Ulkas, the Horned Demon (Sarrak)
This was… Bad. With his theories reaffirmed, Ulkas did not have enough time to think about possibilities.
(Astrosa. Fire Collapser as we fly. Liel, we go towards unstable one.)
While he could not quite get a hang on their enemy abilities, messing with it further was -hopefully- within his reach.
Mess with Mad Core mind, optimally supplying it false information. Try translocating before its spell reaches completion. Gather illusions into three rough clusters, so we would have a visual screen for ourselves and two decoy targets.
If Core changes the spell mid-way - react accordingly.
If translocation fails or takes more time - concentrate on Violent Mana Absorbtion & messing with Core mindscape to lessen the effects.
Gone was the chimeric abomination of chrome and metal, replaced by an immaculate battle form that mere mortals would have worshipped as a god of war. The structural integration, the mind architecture, all finely crafted according to an ancient and precise design. A glimpse of perfection, of an assimilated harmony that was incomplete still. But oh so close to that glimpse...
This was your enemy.
[Astrosa: Xatares Collapser]
Core Stage: 8
Astrosa: Arma Support (+4)
Attack Level: +6AL (Stage 8 target)
Core CON: 5
> Situation: None
> Other: Soulstable Shell (+4AR)
Att Diff: 3
Final AL: 6
Astrosa Attack Roll (1d26): [17]
Core Defense Roll (1d20): [6]
[Attack Successful]
Damage (2d8): [13]
Flavor: [2] -No Additional Effect-
Astrosa fired the Collapser. You felt a low drone in your soul, and then a resonating echo emanating from the Rogue Core. A piece of immaculate shell shattered under the strain of its own harmony.
(...)
You were confident that you could react to the incoming spell with one action of your own. A forced translocation, or a mind disruption. But what if you could attempt both?...
[Extreme Analysis + Mind Separation]
Hard 14: [14]
Outcome: [1] -Success-
Remembering Ambition, you attempted in the heat of battle to try your hand at parallel casting. Time seemed to slow for you. You quickly reallocated all necessary mental resources to Mind Disruption, then shaved off the excess senses and functions of your body to get the necessary mental and magical power to simultaneously cast a Translocation spell.
Mind Disruption: False Information (Advanced)
Ulkas Casting: [Advanced] Mental Techniques
-4MP
INT 7 vs INT 5
Ulkas Bonus: Crown of Command+Mind Field+Extreme Analysis (+12)
Core Bonus: True Eye+Outer Mind Carapace (+8)
Ulkas (1d24): [23]+12=35
Core (1d20): [6]+8=13
You overwhelmed the Rogue Core with a barrage of redundant mental information within which were hidden countless thought parasites, while deflecting the counter-disruption of the Core. Each action felt like a stake of strain in your mind. You had no time to think. You forgot how to think. Instinct. The sum of your experiences. Good. Target still retaliating within acceptable mental parameters. Mental vista stable. Strain level: dangerous. Initiating second phase.
Translocation (Advanced)
Ulkas Casting: [Advanced] Innate Translocation Magic
-8MP
POW 1 vs RES 5
Ulkas Bonus: Advanced Magic (+5)
Core Bonus: Ancient Magic+Soulstable Shell (+10)
Core Malus: Mind Disruption (-6)
Ulkas (1d12): [10]+5=15
Core (1d20): [6]+4=10
Incoming Counter Casting. Sequences Unknown. Overwhelm risk: very high. Executing Decoy Spell Sequences....... Unexpected success. Executing Translocation-
"Translocation... successful. Exploiting node instability to prevent tracing..."STRAINSTRAINSTRAIN: [2]
The sound of mindglass shattering. M-mental vista uns-table. Pain threshold exceeded. Confusion. Forcefully resetting mental vista-
You lost consciousness.
(...)
You woke up. After feeling your breath, you felt bodily warmth on your cheek, and on your arm. You opened your eyes, and wanted to say something.
"Shh. Rest for now. We are safe."Astrosa was sitting on a mound of corpses and armours, having fashioned a makeshift throne for herself. Your head was resting on her lap, and her hand on your arm. Calming. The Blood Gown had extended into a warm and soft sheet protecting you from the elements.
Current Location: -Dead Sea of Nepkeros (West from Nepkeros) -- Barren Lone Island --- Unknown Location???
Nearby creatures:- Ersenas, Rogue Core
[HP 99/99 MP 95/99 STR 3+4 CON 2+3 POW 4+4 RES 2+3 INT 4+1 IND 2+2]
[A Control Core gone rogue after aeons of isolation. It has assimilated the security automatons of its own facility, forging for itself a bew body of ancient steel. It hovers above the ground, undisturbed by its lack of legs. It has four arms, a massive pair with impossibly flexible joints which end in massive clawed fists, and a smaller pair below with hands made of countless threads of metal that moves with precise dexterity. Only itself knows how long it has been perfecting its current form.]
HP: 39/39
MP: 43/63
Essence: 0/750
Attributes: [Final] (Base+Training)
STR 0
CON [1] (0+1)
POW 1
RES 0
INT 7
IND 2
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
-Advanced Mental Protection (Communication with Astrosa and Liel)
-Extreme Analysis: Strong Advantage
-Mind Separation:
Traits:
Demonic Ancestry [Innate]
Poisoned Claws -paralyzing venom- [Natural Weapon +3 AL / 2 vs CON]: Inflicts Paralysis.
Stinger -corrosive acid- [Natural Weapon +3 AL / 2 vs CON]: Inflicts Corrosion.
Advanced Levitation [Innate]
Expansive Mind [Advanced/Innate]
Life Burn [Innate]
Regeneration [Innate/Active]
Mana Regeneration [Innate/Active]
Born Tactician [Innate]
Silver Tongue [Innate]
Hardened Mind [Innate]
Overpowering Mind [Innate]
Highly Developed Brain [Innate]
Mind Targeting [Intermediate/Combat]
Self-Control [Innate]
Empathy [Innate]
Skills:
Extreme Analysis [Combat Active]
Mana Manipulation [Intermediate Skill]
> Violent Mana Absorption [POW vs RES]: absorb MP from other spellcasters.
> Mana Overcharging [Active]: double MP cost to gain a bonus to a spell.
Soul Tinkering [Basic Skill]
Mental Techniques [Advanced Skill]
> Mind Separation [Passive]
> Advanced Mind Field [INT]: Strong Advantage in mental combat.
> Total Control [Passive]: Bonus to mental manipulation.
[Advanced] Innate Translocation Magic
[Advanced] Innate Illusion Magic
[Advanced] Innate Warp Magic
> Warp Rift Creation [Advanced]
Gear:
-Crown of Command [Mental Attacks: +2AL / +4 to Hit / +4AR]: an ancient relic used in the wars of the Yarems, prior to the creation of Typhidna. Grants near absolute mental protection, and enhances the power of mental attacks.
-Xatares Adaptative Suit [Spell Cost Reduction]: a relic suit tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Improve energy and mana expenses, slightly reducing the cost of spells.
-Xatares Mining Armor [+3 Armor]: a relic armor tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Once used in dangerous mining works, it provides exceptionnal protection from physical and magical harm.
-Xatares Shielding Device (Glove) [Combat Active +1 Armor]: a relic device worn like a glove. Activate to project a spherical forcefield that repulses incoming attacks.
Inventory:
[Gear]
-Xatares Shatterer [STR5 vs Target's Stage / AL5 / AL decreases by 1 per Target's Stage above 2]: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Shatter the target by mean of soul disruption, increasing its effectiveness against targets of lower stages. 3 daily charges.
-Xatares Collapser [Target's Stage vs CON / AL0 / AL increases by 1 per Target's Stage above 2]: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Crush the target by mean of soul resonance, increasing its effectiveness against targets of higher stages. 3 daily charges.
[Miscellaneous]
-Ashafan Journal about the Taes ruins.
Contents: partial map of the early levels of the Taes complex. Expedition log.
Known Locations:
-Fordania
> Elon Woods
-Neodaemonium, the Underworld of Demons
-Lost Kingdom of Valern
-Copper Desert
> Xatares, Levemite Mining Complex
-Kingdom of Ashafan
-Marandars the Savage Land
> Sateris-Aline, Levemite High-Observation Research Complex
> Sateris-Zeos, Levemite Beyonder-Monitoring Secret Research Complex
-Nepkeros the Deadland
> Endorfos, Levemite Medical Complex
> Unknown Island
>> Unknown Levemite Facility
Knowledge:
-under construction-
Companion: Astrosa
HP: 63/63
MP: 39/39
Essence: 700/750
Attributes: [Final] (Base+Training+[Bonus])
STR 6
CON 2
POW 0
RES [2] (0+[2])
INT [1] (0+1)
IND 3
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
Gear:
-Unknown Arma [Adjusting: +2AL]: a living weapon of the ancient world, an Arma. Made to bond with its wielder, it is said wielder and weapon are fated to meet. Enhance and complement the innate abilities of their wielder by adapating to them.
-Xatares Adaptative Suit [Spell Cost Reduction]: a relic suit tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Improve energy and mana expenses, slightly reducing the cost of spells.
-Xatares Mining Armor [+3 Armor]: a relic armor tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Once used in dangerous mining works, it provides exceptionnal protection from physical and magical harm.
-Xatares Shielding Device (Glove) [Combat Active +1 Armor]: a relic device worn like a glove. Activate to project a spherical forcefield that repulses incoming attacks.
-Electrum Bracelet of Magical Protection [+2 Res]: an electrum bracelet that increases magical resistance.
Inventory:
[Gear]
-Xatares Shatterer [STR5 vs Target's Stage / AL5 / AL decreases by 1 per Target's Stage above 2]: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Shatter the target by mean of soul disruption, increasing its effectiveness against targets of lower stages. 3 daily charges.
-Xatares Collapser [Target's Stage vs CON / AL0 / AL increases by 1 per Target's Stage above 2]: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Crush the target by mean of soul resonance, increasing its effectiveness against targets of higher stages. 3 daily charges.
Companion: Liel
-Data still pending-
Status:
-Worn [Special]
-Fine
Eximius Res, the Rusty Ring (Hawk132)
"Hrm... Let's put them down one by one."
Have Prias split into two of him with an Illusion and attempt to draw away one of the Ogres into trying to deal with it for as long as possible while we try to take down the other.
Let's kick it off with a Mana Slash.
Prias quickly shared the plan with the rest of the group. They accepted it without hesitating, assuming a battle formation to focus on a single Ogre.
Casting: Illusion [Innate Basic] -2MPDistract Ogre:
Easy 6: [9]
Outcome: [3] -Critical Success-
You generated an illusion of Prias using your innate magic, leading one of the Ogres away from the other. Your distraction even caused the second Ogre to forget about you for a moment, which the entire group took as an opportunity to gang up on him.
[Prias: Mana Slash]
-5MP[Werbald: Monster-Killing Strike (Greatsword)]
[Malmey: Flash (Intermediate Arcane)]
-4MP[Caromash: Trueshot (Composite Bow)]
[Shavrine: Double Slash (Saber)]
Prias STR: 3
> Skill: Ancient Combat Techniques (4)
> Situation: None
> Other: Manaburn Slash (+6AL) Deadsteel (+3AL)
Werbald STR: 3
> Skill: Fordanian Swordsmanship (4) Monster-Killing Strike (-2)
> Situation: None
> Other: Monster-Killing Strike (+4AL) Greatsword (+2AL)
Malmey POW: 3
> Skill: Intermediate Arcane (4)
> Situation: None
> Other: Flash (+2AL)
Caromash STR: 2
> Skill: Skilled Bowman (4) Trueshot (4)
> Situation: None
> Other: Trueshot (+2AL) Composite Bow (+1AL)
Shavrine STR: 2
> Skill: Expert Duelist (5) Double Slash (1)
> Situation: None
> Other: Double Slash (+4AL) Saber (+1AL)
Ogre CON: 2
Ogre RES: 1
> Skill: None
> Situation: Distracted (-2)
> Other: None
CON Defence Die: 1d14
RES Defence Die: 1d12
Prias Attack Die: 1d16
Prias Attack Level: 10=1+9
Attribute Difference (STR vs RES): 2
Prias Final Attack Level: 12=10+2 (4d12)
Werbald Attack Die: 1d16
Werbald Attack Level: 7=1+6
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): 1
Werbald Final Attack Level: 8=7+1 (3d8)
Malmey Attack Die: 1d16
Malmey Attack Level: 3=1+2
Attribute Difference (POW vs RES): 2
Malmey Final Attack Level: 5=3+2 (2d6)
Caromash Attack Die: 1d14
Caromash Attack Level: 4=1+3
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): 0
Caromash Final Attack Level: 4=4+0 (2d4)
Shavrine Attack Die: 1d14
Shavrine Attack Level: 6=1+5
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): 0
Shavrine Final Attack Level: 6=6+0 (2d8)
Prias Attack Roll: 12=[9]+4
Werbald Attack Roll: 16=[14]+2
Malmey Attack Roll: 20=[16]+4
Caromash Attack Roll: 13=[5]+8
Shavrine Attack Roll: 12=[6]+6
Defender CON Roll: 0=[2]-2
Defender RES Roll: 1=[3]-2
[Successful Attacks]
GM: can I just call instant death now?Damage 4d12+3d8+2d6+2d4+2d8: 26+20+7+5+5=63
The party insta-gibbed the OgreThe was the first time Prias had fought along with others since he had become your wielder. The group moved in perfect unison, taking a position around the distracted Ogre without disturbing the space of their teammates. An arrow flew from Caromash's bow, landing in the side of the Ogre. As soon as it turned, a blinding and burning flash of light exploded in front of its eyes, and four simultaneous slashes cut it into pieces.
Now isolated, the remaining Ogre was dispatched as quickly as the first one was.
10 Lesser EssenceGM: that was an interesting test...Current Location: Nepkeros Eastern Deadland -- Deadland
Nearby Creatures:Monsters [Enemies]
- Ashen Ogre#1 [Dead]
5 Lesser Essence- Ashen Ogre#2 [Dead]
5 Lesser Essence Adventurer Party [Allies]
-
Werbald the Squire
-
Malmey the Mage
-
Caromash the Scout
-
Shavrine the Ranger
HP: 29/29
MP: 29/29
Essence: 25/120
Attributes:
STR 3
CON 3
POW 1
RES 1
INT -1
IND -1
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
Traits:
Bonded Weapon [Innate]
Nepkeros Deadsteel [+3AR]
Of Ambition [Innate]
Of Vigilance [Innate]
Of Protection [Innate]
Of Erudition [Innate]
Regenerating [Innate]
Inventory <Bag> [Innate]
Slaying [Innate/Combat]
Hawk-Eyed [Innate]
Armament Integration and Adaptation [Innate / Variable AL]
Magic Focus [Medium Advantage to Host spellcasting]
Of Warding [+1AR vs Magic Attacks]
Skills:
Limiter Release [Combat Active]
Blink [Innate Basic Magic]
Illusion [Innate Basic Magic]
Intermediate Mana Manipulation [Innate Intermediate Magic]
> Mana Shield [+1 Armor / Innate Basic Magic]
> Mana Wave [+2 Attack Level / Innate Basic Magic]
> Mana Burn [Innate Basic Magic]: Inflict Medium disadvantage to magic on hit.
> Mana Burn Wave [+2 Attack Level / Innate Intermediate Magic]: Mana Wave + Mana Burn
> Mana Slash [+6AL / Innate Intermediate Magic / 5MP]
> Manaburn Slash [+6AL / Innate Intermediate Magic / 6MP][/color]
Regeneration Overdrive [Innate Intermediate Magic]
Sever / Crush [+4 Attack Level]
Elemental Aspect [Innate Intermediate Magic / 2MP]
Mana Drain [+2 AL / STR vs RES for effect / half damage drained, excess ignited as damage]
Doppelganger [Innate Intermediate Magic / Illusion / 6MP]
Known Locations:
-Avercan, Frontier Town of Nepkeros
-Safara, small town-village of Prias
Knowledge:
Host: Prias, Human Hero of Safara
HP: 20/20
MP: 20/20
Attributes: [Final] (Base{Modified}+Training+[Bonus])
STR [3] (1{3}+1)
CON [3] (1{3}+1)
POW [2] (1{1}+1)
RES [2] (1{1}+1)
INT 1
IND 3
Status:
-Healthy: No bonus or malus
-Bonded [To Eximius]: set the base Attribute to the highest of either Eximius or Prias.
-Of Vigilance [From Eximius]
-Of Protection [From Eximius]
-Of Erudition [From Eximius]
Gear:
-Monstrous Leather Armor Set [+1 Armor]
-Healing Amulet [Increase recovery / Active Healing Spell / Spent]
Inventory:
(Consummables)
- Trapping Gear (x3): can be used to set a crafty trap, with effects varying depending on the type of trap.
- Quality Recovery Potion (x2): potent potions containing an incredibly pungent red liquid crafted using the organs of monsters slain by Prias and Eximius. Recover up to 20HP on a use.
- Strength Pill (x1): white pill crafted via alchemy using the bones and fangs of monsters slain by Prias and Eximius. Temporarily increases strength by 2, but cannot exceed 5.
(Misc)
Traits:
-Awakening Hero [Innate]
-Deadland Survivor [Innate]
Skills:
-Ancient Combat Techniques [Intermediate Skill]
-Experienced Hunter [Intermediate Skill]
-Intermediate Arcane Magic [Intermediate Arcane Magic]
> Lesser Flame [Basic Arcane Magic]
> Flame [Intermediate Arcane Magic]
> Arcane Shot [Basic Arcane Magic]
> Arcane Shot+ [Intermediate Arcane Magic]
-Accelerated Flow [Combat Skill]: at the cost of stamina and/or HP, the user can move at incredible speeds for extended periods of time.
Notes:
-Prias Ambition: Save Nepkeros, the ruined kingdom
-Investigated Prias "restraints"
-Known Villagers:
Veras: the village's mage
Sandra, Septor, Iseis: Prias's close friends
Eten, Luaros: villagers on townwatch
Kori, the Elemental Spirit of Ice - (TricMagic)
Minor Timeskip: [4]
The day passed, weighed by a lingering tension in the air. It is now night, and the dawn will eventually come.
Suro has gathered his allies at a great ice flower field. Did the other pretenders also do the same to prepare for tomorrow's battle? Or was it an eccentricity of this spirit, and of some remnants of its past life?
"Tomorrow's dawn will see the mountain change. All of you came with your own reasons. Yet does it matter? Thank you for fighting alongside my selfishness. I know we may part once it is all done, becoming strangers once more, enemies even. No matter, my gratitude will remain. May we succeed, and achieve our selfish wishes."Current Location: Iron Ridge - The Frozen Summits -- Frost Tree Woods
Nearby Creatures:-Allies of Suro
> Niveris, Spirit of Frozen River
> Hari the Snow Spirit
> Scar and Frostbite the Husks
> Eyeless and Half-Maw the Undead Wolves
> Crooked, Gut-Hole, Coldfur, and Rotscale the Undead Beasts.
> Hooves the Undead Centaur Beast
> Four Wings the Undead Winged Beast
> F'nelshee the Wraith
> Folphyr the Spirit of Northern Wind
> Hari the Spirit of Snow
> Karorai the Mountain Spirit.
> ... and a lot more.
HP: 14/14
MP: 20/20
Essence: 0/10
Attributes: [Final] (Base+Training+[Bonus])
STR 0
CON 0
POW [3] (0+1+[2])
RES [2] (0+[2])
INT 1
IND 1
Status:
-Nature Spirit [From Trait]: POW and RES increased by 2.
Traits:
[FF]Nature Spirit+ (Ice) [Innate / Active&Passive]
Innate Ice Resistance [Innate / +1 AR against Ice attacks]
Mana Attunement [Innate / Passive]
> One of Mana [Innate / Active]
Skills:
Cold Mist [Counter / +1 AL / +1 to Hit]
Natural Force [Innate Basic Magic: 2MP for 1HP]
[Intermediate] Innate Ice Magic
> Antarctic Wind [Basic: +1 AL / 1MP]
> Arctic Wind [Intermediate: +3 AL / 4MP]
> "Ice Pebble" [Basic: +1 AL / +2 to Hit / 1MP]
> Arctic Spear [Intermediate: +4 AL / +2 to Hit / 6MP]
> Snowstorm [Intermediate: 2MP base / +1MP per turn / Light Disadvantage]
Known Locations:
- Iron Ridge
> Frozen Summits
>> Frost Trees Grove
>> Ice Flower Fields
>> Ice Crystal Tree's Hill
Knowledge:
[Situation] A struggle between four monsters is occuring for dominion of the Frozen Summits
[Character] Suro the Ice Sword Spirit: challenger
[Character] The White Fang: old master of the Frozen Summits
[Character] The White Golem: challenger
[Character] The Broken Fang from the South: challenger