Hyram mutters an oath as his sword clatters to the floor.
Too afraid to face me, eh Jerribeth? he calls out as he defensively casts Rebuke.
With so many bad guys active at the same time, a single target is hard to decide on. With Vang so well-protected by his vanguard, and deciding that the spellcasters at the back of the room are a significant threat to their progress, Aladir takes advantage of the speed granted by Alikia's spell and his own invisibility to maneuver through the battlefield.
Prayer +2 to all, Haste +1 to Reflex
Yay, I take 'only' 40 damage. :P :)
MP Start: 4
Smiting Aura (Round 2): all templars and closest wizard take 4 holy damage, not reduced by DR, SR, or energy resistance.
Free Action: Mythic Smite (1 MP), recover 1 use of smite.
Swift Action: Smite Evil, red demon.
Full Round Action: Attack red demon; when it falls, 5' step into its space and strike templar in front of me (second row, first on the left). This placement should, the templars wielding reach weapons, make me melee attackable only by the templars furthest to the left and right. This also puts the other 3 wizards into the Smiting Aura, dealing 4 damage.
Free Action: Mythic Smite (1 MP), recover 1 use of smite.
Immediate Action: Target Xanthir Vang with dimensional anchor use of Anchoring Aura (ranged touch attack, SR applies) -- 1 smite.
Extra Move Action: If allowed, will use this to trigger the armor of the pious to provide +1 AC and +2 to saves for 10 rounds.
---
Radiance: +3 holy evil-outsider-bane cold iron longsword, 1d10+9: base +20/+20/+15
current bonuses: +1 haste, +1 bless, +2 mythic prayer
- vs. demon: +5 smite, +2 bane
Damage Base: 1d10+9
- vs demon: +22 (first strike), +11 (subsequent), +2d6 bane, +2d6 holy, +2 mythic prayer
- vs. templar: +2d6 holy, +2 mythic prayer
vs. demon, which will have taken 4 damage from Smiting Aura;
126 HP - 4 Smiting Aura damage - 124 combat damage = -2. 5' step into space, then:
vs. templar, who will have taken 4 damage from Smiting Aura;
Ranged Touch Attack vs. Vang:
- bonuses: +1 haste, +1 bless, +2 mythic prayer
---
AC: 26 -- 10 +10 (armor) + 2 (shield) + 1 (ring) + 2 (natural) +1 (dodge); if pious is allowed, +1 for AC 27.
Saves: +2 mythic prayer, +1 reflex (haste); ; if pious is allowed, +2.
MP End: 2
HP End: 115
---
Addendum: I know that the bit spoken to the templars isn't probably going to do anything (no action taken or anything), but just in case ... ;)
------------------------------------------
It would not be far from the truth to say that Aerianna is in her element; splatters of grease smear across her shield once more, and though she gasps at the blast of death magic, her faith in Iomedae bolsters her against the demon's foul curse, shedding much of its effect. Then, even as Hyram's sword slides slickly from his fist, the Silver Maiden shifts her attention to the second demon and states with intensity, "Now you -- back whence you came, and pester us no more." As mythic power ripples across her, three hard blows with Radiance send the demon back to the Abyss, and she steps forward to place herself between the many templars and the disarmed Hyram, striking the one now before her. "Lay down your arms, " she challenges them, "and submit to the mercy of Iodemae!!"
Then, once more, the gloriously-shining sword in her hand points at Vang, and golden might ripples down her body and up her arm, to emerge from the point of the sword as that emerald-green ripple of might that streaks out to touch Vang. "And you, Vang -- you stick around too."
Once he is behind the wall of wizards, Aladir uses his rapier to stab the first of them in the back, his invisibility vanishing as he attacks the spellcaster!
For a moment the sound of the battle fades as all Alikia can hear is the pounding anger in her veins. "VANG, YOU WILL NOT IGNORE ME!" she bellows, her hands engulfed in greenish-black fire. "You will pay." She states, attempting to drain Xanathar Vang of any mythical power he possesses.
Ezro summons forth a wall of whirling blades across the groups front line. "Get cut demons and demon worshipers!"
vs AC25 Hyram
vs AC 25 Aerianna
vs AC 25 Aerianna
vs AC25 Hyram
vs AC25 Hyram
Hyram drops his sword from the grease. Just as he does he cast Rebuke . Hiting the templars, they wince with pain.
Aladir goes invisible and moves past the enemies and doesn’t provoke any attacks. He however stabs one in the back killing it.
vs AC
Arueshalae launches her starbow at the demon.
Aerianna unleashes a series of attacks on the demon. With blinding accuracy the demon vanishes back to the abyss from which it came. She then steps forward to unleash more fury on the templars and adepts.
Hyram casts searing light at Jerribeth.
I will destroy you so no others will be tainted with your blood!
The Templar’s, almost in unison, launch attacks against Hyram and Aerianna. Two of them manage to land while the others miss wildly.
Going to keep this in my list:
Smite vs. Vang: Aladir, Alikia
Smite vs. Jerribeth: Ezro, Hyram, Aerianna
Benefits: gain +5 to hit, +11* to damage, bypass DR, +5 deflection bonus to AC, all vs. target of your smite; lasts for 1 minute or until target is dead.
* -- if your smite target is an evil outsider (in this case), +11 more damage with your first strike.
So Hyram, remember that against Jerribeth, you are +5 to hit, +5 Deflection to AC, and +11 on all damage rolls, including spells -- and since she's an evil outsider, this first one would be +22. So your attack is +5 for 21 total, and if that hits it's a total of 33 + 22 = 55 damage with your searing light. :D
------------------------------
Mssr. GM, just a note that Vang has a dimensional anchor (DC 20) to roll his spell resistance against -- and Arueshelae should have declared the target of her smite before she shot. ;)
Will post after your next.
The Pathfinders put an end to the walking worm. Their battle prowess has dealt him and his followers a swift defeat. They now search the chambers for anything of interest or importance.
A seven-armed rune is inscribed in a circle of iron on the floor of this large room. Black candles sputter here and there around the circle’s outer ring. Several cabinets and bookshelves filled with scrolls, tomes, and strange objects sit against the northern, eastern, and southern walls, along with a writing desk. To the southwest is a stone sarcophagus, and a flight of stairs leads down to a smaller cave-like hollow to the west. What appear to be dead, finger-length worms—some shriveled and some still slimy—are scattered throughout the room and its furnishings.
The bookshelves contain an extensive library for magical research focused on planar energies, portals, and the Abyss, but also features a robust collection of texts about Sarkorian history and lore and the Dark Tapestry (particularly the neh-thalggus of the Dominion of the Black. This library is similar in theme to the one in area Q15 , but the books here are much more exacting, rare, and valuable—taking the time to using this library grants you a +10 circumstance bonus to appropriately associated Knowledge checks.
The sarcophagus is what Vang uses for a bed. As a worm that walks, he has no need for sleep, but he does occasionally enjoy the chance to recline in the sarcophagus. The “bed” suits his morbid sense of humor, but also in a sense serves as a container so that when he relaxes and allows his body to discorporate, he doesn’t spread out in an unsightly mound on the floor.
The western steps lead down to a secondary chamber where Vang keeps several of his treasures, and is also where he performed much of his research into the nature of Nahyndrian crystals .
The collection of books and notes in this room weighs a total of 800 pounds, but in all is quite valuable—it’s worth a total of 12,000 gp. Xanthir’s gear includes many valuable magic items, but even more magical items lie almost forgotten or ignored on the shelves about the room. An unused word bottle UE sits on one shelf, while an empty blessed book gathers dust on another. A silver raven figurine of wondrous power perches on his writing desk, although the raven has an unexpectedly large number of eyes and legs (these are purely cosmetic flourishes and do not affect the item’s stats). Pouches of coins lie here and there, 3,402 gp and 239 pp in all, along with numerous gemstones worth a total of 4,500 gp. A pair of what appear to be taxidermic spiders the size of a house cat sit on the southern shelf—these are each retriever drones currently linked to the two retrievers in area Q19 .
Xanthir’s spellbooks are a significant collection. He keeps them in a bag of holding (type IV) hidden in a secret compartment built into the base of his sarcophagus.
A slender mithral key worth 500 gp is hidden in the spine of one of these books.
1st — identify, mage armor, summon monster I
2nd — arcane lock , eagle’s splendor, fox’s cunning , owl’s wisdom , summon monster II , summon swarm
3rd — explosive runes , fireball , haste , magic circle (all four), nondetection , stinking cloud , summon monster III
4th — animate dead , black tentacles , contagion , dimensional anchor, illusory wall , stone shape
5th — cone of cold , dismissal , lesser planar binding , persistent image , sending , wall of stone
6th — antimagic field , contingency, greater dispel magic , planar binding , shadow walk , wall of iron
Preparation Ritual—Abyssal Binding (Su) :
By spending the boon granted by this ritual as a free action while casting a planar binding spell (including the lesser and greater variants), the wizard gains a +4 bonus on all opposed Charisma checks attempted against a chaotic evil outsider, and the maximum duration of an open-ended task increases by 4 days.
The spellbooks are worth 12,000 gp as a whole.
As the group searches through all of Vang's possessions, Aladir ends up with the odious task of searching the creature's sarcophagus. However, as he diligently searches the thing, his ears perk slightly.
"What have we here..." he says aloud, and after a moment a soft *click* is heard in the chamber; the false bottom of the sarcophagus slides away, revealing what a quick magical detection check determines to be a Type IV Bag of Holding! When Aladir opens the bag to check its contents, he gives a low whistle and begins passing the spellbooks within to Alikia. "I think you're gonna wanna take a look-see here."
He pauses for a moment when handing one of them toward the wizard. "Hang on...there's something pressing against the inside of the spine of this one..." he mumbles, then searches that book for a moment to reveal a small key made of silvery mithral. "Huh. Must be quite the special key, I should say."
While the group checks out this room, Hyram will take a look into the small room to make sure nothing surprises them.
Hyram checks out the small room, but first he takes the Mithral key with him.
You see a locked chest.
The chest contains two vials containing a strange purple residue; each vial radiates faint conjuration and necromancy magic. These vials once contained Nahyndrian elixir, but are now empty—Xanthir was studying the residue for a time but gained no further insights from it. The chest also contains a thick journal written in Abyssal and in code.
The contents of this journal focus on Xanthir’s involvement in the refinement of Nahyndrian crystals into things such as the elixirs used to grant demons mythic power and the chisel that was used to deliver the death blow to the Kenabres’s wardstone .Including preliminary plans for the creation of a Nahyndrian golem of incredible power. The most important clue found in the journals is the revelation that the Nahyndrian crystals are being mined in the Abyssal realm of the Midnight Isles. The crystals are the fossilized lifeblood of assassinated demon lords! The fact that the ruler of the Midnight Isles, the demon lord Nocticula, has not yet granted permission for the mining project is of note as well—the journal records several attempts by the cult of Baphomet to bring Nocticula into the alliance associated with the Worldwound, but so far, the Queen of Shadows has not agreed to join. The journal vaguely mentions a few new attempts to forge such an alliance that will soon be undertaken by the Templars stationed in the Abyss; these are the latest entries in the book, and mention two women in particular as agents working to secure an alliance: Minagho (who is apparently trying to win back the good graces of Baphomet after failing to protect the remnants of the Kenabres’s wardstone) and Hepzamirah, the daughter of Baphomet (who is the true leader of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, and the one in charge of the Nahyndrian crystal mining operation on the Midnight Isles).
Two other objects lie in the chest as well, powerful and dangerous treasures left here almost as if as an afterthought: a platinum coffer (itself worth 1,000 gp) containing 4 doses of ambrosia and a fortune’s arrow .
When Hyram sees the chest, he will have Aladir check it out.
That looks like a special arrow for your quiver!
Hyram will also give the journal to the resident scholar, Alikia.
Watching as the others head forward searching the remaining rooms, Alikia stands among the dead feeling numb. Staring intensely at Xang's remains, she mindlessly accepts the books placed into her arms, clutching the familiar weight much like a child would a stuffed animal. Upon hearing Hyram call out, she wordlessly enters into the room and sits down with her head in between her legs. "It's over." she mumbles, her voice dripping with exhaustion.
The chest pointed out to him, Aladir moves into the adjoining room, crouching and examining it. "Seems ornate enough to fit that mithral key I found hidden in the spellbook. This is an extremely complex lock, though...please, continue searching through Vang's things while I work on this. It's going to take all my focus, I think." he says to them.
After several minutes of concerted effort, the lock clicks softly. "Ha! Success!" the elf cries as he opens the chest, removing the tome and the other objects. While he passes the journal to Alikia, knowing she likely has the knowledge to translate it, he takes the arrow passed to him by Hyram, his eyes wide.
"This...this is amazing! How by Golarion's high hills did Vang manage to get his hands on a Fortune's Arrow?! Their magic is practically legendary!" he says in awe, handling the artifact with clear reverence.
Aerianna, for her part, first cleans Radiance then does some clean-up duty, removing the numerous bodies of the 'templars' and the mages to what they've determined to have been the demon's servitor's quarters. As she works -- an activity that includes stripping the dead of anything she figures might even remotely be valuable (even that which she senses is tainted, as they've managed to convert the forge in Drezen to one that can purify) -- she prays for the souls of the slain, beseeching Pharasma to judge them justly, but with mercy. It may sound odd coming from one who was cutting down demons so efficiently, but by the tone of her prayers there is regret for the necessity and a yearning for even a sliver of hope for redemption.
As she returns to the others, she removes her helmet and sits down next to Alikia, looking tired -- though not quite the emotional exhaustion weighing down the wizard's spirit. Watching Hyram and Aladir rummage through the belongings of the deceased worm-that-walks, she gives a little shiver, then reaches her sword arm around Alikia to give the foot-taller half-elven woman as delicate a hug as one can in the heavy armor she wears. "End of a chapter, perhaps," she says gently. "I too have lost family to the fiends; will you ..." She pauses, then asks, her voice quiet as the males fiddle and strive to open the chest, "Will you tell me of them, when we've returned to Drezen?"
As an FYI to Mssr. GrumpelStiltzkin, with the exception of the Super-Duper-Evil Lockroom of Invisible Shelves, we have for the most part not scoured the place for valuables &c; the idea was to rampage first, loot second. ;)
I think we'll be looking for a way to cart all the goodies back to base (not sure if the assembled horses and bags of holding will carry it all), as well as making sure we've located and secured any other ways out of the place. A wagon might be nice ... :P :)
Alikia stares at the trinkets her parents left her for another moment, before standing. "I wish I got to know them. I was left with my foster family as an infant," brushing the dirt off her tunic, she weighs her next words carefully. "I've had a harder time tracking down anyone that knew them, the Riftwardens kept their roster a secret to keep the Blackfire Adapts from tracking them down. After the assault on Kenebras, I fear that Aravashnial is the last warden left, and he was recruited after my parents had-" choking on the last word, Alikia tries to cover with a cough.
Taking a moment to collect herself, Alikia turns to the others, "Are we done here? Or do you think that they have hidden some more artifacts inside this outpost?"
"I haven't sensed any other hidden rooms in the complex but we haven't really searched every nook, either. Regardless, and for what it's worth, I'm glad that we were able to avenge your parents, Alikia." Aladir says with a gentle smile.
"I can understand if you don't want to hang around, though. Even with Vang dead, this place is bound to be...unpleasant to hang around in. I don't know that it's worth your discomfort for a few more trinkets."
Hyram nods. I am sure we can send a few priests from the army to consecrate this place.
With the defeat of Xanthir Vang, Jerribeth, and the other denizens of the Ivory Sanctum, and the recovery of the cult’s plans and secrets, you deal a critical blow to one of the most insidious and dangerous organizations in the Worldwound. Once the Templar of the Ivory Labyrinth’s secrets and plans are made plain to the crusaders, a well informed and highly efficient reckoning takes place, and very few hidden agents or corrupt crusaders escape notice. Many of the treasonous individuals revealed are high ranking commanders or consultants on the war effort, and their loss deals something of a blow to the crusade’s momentum in the short run, but in the long run the you have set into motion the redemption of a troubled organization. Going forward, this crusade will be the most honorable and righteous of any since the First Crusade!
The demonic rulers of the Worldwound, at this point, have also come to realize that you are a significant threat, and if you don’t take action soon, you’ll find yourslef increasingly the focus of deadly attacks and assassination attempts. Fortunately for you, Queen Galfrey herself has a plan for you—but this is hardly a safe one.
The Pathfinders make their way back through The Ivory Sanctum. Raiding and plundering, they make sure they don’t miss any well earned treasure. While they plunder, they prepare themselves for what is to come next.
The group slowly makes it’s way back to Drezen, counting their treasure as they go. After making it to Drezen, it is unfortunate, but a member of the group cannot go on fighting the demons. Luckily for the group, one such adventurer has been waiting eagerly to fight. Hyram, Alikia, Aerianna and Aladir make their way to meet Iona Pentaghast. Shortly after meeting her, Iona receives a message from Queen Galfreyvia via a sending spell.
“Have secured an item of utmost significance—something that
can shut the Worldwound rift forever. We need to meet as soon
as possible to discuss.”
Iona, who had been patiently awaiting the return of the Heroes stood and smiled as they came in. One could be forgiven for thinking they were seeing Iomedae, as the cleric bore some resemblance. Chelish features, golden eyes, and dark brown hair but the longer one looked or even after a simple blink one could tell there was more differences than similarities. Putting down the hood of her red cloak, exposing the holy symbol of Iomedae upon her forehead, Iona picked up her tower shield and made her way to full meet them. Those who had saved her home.
"I hope the day finds you well." Iona began, her voice rang with kindness and an anticipation that had been simmering under the surface. "I greet you warmly, Heroes of Kenabres, those who felled Drezen. I am Iona Pentaghast, priestess and holy vindicator of Iomedae. I have awaited your return, I wish to join you." Iona explained as she drew her blade, kneeling before them and placing the blade and towershield at their feet. "I swear to be your shield against the Abyss... if you'll have me."
Battered and dirty, but still very much alive, Aladir drags back into Drezen with the rest of the group, each triumphant in overcoming the trial that had been set before them with the help of their allies. Returning victoriously to the city after their first push into the environs left him in a jovial mood, despite his disheveled appearance, and he was joking and laughing with his friends in spite of their fatigue.
No sooner than when they had re-entered the city were they approached by a dark-haired young woman who bore a striking resemblance to Iomedae herself...such that Aladir had to look at her a bit more closely before his Elven ears discerned that she was not another vision of the Inheritor herself.
"The day finds us faring a great deal better than it left our enemies feeling, for certain!" he answered with a grin. "You are well met, Iona. I'm Aladir. I'll let the others introduce themselves as they wish. We're always happy to have another warrior in our ranks! I'm afraid the enemies we face are...well..let's say in a class of their own. Without the divine power the wardstone imparted to us, I'm sure we'd all have died long ago. Without the same, as much as it pains me to say it, you'd likely be in over your head." he continues in a tone of lament.
"Though...it occurs to me that, like Aerianna, you may also have had some experience with the divine that gave you access to the same divine power as us...which would make almost everything I've told you moot." he adds, seeming to have perked a bit at the prospect of another touched by one of the gods aiding them in their journeys.
Mechanically raising her hand in a greeting, Alikia stares at Iona for a long time in silent contemplation. "You look like Ezro, are you related?" she asks bluntly, already missing the other half-elf. At the mention of the Abyss, Alikia snorts, "There's no need to kneel, especially if we're to travel together. We're not nobility, just people who happened to be in the right place at the right time." Offering a hand to the cleric, Alikia offers her a tight smile. "If you don't mind me asking, do you know anything about magic item creation? I seem to have lost my lab partner, and it is always useful to have a divine caster in the workshop to pitch ideas to."
"Ezro? No not that I am aware." Iona answered. "I wasn't raised by the parents that gave birth to me, I was left on Iomedae's altar and the ones who raised me found me ther." She explained. "So I cannot fully answer you question."
"I don't have any experience making magical items, but I will help any way I can. I spent all my time from the fall of my home fighting against demons and helping those I came across. I felt it when you destroyed what remained of the wardstone. At first I was terrified the demons did something more, but Iomedae told me it wasn't something bad." Iona tried to explain as she touched the mark on her forehead. "I am sorry I couldn't stand with you then, but I needed to reach out to those who remained and were lost to the chaos. However now I am free to join you, and I am glad to do so! Your friends are quiet though, I hope I haven't insulted them."
Glancing back at Hyram, Alikia merely shrugs. "I don't believe so, you just spare such a striking resemblance to the Lady of Valor that it might have rendered them speechless. As for your heritage, Ezro mentioned that he was raised in a similar situation, so we can't rule that out." Clapping her hands, a thought occurs to the wizard, "Oh right, yes. Introductions! I'm Alikia, Alikia Sokol, but I am open to nicknames."
The queen, ready to meet with the party, teleports in with the aid of a crusader wizard. You meet her in Citadel Drezen near the Sword of Valor.
”I have secured a rare and dangerous tome called the Lexicon of Paradox —the same book of forbidden rituals and incantations used over a hundred years ago to open the Worldwound and destroy Sarkoris. Areelu Vorlesh later tore the book in half and destroyed the portion containing the information about how she opened the Worldwound so that no one could reverse-engineer the process. Fortunately for the crusaders, the actions of a small group of mercenaries led by Venture-Captain Varian Jeggare, his tiefling accomplice Radovan, and the half-elven paladin Oparal have resulted in the book’s rediscovery and restoration, and the complete text is now in crusader hands. “
”I however did not bring the Lexicon with me—it’s been placed in a secure vault in Lastwall, where it is being studied by skilled scholars under careful observation by the Knights of Ozem, but I do have a pair of thin copper plates removed from the artifact concerning a ritual that can, in theory, be used to shut down a small rift between the Material Plane and the Abyss.
I will allow you to examine the two plates if you wish.”
They are densely inscribed with runes, incantations, and equations, switching from Thassilonian to Abyssal to Hallit to Aklo, and even to Druidic in places.
The pages seem to describe a ritual for closing rifts between planes, but also that the ritual is incomplete.
”The magic infusing these two plates, combined with a significant source of magical power such as that now wielded by you, should be enough to shut down a smaller rift. And if that works, then I can report the success to Lastwall and greatly accelerate the process of deciphering the remainder of the book. I believe that just as the rituals in the Lexicon of Paradox were used to open the Worldwound over a century ago, a powerful group could use the tome to do the reverse: close the Worldwound forever.”
”Give me an update on what you have learned. I am particularly intrigued by the revelations from intelligence gathered at the Ivory Sanctum that the potent Nahyndrian crystals are being refined into elixirs of mythic power, and I am concerned by the discovery that the cults of Deskari and Baphomet are seeking to draw Nocticula into their plots.”
When he arrives in Dreszen, all Hyram wants to do is say his nightly prayers and turn in. He is surprised when he sees The Inheritor standing before them! He is about to kneel when the woman introduces herself as Iona. He starts to wonder if this is some sort of test, but as he studies the woman, he notices some differences-but it still could be some sort of test. Figuring they had been tested enough to prove their devotion, Hyram decides to take the woman at her word. It is then that he notices this Iona woman and Alikia stop speaking and regard him!
I..er..I am Hyram! he stutters not sure what else he was supposed to say. If you are with The Inheritor then we will see her works through you as you will see her through us! He said it as a greeting, but realized after he said it, it might have come across more as a threat. He shrugs awkwardly and is glad when the Queen arrives.
He looks at the plates and they don't make any sense to him. I am sure Alikia can read the plates! He says. He then realizes that if Alikia can't then he just embarrassed her in front of the queen. Hyram then decides that the best action for him would be to stop talking all together!
Iona blinks at Hyram's statement, but then offers a kind smile. "I don't believe she'd allow her mark upon me if I wasn't." She said, pointing to the large birthmark upon her forehead that bares a great resemblance to The Inheritor's holy symbol. "I can channel her power though it as well. You'll get a clear view of it Hyram when we strike down demons together."
When looking upon the plate, Iona is at a loss. There is little help she can offer with these things, as her knowledge had been mainly in the faith.
Patting Hyram on the shoulder, Alikia offers the inquisitor a smile smile. Stepping forward to skim over the plates, Alikia's brows begin to furrow. "I can recognize most of these languages, whoever wrote this was fluent in some very archaic lexicons." pausing at a rune, the wizard flips the tablet over, "However there are some runes I cannot decipher. This one looks like a mix of Varisian, Giant and I believe Shoanti? Whereas this word here, I think may be druidic. Unfortunately most druids are fiercely protective of their language; they don't allow outsiders to learn it. If perhaps I was given some more time, I may be able to give an accurate translation, but I would have to refer to experts on more ancient languages for some help."
Returning the plate to Queen Galfrey, Alikia contemplates their latest situation. "To close the wound would be no simple task. I am concerned that we are working with partial information. However if this Nayhndrian crystal can cause more of our foes to become more powerful, we need to cut off the supply." tapping her lip, Alikia turns towards Aerianna, "Aerianna, you carry Radiance. You are the first wave in a fight, so it seems prudent that you should make the call. I will trust in your judgement and follow you, wherever the path may take us."
Like Iona, Aladir is no scholar and can offer little in the way of assistance for translating the script they are presented with; however, Alikia certainly IS a scholar of great experience, so he fully trusts her own analysis of the runes.
"If it's even possible for us to actually close the Worldwound, I think we should at least give it a try...though I am concerned we aren't ready for such a deadly task."
”I have a list of tasks you must complete.”
”Destroy the Nahyndrian Refinery. You must travel to the Midnight Fane where Nahyndrian crystals are refined, search the fane for the methods by which the demons and their allies are creating these elixirs, then destroy their tools, resources, and inventors.”
“Close the Midnight Fane Rift.Next you must use the Lexicon of Paradox to close the small but permanent rift within the fane that connects this world to the Abyss.”
“Prevent the Midnight Alliance. You must travel beyond the rift into the Midnight Isles to sabotage the Worldwound’s attempt to secure an alliance with Nocticula. This may require a face-to-face encounter with the demon lord, who seems to have her own reasons to not want to enter this alliance. The best place to go to secure an audience with Nocticula is her capital city of Alushinyrra, and the best way to get her attention would be to seek methods of becoming notorious in the city.”
“Find the Crystals’ Source and Cut Off Their Flow. You must discover where in the Midnight Isles the Nahyndrian crystals are coming from, then put a stop to that operation.”
Hyram nods at the Queen's command. We will do it or die trying! He says it as an affirmation but only after he said it does he realize how morbid and non-confident it sounded.
"Sounds like the refinery is the closest place to us...we should likely take it out first. Preventing more of these monsters from being exposed to those crystals is going to make the rest of this job easier for us."
Agreed! I am ready to leave whenever you all are ready. Hyram says realizing he never unpacked!
"I simply need to stop by and get my pack!" Iona said with a nod. "Then I am more than happy to follow anywhere you lead."
Alikia looks wearily at the others, who were ready to move on. "Of course," she agrees weakly, "I'll just leave some more notes for those who want to work the forge; it can be persnickety if not treated with the correct respect." Dragging her feet slightly, Alikia offers the group a friendly wave before heading down to her underground workshop.
"Oh! I'm not suggesting we leave immediately, of course! I certainly think we need to take some time to rest and re-supply. It's been a long time since I've upgraded my equipment and I'd certainly appreciate going into the next fight with the best gear possible. That should give you some time to rest and work on the forge also, Alikia."
------------- Then -------------
Aerianna looks up at Alikia as she speaks of her parents, of these 'Riftwardens' of which she's heard little. Aravashnial she knows -- well, knows about -- of course, but the pain in Alikia's voice is clear for those with ears and heart to hear. Standing as well, she touches the much taller half-elf on the back of the shoulder in commiseration and solidarity, wordlessly letting Alikia know that she'll be there should the mage need an ear to talk to or a shoulder to lean (or cry) on.
But practicalities must be had as well. "Let's clear it out," she agrees, though opinions to Hyram, "For the demons this was a good position, but for the Crusade, far too exposed. We can certainly let them know where this place is, but until we can stop the flood ..." She shrugs, and gets to work.
------------- Earlier -------------
There is a handsome appearance, and there is the call in her heart; Aerianna never mistakes the first for the second. Certainly Iona shares many physical traits with the Inheritor -- dark hair, pale skin, the distinct cast of the face -- but undoubtedly there are many in Cheliax with such similar features. Internally, Aerianna is certain that should she ever meet Iomedae face-to-face, no matter the disguise she will know Her immediately by the clarion call in her heart. No, it is the laying down of shield and sword before them that disturbs the paladin -- especially disturbs her, perhaps, for she is only newly introduced to this company of heroes herself, and has done naught (in comparison) to deserve such a greeting.
A glance at the others, and Aerianna keeps her peace, though she does say quietly, "Neither gods nor royalty are we; keep your wits and your weapons to hand, not laid down before us. We are not worthy of such. Nor," she murmurs in an aside to herself, "would I want it ..." She does at least introduce herself, though.
------------- Now -------------
Going with the others to meet Queen Galfrey, Aerianna only listens, considering the goals laid out by the Iomedean paladin. The idea of going into the Abyss to ... negotiate with a demon lord bothers her; demons are for destroying. But then she glances aside at Arueshalae, a demoness who has sought to rise above her basest natures, and Aerianna finds herself ... not doubting, exactly, but deciding she needs some time for prayer, to seek guidance from Iomedae.
"We have much to do first," she warns Hyram and Iona, glancing towards Alikia. "Unpack the horses, see what needs to go to the purification forge. Get a good night's rest, even," she teases Hyram. "Let's meet again in the morning, sort out what we can sell, donate, whatever. And I fear I need to do some amount of retraining."
-----------Earlier----------
Iona is happy to be accepted by the whole of the group, though she seems a bit nervous on if she would really fit in with these grand heroes. Either way she offers Aerianna an almost understanding smile.
-----------Now------------
"Yes, I'm sorry... I'm very eager to do my part. I want to be of worth to you all." Iona explained. "You save my home and you've done so much, I've a lot to live up to." She added with a kind smile. "I shall go see about finding a place to stay while you all rest and get ready. Then I will see you in the morn!" Iona said with a smile.