GM Toothy's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Current Map | Ruined Kenabres Map | Overland Locations | Loot!

Party Conditions:

Arrika [68/68 - grazed]
Brevon [61/61 - healthy]
Elriel [55/55 - healthy]
Hedda [63/63 - healthy]
Kelumarion [50/50 - healthy]
Rukzha [46/46 - healthy]

NPC:
Aron Kir
Nurah Dendiwhar
Sosiel Vaenic

Party Exp: 23920/35000
Units of Food/Water: 32 (army's consumption/day: 5)
Additional Resources: 5 Goods


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Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

I have not picked up Terran yet; giant spiders have tremorsense, but they can't talk. Maybe just go with the celestial giant spider and judge based off its reactions? It's about the best we've got.

I think Elriel's taken care of making sure he won't be waking up for a little while yet, Arrika replies to Brevon's question, the ghost of a smile playing at her lips as she starts a small rip in the hem of her dress and tears off a piece big enough to gag the unconscious man. Sending something ahead to survey seems like a good idea, Rukzha. Let me see that wand; Kelumarion has taught me how to call upon his allies at need, and how to strengthen their bites and claws so they disrupt the demons like cold-forged iron does. The wand might help me to make the connection to Nirvana without having to send Kelumarion back.

Assuming my trait will work on wand summoning. If Augment Summoning worked too that'd be fabulous, but I'm not counting on that one, since the wording's a little shakier.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel was growing impatient, "Whatever you do, do so quickly or Brevon and I will just go down there."

He looked at both witch and god-caller, "Ladies, not time to chit-chat. Do something or let us just go."

just keeping it moving :)


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Brevon draws his shield and scimitar, savoring the familiar weight of them in his hands. He slowly rotates the scimitar in the air, watching the light reflecting off its polished blade. "And what shall we do for light? Rukzha's concern is well-founded now, for my hands are occupied and I cannot carry a torch."

What's the light situation looking like?


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

At Brevon's question, Arrika points to the scrap of cloth bound around her forehead, still glowing with faint gold scrollwork. Don't worry about light - this may not shine far, but it'll let us see well enough to get by. If you prefer, we can bind it to you somewhere - your sword's hilt, or your forehead. That way, most of the light falls ahead of us.

With the light sorted, Arrika reaches for the wand Rukzha holds out...but Kelumarion saunters between the two, butting his head into Arrika's hand. Don't worry about calling another - I can go ahead of you, see what I may discover. My step is soft, and my nose is keen...it may be I am able to catch wind of foes and give you some warning, and our bond allows us to look each through the other's eyes, if only for a few moments. Hurts on this plane do not linger so strongly for me as for others, and as my Arrika said, there are others she may call on if you require aid while I rest. Because, you know, the simple option. ;)

Obstinately, he pushes past Brevon and Elriel, sitting on his haunches ahead of the group. When you are ready.


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

"I could carry the torch. It means I won't be able to use the crossbow, but I hope to not have to resort to that anyway. Though the light headband should be sufficient. Let's go." Rukzha says and raises a hand to stroke the scar at her temple, expecting more pain to follow shortly.


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Regarding the illumination, the ground floor was illuminated by day light, even if it is already the end of the day (light comes from the destroyed upper floors).

This semicircular room is empty except for a few bookshelves against the walls and a single desk and chair sit in one corner. A huge set of wood and metal double doors stands in the south wall. There are a couple torches illuminating the room.

Besides the desk there is a tiefling with red skin, four horns, a long tail, cloven feet, a goatee, black leather cloth, and a tattoo of Baphomet in his bare chest. At his shoulder rest a live red scorpion and he wields a morningstar. In front of him there is a female human cultist clad in armor, horned helm, and wielding a glaive.

"So you stupid crusaders finally found us... be sure to know it is too late now! Look all the damage we've made just under your nose! Come, try your luck... even if you are running out of it lately!" He smiles politely before ordering the cultist to attack.

Initiative:
Initiative (Arrika): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Initiative (Brevon): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Initiative (Cultist): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Initiative (Elriel): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Initiative (Faxton): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Initiative (Kelumarion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Initiative (Rukzha): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

________________________________
Rounds:
Round 1

Rukzha - up
Cultist
Brevon
Elriel
Faxton
Arrika
Kelumarion


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

Rukzha is quick to react, already being focused at the sore point of her power at her temple she's quick to draw it forth to slumber the first target in her path, the female cultist. With a pained voice she speaks up as she does so. "We will strike back with what we got, starting with you. I'll deal with the woman, surround the tiefling before he can strike back. He might be a spellcaster." The scorpion at his shoulder is probably his familiar.

Slumber DC 16 vs cultist

Feel free to ignore my tactical suggestions:
If Rukzha is succesful Brevon and Elriel could flank him n and s, that would also prevent 5 footing away. Elriel could even use his shirt to get 2 attacks off while he's flatfooted. I don't think we'll have too many encounters left after this one today.


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Rukzha tries to make the cultist sleep but she finds her mind overwhelmed and protected by the abyssal energy of the demon lord Baphomet. The cultist then slashes with her glaive at Brevon, striking between his armor and drawing blood.

Combat Rolls:
Will DC 16 - Cultist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 pass
Cultist target (Brevon, Kelumarion): 1d2 ⇒ 1 Brevon
Attack@Brevon (glaive), guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22 hit
Damage@Brevon (glaive): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

________________________________
Rounds:
Round 1

Rukzha
Cultist
Brevon - up
Elriel - up
Faxton
Arrika
Kelumarion


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

Rukzha is disappointed and angry, but she can't do anything but clutch her hands helplessly. She knows her powers doesn't always work, but it's still not nice to see her powers fail. "Damn, I shouldn't have warned her, she steeled her mind."


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel moved up, blades weaving what he hoped was a distracting pattern.

He slashed and stabbed at the tiefling who looked to be the more menacing of the two opponents.

_______________
shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (2, 3) = 13


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

The tiefling and his companion were practically on top of each other - easy pickings for Arrika. With an incantation, she conjures a slick beneath their feet to trip them up, moving forward once she finishes to get the cultists within range of her spear as they try to deal with the spell's aftermath. Kelumarion, help Elriel! Brevon, step close to her!

Standard action to cast grease, move action to move.


M Leonal agathion Eidolon 1

Heeding Arrika's advice and keeping his movements quick and jerky to avoid drawing the cultists' ire, Kelumarion darts around the room's edge to face Elriel opposite the tiefling, forcing him to defend himself from two directions and lashing out to try and tear at the tiefling.

Move action, moving to flank tiefling. Standard action, bite attack.

Acrobatics to avoid provoking from human: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Oh, sure, that's the one I get a 20 on.
Bite attack/damage against tiefling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

The blade slices deeply into his side and Brevon hisses as the pain ripples through him like electricity. In anger, he turns a vengeful gaze toward the cultist. The woman might have been someone's child, a mother, a lover. A wife? The word is poison to him, biting harder than the edge of her blade.

Whoever she might have been, she is now a force of darkness. "Child of sun, you have lost your way," he recites the familiar chant, stepping gracefully forward in the ritual dance. His shield thrust forward, he swings his scimitar around to the side, grazing the ground with its tip. As he does, the blade ignites in his hand, reflecting off of his armor and in the darkness of his eyes. And the darkness of her eyes. Eyes that remind him so of Zeldara's.

"Return to us in time; let not thy soul wither in darkness."

He lashes out with his blade.

1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 191d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8

5ft step, activate smite evil v cultist.


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Brevon's burning scimitar cuts deep into the cultist's flesh, burning and slashing in conjunction making her scream in pain. Elriel, moving too fast for the cultist, surpass her defenses and reaches the supposed leader behind her, stabbing him with his quick sword and drawing blood in profusion.

Faxton moves his hands quickly, clearly conjuring a spell in a defensive manner, and soon after his hands are covered in sick red and black fumes... he then tries to reach Elriel but fails miserably.
Afraid of being too close to his twin blades, the leader steps away.

Arrika manages to finish her spell and soon after both cultists fall into the ground. Kelumaion moves quickly to the north, making any attempt to counterattack futile. He then bite a chunk of the tiefling's shoulder.

Combat Rolls:
Acrobatics DC 14 - Elriel: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 pass
Concentration DC 21 - Faxton, combat casting, grazed: 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 4 - 1 = 29 pass
Attack (touch)@Elriel, grazed: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2 miss
Reflex DC 15 - Cultist, wounded: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 1 - 2 = -2 fail
Reflex DC 15 - Faxton, grazed: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 1 = 14 fail

Spellcraft DC 18:
You recognize the spell as vampiric touch.

________________________________
Rounds:
Round 2

Rukzha - up
Cultist [8 dmg; wounded (-2), prone]
Brevon
Elriel
Faxton [27 dmg; critical (-3), bleeding (2), prone]
Arrika
Kelumarion


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

Not like it matters here, but I'm pretty sure the bleeding from Elriel means you have to roll two concentration checks, one for damage and one for casting defensively.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Down and wounded and soon dead, this is how it goes for those who oppose us. You'll face a painful death unless you surrender now." Rukzha's gaze bores into the woman, hoping to shake her confidence and possibly even making her surrender.

intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"Be careful of the tiefling's touch, he can drane your life away. Finish him quickly."

If Brevon 5 foots w Elriel can move around the grease to flank and still get sneak against the tiefling, though that would provoke another AoO, so I don't know if it is the best choice.


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The cultist is clearly intimidate by Rukzha's words and for a moment thinks to surrender. She quickly looks towards her leader and the tiefling is quick to remind her of her place. "Will you dare to betray our Horned Lord and spend the eternity as a prey in his labyrinth?" The woman grabs her glaive tighter and starts to get up to face Brevon but the paladin gives her to chance: with a wide attack, Brevon hits the cultist's helm, removing it along with her ear, knocking her out instantly.

Combat Rolls:
AoO - Brevon (scimitar), prone target, smite evil: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 4 + 2 = 31 hit
Crit?: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 4 + 2 = 15 yes
Missing Ear Normal damage and 1 Cha drain. -4 penalty on Listen check until healed.
Damage (scimitar), smite evil: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9
Constitution DC 10: 1d20 + 0 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 0 - 2 = 6 fail

________________________________
Rounds:
Round 2

Rukzha
Cultist [18 dmg; dying]
Brevon - up
Elriel - up
Faxton [27 dmg; critical (-3), bleeding (2), prone]
Arrika
Kelumarion


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.
GM Toothy wrote:
The cultist is clearly intimidate by Rukzha's words and for a moment thinks to surrender. She quickly looks towards her leader and the tiefling is quick to remind her of her place. "Will you dare to betray our Horned Lord and spend the eternity as a prey in his labyrinth?"

Elriel was livid, "Horned Lord eh? He doesn't sound too forgiving. You better start praying!"

The half-elf savagely cuts down the tiefling but fear for the magic he wielded spoiled his aim.

_________________
shortsword, piranha, TWF, prone: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 + 4 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
shortsword, piranha, TWF, prone: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 + 4 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Brevon closes his eyes as the cultist falls, wishing it had not come to this. He turns his attention to her master.

"Fear not, for your days of toil in service to your Lord are at their end. We grant you reprieve." Brevon side-steps the dying cultist's body, sighing in regret as his own flame diminishes, then stabs the tip of the scimitar into the demon's chest.

5ft step, attack
_____________

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9


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The already bleeding tiefling falls after Brevon's powerful attack. Neither of the cultists is dead yet but both are bleeding and unconscious. Without its master, the reddish scorpion moves stop the tiefling's body menacingly cautioning you not to approach.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

The half-elf looked at his companions for approval before he slit the throats of the cultists.

With that done, he busied himself with searching their bodies and the place for any damning evidence about their doings.

After a while he sat against the wall, knees close to his chest, "Is this what it's going be like? Us executing tieflings and humans while the demons laugh at us? What's the end game here?"

___________
take 20 on perception


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Brevon bites his lower lip as Elriel finishes off the enemy, but he doesn't try to stop him. "Just as we must make choices in this world, so we must live, or die, by their consequences." The vacant look in the cultist's eyes is dreadfully familiar, but Brevon pushes the thought away, instead busying himself by assisting Elriel in searching the chamber. Taking 20 Perception.

Elriel wrote:
"Is this what it's going be like? Us executing tieflings and humans while the demons laugh at us? What's the end game here?"

"We haven't executed anyone that I know of. We have only confronted enemies of the light and fought in our own defense. As to this end game, I wish I knew what purpose this tragedy serves, but I am without answers. I will pray for guidance, but I fear it shall not come. Better perhaps to focus on the task at hand--searching out the agents of the demon lords and discovering what treachery led to the downfall of Kenebras."

Brevon questions his reason for being here--surely Sarenrae had some purpose. But no answer presents itself before him. There is no burning sunrise in his mind. There is no flame of inspiration or insight. There are not even dreams. There are only his memories, and the vacant, dead eyes of the woman lying on the floor.


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When Elriel moves to finish the cultists, the red and black scorpion flees under the desk. Searching the bodies, Elriel and Brevon find a bracer, a cloak, a dagger, a heavy crossbow with 12 bolts, two keys, a masterwork chain shirt, a masterwork glaive, a morningstar, a potion of cure light wounds, two scrolls, a spell component pouch, an unholy symbol of Baphomet, a vial of unholy water, a wand, and 39 gp. Arrika identifies the scrolls as a scroll of cause fear, and a scroll of comprehend languages. Rukzha detects the bolts, bracer, and cloak as magical (besides the obvious like potions/scrolls/wand).

Spellcraft DC 22:
You identify the bracers as a bracers of armor +1.

Spellcraft DC 20:
You identify the cloak as a cloak of resistance +1.

Spellcraft DC 18:
You identify the bolts as +1 bolts.

Spellcraft DC 20:
You identify the wand as a wand of cure moderate wounds with 9 charges remaining.

Nothing more in the semi-circular room is noteworthy but Elriel knows that the locked door to the south holds no traps. He tries one of the keys found with the tiefling and it fits perfectly, revealing the rest of the room.

This semicircular room has been outfitted with numerous demonic decorations. The green glass lanterns hanging on the walls give the room an eerie glow. A brazen minotaur head hangs from one wall above an altar covered with wavy-bladed knives and curved bulls' horns, while star-shaped symbols in red decorate other walls. A large wooden chest sits near the west wall. The star-shaped symbols are the same symbol of Baphomet found in the Topaz Solutions' basement.

Rukzha quickly detects the brazen minotaur head on the wall as a magic item and that the whole room in under the effect of an unhallow spell (with zone of truth tied to affect all creatures). Elriel finds no traps in the wooden chest, which is locked once more, and quickly opens it with the tiefling's second key. Within are various items looted from the ruins over the past days by the cultists, including 2,310 cp, 759 sp, 122 gp, 11 pp, five silver holy symbols of Iomedae (25 gp each), a masterwork longsword, two masterwork scimitars, various fine housewares like silverware and table settings, a wand, and a currently broken phylactery.

Spellcraft DC 20:
A brazen head is an object sacred to the cult of Baphomet. Most brazen heads appear to be the head of a minotaur, but others in the shape of humans, animals, or multi-faced demons exist.

When mounted on a wall in an area sacred to Baphomet, the brazen head constantly breathes out invisible vapors that fill a 60-foot spread. Any evil creature in this area gains the benefit of a bless spell.

When in the area of an unhallow spell cast by a worshiper of Baphomet, a brazen head can be used once per month to perform an augury. Rumors exist of more powerful brazen heads capable of casting divination or even commune.

Spellcraft DC 20:
You identify the wand as a wand of bless weapon with 18 charges remaining.

Spellcraft DC 16:
You identify the phylactery as a phylactery of faithfulness but it is currently broken.

The chest also contains a sheaf of papers documenting the cultists' movements around the city. These papers not only indicate that the plan to attack Kenabres was several years in the planning, but that there were a large number of Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth involved.

Finally, there's a short note in immaculate handwriting:

Faxon,

You did well to report your superior's mishandling of funds, and I trust that you will continue to serve as loyally in the weeks to come. You need not command the Kenabres Templars for long, for the city is about to die... I only wish I could be there to take part in its murder, for I have fond memories of my Red Morning Massacre. No matter, I suppose, for your mortal kin will all fall soon enough... as I said, Kenabres's days are short. Vorlesh has already left to meet with our Lord's daughter in the abyss to secure a Nahyndrian crystal of the proper purity, and once she has what she needs, she'll arrive in Kenabres to finish the job and turn the wardstones fully to our use. You will know when she succeeds, I suspect! Praise Lord Baphomet!

Minagho

Knowledge (local, history, or planes) DC 20:
You identify Minagho as the demonic ruler of the city of Raliscrad in the Worldwound.

Knowledge (planes) DC 35:
You know that Nahyndrian crystals are said to be crystallized fragments of a murdered demon lord's life force.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel was content to let Rukzha and Arrika deal with the magical items and loot. They had spilled enough blood to now trust them. He knew he would be given his fair share.

He looked at the letter again, "This Vorlesh has gone the Abyss? The Abyss?"

He shook his head, "We are clearly out of our league here. However, this information must be given to the Defenders ASAP."

He continued, sort of mumbling to himself, and the piped up again, "One question though. Has Vorlesh already returned and this is the result or is Kenabres going to suffer more whenever she comes back?"


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 No.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Yes.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 No.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Yes.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 No.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 No.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 No.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 No.
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 No.

A cloak that protects from magic, and a curative wand. The rest I can't quite recognize. At Elriel's mention of Vorlesh, Arrika's attention is suddenly drawn away from examining the magic items they'd found. She went to the Abyss? That must be how her magics were able to take the wardstones down, if they were powered by something from there. She was in that other note, too, from the tunnels, remember? It said she would be the one attacking the wardstones, and clearly that's happened, although spirits forbid she take down another.


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Brevon looks on, confused, as Arrika quickly identifies the magical properties of the various treasures they have recovered--treasures stolen, no doubt, by the uncouth cultists they have encountered.

The last item catches his eye. It is a small box attached to a loop of leather cord. "This item here," he breathes in excitement. "That's a phylactery of faithfulness! It can identify whether conduct is righteous or not."

after the letter..
"You mean this madness is not yet over?!" Brevon is taken aback at the prospect that Kenabres, already devastated to within an inch of its existence, should suffer a further demonic assault. "Another attack powered by the very forces of the Abyss..."

His words fail him.

_________
Spellcraft DC 22: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 no
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 no
Spellcraft DC 18: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 no
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 no
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 no
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 no
Spellcraft DC 16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 yes!!!
K(history) DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 no


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

After leveling up and putting two ranks in spellcraft Rukzha can take 10 with guidance for 22, identifying all the items.

After examining the man and finding no spellbook Rukzha has a realization. He might be a witch! "Wait a second, it might be that this tiefling's magic was similar to mine. If so, he got connected with his magic through his familiar, like I do through my mask. Maybe I can make use of that."

She turns towards the familiar with a friendly smile, though it is of course hidden by the mask. "Your master is dead, but I'll see to it that you survive if you help me out a bit." What's more important than her words though, is the focus she tries to maintain through her mask, directed towards the familiar. It feels like she's reaching out to grab something out of reach, but with her mind instead of her body. She's not trying to make the familiar her own, but rather to attune to it magically.
I assume Spellcraft is the most appropriate for this: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

After dealing with the familiar, whether good or bad, she turns towards the items. "Let's see what we have here. Which ones were you not able to identify?" She looks over the items. "These are first rank protective bracers, they offer protection akin to my haramaki." Can Kelumarion wear the bracers for when mage armor isn't up? I assume it has long since expired now?

She picks up the bolts to study them. "These are first rank enchanted bolts, could be useful if we have to resort to crossbows certainly. Let's take four each. Or do want to try your luck with a crossbow as well Elriel?" She divides out the bolts after identifying them.

----

While Elriel is working on the chest she comments on the head. "That's a brazen head, a sacred item to the cult of Baphomet, it'll bless his evil followers and let them divine the truth. It would be nice if we could find a way to get rid of it. Bringing it with us seems risky since suddenly we end up blessing our enemies."

"The other note said something to indicate that that Vorolesh was the one who destroyed the wardstone already. The defenders already know that, even if this makes it more certain. That the power to do so came from the Abyss is no surprise. So I don't feel that this is critical new information. Still, we are heading there next anyway right? We don't want to spend the night alone out in the city. Maybe they'll see something I don't. Let me take a moment to see if I can find something relevant in the book." She takes a moment to leaf through her book from earlier while muttering a quick cantrip of guidance.

Knowledge Planes with guidance and book vs DC 20: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 20
Knowledge Planes with guidance and book vs DC 35: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 30
Please list what the checks are for next time so we won't have to open the spoilers to see. I'm unsure if the book of the crusades help with these two checks. Also, will you allow aid another? That's the only way we are ever beating DC 35.

After figuring out the note Rukzha points out the wand. "This wand let's you bless weapons. You might find it useful Brevon, because I can't use it." She hands the wand to the paladin.


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

Earlier with the scoprion
"If you don't help me out... Then you won't survive." Rukzha's tone that started so nice turn menacingly as she tries to convince the familiar to teach her it's spells before they disappear.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.
Rukzha Kerzuk wrote:

Earlier with the scoprion

"If you don't help me out... Then you won't survive." Rukzha's tone that started so nice turn menacingly as she tries to convince the familiar to teach her it's spells before they disappear.

Elriel approached the witch talking to the scorpion, curiosity on his face.

"What are you doing? You should just let it go; it didn't do us any harm."

He then stomped on the ground, "Do you want me to kill it?"

tag?


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

loot
The half-elf approached the pile of stuff and the rest of his friends trying to determine what the things were. Totally trusting his new companions on the matter, he casually asked, "Anything interesting? Anything for me to use?"

tag?

later
He sighed taking one last look at the ruined place. He full well knew that outside would be same if not worse. But he was looking forward to going back to the Defender's Heart. Maybe the refugees had been led to the fortified tavern. If not, he would volunteer to do so himself.

He was looking for something to gift the little refugee girl. Even another broken doll would do. When his companions seemed to have finished with the equipment, he asked, "Ready to head back? We must report what we know and let others take over the task of saving the city."

tag?


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre
Elriel wrote:

Elriel approached the witch talking to the scorpion, curiosity on his face.

"What are you doing? You should just let it go; it didn't do us any harm."

He then stomped on the ground, "Do you want me to kill it?"

"The scorpion holds magic!" Rukzha says in an excited voice without looking back at the half-elf. Her gaze remains fixed on the scorpion. "I can use it to learn more spells. More spells is always good as it means I'll be able to deal with a wider variety of situations. Killing it would be a waste, like tearing apart a spellbook." While Rukzha would normally be angry at the though of mindlessly destroying knowledge, she's too excited for that now. She also understand that Elriel is just suggesting it because he doesn't know better.

Elriel wrote:
The half-elf approached the pile of stuff and the rest of his friends trying to determine what the things were. Totally trusting his new companions on the matter, he casually asked, "Anything interesting? Anything for me to use?"

Rukza is happy to discuss the various items they've found. She likes figuring out how to best use things, even if it means someone else takes the items. "The wand I just gave to Brevon could be used to bless your weapon as well. There is another cloak just like yours as well as some protective bracers. The other wand could provide us with healing, which is nice to have as we are bound to get injured if we keep fighting these demons. Finally these bolts are magical, providing slightly more accuracy and damage than normal crossbow bolts. The rest is just mundane gear, no magical swords or armor."

Who should take the cloak?


Female Half-orc Witch (Scarred Witch Doctor) 6 Archmage1 | Init +1 | Perc +9 SM +7 | AC 15 T 11 FF 14 CMD 13 | HP 47/47 | F +6 R +5 W +7 | SPen:11(15 vs demons) Concent:13 | MP: 5/5 | Active: Mage Armor[6hrs] |Spells prep: 2xHero, MajorI, Glitter, 2xWeb, MirrorI WBolt, Enlarge, EScre

Later

Elriel wrote:


He sighed taking one last look at the ruined place. He full well knew that outside would be same if not worse. But he was looking forward to going back to the Defender's Heart. Maybe the refugees had been led to the fortified tavern. If not, he would volunteer to do so himself.

He was looking for something to gift the little refugee girl. Even another broken doll would do. When his companions seemed to have finished with the equipment, he asked, "Ready to head back? We must report what we know and let others take over the task of saving the city."

Rukzha looks up to the sky, trying to guess at the passage of day under the cursed skies. "Let's try to avoid being caught out here after nightfall. My orc blood lets me see easier in the dark, but the rest of you are not all that fortunate. As for letting others take over the task..." Rukzha pauses. "Let's hope the army will arrive like Irabeth mentioned. That will hopefully make fighting against the demons more realistic. But if I can help in saving the city, I will do so. I won't let others take over the task, at least not without my help."


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)
Rukzha wrote:
"That's a brazen head, a sacred item to the cult of Baphomet, it'll bless his evil followers and let them divine the truth. It would be nice if we could find a way to get rid of it. Bringing it with us seems risky since suddenly we end up blessing our enemies."

Would one of the priests at the temple be able to...I don't know, keep it immersed in holy water or something, to keep it from activating? I don't want to bring it back with us if it's going to cause trouble for everyone, but just leaving it here means a cultist might come across it and cause even more trouble...

Elriel wrote:
He was looking for something to gift the little refugee girl. Even another broken doll would do. When his companions seemed to have finished with the equipment, he asked, "Ready to head back? We must report what we know and let others take over the task of saving the city."

Encourage others to join in, perhaps...but I'm with Rukzha, and Kelumarion has been since the beginning. And besides...I'm not quite sure it's really even possible to be a bystander in all this. Not with the skills we've started to develop - I'd feel almost criminal standing aside at this point. But you're right - back to the Defender's Heart. We'll let Irabeth know what's happened, and that we've rooted out a couple of these safe houses. Then it's to this manor tomorrow.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.
Arrika Telryn Neverrun wrote:
Elriel wrote:
He was looking for something to gift the little refugee girl. Even another broken doll would do. When his companions seemed to have finished with the equipment, he asked, "Ready to head back? We must report what we know and let others take over the task of saving the city."
Encourage others to join in, perhaps...but I'm with Rukzha, and Kelumarion has been since the beginning. And besides...I'm not quite sure it's really even possible to be a bystander in all this. Not with the skills we've started to develop - I'd feel almost criminal standing aside at this point. But you're right - back to the Defender's Heart. We'll let Irabeth know what's happened, and that we've rooted out a couple of these safe houses. Then it's to this manor tomorrow.

Elriel looked at Rukzha and Arrika, "I'm not saying that I'm going to kick my feet up and play the violin! I'll still lend my blades to the cause. All I'm saying is that what we have found kicks this up a notch, if it wasn't already serious. Deadly serious."

He paused for a second, "Look, we have done well here. With the cultists and minor demons. But do you really think you're going to follow this Vorlesh to the Abyss? C'mon now. I know you people are good and all but surely Iomedae and Sarenrae will have to call on their champions to combat this."

He turned to Brevon, "No offense but if I was Sarenrae, I'd be looking for someone else. You know, the heroes of legend we have all read about."

Elriel looked at his feet, "So yeah, I'll continue to help but I just think we're all a little over our heads here."

tag?


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.
Arrika Telryn Neverrun wrote:
Rukzha wrote:
"That's a brazen head, a sacred item to the cult of Baphomet, it'll bless his evil followers and let them divine the truth. It would be nice if we could find a way to get rid of it. Bringing it with us seems risky since suddenly we end up blessing our enemies."
Would one of the priests at the temple be able to...I don't know, keep it immersed in holy water or something, to keep it from activating? I don't want to bring it back with us if it's going to cause trouble for everyone, but just leaving it here means a cultist might come across it and cause even more trouble...

Elriel did not find a doll but he found plenty of large debris, "Simple. If it's not good to us then let's destroy it."

He found a large piece of stone, "What if I put it on top of this rock and just smash it with another large rock? Will that do it?"

tag?


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)
Elriel wrote:

"I'm not saying that I'm going to kick my feet up and play the violin! I'll still lend my blades to the cause. All I'm saying is that what we have found kicks this up a notch, if it wasn't already serious. Deadly serious."

"Look, we have done well here. With the cultists and minor demons. But do you really think you're going to follow this Vorlesh to the Abyss? C'mon now. I know you people are good and all but surely Iomedae and Sarenrae will have to call on their champions to combat this."

He turned to Brevon, "No offense but if I was Sarenrae, I'd be looking for someone else. You know, the heroes of legend we have all read about."

"So yeah, I'll continue to help but I just think we're all a little over our heads here."

"Our part in this cannot be over." It simply can't be that simple! I was sent here for a reason, wasn't I? Sanctifying demonic altars would not justify my mission.

"Each of us might have been fated to oblivion in this disaster. But Sarenrae has seen fit to place me here. She...the gods have seen fit to place all of you here as well. We have some role to play, even if it is yet concealed from us. The heat of the sun burns through even the densest clouds, and this fog of uncertainty will no doubt be lifted. We must have faith in the truth of our existence, for as long as we draw breath the demons have not won. We ourselves are proof of hope."

Are we doomed? Sarenrae, do you hear me?

"The brazen head is an abomination. It is a tool of our enemy, and we should destroy it if we can."

Brevon would vote to desecrate or destroy the head. GM, any clues as to a course of action in that regard? Brevon might be temped to beat it with a hammer.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.
Brevon Sabor wrote:
"The brazen head is an abomination. It is a tool of our enemy, and we should destroy it if we can."

Elriel nodded, "Let's do it then. Get your hammer out and flex those muscles. Heck, I'll take turn myself although my combat style is more agility than strength, where you clearly outmatch me."

He turned to the magic-wielders, "Can any of you help out? Either by making Brevon stronger or weakening the cursed item."

tag?


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Brevon might have smiled, if not for the demon altar and its nefarious head looming over them. He hefts the cold iron hammer, admiring its weight and craftsmanship.

He smashes it heavily into the side of the brazen head. The shock of the blow makes his teeth chatter. "In the name of The Dawnflower, The Everlight, The Healing Light, and The Healing Flame. By the fires of Bryla, the light of Charlabu, and the gleaming blade of Mystmorning..." He continues his assault. "I cast you out, purge you of your evil, and lay your sins to bear in the awesome light of day. Everything is uncovered before the eyes of her to whom we must give account!"

After a minute, between the physical exertion and the impromptu sermon, Brevon is panting and soaked in sweat. His blond hair clings to his brow and neck. He wipes the sweat away, leaning heavily on the hammer, and takes a long swig from his waterskin.

"Now then, I think we're ready to go."


Current Map | Loot | Critical-Fumble Generator

You leave the Tower of Estrod by the beginning of the night... the reddish sky takes the tones of blood once more and soon you notice it will be pitch black. You cross the intermediate wall at one of the many gaps created by some titanic demon and walk around one of the rifts near the Defender's Heart to finally reach it. Once more the bodies of the deceased are common view and the darker it gets more frequent are the occasional scream lost in the night, sometimes a scream of pain or fear but much more frequent the laugh of a demon.

The Defender's Heart is fully illuminated by countless torches and even the permanent pyre for the bodies of the deceased, making the whole place a beacon of hope. Once more the crusaders bar your way but soon one of them recognizes you and lets you pass. You feel the smell of food as soon as you enter the place and just like before the place is pretty busy.

You see Irabeth and Quednys talking about something on the other side of the ample room and as she finishes she walks towards you. "Glad to see you are still in one piece... many do not return with these demons still around... So, any luck with those safe houses?"


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel was tired but he tried to keep up his invincible appearance for the sake of those that were worse off than himself.

It was sad to see so many injured and desperate but at the same time, it was good that they were here, where at least they would have a a fighting chance at getting out of this mess alive.

His eyes were everywhere looking for the refugees they left in the library, especially the little girl he had grown fond of.. Not finding them right away, he made a mental note to ask about them later.

Once they were ushered for a debrief, he coughed and briefly related their successes, if they could be counted as such.

The half-elf allowed his companions to add in the details that he knew were missing.

He ended showing the letter Irabeth and Quednys, "As you can see, this is bigger than all of us. You need to get this information to the right people who can do something about it."

He looked at his companions and Brevon in particular and added, "I--we will remain here in the tavern ready to help out with the refugees and such."

tag?

He could not wait any longer, "By the way, did you get a chance to send for the refugees from the library?"

tag?


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

Whatever progress they might have made in clearing out the safe houses, the continued screams in the night remind Brevon of the horror still enveloping the city. Still, the Defender's Heart is a welcome sight, and even in his short time here has begun to feel like a home. Easy enough for him to feel this way, since his actual home was not destroyed by demons.

At least, not the literal kind.

With Irabeth, he straightens and listens as Elriel gives his report. "I am with Elriel. We will do whatever we can, however small our contribution might be. Tell me, what's this about the additional wardstones? How secure is the city right now?"


Current Map | Loot | Critical-Fumble Generator

Brevon, I've not directly answered your question but Quednys' and Irabeth's lines should have answered it!

Elriel wrote:
He could not wait any longer, "By the way, did you get a chance to send for the refugees from the library?"

Irabeth gives you a small smile, probably the best she can do in face of the current situation. "Yes, they've arrived about an hour ago. We've already given them food and now Quednys' men are trying to accommodate them."

Irabeth reads the letter from Minagho to Faxon two times to make sure she didn't miss anything. Meanwhile Quednys takes a look at the sheaf of papers found in the Tower of Estrod. Irabeth puts the letter aside before addressing you. "You bring dire news to us... these Nahydrian crystals, we've heard mention of these crystals before, and I fear that they're tied to something far worse than what's already happened to Kenabres... I believe Quednys can explain this better. Nevertheless I'm happy you were able to find the two safehouses you mentioned and since my men already brought me news about the third one, the Nyserian Manor which is completely razed to the ground thanks of one of those immense demons, I believe the threat of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth in Kenabres is near its end, especially with the papers you retrieved! I appreciate your offer for help and I'll accept it gladly... Quednys, please, follow us to my office so we can talk privately." Irabeth leads you to her office and closes the door before sitting on her chair. Quednys stays besides her, waiting for her to give him the opportunity to talk.

The old man puts the sheaf of papers under his arm and opens his journal, looking for some pieces of information before addressing you. "As horrific as recent events have been, we've come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev's murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we've seen since the fall of Drezen. It's fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory."

"While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we've heard from within the barricade they've erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you've managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we've determined what she intends to do."

"When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we've learned, they're hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones, essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon."

"The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven't attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we've lined up for the slaughter."

"Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border... I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening... we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it." Quednys nods to Irabeth, signaling that he finished his explanation so the commander took the lead once more.

Irabeth crosses her arms and leans towards you. "All of Kenabres's greatest defenders perished, fled, or were captured... this final task falls to those few who remain, and of them, I believe you are the best situated to take on the mission. A small, elite force like you can strike at the Gray Garrison, infiltrate it, and deal with the situation, especially if the crusaders and the other surviving mercenaries go on the offensive throughout the city. By doing so, we'll have to abandon our defensive position and will certainly take losses, but luring the cultists now in control of Old Kenabres out to attack a few dozen sudden uprisings of crusaders will certainly give you the advantage you need to attack the Gray Garrison."

"I don't expect you'll be able to achieve our goal on the first try and I even suggests you plan for multiple attacks on the Gray Garrison. My crusaders will time their own strikes with each of your attacks, and while the cultists will certainly shore up their defenses between forays, multiple strikes should wear them down. As long as you can destroy the wardstone fragment before Vorlesh's arrival, it will all be worth the risk."

"While none know when Vorlesh is scheduled to arrive and thus it's safe to assume she could show up at any minute, Quednys has the perfect tool for finishing off the wardstone's destruction, a rod of cancellation he salvaged from a ruined wizard's shop. With this item, you should be able to drain the last vestige of power from the fragment; in so doing, it will completely sever the wardstone's remaining connection to the field. Doing so will rob Vorlesh of a crucial chink in the wardstone field's armor and prevent her from using it against the crusaders unless the demons can manage to destroy another wardstone... Something I don't think is possible in the short term, for the Kenabres stone has suffered numerous attacks over the past several years that made this final destruction possible. Almost, as if the demons have been planning for this day from the start..." She then looks expectantly to you.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel's momentary joy of knowing the refugees were safe was immediately clouded by the grave news he heard.

His instincts were right and things could get worse. Much worse.

Questions, he had lots of questions.

"So why do we want to break the Kenabre Wardstone? It doesn't make sense. Wouldn't we want to use it?"

He then added, "How about if we infiltrate this fortress and take the wardstone and bring it back here?"
Ignore this last question if the wardstone is 'too big' and Elriel would know this.

"So this Vorlesh is going to the Abyss but a witch named Areelu is coming here to Kenabres. Are we expected to face this witch? What do we know of her?"

The half-elf sighed, "So you really think that we are Kenabre's best hope." He looked at his companions, "I mean we are no elite team. I think we've just been lucky. However, if you think we're it then I'm more than willing to help out."


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)

"...turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare...greatest defenders perished...this final task falls to...you."

The words wash over Brevon like a warm bath, washing away the layer of doubt and hopelessness that has been enveloping him since he arrived to find the city in pieces. So this. This is the pathway back. The way to redeem himself in her...Her eyes. Those eyes--dead, lifeless eyes gazing...

"This sounds like quite the mission, and one you yourself have been contemplating. You seem to have some knowledge about the cultist operation in the Gray Garrison. What more can you tell us about its layout. What defenses could we expect? I know we are pressed for time, but any information could prove invaluable."

"And, this rod of cancellation, are any of us capable of using it? It sounds like something Rukzha or Arrika would have the most affinity toward?"


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

But even if we did take the wardstone back, Elriel...it's still damaged. Still a risk, a weakness, and if she knows that, this Grey Garrison wouldn't rest until they re-took it. And how many lives would that cost? It's like a broken, infected leg...sometimes, you're better off just cutting off the leg, to spare a life.

In truth, Arrika was just as nervous as the half-elf - but, as Irabeth had said, there was little other choice. It had to be done, and there were few others who even had a chance at it. I'll take the rod - I don't think it makes much difference who carries it, but I get the feeling everyone else will have enough on their hands. There's no way they're leaving the wardstone unguarded - we'll need everyone else's swords and spells to hold them back.


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Not sure if you missed it Elriel, but Areelu Vorlesh is a single person, which makes your question a bit weird...

Irabeth nods in agreement with Arrika. "You are completely right... the remaining fragment of the wardstone is useless to us now, unable to protect anything or anyone and as long as it exists, it will continue to be a liability. It must be destroyed."

To Elriel, she continued. "Areelu Vorlesh is a infamous witch, rumored to have studied the eruption of raw chaotic energy that eventually became the Worldwound since before the fall of Sarkoris and was even transformed into a fiendish creature when the Worldwound opened. Many believe she was largely responsible for the Worldwound... nevertheless we know she is loyal agent of the Abyss, actively seeking to expand the Worldwound and destroy us all. She is extremely powerful and I really hope that none of us face her for it would most likely be our damnation. This is why time is the essence here." Regarding his last question, she nods firmly, showing no doubt in her voice. "Yes I do! If we were to fight an open battle I'd bet in the crusaders but a more subtle mission should be held by a smaller team and neither me nor Quednys could think about a better prepared small group, besides this fact, you have survived and thrived so far and I bet it was more than luck... perhaps destiny, or the swift guidance of the Gods but I believe it was mostly due to your own skills... I fully believe in you."

Irabeth thinks for a while before answering Brevon. "The Gray Garrison is so-called for its squat, plain gray stone facade. Before the fall, the Gray Garrison served as a museum, tended by several aged curators who kept the structure in working order out of a sense of duty and to honor the past. Once the initial attack on Kenabres was over, the cultists chose it as their base of operations, probably due to its central location and its ease of defense. The Gray Garrison has two full floors and a partial third floor. Rooms within are lit via continual flames placed inside lanterns, as the lack of windows makes the accumulation of smoke a discomfort... We don't really know too much about their defenses but I think it is safe to assume it will be cramped with tieflings and demons of all sorts... One thing that might help you is the hidden armory besides the temple of Iomedae. It was to be used for this very same reason we are facing right now."


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel palm smacks his forehead, "So Areelu Vorlesh is one person. So we definitely don't want to face her. I agree."

He shrugs, "I just thought that perhaps bringing the wardstone or fragment back would be useful but we'll do as you say and destroy it with the magical rod."

He bows, "And I thank you for the vote of confidence. Desperate times require desperate measures and it's pretty bleak right now. We will do all within our power to see this through."

"Is there anything else we should be aware of. If not, I think some in our group would benefit from a good rest before setting out in the morning."

Elriel goes to check on the refugees before retiring. Do we need to acquire any special equipment?


Female Human HP 68/68 | AC 16 | FF 14 | T 12 | Per +0 | F: 4 | R: 4 | W: 5 | Init +2
Skills:
Craft (alc) +4 | Diplo +7 | Know (hist) +5 | Know (plan, rel) +4 | Ling +4 | Spell +4 | UMD +7
Unchained summoner 6 (Guardian/Archmage tier 1)

I don't have any equipment I need. I got my goodies last time we rested.


HP 61/61 | AC 25 T 12 FF 24 | F +9 R +6 W +7 | CMB +9 CMD 21 (20 FF) | Init +1 Perc +8 | Lay on Hands 6/7 (3d6) | Smite Evil 2/2 | Aura of Courage +4 | Channel (3d6 DC 15)
Irabeth wrote:
"One thing that might help you is the hidden armory besides the temple of Iomedae. It was to be used for this very same reason we are facing right now."

"Oh?" Brevon perks up at the mention of the hidden armory. "How will the armory help, or how should it be used? Is there equipment there, or merely a means of entry into the Garrison?"

"But Elriel is right. We must steel our minds and bodies for the arduous task ahead. Better to face these horrors by the light of day, if we can..."


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Brevon wrote:
"Oh?" Brevon perks up at the mention of the hidden armory. "How will the armory help, or how should it be used? Is there equipment there, or merely a means of entry into the Garrison?"

Irabeth shakes her head. "I'm sorry but I have expressed myself poorly... I believe I lead you to think that the armory, the temple of Iomedae and the Garrion and separate buildings. Inside the Garrison, there is a room that functions as a temple of Iomedae and inside it, behind a secret wall to the left of the altar, there is a secret armory where you'll be able to find weapons..." She looks you for a moment before getting up from her chair. "I'll show you when we are there... that's right, I'll go with you. There is no point in asking you to do something that I'm not willing to do myself."

Elriel wrote:
"Is there anything else we should be aware of. If not, I think some in our group would benefit from a good rest before setting out in the morning."

"A good night of sleep will indeed be important, I'll try to get a couple hours to rest after a arrange everything for the assault tomorrow. Much have already been done since I was already expecting, and hoping, that you'd agree with this mission. Now, go get some rest and feel free to take a look in our own armory, perhaps you'll find something useful... We've brought all your possessions from the Blackwing to your room." Irabeth then moves towards the door but awaits for you in the case you have more questions. "Oh, I've almost forgot, Sabrina left the Defender's Heart a couple hours ago but she left you this note..."

Note from Sabrina:
Arrika, Elriel, and Rukzha,

I feel that in the end of our journey I have lost a portion of my resolve, purpose, and mind due to the horrors we have faced and I feel that I must now atone for my mistakes and it would be unfair to bring you into this personal task.

I must follow Yaniel's ways and so I leave for the Worldwound where I shall be redeemed or face a deserved end. Fear not for me for I shall yet return to you in time. My sword and Iomedae shall guide me in this task if She so desires.

Sabrina De'Foe

Inside the note you also find one of Terendelev's scales.


CG Male Half-elf (Kyonin) Unchained rogue 5 / ranger (demonslayer) 1 / mythic 1 | HP 55/55 | AC 20 (14 Touch, 16 Flat-Footed) | CMB +5, CMD 18 | Fort. +6, Ref. +10, Will +5 | Init. +9 | Perc. +17/+19, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Abilities: n/a | Spells: n/a | Active conditions: None.

Elriel sees it as a good sign that Irabeth is coming along, "Commander, it will be a pleasure to serve in your unit. I look forward to working towards your tactical objectives tomorrow."

letter
It came as no surprise to read the letter from Sabrina, "She meant well but needed to her priorities straight. I hope she comes back reinvigorated. We need everyone in this fight."

He then excused himself, "Well, I'm off to tell a bedtime story and then I'll try to get some rest."

ready to go since a rogue doesn't have much preparation. :)

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