DM-Camris' WRATH of the RIGHTEOUS Part 1: The Worldwound Gambit (table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Camris

Attack again!: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 = 17 for Cold Iron: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ce-Eshna is tempted to turn on the foe that brutalizes her but her focus has already narrowed to the first abomination and her cold iron arrow follows that line.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Pollux takes a big 'ol swing and almost hits Jokum.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

The dwarf keeps attacking the demon in front of him rage clearly distorting his face in a terrible grimace.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Damage roll: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

This isn't working...we can't penetrate their hide easily enough... Jokum thinks, his brain working furiously as he attempts to stanch his wounds. A sudden burst of inspiration comes to him.

"The sword!" he bellows as he swings, clumsily, around the corner at the dretch. "Who has Yaniel's sword?!"

Attack!: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 11
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15

Opponent's AC is 4 higher for cover, sadly.

To the north of the maze the combined effort brings an end to the unholy creature. Ce's arrow hits home and ends the desperate struggle to the south.

Once the demons fall Karthak spits on their rotten carcasses and scowls at the others:"This was well done. And this is how the demon-filth needs to be dealt with. Now: let's proceed upward. Kenabres awaits and our duty is clear. Let's bring justice in our wake! Let the demons and their servants know the meaning of fear!"

Karthak moves towards the exit of the maze

Ce-Eshna checks to see if the arrow she missed with is intact Upper half: 1d100 ⇒ 8 Sadly she finds it bent and useless.

Xaivan will give a quick search of the dead and the area they jumped the party from, hoping to find something useful. If nothing is found he follows Karthak out of the maze.

Lann, Anevia, Aravashnil and Hargus have waited patiently for your return. They eagerly listen to your descriptions of the battle to clear out this lair of the vial and the vicious.

Upon learning of the three Templar safe houses, Anevia is eager to get this information to Irabeth and the Eagle Watch. Aravashnial is particularly intrigued by the mention of the Tower of Estrod being a safe house and would like to either investigate it or learn more about it second hand. We do have the RP thread if you want to talk to them.

When you emerge from the tunnels, you find yourselves in the southeastern section of Kenabres, approximately at the location marked "H 16" on the map.

As you emerge from the sewers, you step into a city vastly different from the one you left at the start of the adventure. The tremors and demonic attacks have devastated the city, leaving it a smoking, apocalyptic ruin. Deep chasms riddle the city, while the paths of enormous demons have left ruinous trails of rubble extending out from the city's heart.

Above, the once-familiar skyline of Kenabres and forever changed-the tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St. Clydwell having been completely destroyed, while elsewhere plumes of dark smoke still rise from the smoldering remains of burned-down buildings. Fat buzzards wheel above in skies scarred by red smoke and black clouds. The Worldwound
has expanded its borders, and now the city of Kenabres is enveloped in it.

The place feels deserted, yet it's never long before the scream of a fresh victim peals through the soot encrusted streets, indicating that number of survivors has dropped again. Evidence of violence lie everywhere, whether burned buildings, splashes of blood, or dead bodies waiting to be claimed by vultures.

At this point, the adventure becomes a sandbox to explore but for now you can handle the reaction to the devastation you discover. For instance: Before the fall, Kenabres had a population of 12,330. Now, the bulk of those citizens have either fled the city, been taken by demons deep into the Worldwound, or have simply been killed-only 3,400 people remain in the ruined city.

YES! We did it this far! Now we just have to kill a Balor... XD Which reminds me... how long to lvl 3?

Karthak looks at the ruins of the once proud city he called home and shakes in barely supressed anger:"By Torag's mighty hammer, we'll get justice done for this unholy desecration! I swear!

Then the dwarf turns towards Anevia:"I see your point. To mete out justice we'll need to gather the forces of good before sweeping the pollution away from Kenebras"

In other words Karthak seems to agree with Anevia's plan

Shaking in rage and no small amount of fear, Ce-Eshna surveys the carnage and mutters a single word... "Father..."

Almost forgot this guy...

Hargus feigns disinterest in the news of the locations of the safe house.
"What does it matter? Get me to my home quickly and I can give you all your promised reward."

As the group climbs, bleeding and broken, through the maze, Jokum runs his hands over his face. That was close. Too close. These demons...we must be more careful. More deadly. As he rubs the weariness from his bones, he notices that several of his fingernails are growing long. Blast. Must trim those soon.

The first rays of the sun break over the bleeding man like water over the head of desert traveler. Jokum staggers out from the caves at the head of the file, almost closing his eyes in relief. At last. We're out of the darkness, out from the caves. I can let them all go their ways, and go find my own end. He smiles as he makes his way over the last hummock up to the ground.

Then he sees Kenabres.

A number of expressions cross the Sarkoran's face in rapid succession: disbelief, realization, rage, grief, and, finally, simple exhaustion. Jokum stands, slack-limbed, before the city's ruin as the others emerge, take in the sight, and begin to discuss possible courses of action.

Move. The victim's scream jerks Jokum out of his reverie, and he sheathes his greatsword, drawing an arrow and stringing his bow. "We need to find cover," he announces gruffly, scanning their surroundings for enemies. "Move quickly and quietly. Anevia, I agree that we should find your wife and the Eagle Knights. Are they near? Is there a place they are likely to be?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Out loud to Hargus, Jokum says, with a small amount of derision: "You looked surprised, back there, to learn that some lord's manor was a safe house for the demoniacs--did you think none of your caste could fall from grace to this?"

Pollux emerges last from the sewer, stopped in his tracks by his comrade's looks of anguish. There his eyes fell on Kenabres that was and he was left speechless. He had expected it to be bad, but not this. This was not the city he dreamed of. This was no longer a place of legend, but of ruin.

"Wondrous is this masonry, shattered by the Fates..." he began mumbling, breaking his silence with an old Chelish poem. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Was this what that ancient bard had seen so many centuries ago?

We need to find cover Pollux hears in a gruff voice. Snapped back to attention, Pollux nods as Jokum takes the initiative on his next move, their next move. He looked out on the wastes of Kenabres then to Anevia. "Yes... Yes! I agree with you, and am with Jokum and Karthak."

He looks to Ce-Eshna, who's rage is unmistakable, then to Tesseract. "They have family here." he says, suppressing his urge to smash demon's faces in. "And they should come first. If they want, I will go with them to their homes and you can take the injured to the eagle watch. We will meet you there."

If people are down for splitting up, we can continue with everyone meeting at the Eagle Watch and flex the visiting of homes etc.

I'm strobgly against splitting: it could mean the death of all of us in such a scenario. And btw we all seem to agree on our next destination, which should speed things up

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Edit

Karthak nearly growls at Hargus:"It's no matter who they were: for their sins they shall all burn!"

I will just say please please please for your own sake don't split up. I would hate to TPK just when you all get to the surface.

As much I want to find Irabeth and the Eagle Watch, I have no idea where they might be. I doubt she will be at our home but thats where I need to look first."

Reminded that she's not the only one who may have lost loved ones and knowing at the very least her father would have gone out fighting she moves to Tess' side to comfort her. "We need to stick together, there is no doubt that horrid things prowl these streets still."

Xaivan isn't quite sure he is happy to have found the surface now that he sees what the surface actually looks like. Maybe I should just gather up whatever I can find and get the hell out of here. Upon hearing about a "safe house" he can't help but wonder what is all will mean. Perhaps I'll find something useful there and then leave this forsaken place. Plus, I'd hate to run into something alone.

So first stop is the Tirablade residence?

Traveling through the remains of the city proves almost as difficult as the tunnels. Though in only a short time it becomes clear that the city may be even more dangerous.
1d100 ⇒ 30
1d6 ⇒ 6

Ce-Eshna: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Jokum: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Karthak: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Pollux: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Tesseract: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Xaivan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Monsters(6): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Looks like we are fighting some sort of vulture?

Vulture? 0_0' Anyway whatever they are Karthak is ready for them!| (I hope)

Yes, otherworldly demonic looking vultures. Tess is MIA so I'm going to pull her for now, if she shows up again w=she can jump right back in.

Order
Karthak
Monsters(6)
Jokum
Ce-Eshna
Pollux
Xaivan

As soon as Karthak notices the creatures his anger seems to resurface. Without a word he brandishes his axe and moves towards them with what's clearly murderous intent.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage roll: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Fighting with shield

Karthak cuts down the nearest of the creatures with a solid blow of his ax.
The others take to the air and attack!

Bite vs Karthak: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5
Bite vs Karthak: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Bite vs Jokum: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
Bite vs Jokum: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Bite vs Ce-Eshna : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Order
Karthak
Monsters(6)
>>Jokum
Ce-Eshna
Pollux
Xaivan

Xaivan fires an arrow at the bird directly to the west of him!

Bow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 for Arrow: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Pollux plunges his spear into the one between Jokum and Ce-Eshna.

If it is still alive. Otherwise he'll move and attack the nearest one.

With a brief curse Ce-Eshna dances back from her attacker and tries to put an arrow in him.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

if he looks like he resists it she will switch to cold iron

Taken by surprise as the demonic vultures erupt out of (seemingly) nowhere, Jokum bellows in rage and tries to lift his bow. The beasts, however, are too quick, and one of them savages him with its beak before he can loose a shaft. The big man, already exhausted from the struggles underground, collapses under the onslaught.

No...I didn't get them above ground...for... His world goes black.

0.0 Unconscious, but stable. PLZ HALP!

DC 10 Con Check: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 1 = 20

Order
Karthak -Killed 1
Monsters(5) Attacked
>>Jokum Down but stable
Ce-Eshna Injures 1
Pollux Kills 1
Xaivan Kills Ce-Eshna's target

3 Down 3 to go!

As the first vulture falls Karthak spins toward the next one!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage roll: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Attacking the one on Karthak's left

And that's 2 left.

Leaving the dying prey on the ground the other vulture moves to assist it's mate.
Bite: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 Smite Good

Down to 7/18 hps...

Xaivan fires another arrow at the furthest enemy!

Bow: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 4 = 10 for Arrow: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Shifting another five feet Ce-Eshna fires again. Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Pollux moves on and attacks the one between Jokum and Karthak.

The last injured vulture takes flight and flees.

Concerned for your well being Aravashnial rush forward as quick as he can, a slender wand grasped tightly. "Here let me help."

Cast false life on Jokum and then Karthak gain Temp HP: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 for 4 hours

"We shouldn't be too much farther maybe another 10 minutes till we get to our house."

She looks about worried that the commotion may have attracted the attention of something more dangerous.

A shutter bangs loudly as it is closed too quickly from a nearby house.

Investigate or press on?

"What was that?" Pollux asks as the shutter bangs. "Vultures don't close doors... It may be a survivor. Friend or foe I think it best we look into it."

Ce-Eshna nods and binds her wound quickly then begins to move as silently as she can to see what she can see.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Karthak follows the others, axe on the ready:"I suppose we should check it out. It wouldn't do to let ourselves open to an ambush... especially not while Kenabres looks like this"

Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

The noise came from a building not far from where the vultures died, as you approach you find a woman with two smaller children who had taken shelter in the remains of a shop.

1d20 ⇒ 15

As soon as shes discovers she pushes the children behind her, holding a bloody kitchen knife. "Keep away demons!" She shouts.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 To discern if this is a ruse
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 To be a silver-tongued devil

Pollux sees the woman, clutching the children and is overcome with a vision of his mother, clutching he and his brother as goblinoids raided their small town. "Well... At you're not a six-fingered prostitute. Then I'd know this was some kind of Demon trick, but at present I'm not sure." Pollux mutters, leaning in to get a good look at her. "If you are sound of body and of mind, and you and your children can walk, then please come with us. There will be no fiends hurting you under my... Under our watch."

He looks at the others and then moves to extend a hand to the frightened woman unless she turns out to be tricksy, in which case he'll extend his mace. "Please?"

She backs further away as Pollux extends his hand. Desperately brandishing the knife. "I wont let you touch a hair on their heads. Be gone foul demons back to the abyss that spawned you. I've seen what other monsters roam the streets you are no better! There are no survivors out there only you ilk!"

As he sees the scene unfold Karthak moves near Pollux and speaks gravely:"The woman has spoken. She doesn't want to be bothered, so let her be and let's keep going. We have a city to save" then he turns away and starts walking speaking one last time for the woman benefit:"I can understand you not wanting any help, lady. You made your wishes clear and I respect that. But I suggest you and your childern hide better: we are not demons, nor worshippers of demons, but the time are such that their vile ilk roams the streets of Kenabres freely. If they find you you know what manner of grisly fate could await you. One last thing: I don't know how long it will take us to save the city, could be very long. We can't spare much but I'll leave part of our provisions here. Please accept them as a gift. And pray to Torag we suceed"

Karthak leaves 2 of his daily rations where the woan can easily retrieve them

This is assuming she didn't spot me
Getting behind the woman Ce-Eshna levels her bow, "If there are no survivors what are you then? Looking to keep these children as sacrifices for your demon master to yourself? I won't allow it." Gathering her winds to herself she tries to blow the woman down so she is easier to subdue and check.
Ranged Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Pollux moves to catch the woman as she falls from the breeze

Reflex(!): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Failing that pretty obviously he then moves to stand between Ce-Eshna and her. "Don't you hurt her!" he screams. Surprised by his loss of composure, he begins an obvious struggle to regain it. "You are right. We cannot let her or her children stay here to die."

Diplomacy(again): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

To the woman he says "Please. If you care about your children's well being, come with us. Righteous men and women stand before you and we will see you to safety I swear."

"Can we really afford to take on any more? The streets are not safe, this woman wants nothing to do from us, and I doubt our friend's magic has made her more agreeable to us."

She glowers at Ce-Eshna as she struggles to get up to her feet.
"I'll take your food and you'll take your leave of us. If what you claim is true then send others with this token to retrieve us." She pulls out a silken ribbon and hands it to Pollux.

"As blunt as the fat man is he's right, I doubt you could keep us safe on the streets with the other injured you already have. "

She is now indifferent to you

"Hargus leave the woman be. We could always leave you her instead if you don't feel us up to the task of keeping us safe from harm."