When the party his read to travel, Kyson leads the way. First a few miles north (up the road toward Castle Ice), then cuts across to the west along a lesser used hunting trail.
Kyson is inquisitive and wonders more about what brought you to Mendev and why are you have chosen this battlefront to risk your lives.
@Kosz: "You are very different than your companions. Who were your parents?"
@Kergrik: "Why did you join the Blades of Golarion? Many dwarves tend to avoid this fight as they have their own underground."
* * *
The path that Kyson leads you is little used and you pass few travelers on your way. Those that you do meet are mere farmers more than happy to say hello as you pass. The hills on the journey are idyllic, lush grasslands that seem to go on for leagues. Shepherds and small plot farms make up most of the buildings that you see as you leave Kenabres.
"You 'ave to ask, Master Tirc? Look around you. Zis beauty is a gift from Shelyn and ze ozer gods. I 'ave seen ze destruction zat 'umans can cause in my 'omeland and I came 'ere to make sure zat ze demons do not do even worse. If we can 'elp close ze WorldWound, zen zere is surely 'ope even for my 'ome."
Aurelian speaks with his typical passion, tears forming in his eyes as he looks around from the back of Beaumond, his horse.
The smiling mask turns away from the guide as the blank side of the helm bisected only by a narrow slit slides around to face him. From within a voice asks, 'How am I so different? Is it my looks? I am from Kyonin as still are my parents.'
Pausing for a moment, he continues, 'I have come with the other Blades to destroy the affront to the Welcomer. She has marked the transition of too many years since the blasphemous portal opened and commands it be closed once and for all.'
”Ah well therein lies a tale. Will yer ave a drink whist I tell ye? Kergrik unstoppers a bottle with his teeth takes a Swig and offers the bottle to Kyson and the other blades Me full name is Kergrik Karak of house Karak of the Five Kings Mountains, A proud and ancient line. Um…how best to put this. Me family is not a progressive one an’ they believe that we Dwarfs would be better off if we had not “surrendered our lands to humans.” and allied with the other ”inferior” clans. Aghh useless politicking. he spits. "Its doctrine to all us from a very early age. Anyhow of me 3 brothers I am the youngest. Me eldest brother became a shield bearer to the high king a very proud moment for our family. An me other siblings took the cloth and quickly became high ranking priests. So when I came of age I was under no pressure and so I chose the life of a mercenary seeking to earn fame and fortune.” At this point he gestures to his companions ”One day I will have to return to the halls of my ancestors and swear fealty to my brother as clan leader, he is a good man and I will do this gladly. Though as my friends will tell you I do write to my family telling them of our exploits… that said as far as my family are concerned we are all dwarfs."
Kyson swigs without a second thought, gritting his face to prevent any coughing as the liquid burns his throat.
"Well met, Kergrik. You have quite the history about you. So what are your goals here? Why would bring you to these lands?"
* * *
@Aurelian: Kyson looks around as he again sees the countryside for what it is. "I fight for this land and I know the sorrow if this beauty is lost. I was raised here in Mendev. I have seen these hills and grasslands that go on nearly forever. And I know that each year the Worldwound grows and takes more of my land and perverts it. Like you I wish for the beauty to continue."
Kyson's eyes are hard and cold, a steely resolve behind them.
* * *
@Kosz: "You are different, any fool can tell that...and I am no fool." Kyson smiles and give his bravest face.
"Did Iomedae herself send you to aid us? Did one of her heralds? I only wish I could see them once to know that they would aid us in our struggle."
Kyson reveals a softness in his faith to you.
* * *
@Saiai: "M'lady, surely one like you must feel conflicted about all this. You are shunned by some in Golarion, but you would fight to keep them safe. Why?"
* * *
@Zaharan: "I know so little about you, would you tell me about yourself."
Aurelian rides on in silence for a while. Eventually, he spurs Beaumond forward to talk to Kyson again. "Are we likely to reach zese cultist today, Sir Tirc? And did ze scout tell you anyzing else of zem? It might be 'elpful if we knew 'ow zey are armed, and if zey 'ave any defensive fortification set up."
@Kosz: "You are different, any fool can tell that...and I am no fool." Kyson smiles and give his bravest face.
"Did Iomedae herself send you to aid us? Did one of her heralds? I only wish I could see them once to know that they would aid us in our struggle."
Kyson reveals a softness in his faith to you.
Kosz silently regards the guide for several moments before answering. As ever, his voice is slightly tinny with a faint echo coming from the helm'I serve the Grey Lady; she who opens all of the doors in our lives. The Worldwound is a portal she does not control and that makes it one doorway too many. She has been patient out of respect for her ally's successor. Now she takes an active hand. Her faithful are few, but we are all called to this place and time to unmake this abomination.'
The knight stands in unadorned steel full plate, a long plain grey cloak hangs from his shoulders to just above his heels. His helm is a single piece without visor. Only the narrow slit running horizontally at eye level breaks it's continuity. Affixed to the back of the helm is a smiling mask.
Saiai had been listening to everyone else talk and was chocked when Kyson spoke with such a direct, and somewhat blunt, question. Her answer was to pull off her helm, unravel her tail and lower her veil before looking turning to look him directly in the eye as her cherry red skin gleamed in the sunlight. "'There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.' The taint running in my veins will become more widespread and run rampant across the land if this evil is not stopped. Unlike most of my kind I was saved, cared for and loved with no expectation or feeling of being indebted after my mother left me to die. So I have many reasons to fight Kyson, there is beauty, kindness, love, protecting innocence and so much more. No matter what the people of Golarion think of me, I will repay the kindness that was given to me ten fold, even if it means being stoned or hated for what I am. I will weather whatever storm comes..."
She paused for a moment of thought before she turned and smiled at Kyson, her cherry colored skin and eyes shining mischievously. "Besides in some countries you are shunned just as much as I Kyson, so lets not let such thoughts distract us from our goal." she pulled out Redeemer then and began waxing its bowstring with a tender hand as she prepared for the coming trials.
Kergrik swings his new axes testing the weight and balance. “What bought me to here? Me Friends did we ‘ad said we were looking for a noble cause and as we were in the area so to speak. That an Briar got a bee in his bonnet bout the call to arms one of the sharpest blokes I ever met but he more stubborn than a dwarf sometimes, an I mean that as the highest complement!” As fur me goals well the obvious; Fame, fortune, adventure Passin out in as many taverns as possible. I guess I want to be remembered by the great bards and retire with a pile of gold and a huge family. Still that’s a long ways off yet. And we’ve got daemons between us an the easy life...And you sir Tirc always been a solider? and for one raised in Mendev you seem welcoming to outsiders I was told that Mendev locals don’t take kindly to the continued influx of troops.”
@Aurelian: "Very soon. I think we shall see battle on the morrow...you'll see what these demons can do and what you can do to them. It's likely that I'll begin my scouting soon."
@Kosz: "I welcome you to this place. I hope you succeed in your task. I have been trying for the last 20 years...so much loss and all we do is slow down the tide."
@Saiai: "In case you did not see, Saiai, I am not really welcome with the Iomedaens. They have me because I have my uses, but they do not welcome me or trust me as one of their own. I am not like them...nor like their soldiers. The reason I took so long to get to the tent is that I am not welcome in the camp...but Sir Maverick knows that I am useful. I put on the robes and dress the part, but they know...and they only tolerate me. But since I serve the Goddess, they will let me help. I know what it is like to be unwelcome." Kyson looks straight ahead as he speaks, as if this brings him much sadness.
@Kergrik: "You will get a chance to dip your axe soon. The border is not far. Their encampment is near. Beating these demons and their worshippers is but a test, Kergrik. A hard test, but a test nonetheless to see if you will be good allies. The Iomedaens and the Mendevans need good allies." Kyson twangs his bow string as he talks, listening to the tautness to see if it is ready.
"I am here because I was born nearby. I was given freely into the military by my parents for they thought it was their duty to protect Mendev. I trained hard, learn to fight, but my way is not their way...the Iomedaens have a connection with the Goddess that I will never have."
It is nearing dusk and Kyson leads the party to a small shelter for the night. It's nothing more than a small fire ring, pre-dug into the earth so that fire cannot be seen to far away, surrounded by some logs and boulders in a copse of trees.
"This is where we make camp for the night. Like the last night, we post watch. I'll take middle shift." Kyson breaks out some provisions and starts the fire.
As they dismount and begin to set up camp, Kosz finally removes his helm. 'Odd, last night we slept in an inn. Was there a watch that I was left off? The paladin smiles as he says this, reaching for the straps to loosen his armour.
Once out of his plate, he goes about caring for his steed then himself. 'I would take last watch, so as to avoid the noise and time of putting all of that back on and then off again.'
The first day passed quite quickly, with little happening.
It is now the second day of travel.
"I did not see and it is sad that is the state of the world Kyson, even their goddess proves fickle to banish such bigotry. One day they will see the error of their ways, but for now forget them. They are not here, they are not fighting these cultists, they prove where they stand in this conflict and they are in the wrong. We are and for that they prove where they stand. I shall take the darkest hour of the night Whatever shift Kergrik does not, I can see very well in the dark as well."
@Saiai: Kyson does not look directly at you, but smiles nonetheless. "Thank you Saiai, I'll likely die fighting in this accursed war and I'd wish I were welcomed for what I am. Sadly, the Iomedaens have some restrictions for their officers and the men they trust."
You sense that Kyson is a bit of a loner, a bit unconnected from people and also desires to be the outcast, despite himself.
Saiai is quiet for a moment before adding in quiet tones. "That is why their losing this war Kyson. They fight it with restrictions and foolish politics's directing their actions, when they should be following their heart and tempering it with the wisdom they gain in combat. Our enemies are mindless in their devotion to victory, I should know... I think much like them and they laugh at our weakness. We are vulnerable and we have allowed ourselves to be. But when we have dealt with these cultists, it will be like throwing dirt in the eyes of our enemy. After that all we need to do is make them bleed..." She keeps Redeemer sitting idly across her lap and her wand at her side in case they ran into something foul...
@Zaharan: "I know so little about you, would you tell me about yourself."
Zaharin shifts uncomfortably in his saddle at the inquiry. I think it's really friendly of you to ask but I do not make it a habit to disclose my personal background to somebody I just met. I could tell you this though, Zaharin Jozaidir always sees his part of he deal through, to the letter. Maybe after this is over, assuming we survive, we could less than strangers, yes?
Sense motive:
Overhearing the conversation between Saiai and Kyson, Zaharin observes, Even after all this, they still think of you as an outsider? Perhaps they think you haven't bled enough for them. Today may be the day your actions opened their eyes to what you really are.
"Why are you not welcome in their camp, Master Tirc? At any rate, I would not count it as a mark against you, as Sir Means seemed disinclined to welcome anyone from what I could tell."
"I shall take ze first watch, before it grows too dark. Zen I shall arise wiz ze dawn and pray to my lady as I watch ze sunrise." Aurelian quickly helps set up camp and settles his horse, then spends a bit of time getting used to his new glaive. He'll keep his older weapon nearby as well in case they face a non-demonic threat in the night.
@Zaharin: "Maybe. Maybe if we survive we will be friends. I could use new friends or a change, mayhaps."
* * *
@Zaharin & Aurelian: "Outsider? Yes and no...I am different than them. They prefer those who can demonstrate the divine spark. Those strong and close to the will of Iomedae have the divine spark directly from the Goddess herself. I do not possess it. And in order to advance within the ranks of the Iomedaens, you must be able to show that the Goddess works directly through you. Makes sense, does it not? Every high level commander can easily show the spark before every meeting and everyone knows how they sit with Iomedae." Kyson just shrugs.
"I cannot compete with that, nor fake it. It is a gift from the Goddess that some have and some do not. What do you think of that?"
Kyson looks at both Zaharin and Aurelian as if to judge and weigh the measure of each of them on their answer.
If Iomedae chooses whom shall rise in the ranks fighting for her cause then I have no cause to question a god's reasons. I am but a soldier, a mercenary at that. I follow orders and do my duty. There is contentment in doing a job well done. I suppose you feel your previous actions deserve some merit or notice from the goddess, to make you think this way?
"While I am sure eet ees frustrating, friend Kyson, I 'ave learned zat ze gods may speak through and to us in different ways and eet ees easy to misinterpret what zey are saying. I spend much time trying to make sure I understand what eet ees zat Shelyn wants from me."
[b]"But eet grows late and we 'ave much to do tomorrow. Za'arin, weell you take ze first watch wiz me?"[b] Aurelian will stoke the coals of their fire and settle himself down, remaining alert to anything outside the camp.
@Zarahin: "I believe in the goddess and the goodness of the goddess, I do not need her to notice me, but these men of holy war, they should welcome me regardless of my spark...and they do to some extent. But I will never lead in battle, nor join a war counsel. Those paths are closed to me."
Kyson speaks plainly, as such things are matter of fact and settled.
* * *
The night passes without incident.
On the morn, Kyson is more somber than usual, taking care to test his bow and prepare what happens during the day. He spends some time making sure he can quickly pull out different arrows from his quiver, as if each one has a different use.
He is dressed differently today...a pale blue cloak covers him head to toe.
"Let us go, an hour or so more and I'll begin my scouting."
When rest of the party is ready, Kyson leads the way along the trail yet further.
* * *
After about an hour of riding, Kyson halts the party behind a small grove of trees.
"Wait here, I shall return." Kyson concentrates inwardly and wraps his cloak around him.
Taking flight, Kyson lifts directly off his horse, flying directly upwards. Higher and higher he soars, looking around, scouting. His pale blue cloak makes it difficult to pinpoint him unless you knew what you were looking for.
After about a minute, Kyson floats back down to his horse.
"Nothing unusual...let us keep moving."
* * *
Kyson repeats the process an hour later.
This time at the peak [300' up] of his flight, he literally disappears. Gone.
A minute later, you hear Kyson's voice from not far away, the middle of your party.
"They come! PREPARE! I counted 5 mortal, one immortal...and it's big. Nastier than what I would have hoped for. At least 7' tall, it walks upon elephantine feet and large, razor-sharp horns cover its body."
Kyson's voice draws closer and Kosz feels a tug on his armor.
"Ahead is a good ambush site...less than a minute away. Go there, set up an ambush. They come this way! I scout for others."
You hear the flap of Kyson's cloak and smell of hard tack upon his breath. Kyson is invisible and flying and near you, whispering.
* * *
Aurelian feels his pulse start to pound as the threat of battle looms. Riding quickly to the site, he ties Beaumond to a tree, making sure both glaives are within easy reach on his horse's saddle.
Grabbing a rod attached to his belt, he quickly mutters a prayer to his goddess: "Shelyn, grant me your power, zat I may move as quickly as ze young lovers reunited."
That finished, the young Galtan pulls the massive bow from his back, testing the string once. Then he adjust his quiver, making sure both his cold-iron and his normal arrows are easily at hand, before finding a place to hide in the trees.
"you wanna’ take the biggun this time Kosz?" Kergrik lets his axes drop onto their cords and spits into his palms then he picks up some lose grit and rubs it together with the saliva, finally he regains his weapons and grips them hard. "Any wizards yer could see Kyson?"
Saiai moves quickly behind a tree on the south side of the road. She tries to keep herself tight to the tree as she tries to hide from the view of their enemies. An immortal one... It won't be so Immortal when I strike it down with Redeemer...
Perception:
Init:
Stealth:
Here..Kergrik, take my Enlarge person infusion. It'll last quite a while so don't worry too much shrinking down in the middle.
Zaharin quaffs his Shield infusion before drawing his crossbow, settling amongst the foliage of a nearby tree, taking care to blend himself as much as he can.
'Kergrik, let's get behind that large tree there. We can all start with ranged attacks. The fiend is of primary concern to me. I do not imagine these cultist's will feel nearly as brave if we remove the object of their worship.'
Kosz moves to T8, readying his heavy crossbow with a cold iron tipped bolt, his shield propped against the tree.
@Kergrik: Kyson was away and missed your questions about wizards. Where did you want to be?
* * *
Kyson blinks back into sight in the trees. You can see that he has carefully chosen a spot where his sky blue cape is visible to you, but not those walking up the road. He readies his bow.
The sound of a large band is easily heard coming closer. In his hiding place, Kyson tenses, his entire body like a bow pulled taut, ready to release a rain of death upon his enemies. After a moment, he forces a semblance of calm and sends the universal sign for silence. His grin, though, speaks volumes. He is very prepared when the marauding party comes into view.
The bald head, gleaming claws, and large toothy mouth may make you wonder at the evils of the abyss. It swings a large wicked claws happily at the trees and birds, a whirlwind of unfocused destruction. Five cultists cajole and cheer on the devastation, but none come too close lest they get caught.
“The time for decisive action beckons!” Kyson whispers back to you.
Terrain:
Weather: Sunny, lightly clouded.
Illumination: A mid-afternoon day.
Slope: The road slopes down at the cultists, they march at a slight incline (no movement penalty either way.
Trees and bushes (with at least half full) are impassable.
Re-rolling full Init:
Aurelian:
Kosz:
Kergrik:
Saiai:
Zaharin:
Good guy #1:
Cultists:
It does not appear like they are expecting resistance and the cultists pay more attention to the demon than where they are going.
You may spring your trap when you are ready...tell me where they are when you do something.
Action Order:
Aurelian: 24
Kergrik: 21
Cultists: 20
Zaharin: 15
Good guy #1: 11
Saiai: 8
Kosz: 6
Description of the Cultists: 3 are men, 2 are women. All are humans (Mendevians for the most part.). They all wear studded leather armor and each has a variety of weapons.
As the wands magic coursed over her limbs making her feel stronger and making her feel more powerful, Saiai barely resisted licking her lips in pleasure at the feeling. Sometimes it was hard to resist such a basic impulse and it always happened whenever they were about to battle something. It was like a strange surge... a need to assert dominance which always overwhelmed her momentarily. It was something her Shifu never had the chance to help her master before his death. Her hand hovered over where Redeemer was sheathed in its bow case on her back.
Today they die for their choices, I commend their ability but condemn them for wasting their potential...
@Aurelian: GoodGuy #1 is GoodGuy #1. Your reality may vary. Briar was ordered to stay behind by Sir Means for another assignment. No leader is visible.
@Saiai: You had about a minute before they came to the road, and you have whatever actions you want to take as they move closer.
I hope everyone concentrates fire. Bring them down one at a time.
Zaharin stays low, hugging the trunk. The crossbow's lined up for a shot at the closest target he could see. He pauses, waiting, for the right moment.
”Right you are lead the way!” Kergrik says cheerfully as he takes up his position when he is ready he sniffs the potion and downs the contents burping as he grows in size. ”mmm lemony” after this he tightens up his grip on his axes and braces himself for his run. Kergrik’s face loses all its cheer and becomes fierce and stern his eyes focus on a spot on the road and he begins a low chant in dwarven.
Declaring his judgment on their foes -- "Shelyn, in your name, I shall remove zis blot of ugliness from ze world" -- Aurelian steps out from behind the tree, pulls back his bow string and lets an arrow fly toward one of the lead cultists.
Kergrik quaffs a potion of Shield of faith and continues to wait in the trees.
Saiai had just enough time to pull out Redeemer and snatch up a couple of regular arrows as she waited for the cultists and their demonic ally to come in range. But when she saw Aurelian begin to step out she timed her movements to mimic her ally.
Step, Pull release, Feel the movement of the world. Feel the breath of life and focus your spirit into your bow. Become the bow, be one with the arrow as you release it...
As she release both arrows in rapid succession at Aurelians target, she starts to feel a calm fall over her. Her breathing was slowing and everything was moving slower more fluid. She didn't pause to see if the arrows struck their mark as she reached for another cold iron arrow.
At Aurelian's exclamation, Kosz takes a five foot step and fires his heavy crossbow at the demon.
As the bolt flies, Kosz attempts to recall specifically what kind of demon they face.
Giving full round on surprise because I think ambushes deserve it.
@Aureilian: You strike true, damaging (along with Saiai's arrows) and knocking down the cultist in BB14. Well struck! You hear Kyson whooping in approval. RE: Know(planes): You have heard of the vicious Kalavakus demon, a monstrosity of the Abyss. You know that this demon walks upon elephantine feet and has large, razor-sharp horns cover its body. You have 2 questions more...what would you know?
@Saiai: Both your arrows hit, joining Aurelian in taking down the cultist BB14.
@Kosz: Your arrow hits, but does not confirm. The demon shows no reaction from the missile save for recognizing the attack. You do not recognize the demon. (Don't forget range penalties, if any.)
@Zaharin: You may fire (as your comrades have) and then we'll go into 'normal' initiative.
Aurelian: 24
Kergrik: 21
Cultists: 20
Zaharin: 15
Good guy #1: 11
Saiai: 8
Kosz: 6
We await Zaharin and Aurelian's questions (which he can shout about), then full round actions.
"Be careful, mes amis, it 'as no weaknesses but to 'ard steel. Try to 'urt it from afar, as zose 'orns are deadly!" Aurelian yells to his companions.
Then, calling on the power of his goddess, he imbues his weapon with deadly power before again pulling back the bow and letting another arrow fly at another cultist.
attack: with 190ft range penalties at BE19
damage:
Zaharin curses as his bolts flies wayward across the distance. He crouches even more, trying to make himself unnoticed.
snipe:
The cultists seem stunned that one of their own has spinned to the ground with multiple arrows flying at them from the woods.
Shrieking in fury, they point to the woods where you guys are as if to command the demon. They yell and scream and exhort, demanding that the demon slay their enemies.
And then they draw their weapons, 4 greatswords come out.
Zaharin to act, then the Good Guy.
First blood to us, friends! Let us whittle their number some more.
Zaharin hums the mantra in his head "fast is smooth, smooth is fast" as he reloads and lets fly a bolt at the approaching cultists. He watches as it clips his target before preparing to reload again.
attack:
confirm:
damage:
The demon raises his head and looks to the forest and the arrows that fly out of it.
It concentrates inwardly and blinks out of existence.
It reappears in T26.
It roars, then smiles. He is happy to be free and have food before it.
EDIT: