Selindra Shieldsister |
Selindra helps gather everything together, shouldering things as needed to so they can make their way back for now. She offers her shoulder to Aravashniel so that he can know the path, and she then withdraws Radiance from her scabbard, and holds it up, letting its soft glow light their way back through the Mongrel warren to the underground village.
Once there, she takes some time to go aside, drawing water where she can and methodically washing and cleaning her armor and weapons, as all but the new blade are covered in blood and gore. She takes the time to sharpen and lightly oil each item, caring for them as needed before she comes over to sit and sigh.
She looks to Anevia, Horgus and Aravashniel for a moment as she thinks. "I am not from Kenebras originally. In the dark priestess's things, we found a letter, detailing her orders and places where she was to go. I do not recognize the names, but perhaps you might? The Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod? They were listed as safehouses for the cult of Baphomet."
GM Shathira |
Anevia again just states that she's shocked that the Ivory Labyrinth has infiltrated that high, and that this news has to be given to her wife Irabeth, and the Eagle Watch right away.
Aravashnial quirks his head a bit, "The Tower of Estrod you say? It's a library and research laboratory that was owned for decades by the city, but a few years ago..."
"Two years ago." Horgus quips.
Aravashnial continues, "Right, of course, two years ago, the founder died, under quite the pall of mystery. Nobody really figured out how, and he was found sitting peacefully on his couch, meal only half eaten. The tower still functions keeping records of the war effort. If you're going there, I would dearly love to investigate.... His hands briefly raise to lightly touch his ruined eyes, and he continues softly, "Or at least hear about it second hand."
Horgus looks dismayed, "Did you say Nyserian manor, odd that. Oh...ah, well no matter, really."
Selindra Shieldsister |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Selindra nods, looking at Horgus for a moment then turning to Anevia. "Our first course has to be making sure the warrens are clear so that the mongrelmen here can safely pass from here to the surface. We will need their help i'm sure. No telling what the state the city is in, or even how much of it is still left."
Selindra then turns to Aravashnial, laying a hand gently on his shoulder. "One step at a time, friend. And do not be dismayed for your eyes. I have faith that when the time comes, the Goddess will recognize your assistance. And I will ask her blessing for you and your eyes. No one deserves the fate that befell this place."
She then turns to Horgus. "Forgive my prying, sir, but your eyes say much more than your words. Your knowledge and wisdom in this is very valuable. You recognize the name of the manor, do you know of its owners?"
Fomiel |
Fomiel states: "I have detailed knowledge of the association between the manor and the cult. Horgus, I think you were implicated in the last investigation. Better come clean or you will have to talk to the inquisitors."
bluff/lie: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Vardan Argider |
Vardan watches, keeping silent, I'd not heard any of this.... I really should have come home sooner.... There's a whole seedy underside that I know nothing of... likely because I'm so far out of touch...
Godwin Solace |
The tower perhaps should be the first place we investigate when we get back to the surface Iomedae willing
Sorry for being a bit AWOL
GM Shathira |
Aravashnial turns in the direction of Selindra's voice, "You are very kind, and I thank you for your blessing, but I think the damage is going to require more than blessings." He smiles a rueful kind of smile, but you get the sense that he's made peace with the fact his eyes are gone. "If it does work, then I will be even more in your debt."
Horgus looks between both Fomiel and Selindra and throws up his hands with a huff, "I have no idea what investigation you're speaking of. The only time I was ever accused of anything was years ago by that crackpot there." He points at Aravashnial, and Aravashnial cringes a bit in shame. "A claim that was found to have no truth, so take your threats of inquisition elsewhere. I've already been through that. As far as I knew, Nyserian Manor was under no investigation at all. But yes, I have had dealings with Kandro Nyserian. He borrowed money from me to purchase a sword, which now I can only assume was Irabeth's sword. A rather large sum of money, which he is now behind on payments on. I'm as shocked as you are to find out Nyserian may have had dealings with this lot."
Anevia, upon hearing Horgus' claim looks at him incredulously, "You loaned him money to buy Irabeth's sword? How could you do that?"
Horgus sighs exasperated, "My dear, I didn't loan him money to buy *her* sword, I loaned him money to buy *a* sword. I don't even know for sure if he bought your wife's sword or not, but it's a likely assumption after the fact."
Selindra Shieldsister |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Selindra sighs, rubbing the sides of her head as she felt a headache coming on. Inheritor's grace, please preserve me. She looked at the others, first a disapproving glace to Fomiel and then looking at Anevia and Horgus.
"Peace everyone, please. While past deeds need to be consulted for knowledge and wisdom, let us withhold judgement for now. It is clear from Aravashnial's look, at least to me, that he holds remorse for whatever transpired between Horgus and himself. And given the nature of these cultists, Anevia, I greatly doubt they would have told a respectable businessman the truth about which sword they wished to purchase. There is a much greater hand at work here, and that was clear when the archdemon laid waste to the city. Our primary concern at this point, as I see it, is to get to the surface and determine the scope of the devastation. And also to see if any are still alive. If the Kite has fallen, and the wardstone has failed, we will have much more desperate problems on our hands."
She looks to the others, and nods to them slowly. "I do not wish to keep us longer than needed, so when you are all ready, lets make our way back."
She then turns to Anevia, her face taking a softer turn as she lowers her voice. "If you are having trouble managing your leg, I can carry you to save some strain to your body."
Godwin Solace |
Godwin helps Selindra with her attempt to calm the survivors. There seems to be much history here but Selindra is right. Let us rest and regroup and make to the surface. We have survived great calamities by working together and if we continue to do so than by Iomedae's grace we shall see the sun again
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Add +1 to non good and +1 to non lawful alignment NPCs stacking
Vardan Argider |
Vardan nods, "Agreed. We're strongest when we keep in harmony. And, to be fair, past actions mean far less than how we face our future at this point."
Godwin Solace |
We are all tired and need a rest. We shall be fresher in the morning Godwin says as the group continues to be testy.
Selindra Shieldsister |
I'm ready. right now doesn't seem like time to talk. just wanted some rest to refresh abilities, knowing we were going to be depleted. And had no idea what was up ahead.
Selindra spends the evening after their talk in prayer, especially when holding the golden blade. When done, she would turn in early, get some sleep and then wake "early", cleaning her armor once more and checking her blade and shield before donning her armor and preparing to move once again.
Godwin Solace |
Godwin is ready to rest as well. He honestly doesn't expect anything to be standing on the surface making talk of investigating places a bit pointless :)
Godwin will join Selindra in her prayers and then try to draw them into a conversation about the blade and the hero that wielded it. He's honestly pretty embarrassed that he doesn't already know.
He'll also spend some time with Horgus as he feels that the others have been giving the merchant a little bit of a harder time than he deserves selfish though he is.
Diplomacy Horgus: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Ready to move on
Vardan Argider |
Also ready to move on. As someone who just got here, realistically, Vardan's not really ready to insert himself into the conversation just yet.
GM Shathira |
After the night's rest, the group heads back into the complex, and head's north, Wendaug in tow. Selina makes her farewells though, wanting to stay with the Mongrelmen, to help them with preparations to help with the fight against the demons.
Once headed north, the group comes upon an old rope ladder leading up. Despite its looks, the ladder proves sturdy and everyone clambers up. The tunnels then lead past a few more barricades to an open cavern that appears to have some sort of mazelike appearance to it. If there were any other traitors left, it appears as though they may have fled after the leader was slain.
Selindra Shieldsister |
Selindra breathes easier as they make their way through. "Looks like they dispersed when we took out the main group of them. And it looks like we are making our way out of their warrens."
Selindra moves to the head of the group, though she does offer to shoulder Anevia if she is having trouble getting around.
Godwin Solace |
I only hope they will reflect on the futility of evil and not regroup and entrench into their wicked ways Godwin says and then looks around. I am ready to ascend. Is everyone else as well?
Ready to go
Vardan Argider |
Vardan nods, "Aye... especially given that we've larger issues."
Fomiel |
Fomiel seems to actually smile, he looks much less haggard and on edge than before. His grooming is even more impeccable than before, showing off his fairly well-lined face.
"Evil sleeps a fitful slumber. Let us see if we can avoid the major pitched battle we fought yesterday."
GM Shathira |
stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
creature 1 (north) bite vs Selindra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
creature 2 (east) bite vs Godwin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Fomiel: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
Drakra: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Godwin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Selindra: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Vardan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
The party enters the maze and begins to traverse the twisted walls, as you turn the corner, Godwin spots a hideous figure. Standing about 3 feet tall at the shoulder, the bloated, corpulent body shudders with each movement, but despite this, the thing moves quickly towards Selindra.
************Surprise Round*************
Creature, Godwin, Creature
The shuddering mass of the creature heaves forward, opening a maw filled with jagged teeth that drip with a black ooze. Selindra sees the mouth striking forward, at the last moment and is able to avoid the maw.
*************Round 1 After Surprise round is resolved***********
Init: Creature 1, Fomiel, Selindra, Drakra, Godwin, Creature 2, Vardan
Selindra Shieldsister |
Radiance attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Selindra after seeing the foul creature and ducking out of the way mutters to herself. "If it is your will that this blade has fallen to me, then by my acts may it be redeemed."
She once again falls back into a defensive posture, all to familiar for her. In a fluid and clean motion, she pulls Radiance from her scabbard, its glowing golden blade reflecting off the surface of her armor. She takes a moment to size up the creature before taking a wide swing near its middle.
She then glances over her shoulder. "Godwin, flank right. Varden, hammer!"
Standard stuff, fighting defensive, attack. Operating under the assumption from the description of the sword that it is at minimum of masterwork quality, so am adding +1 to attack. If there are any other bonuses or effects I should know about, please let me know.
Godwin Solace |
Surprise Round
We are assaulted! Godwin warns the rest and nods at Selindra's subsequent orders stepping towards it on Selindra's right and bringing his Falchion to bear on it.
Flachion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 192d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
GM Shathira |
**************Surprise Round Finish**************
As Godwin yells out his warning and starts to move around the wall, he turns directly into another of the creatures which had been hiding in wait. Its slavering jaw tries to clamp down on the Warpriest, to no avail as he manages to smash the hilt of his blade between the things teeth before it can close them on him.
Godwin Solace |
This is theatre of the mind right?
Drakra Worpltng |
Drakra, seeing that there are only two of these, whatever they are, begins to pull out his crossbow as he futzes to extract a bolt at the same time.
Move to draw crossbow
Move to load crossbow
Knowledge(Arcana, Planes, Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 <-- -5 if anything else
GM Shathira |
The map is linked above.
Godwin Solace |
What's the thing south of Drakra?
Godwin Solace |
Did Creature 1 take its Round 1 turn? I'll take mine
There are two of these monstrosities! Cleanse them!
Godwin attacks the creature that tried to ambush him.
Falchion again same target as before: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 172d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7
GM Shathira |
dretch bite vs Godwin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
dretch claw 2 vs Godwin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
dretch claw 1 vs Godwin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
[dice=damage claw 2]1d4+1
[dice=damage claw 1]1d4+1
realized I hadn't resolved Godwin's Surprise round attack, so did it here.
************Round 1*************
The beast once again lunges at Godwin, in a surprisingly fast flurry of blows, belying the creatures ponderous bulk. A bite snaps harmlessly to the side, but the creature's claws shred metal and carve furrows into the celestial blooded warpriest. Godwin slashes as the monster moves towards him, and then again as the beast slides back after the bite. His falchion bites deeply into the demon, but to the party's dismay, the wound seems to close to only a small wound. The dretch chuckles deeply.
Godwin Solace |
How much damage on Godwin? And who has the weapon buff scale?
GM Shathira |
*@#$!!!% I know how to roll, really
damage vs Godwin: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
damage vs Godwin: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
**************Status Update***********
Godwin 10/19
**********Round 1**************
Init: Creature 1, Fomiel, Selindra, Drakra, Godwin, Creature 2, Vardan
Been a scramble at work, sorry if I seem a bit sketchy
GM Shathira |
going to push forward with those that didn't take action not taking action
dretch claw vs Selindra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12disregard
dretch claw vs Selindra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7disregard
dretch bite vs Selindra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24disregard
dretch1 save vs grease: 1d20 ⇒ 1
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Fomiel moves up to where he can see and casts his grease spell under the feet of the dretch who falls in truly spectacular fashion, feet flying up and limb sprawling in all directions.
Selindra seems shaken by facing her first true demon, and freezes.
Drakra begins another tirade of insults, which, while they don't seem to have too much affect on the Dretch themselves, bolster the spirits of the group.
The Dretch that Fomiel caused to slip tries to get up. Godwin gets a AOO.
Vardan still need an action for this round. In the future, post actions even if out of turn. I'll make sense of them all.
Godwin Solace |
Quick question, can I take another standard action instead of an attack during the Attack of Opportunity? I want to get my weapon blessed and I can do that with a Blessing
Vardan Argider |
Sorry -- was waiting on #2. No problems.
Round 1
Vardan nods at the paladin's suggestion, saying simply, "Done". His hand only hesitates for a moment as he reaches for a weapon, grabbing the Lucerne Hammer rather than the lance, It's almost an instinct....
He stands in his saddle and lunges forward, trying to impale the strange fiend in front of Godwin on the spike, but sadly slipping slightly, ruining his aim.
Lucerne Hammer (reach): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Nope.
GM Shathira |
The demon's attack breaks Selindra from momentarily being overwhelmed and she swings Radiance up under the Demon's guard, the magical, cold iron biting deep into the creature's side. The Dretch seems to shrink away as it realizes what weapon it's facing. The sides of the wound blacken and peel away as though burned, and the monster lets out a howl of agony.
Vardan levels his hammer at the Dretch near Godwin, but the blow is foiled by the chaotic movement of the combat in front of him.
************Status End Round 1***********
Dretch 1 (north) 11 damage
Dretch 2 (East) 6 Damage
Drakra 20/20
Godwin 10/19
Selindra 24/24
Vardan 20/20
Fomiel 14/14
Thorne 24/24