The Righteous Shall Rise...

Game Master verdigris

Round 1, Init 15

"So chatty, Old man. You should stay still and be quiet!" He gestures obscenely, and follows up with a gutteral noise that offends just to hear it.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 Spellcraft

Serra's face scrunches up as the unknown spell comes at him...

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Will Save

...that he barely manages to shake off.

Waiting to see what happens to others before acting.

Round: 1, Initiative: 13

Cole is surprised to see another demon, but not overly so. This place must be crawling with them.

He is surprised even further when it casts a spell effecting the plateau.
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
He draws his own conclusions supporting those of Eli. He has however, nothing to add to Eli’s eloquent description.

"Eli's right, this one will be tough!"

He focuses his ire on the demon* stepping slightly closer (5’ step), draws his bow, and let’s loose his first arrow of the fight. Cold iron as usual.

Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 4 = 21 (focus)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 4 = 15 (focus)

* Ranger Focus for +4 attack/damage as a swift action

Will Save v DC 21: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"Thanks, but something in your nature tells me I should probably keep my guard up. Nulkineth is dead, and our arrow is only a taste of what we promise, Nabasu."

Round 1, Init 11

Having been dropped off at the enemy's lair, the Gnome slowly picks his way through the wreckage. Spotting the Nabasu, he calls for assistance.

"The Longsword send assistance!"

Spell Like Ability: Summon Monster II: 1d3 ⇒ 3 Standard Action

The Eagles fly to surround the winged foe and take a celestial peck at the evil.

Eagle 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Eagle 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Eagle 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 1, Init 10

"Eagles! The Eagles have joined our fight! Kastor! Look! They gods send us allies!" Serra cheers allies coming to their aid.

Serra calls upon his knightly training, urging his companions to move with haste to deal with this threat.

+1 to AC, to hit, & Reflex. +30' move, yadayada...Round 1/6.

"What? Was that Beagan barking?? Cole, lend me your eyes!!"

A familiar calls out and suddenly three eagles, glowing with a celestial purity, surround the demon. Each attacks, but misses the nabasu, bringing a chuckle to the creature's lips. "Your birdies can't hurt me!"

Initiative
Round 1
Jurin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
- - - - - - - - -

Round 2
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
demon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Beagan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Jurin is up to end round 1, but Eli can go ahead and go to begin round 2

Round 2, Init 16

As Eli feels the energies compelling his joints to greater speeds, he takes advantage, closing distance with the creature, and bringing more strength to his frame for the unavoidable conflict with the Nabasu. Cast Bull's Strength

Round 1

Will DC 21: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Spellcraft DC 21: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Easily resisting the spell, though he isn't quite sure what it was, Jurin moves into the courtyard and prepares for the assault.

Weapon is Cold Iron and Good. Casting Mirror Image for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 images.

Jeez, I didn't get anyone with that??? *sigh*

round 1 summary

The group was met by a foul talking demon as they began their departure from the chapel. He cast a spell, trying to stop them in their tracks, but each shook it off like the mythic heroes that they are. From the other side of the courtyard, a voice rang out in promised aid, and a host of celestial eagles appeared surrounding the demon. The heroes closed up on the demon, readying to stop this evil in its tracks.

Round 2, Init 15

"still moving, old man? Alright then." The demon flies up 10 feet, provoking fruitless attacks from the meddlesome birds. He points at Eli and lets loose another string of obscenities.
Dark coils of pure evil shoot from his hand, turning into large mawed snakes that latch onto the old man and begin to drain his very life force. They wriggle and writhe in gluttonous joy as they sup.

eagle 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
eagle 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
eagle 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

ranged touch attack on Eli: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 if successful, then: 1d4 ⇒ 4 level drain

Round 2, Init 10

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 Spellcraft

Serra glares at the spellcasting demon, realizing that he and his companions can do little against that kind of firepower.

Well, maybe Cole can hurt it. And was that Beagan's...

Serra casts Shield and waddles forward to protect Cole. In doing so, he espies Beagan. Serra smiles.

...voice. Heroes always return.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Eli wavers in place, unsure to where his favor and strength have gone.

Round: 2, Initiative: 13

Cole is pleased that the eagles are indeed swarming the opponent, but he wonders where they’re from… Was that really Beagan’s voice? Has he returned ready to fight again? Or is this another trick?

Unable to think about it clearly, he concentrates instead on the matter at hand. Damn demons…

Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 4 = 34 (focus)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 14 (focus)

Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 4 = 20 (focus)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 4 = 15 (focus)

Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 4 = 29 (focus)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 4 = 20 (focus)

Hasted Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 4 = 19 (focus)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 = 19 (focus)

- - -

CritThreat One Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 4 = 31 (focus)
damage: 2d8 + 16 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5) + 16 + 8 = 32 (focus)

CritThreat Two Bow (magic, cold iron): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 4 = 23 (focus)
damage: 2d8 + 16 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 16 + 8 = 26 (focus)

Very satisfied with his shots, he spits on the ground in front of him, hoping the demon falls from the sky.

Round 3, Initiative 11

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The celestial eagles continue to attack fiendish demon, easily winging the ten feet to swipe at the flying foe.

Eagle 1: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 = 241d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 (flanking)
Eagle 2: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 101d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (flanking)
Eagle 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

If he can charge and leap/jump (part of movement) at the end of the charge...

"The Bright Herald empower my blade!"

The Gnome calls upon the Gods to empower his wild arcana and allow him to launch himself at the enemy. (Uses mythic power to cast Jump) Filled with Iomedae's blessing, he charges at the flying demon, attempting to leap and smite his sworn enemy.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 + 20 = 39 (Jump spell)

Longsword (+1 cold iron): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 + 4 = 28 (charge, smite)
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 4 = 12

If he can't charge and leap at the end, he will simply double-move 40' forward.

Quickly, Cole unleashes a flurry of arrows, two of which strike deep into the Nabasu's flesh. They clearly claim his attention, allowing the little holy warrior from to jump in from the other side. His gleaming sword strikes as true as the archer's arrow, removing the demon's head in one fell swoop and sending it rolling to land at Eli's feet.

and we are out of initiative. I almost lasted 2 rounds! Woohoo!

Eli stands over the demon's head. His hammer nudges it carefully, inspecting it from either side of its profile.

"Cole, your skill is remarkable. We're lucky to have you."

He looks up, and addresses the gnome.

"Your return couldn't have come at a better time, master Beagan..."

The Gnome shrugs. "If there are demons menacing here, this is where I want to be. The Lady's herald brought me here - she is the one with the good timing. Could have never made it here by myself." Crinkled blue eyes look down at the massive holes torn into the demon by deeply biting arrows. "I don't have Cole's shot, or your hammer, or Jurin's wisdom, or Serra's invisible squire. The demons are too strong, too crafty, too treacherous."

About to answer briefly, he sees Serra's expectant gaze, and so therefore begins a Beagan-scale rattling... about something. "But the Shining Swordswoman showed me I'm too headstrong to be vengeful. Me and vengeance? Not a good combination." He shakes his head vigorously at Serra. "Vengeance can lead to some very unpleasant things."

He shrugs. "So thanks to the Heraldic Lady, I'm just fighting demons now, only no longer as a Paladin. Kinda had a, well, ya know, falling out with the gods who were rattling around my head. They weren't - ummm, I guess - moral enough? Wanted me to do nasty things. I mean, I know, growing up with the Calistrians, I shouldn't be surprised, but..."

"The Lady of Stings wanted vengeance - vengeance upon the child-abandoning, virgin-sacrificing, witch-burning, defenseless-halfling killing knights. I get that, but I think it's more important to battle the demons than to let revenge against the addle-brained take precedence."

"The Big R's step-mom, ya know she's the Queen of Hell, almost had me convinced to serve her as she would return this very beautiful halfling to his rightful place. A very tempting offer, as this Othoe was an incredibly charismatic and attractive one, but then the Herald showed me how he turned all boney and evil and stuff. Not a good thing to do, even if protecting him would fulfill my most sacred oath - well, I guess the second most, after fighting demons."

"And the Big R' would apparently exact vengeance on a defenseless halfling. All the more blood-thirsty because she was once good and had fallen into temptation. So all three of them would put aside fighting demons to seek vengeance in some kind of extremely evil way."

"On the other hand, I had a great talk with the Lady I. She would fight demons, but not use evil to further those ends. That's a god I can get behind without compromising the most central tenants of my being, defending the weak and oppressed, especially from demons, protecting defenseless halflings, as was so deeply instilled into me by the demon's lash - and the much, much worse things they do..." And made me do...

Clouded eyes watch the gnome, hairy ears listen to the gnome. Eli nods as Beagan accounts for something. When he is done, the old man pats the little one on the back, then slowly lowers himself to the ground. He sits and rests, enduring a level of fatigue he's never known.

Serra looks at Beagan, trying to absorb all that was said. He opens his mouth to speak...

"KASTOR! KASTOR!" Serra turns his head to call for the squire. "Kastor, come quick and see that Beagan has returned!"

Serra marches forward to hug, pat, and welcome the gnome back.

"We thought you dead? Or worse! Turned to the darkness! I had thought that halfling demon has possessed you...turning you against the good and noble!" Serra smiles deeply and honestly, his relief plain on his face.

Serra struggles to digest all of what Beagan had explained, but can't quite parse it all out so quickly.

"Wait, what happened? You had a vision from the Big R? He spoke to you!?"

Cole looks around a bit quickly to make sure there are no other demons lurking nearby.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

He then walks up to the group surrounding Beagan just as Serra asks his question. He waits quietly for the response.

"We thought you dead? Or worse! Turned to the darkness! I had thought that halfling demon has possessed you...turning you against the good and noble!"

"The sweet halfling maid did have - and will always have - my vow of protection and aid. Watching out for these little folk is my most solemn and utter duty, only second to fighting the demons who use them, pervert them, and wrench their bodies, minds and souls in unspeakable ways. The gods who rattled around my head and sent me on this crusade, well, they told me to take revenge upon those who did the evil deed..." He glares at Serra. "...the killing of any defenseless halfling, let alone a maid who was very dear to me. As I couldn't do their bidding immediately, I fled until I could suss out just what I should do."

"Wait, what happened? You had a vision from the Big R? He spoke to you!?"

"No. No vision from the Big R. It was the Lady Iomedae - or at least one of her heralds - who showed me the truth. She revealed the evil that would come from the manipulations of the gods of vengeance whose tendrils had entwined so long and so deeply into my little being - and She showed me the truth of sweet Nurah's fall from service to the deception of the demons."

"The vision from Iomedae revealed that the offer of Erecura, you know - the goddess of hell's subtle vengeance and the Big R's stepmom - well, her deal to bring this Othoe back to strike at the halfling killer would not return a goodly, noble little one to his rightful place, but instead would unleash a monster of undeath. Iomedae helped me see Calistria's subtle desires to strike against the evil that is Mendev - however deserved - might undermine the fight against demons. And She said because of the taint on the fallen Nurah, Ragathiel would probably revel in the vengeance gained by my tainted friend's destruction, instead of seeking revenge for her unnecessary death."

"The Herald of Iomedae severed the hold the firey vengeance gods had on me, so no - I did not talk to the Big R', as I can't serve one who would condone acts I know to be wrong. I will not support the abandonment of children, the burning of the innocent, the rape of the virgins, or the unnecessary slaughter of a defenseless halfling, especially one, as Iomedae indicated and desired, that was still able to be saved."

"The herald agreed to remove the vengeful deities' grip on my warped little form if I agreed to serve Her. I've rejected the vengeance of the Big R', and so I guess I'm a fallen Paladin, an ex-servant of the fiery god. Xanthos, his holy mount, is gone, and I expect the Lord R's vengeance could fall upon me at some point. I only hope I can get some licks in against the demons before that happens."

"Oh yeah, and the herald said now that I serve the Valorous Lady, I should wield this wicked sword in Her name."

As the silence falls at the end of Beagan's speech, so too does the sunset begin upon the ridge. There is time, though just barely, for the group to climb back to join the others in the camp below for the evening.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Eli starts to jump at the slightest noises, somewhat fearful of demon siege. Only after he's back among the paladin herd does his paranoia lessen. He thinks about locating Jothindra, and reporting the events of the cathedral, but decides better, leaving it to Cole.

Instead, he locates Marcy and Saul, and takes comfort in their presence to begin his rest. "Demon drained me... don't... disturb me... unless it's... dire..."

Serra looks shocked that Beagan holds any mercy for the evil halfling that Serra had justly slew in battle. Serra looks at Kastor, then at Beagan's bright blade. He certainly saw the smiting of the demon.

"He does seem knightly, Kastor. He does indeed," Serra notes to his squire. Though confused about the nature of the halfling.

"Oh yeah, and the herald said now that I serve the Valorous Lady, I should wield this wicked sword in Her name."

"That is good, Beagan. No doubt the Heralds have lain the path for your atonement for your past vengeances. I salute your new path towards redemption, though I will not always share in it," Serra intones gravely.

"We will certainly face more cultists who have fallen into darkness. I do not see the need to always grant them mercy, lest they ask it before they draw weapons against us. We have our orders and our paths. Your path is yours. Mine is mine. We both know we face grave evil, both in others and within ourselves."

Serra sighs, looking over at Kastor. He feel the weight of subjecting his young squire to so much at such a young age. But the boy would be a fine knight one day, and facing the different guises of evil he would have to learn.

"I am glad you are back, Ser Beagan. Together we will face what the demons throw at us," Serra says hitching up his belt. "Come now, the knights will be delighted to know you have returned. Your appearance bodes of good omen and shows that Just Sword shines on us."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Jurin nods at Beagan's return, even if his words don't make much sense.

"Don't worry Beagle, no virgins will be harmed while Serra is here to protect their honor. Now, who wants cake?"

Cole looks over the little group to gauge their responses to Beagan. "Well said sir knight, and we could really use you. It's been tough with out you, and it's just going to get tougher I think."

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

He continues, "We'd better climb down while there's still light enough to do so. Let's go."

He slowly and methodically climbs back down to the troops. He does his usual rounds and again sleeps but a little (Keep Watch).

In the morning, he meets with the group and the advisors as usual (I suspect we meet daily to anticipate problems whenever possible). "So, how are we doing overall? Anything of deep concern to bring to the group?" he keeps his own concerns to himself for the time being.

Serra, presumably, sleeps well through the night, trusting in the watch to guard him when it is not his turn. In the morning, he will perform is usually studies and preparations for the day to come. Kastor, for his part, will have polished his armor and weapons during the knight so that Serra could don clean armor for the day.

"So, how are we doing overall? Anything of deep concern to bring to the group?"

Serra rolls into the meeting, having broken his fast but still holding a few strips of bacon.

"How are we doing? Fine, I think. We have not suffered too many losses and we have achieved a few of our goals. The troubles that plagued our journey here have diminished," Serra answers, taking another bite of bacon.

"We are wholer now that Ser Beagan hast returned, and that no doubt bodes well for our journey. We are fit to continue."

While the others return to the floor of the ravine, Beagan stays behind to pray within Iomedae's chapel. After long hours, he joins them at the bottom, ready to go.

The army sets out once more and while the going is harsh, they make good progress for several miles. Soon though, a low hum reaches the ears ( of those with a passive perception of 10 or higher) of some of the most perceptive among them. The gorge ahead appears to be filled with what looks like a seething, filthy green cloud of vapor.

Eli stirs from sleep, feeling all sorts of better compared to the night before. Presuming 8+ hours of sleep to shirk off the enervation... He finds his way a short distance from camp, and performs his morning ritual before returning. He claps Marcus and Saul warmly, then joins Cole and the others in morning meeting.

"So, how are we doing overall? Anything of deep concern to bring to the group?"

Eli looks from Jurin, to Serra, to Beagan, to Cole.

"I believe we've managed well enough, and by my reckoning, we're not far from our destination, damn the obstacles that have plagued us so far. I only worry that the demons' numbers will increase the closer we get. The nabasu seemed almost... domesticated. Like a raccoon that finds easy food, and returns, again and again."

...

Hearing of clouds of vapor, Eli moves up to discuss the plan for their approach. "I'm likely able to wade through the mists without needing to breathe, and my eyesight is already limited, so if you need me to explore the vapors, I'm ready and willing." The old man listens to better eyes seek out all approaches.

Chastened by hours with the herald and hours in the chapel, the Gnome strides along in uncharacteristic quietude.

"The nabasu seemed almost... domesticated."

"I am not looking forward to see whoever - or whatever - is holding the other end of the leash."

His hand grips and re-grips his pommel, peering ahead with concern but determination.

"Yes, master gnome, it always seems that there's a bigger demon waiting on its wings to put the smaller demon in its place." Eli looks from Beagan to his Greengold gents.

"Beagan, do you recall Greengold, and my two associates here? Father Marcus, he's hard to forget for his tavern tales, but Saul here largely keeps busy between his smithy and his sweetheart. Gentlemen, Beagan, Beagan, Gentlemen."

Eli turns to Cole. "How far is it, and are you sending scouts ahead?"

Cole chuckles quietly to himself, So we'll send the least visual of us to see.

"OK Eli, you can go. Who's going with him?" He looks around the room. If no one speaks up quickly, he continues, "I'll go on this one then. We need to know if they're poisonous and Eli can drag me out if they overwhelm me too quickly."

Cole looks to the others, "We'll try to make this quick. However we may need to go around. Beagan, you may know this land as well as anyone - take a team to ride our perimeter, and see if there's anything out there waiting for us to stall so they can mount an assault. If you see nothing, consider probing for a way around, but do not go far." he says emphatically at the end.

"Stay back, Kastor, Ely. Be careful," Serra says as he moves closer to get a better look at the mists.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25 Know (Planes)

"Now...hold on..." Serra thinks.

As the group comes closer, it is possible to make out individual insectoid creatures, flying vermin, that make up the seething vapors.

Serra explains all the information in the third spoiler to the group before anyone goes scouting.

Questions to come later.

Serra looks at Cole, wondering what he thinks.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

He sets the end of his bow on the ground and leans against it.

"There's nothing I can do against such a foe. They're immune to weapon damage. I fear we may have to go around." he says, clearly frustrated.

"Unless anyone has any ideas? Or maybe a staff of fireballs?"

He waits to see if others have any input while he thinks.

I KNEW I should have bought that swarm bane clasp sooner...

Knowledge(Planes) Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Eli listens to Serra's elaboration on the ecology of the vescavors. Eli looks at Jurin's and Beagan's expressions, while hearing Cole's frustration.

"Bees leave you well enough alone if you don't give them a reason to get hostile. Wasps, not as much. Vescavors, I can't say I've had the pleasure. If what Serra says is true, their queen will be fiercely defended. Destroy the queen, destroy the swarm? I just don't know how one does that..."

Serra ponders more, rubbing his beard whilst thinking of his own magics.

"I can produce some fire, Cole, but maybe...divine spark can harm them?"

Aron coughs uncomfortably, finally speaking up. "We'd be better served by sending a small group to find the queen, I think, uh, sir. While some of us might be able to climb the walls of the ravine, the regular army would be crazed and scattered in moments; their gear turned to trash in moments more. But Eli has the right of it, as far as the swarms are concerned. They'll ignore the army so long as it doesn't go much nearer... and a small group could sneak forward, perhaps study them to find the lroute to the queen, and dispatch her. The rest would be gone soon after."

His eyes grow wide once he done speaking, as he realizes how much he has offered, unasked.

The Gnome acknowledges Eli's friends, including the Father and the smith. "Any friends of Eli have my respect." He grins and winks.

Listening to Sera, Eli and Aron, he prays silently a moment for guidance.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Beagan will search his oblations for information about the queen - Perhaps special attacks and special defenses?

"These are flying little, little buggers, right? Smaller than smallish small? I wonder if I asked Iomedae to send a small divine burst of air, what that would do to them? It might catch some of them up in it's whirlwind?"

"Oh wait! A wall of wind might be more effective?"
6 rounds, 60' long x 30' high

"I think I see where they are coming from. " Aron points out one of the many caves that dot the gorge walls. "while the whole army couldn't get up there, a small strike team could. I bet that leads to the queen."

He turns to Beagan, his eyes bright and hopeful. "a wall of wind might not get everyone across this gorge, but it could be very useful in trying to get to the queen safely."

to be clear, the term "filled" was used loosely. A small, careful team might be able to pick their way through to the cave.

K. Planes: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Jurin listens intently to Serra's basic explanation, nodding along to the parts his friend gets right.

"Bees bees, they like to sting. Watch out when they take wing. If they're looking for a new lair, they have more than one queen, yes?"

Cole rubs the stubble along his jawline.

"OK then. Let's do what we came to do. Jothinra, I don't know how long we'll be. Camp the troops here, and be alert. This stoppage might be natural and it might be a trap for the army. We are going in to try and kill the queen - disperse the swarms - so we can move on."

"Beagan, Jurin, Serra, Eli, and myself will go. Aron - good eye my man. Good eye..." he trails off.

"Jothinra, If we're not back in a day, start looking for another way around. If we're not back in two days - press on if you can. Either we'll catch up, or we won't be able to."

When Jothinra has left to tend to the troops, he gathers the strike team together. "OK Beagan, let's use your wind wall to try and protect us going in. Let's not try to fight our way through - but rather just rush in. I hope there is an area of clarity on the other side before we reach the queen."

"Just in case, be ready for combat, it could be bloody." he frowns.

Cole will bolster himself before entering, using the power of the dragon to help him.
Bolstering Temp HP: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Serra looks at Cole, then at the swarms.

"Cole, I'll speak honestly with you. We're going to have a hard time fighting one of those swarms, let alone multiple. We don't have much of anything against them," Serra says, looking at Aron.

"Give me a day and I might have some ways to delay a swarm from us, but it won't be much good for too long. What Aron proposes is risky either way. Were it me in charge, I would find a way around...because this plan, of us avoiding all these swarms, seems...unlikely."

Serra, having spoken his piece, feels better.

"Nonetheless, if you decide to do this, I'll go with you, but...but it seems crazy."

Serra takes a few moments to prepare, becoming the lightstepping Aasimarra and spending a bit of time with his mother's book.

Cole brightens, in as much as he ever does, and asks Serra for more details.

"If we delay, what do you propose? We could spend a day searching for a way around while you prepare, but I'm curious as to what you have in mind."

Serra shakes his head, not having much hope.

"A full day would give me two chances to blow the swarms away for a temporary delay. Sadly, I think if we encounter even one, we'll be in trouble," Serra replies. "It's probably not worth the wait."

Serra looks at Aron.

"What exact path do you see us taking?" Serra looks down, plotting a path.

"They seem to be going in and out of those holes.... there is one right there," he says, pointing to one that is both closer to the group and has fewer vescavors going in and out.
"would probably work. Then we just find our way through the tunnels that would almost have to be there."

Once pointed out, the hole is easy enough to find. It is about 80feet from the main masses of the swarms. It has few swarms, indeed, none have come through in the last several minutes.