GM Kiora's Wrath of the Righteous

Game Master Kiora Atua

4 rounds pass.

Lian concentration: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Hinagiku init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Unafe init: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Lian init: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

A hushed moment passes before Li'an's incantation spirals them through the fabric of reality, depositing them abruptly atop the surface. The surroundings bathe in an ethereal green glow, the solitary nearby will-o-wisp casting haunting illuminations. Apart from this spectral entity, the vast emptiness presses around them, disturbed by distant, echoing tumult emanating from the fort.

They can see above in the dark sky a rift drake, circling with predatory intent, its demonic rider perched with malevolent anticipation. Nearby, a grotesque derakni hovers, its locust-like form as large as a steed, brandishing a scorpion’s deadly stinger and a chilling, near-human face. Its clawed hands flex menacingly.

Lian and Hinagiku can use a surprise round action before Unafe jumps if they want.

But there's no time to stand still. Channeling her strength, Unafe propels forward, Li'an cradled under one arm and Hinagiku under the other. With a mighty bound, she clears the thirty-foot expanse, landing them securely atop the bell tower.

As their feet touch down, the energies of the Bell of Mercy surge around them. To Unafe it feels like a tidal wave of chaotic power, disorienting and overwhelming. Li'an, however, is bathed in a familiar sensation, a nostalgic echo of her time in Elysium.

High above the ground, the belltower offers a precarious but comprehensive vantage point. The courtyard below, bathed in a morose half-light, reveals a disquieting tableau. Demons pace restlessly, their agitation palpable even from this height, and Peace-Amidst-Pain is nowhere to be seen. The babau, in particular, move like shadowy wraiths, their eyes gleaming malevolently as they survey their territory. Each step they take is an echo of menace.

Further off, the lone stone stairway to the remaining tower stands like a silent sentinel. Atop it, a hag’s figure dominates. Her gnarled and twisted form hunched over, arms crossed, her eyes – black and devoid of warmth – scan the yard below. There’s a confidence to her posture, a quiet assertion of dominance that speaks volumes.

However, any hope the heroes might have had of retaining the element of surprise vanishes with their noisy landing. The derakni, its monstrous form a grotesque mockery of natural insects, swivels its nearly-human face towards them. It hisses, revealing a maw filled with serrated teeth, each dripping with venom. The incubus, with his impossibly handsome visage marred by malevolence, quickly follows suit. With a theatrical flourish, he raises a hand, invoking a wave of emotional torment. A heavy, suffocating sensation, akin to the weight of countless sorrows, descends upon the group, threatening to drown them in a tide of despair.

And then, without warning, the rift drake releases its own volley. Its head rears back, throat glowing ominously, before it expels a pulsating orb of corrosive gas. The orb splatters against the belltower's wooden surface, immediately releasing an acrid, choking cloud that seeks to envelope the heroes.

The incubus and rift drake are 30 feet away to the west and level with the heroes. The derakni is 30 feet away to the north and level with the heroes. Jaruunicka is 60 feet away to the northwest and on a raised level that is 10 feet below the heroes.

Unafe must make a DC 19 will save or take 36 damage (successful save for half)

Unafe, Hinagiku and Lian must make a DC 20 will save (compulsion emotion mind-affecting) or take a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.

Unafe, Hinagiku and Lian must make a DC 20 reflex save or take 5d10 ⇒ (9, 4, 3, 10, 7) = 33 acid damage. Slow automatically dispels haste, so they are no longer hasted.

Round 1!

Li'an and Hinagiku are up!

As they emerge outside, Li'an is able to quickly reorient herself. She looks around at the surreal view around her, with demons nearly atop them lit in different colors by the gathered will-o-wisps. When she realizes a Derakni is almost atop them, she understands the danger posed. This was close enough for it to spit on them, and the caustic bile it spat would do serious damage without protection. She waves her hand quickly and shields Unafe, Hinagiku and herself, her abjuration warding them against the effects of acid.

Std Act: Cast resist acid, communal, 40 min on Unafe, 30 min on Hinagiku and Li'an

Once they're atop the roof, she is immediately pelted by the magic from the Derakni, which she shakes off quickly enough to take cover behind one of the pillars as the acid hits from the Rift Drake. With the ward she'd placed on them, the acid's power is completely negated, with the exception of it devouring the haste spell she'd placed upon them.

Saving Throw (Will) -- morale: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 4 = 25
Saving Throw (Reflex) : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Resist Acid 20 vs 16 dmg from the Rift Drake's bile

With the initial threat passed, she grabs the bag of holding Ehren was in and opens it, letting him join the fray as they prepare to get the hatch opened.

Full Round Action: Open bag and retrieve Ehren.

Taking a deep breath, Hinagiku raises her had above her head in a spiralling motion, spreading the threads into a dampening shield just as the drake’s acid comes down upon them. With another wave of the hand, she weakens the feelings of despaired brought about by the rider.

Surprise round: combat patrol (Assist/aid zone)
First round: combat patrol (assist/aid zone) Rolls in
save vs compulsion: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
save vs breath: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
aid unafe vs bell: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
aid unafe vs compulsion: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
aid Li’an vs compulsion: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37
aid Li’an vs breath: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
aid Unafe vs breath: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
aid Ehren vs bell: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

With a malevolent glint, the derakni shifts its focus to Ehren, releasing a concentrated beam of obsidian energy from its fingertip. The moment it strikes the druid, his vitality wanes dramatically. He crumples to the floor, and an unsettling laughter erupts from his throat – a sound not his own, twisted and puppeteered by the demon's malevolent spell.

Jaruunicka, the menacing annis hag, saunters forward, her eyes a haunting shade of malice. A ripple of dark energy emanates from her, clouding the heroes' judgment, ensnaring their wills. Unafe, gripped by this insidious enchantment, claws at her own scales in a heart-wrenching display of self-destruction.

"Why do you defend such a creature?" Jaruunicka taunts, her voice dripping with contempt. "In her past life, she was nothing but vermin! Judged! Condemned! Even praised for her depravity! By your gods! Do you not get it? There's no redemption for her, nor for me, nor for any of you!"

The courtyard below bustles with activity as the babaus move in a ritualistic pattern. Their dance, eerily synchronized, aims to strip away the protective magics cloaking Hinagiku, removing her ability to foreshadow.

From the shadows, the hezrou channels an accursed power, manifesting as a thick, suffocating fog of inky darkness that envelopes the heroes, trying to drown their senses. To compound their dire situation, the rift drake readies itself and releases another concentrated sphere of acid, which explodes into a corrosive cloud upon striking the ground, threatening to erode their flesh.

But amidst this chaos, a voice pierces through, clear and ethereal. A woman's voice, unfamiliar yet imbued with a sense of authority, resonates within their minds. "Who are you?" she inquires.

Jaruunicka moves forward to the edge of the platform she is on - she is 20 ft away and 10 ft lower than the heroes. Due to the platform they are on vs her, she has cover from the heroes and they have cover from her.

The rift drake and its rider are now 60 feet away from the heroes, but still level. The derakni is now 25 ft away from the heroes, still level. It cannot fail the fly check for only moving 5 ft.

Unafe takes 18 damage from the Bell of Mercy.

Ehren takes 5 temporary negative levels and falls to the ground prone and is unable to take any actions for 1 round due to laughter (crit effect).

The heroes must make 2 DC 22 will saves (compulsion & mind affecting) each or become confused (mythic) for 11 rounds.

Li’an, Ehren and Unafe must make a DC 18 will save (evil) or take 5d8 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 8, 3) = 26 damage (10d10 ⇒ (7, 2, 8, 1, 10, 7, 2, 4, 6, 1) = 48 if you are a good outsider) and become sickened for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds. Success halves damage and negates sickened.

The heroes must make a DC 20 reflex save or take 5d10 ⇒ (3, 6, 10, 2, 7) = 28 acid damage and be slowed for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds. Success halves damage.

Unafe deals 16 damage to herself.

Hinagiku’s foreshadow effect is dispelled.

Will Save Unafe: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Will Save Unafe: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 4 = 32
Reflex Save Unafe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Ehren Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Derakni ranged touch vs Ehren: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Derakni ranged touch vs Ehren crit confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Hinagiku AoO 2: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Ehren negative levels: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Unafe will save: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 4 = 22
Hinagiku AoO 3: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Unafe will save: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 4 - 2 = 18
Hinagiku AoO 4: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Unafe M.Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 68
Damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 7) + 5 = 16
Dispel vs Hinagiku MS: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Dispel vs Hinagiku: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Dispel vs Hinagiku MS: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Dispel vs Hinagiku: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Dispel vs Hinagiku MS: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Dispel vs Hinagiku: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Round 2!

Li’an and Hinagiku are up!

Derakni vs SR: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Hezrou vs SR: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Will Save vs. Forbiddance DC 19: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36 Ehren takes 18 points of damage (101/126).
Will Save vs. Mythic Confusion DC 22 (Morale, Negative Levels): 1d20 + 17 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 4 - 5 = 18
SURGE to Will Save vs. Mythic Confusion: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21 Faaail. Ehren is confused (mythic) for 11 rounds. :(
Will Save vs. Evil Badness DC 18 (Negative Levels): 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 17 - 5 = 28 Ehren counts as a good outsider, so he takes 24 points of damage (77/126). He is Grazed but not sickened.
Reflex Save vs. Acid (Grazed, Negative Levels): 1d20 + 6 - 1 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 1 - 5 = 1 Ehren takes 18 acid damage (due to resistance) and is slowed for 3 rounds. He is Wounded (59/126).

Saving Throw(Will): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 4 = 37
Saving Throw(Will): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 4 = 36
Saving Throw(Will): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Saving Throw(Reflex): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Imm Act: Dismiss visualization of the body
Visualization of the Body Heal: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Li'an takes 24 damage from unholy blight, but negates 11 of that by undoing her visualization of the body spell. Doing so takes her max HP down to 96, which leaves her at 93/96 hp (106-24+11)

The onslaught of magic coming at them at the tower is relentless, and the enervation striking Ehren so hard, combined with the fact they have a hezrou and derakni atop them already, makes Li'an realize they have only moments to regain control of the situation. After quickly shaking off the hag's attacks on her mind, and the impact of the unholy blight, and watching the acid fail to affect her a second time, she allows the magic strengthening her body to unravel, healing her wounds quickly.

Looking about Li'an begins assessing the situation, trying to determine what magic would be most beneficial. What they needed most was a barrier to buy them time, but the tower would resist any attempt to conjure a wall of stone, which would be the easiest way to seal off the area against their foes. Walls were still the best bet however, allowing her to block her foes' access to the tower.

In a style reminiscent of the battle they'd had on the comet, she begins weaving two spells simultaneously, drawing upon her already taxed reserves of inner strength. This time, however, rather than conjuring fire spells to destroy her foes, she would call upon fire and ice. The timing of the spells was essential, she wanted to minimize the ability of the demons to react to her magic before they were able to enter the tower.

As her spells finish, the tower seems to erupt into silver-white flames, covering nearly half the height of the tower and obscuring the belfry from those outside. Moments later, a hemisphere of solid ice appears surrounding the heroes, creating a barrier between them and the trap down into the tower itself. While it was possible for the Babaus to dispel both, given some time, they would need time, and if she was lucky they would have some trouble dispelling the wall. Similarly, the ice wall would block the worst of the acid and any other spells that their foes attempted to use against them.

Std Act: Cast wall of fire w/ a 5th level slot; Mv Act: MP Cast wall of ice for 3 + 1 (mv act) MP
The wall of fire is designed to seal off the belfry and encompass as much of the tower outside as possible. Foes between 10 and 20 ft take 1d4+1 damage, between 0 and 10 ft take 2d4+2 damage, and those within the wall take 2d6+12 damage. No saving throw allowed
The wall of ice is the minimum hemisphere necessary to encompass the 4 heroes and the trap down into the tower.

Her magic completed, she turns her attention to the voice inside her head. She hoped this was Val's friend that she'd mentioned to Ehren and Unafe while they'd been in contact with her via dreams.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 34

Sense Motive to determine the intentions of the person communicating? Do they come off as at least neutral, and not simply someone attempting to pretend being neutral

Taking a risk, she replies immediately, "We are Valaria's friends," hoping that Val's companion was powerful enough to use telepathy and not simply a demon trying to fool her. "I have bought us some time, but not much I'm afraid. Ehren and Unafe just spoke with her via dreams, and if there's any doubt, tell her Fen'wen is here, so For the love of Desna, Pulura and the stars above, Please open the door!"

Unafe's Assuring Anthem allows Ehren to reroll his Will saving throw vs. confusion since he rolled a natural 2! But that means he has to make the second Will save against it.
Reroll First Will Save vs. Mythic Confusion DC 22 (Morale, Negative Levels): 1d20 + 17 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 4 - 5 = 33
Second Will Save vs. Mythic Confusion DC 22 (Morale, Negative Levels): 1d20 + 17 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 4 - 5 = 31 Plus an additional 7 if Hinagiku's second aid applies.

Inside the minds of the heroes, a voice, melodic yet laced with urgency, chimes in. "Mama... what? Oh, wait! Hinata Hinagiku, right? Val's talked so much about you. And Fen'wen too! She painted such vivid images, I almost felt like I knew you before we even met."

The heroes could almost feel the warmth and energy of her presence. "My name's Arueshalae. My... friends? Yes, my friends, they call me Rue. I can't express how thankful I am that you've come. Val... Val's not in good shape, and the situation's become so much worse than I'd ever imagined."

Rue's voice, though still filled with anxiety, becomes more resolute. "We barricaded both entrances to keep the fiends out, but give me just a moment. I'll clear the path for you."

The walls of fire and ice, blazing and shimmering, are a sight to behold. They cast ethereal shadows that dance unpredictably around the tower. But this spectral ballet is short-lived.

The babau, grotesque and adept in their malevolent arts, focus their attention on these barriers. With guttural chants and the drawing of abyssal symbols in the air, they reach out with their twisted fingers, pulling and tugging at the very weave of the magic.

Like an ephemeral mirage succumbing to reality's touch, the walls ripple, waver, and with one last shuddering gasp of defiance, evaporate into nothingness. The protective barriers are gone, leaving the heroes exposed once more to the looming threats of the wound.

Unafe will save reroll temperence: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 4 - 2 = 32
Babau dispel vs fire wall: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Babau dispel vs ice wall: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Babau dispel vs Li'an: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Babau dispel vs Li'an: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Babau dispel vs Li'an: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The babaus dispel both walls.

Unafe is not confused and did not take damage.

Li'an must make a DC 24 will save to disbelief or take 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4) = 13 damage and then be forced to make a DC 24 fort save. If she fails the fort save she dies. (illusion/mind-affecting/fear/compulsion)

Unafe and Ehren are up!

Ehren climbed out of the bag of holding only to find himself in a world of pain, subjected to humiliation after humiliation. Despite having sapped his life force and reduced him to a crumpled heap, the derakni's assault on his body is almost overshadowed by the one on his mind. The spell had crashed down on him like an oppressive wave, threatening to scatter his thoughts to the four winds, stripping him of all sense of rationality. It does just that for an instant, only to be pulled back from the brink by the fresh memory of Unafe's song.

Suddenly conscious of their dire situation, Ehren picks himself off the ground. Wearied by the derakni's magic, the simple act takes far more effort than it should. His stony jaw set in determination, the druid hastily taps into the nearest ley line, needing its power to strengthen his weakened magic. He then casts the same spell he used to cover their escape from the omox demons, shrouding everyone in gray fog. It would fare even worse against the babau demons' ability to dispel magic than Li'an's wall spells, but buying even just seconds would be well worth it.

Ehren climbs onto his feet, uses place magic to boost his caster level by 2, and then casts obscuring mist. Because of his negative levels, the spell is cast at CL 7th, so the DC to dispel is only 18.

The babaus, with their twisted, wiry forms, move with an unsettling grace, their sharp fingers weaving dark patterns in the air. With synchronized intent, they dispel Ehren’s protective fog, revealing the group to their foes once more. The ever-looming hezrou, its grotesque form an embodiment of pollution and corruption, once again summons a surge of dark energy that manifests as a choking, inky cloud of despair.

Below them, they can hear the sound of hurried movement. The scraping of wood against wood suggests barriers being removed.

Will Save Unafe vs evil: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Unafe takes 13 damage from evil.
Reflex Save Unafe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Unafe is slowed 3 rounds and takes 8 acid damage.
Babau dispel: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Babau dispel vs Ehren: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Babau dispel vs Ehren: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Hezrou vs Ehren SR: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Going to just skip Unafes turn for now, if someone wants to suggest an action for Unafe, go ahead, however I will delay her initiative so no retconning will be possible.

Li’an, Ehren and Unafe must make a DC 18 will save (evil) or take 5d8 ⇒ (8, 4, 5, 4, 8) = 29 damage (10d10 ⇒ (8, 2, 9, 7, 10, 6, 2, 2, 6, 3) = 55 damage if you are a good outsider) and become sickened for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds. Success halves damage and negates sickened.

Round 3!

Li’an and Hinagiku are up!

Will Save DC 18 (Negative Levels, Wounded): 1d20 + 17 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 5 - 2 = 24 Ehren takes 27 points of damage (32/126).

Unafe feels the acid splash and burn, but draws on the adrenaline rising in her veins to shake off the worst of its effects. Likewise, she shrugs off the waves of evil with ease.

She holds the Moaning Diamond aloft, this time getting ready to stretch and reinforce Li'an's Wall of Stone, shaping it to better protect them. Delay til right after Li'an. Then Stone Shape. I think (based on Li'an's calculations, I can make it 1' 10" thick wall, 6' high, 12' radius. If it turns out that's not quite right, I delegate Li'an to adjust/answer Qs, as needed

BUFFS ON ALLIES:
* Acclimatized allies (all but Ehren) immune to poison, disease, distraction. Able to share space with (or charge through space of) allies.
* Aegises that affect me plus allies within 5':
1) Mystic Shell (1 layers): the first 2 spells on me (or an ally within my reach) that would be dispelled don’t get dispelled; instead, one of the layers of the shell gets dispelled.
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2) Slippery: +2 enhancement bonus to Acrobatics checks, Escape Artist checks, and to CMD, and if they are under an effect they could escape with an Escape Artist check they may attempt such a check immediately as an immediate action.
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3) Inner Peace: +4 morale bonus to saving throws against all fear, emotional and mind-affecting abilities, both magical or mundane. When the target is affected by a magical ability this bonus applies to, they are always granted a save to completely negate the effect, even if one is not normally allowed. The improved composure of the subject also grants them a +4 morale bonus to Bluff checks to conceal emotions or relay secret messages, and to Diplomacy checks to influence attitudes to make creatures calm.

As the walls dissipate around her, Li'an stares in disbelief at the sight before her. Her father standing at the edge of the tower with a small girl standing beside him, who she immediately recognizes as a young Sana. Her initial confusion is replaced by a sense of elation and relief until she sees the hilt of Lleuad a'r Ser protruding from his chest, blood soaking the entire length of his tunic and dripping to the floor.

"So you have come to the rescue again," Elan says sternly to Li'an, his voice drowning out everything around her. She feels a knot in her chest as she seems to know the words before he speaks them. "That has worked out so well for you and your friends, hasn't it?" His expression begins to gradually change from one of disappointment to almost a twisted glee. "Your attempt to 'help' me led to you killing your own father. Your 'heroism' in attempting to save Sana left her suffering torment at the hands of an invidiak for how many years?"

Her father lets go of Sana, who falls limp to the ground, as shadows dance around her unnaturally. He walks up to Li'an and places her hand on the hilt of the blade in his chest. He guides her in pulling it out and gently turns her hand and arm so the blade rests against her jugular. Elan leans forward and whispers in her ear, "Haven't you figured it out yet, Li'an? Your very existence is cursed. Even your mother killed herself rather than be with you! Your friends were better off without you--at least Isilme they could count on--but you forced your way back into their lives, and now they are going to die. But it's not too late to break the curse..." He gently pushes her hand, the bronze edge of the blade starting to bite into her skin.

As the weariness and resignation begin to sink in, a mote of light appears above her, dim at first and growing in intensity. As the light falls on her father's face it seems to drain it of color and shape, leaving only formless shadows. That brief glimpse is enough to allow her to free herself from the spell's grasp. "No!" she yells, pushing back and tossing the blade to the side. Immediately Elan and Sana melt back into the shadows, and her attention returns to the fight around her.

Will Save - Morale: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 4 = 31

This time Ehren throws up a fog, but before Li'an can even breathe a sigh of relief, the fog vanishes and another wave of unholy energy washes down over them. This time, she's caught off guard, still somewhat drained having fought off the phantasmal killer, and only barely manages to avoid the worst of the blow. Touching her ring, she channels her own holy energy into it and a wave of auroral light expands outwards, filling the tower and the space beyond with a healing warmth, and washing away the pain of the attack completely.

Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Will Save - Assuring Anthem: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Channel Energy: 5d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 5, 6) + 7 = 28
Using Assuring Anthem's automatic ability to reroll on a 1, 2 or 3
Using Ring of Protected Life's ability to swift action channel energy w/o AoOs 1/day

Swift Act: Channel Energy w/ ring; Std Act: MP Cast wall of stone (3 MP)

Frustrated with the Babaus, and the continuing blasts of unholy energy, and not sure whether they would last long enough for the door to get open, Li'an tries one more measure, this time using her inner reserves to call upon the bedrock below. If she could get it into Unafe's hands, she hoped he would be able to fashion it into something protective with Sara's help. A solid slab erupts from the ground, stone legs protruding from it buttressing it against the tower and making it look like some strange elemental caterpillar. It works its way up the length of the tower, and curves to enter the belfry where it twists itself vertically and begins wrapping around the group to reach Unafe, while minimizing the chance that the unbroken line from the ground to Unafe will be severed intentionally by a demon.

Li'an will build the wall 1" thick (instead of 2") up from the ground to allow for the buttressing necessary to get it to go up to the top of the tower and inwards so it is within reach of Unafe

Once Li’an and Unafe join forces and surround them with a wall of stone, Hinagiku drops her stance and grasps Ehren’s arm to help him fully stand up.
”Hold on Ehren-kun, let me help.” as she speaks, Ehren feels the forces within is body try to align back into harmony.

With the wall protecting them, Hinagiku finally finds the time to speak to the others.
”Someone has been speaking in my mind… but, Mrs. Unafe, they do not know the password you agreed on with Valaria. Stay on your guard everyone.”

Having said that, Hinagiku returns to the voice in her mind.
Arueshalae, please to meet you. Hinagiku thinks almost reflexively. We have created a stone wall to ward of the attacks. It should hold for a short moment.

AoO 1 aid Li’an PK will: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30
AoO 2 aid Li’an PK fort: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
AoO 3 Ehren aid unholy blight: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
AoO 4 Li’an aid unholy blight: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
AoO 5 Unafe aid unholy blight: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
heal Ehren, max half his hps : 4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2, 1) = 10

As the chaotic maelstrom continues around them, the fortification provides a brief respite, a shield against the constant barrage of demonic magic. The sturdy walls act as their momentary haven. The air inside is punctuated by the muted sounds of demonic incantations and the occasional thud of impacts on the exterior.

The voice responds to Hinagiku, its tone soft, tinged with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

"It's chaotic out there, isn't it?" Rue's voice echoes in the heroes' minds. "I was wondering what that strange noise was. I know Valaria trusted you and I hope that I can as well. Just hang on."

Ehren is up!

Correction: Ehren lost 25 current and maximum hit points from his 5 negative levels, so he was at 7/101 hit points, putting him in Critical condition. Li'an and Hinagiku's healing gives him 38 hit points, bringing him to 45/101. He is still Wounded.

"Thank you, Kiku," Ehren murmurs weakly, forcing a smile despite his grievous wounds and their hectic situation. Unfortunately, ordinary healing magic can only do so much for him in his current state - the derakni's spell left a gaping void that would not be mended so easily.

Under such circumstances, casting his strongest spells would usually be out of the question. As usual, however, things are different when it comes to the element of earth. Superficially, Sairazul's blessing had metamorphosed him into one of the tir-enedigol, the earthen-born. But even more significantly, she had connected his soul to the Elemental Plane of Earth itself. For Ehren, weaving stone comes as naturally as breathing.

Taking a deep breath, the earth elemental sups the ley once more, bolstering his damaged life force. Channeling the power of pure elemental earth, he waves his arms around, focusing on the wall Li'an and Unafe collaborated to build. Casting his spell, Ehren reinforces the stone wall with another layer of protection.

Granted a moment of respite from their relentless foes, the archdruid finally stops to acknowledge the unfamiliar voice echoing in his mind. "Well met, Arueshelae. I am Ehren of Clan Ferron. Do not worry about Valaria; we will tend to her wounds very soon."

Between his negative levels and Wounded condition, Ehren's CL starts at 3rd (7th for earth spells). He uses place magic to raise it to 9th for earth spells, allowing him to cast wall of stone.

Suddenly, the sound of creaking wood pierces the tense ambiance. The trapdoor ahead of them swings open, revealing the enigmatic silhouette of a hooded figure. The woman's striking red eyes gleam in contrast to her shadowy visage, and a pair of pronounced horns curve from her forehead. With a graceful movement, reminiscent of a dancer, she releases the ladder, alighting on the ground below. She beckons them with urgency, "Quickly, inside! There's no time to dawdle!"

Round 4!

The Heroes are up!

Li'an grabs Ehren and jumps down after Rue, floating off to the right of the ladder once inside and drifting to the ground gently. "Sorry Ehren, I know you can make it down yourself, but you are weak enough as it is and we don't have much time to waste," she says as she sets the Archdruid down, letting him lean against one of the indestructible walls that had protected Val and her friend, and had also kept them from entering easily.

"Once we are safely situated I can deal with the effects of the enervation," she says, looking up towards the entrance for Hinagiku and Unafe to enter.

She turns to Rue as the others finish entering. "Thank you for letting us in, If you hadn't, we might have been able to escape, but it would have been close. Now that we are here we can take care of Val's wound and start planning for how to defeat the forces outside. I'm Li'an Va'ardalia," she says, introducing herself, "though probably not quite the same as Valaria remembers."

"You won't hear any complaints from me," Ehren grunts when Li'an picks him off the ground, saving him the trouble climbing down the ladder himself. If it weren't for its indestructibility, he was not entirely sure it could bear his weight anyway. Once she sets him down he dismisses his transmutation spell, causing his elemental body to crumble away, exposing the weary archdruid's true form.

As he waits on the others to descend, Ehren glances around for Valaria. Eager as he is to receive the healing Li'an promised, their friend is far worse off than he is.

As soon as Ehren and Li'an are safely inside, Unafe fluidly drops down herself, watching to make sure Hinagiku is right behind.

She eyes the trap door with fists clenched, ready to attack any demon trying to come through it.

Combat ends!

With a sense of urgency, Arueshalae swiftly guides the heroes down an echoing corridor, its ancient Sarkorian murals whispering tales of bygone ages. Reaching the end, they descend a creaky wooden staircase. The soft glow from a candle set on the mantle of a barricaded window casts a melancholic hue over the room, revealing Valaria's fragile form resting on a modest bed. Even in her slumber, Valaria's typically rose-colored complexion looks drained, making her skin appear almost transparent, her tattoos dark against her skin. Each breath she takes seems like a laborious task.

Arueshalae, with palpable concern etched on her face, hastens to Valaria's side. There's a momentary pause as she seems lost in thought before she gently unwraps her cloak, folding it with care beside the bed. The dim light reveals her striking beauty: raven-black hair juxtaposed against her alabaster skin, making her seem as if she was sculpted from moonlight itself. Her attire is both functional and stylish - a suit of azure leather armor that hugs her curves. She possesses a pair of exquisite weapons: a slender darkwood staff crowned with a silver butterfly emblem, and a silver bow and quiver intricately decorated with constellations. The pair of starknives strapped to her hips hint at a faith in Desna.

But what truly captures the gaze are her large, bat-like wings that spread from her back, casting intriguing shadows on the walls, and her elongated tail that sways gently with her movements. As she kneels beside Valaria, she tenderly dabs away the perspiration from the ailing woman's forehead using a soft cloth that she pulls from one of her storage pouches. The delicate silver bracers on her wrists catch the ambient light, illuminating intricate designs of azure butterflies in flight. The wall behind of them is plastered and painted with an enormous ancient mural of a Sarkorian huntress riding a white stag.

"She isn't well," Arueshalae murmurs, her voice filled with sorrow. "But with all of you here, there might still be hope." Her ruby eyes meet each of the heroes in turn, searching.

Once everyone is in, Li'an breathes a sigh of relief, the adrenaline of the risk they'd taken wearing off. The weight of the day's travel only adds to the sudden weariness. She takes a moment to center herself as Rue begins to lead the others down the hall. She watches Val's companion, trying to make sense of her, she was clearly something more than simply a tiefling.

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 20 + 2 = 29

Li'an follows behind, studying Rue closely. Everything about her screamed that she was a Desnan, but there was no denying that there was only one conclusion as to her heritage. Rue was clearly a succubus.

Her train of thought was interrupted as they entered the room with Valaria. A lifetime ago they'd been walking together through the caves beneath Kenabres, and now here she was in a tower deep in he worldwound, having barely made it past a small army to try to rescue her. How she'd gotten here was hard to understand, and why a succubus was with her was incomprehensible. From the carnage that had clearly happened outside, and the fact the two of them were the only ones in the tower, they must both be incredibly powerful.

She turns to Rue and looks her in the eye, trying to understand what exactly she was doing here. She wasn't trying to disguise her form at all. Furthermore, she appeared to be focused on Valaria's well-being more than anything else, though it wasn't impossible that it was a ruse.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (9) + 24 = 33

Looking back to Valaria and then to Rue, she steps between the two, her eyes flaming brightly and her hair smoldering as she stands before her, making her own concern and desire to protect Valaria evident.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"I know what you are, Arueshalae, but I don't know why you are here, or what your goal is," she says to Rue, "Jaruunicka must have been referring to you when she was yelling at us about blasphemy and damnation. Given who she is and serves, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you truly are concerned for Valaria, and are a follower of Lady Starsong as your gear seems to depict, listen closely. Communing with the North Star gave us what we needed to know to get here, that Valaria was cursed, and that we possessed the magic necessary to save her. Please set your gear down, back up, sit down, and do not attempt to use magic or move. Once we have saved her and she has recovered, she can explain the situation. Will you agree?"

It does not even cross Ehren's mind to question Arueshelae as he follows her down the stairway, eager to reach Valaria's side. Although she looked much as he remembered her in Unafe's dreamspace, he knew that her appearance there did not necessarily reflect reality. His fears are confirmed when he looks at the wounded tiefling, pale, and near death. Setting his jaw, the druid rushes forward to determine the extent of her condition, only to be given pause when "Rue" removes her cloak. His eyes widen, taken not by her beauty but by the conspicuous pair of wings on her back.

Valaria, what have you gotten yourself into? Ehren wonders, looking the succubus up and down uncertainly. Before, he had merely assumed that she was a tiefling, but out in the open, there was no denying that she was overtly demonic—his mind races, trying to decide whether this was some absurdly elaborate ploy to kill them all. But the hag and demons outside might have accomplished just that had Arueshelae not let them in. What did she possibly have to gain by trapping herself here? There were too many questions, with only one person who could answer them.

"Valaria asked me to trust her," Ehren says slowly, choosing his words carefully. Weary from his injuries, he does not want to escalate the situation needlessly. "And I do - with my life, even. But I am sure you understand why we cannot trust you. So please, do as Li'an says so that we can help our friend."

Aid Li'an's Diplomacy DC 10 (Negative Levels, Wounded): 1d20 + 21 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 21 - 5 - 2 = 17

Regardless of how Arueshelae answers, the druid picks up his prior pace and hurries to Valaria's side, trusting the others to deal with the succubus should she try to stop him. He kneels by his friend's bedside and begins to assess her physical condition, looking for where the hag's cursed blade left its mark.

Heal (Negative Levels, Wounded): 1d20 + 22 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 22 - 5 - 2 = 22

Evil was still with them, even after she had closed the trap door. Perhaps a demon hidden even to her phenomenal senses or perhaps Mrs. Arueshalae was not all she seemed.

As they follow Rue down the stairs, Hinagiku only glances at the murals through half closed eyelids. Her focus is on the evil presence that follows them. She even taps Unafe on the shoulder, lifting one finger up when the warrior looks to her.

As their host removes her cloak, Hinagiku takes in the clashing details, the large horn, the blue armor, the tail and the bracers, and at last the wings and the staff. She not recognizing the demon for what she is, she assumes she is like Ehren’s ward: a half demon half human.

But Li’an and Ehren’s reaction put doubts in her mind; could be be Valaria had another demonic ally.

”What is it Li’an? Is she a full demon? I have been sensing evil ever since we came in…. ”

Unsure what to do, Hinagiku moves to place herself between her companions, including Valaria, and the potential demon.

religion: 1d20 ⇒ 10
plane: 1d20 ⇒ 8

"Whatever else she may be, she is clearly a succubus," she responds to the monk. "Little of this situation makes sense at this point. If this was simply a trap, it is an exceedingly overcomplicated one..." Having an army outside with an extremely powerful hag of Sifkesh, a Desnan artifact rendering a tower invincible, and then actually letting them in and closing the door behind them? The simplest explanation was that she was actually trying to save Valaria, so for now the best bet was to try to do just that.

Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Unafe raises an eyebrow at the way Li'an's speaking to Val's ally, not sure what's behind it, but it causes her to listen more carefully to Rue, and to look for what unsaid.

sense motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

Arueshalae's deep red eyes flicker from Li'an to Ehren, their intensity softening, understanding the wariness and mistrust emanating from the group. Yet, a tinge of sadness and frustration plays across her face, betraying that she had expected such mistrust.

Ehren's sincere concern for Valaria makes an impression, and Rue nods slowly, her gaze then resting on Hinagiku. The monk's protective posture and mention of sensing evil clearly affects the succubus. "I understand your caution," she begins, her voice edged with weariness. "I am not naive to the burden of my nature."

Setting her gear gently on the ground, she raises her hands in a gesture of surrender, her silvery staff clinking softly as it touches the wooden floor. "Trust is hard to come by in this world," she murmurs, her gaze flicking towards the sleeping Valaria. "Especially for one like me. But Valaria believed in me, gave me a chance. I owe her my life and more."

As Ehren moves towards Valaria's side, assessing her wounds, Arueshalae's gaze lingers on him, then shifts to Li'an. "I do not wish to stand in the way of her healing. Despite what I am, know that my priority is her well-being." Rue walks over to the wall and sits down, bringing her knees up to her chin. Her arms and tail wrap around her legs as she watches, her wings draped around her shoulders like a cape.

Ehren's bare feet make contact with the cold wooden floor as he makes his way swiftly to Valaria. The world seems to blur around him, the potential threat of Arueshalae and the stern voices of his companions fading as he narrows his focus on his friend.

Upon reaching Valaria, he notes her shallow breaths, the ghostly pallor of her skin, and the cold she emits despite being covered in blankets. Her once-vibrant aura wanes, dimmed by whatever malevolence she has encountered. With gentle hands, he searches her form, soon finding the ominous mark along her abdomen - a cruel wound, pulsing with tendrils of dark energy, evidence of the wicked blade's intrusion.

Time passes: 1 minute.

Studying Rue further as Ehren begins to study Valaria, she is surprised to find no hint of deceit. She watches the demon sit there, focusing on Val and Ehren, and senses the mixture of sadness and fear within her. Despite every last bit of training she'd received, against everything she'd ever seen or heard, she found herself empathizing with a demon. Even the succubus's explanation that Valaria had taken a chance on her somehow doesn't surprise Li'an. Even though it had only been a couple days, she remembered Val talking about the abyssal symbols that constantly marked her skin, changing continuously, and her concerns about her own heritage. If anyone had reason to consider whether fate could be defied, it was her, especially as one of Desna's favored.

Kneeling down for a moment, she makes eye contact a second time with Arueshalae. Her eyes and tone soften as she speaks, "Thank you, Rue. I promise Valaria will be ok," she says, attempting to comfort her. "and that no harm will come to you." She stands up and goes to join Ehren at Valaria's side. As she turns, she places a reassuring hand on Hinagiku's shoulder, realizing that she seemed uncharacteristically troubled by the situation.

Sitting down on the bed beside Val's frail, pale body. "Hang on, Val, we're here" She looks at the vicious wound Ehren is studying. "Is that it? The cursed wound?" she asks, "The Bell's magic is likely too powerful for me to use any divination to study the curse. If it is I can begin trying to break it."

Ehren answers with a slow nod, his expression darkening as he gently probes the mark left by Jaruunicka's blade. He does not bother reaching for the herbs and ointments in his healer's satchel - this affliction was beyond the help of mundane means.

"We could mend her wounds, but that would do little good while the curse still has her in its grasp," the druid reports finally, looking to Li'an. His magic could not help their friend, but hers could. "It will need to be broken first. And even then, it would take powerful restorative magic to reverse the damage. Can you do it, Li'an?"

"If the North Star's guidance proves true, I should be able to," she answers. Their divinations had said as much, though now that she was here it worried her somewhat. The forces arrayed outside, led by the hag, were quite powerful, and she couldn't help but wonder if her magic really would be enough to break the curse.

Li'an places her hand over the wound and closes her eyes, focusing on channeling arcane energy into the curse bound up into the wound. As the magic begins to flow into the wound, she feels resistance almost immediately from the curse, shifting and changing in response to cling to Valaria.

It was hard to describe the task, but it was somewhat like trying to envelop an ooze or jelly to pin it down to the point it couldn't move any further. Once that had been done, it was merely of matter of channeling energy into it until it unraveled. Of course in practice this was easier said than done, and without being able to use divination on the curse, she had no real idea how difficult the task would be. The only thing she could do was try her best with what magic she had left.

Li'an can cast break enchantment up to three times without resting, will obviously stop after the first successful cast (which will either be the first, third, or not at all. DC to break enchantment is 11+CL
Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Break Enchantment: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

As she watched over Arueshalae, but before she asks about her link to Valaria, Hinagiku finally feels that theyare sufficiently safe to attend to their wounded friend, and replies to Ehren and Li’an’s: ”Should i heal the disharmony within her body or are all of her wounds beyond physical and within her soul? Hummmm trying could not hurt. Let me try. Mrs. Unafe, please keep an eye on Mrs. Arueshalae for me.”

Hinagiku approaches Valaria and lays a hand on her head, slowly stitching the worst of her wounds by sorting and weaving the ley more harmoniously.

After healing her friend, Hinagiku takes Unafe’s place to watch over their host, with a few pooks back over her shoulder to Isilme when she attempts to break the curse.

Time passes: 4 minutes

Moving on, as Unafe is inactive.

The act of unraveling the curse proves more arduous than Li'an first anticipates. As she mentally wrestles with the curse's binding tendrils, the resistant force stubbornly morphs and shapeshifts, eluding her grasp, reminiscent of trying to capture a water droplet with bare hands. She feels the dark enchantment pulse, almost as if it’s aware, sentient, fighting against her efforts to suppress it.

Arueshalae silently wills Li'an on, her hope hanging on her expertise. The swirling energies emanating from the wound cast a haunting, spectral glow, painting shadows across Valaria's still face and the ceiling above. Rue's wings shiver unconsciously, her gaze locked onto the tableau before her, desperate for a positive outcome.

The minutes stretch on, feeling like hours, until with a final surge of effort, Li'an feels a final pushback from the curse. As if it was a creature taking one final stand, before—nothing. A void. The curse isn't dispelled or neutralized; it remains steadfast, untouched by her magic.

Arueshalae hesitates for a moment, visibly surprised by Hinagiku's question. She glances at the bedridden form of Valaria and then back at the expectant faces of the heroes surrounding her. Drawing in a deep breath, she begins, "Dreams... Dreams are an alien concept for beings like me. Demons don't dream, we don't sleep. But," she pauses, tapping the delicate bracers adorning her wrists, "these bracers gifted me with a unique experience: the ability to wander in dreams."

The succubus gazes off into the distance as if recalling a distant memory. "It was during one of these wanderings that I happened upon Valaria's dreams. It was... random, unexpected. We did not interact much then, just exchanged curious glances. But over time, our paths in the dream realm crossed more frequently. We got to know one another."

She looks down, a hint of sorrow creeping into her eyes. "Then came the day when I needed assistance infiltrating the Blackfire Adepts. Desperate, I turned to Valaria for help, and to my surprise, she willingly came to my aid. She didn't see a demon; she saw a being in need."

A faint smile graces her lips, "We've been traveling companions ever since, standing by each other's side through thick and thin. These years have fostered a bond that's hard to describe... But what I can say, with certainty, is that Valaria means... freedom to me. She's shown me that there can be something more for me, that I can aspire for redemption."

She fidgets. "If it would help you believe me, I would answer any question that you have of me. Anything at all."

As the last of Li'an's magic fades away she looks at her hand over the wound, frozen in shock. Nothing had changed. All the divinations and everything, all the preparation... she was supposed to be able to break the curse, that's what Arie's divination had said. She sits there lost in her thoughts until Hinagiku speaks up. Li'an looks over at Val's pale face overcome by a mixture of guilt, frustration, anger, sadness and self-doubt. She turns to Ehren briefly, but finds herself unable to make eye contact, ashamed of her failure.

Looking back at her friend on the bed, she say "I... I'm sorry Val. I thought..." her voice cracking. "I was supposed to be able to fix this. I should have been able to..." She lifts up her hand and looks back at it as if she'd missed something. Several waves of holy energy wash across the room, shades of blue, silver and green illuminating the murals on the walls, the warmth of each wave suffusing everyone present with their potent healing. She turns towards Hinagiku and Arueshalae and shakes her head slowly. "I can't do anything but ease the pain. I am sorry, Rue."

They were here in the tower, they'd come all this way for what? She hadn't been able to do anything and the group had nearly died getting in. What had they taken all those risks for? Nothing?

Channel Energy: 5d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 2, 4) + 7 = 21
Channel Energy: 5d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 5, 5) + 7 = 22
Channel Energy: 5d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5, 3, 5, 4) + 7 = 29

Unafe listens, fascinated, at a demon–a succubus, no less!–who seems to be reformed...or genuinely wants to reform, at least, and has genuine care for Valaria.

When Rue mentions her bracers, Unafe looks on with curiosity, eager to learn more about what they're capable of.

She finds herself wondering, Is it truly possible for a demon to reject evil, and choose redemption? K Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13K Planes (can demons be redeemed?): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

When Li'an says that her magics have failed, Unafe is crestfallen. If she can't heal Val, what hope do we have to save her?

Thinking of the impossible deeds Goryon has accomplished, she takes a moment to explain to her Ancestor Heart what the current situation is, and then asks, "Doeth Goryon, mae eich pwerau ymhell y tu hwnt i fy mhwerau i. Mae Li'an yn credu mai dim ond hud gwirioneddol chwedlonol fydd yn gallu gwella Valaria. A oes gennych unrhyw beth y gallech ei wneud, i godi'r felltith hon? Os gallwn, bydd yn achub menyw dda sy'n ymladd yn erbyn y horde demonic, ac yn ein helpu i amddiffyn y Demetae, a phob Sarkorians."

Hallit: [/b]"Wise Goryon, your powers are far beyond my own. Li'an believes that only a truly mythic magic will be able to heal Valaria. Do you have anything you could do, to lift this curse? If we can, it will save a good woman who is fighting the demonic horde, and help us to protect the Demetae, and all Sarkorians."[/b]

Diplomacy to persuade Goryon, if useful: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Ehren recovers 72 hit points (101/101). He is Healthy.

Ehren watched with bated breath as Li’an cast her spells, doing all she could to unravel the curse that held Valaria in its insidious grasp. When the long minutes finally pass, he inspects the tiefling’s wound, expecting the writhing curse to simply evaporate. He looks to the sorceress when it does not do so, only for her to avert her gaze; he knows then that she has failed. Anger and disappointment swell within him, towards Jaruunicka, Li’an, Myrna, Valaria, and every gods-forsaken abomination that had stood in their way of getting this far. They had staked everything on being able to break this curse, on having Valaria fight alongside them, just like the old days.

Just like the old days. The druid closes his eyes and slowly takes a deep breath, remembering some of the meditative techniques that Hinagiku and some of the monks at the Iroran temple have shared with him over the years. During the long stretches of time he and his lover had to spend apart, he learned that with the right mindset, the peace he often found in her soothing presence could also be found within.

”It’s going to be okay, Li’an,” Ehren says finally, placing a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. He gazes at her sadly, remembering a time when Valaria had held her lifeless body in her grasp. The positions felt reversed now, only Valaria was not beyond salvation. Not yet. “What’s important is that we are here now, and that Valaria is still alive. We can get her out of here and find another way to break the curse. But I do not think that is going to happen without breaking this siege, first. Jaruunicka must pay for what she has done.”

The druid reaches for his healer's satchel for some bandages and ointment. He cannot do anything about the curse, but he can at least properly clean and dress the wound. In any case, staying busy helped keep his mind off the intrusive thoughts that threatened to lead him astray. He ignores Unafe as she beseeches Goryon for assistance, not because he doubts the dragon is capable, but because he expects her to be unwilling. Although he has respect for the honored ancestor of the Demetae, he knows better than to rely on her.

Heal (Negative Levels): 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 22 - 5 = 31 Can Ehren tell whether Valaria is in immediate danger of dying if the curse isn’t broken?

“What did you need from the Blackfire Adepts?” Ehren asks Arueshelae as he works, acknowledging the succubus’s presence for the first time in several minutes. He still does not know what to think of her, and without Valaria conscious to vouch for her, he was not convinced that she was trustworthy - their tiefling friend seems to have made a habit of befriending demons. Even so, he trusts Valaria enough to spare the succubus from needless ridicule.

Li'an nods at Ehren quietly as he attempts to comfort her. It felt strange to be on the verge of tears for having failed to heal Val. Years had passed since Neatholm and Kenabres, however, to part of her it was still fresh--a side-effect of having both her post- and pre-death memories integrated when she was raised. She still remembered flirting with Val at Armasse, the night in the hot springs when they finally got to rest after their trek through the caverns beneath Kenabres looking for an escape route. She remembered them working together to fool the cultists at the library and saving the riftwarden children... Li'an shakes her head, trying to bring her mind back to the present.

"You are right, Ehren," she says slowly, trying to gather her composure. Perhaps Unafe's plea to Goryon would work out, but even if it didn't that wouldn't solve the problem of Jaruunicka and the forces outside. Val was a fighter, but they would need more of a plan than just to step out the door and rush into battle. Scooting over to let Ehren continue to try to ease Val's suffering, and only half-listening to Hinagiku's and Ehren's questions to Rue, she begins to focus inward, trying to go over everything they'd learned about the Hag. There had been quite a few clues about her that seemed to suggest Jaruunicka could be weakened. She suspected Rue was a part of that, but she would need to recall everything so she could bring it up as part of a discussion on how they could gain the upper hand in the coming fight.

Arueshalae’s crimson eyes hold a certain depth as they meet Ehren's, and there's a humble sincerity in her voice as she speaks, “I needed to find a man through the Blackfire Adepts, a dark cultist by the name of Xanthir Vang. He’s a part of the Ivory Labyrinth and also involved with the Adepts, and he’s been pulling some of them out to the Worldwound from Garund for his own twisted experiments.”

Her wings draw close around her, a visible shiver in their delicate frame. “Valaria and I found something— the Ivory Sanctum - the base of operations of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth. It’s a place where they're using Nahyndrian crystals to boost the power of demons. Nahyndrian crystals are these dark purple crystals formed from the blood of demon lords that are murdered. We think that’s what happened to Jaruunicka. She’s stronger, more dangerous now, and I think it’s because of those crystals.”

A pause, as she hesitates, then, “There's a chance, I think, that whatever is going on in the Ivory Sanctum might also give us a clue about how to help Valaria. How to undo whatever Jaruunicka did to her.”

Her gaze flickers toward the prone form of her friend. “It’s a long shot, but that is all I got.”

"Xanthir Vang?" Ehren repeats, raising his brows. Time and time again, the Blackfire Adept's name had surfaced, only for the wizard himself to elude them. More importantly, if Arueshelae was telling the truth about finding the Ivory Sanctum, she and Val had accomplished what the Crusades could not. The archdruid's mind races, thinking of the possibilities - at long last, they could be rid of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth.

Ehren stills that thought, for now, not wanting to get ahead of himself. It would matter very little if they could not figure out a plan. Merely retreating, however, was not an option. He looks at his head and shakes his head, wanting to assure her that he is not simply letting his anger get the better of him.

"Killing Jaruunicka will not likely break her curse, true. But doing so regardless would not just be a matter of justice or revenge. Her army may be small, but it is a substantial threat nonetheless. We cannot allow it to linger so close to Drezen."

Unafe whispers thanks to Dwynwyn, and then to Goryon.

Then she turns back to Rue, and her companions. "Rue, I never expected to meet a demon who desired repentance, but I sense your sincerity, and I admire it. When I awakened, I was certain that only Sarkorians could be trusted. In the year since I left my century of dreams, I've seen that things are more complicated than I'd imagined. Too many Sarkorians have done great evil...and some Southerners I now count as close friends. So who am I too say a demon can't change?" She nods to Hinagiku, and then to Li'an.

"If we are to try to defeat Jaruunicka and her forces, to get Valaria to safety, would you join us in this fight?"

Arueshalae speaks up, her eyes resting on Hinagiku. “Do you think that we could get out of here? Escape the siege? And if we do, where then would we seek sanctuary?” A quiet, hopeful expectancy hangs on her words, as she tilts her head slightly. Her eyes linger momentarily on Valaria, her gaze tender, but anxious. “It is poetic, truly. The first time I saw this place, I thought myself imprisoned... but then it turned out to be the thing that freed me. And now, this place is again both a prison and my savior.“

Time passes: 7 minutes.

Rue's crimson eyes then linger on Unafe, absorbing her words.

"Unafe," her voice barely above a whisper, "your trust means more than you might realize."

"I will join you," the succubus asserts softly, "and together, perhaps we can find a way to bring both safety to Valaria and retribution upon Jaruunicka."

Li'an looks surprised to hear Xanthir's name. The last time she'd heard it was back in Kenabres, just having saved the riftwarden children. "Remember in Kenabres, Ehren? We'd Xanthir had come to the library there to retrieve some knowledge that was held there. Aravashnial was worried that whatever Xanthir had left with was dangerous knowledge. Perhaps this is related to that?"

While Hinagiku's desire to avoid the brutal battle that awaited them outside the tower was logical, what she'd seen out there and the forbiddance they were dealing with meant it would be just as bad to escape as it had been to enter. "We can't leave the tower by anything other than the doors for the same reason we were unable to burrow our way in. Nothing in the tower can be altered while the Bell continues to protect it," she explains when Hinagiku suggests they simply try to burrow their way out.

"Also, there is no reason to believe we could escape from here and head towards the Ivory Sanctum without Jaruunicka coming after us. Divinations likely would allow her to determine we were headed there," she adds, supporting Ehren's conclusion that they couldn't do anything without handling Jaruunicka first. "I don't know what magic she has, but the demons would easily be able to catch up to us with their teleports. Or even worse they might go to the Ivory Sanctum and warn them of our approach."

Li'an nods at Unafe's words of encouragement to Rue. As strange as it was, they were all on the same side here, aiming to save Val and defeat Jaruunicka. "We will save Val together, Rue!"

"We know from divinations that Jaruunicka is vulnerable if we can make her doubt herself. 'The hag's pride in her heresy is her weakness. Engage her hypocrisy and strike at her faith. For her power wanes when her convictions falter.' Submitting herself to Xanthir Vang's experiments with Nahyndrian crystals to empower herself also makes sense given her tendency to try to use rituals to the same end."

"Rue, what can you tell us about how you encountered Jaruunicka and anything that happened up until now. Maybe we can figure out how to get inside her head before we fight."

Once they finish their discussions, Li'an speaks up again. "We will need to rest up before we do anything however. We need to wait for Myrna to get closer, and we used much of our magic getting in here 'safely'," Li'an says. "We should search this tower as well, perhaps we can find something that would aid us here."

Once everyone settles down to rest, Li'an heads down into the tower, not needing any rest herself. She spends time looking for any secrets located within its lowest level.
Perception - Crit: 1d20 + 20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 20 + 10 = 50

"Yes, I remember. The man made of worms," Ehren replies, as though it is an entirely typical trait to distinguish someone by. For someone so closely affiliated with demons, it might well be. It went without saying that over the years that have passed since that fateful Armasse, Vang has been very busy. He frowns, not forgetting his vendetta against the Blackfire Adepts. "Perhaps we will pay him a visit once we are finished here."

The druid looks at Arueshelae again, disarmed by the sincerity behind her words and the quickness with which she won Unafe and Li'an's trust. He thinks back to when he first met Ayavah and learned of the Cult of the Redeemer Queen - at the time, the idea that a Demon Lord could desire redemption struck him hopelessly naive, if not utterly absurd. Isilme had always been quick to espouse that demons were predictable because they were slaves to their natures, to the sin that clung to their corrupted souls. What was it that made Arueshelae any different?

Having done all he can for Valaria for the time being, Ehren leaves his healing supplies at her bedside and stands. He wavers somewhat from the sudden motion, reminding him at once of his delicate condition. Thankfully, curing it is far more straightforward than breaking their friend's curse. The druid reaches into his polymorphic pouch and retrieves his jar of restorative honey, gifted to him by the Hivetenders of Andoletta. He carefully removes its lid and collects a small dose of the sweet liquid using an elaborately carved wooden honey dipper before raising it over his mouth. A thin, viscous stream drips onto his tongue and down his throat; in an instant, Ehren can feel the vitality that was robbed from him restored.

Ehren uses a dose of restoration honey to remove his negative levels. His hit point values return to normal.

Arueshalae's eyes travel across the faces above her, lingering a moment longer on Li'an.

"Jaruunicka," Rue begins, "was dispatched to extinguish my existence by Staunton Vhane. This vendetta, this insatiable thirst to see me undone, has dogged my steps for years now—even persisting beyond Vhane’s demise at Val and her friends' hands." Her eyes look downwards, contemplating the persistency of such malevolence. "I have pondered upon it for many an isolated night within the Worldwound. Why this relentless pursuit? Why me?"

A melancholic smile ghosts her lips as Rue's gaze distances, navigating through the specters of her memories. "I have dwelled here in the Worldwound 80 years now, after crossing out of the Abyss." Her eyes flicker with guilt. "After seducing a local priestess of Desna, and drinking deep of her vitality, I, driven by morbid curiosity, used my ability to read thoughts to venture into her mind as her life force ebbed away. Suddenly, I was trapped inside her dream - which was, as it were, inside this tower...Desna had noticed me."

Rue's voice falls soft, as she whispers, "In the place where dreams and death overlap, Desna chose not to obliterate me. She, instead, unearthed the dormant seeds of my once mortal existence, allowing the memories of a life once lived to cascade upon me like a relentless torrent."

Rue's eyes drift into a distant memory, shadows of a past life flickering in their depths. "In my mortal days in the opulent city of Oppara, I was entwined in a cocoon of hedonism and cunning schemes amidst Taldor's nobility," she begins, voice both a soft reflection and shaded with regret. "Underneath the golden chandeliers and amidst the marble hallways of the noble estates, I weaved webs of treachery and manipulation, playing with hearts and ambitions as one might play a game of chess. I orchestrated affairs, ruined alliances, and whispered venomous words into the ears of those who dared to trust me, sating my voracious desires for power and dominance without thought to the chaos left in my wake."

Her voice barely above a whisper, she continues, "One particular affair with a promising nobleman, Lord Valerius, spiraled into a catastrophic scandal that not only dashed the political and social futures of the entwined houses but also sowed the seeds of a bitterness that would span generations. His despair lead to the end of my mortal life, a bitter, twisted end at the hands of those I had once beguiled, and I was cast into the Abyss."

Her gaze found Li'an again, as she continues, "Still reeling from all of these memories, Desna then whispered: ‘What do you dream of?’ Awakening amidst shame and regret, my path veered into one of atonement. I am ashamed to say that for decades I tried to forget. I persisted, hidden amidst my kin in Iz... but eventually I found that I had to do something. Behind their backs I acted in shadows, and striving to unveil a method to halt Deskari.”

Inhaling shakily, she forges on, a flicker of old, untamed pain flashing through her eyes. “My charade crumbled thirty years ago when I dared to save an enslaved child, revealing my altered allegiance to those I dwelled among. Since then, the Worldwound became both my refuge and prison as I continued my work, following whispers of demonic ploys. The Templars’ vile experiments with Nahyndrian crystals... I uncovered it, only to find myself incarcerated in Citadel Drezen before my investigation bore fruit. Aponavicius herself tried to... force me to revert to my old nature and failed, but when the marilith left Drezen to join the Nerosyan war front, a miracle occurred.”

An ephemeral smile traces her features, both sorrowful and grateful. “Yes, Desna, in her boundless mercy, answered my desperate prayers, freeing me from my prison just before the Crusaders conquered Drezen. Since then, my efforts have been focused on stemming the tide of Templars and their abominable experiments, which threaten to bestow upon the demonic hordes a power that could potentially sway the war direly in their favor.”

A pause, and then a slight tilt of her head, as her eyes pin themselves to Li’an. "So, anyway, tell me, who is Myrna? Valaria never spoke of her during our time together."

Time passes: 5 minutes.