Clebsch GM Wrath of the Righteous Adventure Path

Game Master Clebsch73

"I said I was a conjurer. I am prepared to summon creatures to help fight, if need be. However, once cast, I cannot prepare them again until I regain my sight, so I am loath to use any of my spells unless it is urgent. Other spells are useless if I cannot see to direct them. My knowledge may be my most steadfast resource. Long have I researched the evil creatures we face."

Tauni touches Aravashnial on the arm in a comforting manner. "You, Anevia and Master Gwerm should stay in the middle of our little procession. We'll do our best to escort you out of here. Once we are to the surface, we'll find someone with the power to heal your wounds and restore your sight."

Before moving on, Karas expressed an interest in unearthing the fallen crusaders and laying them in more dignified fashion. He can secure a longsword if he needs one. There is also slender piece of wood amoung the rubble that can serve Anevia as a walking stick, although with the excellent splint fashioned by Anarya, she can hobble at speed 15, even without a crutch. If anyone else is looking for a weapon, let me know.

A light crossbow or another simple weapon would be nice for Avelina since she doesnt have many spells yet.

I would have bought something different than a longsword that she was actually proficient with, but Ijust couldnt see her not having her Goddess's favored weapon, especially when going to a festival.

Karas your surname just clicked for me.

"Karas, Ellena in front?" The fool considered his position. He'd prefer to be in the back, but he did want to prove himself among the brave souls and crusaders. The jester believed that the two of them beside each other may not be best. Perhaps he could stop one of them from killing the other.

Franti thought who would win in a fight. Karas was overwhelmed by mere rats, but at least he got a few good attacks on them. And he seems rather angry.... Ellena is armored, trained and zealous, but she may be slowed by her defenses... He stopped the line of thought when he imagined one (Karas) over the other (Ellena), bloodied or dead. "With me in the middle, a little buffer perhaps?" He wouldn't say it, but he felt that between them, he would also be the safest member of the party, despite taking the vanguard position.

Avelina finds a light crossbow but only 5 bolts. She also finds a sling but no bullets, so she would have to use small stones which would do 1d6 damage and would be -1 to hit. If she wants a light mace, one is also available.

Once the others were square away, Ellena ordered the group forward. "I don't think we have time to give all these people a proper send off. The more time it takes us to get to town, the more people will die in battle. We can send for the bodies after we beat off the demons," Ellena suggested, trying to move the procession ahead.

As the jester took a spot beside her, Ellena felt relief. At least there would be something between she and the demon kin. The ways his horns grew like that...it just wasn't natural!. She'd be ready to strike him down if the need arose.

"Avelina, stand behind me, and you other two Ladies can take positions in the second rank. Gwerm, the Mage, and the archer behind those. Keep faith...the Inheritor has plans for us this day!"

And yes, I know, I didn't make the smartest marching order, low wisdom and all. Please feel free to make other suggestions and line them up as you want. Ellena is more focused on getting out of here than how we do it.

Karas glanced up at the fool and then his hands again bloodied from rat gore. "Um, I never thought about it? I don't wear gloves or hates often."

He looked at Ellena after placing the few bodies back in dignified positions and retrieving the longsword. "I suppose She wouldn't want us to be delayed long in helping them."

He took up postion and looked over his shoulder at anarya with a smile, "Thank you very much miss, I fee somewhat better."

@Franti lol ;)

If it's okay, Avelina will take all the weapons to hold onto for the time being. Thank you GM!

Avelina swiveled on a heel towards Franti as something finally clicked in her head.

"Oh, wait! You're an actual fool! I assumed that Wormy had meant fool as an insult."

She looked back over her shoulder to "Wormy."

"Sorry, Darling! I overstepped. I should have gone with a palm slap, not a backhand."

Yes, that's actually a thing. I read that a backhand was considered more severe than an open palm slap.

Her voice had not the slightest note of sarcasm or irony. She turned her attention back to Franti.

"Oh, Darling. Your paint is all messed up. Here, let me help."

She cast Prestidigitation on the Fool's face, trying to fill-in the warped and washed-away shapes.

Avelina was just finishing up as she heard Ellena say her name. The young girl's face reddened immediately, and she bounded over towards "Her Champion" with a delighted smile.

"Why, I would expect nothing less of My Champion! I would happily be at your side."

Obviously, Avelina's preference would be to be near "Her Champion," but she could be convinced otherwise.

"Avelina, stand behind me, and you other two Ladies can take positions in the second rank. Gwerm, the Mage, and the archer behind those. Keep faith...the Inheritor has plans for us this day!"

"Good, except that I'll come last and keep a rear guard. And I'll make sure no one lags behind and gets separated."

Tauni readies her crossbow, then takes up her sunrod in one hand and the crossbow in the other.

She really does think she's a divine spellcaster, so no bluff. That said, it will be obvious enough that she's an arcane spellcaster once Aravashinial spellcrafts one of her spells.

Interestingly, you have to see a spell being cast to spellcraft it... :P

Anarya frowned, concerned about the hostility that seemed to be growing within the small group. She glanced at Horgus, watching the man silently taking the noblewoman's abuse and insults, uncharacteristic of the bombastic merchant. Turning, she touched Avelina's shoulder to get her attention, and said sternly, "Milady, Master Gwerm has been impolite, but you have been downright hostile to him. He is frightened like all of us. There's no need to call him names." She took a deep breath. "And I think that before we depart, you should apologize for striking him."

The young woman blushed as the group's eyes turned on her, unused to such direct confrontation, especially towards a person of higher station. "The Inheritor teaches us to be better than that," she continued quietly, almost mumbling.

Sorry for block of text. You can push us along, GM, and have this conversation happen on the move. I dont need to keep everyone here listening to me hamming it up.

Avelina was not angry at Anarya. The aasimar was sweet, but she just did not understand. Avelina spoke calmly at first, with a certainty borne of years of deliberation. The verdict was old and certainly worn-out of sentiment.

"I know his type, only thinking of their riches as the world burns around them. Do you know how many times I've heard them deny resources to Aunty because our Crusade isn't 'profitable' enough? Do you know the stories I've heard of Crusaders being gouged for every copper they own on their way up the Sellen River? Immesurably brave men and women give their blood to stem the tide of the Abyssal Legions only to get sneered at by money-changers who care for nothing more than their next party or third manor house. Do you know how many of our brothers and sisters die each day because they do not have adequate armor to protect them or weapons that can cut demonhide or clothes to protect them from the raw elements of the Abyss? Those deaths are on the heads of him and everyone like him. Why, my Lord Father and Mother might still be--"

She caught herself before she could finish. She breathed deeply, trying to steady her now rapacious breath.

"Being one of those same money-changers, this man then had the gall to speak as though he is the better of me or anyone else here? As though we should be thankful to him for his avarice. That he stands here where others should have been."

She could not bear to say their names. Talking about their death brought her back to her room over a decade ago as her Aunt walked-in in bloodstained armor, unbearable sorrow on her face. Avelina needed to be strong. The Favored Soul of the Inheritor could never be so weak as to still yearn for her parents after all this time. She could, however, be angry at those she deems responsible. Anger was strong. A common misconception, but she was no stranger to misconception.

Avelina found herself crying. She turned away, attempting to discretely wipe her eyes. She had already shown too much of the angry, frightened girl under the impossibly confident, cheerful facade.

"So no, I will not be apologizing."

Ellena sighed at all the griping. She was sacrificing to deal with the demonspawn. The others needed to do the same. "If we are to make it back, all of us should work together. Nobles, merchants, fools, Angels, demons, mages. Once we get back, we can head out and never speak again if that's what we want.".

If she could convince this motley group to stay on task and save the town, it would be eerily reminiscent of the 4th miracle of Iomedae, she thought. These are my mortally wounded knights and I'm to keep them together somehow!

"But we have to help each other to get to the surface," she added with a flourish, hoping to inspire her group.

She patted Avelina on the shoulder, not used to either seeing tears, or trying to awkwardly comfort someone on the battlefield.

Taking the pat as an invitation, Avelina threw her arms around Ellena, burying her face in the crook of her neck.

"You're absolutely right."

Avelina kissed Ellena on the cheek, just ever-so-slightly longer than a mere peck. She then looked right into Ellena's eyes.

"I am at your service, My Champion."

She held the gaze for a moment, the. broke the embrace and straighten out her clothes, clearing her throat as she tried to reset herself. She drew her newfound crossbow and loaded it.

"Let us continue!"

Tauni opened her mouth to defend Master Gwerm, obviously a favored of Abadar. But Anarya's eloquent defense of him, and Ellena's words of reconciliation cut her short. She instead clamped her mouth shut and followed along, staying vigil for potential threats.

Anevia stepped gingerly between Horgus and Avelina and held up her hands as if to push the negativity between Avelina and Horgus aside. "The only fighting we should do is side by side, not face to face. I have heard it said by some wise souls that such discord is a treasured goal of the demons when they are not fighting us directly. Let's start fresh. Horgus," she looked at the man with a hand beckoning him to approach. He glared at her but stepped over warily. "Meet Avelina, of the family of our beloved queen Galfrey. Avelina," and she likewise invited Avelina to approach. "Meet Horgus Gwerm. Horgus is a longstanding supporter of the crusades. If he is stingy with his money, as some would say he is, it is only to give more to the cause. I can assure you, based on what I know, any deprivations suffered by crusaders cannot be laid at his door."

Anevia, Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Great role playing, all. One more GM post coming.

The elf smiled for the first time at the speech of Avelina. He tapped along with his quarterstaff to make his way toward the attempt at detente. "Avelina, Horgus insulted your family, and you retaliated with a slap. If you won't apologize, at least consider the score even and begin afresh. I too can vouch for Horgus as someone who supports the crusade. Terendelev saved him as well as the rest of us. Perhaps the Inheritor has a role for him to play in events to come, just as you believe she does for you."

Aravashnial, Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Horgus blushed a bit and said, "Aye, the score is even, and I'll promise no more insults to the queen, whom I respect, I assure you, provided this young ..." he paused and seemed to replace the word he was about to say with another, "lady quits acting like she knows more than a veteran of the Worldwound like Aravashnial and Anevia here. You know nothing about us and treat us like we should...."

Horgus noticed both Anevia and Aravashnial frowning at him, and he stopped mid-sentence.

Avelina was startled that respected crusaders would come to the defense of a mere money-person. She could not have been wrong about him, could she? That would place her as the wrongful party here, and that would just be...inconceivable. Luckily, Anevia knew just the right phrase to use, one that would allow Avelina to extract herself from this messy situation.

"A fresh start...yes, that's good. The Inheritor teaches us the importance of forgiveness."

Avelina nodded and smiled at Anevia. Avelina rather liked the idea of new beginnings. All of the messy business would become disontinuity, allowing her to forget her mistakes. Or, at least push them someplace deep enough that they wouldn't weaken her resolve.

"I approve your proposal. It will be as though it never happened."

Avelina turned to the merchant and gave a mechanically precise, though perhaps stoic, curtsy.

"A pleasure to meet you, Horgus."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Karas winced at Her name. "She always did see the best in people." He said with a look of sadness returning.

He looked on the tunnels ahead and tried to remain out of his thoughts.

Ellena's face reddened as the cleric kissed her on the cheek. She wasn't sure exactly how to respond. That one is so up and down. She is very pretty, though, isn't she?. Ellena shook her head, clearing the thoughts that the cute cleric had put there, paladin determined to figure all that our later, once they were all safe above this awful cavern.

She nodded as the the group seemed to heed her words and had reached a tenuous peace for the time being. She used the silence of the agreement to begin moving out of the cavern to the north, torch shining bright for everyone to follow.

Edited my post to pick the northern tunnel, but if anyone disagrees, I'm fine with that.

When Avelina restored his makeup, Franti put on a large smile. "You are the first to help me look foolish." He pulled a hand mirror from his bag, inspecting her work. His smile spread and he looked up to her. "I'm told I do the part well on my own, but you did a good job... If you ever need a prank, I owe you a favor." The fool put away his mirror. Feel free to add "Fool's Favor 1/1" to your stat ;)

Franti followed Ellena, twisting back his head to look to Karas, Tauni, Avelina and the others. Blessed to have fallen with such souls. I seem to be the odd one out. The sunrod falls off of his hat as he looked forward. He reached down, grabbed it, and tuck it under his belt, and held his two saps. He saw two openings in the cave, north and south, and wasn't sure which to take. He waited for Ellena or Karas to make the first steps.

"Perhaps others like us fell," the fool said aloud, "Wounded or no, let us see to being their saviors."

I placed characters and NPCs in a marching order that followed what preferences were stated. If anyone wants to adjust positions, do so or role play the discussion. I'll describe what you see on Sunday morning. Let's say it has been ten minutes since you landed, for those with spell effects running. Currently I have the following light sources: Tauni Sunrod, Avelina Light spell, Anarya Halo, Franti Sunrod, Ellena Torch.

Anarya's face brightened as tensions eased, pleased that her new companions had begun to get along better.

She watched the noblewoman's lingering kiss upon Ellena's cheek, surprised. Oh... I didn't realize it was like that between them, she thought, assuming the kiss signified a pre-existing relationship between the two women. She gazed at the shimmer of the travelers' collection of lights gleaming off of Avelina's flowing hair as the group began to travel, wondering why this realization left her strangely disappointed.

Finding herself behind Franti, she noticed for the first time his newly-mended makeup and laughed with realization. "Oh, it's you! Master Fool, I saw you before, in the market on the way to the Plaza. Your act was delightful!" She smiled. "You look very different without your face paint, I didn't recognize you before!"

Tauni bit her lip as the conversation continued as they walked. "Maybe it would be best if we try to be quiet until we reach someplace a little more secure?" As she said this, she paused and used the edge of her left foot to scratch a spot on her right calf where a rat had bitten through her pants. It is easy to tell she is still a bit freaked out from the experience.

The order looks good to me.

The order is fine with me, too!

Surprisingly enough, the ever-talkative Avelina nodded at Tauni's suggestion and held a finger up to her lip.

Karas looked back to the sheepish girl and tried to give a reassuring smile. Though the effect was slightly lost due to the blood and gore on his hands and splatter on his face.

I'm cool with the order.

The board's been down for me all day.

Ellena nodded at the group. Being quiet made sense down here.. The paladin slowly proceeded into the tunnel, with her army trailing behind her. She wielded the torch in her right hand and her shield in the left, a true portrait of the defender of the group. Keeping all of them alive and returning them back to town, or whatever was left of it, was her duty and she planned on achieving it. Or giving her life in the effort.

This is a little out of order. It should have happened during the phase where some PCs were looking for weapons and adjusting the resting poses of the casualties.

As Karas moved a body, he noticed something glint from the rubble. Investigating, he found a single silver scale, evidently from Terendelev. It was about the size of his palm. When he picked it up, he sensed his mentor's presence and felt again the sacrifice she made for everyone. Somehow, he understood that as long as he kept the scale with him, he could use it three times per day to cause one of his weapons, including his claws (both hands) to gain either lawful or good alignment. Functions like Align Weapon, Caster Level 19, limited to lawful or good alignment, except it can also affect unarmed strike and natural weapon.

At the same time, Anarya noticed one near her and when she picked it up, she sensed it would allow her to levitate three times per day, with a visual effect of a pillar of roiling clouds below her feet. Functions as Levitate spell, caster level 19, A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target’s altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target’s size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within.

Franti found a scale as well, which he sensed would allow him to cast Alter Self three times per day. Same as spell Alter self, caster level 19, with an additional benefit while disguised of +4 bonus on all bluff checks made against evil creatures.

Ellena found a scale which would allow her to cast Resist Elements three times per day. As spell, caster level 19, but only provides resistance against electricity or cold.

Tauni's hare wriggled free of his pocket and moved toward another silver scale When Tauni picked up and sensed would grant her three times per day the effect of Sanctuary. As spell, caster level 19. The DC of the Will save to bypass the protection is 18.

Finally Avelina felt led to a spot that had a silver scale, which she picked up and immediately understood could allow her to cast Shield three times per day. As spell, caster level 19.

Activating a scale is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity.

Previously...

Karas carried the scale gingerly from the rubble, clutching it tight to his chest. A tears again rolled down his face as he tore a piece of his tunic off and bound the scale in it, then about his neck like a pendant. Even once you've passed you still guide my hand for the better. Thank you.

"Are these... dragon scales?" Anarya had murmured upon finding the scale. She looked up at the ceiling of the cavern, its dark recesses lost in the shadows beyond the light. "Terendelev..." she whispered, thinking of the noble dragon's sacrifice.

---

At Avelina's suggestion, Anarya fell silent as well, marching onward.

The northern passageway is 5 feet wide, only about 7 feet high. About 30 feet along, it opens out into a natural chamber about 30 feet west to east and 30 feet north to south. The ceiling is 15 feet high. A ledge through the western side of the room running north-south is five feet higher on the eastern side. To move from the lower to the higher side requires an extra 5' of movement. This can be eliminated with a DC 12 acrobatics/jump check.

The room appears unoccupied, but remnants of a campsite exist in the middle (to the east side of the ledge about 10 feet), with a pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble just east of the campsite. The north wall of the chamber has some kind of grey/white substance with a hexagonal pattern of indentations. Most of these have been broken and some kind of dark liquid dripped out. Each indentation is about 1 foot across.

Edit: describe what each character does upon entering the room (in any order), but don't move more than 30 feet or describe doing anything that will take more than a turn or two.

I'll be putting up a larger map with five feet per square in a little while.

At first, Franti didn't know what the scale was. He figured it a small piece of treasure, glimmering in the lights of the party. When he held it in his hands, his heart dropped to his stomach. He didn't feel right holding it, knowing where it once belonged. But at the time, the fool had not put together the silver dragon and Karas' relationship, and knew not what to do with the scale. He tucked it over his heart, beneath his armor. It would make for a charm for now, but perhaps it would save his life in time. He remembered his slow descent as the earth crumbled around him, and recalled the dragon's seeming death.

Franti looked towards the glowing Anarya. "Master Fool?" he repeated, smile on him, counting Anarya's as his one hundred and ninth of the day. "Has too much respect. Call me Franti." He fool noted the others, hushing to a whisper. "I pulled no holds for Armasse, glad you enjoyed it."

Ellena felt a strange combination of happiness and sadness when discovered the scale of the town's protector in the rubble. It would serve as an important reminder to everyone about how important their mission was, but it would have been great to be able to help the dragon defeat that awful day demon. This will help in my mission. Blessed be the Inheritor.. She stowed the scale in her backpack with her other necessities.

She entered the dark room, trying to size up the dimensions of the cavern. She allowed the others to stay close with her as she poked around by torch light, advancing her 20' of movement, taking it easy so that she didn't trip over the ledge. "Watch out, everyone. There's a tricky step!"

Revised map is up. I'll be marking the spot of the campsite and the rubble shortly. Campsite and other features added.

Anarya nodded at Franti's introduction, committing the name to memory. In the chaos of the fight with the rats, she had missed his name earlier. As they entered the next chamber in the northern passage, she kept her sling loaded, ready for use if the traveling band was attacked.

Karas walked into the cavern and looked about, stopping near Ellena. The strange honeycombs intrigued him but he knew better than to approach too close. "It looks like there were once a hive of giant bees here. How they got down here I don't know but the wax looks old."

Avelina clutched her silver scale close after she felt its blessing within, then placed it next to her holy symbol.

Following behind Ellena, Avelina reached out towards her, expecting for the knight to help her down the ledge.

As Karas brought attention to the bees, Avelina gasped, bringing her hand up to her mouth.

"Bees!?"

She began glancing about nervously.

"But they are gone now, right?"

Karas cocked an eyebrow at the girl, "Um, I think so? The wax looks really old so I don't think one has been to this spot in a long time."

He looked back to the rest of the group and waited to help the others down and Avelina if Ellena didn't move to do so.

Ever the polite gentlewoman, Elena took the Lady's hand and safely guides her down the riser. If there was no pressing danger, the paladin also helped the inured archer and the blind Mage down the tricky step as well, not wanting either of them to take a tumble. "Be careful, group. A bad step can cause a bum ankle."

Tauni looked up and whispered "Thank you." As she tucked the scale into her satchel.

Perhaps, someday, we can reclaim her remains... But then she dismissed the thought. We'll be lucky to make it back to the surface.

Banishing the thought, she followed along with the others.

As soon as Ellena asked the group to be careful, Franti moved ahead, almost dancing past the others as they carefully moved across the ledge. He gave a quick cartwheel, intending to stop in a handstand right before the ledge before descending with a twirl. The group could use some cheering up, he thought.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Reroll, Chance Encounter Trait: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

While he stopped before the ledge, the fool lost balance, and tumbled over He turned the momentum in his favor, pushing himself forward off the ledge, spinning in two quick flips before landing on his belled boots. He raised his arms up, saps pointing skyward. He pivoted back to his group, hiding his mistake behind a grand smile.

He turned back to the campsite, inspecting it for signs of it's inhabitants or anything that could be of use for him. He remained wary of any traps that the "mongrelmen" the elf spoke of may have left behind for animals or intruders.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18, +1 for Traps

@Ellena, if it's okay, I moved you up 20 feet of movement on the map like you said, as Avelina would have followed you in

Perfect, Avelina. My devices don't usually let me move the map.

Quick post: the room is higher on the east (right as you look at the map). So those who cross the ridge from west to east or left to right are going up 5' in elevation. It's not a difficult transtion, hence it merely takes an extra 5' of movement, not a climb check. I'll have to get back to responding to the posts up so far and to describing what happens next when I am done with work tonight.

The group quieted down after the emotional experience of finding the scales of Terendelev and moved single file through the narrow passageway. When it opened up into a larger chamber, they had to climb a few feet up a ledge to get to the center of the room, where they found the remnants of an old campsite. A cold pile of ashes, a torn bedroll, a few candles, and some other items left in a pile gave some initial clues as to who it might have been.

Anevia helped Aravashnial up the ledge near the waxy hexagonal chambers where they stood examining the remnants of honey, now crystalized into amber nodules. They began to talk among themselves.

Franti wisely scanned the area for trip wires or other evidence of a trap, but spotted nothing immediately. Only Karas noticed something ominous at the far side of the rubble heap.

No more actions until Karas and the GM post.

Karas moved with alarm toward the darkness and onto the rubble. His eyes flashed white again and his claws grew. He called to the others as he moved, "Look out! Giant bugs!"

Surprise Actions:
Free Action: Bloodrage
Move Action: To my current place on the map.

When Karas cried out and ran toward the rubble and shouted a warning about giant bugs, everyone looked and saw three giant insects that appeared to be a kind of beetle with a red head and thorax. Each was about the size of a hunting dog. When Karas charged them, the one nearest him sent forth a spray of liquid at Karas. The oily liquid also traveled past Karas and threatened to hit Ellena standing 20 feet away.

Karas nimbly avoided the spray, but Ellena was hit in the neck and the wound immediately began to blister and caused her such intense pain, it was more difficult to fight.

Another beetle scuttled a little past Karas and shot spray at Franti. The third tried to move past Karas and the second beetle, giving Karas a chance to swipe at it as it trundled by. His claws ripped off a couple of its legs, but it was able to keep moving.

Franti saw the spray coming and dodged it. Ellena likewise moved out of the way of the second spray, but Avelina, unable to see it coming until the last moment, dodged into the path of the spray and was hit by it on the sternum. The acidic stuff ate into her robe and caused painful welts and blisters where it burned her skin.

Beetle #3 took 6 points of damage, which is over half its hit points. Ellena and Avelina each took 1 point of damage, but the pain from the acid makes them -2 on attack rolls, ability checks, and skill checks for 10 rounds or until they receive some healing.

"Oh!" Rabbit called out in surprise. Hearing the melee ahead, she rushed forward, having dropped her sunrod so she could use both hands on her crossbow. Once she imposed herself between the blind elf and the beetles, Tauni stopped and loosed a bolt at one of the insects.

Crossbow bolt at #3.
To hit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage 1d8 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Tauni's crossbow bolt hit the wall near the bug.