Beacons of Hope: Wrath of the Righteous!

Game Master GM the Fifth

Bron hands out a small piece of fruit to Stingy.

"So we need to reach the catapults fast. Flying is an option; do we have another one?"

Is there anything available treasure wise or that she can buy to boost her AC?

"That should be more than enough time for Kemat and Telerin to ensure they have the ideal magic prepared for the task, right ladies?" the paladin asks, turning to the two primary spellcasters.

"Yes, I can set up the best available spells for our action," replied Kemat.

"While I cannot give the ability of flight directly, I could potentially give someone the ability to walk on air. In such means one could run from one tower to the other, with the air in the intervening space functioning as walkable ground."

Is there anything available treasure wise or that she can buy to boost her AC?

There is nothing in the loot pile but it would not be unreasonable for there to be an amulet of natural armor +1 or ring of protection +1 for sale somewhere in the city.

She will purchase the amulet if one is available.

Yup, you can find one.

Group planning is always tough for a PbP game because of the delays involved. I'm going to nudge you just a little bit now that you have some ideas.

You take a break from the planning discussions to eat, get cleaned up, spend some time selling items you've accumulated, and shop for what you need. Irabeth asks you to meet back here before dinner time.

We'll assume any shopping you need to do is taking place during this break. This is also a good time for Uriel to tell his story, if he's ready. Uriel, go ahead at any point; we can split-screen this, or just pause until you are done, and then return to the main action.

When you reconvene around 4pm, she has news for you.

"I asked Horgus to find anything in Drezen that would help you make an aerial assault on the towers. He was able to locate several magic items in the city that could be purchased for that purpose. Note that he was a bit more liberal in deciding what constitutes an 'aerial assault', but I think his interpretation gives you more options."

Those options break down as follows:

- 2x scrolls of Air Walk, 700gp ea
- 2x potions of Fly, 750gp ea
- 1x scroll of Fly, 375gp
- 3x potions of Levitate, 150gp ea
- 2x scrolls of Spider Climb, 150gp ea
- 1x scroll of Spider Climb, Communal, 375 gp
- 1x feather token (floating feather), 450gp (limited to 200lbs or less)
- 1x Rope of Climbing, 3000gp

Irabeth says, "I am willing to fund up to 1,000gp towards any purchases that directly aid an assault on the towers."

Flashback!

Just before Irabeth resumes the meeting, once everyone is assembled, Uriel says "Well, I guess I should tell you all what I've been doing the last few days. Several nights ago, our Lord" he says, acknowledging Darya, "sent me a dream. A dream that a demon sought to renounce her evil nature and seek a higher path. I can't say how, but I knew he sent me the dream, and that Desna is involved somehow. I knew it instantly, as deep as my bones. I know that seems strange, but I told Irabeth, and she said there was a rumor going around of a succubus held prisoner by the other demons, and that the succubus had supposedly escaped recently. Furthermore, she had just been approached by one of the local aasimar, one Naomi, who had received a message days ago from a succubus, claiming to have intelligence we could use and that would "free her from her path." at this, he shrugs. "That can't possibly be a coincidence, right? Anyway, I volunteered to go with Naomi to this meeting, in case it was a trap. It wasn't. We met her in a cemetery, and she somehow knew I'd be there, she showed me the grave of one of my grandfathers, here in Drezen. The succubus, Arueshalae, says she knows how the demons are becoming so powerful: something called Nahyndrian crystals that they're mining in the Abyss. She doesn't know where just yet, but said she'd find out and let us know once she knew. That hopefully we'd trust her and help her once she gave us the info, because she can't make it alone on the run for long. We ran into a group of schir on the way back. They'd have been no more than an annoyance if I was by myself, but fighting them and protecting Naomi was tough." he says, scratching at a recently healed spot on his forearm. "Anyway, I know this is the right path. Our Lord appears to me personally in a dream last night and charged me to represent him here on the Material Plane. That's when I learned I could do the trick with the wings earlier. I'm not sure any of the rest of you will know this name, but I've been chosen to walk the path of the Crimson Templar, the most zealous of Ragathiel's devotees. It is...a hard path, and a narrow one." at this he turns his attention more fully to Darya. "Watch me closely sister, ensure I do not slip from the path. Please." at that, he takes a seat, a burdened look on his face, as though he is still processing the enormity of what lies ahead.

Yup, you can find one.

Hooray! She will purchase it!

Arloric listens to Uriel's story and blinks in shock.

"A demon...who doesn't want to be a demon anymore?"

"Anyway, I know this is the right path. Our Lord appears to me personally in a dream last night and charged me to represent him here on the Material Plane. That's when I learned I could do the trick with the wings earlier. I'm not sure any of the rest of you will know this name, but I've been chosen to walk the path of the Crimson Templar, the most zealous of Ragathiel's devotees. It is...a hard path, and a narrow one." at this he turns his attention more fully to Darya. "Watch me closely sister, ensure I do not slip from the path. Please." at that, he takes a seat, a burdened look on his face, as though he is still processing the enormity of what lies ahead.

"Of course." Darya says earnestly, resting a hand on Uriel's shoulder. "It may be your past to walk, but you won't do so alone."

"If a succubus can find a reason to change her path, then we are truly a part of something exceptional, and the potential gain is worth the risk. All the more important for our next mission to succeed, so we can take the fortress and lessen their power in this region." she adds.

Alexa lets out a derisive snort at the idea that a demon wants to change.

"It's a trick. Another demonic ploy--this one focused on the long game, apparently." She waves a hand, her stony glare deepening as she focuses on Uriel. "The next time you see this 'succubus', don't hesitate to kill it." She sneers.

Still, something nags her in the back of her mind.

...why does that name sound familiar?!

Sosiel says, "I...have to admit that I find this difficult to believe as well. If it were not for the source, I'd be convinced it was a trick.

"That being said, is not Raghathiel, himself, descended from a dark heritage? And yet he has transcended that aspect of his nature. For him to send a sign of his approval? To, in fact, encourage this? That is not insignificant."

He pauses, and looks to Alexa. "But Alexa's caution is warranted. Even accepting this story as true, reformation is a long and difficult journey. No matter how sincere this succubus may be, she can still wander off the path."

Nurah looks very uncomfortable as Sosiel speaks.

”Yes, that’s it exactly.” Uriel says to Sosiel. ”I know how outlandish this sounds. The Crimson Templars are taught that mercy is reserved for those who can accept it; under normal circumstances I would smite any fiend I came across without stopping to consider mercy. But this is about as far from normal circumstances as is possible. I do think it may be that my Lord sees a bit of his own youth in this succubus. He is my Lord and I do his will, regardless of how strange the situation is.” he pauses. ”But if this is some trick, or she cannot hold to the path of good, I will not hesitate to deliver my Lord’s vengeance for her treachery. Of that you can be assured.”

Bron listens to the story with attention. It seems quite an unbelievable tale but... Do they have the right to judge it? Will they end up being just like the evil they're fighting?

"It's a hard task that one you're taking upon your shoulders. I wish it ends well."

Arloric frowns pensively.

"Uriel does have a point: a demon rejecting its nature? That is nigh impossible, unbelievable...but have we ourselves not done impossible things throughout this Crusade? Have we not overcome demons with impossible powers granted by these crystals this Arueshalae has warned us about? The Worldwound itself is an impossible thing. It should not be, and yet it is...and in its presence the land and sky twist and change, death itself can become temporary...So many things that are impossible are possible in these lands! What's one more impossibility?"

She listens and ponders/

OK. Map is up, and I have arranged characters based on the discussion thread. Decide where exactly you want to be. My assumption is you are trying to stay stealthy and thus are approaching from the walls, not up the middle of the open courtyard.

Kemat, I arbitrarily put you over with Uriel/Arloric/Telerin, but of course you can move to the other side if you wish. Feel free to update your token on the VTT, or just tell me what grid square you want to start in.

I'll give everyone through tonight to make any changes, and will kick us off tomorrow morning.

Walls are 20' high. Towers are 40' high. You can't see it yet, but the top of the tower is sunk about 5'. So the outer rim and center platform is 40' up, and the rest is 35'. There are ramparts but just ignore them for simplicity.

Also, I am assuming a pre-dawn raid unless you want something different. Spellcasters can assume they have enough time to recover spells before we start (unless you recover spells at a specific time of day, e.g. dawn).

Toilday, Rova 9

5:00 am

The army mobilizes in the early morning hours, just as light appears on the horizon. The soldiers mount up as you make your way down into the dry Ahari riverbed. The plan is simple: the army will launch a feint attack with a volley of archers, and line up as if they are going to surge across the bridge. You will split into two groups during the exchange, each moving into position behind one of the towers.

You'll be fighting in dim light for this entire encounter, as will the army.

Darkvision and low-light vision have limited range and this engagement is well outside of that, so I am declaring that all armies will be affected by the lighting during the ranged phase of mass combat, even though that is not what the mass combat rules say.

When you see the exchange of fire, that is your sign to scurry up the riverbed and into position behind the towers. Behind you, the Knights of Kenabres charge towards the bridge and break off at the last second, melting back into the city. You hear cheers and laughing from inside the courtyard as the attack breaks off, neither side appearing to have done any damage to the other.

Kemat has Communal Resist Fire on everyone. I assume that went into place right before you left the riverbed. At 10/mins/level you should all have 10 minutes of it, which is more than enough time. Assume you can get your flight and climbing spells in place as you get into position, so we'll start Round 1 with you on the ground at the base of the towers.

Round 1

Brimorak 2
Alexa, Darya <---
Brimorak 1
Uriel, Bron, Telerin, Kemat, Arloric

>>>>> Map <<<<<

"Alright, let's do this!" Darya whispers, the fly spell allowing her to take off with as little effort as taking a step. Focusing her will, she accelerates, flying as fast as possible straight up the side of the wall toward the top of the tower, locking her gaze on the brimorak as she peers over the lip of the tower wall.

Fly: The subject can fly at a speed of 60 feet (or 40 feet if it wears medium or heavy armor, or if it carries a medium or heavy load). It can ascend at half speed and descend at double speed, and its maneuverability is good. So double move at 1/2 speed should be flying 40ft straight up (20' and 20'), hugging the wall.

Halo is currently suppressed, shield raised, sword drawn. Swift action: Smite Evil activated (current AC: 24).

As you clear the tower you see the Brimorak at the south end, looking out over the city and apparently directing a firing crew of two tieflngs as they work the catapult. One of the tieflings calls out and the brimorak turns to face you.

The firing crew has daggers at their waist but they are busy with the catapult. If anything, they don't look like they are eager to get into a fight.

>>>>> Map <<<<<

Alexa opts to follow Darya, scrambling up the wall with her spider climb spell.

Double move to ascend the tower.

The brimorak points its finger toward Dary and Alexa, and a small bead shoots at them and then blossoms into a ball of flame.

Fireball, DC15 half: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 1, 2, 2, 2) = 17

This is not enough to penetrate your energy resistance even if you fail your save.

Though the flames have no effect, the brimorak seems unconcerned as it moves in to engage Alexa.

In the center of the tower, the tieflings manning the catapult scramble down from the platform and run for the double doors underneath it. Presumably, they lead to the tower's interior.

Round 1
Brimorak 2
Alexa, Darya
Brimorak 1
Uriel, Bron, Telerin, Kemat, Arloric <---

>>>>> Map <<<<<

Darya simply raises her shield, trusting Telerin's protective spell to keep her safe from the flames.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Alexa sneers and cartwheels out of the fireball's way with ease.

Arloric grips the amulet made of Terendelev's scale, and mist begins forming into the air, flowing towards him and coalescing beneath his feet into a pillar of cloud that lifts him into the air!

With a thought, his Lord's wings erupt from Uriel's back, and he lifts off, flapping up and toward the tower. Moving swiftly, he reaches the top of the tower and drops onto it, drawing his blade as he does so.

Let's say I stopped a bit short and flew up at an angle. the Fly check to fly up at greater than a 45 degree angle is...a lot, given that I just learned fly and haven't put ranks into it yet. With a Double Move I have the distance to reach it even if I stopped ~50 feet back.

Kemat opens with a bless spell to give the party a little extra edge as she treads her way up the air like walking up a staircase.

GM, I am trying to make the map bigger. Are there any of the demons that are close to where she is?

Let's say I stopped a bit short and flew up at an angle.

Yes, that's fine. You know the limits of your abilities and would know to start further back to end up in the right spot. Same would hold for Kemat and air walk.

GM, I am trying to make the map bigger. Are there any of the demons that are close to where she is?

If you click on the map image, it should bring up the image itself. At that point, depending on your browser, you may need to click again to zoom in.

Until you move, you are on the ground so you can't see what's up there. Even with Fly it's a double move to get up there as you ascend at half speed.

Kemat and Uriel ascend to the top of the tower at an angle as Arloric rises up on a pillar of clouds. As they clear the top, they see a brimorak at the south edge of the tower, directing a crew of two tieflings as they operate the catapult.

This plays out much like the tower on the other side.

The tieflings call out as they rise over the edge, and the brimorak turns to face them.

Round 1

Brimorak 2
Alexa, Darya
Brimorak 1
Uriel, Bron, Kemat, Arloric, Telerin <---

>>>>> Map <<<<<

Bron starts climbing while he hears a ball of fire exploding.

I wanted to cast invisibility on herself before she flied up

I wanted to cast invisibility on herself before she flied up

Not a problem. You had time to buff while you were getting into position. Since Fly is min/level and Invisibility is rounds/level, I'll assume you cast Fly first, then Invisibility right before your move.

Assuming Telerin wants to fly straight up as a double move.

The scene in the right-hound tower plays out much like the other: As Uriel, Arloric and Kemat pop up over the tower walls, the brimorak points towards the center of the group. A bead shoots towards them and blossoms into a ball of fire.

Telerin is within the area of effect.

Fireball, DC15 half: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 2, 1, 5) = 22

It then advances towards the party along the rim of the tower.

In the middle, the catapult crew scrambles down the steps to the recessed roof, and heads for the doors.

Round 2

Brimorak 2
Alexa, Darya <---
Brimorak 3, Brimorak 1
Uriel, Bron
Brimorak 4
Kemat, Arloric, Telerin

>>>>> Map <<<<<

Using her increased mobility, Darya flies in a swooping arc, looping around to come sweeping in at the back of the deadly demon, plunging Radiance's brilliant blade into it's back with a sizzle of divine power.

Fly to N,15 (in an arc to not give up AoO. Now flanking with Alexa.
Radiance/Smite/Flank: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 27
Slashing/Magic/Bane/Smite (1st attack): 1d10 + 5 + 2d6 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 5 + (3, 1) + 14 = 24

Alexa twirls her new gladius before stabbing the demon!

Flanking Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Sneak Attack Damage?: 1d6 + 3 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (4, 2, 6, 1) = 21

Darya, I don't think you can turn that tightly. Fly lets you make a 45 degree turn per grid square of movement, and a turn of greater than 45 degrees costs an extra 5' of movement and requires a DC15 Fly check.

GM,can you list what protections we have up? I am not too sure.

Fly (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Success

OK. That gets you to O15 successfully within your 40' fly speed.

EDIT: And I just realized there was a movement solution on a wider arc that would have gotten you there with only 45 degree turns. So I apologize for the thrash. You can ignore the Fly check requirement and refund your surge.

GM,can you list what protections we have up? I am not too sure.

Right now, it is just Resist Energy (fire, 20) on everyone, and you have Invisibility on yourself.

Apologies, Alexa, but I forgot about this. You started your turn within 5' of the Brimorak, so you need to make a DC17 Fortitude save or be sickened for 1 round.

Fortitude vs. Sickening: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Barely made it!

Darya circles around the brimorak and slashes into it. Alexa uses the positioning to her advantage, powers through the noxious vapors that the demon is exhaling around it, and stabs it deep. Blood sprays from its wounds, sizzling in the air as it splashes on them both.

Boiling blood vs Alexa, fire: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Boiling blood vs Darya, fire: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Dice rolls for completeness only, as it can't mechanically overcome your energy resistance.

You hear a soft pop as another brimorak appears in the center of the tower, just in front of the doors. It quickly assesses the situation, and runs up the stairs, moving into position behind Darya.

Brimorak 3 appears at square Q14 and moves to O16.

The Brimorak that Darya and Alexa injured sets its sword aflame, and attacks both women. First, it strikes at them with its sword.

Brimorak 1, melee 1 vs Darya: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Brimorak 1, flaming longsword damage (physical): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Brimorak 1, flaming longsword damage (fire): 1d6 ⇒ 5

Again, the flames are unable to overcome your energy resistance, so just the physical damage applies.

Brimorak 1, melee 2 vs Alexa: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

I believe this hits?

Brimorak 1, flaming longsword damage (physical): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Brimorak 1, flaming longsword damage (fire): 1d6 ⇒ 6

Then, it kicks a hoof at Darya.

Brimorak 1, hoof vs Darya: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

One of the tieflings on the left tower opens the doors, and they both dash inside. The doors close behind them.

Round 2

Brimorak 2
Alexa, Darya
Brimorak 3, Brimorak 1
Uriel, Bron <---
Something wicked this way comes
Kemat, Arloric, Telerin

>>>>> Map <<<<<

GM, can you resend the password for the interactive map? I seem to have misplaced it.

Uriel flies in and gestures at the Brimorak "In Ragathiel's name, go back to the pit you crawled from!"
Smite Evil activated, ignoring DR etc. Also, since I used a Move Action and can't Full Attack, I'm Vital Striking.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 1 = 36 Holy ****, how many Smite-Crits is that in this campaign? I love this AP.
Confirm?
Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 = 26

Vital Strike Damage: 2d10 + 22 ⇒ (2, 7) + 22 = 31
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

Did I just cut a Brimorak in half? I think I just cut a Brimorak in half.

Reflex 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Hearing the noises of combat above, Bron keeps on climbing as fast as he can, sweating and breathing loudly.

That should be enough to climb all the way up, yes?

That should be enough to climb all the way up, yes?

You climbed on your first round. Spider climb gives you a rate of 20', so a double move was enough to get you to the top. So on this round, you are already there and can act normally.

Still need Relfex saves from Arloric, Kemat, and Uriel.