Celeste steps forward then attempts to pull Elek to the side.
Celeste whirls Elek out of the way like a dancer light on their feet!
The Cambion frowns, growls and roars as it leaps forward with his battleaxe, bearing down on Maud!
While the attack was all brute ferocity it lacked the finesse to hit her!
Round 4 - Bold is up!
Maud 5 damage
Lucius
Elek 4 damage (Enlarged 8 rounds)
Dretch 2: 12 damage
Celeste
Cambion
'My god he move fast, and with such ferocity. If the witch hadn't pulled me aside that would have been aimed at me.' Seeing the red devil rush in, Elek swipes at it with the messer as it rushes in.'We need to get rid of one of these quickly. He then attacks the dretch again, hoping to thin their numbers. "Vee viil return you to die Hölle."
As the Cambion rushes forward wildly, Elek lays into the demon doing considerable damage, black boiling blood pours from the wound but somehow the creature continues on.
Maud tries in vain, swinging at the Cambion but she misses, flailing wildly.
Elek goes to swing into the Dretch but can't land a solid blow.
The dretch steps forward to claw Elek and Maud!
The Dretch rips Maud open viciously! She sways from the force of it's blow!
Round 4 - Bold is up!
Maud 10 damage
Lucius
Elek 4 damage (Enlarged 8 rounds)
Dretch 2: 12 damage
Celeste
Cambion 13 damage
"Look it's just a matter of time that we'll send YOU back to the abyss where you belong." Celeste threatens the Cambion, but it seems more like bluster. Then she steps backwards.
The Cambion recognizing a priest, howls in fury and steps toward Lucius chopping down at him, going for accuracy after his last stumble!
And he lays into Lucius, who just barely manages to turn away avoiding being cleaved in two from the blow but still badly wounded!
Round 5 - Bold is up!
Maud 10 damage
Lucius 7 damage
Elek 4 damage (Enlarged 7 rounds)
Dretch 2: 12 damage
Celeste
Cambion 13 damage
blast, need to kill that thing with the axe!' Bleeding from the fresh claw attack, Elek spins, studying the cambion for a moment and chops at him again, breathing a prayer. "Mein Gott im Himmel hilft uns."
Fighting near the brink of death, Elek summons his strength and lays into the Cambion. His sword connects at neck level and with a hiss he decapitates the demon.
Its smoking neck pours with blood viscous blood before falling to the ground moments later.
Round 5 - Bold is up!
Maud 10 damage
Lucius 7 damage
Elek 11 damage (Enlarged 7 rounds)
Dretch 2: 12 damage
Celeste
Celeste heaves a sigh of relief as the badly wounded Elek cuts the cambion down. 'Now to see if we can kill the Dretch before it kills us. I don't have any magic left...'
Maud's longspear swings into action as she tries and stabs the Dretch in the gut, finishing the creature off!
And she pierces the Dretch, impaling the creature and in a feat of strength lifts the fleshy creature up off the ground, impaling it further on her spear!
Maud, in a display of martial prowess impales the last remaining Dretch, finishing it off.
As you guys stand around examining the carnage you quickly drag the bodies back inside and search them.
The dretchs have nothing on them but the Cambion had a finely made battleaxe and the dead tiefling had a number of fine daggers on him as well as some other important tools that look like they would be used for picking locks.
It doesn't look like they'd been able to find the secret entrance.
"Good job, Maud." Celeste states. "Good thing they didn't manage to find the secret entrance."
"I'd make sure of the rest,"She gestures at the Cambion and the Dretches, "But the tiefling might be a good source of information. What say you? We could always bring him back to be "questioned" assuming he's still alive."
Celeste checks if the Tiefling is still alive.
'Thank God, I'm glad Maud can handle that spear.' Elek, his wounds feeling better, breaths a heavy sigh of relief, nodding to Maud. He wipes the blood off of his messer, and sheaths it. He then picks up the cold iron sword and tucks it in his belt. He then grabs the creatures and drags them in the building. After quickly searching the bodies, he lifts the tools. "I can put zees to good use. Who vants zee other veapons?"
Then pointing to the dead demons he asks. "Dare vee leave zees in za building za secret entrance is in? Should vee drag zem to zee chapel und put zem vit zee others?"
"If you know any places to dispose of the bodies that would be helpful," She looks at the bodies distastefully. "If we intend to use the chapel as a Base of operations, we shouldn't leave the bodies there either. Decomposing bodies spread disease and plague. If we can't think of anywhere to hide the bodies I suggest we bring them through the tunnels, then burn them. "
Celeste takes a silver dagger and nothing else.
She also looks for any places to dispose the bodies.
elek nods his head in agreement. "Vee could put za bodies in za crypt. Or possibly back down in za sewer. but vee should be careful not to leave eine blutspur, how you zay, a blood trail."
Nodding toward the still standing home, "Or vee could inspect zair, perchance it could be vere vee put za bodies, or perchance our base."
"If no one wants the weapons - we could see if any of the defenders can make any use of them. Elek, can you help carry them?" Celeste says.
"I don't have any more magic of note left - and you're covered with blood. I'm not sure how you're still standing." She looks pointedly at Elek. " I suggest we make sure they're dead," she gestures at the bodies, "Then dump them into the sewer and return for the night."
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"I can help to make sure they are dead." she says as she swings her long spear towards one of the demons and pokes at it. "but I also think that takes some of these weapons back to the weapons master at the Vatican might be a good idea?"
Lucius nods approvingly at Maud's words. "I concur with Lady Maud. We have begun our mission, defeated a number of demons and retrieved weapons - all of which could be valuable. There is no point risking out own lives or compromising the safety of the Vatican by remaining out here longer than necessary."
Gathering up the weapons, Elek nods in agreement, then pointing toward the cathedral, "Do vee also vant to take some of za supplies? Or vill ve be needing zem here?"
"I think we should keep half the supplies here, and bring half of them back."
'Hopefully the supplies will not be missed.' Elek nods his head in agreement with Celeste's idea. Then he looks at the chapel for a moment, and adds, 'Hopefully zer is nothing in za crypt zat vill notice if anything is missing."
Disposing of the bodies and gathering up the weapons and food you've found, you guys head back through the secret entrance. Its a long and somewhat exhausting walk. As you guys climb up the ladder and push open the trap door.
Elek is met with a massive spear tip to his face but when the guards see its you guys, they let up their spears. "Its good to see you returned and still alive!" they help you carry the supplies and weapons inside.
You guys are quickly ushered into an audience with a number of cardinals, including the lead adviser of the pope, Cardinal Antonio Piccolomini.
Frowning, he seems almost angry you guys have returned, "Tell us what happened, you look like you've found battle, did you find any survivors?"
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"Indeed we did, Cardinal Piccolomini." Even though he is still a little pale from his wound Lucius has almost noticeably changed on their return to the Vatican. His back is ruler straight, his step firm and his look imperious. He matches Piccolomini stare for stare. "There were no survivors that we could locate - the demons struck at the Basilica of St Sabina. We have cleansed the shrine but there was no-one to save. Now unless his holiness or the Vice-Chancellor wishes to see us it has been a long day and we have wounds to attend to. In addition I must confer with the Grandmaster, he will appreciate our intelligence. Good evening to you Cardinals."
With that he turns to exit the room.
"My apologies friends. They would tie us in knots for days if we let them."
"Yes it's us, we're back and let us in. Maud and Elek are hurt."Celeste answers hurriedly as they point a spear at Elek's face. "We managed to find some supplies."
Following Lucius lead, she stares back at them and answers,"We found no survivors and the outer city is teaming with demon patrols - we ran into one of them. Now my companions need to have their injuries tended to. We will take our leave."
She follows Cardinal Lucius out. When there is no one observing them she asks Cardinal Lucius, "Was it just me - or did he seem angry that we returned? Is it possible...we may have traitors within?"
"Also - which way is the infirmary,"She asks Lucius. "It's your city.
'Most of these weapons may be of use back in Rome.' As Elek carried a large portion of the goods through the sewer to take them to Rome he observes. 'Za axe zat zing vas carrying vas very vell made. Does anyvone mind if I use it?" Looking at Maud, he adds. "Also za cold iron seems to be very useful. can I keep za sword and let you use za silver axe? Zat vay ve both have cold iron."
'This is the Cardinals domain, I will let him speak for us.' Once in Rome, Elek falls in line behind the Cardinal and Maude, keeping a keen eye out, still not trusting the Catholics much more than the demons outside.
'He certainly knows how to deal with this bureaucracy.' Standing quietly as the Cardinal quickly addresses the gathering, then turns to leave, 'Of course the witch has to say something. Doesn't she know these religious snobs do not want to heqr from her?' Elek lets out a heavy sigh and roll his eyes a little but moves out quickly as they leave.
'days, bureaucracy indeed... angry?' Elek turns looking at the sorceress, slightly surprised, "Angry? Zat is une interesting idea, I vas in such a hurry to get out, zat I didn't even consider za possibility." Nodding his head "Zat vas eine gute Beobachtung, a good observation, I must pay better attention." Elek then looks from Celeste to the Cardinal to Maude waiting to see what the catholic clergy thought.
As you guys take your very abrupt leave of the Cardinal council, Cardinal Piccolomini sputters angrily, "This isn't the end of this, Lucius!"
Heading for the infirmary, you find a long large open room stacked with makeshift cots, the stench of unwashed bodies fills the area, those still hurt are being tended to by nuns who rush around with wash cloths. A few priests wander around offering healing where they can, offering prayers to others.
It looks like there'd be little healing to receive here as they appear to be stretched quite thin as it is.
'This place stinks of sickness, there is not healing here.' Elek shakes his head disapprovingly, "I vould rather not be treated here. Can vee rest in someplace clean? I'm sure vee can take care of our on vounds."
Nodding at the daggers, "Is zere a quartermaster zat vill purchase za daggers?"
"My companions and I were out in the main city of Rome - we brought back supplies, and weapons. If you can spare some healing, we would be grateful and we would be able retrieve more from the city," She appeals to the priests offering healing, ignoring Elek's complaints.
One of the priests comes over to address Celeste's request, "We are pretty stretched thin but food and supplies like that are greatly appreciated, you are the ones that have been able to make it beyond the walls? Any healing supplies you find would be greatly appreciated. . ." he lets his sentence trail off as he examines your wounds, "If we can get ahead on some of our wounded, then we'd be better able to lend you healing,"
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Lucius beckons his companions to gather around him, standing as centrally as possible to catch injured and ill together. "Holy Father, grant these, your faithful servants, your blessing that we might all stand against the darkness in your name." As the priests and various patients murmur 'Amen' Lucius crosses himself and floods the room twice with pulses of healing light.
"My apologies for Cardinal Piccolomini. My cousin and I are a rather considerable threat to his position. Each new Pope appoints one or more of his nipote, his nephews, to the college of Cardinals. They assist him in running the Papacy. My cousin Rodrigo and I were appointed by our uncle Pope Calixtus III. We kept our offices, which is unusual because we broke a conclave deadlock in favour of the Holy Father. This has meant that Cardinal Piccolomini has secured rather fewer offices, and less impressive benefices for himself than he would have expected. My cousin isn't going to be going outside the city, but every trip I take outside allows Piccolomini the chance to hope that a new rain of benefices, position and power may come his way. His frustration is not aimed at you, friends."
'I don't like this place, but if the cardinal wants to stay for a moment I can oblige.' Looking around, trying not to touch anything, Elek moves in closer. As Lucius prays, Elek finds himself whispering Amen. He Moves his shoulder a little 'Well that feel better already.' reaching under his leathers, the wound is gone, only a slight scar remains. 'I have heard of miracles, I didn't expect to see one.' Elek nods slightly to the Cardinal.
'I have no interest in Rome's politics as long as it doesn't interfere with destroying this infestation.' Elek politely, keeps from interrupting the Cardinal, as they leave the infirmary and head to the Quartermasters. As Lucius finishes speaking. Elek shrugs his shoulders. "I do not care about za politics in Rome." Then he stops Lucius and makes sure he is looking him in the eye. "But you are za vone standing vit us our zere." He nods toward the wall. "You are za nipote putting your life on za line. So in here." He gestures around Rome in general. "In here I vill stand vit you." As he speak Elek gently rests his hand on his messer, so Lucius would not mistake his meaning.
"Politics at a time of this?" Celeste looks aghast at Lucius, shaking her head. "I think you are all mad. If we are to survive this we need to work together and not spend our energies bickering on trivial" she gestures, "things like politics."
"I'd still keep an eye on him if I were you - I've heard demons have a long arm...and can see into the dark secret places of our hearts. If he wishes us no good - he may one day give in to his desires..."
'All right- so he has a good-aligned outsider on his call list - maybe I should not get on his bad side.'Celeste stubbornly does not wish to believe that God exists, but cannot see any other ways how he could have accomplished the healing without the use of magic. She bites her lip but remains silent, not wanting to believe the evidence being laid before her eyes.
The priests and nuns watch as you heal the populace, "Cardinal, your strength of faith is really remarkable, to give your healing like that to these poor people is really amazing,"
The healed people themselves crowd around Lucius, thanking him for healing them of their wounds, and laying their hands on him where they can.
Separating yourselves from the crowd after a short while you guys head to the same quartermaster you met earlier in your adventure before setting off to the outside world.
The quartermaster, a large man, a priest but with huge thick exposed arms and a blacksmith's apron on comes out from the back, he is almost too big for the doorway and has to turn sideways to fit, one of his eyes has scarring around it from what looks like a huge jagged claw and the eye itself is a milky white, with the pupil runny like a broken egg.
"HAHA So you returned, eh? I thought I'd never see those cold iron weapons I lent you again! Were you able to recover any supplies, armor, weapons on your trip? I hope you didn't return empty handed?"
'I think I know why they're into politics. All that adoration must be getting into their heads. I sure hope Lucius won't be going down the route of Cardinal Piccolomini and his sycophants' Celeste thinks to herself. 'Whatever the reason for doing it - it is a good thing he healed them - it means more defenders for the city. Celeste stands apart from the crowd as far as she can - not liking the attention.
"We were able to recover two masterwork daggers and a silver dagger." Celeste replies, "Would you be interested in them? Elek and Maud are carrying the supplies - about half a months worth."
'At least the quartermaster looks like he's seen fighting unlike those overdressed popinjays in the audience chamber. Give me an honest man over a snake, anyday'
She is direct, I like that, not like those politicians.' Elek nods his head in agreement. "Ya, vee ran into a small band of..." He looks from the quartermaster to Celeste, 'Vat did you say za two zat vere fighting vere called. A Tiefler und a Cadbury?"
Looking back at the Quartermaster. "Za big vone had zis axe und za little vone had za daggers." Elek sets the axe on the table in front of the Quartermaster. "Za axe looks finely made und vee vill keep it, but I do not recognize za style, do you?"
He then kisses his messer and lays it on the table along with his crossbow. "If I am using za axe, longsword und bow, It vould be selfish to keep za Messer und Crossbow." He also taps his leather armor. "Und I vill trade za armor also, but I need a breastplate to keep fighting za things ve are fighting."
He gathers up the weapons you presented, looking at them with a keen eye, inspecting the blades, the craftsmanship. Testing the metal of the blades. "Aye these are good blades, for sure," nodding to Elek, "A breastplate hunh? I'm sure we can manage that for ya, might have one laying around in the back,"
He sends an apprentice into the back to fetch a breastplate. The clang and clatter comes from the back room as the apprentice no doubt digs around to find something Elek's size. Returning, the breastplate is a little beat up, has a couple of dings and dents but is ornately crafted.
"Thank you , sir." Celeste nods, then takes her leave. Then she turns to Lucius, "Where were we supposed to sleep again?"
'All the cardinal has is a little mace.' Elek shrugs his shoulders, "Vould you have a Goedendag vit cold iron spikes for za Cardinal? Oh und more arrows, I do not vant to vaist za cold iron vones if I do not need to."
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"Thank you , sir." Celeste nods, then takes her leave. Then she turns to Lucius, "Where were we supposed to sleep again?"
"It is crowded here now, with all the refugees and the normal inhabitants displaced from their homes in the city." Lucius responds quietly, "but being a Cardinal still comes with some benefits. My apartments should have sufficient space for us all tonight."
Once negotiations are done Lucius will lead everyone to his apartments and try and settle everyone in for sleep.
"Thank you , sir." Celeste nods, then takes her leave. Then she turns to Lucius, "Where were we supposed to sleep again?"
Celeste picks the most comfortable looking sofa she can find and makes herself at home there.