Chapter 332 The Second Legendary Favor
Shadow Valley, Old Skull Tavern.
When Brian opened his eyes, it was already early morning the next day.
The morning light outside the window is soft and warm, spreading on the floor through the wooden windows, bringing a comfortable and lazy atmosphere.
“Huh…”
Brian took a deep breath, closed the Book of Forgotten beside him, and put it away again.
Last night, after leaving Shiron's manor, he rushed directly to Crag Castle where the Zhentarim were stationed, trying to destroy the portal hidden inside and rescue Azara who was imprisoned.
However, the defense of the castle was tighter than he imagined. Unsure that he would be able to sneak into the castle quietly, in order to prevent an accident from happening, he finally returned to the Old Skull Tavern and The Harper scout who found the tavern learned a lot about the Zhentarim in great detail.
The Zhentarim, another name often used is: Dark Trading Network.
It was Bann's elector Manson who developed this secret society on the basis of being independent of the political structure of Zhentil Fort. As Manzon's political power in Zhentil Keep became more consolidated and unified, the Zhentarim's influence on the mainland also began to strengthen.
The Dark Trade Network, nominally speaking, claims to be a group of merchants trying to establish trade between the Moon Sea and the western region.
But most people who look at them know what they are:
The army of Zhentil Keep, the most famous tyrant of the Church of Bane, Fuzor Cheber Rui's men.
During the long period of time since the establishment of the Zhentarim, the Dark Trading Network has provoked countless riots and suffered countless failures as a result. But this is largely due to unfavorable external conditions.
For example, the death of Bane in the Year of Turmoil, Cyric, the God of Murder, personally ordered his followers to destroy Zhentil Keep, and the 'Manshon Clone War' that greatly weakened their leader's power.
However, the Dark Trading Network still persevered despite these setbacks.
Today, they are under the absolute control of the most famous tyrant of the Moon Sea, another elector of Bane, Fuzor Cherbery.
The Black Hope Legion directly accepts the orders of the Lord of Zhentil Keep and the supreme commander of the Zhentarim, Seluer himself.
Fuzor ordered Selur to destroy Myth Drannor on Cormanthor so that his authority could enter Dagger Valley, Shadow Valley, and Misty Valley, until he could control the entire Moon Sea coast.
In this battle that later became known as the Cormanthor War, the Black Hope Legion and the forces of the Jarl and Ozkwen clans, disguised as dark elf families, jointly fought against the newly formed forces from The army of the Elven Expeditionary Force on Evermeet Island.
During the early months of the Cormanthor War, the Black Hope Legion of the Dark Trade Network engaged in skirmishes in the forests surrounding Myth Drannor and built fortifications on the Moon Coast south of Far Mountain City.
In the midst of the Lost Lady's plan against the Goddess of Magic, the leader of the Black Hope Legion, Seluer, returned to Zhentil Castle to recruit more troops. Fu Zuoer told her that he and the Shar Church and News of the Durniv family alliance.
Eager to clear away the shame of the failure of the Elven Expedition, Seluer readily accepted the task of invading Shadow Valley again to restore her reputation.
After capturing the Shadow Valley, Seluer divided the army into two parts and personally led one of the teams to invade the Misty Valley.
The mission of the remaining troops is to build Shadow Valley as a second base before the war enters a more intense stage.
From the intelligence of the Harper scouts, Brian learned that the Zhentarim occupying force consisted of three parts: the Shadow Brigade commanded by combat commander Fusa Helvenstone, consisting of approximately 250 Zhentarim Guards, 250 The mercenary army consists of about 500 orcs and goblins.
The 25 Bane priests led by 'Dark Judgment' Manrazon, 10 sky mages and 20 dark guards under Yi Ruigao.
The three commanders are nominally responsible to Morglin Ancasra, 'the rightful lord of Shadowdale'.
In fact, the lord has been possessed by the shadowy simulacrum of the ghost prince Agrila Tanshur.
Although Agrela is nominally responsible to Esweir Graycastle, the highest priest of the local Shar Church, in fact, the three commanders all submitted reports directly to Seluer, but she is too Too busy to take care of the management of Shadow Valley.
As a result, the three commanders, the simulacra of Prince Agrila, and Elsweyr are all busy competing with each other to expand their authority in the Valley of Shadows, with no one truly able to command the entire occupying force.
The most noteworthy among them are the Lich Arokar and the matron of the Dark Elf Durniv family. These two forces that cannot be ignored have their own plans and are secretly destroying the shadows. The order of the valley.
This is the detailed information Brian received from the Harper scouts.
With his current ability, it is obviously impossible to break into Krag Castle alone and destroy the dark trade network's plan.
In this case, the Harper leader of the Old Skull Tavern said that an elite Harper scout from Northland will meet with him tomorrow morning and will fully assist him in all operations in Shadow Valley.
Brian was naturally convinced of the abilities of the members of the Harper Alliance, so he temporarily stayed overnight in the tavern and met with the Harper elite tomorrow.
After returning to the bedroom in the tavern, he did not fall asleep. Instead, he used this short time to successfully digest the two legendary spells given to him by the mage god Azuth.
They are Great Destruction and Luxurious Dispel Magic.
Great Destruction
Change System (Destruction)
Spellcraft DC: 59
Spellcasting Components: Words, Gestures, Experience
Casting Time: Single Action
Range: 100 meters
Target: One creature or inanimate objects up to 5 cubic meters
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex 1/2
Spell Resistance: Yes
Research Requirements: 531,000 gold coins, 11 days, 1,524,000 XP.
Elements: Destruction (DC29), Disintegration (DC30).
Factors: increased damage to 300 (+30DC), single-action casting (+20DC), mitigating factors: cost 20,000XP (-20DC), 100 points of recoil damage (-10DC).
When the caster casts this spell, he will suffer 100 points - (Intelligence adjustment value * 5) points of damage. This spell will make a saving throw for the target. If the save fails, this legendary spell will cause damage to the target. Causes 300 points of damage. If the target's health drops to -10 points or lower (constructs, inanimate objects, and undead creatures drop to 0 points), the target is completely destroyed and disintegrated, leaving only a wisp of fine dust. .
If the target succeeds at the saving throw, or survives 300 points of damage, all magic and magic items in the area are disintegrated, except those carried by or touched by the caster.
Cracking is when a spell is broken into its individual components, destroyed as if by the effects of a dispel magic spell. Permanent and enchanted magic items must succeed at a saving throw, and a creature must succeed at a saving throw against the spell when cast on a creature. A saving throw, otherwise a saving throw against dispelling magic, otherwise it reverts to a normal item. Even artifacts and relics are affected by the Smash, although there is a certain chance that the spell will affect such a powerful item.
Therefore, when the Great Collapse is cast, all potions, scrolls, rings, scepters, wondrous objects, artifacts and holy objects, weapons and armor, long swords and various items within 10 meters of the caster Such weapons may lose their magical capabilities, and the caster also has a 2% chance per level of destroying the antimagic field. If the antimagic field survives disintegration, the items within it are not disintegrated.
Note: Destroying an artifact is dangerous. There is a 95% chance that it will attract the attention of some powerful being who is interested in or related to the artifact. Additionally, if the artifact is destroyed, the mage casting the spell must succeed on a saving throw vs. spells at a -4 penalty or permanently lose all spellcasting abilities.
Experience consumption: 20000XP
Luxury dispelling magic
Protection system
Spell difficulty: 59
Casting components: words, gestures
Casting time: single action
Range: 100 meters
Target: 1 creature or object
Duration: immediate
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: None
Research Requirements: 531000gp, 11 days, 1124000XP.
Element: Dispel (DC19).
Construction factors: Add 30 to dispel check (+30DC), single action casting (+20DC).
This legendary spell functions like dispel magic, interrupting spells being cast on a creature or object, temporarily suppressing the magical abilities of a magic item, interrupting spells in an area and counteracting the spells of other spellcasters. Spells, the difference is that deluxe dispel magic has a maximum check bonus of +40.
Note: Grand dispel magic cannot affect specially enchanted items, such as scrolls, rings, wands, scepters, staffs, wondrous objects, weapons, shields, or armor, unless a spell is cast directly on them , the item will be suppressed for a period of time. Artifacts and relics will also be affected. Magic items worn or carried by creatures must use the creature's saving throw to resist this effect, otherwise they will be automatically suppressed.
An opened interdimensional interface, such as a dimensional bag, will automatically be temporarily suppressed. But the physical properties of the item will not be changed. For example: a magic sword that loses its magic effect is still a sword.
…………
Although a spellcaster has the opportunity to learn legendary spells as long as his strength reaches the legendary realm, among the many legendary spells that need to be studied, according to their power And effects are also divided into three, six or nine levels.
And Brian's two legendary spells, which were personally given by the mage god Azuth, were undoubtedly among the best.
If divided according to Netheril's spellcasting system, then the levels of Great Collapse and Luxurious Dispel Magic are at least eleven level spells.
Especially the Great Collapse, as can be seen from the spell introduction. This is a legendary spell that combines an enhanced version of Dissociation and Mordenkainen's Disintegration. Its power is naturally self-evident.
Furthermore, Brian knew from the spell effects he had rehearsed in his mind that with his current strength, if he wanted to use the metamagic specialty "Spell Quicken" to release the legendary spell "Great Collapse", it would cost The arcane energy is at least around 200 points.
Among the legendary spells mastered by Brian, the instant "Eternal Blazing Sun" consumes 55 points of arcane energy, and the "Collapse Singularity" consumes 76 points. The difficulty of releasing "Great Collapse" is determined by This is evident.
This does not include the mental shock sequelae caused to oneself after the spell is released, and the recoil damage of about 50 points (100-(10*5)).
In other words, after a battle, after Brian releases this legendary spell, it is basically equivalent to temporarily losing his ability to fight.
Of course, this kind of sequelae will gradually weaken as his level continues to increase.
When it comes to legendary spells, Brian suddenly remembered that the artifact he obtained, the Archmage's Staff, also came with a legendary spell. He hadn't had time to check it yet.
Thinking of this, he immediately took out his staff and examined it in detail:
Advanced Time Stop
Transformation
Spellcraft DC: 63
Spellcasting Components: Words, Gestures
Casting Time: Instant
Duration: About 2-40 seconds
Saving Throw: None (harmless)
Spell Resistance: None (harmless)
Development: 567,000 gold coins; 30 days; 2,268,000 Point experience points.
Element: Conjuration (DC 27).
Group Factors: Move to Time Stream (+8DC), Spell Quickening (+28DC)
After casting greater Time Stop, the caster causes time in the area to stop. It seemed like only a blink of an eye passed outside this area. Within the area of the sphere affected by the spell, the caster can move and act freely within the area where time has stopped, but all other creatures (except those demigods and higher beings, or certain unique creatures) Actions are frozen, they are literally between the hands of the clock (the spell's duration is the caster's subjective time), and nothing can enter the time-stopped area without having its time stopped. If you leave this area, the spell will immediately expire, and time will continue to flow normally when the spell's effective time expires.
…………
In the caster’s spell list, there is a nine-ring spell called “Time Stop”, which has basically the same effect as this legendary spell.
Although the effect is the same, the gap between the two is very large, which is the fundamental reason why Brian rarely uses this nine-ring spell.
For the vast majority of powerful people who have reached the legendary realm, "Time Stop" is a spell that is easy to save. The function of this spell is to bully those weaker than yourself through the gap in level and rank. enemy.
When the gap between the opponent's strength and one's own is too large, if one wants to deal with the enemy cleanly, he can use other more effective attack methods.
So, the nine-ring spell "Time Stop" seems like a useless thing to a wizard like Brian who mainly specializes in the two schools of plasticity and conjuration.
However, when he saw the legendary spell "Advanced Time Stop" stored in the staff, he suddenly had a new understanding of this spell.
Just from the introduction, it can be seen that once this legendary spell is cast, it will be difficult for anyone other than divine, demigod and higher beings, or some unique creatures, to be exempted from this. The static effect of the spell. Moreover, Brian saw from the development requirements of the spell that the research cost of "Advanced Time Stop" was the highest in terms of gold coins, time consumed, and experience points.
It can be seen from this that the power of this legendary spell is at least higher than the "Great Collapse".
This is equivalent to giving Brian a powerful killer weapon that can be used about three times without any consumption.
As long as the enemy has not been given divine power by the gods they believe in, it will be difficult for them to be immune to the effect of "Advanced Time Stop".
Thinking of this, Brian immediately took out the Book of the Forgotten and asked him to burn "Advanced Time Stop" into the spell book. When this mission is over, he must spare some time to put this powerful Completely master the control spells.
Since "Great Destruction" and "Luxury Dispel Magic" belong to the mage god Azuth, he directly transmits them completely to the Forgotten Book through divine power, so he can only use them for one night without consuming any items. time to master it all.
But "Advanced Time Stop" does not have this benefit. It takes time to burn the Book of the Forgotten, and to master it through this book, it will cost at least 567,000 gold coins, 30 days, and 2,268,000 points. experience value.
After checking his spells, Brian thought for a moment and finally decided to upgrade his psychic profession, Chaos Scholar.
“Improve the level of Chaos Scholar!”
“Consume 500,000 experience points!”
"Chaos Scholar level increased to level 22!"
"Psionic points gained: 55 points, additional psionic points: 7 points."
"Chaos Scholar level increased!"
"Consumption of 545600 experience points!"
"Chaos Scholar level increased to level 23!"
"Acquired psionic points: 57 points, additional psionic points: 7 points."
"Acquired the Chaos Scholar professional feature: Blessing of Chaos!"
"Acquired a random legendary boon."
…………
[Blessing of Chaos (Professional Specialty): With your understanding of the nature of chaos, you have begun to adapt to the random nature of chaotic energy.
Effect: From now on, once a day, you can switch into this random mode, which will increase the chaos damage of all your psychic powers and arcane spells by 15%. Your movements and postures will also be affected by the surge of chaotic energy. Becoming unpredictable, this effect will cause all attackers targeting you to suffer a 30% miss chance. Even true seeing or similar effects cannot offset this effect. When this effect ends, you will automatically fall into mental weakness. state. 】
Mental weakness: Prolonged exposure to chaos energy is a very dangerous behavior. With each contact with chaos energy, a chaos scholar may be overwhelmed by excessive fatigue. Once suppressed by weakness, The Chaos Scholar himself is briefly unable to cast any psychic or arcane spells.
…………
Seeing this new professional feature, Brian nodded secretly.
Although you will fall into a state of mental weakness after the battle, the 30% miss rate and increased chaos damage are still significant.
In the Dark Grand Canyon, he had long seen the powerful corrosive and annihilating effects of the chaos damage caused by the sorceress Caradna's spells.
Then, Brian opened the Legendary Favor and looked at the three abilities he could choose from. This was his true intention to upgrade his level. The Chaos Blessing was just an unexpected surprise for him.
The boon of birth in flames: Those with this boon will be immune to fire damage and can cast the third-ring spell "Fireball" at will without consuming spell slots or using any spell materials.
Invisible and Traceless Boon: Those with this boon gain a +10 bonus on their Dexterity checks, and cannot be targeted or detected by prophecy magic released by non-divine energy, even by detection sensors. .
The boon of true vision: Those with this boon gain dark vision of 30 meters, can see the etheric plane within a range of 20 meters around themselves, and a true visual sense of 40 meters.
Seeing the first boon, Brian smacked his lips and couldn't help but think of some things he had done in the small world. He looked past the first two boons and directly chose the third "boon of true vision."
Although the second favor is also very good for him, his Purple Dragon Ring can obviously completely replace it.
After everything was done, Brian got used to his new abilities, then opened the door and walked towards the tavern hall on the first floor.
As usual, although it was early in the morning, the Old Skull Tavern was still bustling with activity, and most of the drinkers were soldiers and mercenaries from the Dark Trade Network.
Brian was keenly aware that in the hall, four burly orcs occupied the center of the tavern, drinking and gambling at the same time.
They have green and rough skin, sloping foreheads, protruding lower jaws, and exposed yellowed teeth. They all have a conspicuous mark tattooed on their right upper arms: a string of bleeding thorns.
And all these four orcs were wearing fine half-body armor and curved-edged swords, and there were a bunch of javelins beside them.
When Brian walked down the stairs, the orc who was rolling the dice looked at him calmly and continued to engage in noisy gambling.
It can be seen from this that he is likely to be targeted at this moment.
After all, as he arrived in Shadow Valley, he not only killed two mercenary teams, but also killed a Zhentarim sky mage. He also rescued Shiron's soul in Watcher's Hill, temporarily It hindered the Shar Church's plan to tear apart the magic network.
This series of actions naturally aroused the enemy's high vigilance.
Brian glanced at the proprietress who was wiping the wine glasses at the counter. Following the hint from the Harper scout, he walked towards a wine table in the southwest corner of the hall as if nothing had happened.
A young half-elf poet sat at the wine table.
In his luxurious attire, the lavender silk jacket was embroidered with a conspicuous flower crown of a merchant family in the North. The clothes were loosely draped, covering up his slender and strong body.
Obviously, none of this can escape Brian's subtle observation.
As if meeting an old friend, he sat across from the half-elf poet, greeting him and receiving the Harper's signal.
In fact, Brian could recognize the other person at a glance even without having to touch each other.
Because this person is the half-elf monk he once met in the Quiet Lily Temple in the North, Leoson Erlanzer.
“Long time no see, I didn’t expect to meet you here.” Brian said hello to this elite harpist through telepathy while sipping the wine.
In his impression, Leoson did not participate in the plot of the Scar of the Magic Network. Obviously this was also due to his influence.
Looking at the monk in front of him, Brian was surprised to find that his strength had been upgraded from the original fourth-level paragon to the legendary realm.
“It’s been a long time indeed, Sir Brian.” The half-elf monk smiled and said:
“Without your help, I wouldn’t have been able to detect the ghost prince Kalaribo so quickly. After Nas's conspiracy and the problem of Neverwinter were resolved, I rushed here immediately. Who would have thought that the gods were still too cruel, and disaster had already come."
Brian nodded slightly. , since they parted ways in the North, he has always maintained uninterrupted contact with this Harper elite, and he informed the other party of the Prince of Shadows' conspiracy against Neverwinter.
“I have to say, I almost didn’t recognize you when I saw you dressed up like this.”
He picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and smiled, "You are in charge of Shadow Valley, so I feel more relieved. Oh, by the way, what should I call you now?"
Every Harper Elite They all have many code names to facilitate the execution of tasks. Although Brian knew the other code names of the half-elf monk in front of him except 'Dusk', in order to prevent accidents, he still had to ask in advance to facilitate their normal contact in the future.
“Call me ‘Stormborn’.” The half-elf monk pondered for a moment, then said to Brian with a mysterious smile on his lips.
After saying that, his bright eyes flickered slightly, and a lightning talisman appeared in Brian's mind.
“The storm is born?” Brian was stunned for a moment, then secretly wrote down the mark, and asked curiously: “What does it mean?”
For some reason, when he heard this title, he always couldn't help but think of a certain Targaryen who had a three-headed dragon.
In his impression, Leoson seemed to have never used this code name.
“What other meaning can there be?” The half-elf monk looked embarrassed, scratched his head, and said to him helplessly:
“When my mother gave birth to me, Because of the difficult birth, we invited Lady Storm, the leader of the Harper Alliance, and with the help of the lady's music magic, I was able to be born smoothly, so I was ridiculed as 'Stormborn', which made people think that I was Lady Storm's illegitimate son. "
"..." Brian was speechless and quickly changed the subject, "We don't have much time left. I think you know about the situation in Shadow Valley. I need you to help me sneak in." Krag Castle of the Dark Trade Network ”
"Alas... Harper elites like me are like the protagonists sung in songs in any conspiracy to crush evil forces." The half-elf monk did not answer his question directly, but poured the wine into his glass. After drinking it in one gulp, he said stinkingly, "But every time I meet you, I seem to be reduced to a dispensable existence, and I have to fully cooperate with your actions."
"Your nonsense is really "More, we have cooperated once, this is the second time." Brian couldn't help complaining, and joked: "If you feel dissatisfied, we can switch, how about I fully cooperate with your actions?"
In fact, the other party is right.
After all, the legendary boss in front of me is indeed treated like a protagonist in the big movie about the Five-Colored Dragon Queen Tiamat. With only his sharp tongue, he brought many kind-hearted people in the mainland to justice. The forces from the evil camp, including a demonic force, all came together to prevent the Dragon Queen from coming.
"Forget it then." The half-elf monk waved his hand, and then straightened his expression, "I have already thought of a plan on how to help you sneak into Kragg Castle."
"I have contacted some allies hidden in the Shadow Valley in advance, and asked them to deliberately create chaos in various places in the valley, and spread some false news about attacking the Twisted Tower..."
He has not yet finished speaking. After saying that, he seemed to sense something, glanced at the closed door of the tavern, smiled and said to Brian, "Look, the person responsible for the tavern's destruction has arrived."
"Bang!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the tavern was kicked open.
With a bang, the noisy tavern suddenly became quiet, and the drinkers all looked towards the door.
Brian was the first to see a long leg wearing riding boots falling to the ground. It was wrapped in tight leather pants similar to jeans, outlining the shape of the slender and toned legs.
He looked up and saw a tight-fitting vest under a short jacket. The vest was very short and only covered the owner's round and firm chest, exposing most of the waist.
Surrounded by green top and bottom, a section of fair skin is exposed.
The flat and tight abdomen outlines an obvious waistcoat line, giving the detailed waist a sense of inner strength.
However, on top of such a toned and powerful body, there is a beautiful face as cold as ice.
Brian narrowed his eyes. He felt the power of an ancient spirit in this uninvited guest.
"It turns out to be Witch Leatherman." Thinking of this, he pondered for a moment, then recognized the true identity of the witch and looked behind her with interest.
Since even Leatherman's witch is here, then a mad dog she raised... Oh, no, her berserker guard must be with her.
(End of this chapter)