] Deo walks in to town flicks his toothpick on the ground.  Deo is a tall man standing 6’2 his well muscled build hidden behind his duster.  His cowboy hat just covering his hair but his clearly Greek features apparent.  He has a large bag and many weapons.  He carries himself like he has seen some ****.  He walks up to the man.   “Where is this nest tell us more about it.”

[User]
 Karmen

The giantess towered behind Deo, shading him. the sun bothered her no more than the stares from the townspeople. Her weapons were sheathed, but few realized she could do more damage with her bare hands than a railgun on full auto.

  "Killing Vampires? And Credits? Two of my favorite things, you have my attention, friend."

[User] What looks like an eight-year old child picks at the sleeve of a woman as they walk past. "You said I needed to make money to help with the extra fuel from hauling me around. I bet I can hurt them too. We should help out."

[User] The woman purses her lips, then nods. "Fine. It's probably going to be a mess, though." She's wearing fairly basic travel-wear, a tunic and leggings with layers over them, with fairly well worn boots and a small bag slung over her shoulder, and cracks her back, walking up to the cowboy. "Any more details for us, friend, or just vampires and a bounty?"

[User]
 "That's the spirit right there! Killing Vamps and making credits!"  Nodding at Karmen's comment, then getting to answer questions.

 "Don't know where they hole up yet but the beasts shouldn't be further than a couple of miles around the farm. They already attacked most of the farms around senor Morillo ranch. It'll take us a couple of hours to get there and I reckon that we should investigate the nearby abandoned farms and try to find out where they are hiding. If it gets to nighttime and we find nothing, we'll get back to the ranch and just shoot some silvers at those bastards, then we'll figure it out the rest in the morning. "

[User]
 Originally Posted by DoctorFaust
 What looks like an eight-year old child picks at the sleeve of a woman as they walk past. "You said I needed to make money to help with the extra fuel from hauling me around. I bet I can hurt them too. We should help out."

 Karmen

Karmen ***** at an eye at the "kid". Her face darkens as she thinks of her own daughter, now long dead. She scowls and shakes away a tear.
  "You are brave princessa, but this fight might be too big for you..."

[User] Quill snorts and looks between the giant of a woman and the apparent child. "See, your sense of humor is gonna get us in trouble one day Bart. It is pretty funny though." She admits with a laugh, before sobering up and looking over, and then up, to Karmen. "He's not my child, and believe it or not he's far more dangerous in a fight than I am. I'll let him explain anything else, or not, as he wants."

[User] ”little one I have seen small things then you take down bigger, but make sure you can handle yourself.”   he opens himself up and his sense making sure there are no vampires around as he does so. Turning to the man shouting   “well I will go on any vampire hunting trip it’s the reason I am here”

[User]
 "Well as long as everybody can handle it, no objection here. I'm Patrick Cook, and nice to meet you all. I'll gather my gear before heading out. We will meet at the pyramid temple in 2 hours and head out. You might want to go grab a bite or something."  Patrick lights up a cigarette with his lighter and proceeds to go on the right path of the streets.

You have some free time on your hands, the closest establishment to your group is a two-story building named  The Duke's Card Parlor & Saloon . You hear loud cheers and the sounds of machines and roulettes playing from outside. All kinds of people, mercs, and adventurers of all stripes appear to be going in and out of the building. There is a big sign in front of the building NO PSI-STALKERS OR DOG BOYS allowed.

You can use this free time to either do some research, get some food (at a restaurant or store) or even do some shopping.

[User] "This... city has a pyramid? Would someone please point me in the right direction?" With the tortuous combination of knowing all their heartbreak could have been trivially avoided and a curiosity of how Lemurian intelligence had such a gap in their mystic cartography, Kai, after grabbing their armor, weapons, and psicorder from their current kip, makes their way to the edifice.

[User]
 Baltasar smiles back up at Quill. "You are the one who told me I shouldn't go out looking like normal. I can look more appropriate for when we meet back up if that will be better."

He turns and stares at Karmen. "Don't worry about me," he says, hopefully addressing her worries. "I survived almost two weeks in the desert before I met Quill. I'll show you when we fight the vampires. People told me it was a bad thing to talk about in public."

"But what's a pyramid temple? And why is it so important to that man over there? Doesn't he know you can just build them out of sand?"

[User]
 Kai gets to the Pyramid shaped temple. A brown-skinned middle-aged short woman wearing a sleeveless tunic with long dark hair, golden earrings, and necklace, standing in front of the Temple. The only weapon on her appears to be a knife strapped to her hips. There are quite a few people around the temple, with many wearing sleeveless tunics and black paint over their bodies. It is a safe assumption that most of the people are priests. Some are dressed in elaborate ways as if trying to look like some beings.

 "Welcome to the Temple of Coatlicue and many other Gods. Have you come seeking wisdom or refuge for a little while?"

[User] Turns to the little girl, Karmen and Quill  ”well as long as the young one will explain later I trust her. So Karmen I going to that pyramid and see what is up there and maybe I can send a communication home you want to come with or hang at the bar”  points at the saloon obviously about to head off

[User] Quill heads to the temple as well, letting Balthazar pick if he's coming with her or going to the saloon. She's not from around here, might as well take a look! Religious art was usually so interesting.

[User] As Deo walks off he spins around and looks at the child  “I am so sorry I am Deo and you are not a princess at all I am so sorry I was confused.  Would you like to go to the pyramid, I know a thing or two about magic ones”

[User]
 Karmen

Karmen looks at the plucky brave little girl, just like her own Jessica, except it isn't Jessica...or a little girl for that matter...but you know, from nine feet up, kids all look the same, right? Dark thoughts run through her mind, but she quickly locks them down, and tries to force an awkward smile.

 "Hey...er...kid. I'm sorry...Two weeks in the desert? By yourself? You must be pretty clever. Listen, I can't really fit into any of these buildings without scratching the paint, do you think maybe you can go into the store for me and buy some food for us? I am sure there will be something leftover for a treat for you."

[User]
 Not fluent in Spanish, Kai addreses her first in American then Dragonese.
"You are most gracious, priest, but my interest today is architectural. I won't take up any more of your time. " Relying on the first hand exposure to their people's stone magic and an academic understanding of magical lore, Kai attempts to ascertain if this pyramid possesses similar capabilities.

Edit:they also grabbed their medic kit, canteen, large sack, cross and silvered dagger, leaving their other equipment in the rented room. Their barnacle armor is retracted to under their poncho when not expecting combat.

[User] Baltasar looks solemnly up at Deo as he turns back. "Thank you for correcting yourself, but I'm going to go shopping for Karmen so nothing gets scratched. Are there any supplies you want too?"

[User] Deo heads off to the temple walking with Quill, if they wish.  Once at the temple he will open himself up to feel if this is a real temple either way he will walk up to one of the priest.


[User]
 You awake to find yourself in a space of pure white, an endless expanse seemingly void of all things material and not. No color, no sound, no sense of direction. You orient yourself, unsure if what you stand on is the ground, the ceiling, or anything at all. As you ponder where this place is and where you should go, a voice like unto many echoes around you.

" Warrior ..... You who are the Epitome of Strength ,  Swiftess of Foot ,  the Sturdiest of Pillars ,  the Master of Knowledge ,  the Surest of Skill ,  the Image of Perfection ,   the Righteous and the Heinous .   You May Claim The Right To Join Us!  "

Seven orbs of light suddenly surround you, the sheer force of their presence alone enough to nearly bring you to your knees. While you have met and have even served divinity before, they could simply not compare to what is now before you.

 "You have climbed the Mountain of Despair, desperately seeking strength so that none may rule over you. " " You have crossed the Vast Lands of your World, searching every inch for anything that would let you reach your goals. " " You have withstood Pain and Suffering unimaginable, lasting far longer than any mortal is expected. " " You have learned Hidden Knowledge and Secrets that has let you outsmart all obstacles. " " You have gained Skills and Wisdom that far outweighs your age. " " You have obtained Fame and Fortune that even the kings of your World cannot match. " " You have slain many Evils and vanquished many Goods on your quest to Perfection. " "  And now you stand at the precipace of your Goal. Will you accept Our Trial, and prove you are the best? Or will you crack under the pressure, and be condemned to failure?"

Above each orb of light, an image of a creature appears. You easily recognize them as foes you have once fought and killed. They proved a challenge for you at the time, but you are certain you could easily defeat them now.

  "You will face these seven Guardians, the strongest creatures that can be found within your World. Be warned! For you shall gain little rest between each opponent you fight. This Gauntlet must be faced if you wish to prove your Power. If you wish to accept, Say your True Name and walk through the Portal of your choice!"

 Spoiler: Monsters

1.  Ancient Gold Dragon
2.  Balor
3.  Pit Fiend
4.  Shoggoth
5.  Solar Angel
6. Tarn Linnorm
7. Tarrasque

 Spoiler: OOC

In your first post, include your canon sheet and your choice of monster.

[User]
 The warrior struggles against the invisible force, fighting to return to a standing position. Despite the immense pressure on his mind and body, he hones his mind on his goal and allows the hidden depths of latent energy within him to reinforce his body. With tremendous effort, he manages to stand, shaking off the force that once restrained him.

  "I yield for nothing and I kneel to nobody. That is the purpose of the strength I sought. That solemn strength... to never experience such a hell again."

The thought brings him back to the time of his youth, where he was weak. A time where he once knelt to a demon... as his village burned in the background, as his parents lay eviscerated on the floor. He was powerless then. But he isn't now.

Looking up at one of the glowing orbs, he sees it. A Balor demon guardian. How serendipitous.

The choice was made. Without a second thought, he makes his way through to the door marked by the Balor. As he does, the sheer hatred for his opponent eats away at him, burning him up inside until he literally becomes flame itself.

  "I promise you... things are going to go... a little differently than they did last time."   He says, as he steps through the door.

[User]
 "We Wish You Luck Warrior."   The lights collectively says as you step through a portal. As you step through, you're thrown off by the sudden dimness. The bright whiteness of the plane before casts the room you find yourself in deeper darkness as your eyes adjust.  "Well, look what has appeared before me. Another corpse for my collection."  Though expected, an attack from a whip lashes out at you, flames an angry and cruel red flicker across the unholy leather.

With your eyes adjusted, you can now clearly see what you could not before. Your hated foe, a Balor, stands across the candlelit room before you. One clawed hand is wrapped around a sword bathed in black energy, the other grasps the whip wreathed in flame. A cruel sneer stretches the demon's face as it looks at you.  "I hope you're prepared Henry, for your death is inevitable!"

 Spoiler: OOC

Surprise Round!
The Balor uses a standard to attack with his whip.  [Roll]1d20+30[roll]  damage if hits  (1d4+7)[ 9 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  fire; if hit, free grapple attempt  (1d20+33)[ 42 ]
End of Surprise Round
Roll Initiative  (1d20+11)[ 21 ]

[User]
 Henry takes the hit, barely flinching as his head turns with the flaming whip, eyes closed. Once the attack is done, he slowly turns his head back to his opponent, with a fearsome glare in his eyes.

"Is this all?" he asks, almost disappointed in a way. "Is this what I was afraid of, all those years ago?"

As he speaks, his voice grows with intensity. His muscles bulge and twist in unnatural ways, as red scales begin to cover his skin, as he increases in size.

"Is THIS what took everything away from me?" he says, almost screaming through gritted teeth. He raises his weapon behind his head, two hands on the massive Axe's handle, before he brings it down upon the Balor in a vicious flurry of destruction.

The blade cleaves through flesh and sinew, but still it is not enough. Wings that spurt from his back, a tail that sprouts behind his legs, even his own teeth are used as weapons to inflict upon his enemy but one iota of what he's suffered throughout his life.

 Spoiler: OOC

Free Action: Shapechange --> Form of the Dragon III --> Red Dragon
Free Action: Greater Rage

Swift Action: Barroom Brawler (-5 Stamina) --> Gain Dedicated Adversary vs Evil Outsiders.

Full Round Action: Full Attack

+6 Butchering Axe
--> Attack 1:  (1d20+60)[ 76 ] , Damage:  (6d6+65)[ 86 ]
--> Attack 2:  (1d20+55)[ 75 ] , Damage:  (6d6+65)[ 88 ]
--> Attack 3:  (1d20+50)[ 61 ] , Damage:  (6d6+65)[ 84 ]
--> Attack 4:  (1d20+45)[ 63 ] , Damage:  (6d6+65)[ 82 ]

+0 Wings
--> Attack 1:  (1d20+49)[ 63 ] , Damage:  (4d8+24)[ 43 ]
--> Attack 2:  (1d20+49)[ 51 ] , Damage:  (4d8+24)[ 30 ]

+0 Tail
--> Attack 1:  (1d20+49)[ 51 ] , Damage:  (4d8+24)[ 51 ]

+0 Bite
--> Attack 1:  (1d20+49)[ 58 ] , Damage:  (4d8+24)[ 47 ]

Total Damage = 86 + 88 + 84 + 82 + (43-15)[28] + (30-15)[15] + (51-15)[36] + (47-15)[32] =   451   damage after DR 15/cold iron and good.

[User]
 Where once was a mighty and cruel Balot now lies a puddle of meat chunks and viscera, oozing black blood from every inflicted wound. So devastating was the brutal onslaught that the pathetic demon still hasn't realized its death. 7 portals now appear around the room, clearly leading to whatever next opponent you are expected to fight. But before you can even have the thought to decide, the corpse of the Balor smolders then explodes in a massive torrent of unholy fire.

Once the flames finally die down, you take a look a look at the portals. Above all but one, instead of the image of your next victim to be, the number 294 floats in clear font of light. It slowly counts down to 293...292...291, clearly indicating a time limit.

 Spoiler: OOC

Balor's Death Throes ability activates[Ref DC 33 for half]. Roll for Nat 1, otherwise take 25 Unholy damage(you're immune to the Fire)
Well you'll probably breeze through these just as easily!
1.Tarn Linnorm
2. Pit Fiend
3. Shoggoth
4. Ancient Gold Dragon
5. Solar Angel
6.Tarrasque
Next Opponent:  (1d6)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Henry ravages the Balor Demon relentlessly, his draconic claws rending flesh and sinew from bone in gruesome fashion. On and on he goes, even after the light leaves his enemies eyes and no sound escapes from his enemeis lips. Finally, lifting his enemy above his head, Henry rips his enemy apart.

Henry revels motionless in the blood and gore of his fallen foe, as it's blood rains onto the battlefield, staining it permanently in demonic ichor. It had been years. Years since he first started on this journey for strength, years since he was forced to abandon his home and family to the Demonic Invasion from the opening of the World Wound. Years... since he had seen that Balor Demon again. But finally, he had achieved his goal. Finally, he had gotten his vengance. Finally, he had become strong.

It was freeing. A serene calm washed over him. For the first time in a long time, he finally felt content. But as the moments past, he came to the sudden recollection: No.

No, this was not enough. This was NOT his limit. He could still go further. He could still prove his strength to the heavens above!

Snapping back to his senses, he finally takes note of the ticking timer. With precious few seconds left, he pops a mutagen and transforms into the very wind itself, rushing forward into the portal with all speed he could possibly muster.

A momentary laspe in his self control, caused by the attainment of a once-in-a-lifetime goal. Whatever happens next, he'll handle it. With poise, grace, and, of course, STRENGTH.


[User]
 The Spire. Magnificent structures, built on an ancient floating island of earth. Today finds you amidst festivities on The Spire, celebrating the eighteenth birthday of Princess Elibazeth Fleur. The food is amazing, the drinks even better, and the atmosphere is that of a grand party.

The Marble Madam finds herself near the edge of the Spire, putting the finishing touches on an entry portal for Thomas and Nathaniel, who has come out of his stony sleep to celebrate, as befitting a man of his stature.
The Brown Knight finds himself nearby. He has just been deposited by an aerial carriage, pulled by two hippogriffs, at a landing point near where Thomas and Nathaniel are to arrive. He piles out with the others, lacking as he did the funds or clout needed to secure a personal ride.

Both of you have heard of and, on occasion, met one another. Nothing much-when the Brown Knight was Green, the families they were employed by had interactions, but enough that you're familiar faces to one another.

There is a deep thrumming, like an enormous drum being pounded, and one of the people exiting the carriage stumbles a bit. "Come on," their friend says, "don't act drunk yet!"

[User]
 Tavaris Blackmon - The Brown Knight

 Originally Posted by JNAProductions
 Both of you have heard of and, on occasion, met one another. Nothing much-when the Brown Knight was Green, the families they were employed by had interactions, but enough that you're familiar faces to one another.

There is a deep thrumming, like an enormous drum being pounded, and one of the people exiting the carriage stumbles a bit. "Come on," their friend says, "don't act drunk yet!"

Tavaris' peers through the window of the carriage thankful to have never developer agoraphobia after all his time within the dismal city sewers. "It's good to be back where the exalted and high performers are recognized." He surmises before taking stock of himself smoothing any creases or loose hairs on his shirt.
"I will head to the most extravagant clearing to complete Elder Sanitov's errands. Then I can find a house head who wants a real Wilds Warden instead of   some simpering yes man.  " He silently grouses, only some of his agitation to boiling to the surface.

Tavaris changes course briefly to catch the stumbling man.
    Careful there your eminence. Wouldn't want to get scuffed before festivities.
He warmly jests as he puts an arm around his ribs. Tavaris' hand lightly probes looking for a hidden crest or insignia, something to tie this man to a noble house.

[User]
 Marble on marble, red hand on white. Madam M was never much of a painter, but who needs skill when you can simply enchant pigment to move as you wish? Liquid crawls off her fingers, arranging itself into a scarlet eel, heraldic beast of the Margraves of Khendia, blazoned large across the gleaming keystone.

With that slight infusion of power, the very paint is made the lowliest of animates. Its charge is to simply sit in this shape, and then just before the magic runs out—around evening by her experienced estimate—it is spelled to turn to steam and blow away.

The illustration is not merely symbolic but the last in a series of beacons. Earlier this morning she flew to the Spire in vapour-form, marking out a trail with vanishingly small slivers of stationary cloud and circling facsimile birds. The Margrave never takes the same route twice. As one of her more permanent works, his self-flying carriage is capable of following her magic as it sustains these temporary creations.

Snapping the tinplate paint-pot in her other hand shut, M wills the column beneath her feet to shrink. It descends from the apex of the delicate three-quarter-circle arch of the noble gate, as high as twenty men are tall, and as it goes rough granite blurs into lustrous steel, the straight, simple form twisting itself into the complexity of a silvery horse upon which the transmuter sits sidesaddle.

Transmuting the pot-lid into a perfect seal and slipping it into a hidden pocket in her dress, she nods to Captain Meris, commander of the Margrave's guard of honour. There is no need to speak, as they have performed this ritual ten thousand times over. Well, actually, most of those times were with Meris's predecessors. Now she will get out of his way so he can form the men up properly for arrival.

Urging her mount off to the side, she casts her stony gaze over to the rabble arriving nearby. Is that Sir Tavaris? Hopefully he will control that lot so she doesn't need to start putting up fences around the Margrave's runway.

[User]
 The Brown Knight can feel jewelry underneath the man's outerwear, but not enough definition to say which, if any, house they are from.

The group moves onwards, not troubling Madam M or her construction. She can see Nathaniel's carriage approaching, enamoring a few bystanders to stare at it. The vehicle pulls into the archway, settling on the premade supports, and the door slides open soundlessly. Nathaniel, his hair greying and his cane in hand, steps out first. He is followed by Thomas, his hair more salt and pepper and his stride confident. "Thank you, Aunty," Nathaniel tells you with a slight tip of his hat.

Captain Meris falls into place next to Nathaniel, the rest of the honor guard assuming their positions behind the nobles, and they start the slow walk for the center of the festivities.

[User]
 "You're welcome, Nathaniel." Madam M smiles at her nephew, happy to see him in one of his better moods—at least, for now.

Her smile to Thomas is milder, accompanied by a meaningful eyebrow-raise. She already spoke to him earlier and gave him a little pewter model of a wheelchair. It is a spell within a spell—the outer layer a seal of miniaturization, and inside a wheelchair-golem that can move as directed by a knob on one of the armrests.

It would, of course, be better if the Margrave could walk into this special occasion on his own two feet, but if those aged legs fail before the day is out, the chair will let him remain composed and upright.

She waits for the procession to pass, then takes up her place at the rear of it. As the steel horse trots sedately, her dress shifts into a shade of deep red. Its usual black does not quite suit a royal birthday.

[User]
 Surmising there to be no house crests concealed by the man's jacket Tavaris begins to walk towards the procession. The man no longer interesting him. The thick impressions of jewelry would interest a lowborn thief, but Tavaris would never descend to that level.

Further down the path the sight of an elderly man and his trusted attendant. They would be recognizable even without their celebratory regalia and noble crests. Nathaniel Margrave the reclusive head of the Margrave household and his Marble Lady the dynastic attendant of the Margraves. The Zuerleins had spoken tactfully to the Margraves, a strong presence within Khendia who had consensus approval amongst the nobility. The subject of the elusive expiration of Nathaniel Margrave would only be breached in hushed whispers in the absence of Margraves.

He pays particular attention to the Marble Lady magically walking through towards the procession. All while preventing the loud clatter of stone impacting stone and her stone form bending and flexing unlike any automaton the Zuerleins ever possessed. Surely, she had to be the de-facto head of house.

Averting his gaze from the Margrave cohort he turns to a hidden contained within his jacket. "  I am so close to being back to where I should be. Just have finish Sanitov's errand and you can start living better than most people, if you can play your part.  " He schemes with an attentive yellow canary returning a receptive gaze.

He then goes toward the center of the party to look for high ranking officials to give the Elder Dungsweeper Sanitov's letters to.


[User]
 His body lies torn to shreds, covered in a sort of transparent mucus, in the corner of the hut. Two days ago your vigilante friend Arbol had become obsessed with a killer stalking Risenbolm's boardwalks. He had followed the trail of bodies all the way to the end of his sanity, where his journey had, apparently, ended here. His face, what remains of it, is frozen in an eternal expression of fear.

The hut, located in the district of Hinter, is filled with spare furnishings. Nobody lives here any more, although they must have left not more than 12 hours ago, apparently in a hurry. There is, of course a sign of a fight; the chairs and tables in the room lie crushed and splintered, as if by a great weight.

Arbol had confided to you, shortly before his demise, that this case was big. There were connections, he had vaguely hinted, to the Pickled Herring, a small tavern in the area; to a shadowy organization loosely scattered about Hinter, a cobweb of underwater passageways, and some kind of supernatural entity called the "Devourer". The ravings of a madman.

Anyway, here you are. What do you do?

[User]
 Climbing down from his donkey, Zark lights a candle and walks around the room, silently, looking for anything that might help reveal who the killer was.

" Look for clues, everyone, " he rasps out. " Tracks, dropped objects, more of that slime. Anything. "

He straightens up, takes a look around, and peeks outside, trying to locate an animal that might have witnessed the murder.

[User]
 The hut, what remains of it which hasn't been destroyed in the violence, is in shambles. Items seem to have been grabbed hurriedly, others left behind, as its owners fled. The slime is confined to the eating area, where the fighting occurred.

The rain outside is torrential. There are no birds here, and mammalian life is likely indoors. There are likely fish around, but you have found the fish in Risenbolm to be largely unfriendly, and their language is challenging for even you to decipher. However, three abandoned huts down (the area is in disrepair, and largely empty) is a small hut from which light emanates.

 Spoiler: Spot DC 15
The floorboards outside have been violently scraped, as if by the giant claws of a creature moving quickly. The scraping is directed to a corner of the boardwalk, where it ends. Presumably the creature jumped into the water there.

[User]
 " Hmm... " Zark mutters as he follows the scraped trail with his eyes, squinting to see through the rain. " Something... from the water? " About to turn back inside, he notices the light spilling from inside the nearby hut.

" Hey, look at that, " he elbows his companions, nodding towards the hut.

[User]
 Roland’s breathes out lightly as he overslept from his training last night rushing to the scene he see’s someone investigating the seen walking up to ask what happened to Arbol the gnome elbows him and tells him to look at something squinting his eyes he looks towards the hut.

 Spoiler: Perc Roll
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ]

His eyes still blurry from waking up and being slightly groggy can only make out the hut. Looking strangely at the gnome he says  What are we looking at?  he whispers wondering what’s going on his inexperience clearly showing.

[User] If you happen to investigate the hut, you smell burning soup before you even get to the door. It's ajar. A gaunt old woman stands slowly stirring a pot over a low flame, staring blankly at it. A gaunt old dog lies curled in the corner. Eventually the woman becomes aware of your presence, and turns slowly around, fixing you with her one eye. "What do you want?" she croaks, as one half-asleep.

[User] Roland a bit nervous says as boldly as he can manage  We’re looking for clues about Arbol. Maybe you saw or heard anything strange the night he died?  As Roland tries to be on his best behavior while waiting for a reply.

[User]
 The old woman shudders, turns to her pot, and stirs it with her back to you, for what feels like minutes. Eventually you hear her say, "It came from the sea. It went back to the sea. We all ran. It'll rise tonight. And the next. And the next..."

She trails off, continues stirring.

[User]
 Then you should evacuate the area while we see what we can do about the sea monster.  Godric says while adjusting his shield onto his arm getting ready in case of a sudden attack.

 Spoiler: Ooc
Is it possible to call the guards to help deal with the monster? Or at least to have them as back up

[User]
 Zark trails behind Roland, his donkey's reins in hand, keeping an eye out for trouble. His frown deepens as the woman speaks her foreboding words.

" Something strong enough to rip our friend apart... we have no hope of fighting it, " he shakes his head. " The rampant corruption, the greedy nobles, and now this... "

He pauses.

" We should go. Give what's left of Arbol his passing rites, and move on from here. If we can't take it head on, we can at least find the source. "

[User] Roland is silent while brainstorming. Disappointed in his meager strength he begins to think of a way to maybe help. His eyes brightens and he rambles all his ideas to Zark!  ZARK! What if you make a potion that can poison him in the water? Or wait that would hurt everyone. Hmmm what about we dig out a pit and put in a few sharp sticks and when he is trapped I’ll stab it? Or maybe we can talk to the fishermen if there is anything Strange going on or maybe borrow a large net? Or...or...or...  Roland keeps rambling his ideas getting worse and worse until they become horrible ideas.


[User]
 The seagulls cawed and the salt spray splashed in the face of Brother Hidad as he greeted the arrivals onto the Lightsteel Brotherhood's flagship galley, the Floating Forge. Behind him, Brother Eku stood behind the ship's wheel, their face obscured by an elaborately painted mask. The ship buzzed with activity as its crew scurried around, preparing the lightsteel engines and the spider-silk sails to set sail after the conference. At the center of the deck, underneath a canvas awning, a table is set with bread, roasted meats, bowls of fruit, and jugs of wine and mead. Everywhere, the gleaming silver-gold of the miraculous lightsteel glints in the sunlight.

As each delegate climbs aboard the galley, Brother Hidad greets them and guides them to the awning, offering them a seat and refreshment while they wait for all the invitees to arrive. When the full list of delegations has arrived, Hidad stands and, smiling, addresses them.

  You may be wondering why I have gathered you here today. On behalf of the Lightsteel Shipwrights, and the larger Brotherhood, I would like to propose an agreement with all of you, which I think will be to all of our benefits. We at the Brotherhood have been impressed by your kingdoms in the past - the determination of the Damned Fleet, the inquisitive nature of the Paukobez, the salvaging talents of the Dvergar - and while some of you have clashed with us in the past, we are happy to overlook these disagreements. We wish to put your... considerable talents to good use. Why raid our markets, or steal our secrets, when we can pay you to turn your attention toward others? Your reward will be doubled - the wealth that we use to hire you, and that which you can recover from your efforts directed at your true enemies, those who wish you harm and whose resources and belongings you can more easily take?

[User]
 Ibn Hazad arrived with a chip on his shoulder, why must this damnable conference be held amongst the waves. The concert and assembly halls of Margaritarum were certainly large enough to fit any amount of delegates.

Pathetic, how many miracles must the Tazmat perform before the Brotherhood recognizes them.

"You talk of rewards, but what incentive do we have to entangle ourselves with you further. We employ your shipwrights, but they keep fast to their secrets, I'm skeptical what furthering our partnership can provide."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Lleban
 "You talk of rewards, but what incentive do we have to entangle ourselves with you further. We employ your shipwrights, but they keep fast to their secrets, I'm skeptical what furthering our partnership can provide."

  Is it our secrets you desire? We are proud of our inventions, and will be more than happy to explain them to those who take our side. Simply ask, and you shall receive.

[User]
 Sliding down from the mast on a silk rope so thin that it might as well have been invisible was a Paukobez. If they were just arriving, or had always been there spying, is a bit unclear. If they were always there, why did they reveal themselves now - and how many more stowaway spiders did this boat have exactly?

The monkey flexed its chelicerae and spoke in clicking sounds that approximated the language of the Godchoosen, which was convenient in this situation seeing as that the Brotherhood had long ago deciphered that tongue. The new guest only spoke a single word - a question.

  <Enemies?>

[User]
 Originally Posted by mystic1110
 Sliding down from the mast on a silk rope so thin that it might as well have been invisible was a Paukobez. If they were just arriving, or had always been there spying, is a bit unclear. If they were always there, why did they reveal themselves now - and how many more stowaway spiders did this boat have exactly?

The monkey flexed its chelicerae and spoke in clicking sounds that approximated the language of the Godchoosen, which was convenient in this situation seeing as that the Brotherhood had long ago deciphered that tongue. The new guest only spoke a single word - a question.

  <Enemies?>

  Yes, enemies. There are always those who wish to stifle the march of progress and snuff out the fires of innovation. They resign themselves to a past that is long dead and refuse to adapt with the times. That is their choice, of course, but when they hold back others from going beyond their superstitions and pointless traditions, they must be stopped.

[User]
 <The hive does not care about progress or the future. The nest wants answers about the past.>

The Paukobez jumps up and down around the Merchant.

 <We can work with you for faster answers. But what are your objections and what are you offering?>

The eloquence with which it speaks is off course only due to the translation. In reality, it's clicking speech is only an approximation of Godchosen language and so it's vocabulary is simple and its grammar clipped and short.

[User]
 Originally Posted by mystic1110
  <The hive does not care about progress or the future. The nest wants answers about the past.>

The Paukobez jumps up and down around the Merchant.

 <We can work with you for faster answers. But what are your objections and what are you offering?>

The eloquence with which it speaks is off course only due to the translation. In reality, it's clicking speech is only an approximation of Godchosen language and so it's vocabulary is simple and its grammar clipped and short.

  Our objections are simple. Do not hamper our business. Do not interfere with our experiments. Do not steal our secrets. Should you be tempted to do this for whatever reason, come to us and explain, and we shall do what is in our power to make a satisfactory deal with you. We wish to be your friends, not your enemies! In exchange, we offer whatever your little spider-monkey heart desires. Wealth? Comfort? Knowledge? We can provide it all. Just ask, and you shall receive.

[User]
 The Paukobez replies

 <We will steal what we are asked to steal. But we seek knowledge of our masters and their masters. If you can provide the secrets of the Fallen or the Reclaimers, their Gods and Dragons, then we can also steal for  you .>


[User]
 Hello friends!

So I have the basics down for gearing my 37 SnB Chosen. Right now I have Ruin/Annihilator with basic renown jewelry and weapon/shield. I understand that because of the new system I’ll have to buy the other token sets in order anyways.

But before I spend any more of my tokens on shields/weapons I was wondering if there wasn’t some easily obtained pve weapon I could get at 40? Can I run high end dungeons for gear right when I hit 40?

And which genesis jewelry set should I go for? The one with wounds bonus or hp/sec bonus?

Are there other gearing systems I should be aware of?


[User]
 Star Wars
Rebel Breakout

It is a time of Galactic Civil War. under the oppressive rule of the evil Galactic Empire, its reach nearly boundless, heroes strive to make a difference by banding together to fight against the tyranny of the evil Emperor Palpatine and his minions.

A small group of these heroes have come to a desolate place known as MESA 291, a series of long deserted lidium mines on the world of Lothal, deep in the Outer Rim.

Hoping to meet with an agent of the Rebellion named Tiree, our heroes make their way in the deep shadows of the mine, where only the light of their glow rods illuminate the darkness...

You find yourself in a tunnel in the mines on Lothal. Your contact Tiree isn't here. A R2 droid (R2-D0) meets greets you instead. It plays a holorecording of Tiree.

 "Someone has tipped off the empire. Storm troopers are on their way. I have to leave. I can't risk compromising the location of the rebel alliance. I left you some supplies and my trusty companion Deo."


[User]
 There is a station orbiting over Ansion. Not much to it, in terms of looks. Not when you get down to the details. But what would one expect when the station's designers and builders belonged to the military?

And Ansion is nowhere near important enough to have much else in the way of deep-space traffic. A few freighters and a couple of local system craft. That's about it. But the station holds your attention. Because it is your destination. The Navigator's Alliance has paid for your travel here. And hopefully from here you will be able to get onto a ship, heading off to explore the wilds of the Unknown Regions.

May the wait in this dull backwater be blessedly short.

"Bout thirty minutes out, more or less," Captain Axon calls over the comms. "Last chance to sign with me instead of this Alliance nonsense."

After a slight pause, you hear a muted, "Longer life expectancy wit' me."

You get the feeling he thought he switched the comms off. That is confirmed when a second later you hear a shuffling and a short squelch of feedback over the line.

[User]
 "Yeah, you'd think that,"  muttered Eliana Sun.

No, she was headed to the Unknown Regions. Mmmmmaaaayyyybe on a one-way trip. She went over her gear one last time, and again quietly cursed the amount of explosives she  didn't  have. Hopefully she could rig something out of whatever the Alliance provided. You never knew when you'd have to blast during exploration, right?

[User]
 Astraxia glanced up from her seat; the captain's unintentional quip being somewhat amusing to her. She thought to herself that if her life expectancy was anything good, she wouldn't be going out to the black of uncharted space.

But hey, it's what happens when you annoy one too many rich jerks. Astraxia just needs a few weeks to keep out of sight, and this job was perfect for it. Who knows, maybe she'll even enjoy the trip.

[User] Cora checked her pack one more time to make sure she had all her things. She didn't pay the captain's slip much mind - he might be right in general, but a high-paying exploration mission was better than staying behind and dealing with her debtors. Better to come back when she'd made some cash and maybe some new friends to watch her back.

[User] Astraxia looked around. Noticing no one moving, she seemed to be among similar-minded folk. She leans to one side of the chair to speak up to the other passengers. " I wager that everyone is in this for something more important than life expectancy; Heading towards something, or leaving something behind? "

[User]
 Originally Posted by DigoDragon
 Astraxia looked around. Noticing no one moving, she seemed to be among similar-minded folk. She leans to one side of the chair to speak up to the other passengers. " I wager that everyone is in this for something more important than life expectancy; Heading towards something, or leaving something behind? "

  "More the latter. Need an awful lot of space between me and some folks back home. And this seems like an exciting opportunity anyway."   Cora flashes Astraxia a smile and offers a hand.   "Killian. Cora Killian. Pleasure to meet you, stranger."   🙂

[User] She takes Cora's hand and shakes. " Astraxia. The pleasure is mine. I suppose many of us have skeletons to leave in the closet. And I agree that this could be quite the opportunity; might find ourselves with some finder fees in new mineral rights, or at least a few interesting trinkets to take home. "

[User]
 Z1X
Engineer
HP: 19/19, AC: 15
Resistance: Necrotic and Psychic
Immunity: Poison and Disease
Vulnerabilities: Ion
Conditions: Unconscious
Tech Points: 8/8

Trapped under some crates in the cargo hold of a ship is the droid KD85-CG46-IT29-CZ1X. Its main battery is dead, the only thing currently running in the chassis is the internal chronometer ticking away on emergency power.

[User]
 You arrive on the station, and are directed toward the Administration office. There, you are instructed to wait as groups are called in one at a time. As you wait in the spartan offices, you watch the others in the room. There seem to be three other groups, based on who you see sitting and chatting with each other.

One group is all human, two women and three men.

A second group is all females of various species. A human, a couple of Twi'leks. And a Bothan.

And the third seems to be one fat little human male and a feckload of droids.

One after another, the various groups are called into the administration offices. Yours is, after an almost interminable wait, last. You are led by a protocol droid into a conference room where an aging Republic officer sits. His insignia marks him as a General in the Starfighter Corps. He motions for you all to sit down.

"Welcome to the Navigator's Alliance. I am General Mellix."

After brief introductions and some verification of your identities, he nods. "Right, well, with that out of the way, all that is left is some going over your terms. We expect reports every two weeks. You will be issued a HoloComm relay for that, installed on your ship. Which brings us to your ship."

The general punches a button on his control panel and a holo comes to life, showing a ship in remarkable detail.

"This is the CoruStell Mark Six scouter. Designed for a small crew, she has the comforts you will want for your two-year contract. And according to the terms of the contract, once your two-year mapping mission is complete, you will be released from duty with the Republic, and the Mk. Six will be yours."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Lentrax
 A second group is all females of various species. A human, a couple of Twi'leks. And a Bothan.
And the third seems to be one fat little human male and a feckload of droids.

Astraxia thinks there's no way these groups were just random draws. Hmm.

 "This is the CoruStell Mark Six scouter. Designed for a small crew, she has the comforts you will want for your two-year contract. And according to the terms of the contract, once your two-year mapping mission is complete, you will be released from duty with the Republic, and the Mk. Six will be yours."

That last bit of info gets Astraxia's full attention. " Wait. So, we take this ship around and chart a chunk of new space for you, and then we get to keep the ship? Just like that? Well, that seems like a fair deal to me. " She looks at the others in her group to see their reactions.

[User]
 Eliana nodded in the affirmative.

 "Sounds like a good deal. Can I ask what kind of laboratory equipment we'll have on board? For analyzing samples, and the like."


[User]
 teth system, two weeks after the battle of endor

the blue lines around the seraglios cockpit vanish as the navigator pulls back on the hyperspace lever and a single planet with two moons and a type 1 atmosphere appear in the viewport, along with two damaged carrack cruisers, a semi-operational lancer frigate, and a harbor-class mobile space-dock. the lancer is currently under repairs by swarms of technicians in the main bay of the space dock, while the cruisers keep station around it. a pair of TIE fighters rocket by to get your IFF transponder, and a voice comes over the bridge comms "cruiser seraglio, please come in for debriefing and mission updates"

please describe your characters and what they're doing when they get the call


[User] "  Damned useless rabble!  " Symmiel shouted, shaking his fist at the gormless sailors who peeped at him over the gunwales of the run-aground galley he had leased at a bargain price (with the princess's purse) back in Satarla.  It rested now half keeled-over, firmly stuck on the sandy beach of a nameless island.   At least there were no holes , he frowned to himself.  Still, it would be extremely hard work to get it back off the beach. That work would have to wait for the next high tide.  Meantime, it was necessary to find fresh water because the main cask had spilled all over the deck.  He had the crew at work now, hoisting the cask to the beach.   Once a search party finds a spring, the clumsy b*ds can take turns carrying the cask to the spring and back , Symmiel thought with a cruel smile.


[User]
 [img]https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/badpanda245/65489951/358/358_900.jpg[img]

Some shinobi find the academy exam a real struggle. Entire childhoods dedicated to ninjutsu are sometimes not enough - even then, others seems to shake it off with ease. Having been easy or challenging, a single year or five long years to graduate, you all finally made it. One by one, all the students in the classroom gets picked to one of the ten new teams, and is assinged to meet the responsible jonin. Some personalities are memorable:

Hyuuga Yurako, age 10 girl, absolute genius. Got the best grades in the class.
Sarutobi Tsukata, age 13 boy, lazy and irresponsible. Likes the privileges of coming from a noble clan.
Utsumi Yui, age 12 girl, hard-worker. Doesn't come from a traditional shinobi clan.

Yamanaka Takeshi, age 12, boy, second best grades in class
Inuzuka Toshiro, age 12, boy, have a hard time taming his own dog
Shimura Nagatani, age 11, girl, the first student to perform elemental release in class

As you finally reach Training Area #34, a large and peaceful lake deep in the woods, you all have to wait more than half an hour. Your new sensei is late.

(It's really early in the morning, so consider how late or early were your characters)

Finally he arrives. With a charming smile and a loose walk, dressing a standard konoha uniform and flat jacket, sided by two extra-large, extra-toothy, wolves. One is brown, the other is kind of blond. Their size is intimidating, as their heads reach the man's elbow's hight.

-  Kids! Man, I DID get in a lot of trouble to get here... you know...  - he laughs -[b]Well, I guess we don't have any time to lose anymore. Please don't mind my delay. This is one of the aspects of being a high-rank shinobi, you know? Sometimes the village needs you right here, right now. It's crazy. And so much fun.

He finishes his sentence with a large smile. His face is marked with red strokes, denoting his lan.

-  It's GREAT to meet you brats! I'm Inuzuka Daisetsu. Theese are Soramaru and Rikuchi  - he points to the dogs. -  Please, please, introduce yourselves to me and to your teammates. Tell me one thing you love, and one thing you hate. Man, I'm so loving this.

He clearly is more excited than normal for that, and he show almosts a child-like personality.


[User]
 You wake up to find yourself still asleep. Your body isn't your own. You've become one of the mind flayers you once worked for. What's going on?

You seem to be in a featureless, dark plane, but quickly you notice that you're standing on a hill. The hill is black, the valleys around are black, the horizon is black, and the dragon and rider that are barreling towards you are also black. Oh hell...

Your body reacts with speed that is not your own, but it's no use. Before you can act, mount and rider charge towards you.

The rider takes out of his blade and mutters an incantation: suddenly, the dragon looks even more terrifying than it did before. A second incantation attempts to strip away your life force, and as he draws his blade, you feel as though you're about to die. Then, his dragon crashes into you and starts ripping into you.

 Spoiler: OOC
First off, if you're not immune to death effects, please take a DC 267 fortitude save. Success indicates that you take  (3d6+25)[ 35 ]  damage instead of dying.
Second, take seven negative levels unless you're immune.
Third, take 105 points of bludg/slash/pierce damage and a DC 15 fortitude save against Red Ache, 69 points of slash, 70 bludgeon, 66 bludgeon, and finally 111 bludgeon.

If you survive, the dragon's floating 20 feet away from you.

[User]
 Magnus immediately drops dead at the overwhelming power of the attack. Despite his newfound powers, he stands absolutely no chance at all against a might orders of magnitude greater than his own. Although he has various degrees of resistance to many things, outright death is not one of them. Users of psionic abilities, he learns, do not have native abilities to resist such an attack. And his vows to remain in poverty do not replace the simple ability to resist such, that a fairly inexpensive magical item could easily provide. Magnus falls with a silent curse at fate, as his mind blackens farther than the scenery already provided for.

 Spoiler:
OOC: I have the VoP, so I couldn't purchase a Death Ward, and the spell isn't on either my spell list or my power list available. Something I had never noticed until now.


[User]
 You wake up to find yourself still asleep. Your body isn't your own. Or maybe it is, but it's utterly fused with your armour.

You seem to be in a featureless, dark plane, but quickly you notice that you're standing on a hill. The hill is black, the valleys around are black, the horizon is black, and the dragon and rider that are barreling towards you are also black. Oh hell...

Your body reacts with speed that is not your own, but it's no use. Before you can act, mount and rider charge towards you.

The rider takes out of his blade and mutters an incantation: suddenly, the dragon looks even more terrifying than it did before. A second incantation attempts to strip away your life force, and as he draws his blade, you feel as though you're about to die. Then, his dragon crashes into you and starts ripping into you.

 Spoiler: OOC
First off, if you're not immune to death effects, please take a DC 267 fortitude save. Success indicates that you take  (3d6+25)[ 32 ]  damage instead of dying.
Second, take seven negative levels unless you're immune.
Third, take 104 points of bludg/slash/pierce damage and a DC 15 fortitude save against Red Ache, 70 points of slash, 65 points of slash, 66 bludgeon, 71 bludgeon, and finally 113 bludgeon.

If you survive, the dragon's floating 20 feet away from you.

[User]
 "It's only a dream!" Cesar tells himself as a heads up display shows itself before his eyes. Even with the torn armour and mangled flesh he can see that the systems of combat are alive and ready to engage. "Combat systems?! What the hell kind of dream is this?"

Reflexes he has no idea existed in him spring into action and he hurls harpoon after harpoon at the beings in front of him.

 Spoiler

104+70+65+66+71+113=489
543-489=54

HP: 54/543

Fort save:  (1d20+36)[ 56 ]

 Spoiler: Attacks

Dragon
To Hit  (1d20+42)[ 48 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 50 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Rider
To Hit  (1d20+42)[ 48 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 58 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Dragon
To Hit  (1d20+37)[ 41 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 51 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Rider
To hit (1d20+37)[ 47 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 51 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Dragon
To Hit  (1d20+32)[ 39 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 52 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Rider
To Hit  (1d20+32)[ 43 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 58 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Dragon
To Hit  (1d20+27)[ 34 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 56 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Rider
To Hit  (1d20+27)[ 38 ]
To Hurt  (1d10+48)[ 54 ]
Wrathful Healing, Lucky, Fleshgrinding

Harpoon
If it deals damage, the harpoon lodges in an opponent who fails a Reflex saving throw (DC 10 + the damage dealt). A harpooned creature moves at only half speed and cannot charge or run.

Fleshgrinding
At the beginning of each round, each harpoon that struck deals damage to the tune of 1d10+48.
Pulling it out without a Heal check deals that damage again.

Wrathful Healing
Half of the damage dealt by the harpoon returns to Cesar in the form of positive energy healing.

 Spoiler: Traits of Note

 Permanently in effect: 10 Essentia Invested  Modified Attack +42
Chakra Bind (Hands): While wielding a melee soul weapon if you are attacked by a weapon (including natural weapons, soul weapons, and ranged attacks) you may attempt to block it as an immediate action. If you choose to use this ability, you must declare that you are using it after your enemy successfully hits but before the DM announces damage or effects of the attack. Make a melee attack roll (including any bonuses from essentia invested in the soul weapon). If your modified attack roll is higher then the enemy’s modified attack roll, the attack is negated. If your modified attack roll is 5 points higher then your enemy’s modified attack roll, then the attack is deflected against the enemy. Resolve the attack against the enemy’s AC as if the enemy had attacked themselves.

If you have 4 or more points of essentia invested into this soulmeld, you may also use this ability to block (and potentially reflect back) attacks made against you by ray spells and effects (such as Scorching Ray and Disintegrate), following the same rules for doing so stated above.

  Evasion and Mettle
 Eagle Eyes: The Marksman now threatens anyone within the first range increment of his weapon.
 Master Marksman (Ex): A peerless marksman possesses unrivaled skill with ranged weaponry. He or she gains the distant shot epic feat, even if he or she doesn’t meet its prerequisites. In addition, the peerless marksman doesn’t provoke attacks of opportunities when making ranged attacks. The peerless marksman can make attacks of opportunity when using ranged weaponry, threatening the area within one normal range increment with that weapon. Lastly, the peerless marksman adds twice his or her class level to the number of attacks of opportunity he or she can make each round and to damage rolls when making a ranged attack roll.  28 AoOs within 130'.

[User]
 The harpoons lobbed at the dragon bounce off its impossibly tough hide, but the ones that hit the rider find purchase. He scowls, and covers himself in power before lashing out with his sword.

 Spoiler: OOC
You gain 110 hit points.

Before I resolve the dragon's actions again, I'd like to confirm whether or not you have any good response to taking 7 hits dealing 77, 61, 47, 36, 36, 36, and 40 points of damage and disintegrating you on-hit, DC 271, each time? I'm gonna guess not, but you might have an immediate that can save you.

[User]
 Spoiler
 Nope. That'll do me in pretty well. Hahahaha!


[User]
 Welcome to the Black Mirror. It sits just south of the namesake of Crossroads Keep, south of Neverwinter.

The sign for the Inn is an ovular blackened mirror hanging above the door. With the post above it reading 'INN'.

The walls are made of flat stones, stacked and mortared, with plain wooden levels build atop the first floor.

(My first adventure beginning at an Inn.)

For whatever reason you ended up here, here you are. There is no unusual song, no strange feeling, no memory, only the fact that this is the only Inn near enough to reach before night falls with cold brutality.

It is nearing the end of winter, and the days are at their coldest, while the nights are sometimes punctuated by the sounds of trees bursting from the force of their frozen sap.

Lodgings are 4 Silvers, the morning meals included.
A bath costs 5 copper, (for other costs see PHB).

The Inn is never really empty as people stop for food, directions, or just to rest.
A stables sits alongside the Inn, with it's main doors opening onto the road in front.

[User]
 Well, a sight for sore eyes!

The muscular half-orc with his heavy flail at his side might be an intimidating sight for some, but his tone is friendly and casual as he address the barkeep.

 "Good evening. Lodging and supper, please, along with an ale. Say, does the black mirror mean something?"

[User]
 Matt

Matt walked in slightly exhausted from the long trek.He walked over to the bar and adressed the barkeep.  "Any rooms for sale? Been travling all day could use a good meal and a actual bed for the night. Also Got any venison?  He knew his tone was a bit stand offish but at the moment he was to tired to care. As he heard the half orc talk about a black mirrior he looked around wondering what the half orc was talking about. Mirriors reflected what could a black mirrior reflect except darkness?

[User]
 Ravi Paltra  slows his striding gait down the road, judging the setting sun too low to continue.  He turns aside to the Inn.

Inside, he stoops to enter the low room, and notices the barkeep engaged with a human and a half-orc.  He sits on a bench, twirling a gold coin in his fingers.

He glances at the black mirror and does a double-take. " Hnn, now there is a curiousity! "

[User] A halfling at the bar waves a half full tankard at the one asking questions,   "Been wondering that myself since I got here. I've heard some tales, not sure any of them are true. But its been here forever, so its probably harmless at least."

[User]
 Originally Posted by kinem
  Well, a sight for sore eyes!

The muscular half-orc with his heavy flail at his side might be an intimidating sight for some, but his tone is friendly and casual as he address the barkeep.

 "Good evening. Lodging and supper, please, along with an ale. Say, does the black mirror mean something?"

The bar tender gestures towards the wall opposite the steps up, across the dining area. "Have a look. See anything missing?"

The mirror, if it is a mirror and not a painting, depicts everything in the room, save for the people, and whatever may be upon their persons. Its image appears dim, as though reflected in shadows.

Chairs move, mugs appear and disappear from sight as people pick them up or set them down, as does the diningware as the barmaids move about placing orders or taking away empties. Its a regular ninja tea party (I think one of your characters is from the east?).

Even the large fireplace in the center of the room shows the flames dancing merrily, though the light they cast is blue.

[User] " I have seen palaces built by djinni on Jalmeray, and the ancient ruins of Absalom, but never have I seen such a wonder ," says Ravi.   He stands before the mirror, speaks in Samsaran and gestures smoothly, and turns invisible.

[User]
 Originally Posted by TheYell
 " I have seen palaces built by djinni on Jalmeray, and the ancient ruins of Absalom, but never have I seen such a wonder ," says Ravi.   He stands before the mirror, speaks in Samsaran and gestures smoothly, and turns invisible.

You turn invisible in front of an unknown magical device?
Are you sure you want to do that?

Yes, I will be asking this type of question very often, no, I'm not sorry.

[User]
 Hrm...I'm gonna say yes, find out what this thing does.

The alternative is to make somebody else invisible to test it, which would be evil, and making some object invisible, which I honestly didn't think of.

But I'm inclined to test it.

As for the reaction of the crowd, I'm a Rakshasa blooded sorcerer, if I tell them I'm harmless they have to fight to disbelieve it.

[User]
 To everyone else:  The man in front of the mirror disappears from sight after mumbling(?) something.

 To the foolhardy spellcaster:  You suddenly feel cold, and find yourself staring out into the dining area, including looking directly at yourself.

[User] Frix looks expectantly at the mirror as the spellcaster vanishes, unaware of the true impact he nonchalantly states,   "Welp, if you were hoping to be visible in the mirror, I don't think that worked out. I'm not sure poking at that thing is the safest idea anyways. I don't know much about magic, but what I do know says to stay away from anything of the sort associated with shadows."

[User] The bartender sighs. "Well, there's another room available. Some idiot always has to play with it."

[User]
 Matt
Matt looks at the strange mirror feeling uneasy it seemed like it would be a simple illusion spell to replicate the effect but something felt off. Just before he could speak the man disappeared leaving him with questions.
 The bartender sighs. "Well, there's another room available. Some idiot always has to play with it."

 "Wait, what do you mean? this thing eats people?!"  Matt just looks like he was told he was in the water with a shark and he was bleeding.  " What happened to him?"

[User]
 Though his skill with magic is limited, Motten tries to guess at what might have just happened.

 Spoiler: ooc
Spellcraft  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]
Knowledge (arcana)  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]

 "Casting a spell in an unknown situation could be foolish. But if anyone's to blame, barkeep, it's you for not warning us. If this is serious, don't expect to escape the consequences of your negligence."

[User]
 Ravi dismisses the Invisibility spell and glances around his location.  He takes a deep breath, to reassure himself that he can breathe in this place.

 Spoiler: question
can he hear the others?

[User]
 The man in question reappears where he was.
The bartender points. "It isn't my job to keep you mages from breaking the universe. And telling one is like telling a child not to go into the woods. Off they go."

 Spoiler: theyell
Yes you could hear them as though still standing in the room. Also, you have returned.

 Spoiler: kinem
You believe he cast Invisibility. Which would explain his disappearance.

The bartender looks at Matt. "No, near as anyone can tell, not that anyone has tried particularly hard... It reflects the place, but not the people. Something about... Coturminuous? I think the word was... Tran... Trans? Moving places. Like the spooky plane. The Ether or whatever its called. Where the ghosts live, but different."
He points at (kinem's character), "And as to you" he juts a thumb over his shoulder, where a board sits on the wall, it reads, 'Any magic performed in the dining area is done at your own risk. Anything valuable left out in the dining area is left at your own risk. Any tampering, staring at, or attempting to manipulate the mirror is done at your own risk.' "It isn't my fault no one ever reads the sign. If you're staying, that'll be four gold for the night, in my palm, the meal is 5 silver, and for threatening me, you can sleep in the barn."

[User]
 Motten tells the bartender

 ”Because you know that no one ever sees the poorly placed sign, it is your fault, for not pointing it out. Luckily, it seems that the mage made it back.

I didn’t threaten you. If I ever do, you will know the difference.

Why would I want to stay in this dump?

As for the food, it was spoiled. Rancid. I’m not paying for that.”

He pushes the plate away.

[User]
 " Please, thank you for your concern, friends ," says Ravi.  " I am Ravi Paltra, a professional player of various games of skill.  I am sorry  to cause any trouble with what I meant as a harmless test. "

He turns to the bartender and speaks in a soothing Silver Tongued voice, " I'm totally at fault here.  Please accept my apologies and a platinum coin as full payment for myself and my startled friend here.  He was so worried he forgot manners.  Please, it is the least I can do. "

[User]
 "That's fine and all, but he still gets the stables."
The man calmly takes the coin, and sticks in in his pocket. "Any trouble, from him, and he's out on his ear. I get being grumpy or whatever, but being downright rude, and hostile isn't something I will accept. It isn't as though Adventurers aren't a copper a dozen, I don't have any difficulties with business, and I don't have to put up with it."

The plate of food left behind vanishes, followed by the utensils. The barkeep stares at the spot a moment. "Well, at least the food won't go to waste."

[User]
 Matt
As Ravi reappears Matt sighs in relief "Good your not dead." Matt places the gold pieces in the bartenders hand and takes a seat ready to be served some food. He looks over at Ravi "You enjoy causing unnecessary panic? Don't go disappearing  on people like that thought you were dead or something "

[User] Motten says  "Ravi, hello. I'm Motten. Any idea what just happened to the dish?"

[User] The bartender points towards the mirror. "We have a theory, that maybe some of the people that have gone through the mirror are still over there. We leave food and other things out on occassion. They always disappear the same way the reflections come and go when people pick them up and set them down, like we're the ones in the mirror." He stops and glances at it. "I think three people.have come back since this Inn was built around it... Or so the last owner told me." He stares at Ravi, "Or is it four now?"

[User] The halfling pipes up again,   "Sounds like a pretty dangerous connection to just leave open like that if you ask me. Any reason this isn't in some wizard's study?"

[User] "Honestly? It can't be moved. I'm pretty sure someone has tried to close or lock it before... But hey, cleans the gene pool. So, whatever? I may not be the cleverest, but I'm not stupid or foolish enough to want to play with it."


[User]
 Why we’re here...

     Socializing figures stand tall beneath a canopy of planetary mobiles. Each of the globes shows tiny creatures and places, teeming with activity in some spots and blissfully still in others.

     The figures chatter quietly with each other in this seeming void of space, bordered by a blackness that they stay away from. In the center, a somewhat short knight clad in rose colored armor (seemingly formed from gigantic, whole pieces of ruby) looks straight forward at nothing in particular. He holds a shield and sword of similar substance to his armor, and remains deathly still.

     Beside him, as an equal, stands a slightly taller individual garbed in a red-trimmed black trench coat with black gloves cutting off at the wrist and thick black boots. In counterpoint to the knight, this caster fidgets, pulling at the cutoffs of his gloves, folding and then flipping open the cuffs of his sleeves, and keeping an obviously irritated attitude.

     After a few days, a shimmering white oval appears in the air between the pair. Through it steps a figure similar in adornment to the knight, though decked out with white diamond rather than red ruby. His height and width are average on first glance, though underneath the translucent armor there is defined muscle and a lithe, willowy grace; his sheer presence is godlike, and not held back in the slightest. The quiet chatter of the other figures draws reverently to a pure silence.

     The caster rolls his eyes at the lateness of the new arrival. The knight tilts his head and taps his foot, finally showing a hint of aware thought — also annoyed.

     The new arrival lets go of his sword and shield, letting them float in open air, spinning in place. He drops his arms to his sides. “Welcome. I’m afraid the magic show will be postponed. In the meantime, I have news. Slightly more than a dozen worlds have been recently removed to prevent further corrosion. Pawns numbered high in these realms, but we are lucky to have almost a dozen new prospective movers and shakers. You will all adjust things in the outer worlds to fit them into their new homes. They are currently in astral stasis. I need a volunteer team.”

     Immediately, a dark elf with short, bright white hair steps forward from the crowd. Black, twisted metal is fused to his skin in place of armor, and certain parts of it growl like a mechanical beast. Reluctantly, a dark-haired human with fanciful noble’s clothing drags a scaled, furred, winged and clawed creature behind him. The human is barefoot, and the ends of his pants are shredded. Chewing on them is the sleepy creature with a collar to which the human holds the chain. The monster is humanoid in form, with patches of shaggy fur and scales, and a kind of stupid (in a cute way) expression permanently etched to its face. Several other people who’d begun stepping forward decided against it, and stepped even further back into the crowd.

     The diamond-armored person speaks again. “Make sure they can handle the cosmic virus before the last time we met. I’ll handle any paradoxes that develop.”

[User]
 One moment you’re busy with the life you know, the next...

 You’re on your butt in an open field, feeling grassy dirt and wilted leaves beneath you. Autumn scents hang thick in the air. The sky is a beautiful mix of green and orange gases, though none seems to linger to the troposphere. Around you, you notice others stirring, and you feel an inexplicable sense of comraderie towards them. Dull, yet palpable, the feeling you have tells you they are to be trusted. The horizon stretches out endlessly. You’re lost together

[User]
 standing up looking about wondering what may have just occurred, noticing the others nearby, Fern scans the horizon in effort to see what is about and attempt to gain her bearings on direction.
Survival  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] ,  Perception  (1d20+17)[ 25 ]

[User] Faux Paw stands up getting to his feet, as he dusts off his hat and slips it back onto his head.  "Well.. "  he mutters, scanning the world

[User] Erene awakens to a brilliant sky, one filled with life and potential.  Very much unlike that which she was use to.  Her gaze stayed transfixed on it for a brief time, contemplating what is and what could have been before the strange sensations over take her.   Slowly but surely she arose, taking in the surrounds.   She cast a quick glance at her new found companions seeing them in the same predicament.

[User]
 "You all might be wondering why I called you here today. I assure you it was not I however, but something that had been performed by an entirely different force. For the moment however it would seem we are all this predicament and therefor it it is only just that we hurry a few things along in order to get past a few trifling conditions in which any random group of people suddenly find themselves within the same room with little to no relocation of the circumstances in which had led up to such a situation.

I am Faux Paw, Master Gentleman Thief. First no, I'm not a common bugler. As a gentleman thief we have particular standards in which we follow. "  he puts his hand up extending his finger to the sky.  "First, to address the common concern, I have no interest in your possessions. Have a particular feeling that even beyond my lack of interest that we may be needing to work together in order to achieve some goal that none of us can theoretically accomplish alone. "

The foxfolk stood, looking to the others as his tail swished, adjusting his suit with a bit of a nervous tick. It was more to make sure his devices where available to him carefully hidden in different parts of his outfit.


[User]
 Sheets
 Gorshakt the Barbarian
 Lucan the Fighter/Hexblade
 Sister Rosetta the Monk
 Tennosh the Wizard

 Spoiler: Storm Giant Lord

Huge giant, chaotic good
Armor Class 16 (Scale Mail)
Hit Points 330
Speed 50 ft., swim 50 ft.
STR 29 (+9)
DEX 14 (+2)
CON 20 (+5)
INT 16 (+3)
WIS 18 (+4)
CHA 18 (+4)

Saving Throws Str +14, Con +10, Wis +9, Cha +9

Skills Arcana +8, Athletics +14, History +8, Perception +9

Damage Resistance Cold
Damage Immunities Lightning, Thunder

Senses passive Perception 19
Languages Common, Giant

Amphibious. The giant can breathe air and water.
Innate Spellcasting. The giant's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: detect magic, feather fall, levitate, light

3/day each: control weather, water breathing
Actions

Multiattack. The giant makes two greatsword attacks.
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: (6d6 + 9) slashing damage.

Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: (4d12 + 9) bludgeoning damage.

Lightning Strike (Recharge 5-6). The giant hurls a magical lightning bolt at a point it can see within 500 feet of it. Each creature within 10 feet of that point must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

He has no greatsword but can wield a length of broken
chain as a melee weapon, making two attacks with it
as an action on his turn. Each chain attack has a +14
bonus to hit, has a reach of 15 feet, and deals 19 (3d6
+ 9) bludgeoning damage on a hit.

He has no rocks to hurl but can pick up a shipboard
ballista and use it like a heavy crossbow. The ballista
gains the heavy, loading, and two-weapon properties
when used in this way (see the "Weapon Properties"
section in chapter 5 of the Player's Handbook). The
weapon retains its range, attack modifier, and damage
(see the "Siege Equipment" section in chapter 8 of the
Dungeon Master's Guide).

 Spoiler: Merrow

Merrow
Large monstrosity, chaotic evil
Armor Class 13 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 45 (6d10+12)
Speed 10 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR
18 (+4)  DEX
10 (+0) CON
15 (+2)  INT
8 (-1) WIS
10 (+0)  CHA
9 (-1)
Senses Darkvision 60 Ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Abyssal, Aquan
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Amphibious. The merrow can breathe air and water.
Actions
Multiattack. The merrow makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws or harpoon.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (2d4 + 4) slashing damage.
Harpoon. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Harpoon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

 Spoiler: Crew

Cultist
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
Armor Class 12 (Leather Armor)
Hit Points 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR
11 (+0)  DEX
12 (+1) CON
10 (+0)  INT
10 (+0) WIS
11 (+0)  CHA
10 (+0)
Skills Deception +2, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Any One Language (Usually Common)
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Dark Devotion. The cultist has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
Actions
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: (1d6 + 1) slashing damage.

 Spoiler: First Mate

Assassin
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
Armor Class 15 (Studded Leather)
Hit Points 78 (12d8+24)
Speed 30 ft.
STR
11 (+0)  DEX
16 (+3) CON
14 (+2)  INT
13 (+1) WIS
11 (+0)  CHA
10 (+0)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Int +4
Skills Acrobatics +6, Deception +3, Perception +3, Stealth +9
Damage Resistance Poison
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Thieves' Cant Plus Any Two Languages
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Assassinate. During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn. Any hit the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit.
Evasion. If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The assassin deals an extra 13 (4d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 ft. of an ally of the assassin that isn't incapacitated and the assassin doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Actions
Multiattack. The assassin makes two shortsword attacks.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus (7d6)poison damage. The target must make a dc on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus (7d6)poison damage. The target must make a dc on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one

 Spoiler: Harry Potter

Archmage
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 12 (15 With Mage Armor)
Hit Points 99 (18d8+18)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 10 (+0)
DEX 14 (+2)
CON 12 (+1)
INT 20 (+5)
WIS 15 (+2)
CHA 16 (+3)

Saving Throws Int +9, Wis +6
Skills Arcana +13, History +13

Damage Resistance Damage From Spells; Non Magical Bludgeoning, Piercing, And Slashing (From Stoneskin)
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Any Six Languages
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Magic Resistance. The archmage has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Spellcasting. The archmage is an 18th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks). The archmage can cast disguise self and invisibility at will and has the following wizard spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation, shocking grasp
• 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor*, magic missile
• 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step
• 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell,fly, lightning bolt
• 4th level (3 slots): banishment, fire shield, stoneskin
• 5th level (3 slots): cone of cold, scrying, wall of force
• 6th level (1 slot): globe of invulnerability
• 7th level (1 slot): teleport
• 8th level (1 slot): mind blank
• 9th level (1 slot): time stop
* The archmage casts these spells on itself before combat.

Actions

Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Dagger. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

 Spoiler: Cthulhu

Kraken
Gargantuan monstrosity (titan), chaotic evil
Armor Class 18 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 472 (27d20+189)
Speed 20 ft., swim 60 ft.

STR 30 (+10)
DEX 11 (+0)
CON 25 (+7)
INT 22 (+6)
WIS 18 (+4)
CHA 20 (+5)

Saving Throws Str +17, Dex +7, Con +14, Int +13, Wis +11

Damage Immunities Lightning; Bludgeoning, Piercing, And Slashing From Nonmagical Weapons
Condition Immunities Frightened, Paralyzed

Senses Truesight 120 Ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Understands Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, And Primordial But Can't Speak, Telepathy 120 Ft.

Amphibious. The kraken can breathe air and water.

Freedom of Movement. The kraken ignores difficult terrain, and magical effects can't reduce its speed or cause it to be restrained. It can spend 5 feet of movement to escape from nonmagical restraints or being grappled.

Siege Monster. The kraken deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions
Multiattack. The kraken makes three tentacle attacks, each of which it can replace with one use of Fling.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (3d8 + 10) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature grappled by the kraken, that creature is swallowed, and the grapple ends. While swallowed, the creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the kraken, and it takes 42 (12d6) acid damage at the start of each of the kraken's turns. If the kraken takes 50 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the kraken must succeed on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a space within 10 feet of the kraken. If the kraken dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 15 feet of movement, exiting prone

Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: (3d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage. The target is grappled (escape dc 18) Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained. The kraken has ten tentacles, each of which can grapple one target

Fling. One Large or smaller object held or creature grappled by the kraken is thrown up to 60 feet in a random direction and knocked prone. If a thrown target strikes a solid surface, the target takes 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage for every 10 feet it was thrown. If the target is thrown at another creature, that creature must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or take the same damage and be knocked prone.

Lightning Storm. The kraken magically creates three bolts of lightning, each of which can strike a target the kraken can see within 120 feet of it. A target must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Legendary Actions
Kraken can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Kraken regains spent legendary actions at the start of their turn.

Tentacle Attack or Fling.The kraken makes one tentacle attack or uses its Fling.

Lightning Storm (Costs 2 Actions).The kraken uses Lightning Storm.

Ink Cloud (Costs 3 Actions).While underwater, the kraken expels an ink cloud in a 60-foot radius. The cloud spreads around corners, and that area is heavily obscured to creatures other than the kraken. Each creature other than the kraken that ends its turn there must succeed on a DC 23 Constitution saving throw, taking 16 (3d10) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A strong current disperses the cloud, which otherwise disappears at the end of the kraken's next turn.

Challenge rating of 25 (75,000 XP).

It gains the Legendary Resistance and Spellcasting
features described below, and it casts foresight on
itself before it attacks.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Spellcasting:

20th-level spellcaster. Its spell*casting ability is lntelligence (spell save DC 22; + 14 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following wizard spells prepared:

1st level (4 slots): comprehend languages, detect magic, identify, sleep
2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, detect thoughts,
suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): fly, nondetection, sending
4th level (3 slots): arcane eye, ice storm, locate creature
5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying, telekinesis
6th level (2 slots): chain lightning, flesh to stone, mass suggestion
7th level (2 slots): delayed blast fireball, sequester, teleport
8th level (1 slot): control weather, feeblemind
9th level (1 slot):foresight, power word kill