GM Rednal's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Tarov sighs as Julian is Julian, but lets the two butt heads. 'They'll have t' get it out o' their systems, pro'ly,' he thinks. When the dwarf comes upon the ranseur, he lifts it up and tests the weight. "Well this ain't an unwelcome surprise," he says, moving outside before he tries a few test swings and thrusts with it. "Not bad at all," he states with a calm grin, before wrapping the head of his glaive in a padded cloth he pulls from his satchel. "Think I can leave this in th' cart without our new friends tryin' t' kill us with it?" he muses aloud.

Ranseur get.

She gave Julian a passive look as he jabbed at her but instead she ignored him as she turned her divine magic outward and removed as much of the damage as Mending allowed.

Cast mending to remove missed hits and the scorch mark.

Once completed she nodded to Tarov. "A very nice surprise. Hopefully it aids you well. Please search the room one more time and I will bring Anevia inside. I assume there won't be any more hidden thugs. As for those outside..." She picks up the pouch of gold and hands it to Anevia as she ushers her inside, standing in front of her protectively as she continued speaking to Tarov. "... I think they won't trouble us any longer. If were lucky we soon will be mkore well armed than before. Inheritor willing."

To Anevia she apologized. "I removed as much damage as I could, it will need resanding and staining but that pouch should cover it."

CLW 1/6 Remaining: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

She casted a healing spell to remove whatever injury remained and ensuring that Anevia wasn't suffering anymore than she had been already. "Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you miss Anevia."

"Just let me through." she said - not unkindly - as she hobbled forward and moved into the house. The injured woman made her way into the bedroom, where she reached behind the headboard. There was a small clicking noise, and a hidden panel slid backward - moments later, Anevia gave a joyful cry as she pulled out a note and five bottles. "Irabeth's alive!" she said, hobbling back out of the bedroom. "She's with the others at Defender's Heart, and-" she broke off, glancing at the door. "Um, can we get everyone inside?"

Tarov looks to the gathered people, then back into the woman's humble abode. "Well, ain't much worse than th' barracks o' me order, and my kin ain't known for nothin' if not bein' stout. We can pro'ly manage somethin'," he states, his soft grin accompanying the levity in his voice. "An' you, Rowan," he continues, "Ya look like ya got beat 'round a bit. Do ya need t' patch yerself up?"

1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11

As Tarov mentioned it she remembered she was still injured, it had become an after thought in comparison to the welcomed news of Irabeth's survival from Anevia. Hearing that Defenders Heart was their base for now put her at ease. They had clearly chosen the right path and were destined to make it to a safer place. She called on the INheritors divine healing and healed most of her wounds completely Leaving only a purple bruise along her stomach. "Thank you Tarov, I must admit I had forgotten the pain until you mentioned it. However I agree it will be cramped but we can get everyone inside. Tarov, Julian and I will take spots near the doors and windows."

She claps Anevia lightly on the shoulder. "Like I said before, if anyone can survive such tragedy its Irabeth. I am sure she will be relieved to see you."

Tarov nods at Rowan's words. "If Rowan's talkin' so highly 'bout her, I ain't worried for a second. Ya shouldn't, either," the dwarf adds, directing a (hopefully) comforting smile to Anevia.

"You heard the lady. Everyone inside, were staying here tonight. Now excuse me while I remove the trash, lest he stink things up while we sleep." He drags the corpse off into an alley, several yards from the house and returns to help the bound crusaders into the house along with the young woman and the blind Riftwarden. Once everyone was inside he pushed the cart alongside the front of the house before entering and barring the door behind him. HE dispelled his floating disc, depositing all the gear near the doorway in a somewhat neat pile.

"I really hope you lot don't try something foolish. I'm not in the mood to be fighting those who shouldn't be my enemy. But I will if I have to." It wasn't a threat but a tired statement of fact.

He settled in and setup his alchemical station as he tried to make new bombs to replace the old, using items from around the residence to do so. He kept his activities to a minimum and his flames even more so. Lest they attract foul attention.

"That's enough Julian. There's no need to prod them, they've done nothing further. Besides tonight we will get well acquainted with how close we will all by. Miss Anevia will however have her own private quarters as will the Riftwarden for his meditation. The rest of us will get used to sitting out here." She moves the table to the side, placing it on its side against the wall and using the chairs to even it out so it didn't fall over, giving them a little more sitting room and places to lay down.

The Riftwarden had the small northern alcove and Anevia had her bedroom, she settled the young woman near where she was by a window and had the surviving crusaders sitting in the middle of the room between the three of them. "It's going to be cool tonight, no lights and no fire so best settle in now. If your cold press together for warmth. Highest of all we must stay quiet."

Seeing Julian deposit all the gear over by the desk in the southern portion of the room made her feel somewhat at ease. She however made small talk with the survivors they had captured. "Just so you know Anevia's wife Irabeth Tirablade and other survivors are at Defenders Heart already, they're making a stand there and I for one plan to join them. I assume you will as well as near a dozen skilled hands is better than nothing. However I am curious as to what order you all hail from? Or are you all from different groups around Kenebras?" She kept her voice low as she tried to make them more comfortable and sway them to her side.

It was only after everyone was inside that Anevia unfolded her letter again and looked around the group. "If you'd be so good as to scan the room for magic?" she inquired of the casters of the group. Once that was done, she nodded. "It's actually a good thing we didn't head straight for Defender's Heart." she finally explained. "They're worried about shapeshifting demons, and the place is thoroughly locked up - but the password 'Silverstrong' will identify us to the guards." That seemed to be the reason for her concern about security - one definitely didn't want demons overhearing it. "Come on, let's get some rest. I'm still worried about that cult hideout, but we're not going to get anywhere if we don't sleep."

Meanwhile, the dazed Knights seemed like they were coming around, and one of them actually gave Rowan a small smile. "The Order of the Gilted Star, out of Brevoy."

"I thought it was 'Guilty' Star..."

"Whatever. The Boss is the one who came up with it anyway - wanted to get noticed. I just wanted to join up with the real warriors and help them." Inventing entirely new noble orders that nobody could possibly check on was actually quite a common act in Mendev - reputable scholars suspected that at least a third of the titles of people out on the field didn't exist (and some suggested the number was much higher), but most people didn't care that much as long as people were willing to fight. People tended to arrive brash, confident, and arrogant - those that survived quickly began to learn what was important, and the finery started to come down as survival became a priority. The only titles and honors that truly mattered in this land were the ones won on the field - for every defender knew those had been earned.

Still, the noncombatants quickly settled down, with one of the men even volunteering to lie across the door. Should someone attempt to break in, they'd be able to try and stop it... and be the first target of an intruder while everyone else scrambled to react.

Julian didnt feel right keeping them bound and so with permission from his companions he cut the bonds on the crusaders and returned they lie gear. "We are in this together. Don't let fear make you think you are alone but I will be damned to leave able bodied people unarmed." He takes position by the front door intent to stop whatever came through alongside his former opponent.

their gear* stupid auto correct....

The night passes by, and though there are a few sounds from outside, nothing seems like it passed terribly close to the house. Dawn arrives on schedule, but the sky above the city is overcast by particularly grim-looking clouds, and lightning can occasionally be seen flashing between them.

After helping to prepare a meal, Anevia opens up a map of the city and points out the most relevant areas. "I don't think we'll want to come back here tonight, so take all of your things." she said, looking around the group - and even the men who'd been quite crazed the day before nodded, looking much more wholesome and sane now that they'd gotten some rest. It didn't seem like they'd be any further trouble. "Anyway, do any of you have something you'd like to add about our goals for today?"

Tarov gathers all his equipment and prepares for the coming day as usual. "E'erythin' points t' the Defender's Heart, far as I can tell," the knight replies. "Either of ya thinkin' of somethin' t' do on th' way?" he asks, looking well-rested and ready to go with his newly acquired weapon resting against the pauldron of his armor.

Apologies for the wait, urgent business, but I am free now! :D

Little late but Yes Rowan would have agreed with freeing them last night and arming everyone. A room full of prepped fighters is a lot more impressive than just three of us. xD

"I agree Tarov. We need to get everyone to safety within Defenders Heart and it is my hope that we will find Quednys Orlun there as well. We still need to return and bring the librarians and other survivors to safety. However with these fine additions..." She lightly pats the shoulder of one of the soldiers, pleased they were looking much more stable and mentally focused than before. "... such endeavors will be easier."

"However..." She looks at the details of the map, knowing the streets from years of walking them. However the gods eye view was always a good reminder. "... we must crush any cultists or demons that cross our path for the good of other survivors. We won't stop moving forward unless we encounter a grave threat to the city between here and Defenders Heart. I suggest we ready our weapons and pray for success today."

The Inheritor stands with us, we cannot fail...

Julian nods, his strange blackblade clinging to his backside as he listens to the others. "Get to Defenders Heart, Find Orlun, Send soldiers to get these survivors and crush the cultists after. Sounds simple enough." He smiles roguishly as he readies to head out with a full array of nasty surprises for anything that gets in their way...

Anevia quietly drummed one finger on the table, clearly deep in thought. It didn't seem as if the Worldwound scout was entirely convinced, though if everyone else thought otherwise, she had little choice except to go along. "It's true, the people need to get to safety, but... I don't think many cultists will still be at these bases. I doubt that the people in Defender's Heart know much of what's happening elsewhere in the city - maybe it's just from spending too many years as a scout, but I want to bring them any additional information we can, and I think the place she mentioned earlier is a good place to look. It's not far off of our path, either." she gestured to the woman you'd rescued before, who looked rather nervous about being put on the spot.

Tarov rubs at his beard, considering it. "Yer more familiar with town than I am. How long do ya think it'll take? Th' longer we leave those folks barricaded in th' library, th' more likely that somethin'll go wrong."

"Maybe two hours total there and back, the rate we've been going. Not sure how long we'd actually spend at the cultists' base. We'll make Defender's Heart by late afternoon either way, and I don't think they'd send anyone out until tomorrow morning anyway." the scout answered promptly.

Julian grimaced clearly disliking even a small shift in there plans. But Anevia had a point. "I dont see the harm. We get in search the place and get out, anyone that gets in the way we assess on the spot. Wartime conditions apply but we have to moce quick. The three ofb us go and all of you stay here. Is that okay?

"We couldn't possibly get there, back here again, and then to Defender's Heart in one day." Anevia said, frowning. "Those of us not going in can hole up a safe distance away and try to not be noticed. We've gotten pretty good at that."

Julian sighs lightly, wishing Anevia had been this determined when facing the cultists in the caves, but he doesn't voice it. He was still uneasy risking them but he looked to the five armed warriors and knew they weren't as exposed as before. "Than we will do that than. You five be on your toes, don't go looking for a fight either. Its not that I don't have faith in you but ew stand a better chance with casters and paladins than with mere blades alone. However I trust you'll be able to stand your ground long enough if something does happen. I will say this though if you have to run, go for defenders heart and don't worry about us. We'll be fine." With that said he stood up, prepared to move. "Miss Anevia, the young lady and our Riftwarden friend will ride in the cart. Two of you please pull it along so we can free up Tarov and Rowan. The other three will take up rear guard alongside Rowan while Tarov takes the lead. I will scout ahead of us. Sound good? If so lets go."

This is gonna be good :3

She nods and draws out her holy symbol, if they were to go to battle than she would bless there coming day. The blessing of the inheritor is a short ordeal, not meant to bore or make people idle but to remind them that the gods watch over them always and that today they would win the day. "... may she guide our blades and lead us on a path of righteousness this day. Bless be the Inheritor."

With that she stands tucking away her symbol and nodding to Julian. "Sound enough, lets be on our way than and purge this den of corruption."

After taking a few minutes to pack up your things, the group is able to cautiously proceed outside, where the sky seems to have been tinted a brighter red. The streets are almost too quiet, but they're not totally abandoned...

At least, not by vermin! As you round a corner and turn onto a street that will take you north to your destination, 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 Dire Rats turn towards you and raise their noses into the air, squeaking loudly.

Initiative (Enemy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Initiative (Julian): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Initiative (Rowan): 1d20 ⇒ 20
Initiative (Tarov): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Huh. Julian and Tarov are up in Round 1! Rowan, your modifier's lower, so you'll have to wait until Round 2.

Tarov motions for the others to stay behind him and drops into his defensive stance. "Jus' what we need, big damned rodents."

Tarov uses Defensive Focus (full-round action).

Round 1

Julian reacts to the vermin in a brutal way. The last thing they needed was an outbreak of disease. He moves forward, closing the distance some as he pulls out some reagents and produces a bomb to remove the possibility that these vermin do any harm.

Move, Draw Einharjar
SA Use tail to recover bomb components and free hand.[
Aiming at middle rat for splash on anything close to it.: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Main Rat Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 4) + 7 = 17
Splash damage 9 DC 17 reflex to avoid

One of the rats quite literally exploded as the bomb detonated - the blast was powerful enough to kill it several times over, though unfortunately, the others were too far away to be struck. Instead, the two remaining rats darted towards Julian, attempting to bite into him (and, considering the way he'd moved forward, that put him outside of Tarov's range).

Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

One of the rats bit into nothing more than empty air, while the other had its teeth blocked by Julian's outfit.

Before she could react she watched as Julian rushed forward and bombed a bunch of vermin. Rowan readied her weapon but doesn't move to assist the Tiefling, he started a fight with vermin and he was on his own. Instead she focused on what the explosion may have summoned.

Full defense.

Attack Dire Rat: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Standing his ground Julian wails on the rats with Einharjar as they come after him with their fangs.

Tarov charges forward to strike at the rats, growling in frustration.

Tarov uses Panthera on the Hunt to attack one of the rats (full-round action).

Ranseur of the Gargoyle attack (Power Attack, Panthera on the Hunt): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28
Ranseur of the Gargoyle damage (Power Attack, Panthera on the Hunt): 2d4 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 10 + 2 = 17

The two remaining rats are quickly and easily disposed of, no longer likely to spread filth and disease around the city. Kenabres was normally kept too clean for rats to gain much of a hold, but in the wake of all the devastation, it seemed the vermin were coming out in force.

On the bright side, the road was clear now, and you were able to continue towards your destination without further incident. Ahead of you, a sixty-foot-diameter gray stone tower is missing the bulk of its upper floors-some terrific force smashed its upper sections away, creating huge mound of rubble north of the building and leaving the tower now a mere stump with a jagged top.

k local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

She grimaced as she looked at the battered tower. Again the forces of light were devastated by the overwhelming might of the demon host. "The tower of Estrod. A place where the history of the war effort was once gathered. Even if the towers knowledge is lost the war isn't doomed. We will stand firm and our resolve will carry the day. The rest of you stay hidden while the three of us take on the darkness of this place alone. If all else fails remember the plan and we will see you again in Defenders Heart."

She looks to the tower watching for any movement as she starts to move quietly towards it.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Know:Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Julian eyes the structure before trying to move ahead of the clanging banging armored fool of a Paladin that was alerting anything that had ears they were approaching. As he passed her he grumbled. "If they didn't know we were hear..."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

He grimaces as his sickle knocks over a loose rock with a crunching roll. He rolls his eyes as he moves on ahead, Einharjar drawn and at the ready. "... Nevermind."

Tarov sighs as he follows after the other two, the destruction causing him to worry further. "I can only hope we can clear th' town soon enough... there's so much work t' be done af'erwards."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

There's no sign of movement on the outside of the tower - but it soon becomes apparent that the door to it is firmly locked. It'll take at least some skill to pick.

Or you could just try knocking - with all that clashing and clanging, it's hard to tell if anyone's inside, and it's not so unusual to see buildings locked up tight as their residents wait around.

Julian nods to the others to step aside and take cover before knocking on the door and waiting impatiently for someone to answer. He keeps Einharjar stowed as he waits for someone to answer, acting all the while like he belongs as he doesn't know what to expect at this point.

bluff?: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Eventually, there's a quiet sound from the other side of the door. "...What's the password?" a voice asked from within the building - proving, if nothing else, that someone was inside.

Tarov does his best to hide out of sight, but keeps his guard up in case Julian needs assistance.

Julian thought quickly and smiled darkly as he shrugged his shoulders, his blade Einharjar still acrossed his back. "Don't know, I have information on an Irabeth Tirablade and some of her little crusader holdouts. Ya can either open up or kiss my ass as I find someone else to trade with."

The only response that came from inside sounded like a heavy bar being dropped across the door. It seemed that talking your way in wasn't going to work so well... not for whoever was within, anyway.

"Suit yourself." Julian shrugged as he nodded to Tarov and whispered. "Knock it down?"

Tarov sighs, but seriously considers it. "You got any other plans?" he bellyaches, not entirely glad at the concept of causing further destruction of Kenebrian property.

Perception - Looks for other ways into the strcture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"Not really at this point. I am sure I could blast my way through but that would be... Noisy."

There don't seem to be any alternative entrances to the structure. Aside from the damage to the top of the tower - which seems to have filled that part with rubble - it simply wasn't build with additional entrances or exits.

"Noisy's th' only choice we got right now, I think," Tarov grudgingly admits. "I ain't generally one for bustin' down doors, but they wouldn't have barred th' door at lady Irabeth's name if they didn't have nothin' t' hide." He rests the butt of his weapon on the ground and leans lightly on it, looking to Julian and Rowan. "There anythin' we can use as a ram 'round here?"

Various scrap and debris could be used to form improvised rams - or you could simply bash down the doors with your weapons. It'd take a little time either way, but there were certainly ways of accomplishing your goal.

"Rowan, why don't you go and check out above us while Tarov and I prepare a ram. Looks like we can use that enlargement potion for once. See if we can break it down in one go eh Stalwart?"

With that he sets to getting materials put together for a ram alongside Tarov.

It doesn't take too long to find a number of suitable materials for trying to break down the door, and Tarov's experience with swinging large, heavy items serves him well here. Rowan keeps an eye on the area, but nothing approaches as you work, and a few minutes later your makeshift tool is ready. It's not the greatest item ever made, but it ought to be enough to do the job.

"Ready Tarov? Rowan you join in as well. Lets get this job done..." Julian picks up the makeshift ram and gets ready to charge...

Str check, assist Tarov take 10+1 = 11? if not allowed...: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Awww :(

Strength check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 TAROV STRONG.

Gripping their makeshift ram with all his might, the knight crashes against the door.

In a truly prodigious show of strength - and apparently not needing any help from bigger folk - Tarov rams straight through the barred doors in one go, blowing them apart and opening the way into the building.

New map.

The ground floor of the tower is now open to the air-a tangle of wooden supports above being all that remains of the building's upper stories. Two rubble-filled pools flank a central walkway that crosses to an open area with a few shelves, a desk and chair, and a flight of stairs leading down.

Two figures dressed in clothes similar to the ones you saw below the city are here, and their frantic yells can be heard as the once-sturdy door is annihilated. They're 45 feet away from the entrance to the building... and clearly not friendly.

Init (Enemy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Init (Julian): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Init (Rowan): 1d20 ⇒ 6
Init (Tarov): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Tarov, note that you're still holding the battering ram, so you'll have to drop it and draw a weapon. ...Or use it AS a weapon, I suppose, if you really wanted to...