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Hepsubia turns her head toward Zith, and performs what can only called a kind of weak, slow motion raspberry blow.
Then she looks at Effie, entranced by her juggling talents, and tries to compliment her skills, but the words come really slowly in her mouth, cause her brain is even more messed up than usual
You really... have a... way to handle... big balls, Ef...fie, I didn't ...knew. Its all ...in the rythm ...of ...the hands...
Though Hepsubia continues to crack wise, even in her addled state, the Grandfrogger and Zithembe continue to whittle away at her resolve whilst Effie keeps up the juggling act. While it doesn't look as though Sir Ilivan is going anywhere unless you bodily drag him clear of the cloud, the situation quickly begins to resolve itself as the rageweed pollen settles and both the knight and Hepsubia begin to slowly come to their senses.
As the effects of the rageweed pollen wear off, Sir Ilivan slowly uncurls himself from the fetal position and shakily climbs to his feet. Without a word he moves to mount his steed but slips in the stirrup and very nearly tumbles back to the ground.
"'m fine, it's fine, everything's fine..." he mumbles, almost incoherently. For some reason, the rageweed seemed to have a much different effect on the knight than it did on Effie, Hepsubia, and Rumble. Why?
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Wow... I don't know what happened here.. just felt some anger rising, something baseless and primal. I remember something about blue balls too... I apologise, truly and sincerely, if I've offended someone while in that fugue state. I hope I wasn't violent?
She realises she is still clutching her longsword, her knuckles white and her hand hard as steel
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"'m fine, it's fine, everything's fine..."
"Fine, you are not." The Grandfrogger's words are blunt, but his voice is gentle. "A toll, this has taken on you. Rest a moment, eat something, and drink some water, you should." A knobbled hand reaches beneath the heavy woolen cloak and emerges with an apple. "Here."
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"Hep, you weren't the only one" Effie says, softly and sadly. "But somehow I snapped out of it. Zith, I don't know what I said to you but I remember how I felt. I... it wasn't really me. Was it?"
Effie puts the juggling balls away and checks in on Sir Ilivan. "You mustn't blame yourself. That stuff affected me and Hepsubia too. Even the environment is corrupted out here!"
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Maria repeats her earlier statement, "It was Rageweed, Effie. It causes hallucinations, paranoia and obviously rage. It's a simple combination of chemical and magical effects. No one is going to hold anything said against you. And we all acted quickly enough so no lasting harm appears to have been done to us. Sir Ilvan, on the other hand..."
She moves over to the knight, "Sir Ilvan, I believe you are under the effects of what they call, post traumatic stress syndrome. It's a pretty newly diagnosed disorder, but you may have heard of similar things called 'soldier's heart' or 'combat fatigue'. Essentially, when someone has gone through something incredibly traumatic, it can cause lasting mental harm. Would you like to talk about what you just felt? I've heard that can help, though I would have to defer to a professional for any further treatment."
She sounds like she is reading off a medical journal, though her tone is definitely caring.
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"In truth, I would have found the insults amusing if the situation were not so dire," Zithembe reassures Effie.
He looks at the recovering crusader and frowns slightly. He approaches as the others speak with Sir Ilvan. "I spent an unfathomable amount of time under the machinations of demons for their own entertainment. I understand how they get into your head and make up seem down and right seem wrong. That is, when they are not simply skinning your body to turn you into a living cloak or stinging your eyes with abyssal wasps. I know that you were captured by demons in the past and made to do horrible things. But you are not alone now. When wee face the demons, we will be at your side."
Perhaps now understanding that arguing won't get him anywhere Sir Ilivan ceases trying to regain his seat atop Hannah and plops down, arms draped over his knees and staring at the ground. After a long pause, he finally speaks.
"I've been out here a long time. Not just in years. I've seen things that good, decent people should never have to see. And I've done things," he begins, his tone bordering on what sounds like despair. "During the Fourth Mendevian Crusade. I was leading a platoon. We were hard marching to an outpost, sent to relieve the men who were there. But I was a fool and banked on speed instead of scouting parties to avoid the enemy. And when you push for speed, men get tired. When they get tired, they grumble. When they grumble, it wears on you on top of being tired yourself."
"So focused on speed, we never saw the shadow demon. They're cruel, calculating things. It took over my mind because it knew I was in command. And..." Sir Ilivan hesitates, begins again in a voice that begins to crack, "That evil bastard...made me...killed two....of the finest, bravest...."
Suddenly he pounds the earth with a fist and emits an anguished cry, He buries his head in his hands for a moment, and you can hear him talking softly though the only word you can catch of this is 'Iomedae'.
"I might've killed them all if a few of my men hadn't been quick-witted and quicker on their feet than I was and tackled me to the ground," the crusader finally continues, looking up to meet your gazes at last. "Worst day of my life. I see it, every now and again, when I lay down at night. The still of the night, just you and your thoughts. Sometimes you can't control those thoughts, and that memory bubbles up. They said to let it go. I worked with the clerics of Iomedae. And they did what they could, said the normal, 'Not your fault', 'Nothing you can do', 'Best way to heal is to avenge them'."
"Pah!" He spits on the ground. "They don't see those faces when they lay down at night. Good men, trying to be a heroes. They looked up to me, respected me, followed me. And I killed them. May Iomedae have mercy on my soul."
Sir Ilivan falls silent again and it seems as though he may speak no more...until he finally turns wearily to the Grandfrogger and accepts the offered apple. "Thank you. We'll rest a few more minutes but then we'd best get moving again. I may have failed my men that day, but I'll not fail those prisoners too."
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Maria recalls her first mission. The one where she almost killed a man. Sure, she was justified in striking, he was coming at her with intent to kill. But still, to have blood on your hands requires a certain steeled soul. Or maybe not, maybe everyone with blood on their hands is just burying it deep inside.
She writes down a few notes.
Proper methods to handle grief? PTSD/combat fatigue treatment methods? Must research.
"We shall get you some better help when we return. I'm not saying the clerics couldn't help, just that well... obviously they don't know everything. I strongly suggest you stay back when we encounter the demons. Your panic attack could easily be triggered again, putting everyone at more risk of harm."
"We shall get you some better help when we return. I'm not saying the clerics couldn't help, just that well... obviously they don't know everything. I strongly suggest you stay back when we encounter the demons. Your panic attack could easily be triggered again, putting everyone at more risk of harm."
""His reaction to the rageweed is no worse than Effie's or Hepsubia's was. Perhaps better since he restrained his blade. Sir Ilvan is a crusader of many years, and I trust him to handle himself."
As Sir Ilivan climbs back atop his horse he shakes his head. "No, she's got a fair point. I haven't done much to earn your trust, earlier or now. But if the gods are willing, I'd like to try now. You'll not face those demons alone but if I...if I feel like I might lose control of myself again, I'll fall back. You have my word."
"I'll put a word for you next time I go to Heaven."
"What's Heaven like?" the crusader suddenly asks. Even though some of you had mentioned your trip there previously, this is the first time that Sir Ilivan has seemed to show any interest in it. "Is it as beautiful as the books say it is?"
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Hepsubia starts to regal the crusader with the tale of their adventure in Heaven, pointing out they were helping a soul searching for goodness. She gives a description of Valais, a woman with a pure soul and a body marked by the demons, which they helped. The elf talks about Heaven obsession about paperwork and lenghty contracts, how her carefree attitude put her at odd more than once with the rigidity of Heaven, but they were truly good folks at heart (and soul, of course).
She gives an eloquent speech about the celestial hounds, archons, azata and other fluffy angelic creatures, the walls of diamonds, the majestic and beautiful gates of Heaven, the biggest library she ever saw.
She speaks about the ritual of purification they had to do to save Valais' soul.
But the plan backfired, and Valais sould was thrice divided, two parts demon, one part human, no ice, shaked, not stirred.
So when life gives you demons, you make some demonade, and kick the baddies backside. I might had a few fiery words toward a patronizing angel that didn't gave us the help Valais needed. And I regret nothing. To this day at least.
So, right in the middle of Heaven, we had to fight a kalkavelus or kalavakus, I don't remember , demon, who specialise in enslaving people. Or souls, I don't know. They take themselves quite seriously, so it was our job to put his pompeous arse down, making him look silly.
Her grin widens at the memory, and there is a few tears in her eyes.
That's my favorite part about our trip to Heaven. We put on a show, and our priest, Parison, Sarenae blesses his kind heart, threw his shoe at the demon, joking that it would be the only "sole" (not "soul", "sole") he would see!
Hepsubia is caught in a lenghty laughter, then continues her story
and then, Parison pushes a blueberry pie right in the kalkathingy face!
She explodes in laughter again
Then we really, all together, put a beating to him, and he disappered from Heaven. Then we fought a babau and some kind of blobs in a forest, but it was less funny. We won, of course. Finally, some bee-women helped us putting Valais human soul in her body.. You should ask Maria to lend her her notes, not only did she write pretty everything, she took sketches too, and the girl gots talent. But Valais story didn't stopped here... Heaven celestials not only forgave her, but welcomed her and made her one of them.
So you see, Sir Ilivan, if a woman whose body was haunted by two demons managed to become an aasimar, maybe you shouldn't put so much weight on your shoulders. Don't forget to hope.
Though none of you have forgotten your purpose Hepsubia's retelling of your adventures in Heaven prove a welcome respite after the unnerving encounter with the rageweed. Even Sir Ilivan can't help but chuckle at the thought of throwing shoes at a demon, though his expression quickly grows somber again once the tale is done.
"You know...being out here with you all, seeing my shortcomings in the face of your bravery, well...if that isn't proof that the war has changed me then I don't know what is."
He stares ahead at the path you follow, the path that will hopefully lead you to the captured crusaders.
"And now I see that I'm not fit to lead, not like this. I should've helped you back at Bedis and I shouldn't have argued about coming out here after those men. Once we rescue them and make it back to Nerosyan, I'll be stepping down - effective immediately. Maybe it'd do me good to go back to being part of the rank and file or maybe they'll have some other idea where to put me."
There's a pause and he adds, "As long as it's not filling out gods-damned paperwork! Think I'd rather take my chances against the demons armed with baked goods..."
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Maria nods at the decision, "Well, there you go now. Finally a bit of good introspection. But don't worry too much, I think your decision will work out. A good leader knows when to make the hard calls, and that is about the hardest call one can make. Stay humble, know your limitations and always keep working to improve yourself."
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Well that makes more sense.
"You know, Sir Ilivan, there are crusaders within the Pathfinder Society that would welcome you as a brother, if you feel like taking up the fight in a different way. It wouldn't all be working at the Worldwound, or even in Mendev, but there's evil to fight all over the Inner Sea."
The crusader reflects on Effie's suggestion, looking thoughtful.
"Hmm...that could work. I'll have to give it some more thought though, once we return to Nerosyan."
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After a few minutes of riding you can see a swarm of angry looking hornets off in the distance and Sir Ilivan is quick to pull on Hannah's reigns to draw her to a halt. Some of you prepare to do battle, reaching for alchemist's fires and the like, but Sir Ilivan throws his arm out to signal you to wait.
"Watch, they've picked up a scent that isn't us. If we wait, I think we'll be able to pass on by while they're after whatever quarry they've sighted."
And just as the crusader finishes his sentence, the swarm rises high into the air and speedily moves away towards the north.
"Whew. One less thing to deal with. Hannah and I wouldn't have been much help against those things," Sir Ilivan remarks with a sigh of relief.
"Okay, let's get moving before they come back. I think we're getting close, too..."
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Only a short time after you narrowly avoid tangling with the hornet swarm - perhaps no more than half an hour or so - the trail you've been following leads you to dry, narrow gulch. It looks as though a creek once flowed through here but has long since dried up and the only thing to flow since has been blood, judging by the number of rusted weapons, broken arrows, and the occasional skull are strewn about the landscape. The walls of the gulch narrow, creating a natural choke point, but rise only to about 8 feet in height and so could be climbed without too much effort.
Sir Ilivan frowns and brings you all to a halt once again, pointing at something much further down the gulch, several hundred feet by the looks of it. Several individual specks milling about, that could very well be the demons and captured crusaders that you seek. They seem to have stopped their march, for whatever reason.
"There...I think that's our quarry. But what rotten luck, catching up to them here," he remarks, expression grim. "Unless one of you've got the means to hide us all from sight they're going to spot us before we can get anywhere near close enough to surprise them."
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"I don't see any way to hide us, especially with the horses. But this point looks defensible. I'm tempted to go up the walls, shoot down from there, but I'm a little afraid of getting caught in a dretch funk-cloud and stuck. I'm not a great climber, really."
Effie quaffs her anti-toxin as she considers the pending unpleasantness. She draws her firearm and checks its loaded with cold iron, then readies the flasks of holy water that she took from the fort.
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Maria looks at the gulch and the short walls, "Well, tactics would be to gain the high ground and force the enemies to come up at us. We could do three options, a pincer move splitting the group up with one on each side. Second, we could send our melee down the middle to engage and ranged pick them off from above. Lastly we could all just burst down one side and try to engage. Trying to just rush all down the middle seems like the only unwise choice."
She takes a moment to slam back some elixirs and alchemical creations.
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"Remember that they have prisoners, and what the demons did to their prisoners at the fort to draw out the defenders," Zithembe reminds the others. "We came to rescue those who could be rescued not to simply slay a few demons."
The shabti retrieves and drinks the soothe syrup that Maria gave to him earlier. His copper eyes then transform into carved citrine. Those among his Pathfinder companions with skill in magic feel their minds fill with the knowledge of ancient Sarkorian shamans who once tread these lands. The rest hear meaningless arcane nonsense.
"Hepsubia, I am going to ward you against the noxious gas of the dretch," he says and then chants. "나는 바람을 묶고 당신을 보호합니다."
A gentle zephyr swirls around the elf, blowing the dust away from her. Once the spell is complete, his citrine eyes return to metal.
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”Scout ahead, perhaps I can.” The Grandfrogger’s voice comes from the top of the gulch, where only the hood of his heavy woolen cloak can be seen. ”Wisdom, Zithembe speaks. A trap, let us not walk blindly into.”
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Maria looks at the layout, "Hmmm, definitely can't split up super wide with this huge gorge. I think we are down to two options. Send in a distraction right down the middle and have some sneaky ones of us stay up top or just all of us stay up top. I volunteer to stay up top and try to sneak in. Fair warning though, anyone up top might have to deal with enemies as well, especially if they set up an ambush point there, which is definitely what I would do."
After everyone readies what magics they have that will linger for a bit and those who want to ascend the ridge do so, you all creep up as far as you dare before Maria and the Grandfrogger brave scouting ahead.
At the other end of the gulch, you see a goat-headed demon wreathed in smoke and flames and two hulking demonic brutes standing around a huddled group of eight Mendevian soldiers clapped in manacles. All of the soldiers seem to be in states of extreme exhaustion and it appears that some are unconscious, looking as though they've been dragged through the dirt.
The two brutes fidget restlessly, flexing their clawed hands, and seem to be arguing with the goat-headed demon about something, but they're too far away for either of you to hear what is being said.
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Maria nods at the grippli and motions that they should slip back to their allies.
Once they make it back she shares, "Alright, now is our chance. I don't think they are setting an ambush. It seemed like the two small ones were arguing about something with the big one. It frankly doesn't matter what they are arguing about, but if I had to guess it would be 'eat them now' or 'save them for later'. Anyway, I think we need to enact our plan and strike while the cold iron is hot."
Maria and the Grandfrogger return to share what they observed, with Maria confirming that you're dealing with a brimorak and two dretches. You all recall that Zithembe was able to share some information about both types of demons - though of course Maria may be able to add to that, at least as far as dretches are concerned.
With all of you in agreement that now is the time to strike, you take your positions...and begin your assault!
As those of you opting to meet the demons directly really can't hide your approach any longer all three demons look up and in your direction as the sound of pounding hooves and feet reaches their ears. The brimorak utters a wicked laugh that echoes through the gorge.
But though they're aware of your presence none of them are quite fast enough to react before Effie, fastest gun this side of the Inner Sea!
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Effie
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Brimorak
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The Grandfrogger
Hepsubia
Maria
Sir Ilivan
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Dretches
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Rumble
Zithembe
Active Conditions: Archmage Spirit (+2 Spell Damage)
Environmental Conditions:
Effie is UP!
Maria recalls a few additional things about dretches. She knows that they posses no special weapons beyond their teeth and claws, nor do they posses any special defenses. What might be a problem are their limited ability to strike fear into the hearts of their foes, conjure clouds of stank, and potentially summon more of their brethren to fight by their side...albeit that last one doesn't usually have a great success rate.
Atop the ridge Effie strikes a dramatic pose and calls out a challenge of her own to the demons. The effect is quite inspiring and fills everyone with courage!
the brimorak laughs.
As the brimorak steps forward a few paces he glances over at his dretch underlings and the helpless crusaders.
The brimorak then begins weaving some manner of magic and points at those of you conveniently bunched together in the gorge...and then a burst of fire explodes within your midst!
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Effie
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Brimorak
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The Grandfrogger
Hepsubia
Maria
Sir Ilivan
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Dretches
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Rumble
Zithembe
Active Conditions: Inspire Courage +1
Environmental Conditions:
The Grandfrogger, Hepsubia and Maria are UP!