The Demon is up:
Sensing the weakness in Kosz, the demon tries to claim Kosz' soul as his own.
Kosz: DC 18 Will save, please. This is an enchantment/compulsion effect.
@Kosz:
Then, the demon looks at you and commands you to bow (go prone) to him. DC 14 Will save. (casting defensively )
Saiai, Kosz, and Kergrik are next.
Init Repost:
Aurelian
Zaharin
Demonic Good Guy
Saiai
Kosz
Kergrik
Kosz feels the tug of the demon upon his very soul. Pushing the foul influence away, he staggers yet somehow keeps his feet.
Resolute, the paladin shrugs off the demon's command and takes another swing at the abyssal beast.
DWA attack.
HA attack.
Aarrrgggg! Kergrik sweeps his axes in on the daemon, but they both fail to make impact with the creature. He then begins to shout loudly in dwarven.
As both arrows ricochet off the demons hide Saiai prepares for the worst, her comrades were in bad shape and this demon was still far too strong to be overcome soon...
Looking for a moment's lapse in defence, Zaharin bides his time, waiting for a golden opportunity.
Aid another (Kosz):
@Kosz: You whackify good, the demon ichors in several places, still searching for a soul to consume.
@Kergrik: You swear loudly and proudly. The grass bends away from you.
@Saiai: You miss twice.
@Zaharin: As you wish.
Aurelian is up.
Then the demon.
"Ha! Take zat, demon!" Aurelian exults as he sees his blade finally split the creature's flesh.
@Aurelian: from last post: "...the demon ichors in several places, still searching for a soul to consume." Your blow does little, but does some to the total on the beast.
The demon stays surrounded by his enemies, happy to be in the middle of a bloodbath. He invites Kergrik to enjoy more bloodspillage.
2 claws at Kergrik:
to hit, Rendface;
damage.
to hit, Rendflesh;
damage.
And a bite at Kosz:
to hit;
damage.
And a gore at Kosz:
to hit;
damage.
The demon pants at the exertion of beating so much mortal flesh. it is weakening, but still dangerous. A bit of damage to Kergrik and Kosz.
Saiai, Kosz, and Kergrik are next.
DWA attack.
HA attack.
Kergrik’s swearing is now strong and loud enough to make a Shackles Pirate blush, as he once again fails to make contact with the daemon.
"Aarrgh" Kosz cries out at the vicious bite of the demon. Desperately battling for his life as well as his soul, he begins swinging wildly, putting everything into his swings.
@Kergrik: A mighty wind.
@Kosz: Another solid blow rocks the demon.
Saiai, Aurelian, & Zaharin: Ye be up.
Aurelian swings the glaive again at the creature, smiling as he scores another hit, despite his frustration at their struggles to defeat the demon.
Zaharin continues to distract the demon, giving Kosz room to land his hits.
Aids Kosz:
Saiai's arrow flew true as she tried to bring the demon low.
Saiai's second arrow does hit and along with the nick from Aurelian's blade does bring the demon down, a look of surprise upon it's face.
"So close to many mortal souls. I shall return, mortals. Our kind rises."
The demon dies and its body does not blink out of existence.
The ambush site is red with blood...from cultist and demon as well as your own.
* * *
With the demon down, Kyson comes down from his vantage point.
"Well struck! I was worried for you. This demon is bigger than I thought would be freed. I worry for the wardstones if this is what is escaping. Either way, we can return when you are ready."
* * *
There is slim pickings from the cultists and demon.
A search of the demon body reveals only a necklace made of strange teeth with a peculiar cord.
From the cultists you amass 5 greatswords and 5 sets of filthy leather armor, a few days of trail rations and random bits of demon paraphernalia (worthless bits of chalk, half burnt candles, copies of "Going Rouge" by Parah Salin).
Zaharin felt guilty as he looked upon his comrade's wounded bodies. Wordlessly he begins to mix some infusions, before handing them over to anyone willing to take them.
"Merci, mon ami," Aurelian says, cleaning demon ichor off his glaive. "Is everyone OK? If we can, we should press on as fast as possible, so zat we can find zese cultists' camp and make sure zere are no more of zem and no more demons. Kosz, Kergreek, 'ow bad are your wounds?"
Kergrik sways unhealthily on his feet having to lean on his axes to stop him self falling on a couple of occasions ”Tis but a small cut I've had worse from cutting an apple when drunk! Someone else take the damn potion I’ll take my medicine from this ere bottle. he says swigging from the whisky bottle again. Then wincing in pain “That bein said I will have a drop just to put yer mind at rest.”
Zaharin’s brew.
Kergrik’s last potion.
*loud Belch* then bowing to Saiai "Sorry Miss"
In time Kergrik shrinks back to normal size and helps move the bodies to a ditch by the roadside now sat on one of the corpses he takes his axe and strips a piece of leather from the trousers of one of the cultists binding it round his axe handle to replace the worn grip.
“Well fought all, that boy was arder than I thought at first lets grab the ed and be going I need a drink so an the sooner we get this done the better." he says tossing the empty bottle into the bush.
Zaharin tries to conceal a smile as he observes Kergrik's bravado.
Ai Kergrik! You know how exposed I feel without a solid wall of well muscled dwarf between me and the nasties. Here, stand still and let me zap you up.
Kyson gives Kergrik a look and goes to retrieve the empty potion bottle from the bushes.
"We have already ruined this land with our blood, let us not add the wastes of civilization to it." Kyson pockets the bottle for re-use.
"Besides, we are stretched enough on supplies back at camp, these bottles can be re-used."
Kyson tosses down a waterproof sack at the demon and looks at the party.
"If you want to finish up here, I'll scout above and make sure we are safe before we head back."
Kyson concentrates inwardly for a moment, wraps his powder blue cloak around himself and gently lifts off from the ground. He flies for about 40 seconds before returning to the ground.
Zaharin starts packing up the fallen enemy weapons and armor.
Better not leave these behind. I'd rather friend rather than foe make use of them.
At the demon's demise, Kosz is swaying on his feet. Lungs heaving for air, he places his hand to his chest and quietly calls upon his Lady's aid.
"How badly wounded are the rest of you? I can channel more energy to heal all of our wounds."
Laughing as Zaharin Heals him Kergrik says: “ye only wanna stand behind me cos I’m short enough for yer throw those foul smelling fire pots over my ead! Ah i believe yer would miss me if I was gone cos then you would smell the worse.”
Turning to Kyson.
“Aye Sir Kyson yer right of course. Were yer impressed what you saw? Did we pass the entrance exam?”
Kergrik will gather all of his bottles. And add them to the stash then he will take his waraxe and hack at the daemons neck until it parts from its body.
Kosz will wait for his companions to all close ranks before channeling the healing energies provided for his use.
"Merci, mon ami," says the now fully healed Aurelian. "Ees everyone 'ealthy now? Eef so, we should continue on, before any accompleeces of zese cultists realized we 'ave defeated zeir friends."
Kyson floats back down from the sky, seemingly noticing that the other potion vials have been collected.
"I don't see any more. I believe we are done here." Kyson looks to the headless demon's body. "I almost wonder if we should burn that body, but I think nature's predators will take care of it."
Kyson moves to get his horse.
"When you are all healed and ready, let us get back. The will be very interested in that head."
Mounting his horse, Kyson mentions one more thing. "There is a storm coming. A real storm brewing to the west. I don't like those storms."
Kyson leads the party in returning to the pavilion of Sir Maverick Means and the rest of the Iomedean Crusade.
Kyson frequently looks over his shoulder, looking to the horizon at the oncoming storm.
"I don't like the looks of this. We need shelter. That storm comes too quickly...and from the Worldwound itself. Them storms are never right."
* * *
A few hours later, Kyson addresses the group.
"We need shelter now. The storm threatens to overtake us...and I don't think you've seen storms like this."
Kyson looks to you for aid.
Aurelian looks around, trying to find somewhere the group can shelter.
" 'Ow does zis storm differ from ze ones we are used to, Master Tirc?"
If you suggest we seek shelter then it is best we find one then. Storms are storms. Better not risk being struck by lightning after a glorious fight. It would look ironic.
*scans surrounding*
Anyplace you can suggest that might suffice? A cave or abandoned building nearby?
Knowledge(Nature):
Survival:
Kyson presses his mount at a quick pace and takes quick trips through thickets and near canyons looking for a place to shelter.
In encouraging the party to do the same, it is Aurelian who finds a suitable cave a few hours away from the battle site.
Kyson looks frantic but ultimately relieved when the cave is found (and found to have no current residents of note). "Last thing we need now is a fight with an owlbear or dire wolf. They seem to love this open area...let us get inside before the storm hits."
After seeing his horse inside the cavern, Kyson takes his first moments to drag in as much firewood that is reasonably near as he can.
"Not sure how long this storm will last. Trust me, you've never seen a show like this!"
Any preparations before the storm hits?
So, Kyson, how bad really are storms out here?
Zaharin helps out packing firewood inside. Booyah is herded in, next to the guide's mount.
After a moment's thought, he looks out for any tell-tale tracks and tries to cover them up, leading to the cave.
Exploring the cave further, there seems to be enough room for the mounts inside the front lip of the cavern, and enough space in the back for sleeping.
The cave opening gives decent view to oncoming storm. The clouds swirl with an ominous red and black, and often streaks of purple and white lightning arc between clouds.
"Yep. This one is going to be a doozie," Kyson says as he drags in a bit more firewood.
Noticing Zaharin's efforts, Kyson says "Not sure that's going to matter too much, but it's good practice to that." Kyson kneels at the cave entrance, looking out at the storm.
"These storms aren't natural like. See the way the come from the west?" Kyson points his arm at the clouds billowing eastward. "From what I understand, their path comes off the great north ice circle and swirls down through the Worldwound. Now, whatever is in the Worldwound seems to change some of the storms, making them more...weird. Changed. It's a perversion of what is natural. I don't know how else to explain it."
Kyson settles in to watch.
"I haven't seen many of them, but it isn't good to be out amongst it."
As if to make Kyson's point, 4 flashes of purple lightning hit a hill not from the cave. A small fire alights where one strike hit, 2 others leave big divots, yet another leaves a ball of icy slush.
"Nope. No sir. Not going out there. We might be here a while."
Kyson looks around.
"Let's cook. Any of you have any music? Nothing much will be traveling in this storm."
”we could sing a tavern song I know!”Kergrik says beaming. Kergrik opens his second bottle of Oldlaw and passes it round "warms ya more an any fire I can tell yer."
Kergrik begins a very out of tune Ditty:
”As I wer walkin through the Halls, this Tavern wench grabbed me by the...Elbow.”
“She said you look a gent of Pluck, come inside and ave a...cup of tea.”
“It could be a silver or a bob, depending on the size of your...cup.”
This continues for some time
Aurelian winces at Kergrik's "music" but makes no word of protest. Those closest to him may hear him quietly say to himself, "Just remember, my lady teaches zat zere is beauty in everything ... though I think even she would be hard-pressed to find it in this ... song."
He will move to the back of the cave, making sure there is no way anything could come up from behind to find a meal waiting for it.
Ai Kergrik! I'd prefer a song that'll make the rain go away..I forgot how that song goes though. Ah well, at least I know your injuries are on the mend.
Zaharin goes looking into his pack.
Not much food to cook, just some portions of trail rations.
Kyson seems to appreciate Kergrik's singing. One might sense that he travels alone often and the sound of singing is rare for him.
After the fire is lit, Kyson does spend some time fiddle-faddling with his rations and a skillet trying to make something more interesting from the bland rations.
The storm lasts all night...flickers of various colors of lightning striking nearby light up the cave.
"Meh. Maybe by morning. We'll move on when the storm passes." Kyson, seemingly not concerned about setting watch, rolls over in his bedroll and tries to sleep.
* * *
The night passes uneventually.
At sunrise, a heavy rasping sound is heard in the cave, awakening even the most heavy of sleepers. A 10’ section of the north cave wall, previous thought to be solid, opens inward.
The doors open to what must have once been a very tasteful and elegantly appointed foyer, now fallen into disuse with time. One light source on the far wall provides the illumination for the room. To the side of the door, a 6’ tall humanoid construct stands motionless, as if waiting your entrance.
Zaharin stands up with a jolt, feeling his body about reassured wearing his chain shirt. Drawing his falcata he stands at the ready examining the construct, waiting for it to act.
Knowledge(Arcana or Nature):
@Zaharain: not with that roll. :)
The construct stands by the door.
Aurelian rolls to his feet, grabbing his glaive, wondering how he missed the door in his earlier search of the cave.
@Aurelian: The construct stands by the door.
@Aurelian: Sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. You don't recognize it above with your roll. Sometimes I post via phone and have less ability to be clear. :( Apologies.
Zaharin edges himself nearer, as to get glimpse of the room beyond, trusting his low light vision would make use of all the lighting available.
Perception:
@Zaharin:
The doors open to what must have once been a very tasteful and elegantly appointed foyer (about 40' by 35') , now fallen into disuse with time. One light source on the far wall provides the illumination for the room. To the side of the door, the 6’ tall humanoid construct stands motionless, as if waiting your entrance.
Kergrik wakes and begins his morning ritual of Belching, farting and other such behaviour.
“Mornin Zaharin is the breakfast on? I’m starving... whatch lookin at... oh." Kergrik pauses reaching for his axes. After a time Kergrik relaxes and spits on the floor. ”Well that wasn’t there last evening. Till it does somthin lets eat.” and with that Kergrik
begins to dress into his armor.
"Wait a moment, mon ami," Aurelian says to Zaharin. "Let us prepare ourselves in case zis proves to be some danger. Mastair Tirc, 'ave you any idea of what zis might be?"
Aurelian will quickly put on his armor and collect his belongings, gesturing for the others to do the same. When everyone is ready, he'll gesture to Zaharin.
"I zink now we may go."
He'll slowly move forward, holding his glaive in a guard position.
When the door opens, Kyson Tirc arises quickly and readies his bow.
"What is it?" Kyson asks.
Responding to Aurelian's question, Kyson just shrugs his shoulders.
* * *
The constructs clothing might have been cultured at one time, but it also seems to be moving towards disrepair. As Aurelian enters the room, he intones, “Welcome to the Guard & Gear. Please make yourself at home. I shall summon the Master.” The construct moves to a place near the door, reaches out with his left hand to grasp at air, and makes a yanking motion three times, then returns to his post beside the door.
Inside the room, various couches and chairs await. Once elegantly appointed, several pieces now sport rents from a losing war with insects and vermin, and a dusty haze stirs meagerly in the stale air. A large iron statue sits motionless in the southeast corner, also covered in dust. Twin sets of double doors exist on the north and east walls.
Kyson reaches the door and looks in.
"Hmm. Never seen anything like this." Kyson turns and looks out the cave at the storm. "You guys go look around. I'll watch the horses."
Kyson takes a few more good looks at the construct as if trying to understand it better.
* * *
Aurelian will look around as he waits for this master to appear, trying to see if there any tracks in the room.
@Aurelian:
You see a old frayed rope, be-tassled, next to the construct.
You detect no evil, nor good, nor chaos, nor law. The place is empty.
Could you tell me the nature of this place, whilst waiting for your master, if he is coming?
Zaharin dares a question, hopefully shedding light on this unexpected anomaly.