GM Rednal's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Julian nods but he couldn't help but be reluctant to let go. After a few moments of mentally fighting his own overprotective urges he finally sighed. "Your right Tarov, rest is what I need..." Looking to Irabeth he adds. "Apologies for being blunt, however I can put our route on a map for you if it will help."

Seeing the magical tomes that Rowan was perusing through, he sighs. "Besides I have a lot of transcribing to do."

Rowan looked at Irabeth after her comment, the weight behind such a statement wasn't lost on her and once they had finished they're trading she strapped on the Grimorie of Glittering Eyes. The scaly cover was as interesting as the gleam on its pages.

Does spellbook come with or without preparation ritual?

"I look forward to hearing your information in the morning. I will speak to you in than as well about the information we've uncovered. However a bath is calling me and I will answer it, until later Sister Irabeth."

Whichever one you want, Rowan. For all of you, ready to turn in for the night?

I believe Tarov is. :)

Sounds good and yes. :)

She shined her armor, sharpened her weapons and prepared for the night after her bath. Spending a very awkward and quiet time with Julian transcribing spells with the Tiefling Crusader. All the while she pondered on many thoughts and hoped that they would survive the coming trials of the next day.

"Inheritor, Bless those under your watchful eye and aid them in the defense of Kenebras."

Yes! :D

After a long anticipated bath Julian finishes transcribing spells between the damaged book, Rowan's book and his own. Marveling at the Runic inscribed spellbook he enjoyed the feeling of well traveled pages and for once in several days he felt a little more safe.

Tarov also enjoys a nice long soak before returning to the room he'd been offered. He spends the rest of the evening tending to his equipment and practicing his martial forms. Once night falls in earnest, he says a short prayer to Torag for strength and valor, before succumbing to a deep, dreamless sleep.

Morning dawns cloudy and unquiet - and it's not long before Irabeth sends a message, asking you to meet her and Quednys Orlun in one of the private rooms the Eagle Watch is using. She'd finally managed to get enough information together... and if you were willing, had a mission for you.

"As horrific as recent events have been, we've come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude." she began once everyone had gathered. "The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev's murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we've seen since the fall of Drezen. It's fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory."

"While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we've heard from within the barricade they've erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you've managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we've determined what she intends to do."

"When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we've learned, they're hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones - essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon."

"The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven't attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we've lined up for the slaughter."

"Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border - I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening - we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it. I believe the three of you are the most suited to this task."

"Attacking the Garrison as it is would be suicide... but we have a plan to draw out a number of the defenders by launching simultaneous strikes as part of a general offensive throughout the city. We will take casualties, but Vorlesh could show up at any time - this needs to be done as soon as possible. If you're willing, Quednys here has a plan for destroying the wardstone fragment." She finally paused, allowing you time to think over what you'd heard and make your decision.

Rowan is unphased by this sudden revelation, having discovered for herself that all this time the Demon's had been toying with them. However she did not despair and was focused. Their hubris would be their undoing and she would be the one to break off a sword blade in the heart of Vorlesh and her lackeys. "Of course. My life for the rebirth of Sarkoris and in the name of the Inheritor they will fail. But..." She cautiously added her own true opinion on the matter.

"We must stop thinking that they are without organization. The Templar's and their demonic allies have been everything but disorganized. From what we found they have planned this for years, they lulled us into a false sense of security and broke our greatest defense with laughable ease. They sow despair but we must stop underestimating them Sword Sister or we will fail."

With that heaviness off her chest she nodded. "With that out of the way... What is Quednys's plan?"

"I'm in." Julian had no flowery words to add, he knew that ultimately something had to be done or more would suffer. With his blade and his companion's they couldn't fail and even if he died in the process he would at least take a few with him.

Tarov grits his teeth throughout Irabeth's explanation, and he nods at Julian's words. "Aye, ye have me arm as well."

"Good." Quednys said, finally speaking up. He reached into his robes and pulled out a long, slender white staff with a green sphere held in a pronged fork. "Be careful with this." he explained. "Do not, under any circumstances, allow it to touch a magical item you are carrying - it's a Rod of Cancellation that I scavenged from the shop of a wizard who... no longer needed it." For just a moment, a trace of sadness crossed his face. "This wouldn't be strong enough to affect a full wardstone, but it should more than suffice to destroy the fragment. Once you've destroyed the fragment, Vorlesh will no longer have a way to manipulate the barrier, and the Crusaders will be safe unless the demons can break another Wardstone... which I do not believe they can do any time soon. Kenabres' stone was weakened from repeated heavy assaults over recent years, and only that made this final destruction possible."

"I'll carry it then." Julian speaks up first. "I can trust these two to clear me a path and I doubt the enemy can stop me from reaching the fragment when we find it."

Tarov runs a hand through his beard as he considers Julian's offer. "I don't like it, lad, but we ain't got much o' a choice," the knight admits, sighing. "We'll do it as ya said."

"Don't do anything reckless Julian, I plan on us living through this. And that includes you. However I agree, he is more versatile in acrobatics than we are." Her face was considerate as she thought over their options and she shared the caves and the mongrelmen. "There was another force that wanted to aid us, however there are enemies between them and the surface..."

She explains what Julian and Tarov experienced in the ground below. "As much as I would like to crush that cell beneath the streets this matter with Vorlesh is more... Pressing. If we have to we will deal with them after this is done."

"The First Descendants?" Irabeth rubbed a chin. "...I think we can send a team to ensure they can reach the surface before we begin, though we'll have to be quick about it. I'm glad to welcome any force that can help keep the eye of evil away from you. It'll take an hour to explain the plan and get everybody ready to move - past that, I'd like the three of you to get started as soon as possible. We don't know how long we have, so I'd rather not spend any more time than we truly must."

Tarov nods at Irabeth's words. "Aye, there's more evil than we know in this city right now, an' th' best way t' handle it is t' make th' first move."

Julian nods. "A team would be good, I'll mark the exit we took for you. We pinned the enemy down in a lower level, don't know if they had a way out but I am hoping there still stuck. The enemy is a mixture of mongrelfolk and cultists. The First descendants are Mongrelfolk as well so be careful who you attack. But if you see a blue skinned female with a bow.... Shes an enemy." He adds the last part with a faint twitch as he remembers the arrow he took in the chest and his overjoyed reaction in burning her...

"Other than that I am ready to depart when ever is most convenient."

"I'll make sure they know." Irabeth promised, writing down a few quick notes to be sure she had the information ready. She looked at Rowan a moment later. "And you, Sister? Is there anything else you need to take care of before we begin?"

Rowan smiles lightly, thankful that Julian was so helpful. The first descendents aiding them would be another force of light against the all consuming darkness. "I need to repair an item but I am prepared Sister." She stands and draws her new sword, its blade reflecting the morning light off its polished blade. She held the flat of the blade above the table. "Defeat is no longer an option, to Victory."

Julian stands, smiling ever so lightly at Rowan's words. He draws Einharjar and lays the flat of his blade on Rowan's. "To Victory. Lets go break the door's down..." His smile was wider, more ferocious now as his confidence soared. With these two at his back they couldn't fail.

His breakthrough the night before was very much on his mind and he looked forward to unleashing the power he had uncovered...

He looked to Irabeth. "You passing this up or are you joining us?"

Tarov nods, a grin on his face. Having found new allies and a safe haven in the battered city had clearly raised the trio's spirits. "We'll make sure t' get th' rod where it needs t' be. We've gotten this far, ain't no damned cult gonna stop us now. Right lad? Lass?" The dwarven knight sits confidently as he asks his companions in turn, a few stray beams of sunlight glinting off his newly acquired armor.

I can so picture Tarov looking like a complete badass, beard clean, war braided, his armor with his gods Hammer emblazoned on it and the Ranseur of the Gargoyle leanign against his shoulder casually. xD

Julian nods at Tarov. "No doubt about that!"

Julian offering Irabeth to join them caught her by surprise and she nodded in agreement to her sword sister before she answered Tarov. "Lets send them to their foul god and show them that though we are bloodied we are unbowed."

Irabeth grimaced as she shook her head. "The enemy knows who I am." she said, sounding a bit regretful. "I'll be leading the largest attack personally, from the very front. Seeing that I'm present should help convince them that the attacks are serious and draw more of their attention away from you. I'd love to join you in attacking the fort if I could, but I'll be able to help you even more by serving as a distraction." Of course, being the distraction meant a higher likelihood of the enemy attacking you with all the force they could muster... but she was prepared for that, and clearly had been from the moment this plan had been created. One did not become a Paladin by being afraid to risk their life for the greater good. "Leave the item with one of the clerks, and they'll see to it that somebody patches it up." she added to Rowan as she stood up and shook each of your hands. "The Lady of Valor watches over us all, and I have no doubt that you will make her proud."

With that, the discussion seemed to have been finished. Without the need to drag a cart or captives around, you'd be able to make much better time through the streets. It would take perhaps two hours to reach the Gray Garrison, and in that time the distractions would begin in full force. All that was left was heading out.

Let me know when you're ready to proceed.

Ready when you are, boss.

Tarov makes sure he has all he needs for their mission, his armor and weapon gleaming and ready for whatever troubles the trio may face.

Julian nods to Irabeth, understanding why she couldn't join them and as he placed Einharjar across his back again he smirked at her. "Don't do anything foolish Paladin, else Anevia will be sad. Don't hesitate to pull back. We can handle whatever comes our way." He nodsto Tarov and Rowan and readies to depart.

Lets crush some cultists scum! XD

Rowan nods to Irabeth and raises an eyebrow at the Tieflings remark, she refrained from sighing as she says to Irabeth. "I understand. The Lady will grant us victory this day, don't worry about us sister." She shook Irabeth's hand and readied to depart alongside the others, depositing the broken magical item on their way out of the Defenders Heart.

As she passed those soldiers and the young woman that had accompanied them so far she smiled at them and said. "Stay strong, the darkness shall soon be lifted. Fight with everything you have." Once they were past them she spoke to her companions than.

"No matter what happens now, we must win. For the city, for all those who have suffered. There is no turning back. Its time we expelled this scum from the city with our righteous fury..."

Forgot to mention this earlier - you've all earned a Soul Point.

The way through the city feels refreshingly quick after the slow pace with the cart, and you make good time as you head through breaches in the walls and head towards Old Kenabres. The sky looks worse than before, every cloud tinged a blood-red hue and not a patch of blue in sight. Lightning occasionally flickers between them, but none of it has come towards the ground just yet. Finally, you approach the Garrison - and not long after you do, you can hear distant roars from multiple directions and flashes of magic and explosions rock the city. A group of warriors - mostly tieflings, it seems - run out of the Garrison some ways from your position, lead by several vicious-looking demons.

A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the Gray Garrison itself, an aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more-nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. Two hideously obese, naked men armed with
scythes guard the Gray Garrison's entrance - and one of them has the face of Lord Hulrun himself. There's no way to avoid them and get to the garrison itself.

Though you can take whatever time you want to cast buffing spells, etc., before you advance - note that you have no idea how many enemies are inside, however, and may wish to moderate your use of abilities.

Prior to engaging, Tarov will finally drink Julian's Extract of Enlarge Person!

Round 1

Standing nearly 9 feet tall and painting an impressive picture, Tarov wastes no time, leveling his weapon at the horrific humanoids as he begins to grin arrogantly. "Not quite!" he shouts as he rushes towards them, ranseur leading the way.

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

Ranseur of the Gargoyle attack (Power Attack, Enlarge Person, Panthera on the Hunt): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25
Ranseur of the Gargoyle damage (Power Attack, Enlarge Person, Panthera on the Hunt): 2d6 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 14 + 2 = 25

Buff's: Cast: Blades against Evil

Charge Attack - Heavy Mace +1 in hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Use 1 Arcne Point to use her 20ft dimensional slide

Rowan casts a spell to aid them in breaking the enemies defenses. They couldn't be slowed by mere guards, they had to smash through before the base could rally against them. "I will follow behind you Tarov, we'll crush the one on the right quickly. Julian, engage the one on the left."

She rushed out behind the, now, tall Tarov and the pair of them moved to engage the right hand guard. Just as she was about to slam into his back she focused her mind on the place between the dimension's. The dark realm, the void that she alone had discovered recently, which took all her might to resist falling prey too. She emerged on the other-side of Tarov's opponent, dust kicked up as she skidded to a halt and spun, swinging the heavy mace with all her might...

*Squirms while waiting on round 2[/i] darn low Ini! DX But nice hits you two! Hopefully Rowan doesn't Miss. :P

Tarov's Ranseur crashes into the first guard, stabbing deeply into him. Rowan's followup strike was accurate enough to hit - and more importantly, to drop the foe in a brutal blow.

The remaining one, finally having the opportunity to react, let out a cry of rage (with Lord Hulrun's face) and snapped its fingers. A burst of negative energy washed over the battlefield, ripping into each of you...

Mass Inflict Light Wounds, Will DC 16 Halves: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Will (Julian): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Will (Rowan): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Will (Tarov): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 By the way, Tarov, isn't your racial bonus +2, not +3?

As the energy spread, the other foe on the ground glanced up, then let out a cry as its flesh burst into pieces and was consumed by the creature within.

Healing from Abandon Flesh: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 = 12

Thus rejuvenated, the second creature stepped back out of Tarov's range and waved its own hand through the air, sending another burst of negative energy through the air.

Mass Inflict Light Wounds, Will DC 16 Halves: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Will (Julian): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Will (Rowan): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Will (Tarov): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

As it did so, its own wounds healed - negative energy seemed to strengthen these creatures, not weaken them.

Party's up.

HP 21/36

MA: Move towards injured one (30ft)
Attack wounded foe with Einharjar: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

He held back the bile in his throat as his body reacted badly to the wave of negative energy. Moving towards the injured one he drew Einharjar and launched a ferocious attack! "Stay down ya s+#$!"

+2 is racial, the other +1 is from Glory of Old. :)

Tarov growls at the creatures as they channel the power of their dark gods. He turns towards the monster with Hulrun's face and readies himself to react to its actions.

Tarov enters his Defensive Focus (full-round action).

Lvl 20 Tarov HP 3469.

HP - 45/48

Keep forgetting about K-Checks, dang blast it...
K-Planes Identify this demon...: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
LOH 4/5 remaining 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

She searched her mind as she tried to identify this flesh wearing creature as she called on the power of the inheritor to heal her injuries. "Your power is useless creature. Your end is now!"

Fine fine, quit texting me!

K-Planes - Identify Demon: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

+3 it is!

Einharjar sunk into the injured foe - a Vermlek, it seemed, a type of demon known for wearing the corpses of the dead like a hideous, twisted form of armor. Given time and a body, they could burrow into almost anything. These two bodies - from people who'd been at least mostly noble in life, though not perfect - had been badly desecrated by the presence of demons. A proper burial, or at least minimal rites and a word of blessing once the demons were gone, might go a long way towards soothing the spirits of the departed.

Meanwhile, Rowan also managed to strike the creature and badly reduce its health, undoing most of the healing it had received - and bereft of its fleshy armor, it was even easier to hit. It lunged at Rowan a moment later, jaw opening wide to bite at her.

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Meanwhile, the one fighting Rowan swung out its scythe, attempting to carve the dwarf's head from his shoulders.

Scythe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 for Probably Sanguine Barrier'd Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9

HP 21/36

Attack with Einharjar: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Julian's back swing hopefully caught the creature once more as he tried to end it's struggle completely...

Time to irritate him with Texts!

._________________.

Rowan, seeing the Tiefling had the one in hand turned only to be bitten by their foe. She grunted as some of the creatures bite punched through her armor. Turning back towards the injured foe her hair became red with righteous fury as she raised the heavy mace and brought it down with a crushing blow. Intent on ending the vile creature forever!

Attack with Heavy Mace +Weapons Against Evil to bypass dmg reduct: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Round 2

Tarov attempts to dodge the creature's attack.

Tarov uses Sanguine Barrier (immediate action).

Sense Motive vs. Attack (DC24, Sanguine Barrier): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15

Round 3

Tarov grits his teeth and takes the blow, hissing in pain afterwards. "Ya damned beasts should return t' where ya came from!" he roars, striking out again, hoping to leave the enemy open to Julian's attack.

Tarov uses Aid Another to improve Julian's chance to hit (move action) and uses Enduring Crane Strike on the enemy (standard action).

Aid Another (@Julian, +7 to hit): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Ranseur of the Gargoyle attack (Enlarge Person): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Ranseur of the Gargoyle damage (Enlarge Person): 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16
Enduring Crane Strike heal @Tarov (Fey Foundling): 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

Alternatively, if I can't reach Julian's target with my 20ft. reach, I do it to Rowan's target, instead. For no particular reason, as I don't imagine she actually needs the help. D:

Julian's blow struck down the injured creature - and being close enough to do so, Rowan was able to twist around and strike the other one instead, her mace smashing into what had once been the face of the most powerful man in Kenabres. The result wasn't pretty (and he hadn't been terribly handsome to begin with), and Tarov's blow made things much worse in only a moment.

As with the other Vermlek, this one let out a cry of rage as Lord Hulrun's body was ripped apart and pieces dropped to the ground as the creature absorbed what energy remained within it.

Healing: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 = 12

Its true form revealed, the creature let out a cry and stepped forward to close the distance with Tarov before biting out at him.

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Round 4

Tarov takes the blow, wincing as he steps back and continues his assault on the creature, hoping to leave it leave a chink in the enemy's defenses for his companions to exploit.

Tarov 5ft. steps away from the creature, uses Aid Another to improve Rowan's chance to hit (move action), and then uses Blessed Pinions on it (standard action).

Aid Another (@Rowan, +7 to hit): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Ranseur of the Gargoyle attack (Power Attack, Enlarge Person): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Ranseur of the Gargoyle damage (Power Attack, Enlarge Person, Blessed Pinions): 2d6 + 2d6 + 14 ⇒ (2, 3) + (3, 4) + 14 = 26

The creature's body quite literally split in half under the force of the blow from the embiggened dwarf, leaving the way forward clear of guards. That was the good news. The bad news? The door was locked, and fairly securely at that... and neither of the demons seemed to be carrying a key. It was likely the only copies were held within the fort as a way of improving its overall security.

(Disable Device DC 30 to get in that way)

The only other apparent point of entry is a small shutter on the wall 15 feet above and just to the left of the front doors. It would be a tough climb to get up there, and probably not easily bypassed even once you'd made it up, but it was an alternate point of entry.

Extract Cure Moderate Wounds Used: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 5) + 4 = 16

CMW & Enlarge Person used for the day.

His wounds heal completely as he smiles ferociously at his companions. "Heal yourselves and I will get the door open!"

Climb: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

He tries to climb his way to the shutter...

Edit: Nice rolls Rowan! We are all but full save for the paladin! xD

She spends time healing Tarov's wounds...

Cure Moderate wounds Tarov: 2d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 8) + 4 + 2 = 15
Cure Light wounds Tarov: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

Edit - Darn Tiefling

Rowan looks to the destroyed bodies as Julian sprints off to do something crazy she was sure. "Lets place them together here in the broken down rubble. We will have to take them back and lay them to rest once this is done." She picks up Lord Hulrun's body and moves it first to somewhere it may hopefully go unseen before returning for the other corpse and doing the same...

Tarov thanks Rowan, then watches as Julian begins attempting to climb the wall. "Careful, lad. If ya fall an' break yer leg, that ain't gonna lead t' nothin' good."

It's a bit close, but Julian makes no progress up the wall (DC is 25) - military bases in general aren't too easy to climb. On the bright side, at least you got some healing in.

With the bodies hidden away she moves back over and lightly taps Julian on the shoulder. "Let me try..."

She doesn't even wait for a response as she takes hold of silver dragon scale in her possession and a cloud nimbus slowly forms beneath her feet. Within moments she is floating upward towards the shutter with as little ease as it takes to breath. She refrains from smirking or looking at Julian as she imagined he wasn't pleased in being so easily... Bested by her. She floated to the left of the shutter, wanting to avoid any possible trap once she opened it.

Once she was level with the shutter she casted a spell to try and open it...

Cast Open/Close - I am assuming it fails xD But just in case...

The shutter remains firmly locked from the inside - it seems that it, too, will need to be picked before you can enter through that way.