Xaivan is looking outside of the home in order to try and find this guy somewhere, assuming the house has already been searched.
Where are these things coming from?
Jokum launches himself across the room with an angry bellow, swinging his sword at the fiend.
Jokum cuts it the fiendish beetle cleanly in two. The summoned creature dissipates in a dark haze.
Xavian finds no one outside but spots a set of large boot prints that lead towards the front door till they are obscured by your party's prints.
Ce-Eshna will try to pull Anevia out the door and get it closed to cut her off from the assailant.
As soon as Ce-Eshna grabs hold of the injured woman, pulling her to the door an angry voice growls from the south of the room. "You wont escape that easily!"
A burly half-orc appears out of no where and swings an obsidian ronseur catching Ce-Eshna off guard with the sudden blow.
Jokum roars in a strange mixture of rage and delight, charging forward with his greatsword. "Now we've got you, cur!" Charging down the room, he leaps up onto the bench in the southeastern corner, and takes a swing at the half-orc.
Xaivan blinks as the half-orc appears, then he fires an arrow at him!
for
Too close to safely use her bow I push Anevia behind me and assume total defense, staying between her and the half-orc.
As the miscreant makes himself visible Karthak immediately jumps forward, fury born out of zeal and frustration burning in his eyes:
Struggling against the blows he struggle to cast another spell. As he fails in the heat of battle the cries out in anguish. "No, no, no!"
Karthak nears the half orc and once again slashes aiming for his head:"Die servant of ruin!"
Edit
With a mighty swing Karthak dispatches the half-orc.
Treasure
potions of invisibility, wand of magic missile (CL 3rd, 11 charges); ranseur of the gargoyle, 42 gp
Hidden in a secret niche in the bedroom is a brief note from Irabeth, telling Anevia that when she returns, she can find Irabeth at Defender's Heart. The note says that the password "Silverstrong" identifies them as friends. In addition, Irabeth left two potions of cure moderate wounds and three potions of invisibility in the niche to aid her wife's journey to Defender's Heart.
Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th
Slot None; Price 4,310gp; Weight 12lbs.
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DESCRIPTION
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A ranseur of the gargoyle appears to have a head crafted of obsidian, but is in fact as hard and resilient as steel. This weapon functions as a +1 ranseur that grants a +4 bonus on disarm checks rather than the typical +2 bonus a ranseur grants. Up to 5 times per day as a swift action, the wielder of a ranseur of the gargoyle can cause its skin to harden for 1 round, gaining a +2 enhancement bonus to its natural armor score.
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CONSTRUCTION
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Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, barkskin; Cost 2,310gp.
Jokum watches the death of the half-orc with a grim smile, then collapses gently against a wall. "He was waiting for us here," he growls. "Anevia, do you recognize him, or anything that might reveal who or what he worked for?"
Glancing around uneasily, he adds, "If your wife is not here, we should head to somewhere easier to defend."
Karthak considers the house briefly then speaks:"I don't know... honestly we are exhausted and we need to rest. This place seems as good as defensible as any at this point... maybe more than most. This demon worshipper was waiting here, yes, but he seemed to have a grudge solely against Anevia. Perhaps he didn't want to share the kill with anyone else. Anyway I suggest we stay here, rest and search for Anevia's wife... tomorrow"
"H-he, he was one of several criminals Irabeth tracked down during her time in the River Kingdoms. A cultist of Xoveron named Vagorg, a man whose grandiose plans to burn down an entire neighborhood in Tymon were cut short when he was captured. Vagorg tried to use his shared race to convince Irabeth to let him go, but this only furthered her resolve-she delivered him to the authorities and forgot about him. That was years ago though..."
Anevia looks about worriedly then goes into the bedroom. She opens a secret compartment and finds the note and items inside.
She gracefully offers the items to you and begs one more favor. Take her to the Defender's Heart Inn!
Jokum blinks at Anevia's explanation. "Didn't realize your wife was a half-orc," he comments, but makes no further mention of the subject. When she brings out the note and the items, he peruses them, frowning.
"If Anevia's wife went off to the Defender's Heart, it's probably because it's a relatively safe place," he says to the group. "And as I recall, it's not all that far from here...if we can make one last push, we'll be there. Karthak, you and I are the most grievously hurt, and among the best armored. Perhaps if we drink these"--he indicates the two healing potions--"we can lead the way out of here to safety. The Defender's Heart might have supplies, healers...if we stay here, none of us will be much better come the morning, and we might be jumped during the night."
Looking around at the group, he adds, "I won't force anyone into it. If everyone would prefer to wait out the night here, so be it."
Standing protectively near her Ce-Eshna nods to her, "I will accompany you, we have seen you this far."
Pushing on toward the in you hear voices, some sort of disagreement. Rushing forward you find in front of a ruined shrine to Sarenrae kneels a weeping woman. Surrounding the woman are three human knights in battered armor. Their faces are sooty and grim and their eyes burn with feverish light. One of the knights, a human woman with fresh scars on her face, says to the kneeling woman, " Your sacrifice aids the cause of good."
+CL
As the group heads out, Jokum quaffs a potion, feeling vigor flow back into his veins. Hefting the fallen half-orc's weapon, he takes point as the group heads north toward the inn.
When they come upon the woman and the three knights, Jokum's heart starts to pound in his ears. Visions of his childhood, and the abominations of the Third Crusade, flash through his mind. Kneeling sacrifices are rarely willingly given.
Holding up a hand for the group to stop, he steps forward, one hand loosely gripping the ranseur. "Goid to see fellow enemies of the Abyss in these times," he calls, loudly enough to draw attention. "What is the sacrifice that this charitable woman has given the cause?"
As Karthak lays eyes on the crusaders a creeping feeling of unease starts spreading along his spine:"What's this? I should rejoyce witnessing acts of sacrifice and devotion, especicially in such dire straits... yet... something is off, could it be the demon talons have buried themselves deeply enough to twist even what would normally be considered holy? Could this be Baphomet's work yet again?".
As he approaches the crusaders his hand falls almost insctintively on the haft of his axe and he speaks warily:"Oi! What's this all about? I don't see any kind of sacrifice here but this woman. Care to explain yourselves, laddies?"
The woman who you heard as you approached says in a shaky voice. "It has been said that sheathing one's blade in the body of a virgin temporarily transforms the sword into a demon-slaying weapon. This woman's noble sacrifice will help to save the few other innocents left in our city. Though it is a task I balk at carrying out.
The kneeling maiden hearing you begin to intercede cries out. "Please save me! I was just looking for food. My parents are hurt and need me!"
For a second, Jokum is so overcome by rage that his vision blacks out. The Third Crusade come again... He's brought back to earth by a sharp pain in his left hand and, glancing down, he sees that his hand is clenched into a fist, and his newly long nails have cut into his palm releasing a slow trickle of blood. Must cut those once we reach safety...
Returning his attention to the group ahead of him, he hefts the ranseur, addressing the leading woman directly. "Couldn't find any volunteers, eh? We have two servants of your gods and a Riftwarden here, and I'm sure all of them will be happy to explain to you how wrong you are. But first..." He tightens his grip and tenses, ready to spring forward if need be. "You have until I count to three to drop your blades."
"Don't you dare threaten us. Who are you? We've fought these demons for days in our streets. Where were you? You must be Templars trying to keep us from ending this battle once and for all!
Her mouth stretches into a grim line and she sights on the leader her bow full drawn. "You are stupid or your minds are fouled. No true crusader would believe such filth."
I was hoping that the next to speak up would be someone who could refute their beliefs with evidence... Jokum nonetheless glares at the crusaders.
"Where were we? I will tell you. When the city fell, we fell too, down into the crevice that opened beneath Terendelev. There, battered and broken, we rallied ourselves, paid homage to the dead, dealt with the monsters of the upper Dark, faced and parlayed with the Mole People, slew worshipers of Baphomet, and faced down demons themselves to make our way back to the surface world. Now we seek safety--not just for ourselves, but for our injured, and for what citizens remain in Kenabres. This woman--" he points to Anevia--"is the wife of Irabeth Tirabade. Do you really think we will let you do this, having been where we've been and seen what we've seen?"
Tess adjusts her glasses with shaking hands. Her heart pounds in fear as she studies the woman singled out by the knights-- had I been here, would they be seeking to sheathe their blades in my body instead?
"Couldn't find any volunteers, eh? We have two servants of your gods and a Riftwarden here, and I'm sure all of them will be happy to explain to you how wrong you are. But first..." He tightens his grip and tenses, ready to spring forward if need be. "You have until I count to three to drop your blades."
She speaks up, trying to mask the quaver in her voice with clinical indifference. "This man is correct. There have been extensive studies in darker ages, and there is absolutely no credibility to the claims you make of virgin's blood possessing any extraordinary enhancement abilities."
Cowed by your remarks they back down. "Say what you will but all you've done now is aid our enemies. We wont forget this."
The group of crusaders quickly flees leaving the kneeling woman behind.
Her name is Klarah-she was out scavenging for food for her wounded parents ( both of whom are hiding in a basement nearby) when the mad knights caught her. She thanks the PCs profusely but has little to offer in reward other than news.
//
Lord Hulrun was killed during the attack and the
demons have his body on display!
//
Repeat
//
repeat
//
//
The witch Areelu Vorlesh is planning on coming to the city soon to claim it as a trophy!
//
The Storm Lord killed Terendelev, and then had his
minions carry her body away into the Worldwound
She shares with you Three rumors about what has happened in your absence. These are true to the best of her knowledge.
Lord Hulrun was killed during the attack and the demons have his body on display
The witch Areelu Vorlesh is planning on coming to the city soon to claim it as a trophy
The Storm Lord killed Terendelev, and then had his minions carry her body away into the Worldwound
As Jokum disperses the knights Karthak pats him on the back"Good job there! For an instant I feared we woudl have been forced to kill those fools"[b] he then listens to the girl's tale and the news she brings make the dwarf pull his beard in frustration:[b]"Those filthy monsters! How dare them desecrate this city most noble heroes? We need to put an end to this... and soon!"
Jokum stares after the retreating crusaders. Wolves in the shape of men. We must watch for them. He starts slightly at Karthak's pat, and flushes when congratulated. When Klarah explains what's going on, he frowns.
"The news that a witch is coming is no good thing--I imagine Kenabres has enough troubles without that," he rumbles. "And I can well believe that this Mendevian lord was killed in the assault. But as to your story of Terendelev...that, child, is pure fabrication." Kneeling next to her, he rests one hand on the girl's shoulder. "Terendelev was slain in the attack, that is true. Kenabres lost a noble defender. But she in her death saved many, us among them. And as to her body...I know not where the rest of it lies, but some of that noble dragon's spirit stays in Kenabres."
He fishes out the silver scale from its string around his neck, and even in the smoky sun it glitters. "Terendelev blessed us with a gift of herself--this is one of her scales. Each of my companions carries another. Terendelev died for Kenabres and for the Crusade, and we will continue to protect it from any demonic threat." From without or within, he thinks, but does not say.
Standing, he adds, "We are headed to the Defender's Heart Inn, where we have heard that some of the crusaders--not like the ones you met--remain. Gather your parents, and come with us. It will be safer than waiting out here, and we are bringing wounded along already."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but my parents are in no condition to travel and while you may have still kept your senses these three were not the only crusaders who I would avoid now. Be careful who you trust."
With that reply she quickly gathers what little food she had scavenged and looks ready to leave.
Satisfied with the misguided crusaders turning from such a dark path Ce-Eshan stands watch as the woman relays her news. At word of Lord Hulrun's fate she pales and swallows but stays strong.
"W-we..." She swallows back her stutters quietly and tries again. "We should try to find Lord Hulrun's body, if we can. Don't let the witch take it for her display.... I'm sure she has no good in store for it."
Her thoughts turn to Karl and Linnae, and she tries not to look too closely at the mangled bodies among the rubble. Her gaze consciously avoids the area she'd grown up in, taking in the rest of the town in frightened sips.
Moving through the ruins you run into a pack of Dire Rats. The foul beast serve as little more than an annoyance to you are the Inn draws near.
The largest inn in Kenabres is Defender's Heart-a stout stone structure that survived the fall of Kenabres with ease.
Built to last and largely ignored by the initial demonic attack (which focused much more on Old Kenabres and the riverfront), Defender's Heart was a perfect choice as a place for surviving crusaders and veterans of the war to gather and form a sort of defensive line.
Alert guards are posted at every third window in the large structure. The guards recognize Anevia as their commander's wife and immediately grant the party entrance. Anevia lets out a joyful cry as Irabeth appears, quickly coming to greet her once word of her return spreads. The women embrace tenderly before Anevia introduces her wife, Irabeth. Irabeth thanks you for keeping Anevia safe and swears to assist you in whatever way she can.
"Praise the Inheritor your alive! Please introduce me to these valiant warriors who have returned you to me!"
Still embracing her wife she lets out a sigh of relief. "Lets get inside and we can tell you all about what happened to us. I'll let these worthy heroes introduce themselves. "
She leaves her makeshift crutch on the ground gratefully using her wife for the support she needs to walk.
Feeling safe at last Ce-Eshna rushes in, looking for her father.
Jokum bows slightly to Irabeth. "My name is Jokum, lady. Of the Breakbone tribe, not that it truly exists any more." As Ce-Eshna rushes off, Jokum keeps a wary eye on her. I do not yet trust these crusaders... Reminded, he looks around for the trio of fools they recently encountered.
Karthak looks relived at the first frienfly faces in a while. Then he remembers:"Baphomet... even here its nefarious hand might be at work. We need to rest... and be careful"
Tess cranes her head around the two women, trying to peer into the establishment, before Jokum's words startle her. Oh, introductions! Right...
The girl dips into as graceful a curtsy as she can muster, thankful she'd gotten a less-torn, less-dirty gown from the underground traders. "Madam Irabeth, I am Tesseract Squires, and it is certainly a pleasure to meet you at last." A red snout noses out of a leather satchel to climb up her arm, and she grins despite her nervousness. "...And this is Sorua, who keeps me out of trouble."
She enters the Defender's Heart after the introductions, and glances around to try to get a sense of the men and resources at the crusaders' disposal.
Xaivan Slingblade, I was just passing through, really... The halfling gives a short bow as he speaks. Ends up I went down and then under instead.
"It is truly a pleasure to meet all of you. You have my thanks for returning Anevia to me. You look quite bettered come inside, we have beds and more importantly food."
She gestures for you to enter the Inn.
"Irabeth, Vagorg was at our house he was waiting for one of us to show up there. You don't think he could have had any part of this attack do you?
"My goodness more surviros from the square? It is good to see you survived the attack. There weren't many who made it off the Plaza. You must tell us how you've survived these last few days."
He clasps hands with Anevia and pulls her into a rough hug. "Cayden's been watching out for ya girl. Gods it good to see you alive."
He steps back looking at the assembled group. "Enough chatting I've got some food nearly ready. You all look like you could use a good home cooked meal an' maybe a potion or two too."
Karthak considers the man warily:"Food would be most welcome but first I think we need to make put some things out in the open. Secrets will only hurt us at this point. We survived the fall thanks to Trerendelev's last act of mercy, she used her magic to shield our fall. From there we proceeded through the underground and met a group of mongrelmen, the sons and daughters of the first crusade, fighting a group of..." the dwarf's voice gets thin , almost a whisper "...a group of corrupt crusaders, secret followers of Baphomet, a cancer who's even now plotting to destry us all and ensure their foul patron's triumph! Whatever else we do... we need to stop them. I tell you this hoping we would be of one mind on this matter!".
There! It's out in the open now... let's see if someone does or says something odd"
"Yes, many of the Templars openly attacked their fellow crusaders as soon as the demons burst into the city. Some were slain but many have escaped justice. I had hoped to wait to request your aid in eliminating this treat until after you had eaten and recovered but your hearts must burn fervently for justice as mine."