Clebsch GM Wrath of the Righteous Adventure Path

Game Master Clebsch73

Anarya may read the General spoiler and one other spoiler.

Whoops, sorry. You're right, Guillame doesn't have any tricks for escaping a grapple once he's already in it, and there aren't any relevant move actions for him to take.

It's the holidays, so no rush on posting. I'm putting this here just in case someone looked to the end of the Gameplay posts and missed the call to action a few posts up. Everyone except Guillame is up. Whatever your winter holiday of choice, may you have peace and good friends to be with.

Ellena used her Smite Evil attack against whatever the creature was that was grappling her compatriot. . ”That’s about enough, beast!” she calls out as she swings Radiance twice.

Attack One with Smite 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 4 = 39
Damage versus evil outsider 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 9 = 24

Iterative attack as above 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 4 = 29
Damage 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21

Gain +2 to AC as well against the creature.

Ellena's magical sword, glowing extra bright in anticipation of smiting a powerful evil outsider, sliced through the swirling gaseous core, disrupting the arcane energies that give it coherent substance. The wounds, though grievous, were not enough to end its horrible existence. It still gripped Guillame and its tentacles still snaked around ready to attempt to wound and grab Ellena.

Aelith (5 lethal, grappled)
Shadow
Anarya (29 lethal)
Ellena (Melee, 2 hits, 45 to gas creature)

Round 19
Gas creature (Grappled, 45)
Guillame (4 lethal, grappled)
Summoner ((fly, Stoneskin 100, barkskin, Shield, Resistance fire 30, protection from law, 5 lethal)
Summoned demon (Grappled)

Aelith and Anarya are up.

Aelith's returning confidence is quickly dashed as the summoned fiend easily captures them from behind. A moment of panic is undercut by the ominous whisper of the Momma shadow and Poppa shouting, "Squirm, Kiddo!" Aelith wasn't strong enough to throw the succubus off, but they were a nightmare to pin down, wriggling and twisting to duck under the grappling arms to continue to pressure the summoner with Momma's help, a spectral claw swiping at the cultist with an evil hiss.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24

Assuming they can free themselves, Aelith and Momma will both five foot step back into flanking around the Summoner

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
STR Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Aelith managed to wriggle out of the grasp of the demon.

Momma was flanking the summoner at the start of this round, so she cannot reach the demon with a five-foot step and if she moves away from the summoner to attack the demon, the summoner will get an AOO with a dagger. If you want, you can retcon Momma's movement and have her take a different action, perhaps attacking the summoner. If you want to move Momma, see my house rules that replace the withdraw action for possibilities of movement that prevents an aoo and still allows her to get to the demon.

For what it's worth, no one has positively identified the summoned creature; although it looks like a succubus, it could be a different demon or possibly something non-demonic.

Anarya is up.

I've been in the process of finding & subsequently moving into a new apartment lately, plus holiday break activities, so apologies for the delay in posting!

Anarya looks at the fiend attempting to grapple Aelith and calls out a warning. "It's a Qarînah! A lesser succubus of spurned love. Ware its thought-reading spells and curse magic!"

"Guillame!" she cries. "Be FREE!" Her words are no mere exhortation, but a blessing. A bit of magic flies free with her words, giving the gunslinger a single moment where the full force of the divine mandates his escape.

Casting liberating command on Guillame as an immediate action. He can instantly make an Escape Artist check to free himself with a +18 competence bonus.

The bleeding has been building up, causing Anarya's strength to slag. Her link with Aelith heals her companion while worsening her own condition. Unwilling to let the injuries get even worse, Anarya channels her healing light within herself.

Life Link heals Aelith for 5, damages Anarya for 5. As a standard action, Anarya casts cure moderate wounds on herself.
Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 4 + 9 ⇒ (5, 8) + 4 + 9 = 26

Raising the once-holy blade of Truthwatcher, its divine light temporarily rekindled by her halo, Anarya advances on the Qarînah with wrath in her white-glowing eyes. Silvery wisps of mist flow around her ankles, her feet solidly on the ground but the clouds of silver dragon magic ready to bear her aloft if needed.

Move action. Levitate is still active, even though it's not doing anything at the moment. Practically speaking, it means that if the floor drops out from under her again, Anarya will hover instead of falling.

Guillame, with divine help, found himself free of the grasp of the strange creature. Anarya shepherded healing energy and not only healed Aelith of their last wounds, but nearly healed Anarya as well. I have Anarya with 8 points of lethal damage now.

The tentacle beast made a flurry of attacks on both Ellena and Guillame, wounding both, but failing to reestablish a grip on either. 3 lethal to Ellena, 5 lethal to Guillame.

The summoner flew a little away from her opponents and cast a spell.

Anarya felt a surge of magic trying to wrap around her. It caught her by surprise, and she could feel magical force constricting her limbs.

The spell is Hold Monster with a DC 18 Will save to negate. I rolled a 2. Anarya's listed Will bonus with buffs is 14, which falls 2 short of the DC. The caster is evil, but not an outsider. She will fail the save unless she has something up her sleeve to increase her will save result.

Waiting for a post from Anarya, then it will be a new round for the PCs.

Fear shot through Anarya like ice in her veins as the summoner's dark magic took hold of her. She could feel the crushing grip of the spell seize her and hold her limbs in place. Paralyzed, she would be at the mercy of the summoner - and of the foul demon that stood just before her.

Something within her said NO. A tiny splinter of the divine, deep within, declared that she would not succumb.

Mythic Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Like a rock hurled through a pane of glass, the spark of power shattered the magic, freeing her after only an instant under the spellcaster's hold. Strength flowed through her once more, and she shot the summoner a glare of defiance.

Momma tried to drain strength from the summoner but the enemy was too quick and avoided the shadowy hand.

Anarya avoided the spell sent at her by the summoner.

Guillame is up.

Guillame (4 lethal)
Summoner (fly, 5 lethal)
Qarînah
Aelith
Shadow
Anarya (8 lethal)
Ellena

Round 20
Tentacles (45 lethal)

Guillame may have been freed from the tentacles for the moment, but he was still in a bit of a bind. In the hopes of escaping the clutches of the mysterious creature, he pulled out a wand, kissed it for luck, and activated it, fading from sight. Hopefully, that would be enough.

Drawing and activating wand of vanish, then five foot step.

The summoner slashed at Aelith with a dagger, but both attacks missed.

The succabus smiled at the approach of Anarya and moved closer as if to embrace the oracle. Instead she touched Anarya's arm. The touch instantly drew some of Anarya's life force from her body.

Vampiric touch draws 16 hp from Anarya. I used her Touch AC + 7 for vindicator's shield. Let me know if that is not correct.

Aelith
Shadow (step, touch attack, misses)
Anarya (24 lethal)
Ellena (1 Con damage)

Round 20
Tentacle beast (45 lethal)
Guillame (4 lethal, invisible)
Summoner ((fly, 5 lethal)
Qarînah

Aeltith, Momma, Anarya, and Ellena are up.

Ellena continued to use her Smite Evil attack against whatever the creature was that was grappling her compatriot. This time she was deathly silent as she concentrated on trying to finish it off.

Attack One with Smite 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 4 = 40
Damage versus evil outsider 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 9 = 25

Iterative attack as above 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 4 = 19
Damage 1d8 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 9 = 24

Gain +2 to AC as well against the creature.

Possible crit on attack one 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 4 = 39
Critical damage 3d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 8, 3) + 8 = 24

Didnt include Smite damage in the critical as I couldn’t remember if that applied or not.

The additional damage from smite evil does get included on the critical damage, so damage from first hit is 45 + 24 + 9 = 78.

Ellena's glowing sword cut through the roiling gases that somehow anchored the solid tentacles to something like a body. The creature's smokey core evaporated and the solid tentacles dropped to the ground.

The creature, called a Mihstu (NE outsider with the air, elemental, and extraplanar subtypes), was hiding in a five-foot tall by five-foot wide cabinet with a solid looking lock. Its gaseous form allowed it to exit the cabinet without opening it.

With the tentacle beast no longer in the melee, Guillame can also take his turn along with Anarya and Aelith (and Momma).

That is correct, a 27 will easily hit Anarya's touch AC (which was 23 against an evil outsider). Her Vindicator's Shield buff ends, since she's been hit with an attack.

As the fiend lays a hand upon her arm, Anarya feels a disheartening sensation as the divine protection radiating from her shield collapses. Renewing it will take precious seconds, she knows, and she cannot spare that now.

She grits her teeth and swings Truthwatcher out in a mighty strike, aiming to take off the head of the foul demon.

Channel Smite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (5) + (5, 4, 6, 3, 1, 5, 5) = 46 (24 of that is divine damage not subject to DR, the rest counts as magic, slashing, good, cold iron, and silver.)

In the wake of her mighty blow, Anarya's aura bursts with light, channeling holy wrath against all of her foes.

Move Action (Quick Channel) - Sacred Scourge (vs. Evil): 7d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 1, 2, 2, 6) = 25
Regardless of save, 12 damage to evil outsiders, 6 damage to all other evil creatures within 30 ft.

All evil creatures within 30 ft. of Anarya must make a Will Save, DC 26, or be dazed for one round.

Still to act: Aelith and Guillame.

Aelith keeps their attention on the summoner, more than willing to let Anarya watch their back and deal with the fiend. The surge of divine power from their ally sends a shiver down their spine, almost enough to distract them from its disorientating effect on the summoner. Almost. Aelith takes two quick swipes with their curve blade, eager to capitalize on the momentary vulnerability in the hopes of finally taking her down for good.

Since the Summoner is Stunned, Aelith gets to sneak attack! You have notes on the Shadow's initiative so not sure if I should roll for the STR drain or not?

Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) = 8
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5) = 11

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Aelith's first attack misses but the second cuts deep into the summoner's side. The sword's effectiveness is diminished some by some kind of magic that blocked some of the damage.

The second attack crits, so I counted the damage rolled for the first missed attack as the critical damage bonus. 52 to the summoner. Momma always acts on Aelith's initiative, so you can roll her attack if you want her to try to drain strength. The summoner's touch AC whlie stunned is 10.

Guillame still has his turn to post.

With the creature no longer menacing him, Guillame stashed that wand back into his pack, readied his guns once more, and dashed around through the side room.

Aelith's shadow companion (Momma) rushed at the summoner as she was stunned and passed directly into her body. When the shadow withdrew, the summoner was almost too weak to stand.

Guillame moves, but his whereabouts are unknown as he is invisible.

The demon flew a little away from Anarya and directed a spell at her.

Anarya felt something try to take over her will, but she fought it off.

Everyone gets one more round to finish this melee. By the way, I stated that the summoner was stunned, but that should have been dazed. Technically, that is her state until the start of Anarya's next turn, although it has no effect on her AC. The summoner's AC is AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 23; she has 56 hp remaining and DR 10/adamantine.

Aelith
Shadow
Anarya (24 lethal)
Ellena (1 Con damage)

Round 21
Guillame (4 lethal, invisible)
Summoner (fly, 63 lethal, -6 Strength)
Qarînah (42 lethal)

Just giving everyone a poke. This battle is close to being finished, and then I promise there will be an interesting development for one of the PCs.

im having trouble with the map this morning. Is the summoner flying or is the summoner on the ground, GM?

Apologies for the delay, work has been rough.

Anarya's blazing white eyes narrow as the demon's magic attempts to seize hold of her, and she steps forward, not giving the monster a moment to recover. Again, Truthwatcher flares with power as she slashes upwards into the demon's flesh.

Mythic Channel Smite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (5) + (2, 6, 5, 3, 4, 6, 5) = 45

Her aura pulses with power once more, as she channels her holy light - not letting the demon have a moment's reprieve.

Quick Channel (Mythic Alignment Channel against Evil): 7d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 1, 6, 3, 5) = 21 (Will DC 27 half, non-outsider evil creatures take half damage)

Aelith and Momma reposition around the Summoner to harry her with another barrage of slices and claws.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
Damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22 Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) = 8
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33 Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) = 5

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Touch: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
STR Drain: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Apologies for the late reply and quick post, been busy with some extra obligations, and prepping for running a game of my own later this month.

Guillame dashed back through the tunnel to get back to the others.

Honestly, it's hard to make sense of this particular part of the map, and I think at some point it was established that that tunnel was fairly long? I'm just going to assume I had to double move and hope I'm in the right place.

The summoner and her summoned demon are both flying near the top of the area behind the large statue of Baphomet. That puts them 25 feet above the floor which covers the secret tunnel to the pit at the back of the area. Anarya is flying and momma, as a shadow can also fly. Aelith has winged boots and so all the action is up near the ceiling at the moment. Ellena and Guillame will need to used ranged attacks or fly up to engage anyone in melee.

Guillame dashed back through the tunnel to get back to the others.

Honestly, it's hard to make sense of this particular part of the map, and I think at some point it was established that that tunnel was fairly long? I'm just going to assume I had to double move and hope I'm in the right place.

With a speed of 80 ft, a double move will indeed put him through the tunnel, up out of the pit and somewhere behind the statue.

Ellena readied an action to slice at the first enemy to come into melee with her. ”Come down here and fight me, evil mage!”

Aelith and Momma teamed up to nearly kill the summoner and knocked her unconscious from having all her strength drained. Her flight spell eases her to the ground where she lies motionless, barely breathing, with bloody wounds. 48 points of damage and 5 strength points drained.

Anarya's sword split the demon's chest open and her positive energy finished it off. The positive energy also pushed the summoner beyond her body's limits and the she began to expire. The battle for the shrine to Baphomet ended.

As the heroes started to take stock of the situation, the entire temple began to vibrate and then shake, as if an earthquake were beginning.

Instead of destruction, however, a process of restoration began to magically take place. The statues began to change shape and glow with the same warm light that surrounded Anarya's head. The statue of Baphomet turned into a statue of a tall woman armed and armored with golden plate and a glowing longsword. The face of the woman bore a strange resemblance to Anarya.

Although the sunburst emblem on the stature's shield looked somewhat different from the holy symbol of Iomedae, all who worshipped this deity recognized the statue as an early Sarkoris depiction of the goddess of righteous valor, justice, and honor. The statues of minotaurs that were arrayed around the room in positions of worship of the demon lord all transformed into angels bowing in respect to Iomedae. The temple had been affected by an defiling ritual that maintained an aura of evil that aided evil and hindered good creatures. That was replaced with its magical opposite, as the temple acquired hallowed status.

As the transformation was completed, a woman with golden wings and robes of purest white appeared before Anarya. She spoke, directing her words to Anarya alone.

"It is my privilege to address you Anarya. Blessing are upon you. You have lived a life worthy of honor, carrying out the will of Iomedae without faltering. A secret can now be revealed. You are the daughter of Iomedae. The details I will give to you alone. Go forth from this day and continue your holy mission to end this insult to all Golarion, the Worldwound. Iomedae is watching over you and great will be your reward when all is finished."

The angel stood for a while saying nothing, but from the expression on Anarya's face, it was clear she was receiving information directly from the minion of Iomedae. When finished, the angel spread its wings and returned to Proelera.

Anarya gains a mythic level. The summoner and one of the templars is stable and could be revived for questioning. I'll post the equipment and other treasure soon. Anarya can craft the story of how the goddess became her mother.

Ooo! Very cool!

Before I respond, I am gonna send a PM to you, Clebsch, regarding what was just revealed. I had a different idea in mind for her from character creation, which I thought I had communicated.

One thing I do know for certain, however, is that Anarya will be taking the Divine Source mythic path ability - which means that clerics or paladins can select her as their deity, and pray to her to receive spells. Unlike a true deity, Anarya can only grant spells of fifth level or lower (so far), but as she gains additional mythic tiers, clerics who worship her will gain additional levels of spells.

In the room where the strange creature, known as a Mihstu, a cabinet contained a number of documents. Studying those documents revealed this sanctum was but one of dozens scattered throughout the Worldwound, but it was the only one in the immediate vicinity. The Templars knew that the main base of the Templars, the Ivory Sanctum, was located east of the Gray Road riverbed, "within what remains of the Greengates, beyond Vang’s illusory wall." A geography book from an ancient library was also in the cabinet, and this revealed that the Greengates was once a large forest just west of the Marchlands. Only a small remnant of that forest remained in the Worldwound. The leader of the Ivory Sanctum was someone named Xanthir Vang, some kind of horrific monster made of worms. An elven woman named Jeffibeth was an important lieutenant.

The documents also indicated there was a traitor succubus who was suspected of spying in regard to a 'special project.' Jerribeth had offered a bounty of a thousand platinum pieces for the succubus's capture. The templars were instructed to keep watch for any information about the succubus's location after she escaped from imprisonment in Citadel Drezen not long before the city was liberated.

Anarya can explain more about her alleged relation to deities. It is possible this may retcon the statement about her being the daughter of Iomedae, but she is a child of a god and/or goddess. I'll have more information on the next place to explore within the Marchlands.

”Id bet this is the same succubus that Irabeth told us to be on the lookout for. Can’t remember her exact name. Arashalae, or something like that? I know Irabeth would want to review all these documents.”.

"Arueshalae," Aelith corrected, solemnly sheathing Poppa upon their back as Momma retreats into their shadow once again to escape the glowing presence of Anarya.

Guillame stood in solemn silence as the angel said her piece, but once the moment passed, he stepped away and let Anarya have her moment alone. Not long thereafter, he found himself hunched over the table in the other room, papers spilled out across it, meticulously comparing geographical information, narrowing down potential locations for this Ivory Sanctum.

"Yes yes, the succubus, of course," he muttered, not bothering to turn to his companions, "but you will note this mention of an illusory wall. Perhaps that limits locations to..?

He trailed off, then shook his head. "No, I will not dare to make assumptions. Illusions come in too many forms to be sure."

He kept at it for a while, paying little mind to the others.

The heroes returned to base in Drezen to report their discoveries and to find out if there were any new missions. I'm assuming the group shares intelligence found at the former shrine to Baphomet about the Inner Sanctum and Arueshalae. Anarya can say what if anything about her relation to the divine she wants to share.

Irabeth reported that stories of raids by a blind, six-legged dragon or a group of barbarians led by what had been described as a bellowing half-demon were growing more common. The barbarians seemed to be based in a place called Wintersun Hall, while the dragon sounded like it was a dangerous local predator called a woundwyrm.

"Locate this Wintersun Hall," Irabeth said, "And if you discover anything about the woundwyrm, deal with it too. I'll have scouts check out the Greengates forest for signs of demon worshipers or their minions in the area. They are also checking out a mostly collapsed castle sitting within a copse of petrified trees far to the north west. There are reports of strange creatures in that area which may mean it is a base of some sort. Hopefully, by the time you take care of these raids, we'll have more information. Rest as much as you need to, but your ability to deal with large threats with a small number of people makes you vital to our learning what the demons are planning and to try to push back and foil whatever they are scheming."

The next adventure will give Ellena a chance to gain a mythic level.
Everone should level up after that.

Ellena appreciated a chance to rest up, clean her gear, and eat some decent food before getting back to her mission. ”Any news to report, Irabeth? It’s hard to hear of our progress while we are out and about fighting cultists! I’ve never heard of a woundwyrm, but if it as terrible as it sounds, it needs to be put down with great haste. Hopefully the Inheritor shines on us that day!”

As the temple completed its transformation, Anarya stood enraptured, watching something her fellows seemed unable to see. Angels swirled about the chamber, cleansing the scars of the chapel's foul curse and restoring it to its proper hallowed glory. The statue in the center seemed... familiar to her. Not someone she had known, but someone of whom she had dreamt. The face a young orphan girl imagined when she thought of what her mother might've looked like.

Resonating chimes sounded in the air, and a tall figure in robes of purest white and wings of burnished gold appeared before Anarya in a brilliant shimmer of light. A halo shone around the figure's head, a mirror to that of Anarya's. They smiled, their expression one of solemn peace and infinite kindness as they regarded the young woman before them. The angel spoke in a melodic voice resonating with power and mercy in equal measure.

"It is my privilege to address you, Anarya. Blessings are upon you, for you have lived your life in honor, selflessly carrying out the will of Iomedae without hesitation. The valor you have displayed is proof to all of your worthiness, and with this trial, a truth long kept secret can now be revealed." The angel's wings spread wide, and their halo flared into brilliance, matching Anarya's own and illuminating the entire chamber with the bright light of day. "You, Anarya, are no child of mortal men. You come from those ascended, for you were born the daughter of Iomedae herself... and your father was none other than the lost god Aroden."

The angel allowed this revelation to hang in the air for a moment, before continuing. "Know this, Anarya, the Living Heir: Your birth was one of providence, for your divine parents knew of the great mission that would one day lie before you, secreting you away to a place beyond age and time until the hour of destiny was upon the world. You are a healer, Anarya, daughter of gods. Your task is to do just that - and heal Golarion itself of the horror of the Worldwound."

"To this end, you shall become a beacon for those who march in the Fifth Crusade. The divine spark of your heritage shines with each triumph upon your journey, and is reflected upon those who follow your ideals. Those who pray in your name will find their prayers rewarded. You may yet be mortal, but your soul is divine. Treat not their prayers lightly, and judge fairly the petitions of those who beseech your aid."

Their tone softened and they looked down upon Anarya with love. "Often, you may have felt as though you were alone in this life. But you have never been alone. Iomedae has watched over you since the day you were born, and loves you as any mother must. She will be with you as you journey forth from this place, and shall guide you on your quest."

With that, the angel's wings fluttered, and they ascended to the divine realms once more in a column of holy light.

Anarya the Living Heir can now be selected as a deity for clerics, paladins, inquisitors, and warpriests. She grants the Good Domain, and the Heroism Subdomain, and grants spells 4th level and lower to her worshippers. As she grows in power, so too shall her followers unlock more potent spells.

Word will eventually spread but you will have to post if, when, and how you make this known. After that, I'll make posts reporting on who becomes followers and how the following spreads. It will eventually give a great morale boost to the defense effort, but only so long as Anarya and co. can continue making progress toward learning the plans of the Demon Lord Deskari for continuing their assault on Golarion. Others in the group will likely develop a following of their own by those who respect them for defending and supporting Anarya. In particular, Ellena will be honored as having been at Anarya's side since the attack on Kenabres.

I expect the news will begin in Drezen, probably with the commander, Irabeth, but you can dictate that. Anarya will already have a number of paladins and clerics and such in the occupation army and support personnel who hold Anarya in highest regard for her leadership during the taking of the citadel.

Anyone who wants to take the Leadership feat can cultivate a coterie of followers.

On the trip back to Drezen, Anarya was quiet regarding the revelations she's just been told. The others heard the angel's stunning words, and knew the incredible truth that has just been revealed. Anarya had spent her life thinking she was an orphan, a child unwanted, or abandoned, or whose parents had been taken by the myriad dangers of living in Mendev these days. She was none of these things. Her parents had not been victims of the Worldwound, they had been gods. Her god, even. She knew of some faiths which regarded the gods as divine parents, in a spiritual sense. But did the goddess she had been raised to revere and worship truly, a century ago, give her life?

For the first time in her life, Anarya began to question her faith. Not out of a loss of belief or disillusionment, but to truly, honestly, examine what it was that she believed in and who it was she had devoted her life to following. What did this change? What did this change about her? Did this make her a goddess? She rejected that idea quickly, but the thought lingered in her thoughts. It was impossible not to wonder.

If the others approached her, she'd speak on the revelations, but would be guarded with her words. It seemed like each word she says might suddenly carry incredible weight she had never intended. In particular she found herself distant from Ellena, suddenly finding herself so closely tied to her fellow worshipper's faith. She felt she could hardly measure up to the sort of person deserving of such an auspicious lineage.

And if there's anyone she felt distant from, it was her goddess. For the first time in many years, Anarya felt herself feeling reluctant to pray, her quiet strength of faith seeming replaced by confusion and uncertainty.

It's not until she was back in Drezen that she finally sought someone out to talk about her faith. When the briefing was concluded, Anarya approached Irabeth, asking to speak with her in private about a matter of faith. Once they were alone, Anarya found the entire story she had kept in on the trip back pouring forth, sharing everything - not just what the angel had said, but her worries, her concerns, her sense of awe.

When the torrent of words concluded, a blush came to her cheeks as the young oracle realized how much she's just said. She looked up at Irabeth. "...I am not sure what I even came to you to ask, Irabeth," she said. "Perhaps advice, if you have any, though how could anyone know what to do at such a moment? ...I must decide what to say of this. It seems a great presumption to expect of others that suddenly I be an object of worship, or that they recognize me as part of their faith. But it feels equally wrong to hide this. If an angel came to me with this revelation... am I not bound to share it?" She sighed. "...I am sorry if these things are questions you cannot answer. But you are a friend, and I needed to speak of this with someone. I think it has helped some just to put the emotions into words."

Ellena stared open mouthed at the scene that played out before her. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the revelations about her long time friend. Was that real? Is she actually Iomedae’s daughter!? How was that even possible?

She noticed that Anarya seemed to avoid her after the amazing meeting. Ellena didn’t mind the space as the paladin’s whole world was rocked as well. Things were just different now, for everyone involved.

It took a bit but Ellena noticed one other strange feeling, mostly unknown to her. She loved Arnarya and all, but she couldn’t help to be slightly jealous of the revelation. Why couldn’t it have been me, she couldn’t help but think.

The group remained mostly muted on the trip back. To break the weird silence, Ellena efforted a conversation. ”So, in, I wonder how the battles have been going for the others. I hope it’s going well…”

Irabeth took in Anarya's words in stunned silence. Before speaking, she shifted on her feet, uncertain whether to kneel or bow or dance or hug her friend or cry with joy. After several seconds, she stepped forward, extending her right hand. When Anarya reached out, Irabeth gripped Anarya's forearm and Anarya did the same, gripping Irabeth's forearm. The two strong women then pulled each other into an embrace that conveyed many emotions: love, relief, joy, confusion, and uncertainty about the future.

After that, Irabeth recommended a meeting of her inner circle, including her wife Anevia, old friends like Aravashnial, Horgus, Sosiel, and Tauni. After explaining these events and revelations, they discussed how best to reveal this to the rest of the crusade. After a time, they decided it was best to alert Queen Galfrey before taking further action.

With Tauni's teleport spells, Anarya and her closest comrades, Ellena, Guillame, and Aelith, teleported to Nerosyan for a meeting with the Queen and her advisors. This also resulted in a joyous reunion with Avelina, Raine, Karas, and, surprisingly Franti.

Karas was shocked to learn that the one he loved was the daughter of two deities. Karas had been on special missions for the Queen and had advanced, exhibiting more silver dragon aspects to his raging abilities. The passionate embrace at the reunion sparked rumors of a wedding between the two. Franti, who had been off pursuing a long-lost love was back in Nerosyan to see if he could help with the crusade. He too had grown and matured, becoming an excellent bard and something of a court jester and poet.

Avelina was delighted that her friend was related to the deity she loved. She also was joyous at her reunion with Ellena.

After a conference with the Queen's advisors, it was decided that Frani would compose an epic poem/song to explain the events and to alert the crusade to the new divine ally. The poem deliberately obscured Anarya's whereabouts, implying she would be visiting each army in turn in the coming year, suggesting Anarya's had left Drezen for other adventures.

A feast was held to debut the song and introduce Anarya to those in the capital of Mendev. Anarya was asked to give a speech to impart whatever wisdom she wished to the crusaders battling the forces of the Abyss. The troops in attendance cheered and their spirits rose at the news that this new general was also a divine descended. Surely, they mused, the gods were aiding their fight directly. Morale soared.

After this, a delegation of clerics, oracles, and other religious types requested a meeting with Anarya. They included many aging priests of Arodan, still clinging with desperate hope that their God had not died. The presence of an heir of Arodan and Iomedae gave them new hope and zeal. Others were young people, just starting their education in religions worshipping Iomedae, Sheylyn, and Sarenrae. They requested permission to form a new religious group to support Anarya in her fight against the Worldwound. Anarya may designate a name for these devotees and specify anything else about their organization, holy symbol, rituals, etc.

Rumors began almost immediately that Anarya would travel to Absalom and the Starstone to attempt the Test of the Starstone and follow the path of her progenitors.

After these events, the news began to spread throughout the land. In secret, Anarya and company telported back to Drezen to continue their missions, searching for the location of the Ivory Sanctum, for the heretic succubus, and intelligence as to the plans of the Abyss. Back in Drezen, Anarya's presence was revealed carefully to insure her location remained a secret, but the news from Nerosyan inspired a cell of the newly formed religion devoted to Anarya.

Irabeth bade the group to leave as soon as possible and continue their mission to locate Wintersun hall and deal with the attacks on travelers in the area while scouts continued following clues as to the whereabouts of Arueshalae. The visit to Nerosyan also makes it possible to purchase any special items so specify anything you want to get.

"Congratulations! Your Divinity!" Poppa cheers upon hearing the news of Anarya's holy lineage, beginning to ramble about the honor to stand, or at least exist in some way, in the presence of the divine only for Aelith to interrupt him.

"She can't hear you."

"What?"

"She can't hear you." Aelith repeats before signing a condensed version of their father's celebratory rant to the Daughter of Gods. 'Poppa wishes you congratulations on the news. I wish you condolences for the target on your back. And the pressure.' The Half-elf grimaces behind their wraps at the thought of all the stress that would come with Anarya's new status in the middle of the Crusades. 'We're here if you need anything?'

Aelith does their best to avoid too much of the limelight as Anarya's holy lineage is discussed and presented to the world at large, the second hand attention as part of her adventuring band more than enough to set them on edge. They try to politely decline any part in the festivities and focus on the search for Arueshalae and the threats of the woundwyrm and the barbarian forces in the Wintersun Hall, but Poppa volunteers them for the party. They spend the feast and the performance being as small as possible, running a finger over the chalk lines drawn along their ashen arm under the swath of cloth wound around it and making a point of not eating in front of so many. Any attention they manage to receive is met with an admirable, if awkward attempt to be social, though much of it would be spent reigning in Poppa's shameless ramblings of fatherly pride and anecdotes.

In all the excitement, Aelith manages to catch Anarya's attention and signs an exasperated, 'Please tell me this isn't going to be a regular thing?' By the end of it all, they're socially drained and emotionally exhausted, more than happy to be back in Drezen and back on task.

(Bigger post coming later, just got this in while at work.)

"Thank you," Anarya says, addressing the sword. "It is... a lot to take in."

Anarya signs her reply to Aelith. 'Thank you for your support. I don't know what I will need yet. This is more responsibility than I can fathom.'

After the feast, she gives an apologetic look to Aelith and signs 'I'm in the same boat, friend. I didn't want all of this pomp and circumstance. I just... want to help.'

While all of this attention was being lavished on Anarya, Guillame was soon nowhere to be found. He had bowed out for a bit of personal time shortly after arriving in the city, promising to return soon.

He made himself a bit of a ghost in the crowd, and no one saw hide nor hair of him for days. The truth is, being recognized for his efforts wouldn't do. He was the ghost at the edge of the battlefield, after all, and ghosts don't have lavish feasts or meetings with queens.

Still, he had the courtesy to leave a note for Anarya to find.

Upon returning to Drezen in secret, Irabeth welcomed you all back. She had the wisdom to treat the group just as she did before she learned of Anarya's divine heritage, providing a welcome respite from the attention everyone received, whether they wanted it or not, in the Mendev capital and the court of Queen Galfrey. Once everyone had had a day or two to recover, she requested a meeting. Upon arriving, you see Irabeth's wife, Anevia, and the scarred face of Aravashnial, the blind elf rescued during the battle of Kenabres.

"Our scouts and I have located the stronghold of the barbarians who have been raiding the caravans and traders along the road from Kenabres to Drezen. It will not be easy to breach the hall and the people who live nearby are too afraid of the clan lord who hides in the hall to be of any help. Our scouts approached a few and they refused to answer any questions except to make insincere sounding assurances that the Lord of Wintersun Hall was a good man who would never harm anyone."

Anevia paused in her report and then said, "Aravashial has done some research and has knows some of the history of the place."