She drew the one arrow that she hoped would tip the balance in their favor. She searched her mind for the abilities of the Vrock but it was hard to focus with such a dangerous opponent in front of them. She launched the first arrow more accurately then the second which defelcted off the Vrocks thick hide...
Lots of Jury Duty yesterday, the trails is moving a lot quicker then I thought might get more crazy busy again soon. Apologies. :/
The sonic missile shattered as it struck the creature's body, and the Vrock let out a laugh - and Tarov wasn't a threat for now. Rowan, though? Somewhat more so, and the aim of her deadliest arrow was spot on, punching straight into the Vrock's chest...
Fortitude DC 20:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
...and bounced off as the demon's immense vitality protected it from the arrow's murderous effects. The good news? It hadn't even pierced the demon's body, and the arrow looked like it could still be fired if you could recover it. The bad news? It was right by the demon's feet - and it let out a growl as it swiped out with one hand again, trying to rip through Tarov (as he was the only one within its reach, and it was clearly still disoriented).
There are some distant noises from behind you as you emerge from the caverns. The Vescavors look like they're dissipating - and the army is almost certainly going to be able to advance once the swarms have finished leaving the area. It won't take you too long to get to where the other Paladins are.
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
Julian's actions:
Julian, hearing the noise behind him growled with indecision. If we don't seal the portal more creatures will pour through, but my companions could die just the same...
GM Rednal Are those Paladin's we had accompany us still near by? If they are that may change my actions some. As I could ask them to go back to the main column and head back down to see what the noises are.
He pours on the speed, blazing towards their entrenched troops while searching until for the Riftwarden, Sosiel or Irabeth...
Rowan's eyes narrowed as she saw her attack was completely fruitless. They widened as the arrow clattered to the ground and Tarov's roar reached her ears. His call did not go unheard as she rushed forward towards the Vrock. She used her dimensional slide ability to appear
FA: Drop bow Acrobatics - To avoid AoO if needed (I assume the Vrock has reach?) (Use Mythic Surge - Ugh ~.~):1d20 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) - 1 + (1) = 3 MA: As part of Move action draw Demon Bane Longsword and use dimensional slide to get within reach of the Vrock and attack. 1d20 ⇒ 10 SA: Attack with Demon Bane Longsword +3:1d20 + 10 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 8 + 2 = 37 1d8 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 4 + (2, 5) = 18
In celestial"I have to get close to recover it!" She shouts back to Tarov as she swings her longsword in a deadly arc at the Vrock. Tearing at its flash with her shining blade as she gets close enough to recover the arrow in the next few moments...
The Vrock ducked away from Tarov's blow, moments before swiping out with its jaws as Rowan tried (and failed) to move away without drawing its attention.
Bite AoO vs Rowan:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Its jaws barely failed to clamp down on her, and the Paladin lashed out with her blade a moment later, finally cutting into the creature's side and drawing blood. This was no common demon, though, easily dispatched merely by stabbing it once or twice - indeed, it was likely going to take all your efforts to bring it down.
Snarling, the creature twisted around and bit out at Rowan again, hungering for a taste of bloody mortal flesh - and the more suffering the loss of a warrior caused, the happier a creature such as this one would be.
Bite (Rowan):1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Julian only:
The three Paladins who'd come to hold the rope were indeed still around, and listened to your quick instructions with a nod as you popped out of the hole. They set off at a quick march back towards the camp - contrary to popular belief, it was quite difficult to run in heavy armor without rapidly exhausting yourself - and that gave you an opportunity to go investigate those noises. With your flight aiding you and the route known, it would take about twelve seconds to get back to the others.
Teeth grit together in frustration, Tarov delivers another divinely-empowered strike towards the fiendish creature. He roars as his weapon thrusts out, hoping to distract the beast and allow Rowan to find a weak point.
Tarov uses Silver Knight's Blade on the vrock (standard action) and if his attack lands, he'll use Armiger's Mark on it (free action), then he uses Inspiring Voice to boost Rowan's to-hit (move action).
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
Julian:
Seeing the Paladin's dashing off left him with high hopes they would succeed. With the message sent Julian cartwheeled midair and plummeted back down the opening into the caverns below. As he entered the caverns he spread his wings wide and used all his might to avoid mashing into the floor before flapping them again and heading in the direction of his companions...
Her armor absorbed the Vrocks fury and she grunted as she narrowly avoided being turn apart by the beastly demon, it was only because of Tarov's encouragement she still stood at all. Though her belief in their ability to succeed had not dimmed. Regardless of how they stood alone against the Vrock's fury...
After two close calls she turned her focus on slaying the Vrock before her! her fury turning her hair red rapidly and making it appear as if it would burst into flames at any moment as she raised her blade in righteous fury once more!
In one swift movement, Tarov thrust forward and plunged his weapon deep into the Vrock's chest, earning a cry of pain from the creature. Rowan stepped forward a moment later, cutting in deep with her blade. The pain seemed to have done something to wipe away the lingering agony of transit, and with a screech of rage, the Vrock tore into Rowan with a savage combination of snapping jaws, ripping claws, and lower talons.
Reminder that Armiger's Mark lowers the affected enemy's to-hit against anybody but me by 4.
Round 5
Grinning as his blow finds purchase, Tarov aims to land another, his weapon still dripping with divine light. "I'll keep 'im distracted, Rowan!" he cries, but the words don't seem to reach the aasimar.
Tarov uses Blessed Pinions (standard action) and then uses Inspiring Voice to boost Rowan's to-hit (move action).
The Vrocks blows were met with fierce resistance from the Paladin and her companion. With measured blows she sliced back at the creature as it spilled her blood on the ground and left a claw mark across her chin. "You will not win!" Her flame red hair danced with her movements and her sword sung with the ring of battle as she tried to bring the demon before her low!
Tarov's weapon was thrust firmly, but the demon continued to dance out of the way, even as Rowan continued slashing... and only managed to strike with one of her blows. There was a rustling sound from the side a moment later, and Julian burst into the cavern as the demon turned to Tarov and lashed out with a full attack (easily having the natural reach necessary to reach the dwarf)... and this time, it looked like it was sacrificing a bit of accuracy for the chance of hitting harder and ripping apart the dwarf's flesh and armor alike.
Attack with Einherjar, Arcane Mark of Desna on demons body where struck!:1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 - 2 = 25 Damage + Holy:1d6 + 15 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + (4, 5) + 2 = 30
Julian burst upon the scene and was thankful he had returned, seeing the demon before the portal and his battered companion's he spread his wings wide and roared in Abyssal. "Begone from my domain!" As he spoke his siphoned his power into his blade and within moments it glowed with holy might once more. "Or be cast down by my FURY!" His words resounded with his might as he flapped his wings and propelled himself forward. Slashing the beastly demon with Einherjar in an attempt to harm it...
Seeing The damage to Tarov she turns her focus to ending the threat. When Julian appears overhead she felt relief. Though his statement left her with a bit of worry over his talk of Domain. Something she would discuss with him when this was all said and done! Her sword sung as she slashed at the Demon's flesh before her...
Getting back into the swing of things at work. Still here!
Blow after blow punctured the demon's body as Julian and Rowan attacked in tandem, and finally the Vrock let out a loud cry before its body slammed into the ground, no longer moving. The good news was that the demon was no longer a threat - the bad news was that the portal was still open, and the three of you would have to either find a way to close it or leave it as it was.
Alc 9 / Magus 9 / Tier 2 | HP: 93/94 | AC + (DR 2/- vs EvilOut): 32 / T: 24 / FF: 18 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor (Active) - Evil Outs. +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +16, W: +7 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +32 | Ini: +17 Perception: +14 What I think he appears in mutant form
With a cry of fury he spun Einherjar down and launched himself towards the earthen floor with his blade twisted downward. He spread his wings and landed upon the beast and rammed his black blade through its chest before twisting it in what he hoped was the demons wretched black heart. In Abyssal"Sinner! Tell your master of your failure and never return, lest we best you again!" The last part he emphasized by slamming his boot into its beaked face, cracking it under his heel.
He looked to Tarov and Rowan and shook his head at their battered state. "I am glad I returned when I did... My instincts told me something was amiss. Here Tarov..."
Cure Moderate Wounds Extract - Do you add Fey Foundling to Extracts? If so then add it on this is my base cure rate.:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 7) + 6 = 18
He spoke in common as he eyed the portal once more his enhanced mutation left his claws and teeth aching for a fight. It was a feeling he restrained with all the will he could muster at this point. "I have relayed the message, though I know not how long it will take them. Or if we even have the means to close this right now..."
Perception - Visible weak points in the cavern walls?:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 K-Engineering Untrained - Ways to bring the ceiling down?:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Rowan was still standing as the Vrock went down. Followed by Julian's vicious finishing stroke. As he spoke in Abyssal again she remained neutral and assumed Julian was caught in the moment. However as he hands off the extract and speaks she nods before recovering the unbroken arrow of slaying.
"Most likely we do not have the means but we can linger a few minutes still, just in case. Lets give then at least ten minutes before we send you back Julian."
She reaches into her pack and pulls out the Cure Light wounds wand. "Now to see if I can use this easily enough."
Alc 9 / Magus 9 / Tier 2 | HP: 93/94 | AC + (DR 2/- vs EvilOut): 32 / T: 24 / FF: 18 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor (Active) - Evil Outs. +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +16, W: +7 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +32 | Ini: +17 Perception: +14 What I think he appears in mutant form
His mutated tail whipped around in frustration, slamming the dead body of the vrock a few times as he glared at the gate. "As you wish."
Once the time was up he did as he was told and return to the opening above ground to seek out the Paladin's and their other companions in the hope they had the means to close the gateway.
Nobody had anything on-hand that would seal the gate, but after a few minutes of communing with his goddess, Sosiel managed to cast a Stone Shape spell over the entrance, adding a divine symbol of warning to the stone to discourage others from carving through it.
He nodded in satisfaction as the threat of the rift was reduced as much as possible, then turned to you. "I've been doing some divination on the city, asking my lady for guidance." he said, gesturing towards the exit and escorting the three of you towards it. "We've also been talking to some of the prisoners from our previous battles. Apparently, the city's defenders are rather reluctant to call for help - their leaders tend to punish anyone who brings them bad news, and they don't even see the city as being particularly important. I believe they underestimate the benefits it will bring us. They've always been offense-minded, too, and most of their troops are busy attacking cities. Irabeth thinks it would be best to let the scouts work today, then attack in earnest tomorrow." he explained.
The way is clear, and the army is ready to proceed on your command.
Tarov thanks Julian and Rowan for their ministrations, his most grievous wounds now closed.
At Sosiel's suggestion, Tarov nods deeply. "Good. We'll take 'em down an' secure the city for our own needs. They won't last long enough t' regret th' fool choices they made," he declares.
Alc 9 / Magus 9 / Tier 2 | HP: 93/94 | AC + (DR 2/- vs EvilOut): 32 / T: 24 / FF: 18 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor (Active) - Evil Outs. +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +16, W: +7 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +32 | Ini: +17 Perception: +14 What I think he appears in mutant form
Julian's tail whips in annoyance as he steps off the corpse and lets Sosiel do his thing. Seeing that Tarov was a world better he nods in response. "I will refresh my potions for the coming battle tomorrow then. Let us remember this place after we crush those fools who hold Drezen."
I hope I will find her eventually but with such horrors my faith wavers. Desna be kind and grant my feet the grace to move in the right direction. He pulls his cloak tight momentarily before releasing it once more.
"I second the scouts being the advance today. Let us prepare for the morrow then."
Rowan was pleased by their overall progress, she gives Sosiel a hearty slap on the shoulder as she shakes the priest in excitement her wounds forgotten. "This is good for now, let us go for Drezen as Tarov says. Granted we let the scouts do their work and keep an eye on those we have doubts with. The reluctance of those defenders will be their downfall yet!"
After the vescavor swarms were cleared, it was only a few more hours of marching before your army neared the ruins of Drezen. The riverbed rises at a noticeable slope for these last few miles, moving up and out of the Ahari gorge, and a stink of smoke and grime can be detected on the wind - a telltale sign of a city fallen to filth and horror.
As you marched, Irabeth gave a bit more information on the city for the benefit of those not familiar with it.
Founded in 4628 AR by the crusaders to establish a lasting foothold in demon-controlled territory, the war-hardened city of Drezen was engineered by talented dwarven crusaders. These dwarves carved the central citadel from a massive granite plateau, using a style reminiscent of their ancient Sky Citadels, but the city fell before many upper stories or lower levels could be added. As work on Citadel Drezen commenced, greater numbers of stonemasons and architects toiled on the surrounding lands, and it didn't take long before the city could house tens of thousands of crusaders and the many artisans, laborers, and other supporters of the war effort. River traffic and supply lines from Mendev continued to bring a steady influx of soldiers, even as two massive cemeteries were established to bury those they replaced.
Now, it's known that cultists devoted to Deskari and Baphomet control the ruins as well as the city's formidable stronghold - their fires light the city's battlements, the nearby spawning grounds, and the mountain pass where valuable prisoners are taken deeper into the Worldwound for sacrifice or worse. The Abyssal influence on the surrounding terrain has also dried up the tributary of the Sellen River running through the city, creating a wide gulf separating its once-green banks. These cliffs contain several caves and aeries for gargoyles, harpies, and flying demons, all of whom delight in harassing the many slaves and prisoners who make up at least half the city's population. Soldiers and mercenaries constitute the bulk of Drezen's inhabitants, frequently patrolling the streets and eastern approaches before reporting back to the cult leaders and their demonic masters.
Moving cautiously, the army camped out of sight of the city, keeping fires hidden and voices low in an attempt to avoid notice. The night was nerve-wracking, but passed without incident, and the scouts returned early in the morning.
Supplies: 32/50.
When they did so, they came upon a Hopeful army - things had been going fairly well thus far, after all. Your army gets a +2 bonus on Morale checks; enemy armies take a -1 penalty on Morale checks.
Finally, Anevia spread out a wide map of the area and began making notations on it.
"All right." she said. "There are three main points of interest, and a few minor things as well. Here in the Southbank area, we found a lot of tieflings and human cultists. They're guarding what looks like a lot of crusader gear - if we take them out, we'll be able to reduce the city's defenses and augment our own resources at the same time."
Her finger moved around the map. "Here in the northeast is Paradise Hill. It used to be a district of warehouses and such - now it's guarded by schir, and it looks like they're using it as a holding ground for prisoners. We could reinforce our forces if we take it."
Her hand moved across the map, to the lower left. "The cemetery is also an issue. There are undead there, mostly ghouls, and they could cause us a lot of trouble at night unless we take them out quickly."
Aron moved forward a moment later.
"There's some kind of shadow-filled vault in the cemetery." he added, tapping a specific part of the cemetery on the map. "We're not sure what's in there, but it can't be anything good. It's too small for the full army, though, so you'd have to send a small strike team or go yourselves, maybe while the rest of the army is dealing with the ghouls."
"Same goes for Ahari Bridge, here." he added. "The river's dry, but it would be hard for our mounted warriors to navigate the steep cliffs. Securing the bridge will drastically improve our mobility for assaulting the citadel, but they're expecting trouble and look like they'll make it collapse if a big force goes in."
"Finally, there's seven watchtowers around the citadel itself, and they've got catapults up top. It'll be much safer to assault the citadel if we can disable as many of them as possible before we move in with the main force." he explained.
With that, he stepped back slightly, and your officers waited for your commands and strategy.
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
Having long shed his mutations he looks over the map and nods at each suggestion. Finally he points to the graveyard. "I say we crush the undead. Remove the threat of night raids and clear out the vault as well. Perhaps their will be something of use their, if not we can at least lay the dead to rest."
Tarov strokes his beard in thought. "If we can take th' equipment first, we'd have th' upper hand against th' undead. Takin' Soutbank quickly an' movin' on th' graveyard is pro'ly our safest bet," the dwarf hypothesizes.
Sorry guys, just got home. Love this campaign so don't think I quit now xD
Rowan looks over the map and considers the possibilities. "The dead will be on us as soon as we make camp. They're nocturnal abilities far out weigh our own." She closes her eyes and thinks hard for a long moment before nodding and opening them once more. "As Tarov suggested. we will sweep in and crush south bank. Routing the cultists and sycophants there and secure the equipment to reinforce our arms. From there we will strike down the undead threat and cleanse the graveyards before moving to rescue the prisoners."
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
"Fine by me, I will prepare my regeants and other extracts and be ready within the hour." He nods and heads off to gather his supplies. Preparing to do battle and scattered the Drezen cultists to the wind.
"Julian, please find and bring Nurah here. I have much to discuss with Miss Dendiwhar. I feel the need to consult her on matters of Drezen and tactical history."
If Nurah is present
"Julian, Tarov stay if you wish but I have much to discuss with Miss Dendiwhar. I feel the need to consult her on matters of Drezen and tactical history."
As the others disperse she retains Sosiel and Aron momentarily, checking on Aron's health and well being and seeing if anything strange or morale breaking had occurred in camp. She was checking daily for any acts to slow their progress or sabotage their mission since the strange vials were found in Aron's bag.
She doesn't speak out loud why she is asking only commenting on his look and if he doesn't appear run down. Hoping he gets more rest and takes better care of himself. She genuinely cares for her companions well being but ultimately they are all chess pieces in a game that held the world up by a thread. Even she was no more then a well honed sword meant to do her gods work.
Before Nurah's arrival she moves the pieces around and makes it appear as though they were going to take the cemetery first. When Nurah arrives she gives the halfing a nod and waves her to take a seat on the opposite side of the table. She hardly looks away from the map as she speaks. "I hope you are well Nurah, you've been going out on your own far more often then I find advisable in these demon controlled lands. It is my hope you don't run yourself ragged like Aron did earlier in the campaign." Despite her misgivings she didn't want anything to happen to any of her companions even if they meant her ill. She hoped that if they could find the traitor in their midst she could turn them back to the light and away from corruption. Nurah however was one she was still unsure of, she didn't know what to think of her other then her actions of late were suspicious.
Improve Attitude Nurah:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
"I was hoping you could shed some light on Drezen and what tactics you would propose as well in light of the current situation."
Dealing with the (formerly) disheartened warrior in days prior seemed to have given much of the camp renewed confidence, and morale seemed like it would be respectable enough for the attack. Aron was doing well, too, though Sosiel was keeping an especially close eye on him. Nurah was with one of the largest groups of Paladins, cheerfully telling some inspiring tales, and took a few minutes to finish that up before following - apparently, leaving a story undone just before a battle was bad luck. (Or possibly she was making that up because she enjoyed getting the attention during performances. Eh.)
"Oh, don't worry about running - I prefer eating." Nurah said, patting her stomach. "So, what you want to do is just waltz up to the demons, put down your weapons, and say you're surren- don't look at me like that, I'm kidding!" she coughed a few times. "What've we got here, graveyard? Honestly, if I was a skelley, I'd stay as far from any army of Paladins as I could get. They've got a lot of forces in the city, I think, so I'd fight defensive - quick, smashy battles sound good in stories, but unless you've got overwhelming force, they're pretty risky. Better to keep your guard up, even if it takes awhile - we've got plenty of supplies, and can probably raid the city for more."
She smirked at Nurah's comments on food. Her eyes lifted as Nurah made her dark joke. They linger there for a long moment before she smirks again and looks back towards the map. "If only it were that simple Nurah. If only." Her voice was calm and light in regards to the situation they faced. "I believe the dead will sweep in on us, using the night to hide their movements. They'll try to wear us down and drag off any they can to feast on them. Best bunk up tonight, my tent has plenty of space if it pleases you." She offered her a place with a warm smile before politely continuing the conversation more on point to why she invited the halfing in the first place.
She stands looking over the map intensely, as if she could pierce it and find something she couldn't see before. Eventually she rubs her forehead before squeezing the bridge of her nose in frustration. "I agree, a defensive battle is the best bet however we cannot waste our movements. Supplies can be ruined by design or malevolent intent, either way this ends I plan on as many of my companions returning home as possible. That includes you Nurah, I seriously hope you do not think you are a mere tool in all of this. Your encouragement has had a great impact on morale and I would be a fool to lose you because you pushed yourself to much."
She moves to stand alongside Nurah and waves her to exercise her judgment on the pieces of the map. Leaning over part of the table as she points out areas of interest. "There are many moves to make. There are three main points of interest, and a few minor things as well. Here in the Southbank area, there are a lot tieflings and human cultists."
Her finger moved around the map. "Here in the northeast is Paradise Hill. It used to be a district of warehouses and such, looks like it is being used as some sort of holding place now.
Her hand moved across the map, to the lower left. "The cemetery is rife with undead there, mostly ghouls, which is troublesome."
Shewatches Nurah curiously as she adds. "If it were your choice, where would you hit first? Fighting defensively of course." She was attentive and gave Nurah all the attention as she would an equal. She was curious as to the Halflings thoughts on the tactical situation at hand.
"You want tactical advice, talk to Irabeth." the halfling woman answered promptly. "I might record what happens, but I don't really know the first thing about guiding an army properly or making strategic decisions. If you really want to know, though... first, I'd see who we could hit without someone else hitting us from behind - even I know that getting pinned between two armies would be bad, and I'd rather not have my last story be a tragedy. Then I'd see who's the most mobile and likely to pursue us - get rid of them first, so we can pull back more effectively if things go against us. It's good to be confident in yourself and your forces, but..." she shook her head a bit. "Demons are evil, y'know? Real, incarnate evil - ain't never been an army that regretted having a plan to retr- er, tactically disengage."
"You don't need to tread so lightly here Nurah, Retreat is but a word and far more fitting in this circumstance. I rather you speak plainly and without the niceties. Though your advice is sound, much akin to how Irabeth would speak actually." The last part was praise for the Halfling's deduction of how they should proceed tactically. She was in agreement with Nurah's statement. "Demons are the culmination of ones sins made manifest in that abyssal realm after being cast down. Its a shame some fall so far, especially those that make themselves willing tools of such abdominal evil when the end result is the same."
"Easy to preach when you have it good." the halfling said, looking faintly uncomfortable. "Not so easy when hardship's all you've known. Think of kids out in farming villages - Ustalav, maybe. Starving all the time because the nobles sell all their crops, beaten and sold on a whim, scared of things that live six inches outside their villages... if someone offers to get rid of the bad men and put you in charge so you can try to make things better, evil can look awful tempting."
"You want my frank advice? Don't underestimate how tempting demons can be, or how easily people can fall. When normal folk are at rock bottom, they'll accept any hand that reaches out to them - and there's plenty of holy warriors so blinded by their own righteousness that they can't see the mud they're walking through. Funny thing about mud, though, is that if you keep movin' through it, it ain't long until it covers you." This didn't seem to be a personal condemnation - though given Rowan's past, perhaps it meant more than the halfling knew. Or perhaps not. Her expression grew a bit more thoughtful a moment later. "On the bright side, at least we're not fighting devils." she added. "Demon're just crazy - the devils have discipline, and real battle formations of outsiders are scary."
K-Nobility - Ustlav Nobility known for keeping slaves, selling off crops and starving their people.:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Rowan's tone was soft and gentle as she spoke to Nurah. "Finally some honesty. Though demons are more crafty then most realize, a dark cunning that even outwits devils..." She hung her head for a moment before looking up and revealing she was actually relieved. She was seeing a side of Nurah that was so craftily hidden until now. "Your perspective is a harsh truth of the darkness in this world and I welcome your opinion wholeheartedly. Though, sadly, it appears neither of us had it easy in the beginning Nurah..." She returned to the far side of the table and sat down.
She leans back in her chair as she took a steadying breath, the chair creaking in protest as her chainmail jingles with the shift and she looks at the side of the tent, searching her memory as she spoke. "As a Sarkorian I learned what it was like to huddle frightened as demons ravaged the lands, fearful of them finding us and taking us away. Saw the broken faces of people whose loved ones were taken by the Worldwound and watched helpless as we sold our dignity and pride to foreign powers so that they could march off on their glorious Crusades and garner prestige in their homelands while they raped us with impunity in the guise of saving us." She looked at her hand and flexed it as she spoke. "We were stained with mud, blood or both so often at times it became hard to distinguish what was right from wrong. It took a sacrifice to bring clarity to truly see how far we'd fallen and in that moment realize then we became what we hated most... Blinded by our own Righteousness as you so elegantly put it." Her hair started to change, becoming fiery as she remember the night a Tiefling Crusader stood against the Inquisition, scimitar drawn and spouting defiance to the end. The bitterness in her voice at that point wasn't aimed at Nurah but at herself, for ever thinking she was above a lowly Tiefling.
She looks to Nurah then, searching the young halfings eyes as she strained to hold her anger at bay and remain clearheaded. "You are right though. Evil is tempting, but it is there that will enslave those who become dependent on it and for everything they sought to gain will bring them back where they started just with a different Master."
She takes a deep breath, drawing upon her mythic nature then and steadies herself as she speaks with a voice empowered by her mythic might. She wanted to convince Nurah of her intentions and that she meant every word. "I will leave you with something to ponder. Old Sarkoris is gone, but a new nation will rise to take its place and I plan to be at its head with those I trust to guide its rebirth when this war is over. Its obvious to me that what happened to your people growing up hurt you deeply. So, as Iomedae as my witness, I vow that land be set aside to create a safe haven for you and anyone else who want to escape the yolk of Ustalvian tyranny. Even if this means open conflict. All I ask in return is for your continued friendship, advice and that you take caution. It appears that we have someone in our camp that wishes us ill and I would hate for something to happen to you Nurah. That is why I fear your traveling alone so much and if ever you feel like talking please seek me out without hesitation. For I quite enjoy your frankness, it is refreshing." She smiles softly as she finishes speaking.
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
Julian prepared his new extraacts, smirking as he did so knowing that Tarov was going to be pleased with the potency he would be carrying from now on. It was something Julian was delving in. Using his extracts to make his companions stronger was the essence of why he became an alchemist he wouldn't repeat the tragic history like before. No this time they would survive, even if it killed him.
"The dead'll burn far easier then the demons will. I'm gonna enjoy purging that graveyard..."
Tarov nods in agreement. "Foul beasts all, but it'll be for th' best t' take care of the undead first. They ain't gonna give us a chance t' breathe if we don't take care o' 'em."
Slowly, Nurah nodded - and it seemed like something Rowan had said, at least, had truly gotten her attention. "Some land would be nice." she said wistfully, gaze a bit unfocused. She wasn't paying attention to what was right in front of her.
Still, you didn't have unlimited time to talk - it was time to decide who would be in charge of commanding the Dawnbringers and where you'd be striking at first...
"Think it over." She stands and gives Nurah a small bow as she excuses herself. "Forgive me as I must depart, thank you for spending your time here with me and I know we will speak again. Until then, be careful." As she spoke she made her way beside Nurah, gave the young Halfling a gentle squeeze on her shoulder and set out to rejoin her comrades quietly making her way out of the tent.
I think its Julian's turn again. Or Tarov. I am good either way. :) Character updated.
JulianReligion: Desna | HP: 96/103 | AC: 27 / T: 23 / FF: 14 / Resist: Fire 5 Defiant Armor - vs Evil Outsiders +2 AC DR 2/- | F: +8, R: +14, W: +8 | BAB +6 CMB: +7 CMD: +30 | Ini: +15 Perception: +15
We'll stick with the first plan then!
Julian will command the Undead Assault, Followed by Rowan and then Tarov again. Great thing there are three targets! XD
Julian watched as the orders were relayed to bring the Paladin's into attack formation, they would be moving in on the Graveyard and thoroughly crushing it under hoof and boot. Lest the dead pick away at them as they saw fit.
They moved just within bow range before halting and raising their bows for the first volley. "Ready! Steady!" Seeing the tightened bows across the long line of horseback Paladin's Julian dropped his hand with a powerful flourish. "Release!"
Tactics Spellbreaker
Strategy Track Standard +0/+0
Offensive Range Attack phase. +10 if we have BA +8 if we don't:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
The hail of arrows arched high before raining down death from above on the scattered ghouls of the cemetery. The sounds of tearing flesh and heavy thuds echoed back to where he stood among the Dawnbringers with Einherjar in hand. He only hoped that the first blow int he fight for Drezen had been a decent one because there was no turning back now...
You also have to decide who's in command, not just who's rolling. XD Since the commanding officer DOES impact things.
By pure stats, Rowan is the most effective officer - that probably shouldn't be surprising for an army of Paladins - but it's your game, and ultimately the three of you get to decide.
