With the dretch's attention turned to Alesie, Carilain hammers at the demon spawn once again. This time he grips the weapon with both hands.
Thetin roars at the demon in front of him, images of his youth filling his mind. "You dare draw my blood demon filth. Feel the light of the Forge and burn."
Thetin swings his hammer savagely into the face of the dretch.
Round 3
Kyra's blade cuts a gash across it's thick hide. Its blood reeks as it slashes across the floor. The beast hows in agony as it dies.
Aleise keeps the promise made to the mongrel chief and slams the mace down hard across the demon's head. Her blow gives a satisfying crunch of unnatural bone and the creature collapses in a limp tangle of meaty limbs.
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.
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.
Coming up to the surface from below, the young cleric suddenly stopped in place. The kiss of the sun not enough to keep the devastation at bay. He couldnt help it, the loss of life the destruction it was more than a punch to the gut. Bile rose as tears formed and he knelt to the side suddenly purging the sick feeling in his stomach.
He panted over it his eyes wandering the devastation. He looked for his companions, a panic starting to spread through him until he saw them. "By the Dawnflowers everloving touch...." he began weakly doing his best to stand and wipe away at the tears. He had to be stronger than this, How would the others manage to stand against despair if he fell to it.
A peel of a scream made him flench yet at the same time it gave him hope.
Their are survivors, and with that hope. I do not know this city as well as I would like, whats the closest thing on our agenda? Your home goodman Hargus? Yours lady Anevia? This tower of Estrod? His voice at least was steady.
Carilain takes a look around himself, appalled at the devastation. He had expected it to be bad. He had expected the worst, so he thought. Now seeing the ruin all around, the true breadth of the destruction bears down on the elf, threatening him with despair. Carilain finds solace in numbness. Carilain focuses on small, manageable fragments of the greater picture.
"We have Netherholm as a place to rest. We now know that the demon spawn are harmed only by cold iron weapons. Finding a smithy that has a supply of those seems high on our list of needs."
The magus sighs and shakes his head sadly, at the sound of tortured screams. "Hell on earth."
Kyra follows behind the others, a mixture of joy at finally leaving behind the darkness of the tunnels, and anxiety what what they go to face. Still the half-elf maiden is almost giddy as they spill out onto the surface... That is, until her nostrils catch the scent of death and her eyes catch up with her nose.
She stumbles to a stop, staring at the destruction with wide eyes. "Too late..." she whispers, barely heard over the desolate sounds of the wind ripping through the empty streets. The sounds of Kelden's retching are joined by a scream that suddenly splits forth from the dervish's mouth; a primal scream born of fear, frustration, and a terrible, terrible fury. "We were too late!" she screams at her companions.
Her chest heaves as her breath comes in ragged gasps and her body shakes with rage. After a moment she regains somewhat control of her emotions. "I will not retreat again. No more rests until we find that which we seek... We fight on, even should it be our last breath. The survivors are counting on us now... We are the rescuers. Let us quickly make our decision and move out."
Sorry for that... Im ready to move now. I am not from this city so perhaps one of you locals can point us in the right direction? If their are survivors that are organized we need to find them, if their are survivors and they arent, we need to find them and begin to orginize.
He began slightly unsheathing his blade for a second then letting it slip back into is scabbard.
Alesie closes her eyes and takes a deep breath of air as she exits the tunnel back into Kenabres. I'm finally ho.... Her knees collapse on her as she opens her eyes to the devastation of her home. "Oh goddess...It's gone!"
Alesie scans the horizon quickly, trying to determine if the destruction was citywide. please be alright. please be alright.
"My family. My...My friends. Oh goddess, we have to see if they made it!" Alesie cries, stumbling forward, tears staining her face.
As Thetin emerge from the tunnel he steals himself for the worst. Yet even this does not prepare him for the site of the ravaged Kenabres. Upon seeing the wide spread destruction, Thetin kneels and prays to Torag for the protection of those still alive and the spirits of those who are dead.
Thetin then listens as his comrades call out their grief. I hope some of the order made it out of this mess alive. As Alesie begins to stumble forward Thetin reaches out and gently grabs hold of her shoulder. "Alesie, I'm sorry, but we can't look for them yet."
Thetin the addresses the group. "Before we look for survivors we'll need to secure the surrounding area for our mongrelman allies. We must also find a building nearby that we can use as a base. It will do the survivors no good if we gather them, but have no place safe to take them. As far as weapons go Carilain I believe the Gray Garrison should be able to meet our needs if it hasn't been completely destroyed or looted." Thetin takes another look over scarred and ruined city, a hard look coming over his face. "And any demons or traitors we come across will get the justice they deserve."
Hargus seems disinterested 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."
Hargus is shocked to find out that Nyserian Manor is a Templar safe house-he tries to cover up his reaction.
"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 that's where I need to look first."
"The horrors of the world wound will only continue to expand if we sit around her gawking. We should head to the Blackwing. Knowledge will be our greatest asset in this war."
"I don't think you'll be safe, alone in your home, Hargus."
Carilain frowns. "Thetin has the right of it, we need to establish a base, and it needs to be near the entrance to Netherholm. That's the one place we can count on for rest and re-supply."
Turning to Hargus, Anevia, and Aravashnial, Carilain asks: "Which one of your houses is closest?'
"We are near the Southeast edge of the city, Aravashnial. How far away is the Blackwing from here?"
"but... but..." Alesie stammers, looking back at Thetin. She slumps to the ground, her eyes riddled with tears. "Goddess please look over them if they are still alive."
She looks over the rest of her companions in her shocked state and noticed Hargus' reaction to the mention of the templar strongholds.
"Hargus, why are you so suprised that the templars would consider Nyserian Manor a safe-house?"
Hargus embarrassed, answers. "Surprised, yes the man recently asked for a rather substantial loan from me."
It is possible they might not have known, a wicked son, anfluential servant or guard. The whole city evidently was infiltrated... lets not tarry here to long, Keep your eyes open, and lets get moving to the closet item of interest.
The young Cleric began taking a deep breath before he drew his scimitar.
Miss Alesie, if you would be so kind as to lead the way,I dont know this city and you are correct in one thing Sir Thetin, traitors to the city will get redemption by blade or Justice if unarmed...
He said sounding colder than normal.
Carilain gives Alesie's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "We'll look for your family as soon as we can. The survivors must be gathered into groups, for protection. We need to find them all and either re-take this city, or withdraw to a new battle line. Either way, we need to collect everyone we can."
If we're in the south-east the library shouldn't be more that a few blocks from here.
Thetin nods. "If it is that close then it would most likely make a good staging area for our subterranean allies." Thetin thinks for a moment. "Ok i say we go a take the library from whoever or whatever might be holding it, picking up any survivors we meet along the way."
Kyra moves to comfort Alesie when she suddenly slumps to the ground. "It's okay, sister, we will find your family and bring vengeance to those who destroyed Kenabres..." She looks up when Alesie calls attention to Hargus' hidden words. 'Always secrets with that one... We must be very cautious around him.'
She helps Alesie to her feet as plans are drawn for their next destination. "Aye, I believe Sir Dorvas has the best plan. The library may prove to be an excellent staging area..." She grimly shares a look with her comrades. "Let us move. My blade aches to send these bastards to Pharasma for their judgement, by The Dawnflower." She nods at Kelden.
Carilain hangs the warhammer from his belt. "Might as well get started." The elf draws his short bow, expecting to be able to use it in the more open cityscape.
Trekking through the ruins a piecing supernatural howl fills the air sending chills down your spine.
Alesie sniffles quietly as she tries to recompose herself in front of her companions. "Okay, let's go save some people." She states, trying vainly to find her strength.
She begins the slow trek towards the tower when she hers a supernatural howl. "I never felt like I would be an outsider in my own town." She whispers to herself, a shiver coursing through her. She pulls out her morningstar, and shield, ready for whatever made the sound to attack.
"Did you all hear that?"
Kelden began spinning to face the sound of the noise. He readied his shield and blade and moved torwards the noise.
Thetin spends the trek to the library in silence, contemplating the ramifications of Kenabres falling. The howl brings him out of his thoughts. "Stay behind me and prepare for trouble" Thetin says to the others as he draws radiance. Noticing that he never dealt with the injures he gained from the last fight, Thetin quickly uses a lay on hands on himself.
Carilain looks around, trying to spot the source of the chilling howl.
He is is also looking for cover to hide in. Carilain knows there are many demons who can make quick work of the entire group.
"Maybe we should get ready to hide."
Kyra follows along with the group, swallowing back her regret in how long it took them to reach the surface. The sheer amount of destruction caused in such a short period was terrifying. Suddenly the howl fills the air and sends a shiver down the dervish's spine. "I am done hiding, let us finally bring the fight."
Order
Howler
Carilain
Kelden
Kyra
Alesie
Thetin
The beast leaps down onto the roof of a shed and lets out another howl.
It darts unnaturally fast over the uneven ground and bites at Thetin! The last moment before its teeth close on the surprised paladin it catches its front paw on a loose bit of rubble. The teeth snap shut inches from Thetin's nose.
Thetin swings defensivly at the howler that has staggered in front of him hoping to draw its ire. A loud meaty thunk sounds out as radiance lands a powerful blow to the Howlers side.
Carilain looses an arrow at the creature, even though he has to take care to miss Thetin.
The cleric moved quickly shuffling behind Alesie to almost flank the beast swinging his scimitar down hard towards the fel unnatural beast.
Kyra feels an unnatural, evil force assail her mind alongside the creature's howl; however, she is able to fight off the feeling as she takes a step forward and slashes her scimitar towards the monster!
Howler- Missed
Carilain - Take 1 Wis damage hits with the arrow (-3hp)
Kelden - Misses
Kyra - Misses
Alesie -
Thetin - A hit, a palpable hit! (-14hp)
@ Thetin: As the hammer falls on the creature Thetin hits its spines, One breaks off in his hand.
Round 2
,
The beast misses again with its teeth but it strikes Thetin with its spines. The paladin manages to avoid catching another spine in his flesh.
Kyra recognizes the creature as a howler, but is too late to warn Thetin about the terrible quills upon the creature. As she watches of them break off into Thetin's hand, she deliberates ducking back and peppering the creature with arrows from safety; however, she throws caution to the wind! Her glinting scimitar cuts a decent gash along the howler's front leg! The young dervish gasps in pain; however, as one of the quill's jabs deep into the flesh of her forearm, drawing a flow of blood as she jerks away from the offending spine!
Kyra decides not to take her chances again and backs off from the howler, dropping her blade as she does. Once in position, she quickly draws out her bow and puts an arrow to the string!
Thetin grits his teeth against the pain and sickening feeling from the howler's spines. He quickly lays on hands himself and then swings defensively again at his attacker, still trying to draw its ire.
Landing yet another solid blow Thetin yells at the Howler, "I will purge you with the light of the forge."
Attempting to keep the creature directly between himself and Sir Thetin, Kelden slides slightly to his right again slashing at the beast.
Keep pressing it... give it no time to think!
With the howl filling his head Carilain finds it hard to think. He knows he must be careful not to hit Kelden or Thetin. It will make it hard to strike the howler. What else would the thing be called?
The injury Thetin had sustained from the spines is not lost on Carilain, he feels no eagerness to come in range of those.
These thoughts pass through Carilain's aching head in an eye-blink; Carilain's decision is made. With a word of Draconic and a gesture, Carilain sends a bolt of cold at the howler.
Round 2
Howler- Hit
Carilain - Missed
Kelden - Misses
Kyra - Hit (-19hp)
Alesie -
Thetin - (-26hp)
Enraged at the continuing blows from the Paladin the Howler lashes out to no avail as Thetin keeps his defenses strong despite the sickening pain.
,
Thetin continues to swing at the howler.
Thetin hits the howler again. "I..Hate..These..Quills." Thetin says, gritting his teeth through the pain of the quills.
Kyra draws back her bowstring, takes aim at the foul beast, and with a prayer to Sarenrae she lets loose! While she is not adept to firing hew bow into a melee, she is still able to slip an arrow past her allies and into the beast!
Alesie attempts to nimbly move around Kelden into a more advantageous position, and attempts to hit the beast with her morningstar.
Alesie tries again to feed her morningstar between the deadly quills.
Muttering a curse, Carilain evokes another ray of frost at the howler. That sound won't get out of his skull... Carilain's skin is pale and covered with a sheen of sweat.
The demon lets out another howl as it dies.
Pressing onward through the streets you soon find The Librarium of the Broken Black Wing-called " Blackwing" to the locals-has a reputation for containing the most complete record of research on demon hunting in the country. Unfortunately, Blackwing now lies in ruins-all that remains standing is the Librarium's facade and its reinforced great hall.
Curiously, the buildings surrounding Blackwing seem not to have been as damaged-it's as though some force singled out Blackwing for destruction.
The front door to the main hall hangs ajar and the brash sound of his voice barking orders to "Stack the damn books better!" peals out from within.
Once the foul beast was down, the young cleric moved to Thetins side doing his best to remove the quills.
That was well done Thetin.
he began quietly, removing the nasty things before pulling out the wand to heal the paladin. Wiith the others having harrying wounds as well he called out to the light of the goddess to heal them. (channel twice)
Init+1 Perception+3
Ac18(+1Dex,+5armor,+2shield) Touch 11 Flat-Footed 15
Fort+5 Ref+1 Will+6
Hp: 17/17
Bolts: 10/10
Spells
Cleric spells used: Bless, Doom
Temporary Mods:+1 tp hit, +1 save vs fear
Channels 4/4
Cure light wounds wand 12 charges left
Survivors! Kelden moved forward his heart lighter for the sounds of voices within... He didnt understand the need to stack books perhaps some scared witless scribe thought they could be used as some barricade?
"Hello within."
He called over moving to enter the building.