GM Rednal's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

He frowned but did as asked, he let it lie and didn't say another word as Rowan continued to work her magic. Whatever the woman had planned he was unknown to him but he knew she wasn't being manipulative. Without another word he left her to work with the survivors and Irabeth while he kept an eye out for possible trouble.

Julian sighed as he stood atop an upper battlement listening to Einherjer's sound advice.

"I know, but right now we don't have time to rest."

"It's not what we're asked to give - it's what we choose to. We didn't come here to fight just because someone else wanted us to." She walked over to the edge of the building and looked out towards your army as they finished combing the battlefield. "There's probably not a single man out there who hasn't lost friends or family in the crusades, and I'm not going to give up when they haven't. We may not have the personal blessings of Iomedae, but we swore ourselves to her cause anyway, and we'll see it through to the end. We'll go back to Kenabres alone - you'll need every man you've got to take Drezen, and the sooner we can get this ford reinforced, the sooner we can ensure nobody hits you from behind." she said decisively.

With that, it seemed the matter was settled - and you could see that despite all the horrors the men here had been through in the last few days, they had not broken.

Tarov nods, grinning widely. "That's fine then. Do what ya must, an' we'll keep pushin' on t' Drezen. We'll see ya again afterwards, that I can assure ya."

Rowan nods. "We will get you outfitted prior to your departure though, that I will suffer no argument." Knowing the rest was settled brought a smile to her face. "I'll be glad to have you all guarding my back Captain Kamilo."

Looking back to Irabeth she nods. "Once they are outfitted and on there way we will restore the Fort to a semblance of order, bury the fallen and take whatever is of use from the enemy camp. I have Sosiel talking to the prisoners and we will need to interrogate some as well. However we must reassess our plain in light of the what awaits us in Keepers Canyon. We'll do that once the fallen's last rites have been administered."

"Yes, ma'am." Irabeth said, giving a wide smile. With that, things got underway. The stories often told of how great and glorious battle was - hogwash to those who knew the true price of war, but popular regardless. Most of the songs didn't mention how tedious the aftermath could be, though, and night was falling by the time everything had finished up. The rescued soldiers had swiftly departed - clearly glad to be away from that place - and camp had been pitched by the remaining soldiers. They'd recovered 1d6 ⇒ 3 full units of supplies - enough to feed the men for the day.

They'd also acquired 3 units of other goods and supplies* - and Irabeth was quick to note that while many of the tools and items wouldn't be useful now, they'd be enormously helpful in restoring Drezen once the citadel had been retaken. Even in the best of scenarios, you'd be taking over a battle-damaged wreck, and rebuilding it so it could properly defend against the demons would take more than a little effort. Still, everything settled down as night came - the soldiers knew the importance of rest, and aside from those on watch duty, most were more than happy to head to bed as quickly as possible.

*This will come into play more later, and you can't use them for anything just yet. For now, I've added an extra part on the Campaign tab, noting the supplies you've gained for fixing Drezen.

Tarov raises an eyebrow while he is performing his routine equipment check as he notices Nurah quietly wandering off from the group. His brow creases as he realizes she appears to have exerted herself more than what seems necessary. Moving to find Julian or Rowan, the dwarf is worried about where their ally is off to.

I didn't see Where Nurah was tired :( Thats too bad!

Julian kept busy after the survivors left, not really comfortable with the fact they set off on their own but they had made their decision and he had made his...

Tarov's appearance knocked him out of his dazed stare of where the survivors had disappeared over the hill some minutes ago. He gave Tarov a serious look as it was unlike the mighty dwarf to look worried. "Whats wrong Tarov? Can I help you with something or are you in need of a tonic?" He gestures to his restorative potions on his belt, not at all feeling like some snake oil salesman. Besides, his stuff actually worked.

"Nah, I'm fine, lad. But I just saw Nurah takin' off somewhere, lookin' like she's been bustin' her hump. I got th' weirdest feelin' 'bout it, is all," the knight explains. "Did ya notice anythin' off 'bout her?"

Julian, relieved that Tarov was okay considers what his dwarven companion said before shrugging. "Not really but I've only dealt with her lightly so far. We are to review the plan of our approach in light of the information we've received. So I will keep an eye on her as well. Can't have the Chronicler dropping on us now can we." He smirks, giving a light chuckle at the thought of carrying the child sized halfling around. He was pretty sure she was lightweight enough.

Tarov shrugs, not entirely sure why it bothered him so much. "Probably just frayed nerves," he posits, leaning his weight on his weapon. "Should pro'ly just call it a night an' worry 'bout it when it comes up."

Rowan spent the rest of her day clearing the barracks and burying the dead alongside the men. She held vigil long into the night.

The next day.

In the morning she roused her companions and officers to review the armies route of travel.

"Knowing what awaits us I believe we should look at changing our route of travel. Perhaps come at the enemy from a different direction or higher ground than walking into a possible killing ground amid the high walls of these canyons."

No change in supplies because of what you picked up!

The route to Keeper's Canyon would take about a day and a quarter of marching - and Anevia noted that you could probably slow the army as you got close, preparing a force that would be ready to strike out at the enemy and call it out instead of walking into a trap. You'd also be skirting close to the Worldwound - but you'd have to do that sooner or later.

Meanwhile, Aron was looking a little worse than before - but like the others, he was determined to keep moving forward.

Julian, not being much to let Aron's hagard state go unnoticed elbowed Rowan and Tarov seperately and made them aware of their companion. After yesterdays debacle with talking to the survivors he wasn't about to bungle a good pep talk with the beaten down scout.

However he did nod in approval of Anevia's suggestion. "As much as high ground would be preferred, if the enemy expects us to come from the front and we don't it may put them on high alert for a different route. I wish to be part of the advance force. With my bombs we can scatter some of the enemy or at least cause some havoc if caught."

Rowan nods, agreeing to Anevia's plan despite her wariness to lead the army into an area that gave the enemy a possible advantage. However she trusted the woman and Irabeth wouldn't lead them wrong either. Julians jab into her armor made her regard him curiously until he pointed out Aron's haggard state. Determination alone could not keep a sick body on its feet.

"Irabeth and Anevia, put together thes soldiers you believe will do the best as the forward unit. I will agree with whoever you decide to take. Julian isn't wrong, his ability to fly could prove an assest. Consider it but as I have said the choice ultimately is yours."

Rowan nods to them and than looks to Aron, not trying to call him out but not tip toeing around the possible issue either. "U.less there is more to discuss lets get the army ready to march, we can determine our choice on the move. Aron, please remain here, everyone else your dismissed." Her demeanor wasn't unfriendly but she was firm. The dismissal alone would be enough to send soldiers and her officers back to their posts. She nodded to Tarov and Julian as well, indicating they could go. "You two, please ensure ARon and I have some privacy."

Once everyone had gone she waved for ARon to sit down and put a finger to her lips before using her ability to detect evil and for a couple of minutes she pivoted in place. She trusted her army but she wasn't foolish enough to not believe their ranks were impossible to infiltrate.

Use detect evil, full duration in each direction.

Once she was sure the cost was clear she took a seat directly across from Aron.

Diplomacy + Mythic - Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 15 + (2) = 28

She doesn't know Aron as well as she should, though she is making an honest effort to get him to open up to her by being empathetic to what could be causing him Ill. She isn't bluffing or skirint around her concern which should be obvious. She also wants trying to point him out to everyone but hoped that alone he would feel at ease. The Diplo roll is to improve his attitude and hopefully coax some information out of him willingly. As she can't help him unless he lets her.

She tries to make him feel at ease, her voice far softer than before as she genuinely looks at him with obvious concern. "Never assume everything is as it should be. Demons are tricky; despite their chaotic nature. However an army is only as strong as its weakest link. Weakness can come in many forms and not all of them are negative necessarily..." She set her hands on the table and looked him straight in the eyes as she asked. "So relax, this isn;'t a dressing down I am concerned for your current physical state and ask only for you to tell me whats going on with you? You look beat Aron, like you were dragged through the ringer and yet still have the strength to carry on. That strength takes you only so far. I can see the determination in your eyes but we need you to be healthy too."

She could easily remove his fatigue but she wanted to make sure he was willing to let her help him. If he wasn't than she would resort to talking with her commanders and being prepared to move when he dropped completely. Sosiel would be her first line in this...

There was just one other little issue to consider for that discussion. Several vials in Aron's bag were registering as evil - he himself did not. He also looked just a bit nervous as Rowan came over to talk to him. "I, just... bad memories." he said, shaking his head. "I know what has to be done to beat the demons, it's just... it hasn't always gone as well for me as things have right now, and I haven't totally beaten the demons of my past. You don't need to worry, though. I have Sosiel with me now, and I know we'll get through this somehow." He managed a weak smile.

Despite his words, though, Rowan can tell that something is definitely amiss.

Tarov nods at Julian, and heads over to join Aron and Rowan as they talk. "How ya keepin'?" the dwarf asks, honestly worried for both of them and the heavy atmosphere hanging in the air.

Julian nods and remains at his post outside, casting detect magic from time to time as a precaution and sweeping the area around the tent grounds and even occasionally looking to the sky. It was a lot of work but he left Rowan and now Tarov to their privacy with Aron.

Sense Motive - Aron - Not sure if it matters at this point lol: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Rowan frowned momentarily at the fact Aron didn't reveal what was in his bag."Beating demons are the least of my concerns at the moment Aron. You take priority..." She paused as Tarov spoke up, nodding to her companion and smiling warmly at him.
Rowan frowned momentarily at the fact Aron didn't reveal what was in his bag. "Addressing the matter of Aron's haggard state Tarov. I was worried he would collapse on us during the march because I overlooked his fatigue. Please stay if you will."

She considered the rest of what Aron had said and sighed. "Past demons... Now that is a thought I understand more than anyone. So Sosiel is informed of your current state? Good, that makes this easier then. I will have Julian summon him then while we continue our conversation." She was calling his nervous bluff, she wanted him to reveal what was in his bag on his own and perhaps Sosiel would be the leverage she needed. By the way he is speaking alone, Sosiel is probably unaware. This may be the shock I need to make him surrender what it is he has or the fact he may not know that he has it. Tripping on ones lies reveals the truth often sought in vain. She gave him a saddened smile as she was quite sympathetic to the man but the idea he was possibly lying to a Paladin wasn't sound thinking.

She looks for any sign of protest as she rises to call to Julian.

This next part is either canceled out by Aron or continues if he does nothing to stop her.

"Julian! Call Priest Sosiel! Tell him I have important tasks to discuss with him! Please!"

"Well, of course he is." Aron said, looking slightly surprised. At the same time, he didn't resist as Rowan called for the other man, and it was only a few moments before the Priest hurried up. The camp wasn't that big, after all, though he looked quite serious.

"What's going on, here?" he asked, looking between Aron and Rowan.

Tarov sits quietly, not entirely sure how to help beyond lending his presence. He frowns slightly, arms crossed, and ponders why their lieutenants seem to be so out-of-sorts.

She was surprised, in a frightening way when her thory was taken off the table by the fact Sosiel was aware and Aron didn't resist in the slightest. She didn't hide the troubled look on her face as she spoke first to Sosiel. "Sosiel, Aron appears worn down. I love his determination but I don't want him stretching himself beyond what he can take. If he collapses on us it would be my fault for not addressing it in the beginning. Since you two are close, I wanted to make sure you knew of my concern and my hope that you will take care to keep me aware of anyway I or my companions can help. This goes for anyone among the troops as well, some may be... Wary to approach us for their own reasons."

She looked to Aron than her eyes flicking to his bag as she spoke. "Aron, I apologize for not being completely forward in the beginning. But I must ask if you know that inside your bag there are a number of small items of evil origin?" She raises her hand stilling his response as she added. "Whilst I searched for possible listeners or else I felt them. I'm not trying to corner you Aron, only concerned these may be the source of your current state." She was first and foremost an Hospitlar and whatever those items were could not be good for the scout.

"There's what!?" Sosiel and Aron cried out at the same time. The two looked at each other - and Sosiel darted over to the bag, opening it and pulling out several vials of black liquid. The moment Aron saw them, he let out a panicked cry and physically threw himself backwards, desperately scrambling away from them.

"Put them away, put them away!" Aron cried hoarsely. Sosiel held the vials with one hand, whipping out his Symbol of Shelyn with the other and focusing intently.

"Lady of Love, your servant needs you! May the darkness be purged by your eternal light!" The cleric brought his holy symbol down onto the vials, and as he did, a narrow blast of channeled energy erupted out of his holy symbol and into the vials, consuming them in an inferno of light. As the blast faded, you could see that his own hand had been scorched by the power he'd used - and Sosiel darted over to Aron a moment later, grabbing the other man's collar with both hands and heaving the trembling man to his feet. "DID YOU BRING THEM, ARON!?" he bellowed.

"No! It wasn't me, Sosiel! You know I wouldn't!" Aron managed to croak out, visibly terrified. "I don't know how they got there!" Sosiel let go of Aron's collar, then hugged him tightly. "I don't know how... never again..." Aron whispered, still shuddering. The noise and light had attracted more than a little attention, and around the area, you could see the other Paladins glancing over.

Tarov stands and bodily pulls Sosiel off Aron, pulling the cleric down to his level. "Calm down, lad! Th' hells was that stuff? An' you!" he roars as he turns, eyes narrowed at Aron, "You've got some explainin' t' do!"

Julian arched an eyebrow and looked at the tent, the commotion inside made him put a hand on Einherjar for the briefest moment but seeing that he wasn't needed he went about trying to distract the Paladin's. "Bit of privacy if'n you would be so kind looky lou's." He was gruff, like his old sergeant had been and if they didn't like it he wasn't against settling with dueling.

"Calm yourselves Tarov and Sosiel, please, we don't need more attention. Especially now as I didn't want to shame Aron." Rowan's voice never raised beyond normal speech. She had a grim look as she felt her fears had been confirmed.

She rises to her feet and guides Aron back into the chair as before quietly talking as she did so. Hoping to make her voice only loud enough for those around Aron to hear. "Aron, I believe you, so please sit down and calm yourself. I agree with Tarov though and an explanation is in order. So have you had your pack with you this entire time? Was it ever out of your sight, even for a few moments? Has anyone else been near your things? No matter how briefly."

"Y-y-yes, it has been out of my sight." Aron managed to get out. Sosiel just looked over to Rowan.

"We're in an army camp. Everything gets out of someone's sight sooner or later." he pointed out. Aron slowly seemed to be calming down, and the cleric helped him sit, clearly concerned for his well-being. "Do you... want me to tell them?"

Slowly, Aron nodded, and Sosiel turned to face the rest of you - starting with Tarov.

"That 'stuff' was Shadowblood." the Cleric explained. "It's among the most addictive drugs ever created, and gets its name because it literally has the blood of shadow demons in it. They use it to weaken people's minds, make them vulnerable." he grimaced. "'Banned' doesn't even begin to describe it. Anyway, Aron first joined the crusades a few years ago, coming up from Taldor... and some demons started sneaking Shadowblood into the water supply of his group. They didn't realize what it was at first - thought they were feeling better because a priest had blessed it, started drinking more and more before every battle. The whole force got totally addicted to the stuff, and were cut to pieces when they returned and a group of Paladins, heading out, noticed that all of them had auras of evil. They were just trying to eliminate a threat, you know? Didn't realize what they were doing. I managed to get there fast enough to save a few after I heard the commotion, but it was not a happy time in the crusades. Anyway, I helped Aron recover, gave him some stability... but those who were addicted once find Shadowblood hard to resist, even years after the fact. Just being near the stuff... I should've seen it earlier." he growled. "I don't think we're in danger of the same thing happening - not with so many Paladins on alert all the time - but I want to find out how it got here. Unfortunately, I don't think we can delay today's march to investigate - the slower we move, the more time the enemy has to prepare defenses against us, and that might be why it showed up here at all."

Tarov grinds his teeth, before sighing in frustration. "I swear t' th' Father himself, I'm gonna throttle th' next damned demon I see. This is nonse-" the dwarf pauses, a stray thought popping into his mind. "Have ya seen Nurah recently?" the knight asks, the frown on his face struggling not to turn into a scowl.

"I see. That is rather grave Sosiel and much as I fear if someone were to try and spike our supplies. Nonetheless, the march continues and the culprit will reveal themselves in time..." Tarovs comment struck her as odd but she answered. "No, I have not. Should we find her?"

She looks to Aron as she waits for the response. "From now on, leave nothing unattended unless you are of the mind to catch them in the act. If you do , don't do it alone. For now we all need to act as though nothing is amiss, other than a general concern for Aron's well bein as this was originally intended. Please be discreet until we solve this."

"Tarov, lets keep an eye out for Nurah as we continue the march. We need to take Keepers Canyon as scheduled and rout the enemy there before we can deal with this fully."

Tarov sighs heavily, pulling Rowan aside for a moment. "I saw Nurah actin' strangely, skulkin' about and sweatin' like she'd been minin' all by her lonesome. I hope it ain't related t' this at all, but it's too damned coincidental for my likin'."

"Coincidence... Perhaps. However if your gut doesn't like it Tarov I must assume the worst. Lets keep an eye on Nurah, perhaps Julian can work to get closer to her. If she is trying to manipulate events than lets hope she didn't hear our ruckus." With that settled she stood up again and gave Aron's shoulder a squeeze. "Do not be afraid to talk to my companions and I Aron, I especially have no room to judge those who made an honest mistake. I am glad you will take it easier in the future." She was talking more normally now in case they were being listened too.

Looking to Sosiel. "I trust you'll keep us abreast of any developments`please."

Looking to the others and calling Julian over. "Lets continue the march to Keepers Canyon. Julian keep an eye on Nurah if you would. Since it'll be a larger conflict I'd hate for her to get lost in the chaos."

It takes a day and a quarter to get close to Keeper's Canyon-

41/50 Supplies.

-and as planned, the army slows down as it approached. Nurah seemed to have gone out on a scouting mission on the first day, coming back a little while after you started moving. A discreet examination detected no aura of evil on her, but not long after she appeared, you came to the edges of the Worldwound.

This part of the world has always been... strange. The sky seems to grow darker as you approach, and plants are fewer in number. Eventually, as you neared your destination, Anevia came back with a report on the terrain - and some grim news.

"I found a good place to fight, but they know we're here... and they've got two armies." she said grimly. "One of them's a force like the tieflings we just crushed, but they've also got a smaller force of dretches. We can only effectively attack one of them at a time - at best, we can try to hold the other off. We can take them, but it might not be as easy."

Nodding, Irabeth looked towards the three of you. "How do you want to handle this?" she asked. "Any of you want to take command this time around, get a little closer to the action? Best to get some real experience under your belt before we hit the city, I think."

"Continue the march?" Julian quirked an eyebrow at Rowan's comment but nodded at her request. "I'll keep her close, demons enjoy smaller morsels. Less need to chew." He smirked as he drew Einherjar and tapped it along his shoudler.

On the March

Julian actively seeks out Nurah then, seeing she went on a scouting mission he finds her and gives her a rowdy bump. "Good to see you haven't been eaten. Was afraid I'd have to pull you out of a demons maw for awhile there. So what'd you find out eh?"

"Place is as hostile as ever." the halfling said, staring at the ground. "Bad enough we have to fight armies who can teleport anytime they want, but even the ground of the Worldwound hates us." She didn't seem particularly happy about that. "The sooner we can take the city and get a steady source of supplies, the better. It takes a lot of food to feed this belly." she pat her stomach.

Julian patted her shoulder as he said. "I know that feeling, few supplies is nothing to laugh at but we'll do fine." He gives Einherjar a few circular spins, showing off his dexterity as he added with a cocky smirk. "Don't lose heart chronicler! We've only just started and besides I don't want melancholy to be the undertone in the ballads ahead! Besides just because they have powers doesn't mean they are superior, they are tougher sure but they still bleed and they still die. Besides let this place hate us. I laugh at their combined hatred as this time I won't be outdone and it just means that they feel inferior to a bunch of powerless mortals giving them a throttling!"

With his boisterous speech out of the way he nodded to Nurah. "In all serious though, can't have you getting lost in the coming brawling so stick close to me and we'll make it through just fine."

"No worries there." she said fervently. "I'm no hero, and I'm happy to keep the glorious army of righteousness between me and the things that want to snack on me!"

Hearing Nurah had left on her own Rowan assumed the worst and sped
At Irabeth suggest Rowan stepped up. "For this battle I will have Taroc take command, Irabeth and I will be towards the front in preparation to meet the demon host once we cut through the fodder. I think we should have our mages ready to counter enemy spells, we'll stick with that again. Lest we allow ourselves to be smashed by foul magic's."

Tarov nods, a mix of concentration and worry on his face. "I'll do what I can, but we need t' think about how we're gonna handle our troops."

Julian barks a laugh. "Says the chick who just went on a Solo run. Don't have to be humble with me Nurah. Besides an army of righteousness isn't always the best defense. Every member of a squad is important. "

Apologies for the cut off post, lost internet while editing. I was going to have Rowan take command but Tarov deserves some gloty! :D

This strategy meeting is being held before Nurah's return btw.

Rowan nods to Tarov. "We should utilize our wizards as before, prevent them from burning us up. Other than that we should approach as before or cautiously. Cut down this fodder and save the Paladine's ability to smite evil for the demonic host behind the rabble."

Rowans Suggestion
Tactics Spellbreaker
Strategy Standard +0, +0

I think I have the terms correct now.

"What say you Tarov?"

Okay, that sounds good to me.

Tarov strokes his beard in thought, weighing their options. "That's likely a sound plan. What do ya think, lad?" the dwarf asks his tiefling companion.

Earlier

Despite his frown he considers for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I don't see any reason not to. We can adjust when we get through my brethren and face the real meatgrinder. However lets be ready to give Irabeth the reins if we find the enemy commander. If they have one." He felt odd having a meeting without Nurah but it wasn't like it mattered as she wasn't a key strategist like the others.

Tarov nods at Julian's statement. "Fair enough. Let's get our men ready. We gotta get t' Drezen, an' I ain't sufferin' nothin' t' stop us."

Okay, I think we're good. Going to go with Rowan's plan (Spellbreaker tactic, Standard strategy).

With the strategy decided on, the army moves forward, a dwarf in command and ready to direct the forces. Aravashnial went with Tarov, to explain the best ways of thwarting enemy spellcasting. The sky gets darker and darker as the army moves forward, and finally, you crest over a hill to see your destination.

Keeper's Canyon was once a holding of Drezen - a small town that helped to facilitate shipments to and from Drezen. Today, only the shells of a few stone buildings remain, along with a half-dozen leaning pilings in the river from what was once an extensive maze of piers. Two armies lie in wait, and a murmur of anticipation went through the crowd of paladins as they saw the small force of dretches near another force of tieflings.

The army could only attack one at a time - and unlike the other force, this one was ready for you, clearly aware that you'd been marching on them. Well, there wasn't much to do except move forward...

As Commander, Tarov picks which foe to attack, and I see you've already decided on tactics and strategy. Continue rotating through the main offense rolls as discussed before, and let's get this battle started. ^^

I'm assuming I start this time, since Rowan and Julian rolled for the last fight.

Tarov thrusts a hand towards the dretches and calls in his mightiest voice, "ATTACK!"

Standard Army Ranged Attack Roll: 1d2 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 >_<

I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be a d20. XD

This is what I get for posting on my lunch break when I have no food!

Standard Army Ranged Attack Roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

The army of the Dawnbringers, mounted on their steeds, charged forward - and fired from massive bows as they did so, pouring arrow fire into the ranks of the Dretches. The demons, however, had ranged attacks of their own - and return fire ripped across the ranks of the Paladins.

Ranged Attacks (Dretch Army): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 No damage to the Dawnbringers.

It was of limited effectiveness against the sturdy armor of the Dawnbringers, however - and all three armies closed to melee. There was only time to attack one of them - continue on to assault the wounded dretches (and perhaps provoke them into a vicious move of desperation), or switch to the tieflings and wear them down as well...?

As Commander, Tarov decides who to attack, and whoever's up next does the attack roll. You've already cited the strategy you plan to use, so no worries there!

Attack Dretch army + Smite Evil!: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 4 = 21

No change for the army, continue as before - Spellbreaker & Standard

Julian flew over the battle, spiraling through the twin volley's with maddening agility as he lobbed a bomb at the distant dretches. As the army closed he joined the Paladin's charge, slamming bodily into one of the dretches with Einherjar in hand as the Paladin hosts weapons were suffused with the light of their mighty goddess. To his amazement it appeared the Dawnbringers planned to crush the dretches in one fell swoop...

As the Dawnbringers rushed out to smite the army of Dretches, the tieflings charged in from the flanks, clearly trying to catch the paladins between the two forces.

Tiefling Army's Reckless Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11 vs DV 24

Despite their reckless abandon for personal safety - helped, no doubt, by the fact that the paladins were largely not focused on them - their weapons were mainly deflected by the shields of your forces and caused little more than scratches.

The dretches were another matter, and despite the earlier beating they'd taken, a cry came from far back in their ranks, and the remaining demons lashed out with all the savagery of their kind.

Dretch Army's Reckless Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26 vs DV 24

Aravashnial's tactical guidance was invaluable here, and the elf barked out commands as blasts of evil were launched by the remaining demons and ripped into your ranks.

Damage to Dawnbringers: 2 + 6 = 8

Despite everything your forces could do, the brutal assault of the demons tore open great holes in your ranks - the demons had been badly wounded from the start and attacked with no regard at all for their safety, and it showed. In fact, if Aravashnial hadn't been guiding them, it would have been considerably worse. Moments after the last blast of evil faded, your charging forces literally trampled the demons into the ground and began turning around to face the tieflings.

Dawnbringers: 8/16 HP.
If you'd like to heal, don't forget that you have Channel Energy/Lay on Hands, and can take a slight penalty on offense to recover.

Heal 3 HP -2 OM
HP 11/16

Attack Tieflings: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 = 23

Rowan weathered the fire and destruction that rained down on them as best she could, as her sword bit into the last of the demons she turned and aided the closest paladin near her as the Tieflings surged towards them again. "Protect and heal the wounded! Those in front HOLD THE LINE!" She lobbed a spell at one of the incoming enemies, intent on bring them down like the last force they had faced...