Pretty sure he would still be dead. He has ferocity which means he can keep fighting until he dies not sure if that would prevent him going unconscious from non-lethal but I think so.
The battle is over.
Searching the bodies you find:
+1 frost rapier
boots of elvenkind
+1 leather armour
+3 spiked full plate
+1 returning throwing axe
Soulshear(unique glaive)
amulet of natural armor +2
belt of mighty constitution +4
headband of alluring charisma +2
skeleton key to Citadel Drezen (works on all doors within the citadel)
You have more or less defeated everything above ground a few demons still remain but your paladin forces manage to force their way into the citadel and clear the first and second floor leaving unly the basement still in control of the forces of the demons.
Staunton's brother Joran Vhane is taken prisoner (he surrenders peacefully)
Orlando wandered over to the glaive and booted it up and into his hands.
"We aren't just going to leave this here are we? Surely we have someone back at camp that can use it?" He asked, slicing a few paths through the air.
Orlando stared at the glaive.
Then he walked over blank faced and thrust it into Aeron's hands.
Tessai frowned at Orlando. "Orlando, are you alright?"
Blinking, Orlando turned to Tessai.
"What? Yes of course. Why wouldn't I be?" He looked around, distracted.
"I thought I heard somebody..." He muttered.
As Aeron grabs the weapon it changes shape becoming a Falchion.
He was a famed crusader who was a cleric of Torag once. When his brother fell and joined the enemy Joran went to slay his brother but instead joined him. He is also a blacksmith of legendary skill.
Searching the rest of the upper levels you find a war room with maps detailing the demonic legions plan to invade Mendev. These maps will be of great value to the crusade. It seems the demonic forces consist of 8 legions. One is set to go to Icerift castle, another to Kenabres, another to star keep and The other five are all going south to Nerosyan. This is by far the largest force to come out of the worldwound so far.
You also find staunton's personal quarters were there is a chest.
The contents of the locked chestconsist of treasure Staunton’s gathered over the last year, and include 633 cp, 1,427 sp, 5,786 gp, 1376 pp,
nine garnets worth 100 gp each, a pearl of power (2nd level), a rod of metal and mineral detection, a scroll of divination, a set of stone-carved dwarven figurines worth 600 gp, an expensive pair of vases worth 250 gp each, a silver coffer worth 350 gp, an elixir of climbing, a potion of neutralize poison, a wand of nondetection (23 charges remaining), Despite these incredible treasures, the most valuable
object in the chest may well be Staunton’s journal.
This journal records events from Staunton’s life, recited from his childhood in the Five Kings Mountains to his time spent in the First Mendevian Crusade searching for the lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun, and his hope of one day reclaiming it, on to his betrayal of Drezen and his time spent serving Deskari and Baphomet alike. Staunton feels that the increasingly grisly and harrowing account of the atrocities he’s committed over the past 75 years will be his only legacy, since he never had children of his own, nor can he count on his allies singing songs of his deeds after he dies.
The true history of Drezen’s fall is ven mentionned in these pages. To this day, scholars still debate the identity of the person responsible for the city’s loss, and this journal finally provides definitive proof it was none other than Staunton Vhane.
In 4638 ar, Staunton Vhane was the crusader in charge of guarding the sword of valor but he fell under the influence of what he believed to be a warrior-princess from Kyonin. In fact, this elven beauty was a disguised glabrezu named Jerribeth, who convinced Staunton that Drezen was adequately protected, and that the Sword of Valor needed to be carried into battle once again to aid on the frontlines. Believing that the leaders of Drezen were cowards who hid behind the magical banner for their own personal safety, Staunton stole the Sword of Valor and brought it out of the city to the front, who had promised to bring it to the front lines. But when Staunton delivered it, she revealed her true form after accepting the gift, and made Staunton watch as the marilith Aponavicius led her army into the city and took it in a single ruinous assault. Thousands died that night in Drezen, and many more died in the weeks to come as they fled the fallen city into the inhospitable wilds. Staunton was the first and last of that night’s victims, for as the battle ended, he was brought before Aponavicius herself and given a choice—death or servitude. Staunton chose the latter.
• A list of dozens of sacred and holy weapons and armor
he and his brother have successfully tainted through the
use of the corruption forge
• A description of the Sword of Valor, including Staunton’s
frustration over Aponavicius’s desire to keep it as a mere
trophy and not to attempt the banner’s corruption using the forge.
• Several detailed pages of how he hopes to someday
torture Irabeth for “ruining nearly everything” when
she confronted him almost a year ago in Kenabres.
• Notes on the shadow demon Eustoyriax, an unusually
powerful shadow demon who came to Drezen a few weeks
after Staunton fled here from Kenabres. The shadow
demon arrived in the possessed body of a crusader named
Maranse.
Atop a broken tower.
The mythic chimera Soltengrebbe (the one you killed) uses this broken tower as an aerie and nest.
Treasure: The pile of coins and treasure comprises 3,438 cp, 1,319 sp, 7,753 gp, two pearls worth 500 gp each, three garnets worth 250 gp each, eight amethysts worth 100 gp each, 12 agates worth 50 gp each, an emerald-and-ivory scepter worth 4,000 gp, a silver candelabra worth 75 gp, a gold signet ring worth 50 gp, a bag of holding (type III) containing a small library of rare books that grant a +4 bonus on Knowledge (planes) checks when they are referenced (these two dozen books are worth a total of 2,000 gp) along with an empty blessed book, an efficient quiver containing two javelins of lightning and 19 +2 magical beast bane arrows, an elemental gem (earth), a dose of silversheen, a potion of lesser restoration, a scroll of dimension door, a scroll of move earth, a +1 flaming Composite Longbow (+2 str), and a suit of +1 ghost touch full plate.
That is everything of worth above ground you hadn't found yet. Quite the horde actually.
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Tzadkiel helps catalog and identify the spoils with little interest, pausing only at the wand of wand of nondetection. These treasures were only tools to be used to achieve their victory. He had to personal desire for wealth and understood the trap withing that sin. Referring to the wand he says This is a reminder brothers that the enemy has the ability to hide among us. With such things they mask their true nature. Be vigilant. Of Staunton's things I would claim only this scroll of divination to remind me that Milani is always close and I should consult with her more often.
He is not put out by the size of the demon hoards saying with conficence The have numbers but their troops are weak and driven by fear of their masters. They will not stand long against crusaders of the faith. He only looses heart as he reads Staunton’s journal. The man was betrayed. he says in a flat voice. True he was weak and chose a life of servitude over death but he was set up by a powerful demon. We have his body. Perhaps he should be raised. It seems Tzadkiel is still concerned for the man's soul but is willing to let that decision be made by the commanders of the Crusaders.
As he reads the journal further he is dismayed at the references to the corruption forge and the turning of holy items. This must be stopped! he announces, his face flushing with rare anger. How can we trust our most prized gifts from our gods with such a thing in the world. I would see it destroyed.
Aeron looks at the sword in his hands, "It talks. I don't know how I feel about chatty weapons."
In reply to Tzad, "I imagine that Vhane's soul is beyond our reach. I'm sure he's getting his reward as we speak. For now we should focus on the immediate situation and I agree that forge must be destroyed."
In regards to the journal, "So a shadow demon is around here somewhere? How are supposed to handle that?"
To Aeron"Having being wielded by that villain, my advice is to destroy that weapon, Aeron. It cannot be in anyone's hands."
To Tzad "I would have to agree with Aeron. He won't come back willingly, unless of course to attack us again. If you are serious about this, may I suggest that we trap his soul instead. Deny his reward. As for the demon legion, don't underestimate them. We may have the gods on our side, but these fiends done worst with less; an army of this size, heavy casualties are all but guarantee."
After reading the journal "Powerful it may be, light is it's obvious weak point. It can't be worst than what we already fought. I'm more concern about that crusader. A traitor is one thing, Staunton being our exhibit A, but a possessed crusader has no choice in his actions. I rather not kill him in our fight."
"I feed on blood. Give me enough blood and I will grow stronger and if I go without blood too long I will become weaker. Give me enough and I can strike down even a demon lord and his protection against normal weapons will be useless."
You can feel the weapon's thirst for blood even as you hold it. Not any blood however it wants the blood of the innocent and good.
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Hmm. We already know our enemy possesses a forge capable of corrupting items. I too do not like the idea of using the weapon of a fallen paladin. Tzadkiel offers after some reflection.
As camp is made the oracle asks Does anyone require any healing or restoring of their vital essences? If not I shall spend the evening in prayer in preparation for tomorrow's assault on the basement of this place.
Aeron sighs, "You're probably right. Still kind of neat though. What should we do with it?"
You can take some time to speak to Joran (staunton's brother) as well.
When your all ready we can venture into the underground.
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I for onw would know Joran's story. How did Staunton convince him to join him when Joran's original plan was to slay Staunton. Might it be the case that Joran was dominated or controlled by that sucubus? And since he is a master smith he may know something of this forge of corruption and even of this weapon we debate destroying.
Tessai nods. "If it is capable of tainting so many powerful items of good, it will likely take more than mere force to destroy this corrupting forge. We need to learn its weakness."
Varn thinks quietly for a time. "Perhaps we could convert this forge and turn it around to a holy relic? I wouldn't mind turning to tables on these bastards and show them that they are not the only ones that can do such things."
'That's not a bad idea, Varn. It would have to wait though. For now, we have a basement to clean up."
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I will pray and ask for guidance from Milani to see if such a thing is wise or even possible. Tzadkiel will use his last mythic point for the day to cast divination asking "Great and wise Milani, should we attempt to change this corruption forge into an instrument of your will and the will of other good gods? Of is it your will that it be destroyed?"
If questioned Joran confirms.
"Tha forge can be used for good or evil. Just as it can turn weapons of good into the tools of evil it can turns the tools of evil into weapons for good."
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Tzadkeil's eyes flutter open after the 10 minute casting of his Divination spell. He looks refreshed and serene, as if he has basked in the glory of his deity. I have been granted a vision from Milani. he states with obvious awe in his voice. This forge is neither good nor evil and has been used in the past for great good. It should be captured and not destroyed.
Joran is in a morose mood and not very talkative.
When asked he simply replies
"He was my brother, couldn't bring myself to kill him. Figured if I joined him I might talk some sense into him with time. Still I ended up over my head. Renounced Torag and started worshipping Droskar...I lost faith in him too now I'm a cleric oh nothing. I can still work the forge, so if you manage to capture it I will work it for you. At least then I will still have a purpose."
He is neutral.
Varn grins. "Excellent! Then let us use this artifact against those who sought to use it to evil ends. Perhaps we can alter this weapon back to one usable by good. I under your aversion to using a fallen paladin's weapon; however, if it could be converted to good it could prove to be a very powerful ally in this fight."
Tessai nods. "Redeeming such a weapon would be a great blow against our Abyssal adversaries."
"But would it still talk? I'm not sure I like the idea of my weapon having an opinion on its use. Still, it would be better than just leaving it as is. So what do we do with it right now? Is it safe to use? I'm not sure we should leave it behind, if it is dangerous, but perhaps Irabeth could guard it until we return?"
Tales of demonic possession are common, used often by the ignorant to explain strange or violent behaviour. While the majority of such cases are merely manifestations of madness or derangement, those that are legitimate possessions are often the work of shadow demons.
Unlike many demons, shadow demons are incorporeal. When a particularly envious and evil mortal soul is pulled into the Abyss, it is transformed, split apart, and combined with other souls until what emerges is little more than jealous malevolence without the impediment of a physical body.
A shadow demon is utterly powerless in bright light or natural sunlight and flees from it. A shadow demon caught in such light cannot attack and can take only a single move or standard action. A shadow demon that is possessing a creature is not harmed by sunlight, but if it is struck by a sunbeam or sunburst spell while possessing a creature, the shadow demon is driven out of its host automatically.
Attacking the host of a shadow demon usually doesn't harm it but certain spells like searing light harm both the host and the demon (the demon takes extra damage but the host doesn't) casting protection from evil on a possessed creature can also drive the demon from the host if he fails a will save.
A shadow demon can attempt to possess a new host as a standard action, it is blocked by spells such as protection from evil or magic circle vs evil and he cannot attempt to possess the same host more than once per 24 hours.
During any conditions other than bright light, a shadow demon can disappear into the shadows as a move-equivalent action, effectively becoming invisible. Artificial illumination or light spells of 2nd level or lower do not negate this ability.
Shadow demons wield potent shadow conjuration magic able to recreated any other spell but not as powerful as the real thing.
Shadow demons resist weapons that are not cold iron and good aligned.
They also deal cold damage when attacking with their claws and bite.
The next morning Arasvashial approaches Varn.
"Do you sense it? The disturbance in the aether? I have been feeling it since last night. A powerful spell is being cast underground. Someone is trying to open a rift to the plane of shadow. I can try to disrupt their efforts from here but you must be careful a few creatures might have already begun to slip trough. I strongly recommend you prepare a casting of daylight or two you will need them."
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The morning that the group plans to re-enter the old castle Tzekial awakens early to spend time in meditation with Milani and to prepare both mentally and physically for the coming challenge. As he completes his commune with his goddess he hears a new and calming voice. Hi! Milani sends her blessings to you. And I am one of those blessings. You have served my mistress faithfully and for as long as you continue to serve her I shall serve you. Hovering in front of the oracle is a tiny unclothed lady with transparent butterfly wings. She regards him with curiosity and a little mirth. I am called Lith. she adds, addressing the entire group. She regards the group speculatively at first but then beams a smiles at everyone.
"Nice naked fairy lady you got there Tzad."
Aeron rolls his shoulders and sighs, "Alright, folks let's get this over with."
You go down the stairs to the dungeon.
The walls of this chamber hold numerous dark, narrow prison cells. Around the main entrance stands an iron cage, with a cell door blocking entrance into the main vault.
All of the prisoners currently imprisoned here are dead having starved some time ago.
A long passageway extends past multiple prison cells before
ending within a barred chamber to the east. An alcove along
the south wall includes another set of iron doors leading south,
while opposite this a barred gate provides access to another set
to the north.
Tessai growls when she sees the starved prisoners. "You will be avenged, brothers and sisters." She looks for the forge, keeping an eye out for threats.
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Standing on the threshold of the entrance to the dungeon Tzadkiel asks Milani for her blessings and guidance on their quest as he casts his buff spells for the group. Blessed Milani, walk with us and guide our arms as we do your bidding this day. Bolster our strength and grant your wisdom and protection as we go forth to banish and destroy the evil of this place.
As the oracle finishes his castings the holy symbol on his armor begins to glow in a radiance as bright as daylight for a full 60 foot radius.
Brightest Light - 9 hours 60'r
Magic Circle Against Evil - 90 minutes
Resist Energy, Communal - Resist Fire 20 10 minutes each
Delay Poison, Communal, cast with a Mythic Point 1 hour each
Mythic Shield Other on Aeron
Shield of Faith on himself -9 minutes
Life Link All
Spell Slots Used:
1st: 8/day - 1
2nd: 8/day - 1
3rd: 7/day - 1
4th: 4/day - 1
Channels used: 0/9
Mythic points used: 1/7
Contingent Channel= Unused.
Lith rides on Tzadkeil's shoulder holding a wand of curing in her small hands.
Orlando moved quietly along the wall towards the caged exit to this chamber, his crossbow pointing ahead while he studied the area around looking for traps and threads.