GM Rednal's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Healing was probably a good idea, given the horrific splitting ability the swarm had demonstrated. Fortunately, it didn't seem like it could get out while the wall was up, and you three had thoroughly seized the initiative. Your next plan was to...?

"Julian, got anything fiery and explosive to hit that swarm with? I wish I hadn't wasted that fireball trying to hit that bastard." Anathya suggests watching the wall of howling wind.

Julian nods, one of his main combat spells still at the ready prior to the fall of the wind wall. "I do, and I will use it now that they aren't surrounding someone..."

Wild Arcana + Harmful Surge: 10d6 + 3d4 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 6, 5, 3, 5, 3, 1, 1) + (1, 4, 3) = 45
Arcane Spell Failure: 1d100 ⇒ 80

Damage to Julian 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) = 10

He waits until the wind wall falls before unleashing the last of his mythic energy in a final, deadly blast of arcane might. Unleashing so much raw power tore up his skin, injuring him as he aimed to obliterate the Insects in one blast...

And don't forget: "A swarm takes half again as much damage (+50%) from spells or effects that affect an area, such as splash weapons and many evocation spells." So you're looking at 67 damage total

I wasn't sure if Rowan had many actions left after spending her time curing for those six rounds.

Rowan moves forward to take point, fully accepting the responsibility of fending off the swarm in place of her comrades. The Armor of the Pious shined as brightly as her resolve as she strode through the doors. "You can never extinguish the LIGHT!"

Move 20ft into room

There was roar and a shaking sound as Julian cast with his remaining power, and the explosive energy ripped through the swarm. That wasn't enough to bring all of it down, though - and like the other section, it split into two parts and shot forward with the clear intent of fighting until you were finally able to obliterate it.

Swarm Damage (Anathya): 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Swarm Damage (Rowan): 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Bracing herself as the smaller swarm descends on her to resume the biting, crawling assault, Anathya expends the last of the power she had left to scour that which stemmed from the Abyss.

Abyssal scourge: DC 17 Will for half:: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 1) = 5 0/5 left

Wow that was pathetic! Running on fumes obviously

Bomb Throw at swarm on Anathya!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage 16 +50% = 24 dmg

Julian moves back, trying to keep some distance between himself and Rowan's swarm at least as he quickly mixed another holy bomb an dlobbed it at the swarm that had engulfed Anathya! "We Will have to retreat after this... Expended a lot of my resources now..."

What kind of damage does it do? I assume I need to make a save.

. Holy bombs have no effect on good-aligned creatures.

I also have the Precise Bomb Feat and can negate damage to a number of creatures equal to my intelligence. :) So either way you are safe Anathya :)

???: 3d20 ⇒ (8, 1, 6) = 15

When the explosions finally died down, the room was clear of the infernal creatures. Maranse also seemed to be missing, though it wasn't clear when exactly he'd left. After a few more tense seconds, it appeared that nothing else was waiting here to ambush you - the area had been truly and properly cleared out. It hadn't been the fastest journey, but you'd managed to clear out an entire fortress. That didn't mean it was entirely safe - there was probably still some cleaning up to do - but you'd solved one of the main problems here. The bad news was that you still hadn't managed to find the Sword of Valor...

And the good news is that you've reached Level 9! As always, post a summary of your updates in the Discussion thread for approval, and only update your profiles once that's been given. You do not refresh your HP or abilities, although you do gain any new uses that come with the new level.

Julian's mind took in his dwindling supplies and the state of his companions before he came to a rather annoyed conclusion. "I'm just going to assume that Maranse was a polymorphed creature of some sort and we were duped."

He looks to see if Jestak or the four crusaders were okay before adding. "Let's finish clearing this upper level. Then we can take stock of our situation after."

Leaving the survivors to Rowan, Julian moves back to where their enemy had burst into the insects and opens the doorway fully to investigate the area. Looking primarily for worthwhile equipment...

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

"Uhm...yeah." Anathya says somewhat distracted. "When we're done with that I....need to take care of something."

Rowan nods to Julian and proceeds to approach Jestak and the other Crusaders. "Is everyone unharmed?" Her concern was genuine as she was more concerned for her followers injuries then her own at that moment. The Light endures and shadow retreats, still we have much work to do...

Beyond the door was a small room with a set of stairs leading down and into a level beneath the citadel. You'd fought hard to get this far, but if you went to rest, your foes would have time to plan and prepare as well...

(Hey, nobody ever promised that fighting for the light would be easy. If it was that simple, anyone could have done it.)

Julian closes the door and moves to the door to the south instead with Einherjar in hand, when he spots Anathya and Rowan again he comments briskly. "Stairs leading down where explode-a-gnome came from."

Perception - Searching the next room: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

WHERE ARE THESES DICE COMING FROM!? And why were they hiding until now! xD

I am ze Terminator, nothing can hide from me. Give me your clo.... magic items.

Rich appointments of fine furniture and plush carpet decorate this oddly shaped chamber. A mahogany desk with several bookshelves occupies the southeast corner, while expansive liquor cabinets follow the curving northern wall. Three doors lead south and west.

The liquor cabinets are stocked with a particularly potent dwarven ale - each of the 20 bottles here is worth 150 gp.

"Well someone was living well... I assume this was explode-a-gnome's residence..." He leans back out into the area he had just left. "Found three more doors! Going to investigate them..." He wasn't in the mood to wait, he was injured but still determined to find whatever they could be hiding or at least clear this place room by room until he felt comfortable with 'nothing at his back'.

His injuries ached so he popped the cork on an healing extract, relishing the blood red tint of it as he downed it in one quick swallow.

Use CMW Extract: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (8, 2) + 9 = 19

"Better..." He comments dryly before putting the extract back into his pack, lest he break the tube and have to buy more. He gives Einherjar a spin as he heads to the door to the south west first, planning to work his way counterclockwise...

Perception - Lest I get caught unawares and looking for traps.: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

He had abandoned stealth as if anything did lie in weight in this room it would be most likely ready to pounce on him...

"You realize your rushing is just as likely to get us killed right?" Anathya says taking the time to scan the room, noting the books on the shelves, albeit in a slightly distracted manner.

Perception (Indoors: Urban bonus): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

Julian didn't break his stride at what he took as a sarcastic question, pointedly focusing on his tasks lest they stay idle too long and get themselves killed. "Forgive me if I don't stop what I am doing but with Maranase is gone and them knowing where we are that is going to get us killed. Staying idle is when our enemies can teleport at will and pose as anyone is suicide. We also have an entire fortress to search. So unless we retreat then our situation will not improve." He moves to investigate the first of the doors then. "If you have some other suggestion. I'm all ears."

Working on my update, trying to make sure I don't copy paste over important bits

Having checked on her companions she marshals the extra fighters once more and gets them to catch up with her delving companions. Seeing the lavish innards of the well furnished room she has the crusaders and Jestak get inside and closes the doors. "Julian, as much as I appreciate your detail to duty I require that once your done checking the doors we gather and discuss our options from here. It'll give us a chance to heal as well and I won't take no for an answer." Turning her focus on the barbarian woman once more she requests her assistance once more. "Jestak, stand ready in case Julian finds something. You four prepare to defend Anathya once more." She knew they were useless with the swarm but that was unavoidable, no one could have withstood like they did. It was obvious to her that Iomedae was standing with them this day, though the goddess was testing their ability to stay the course for sure...

There's not much in either of the first two rooms - they seem to have been used for basic storage. The third, though?

This spacious bedroom is immaculate to the point of spotlessness. The bed sheets are tight against the mattress, and no splinters mar the floor near the well-used sparring dummy in one corner, despite its obvious heavy use. An inkwell, a blotter, and a black quill sit atop an otherwise bare desk, with a three-legged stool pushed out of the way underneath. A single large (and very thoroughly locked) chest sits at the foot of the bed.

Walking uo to the doorway as Julian investigates, Anathya takes nite if the details of the room. "Somebody very meticulous lived here, probably military."

He nods at Rowan's words and continues investigating each room. Smiling at the contents of the first two before giving a low whistle on the third while standing there with Anathya. "I agree with your assessment. Probably one of the dwarves we encountered. I doubt there are traps but lets keep an eye on the chest. Rowan, we need you to use your detection magic in this room." Seeing the immaculate room Julian decides to go into full on investigation mode. He had blunder in his spell choice for the day but at least Rowan was able to back him up.

Perception check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Disable Device Traps on chest: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Disable Device Unlock the chest: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Curious as to what the others may have found she parts from her new companions and looks into the last room. She glares at the well appointed room before stepping inside, drawing out her wand of cure light wounds. "Must be nice to live so well when the blood of the innocent is spilled casually for their gain."

She approaches the studiously working Julian and starts casting with her wand. "If we are to continue onward then we need to heal our selves. Maranase disappearing bodes ill for our cause, I am sure now we have been betrayed but it was worth at least trying to do the right thing." She starts casting healing magic on Julian then. "The next time we encounter something like that, we will use Holy water to determine if they are friend or foe." With that she begins the couple minute process of healing her companions. "I still have a number of spells left and a full wand, if we wish to press on we can. I would hate our forward progress be counter after a night of rest. Unless their is great need that we seek rest?" She looked to her companions questioningly.

Depeding on the group consensus she won't waste her wand charges below if we are falling back for a rest.

Healing for Anathya - CLW Wand: 13d8 + 13 ⇒ (4, 1, 8, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 8, 1, 5, 3) + 13 = 60
Healing for Julian - Same Wand: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (7, 6) + 2 = 15
Healing for Rowan - Same Wand: 7d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, 5) + 7 = 33

She takes note of the wand fizzing out with the last spell. She settles the empty wand back into her pack and checks that her second one was still there.

The lock on the chest clicked a few times, but stubbornly refused to open as Julian poked at it with his tools. It seemed to have been locked very well indeed - not magically, and not trapped, just with a darn good lock. In fact, it was possibly beyond your ability to pick (although trying to break it was always an option - hopefully without damaging whatever was inside).

"I have no Qualms and enough items to press on, albeit far more weakly then I wish. However Anathya has something she needed done. So up to her." Julian wasn't very concerned at that moment as he struggled with the locking mechanism of the chest. "If we do leave then we are taking this with us if possible." He looks at how big the chest is...

How big is it Rednal? Carryable? Like four crusaders being put to work carrying stuff carryable~?

"I suppose we can push forward to make the most of the day. In the interest of full disclosure though....something is...blocking my ability to cast spells. I'm pretty sure I'll need to see a cleric of my order which hopefully will be found outside with your forces." Anathya says quietly. "I have more then enough in the way of resources to push forward though I would hope to take care of this within the next day or two at best."

Though de-emphasizing the problem the fiery fiend hunter is clearly more than a little perturbed.

"Alright then. Julian, we will secure this chest. For now we are to continue our investigating of this floor and the floors above. We will leave the lower level alone until we have rested for a day and will continue clearing this place come the morning." She waves for two of the crusaders to come and assist them. "Stow yourweapons and work to carry this chest. We are taking it with us and finishing our exploration."

She finishes healing her companions and tucks the expended wand away. "Lets keep moving people. Jestak you are with me, and you two continue to protect Anthya, those carrying the chest will stay at our center. I want the contents of this chest as minimially harmedas possible."

She uses her Hemprope and secures the doors leading downward as best she can, knowing it was a weak attempt but it would at least give them warning hopefully if someone was trying to break their way through later.

"As Rowan says, we finish this floor and the upper floor and call it a day. Even if it means losing some ground come morning, it is better than fighting to the death for no reason." He leades the group back to the set of doors they hadn't investigated yet to the north, back in the hall wear they had fought the three demons just before taking on the minotaurs...

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Once everyone was in position he quietly pressed open the doors with Einherjar at the ready, hoping not to be too caught off guard by whatever lay ahead of them...

Four crusaders could carry the chest, yes. It's pretty big. XD

Up through the northern double doors was a hallway... then another hallway, this time part of the tower and filled with ballistae. There were stairs going up, but looping around brought you to an inner chamber of the tower.

This chamber is furnished as a study and a bedroom, but it looks as if the room's inhabitant left the area quickly and recently. That's the good news. The bad news is the details you find of the inhabitant, and there are several pertinent points. First, the room was once the home of a priestess of Deskari. Second, going by some notes in a journal on the desk, she's relocated to somewhere under the citadel. And third, she hopes to bring the entire city crumbling down using some sort of long ritual, rather than letting it fall back into the hands of Mendev's forces.

So, you know, interesting but not particularly urgent or important.

...

Wait...

"Well... That doesn't bode well. Looks like rest will have to wait." Julian takes whatever was left in the room and looks back at the stairwell leading up. "Lets go, once we have the upper floors dealt with then we can head into the dungeon"

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

He was moving cautiously once more as he headed up the roundabout stairwell (Right?), Einherjar was in hand as he tried to listen and watch for anything our of the norm.

Rowans face was a mask of calm while her mind reeled in outrage for a brief moment at the translation of the journal was revealed.*What?! "As expected, when in doubt sow despair. We cannot let them succeed or everything will have been for nothing." Thanking the Crusaders for their hardwork she nods towards what appears to be the last part of their exploration of the upper floors. "Let us get this finished."

An open-air terrace looks out from the northwest side of the citadel, its interior shattered and broken. A pile of treasure lies gathered in the southeast corner, while a narrow band of stairs is half-seen just above the nearby rubble choking its entrance. ...You know, this looks like the den of your biggest new friend...

The pile of coins and treasure comprises 3,438 cp, 1,319 sp, 7,753 gp, two pearls worth 500 gp each, three garnets worth 250 gp each, eight amethysts worth 100 gp each, 12 agates worth 50 gp each, an emerald-and-ivory scepter worth 4,000 gp, a silver candelabra worth 75 gp, a gold signet ring worth 50 gp, a bag of holding (type III) containing a small library of rare books that grant a +4 bonus on Knowledge (planes) checks when they are referenced (these two dozen books are worth a total of 2,000 gp) along with an empty blessed book, an efficient quiver containing two javelins of lightning and 19 (+1) magical beast bane arrows, an elemental gem (earth), a dose of silversheen, a potion of lesser restoration, a scroll of dimension door, a scroll of move earth, a (+1) flaming heavy crossbow, and a suit of (+1) ghost touch full plate.

Parentheses because Innate Item Bonuses. XD

Heading up to the very top, the tower's open rooftop seems to have once featured a gold-and-ivory inlay of a conjuration circle, but only the faintest remnants of the magic circle are visible today. It's no longer usable, and there's nothing of use or value up here.

Julian got to work immediately after they determined that no threats existed on the tower. "I will leave the identifying to you Rowan..." More then happy to allow her to do the grunt work he turned his min to the journal they had found.

K-Arcana: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

In light of the discussion post from Rednal.

As Rowan was wrapping up her identification, Julian was tucking the notes away and slowly tugging on his chin. Enjoying a quiet moment while sitting near Jestak and the four crusaders. When he finally spoke he spoke in a thoughtful way. "I've been reviewing their notes and despite the ominous impression one gets from the possibility of what they are trying to do. There is the simple fact that such a ritual would require several hours if not days to complete. Since we crushed their forces in such a small amount of time then we should have time to recuperate."

He stands, dusting himself off and looking at Rowan his features certain. "Hate to have you waste a wand but I am calling it. We take what we can here, if not all of it and return to our Main Camp. Anathya can take care of her business and we can all rest and prepare for tomorrows bloodbath. Because such an opponent will most likely not fall easily."

He smiles then, mainly at Rowan. "Besides your week is nearly up, you could go talk to the prisoners again. Or wait until we can walk them into The Citadel Proper."

Hearing that they would have time for her to find a cleric comes as a relief to Anathya, caught in between facing the enemy further without magic or leaving them to pursue her patron's desire. "That would be helpful. And the gear and equipment here would go a long way toward properly re-equipping for the next stage of this battle. If their last ditch efforts are to bring the whole city down in desperation, they will no doubt stop at absolutely nothing at this point" the demon huntress says thoughtfully.

Rowan frowned for a moment before having to admit to herself that if anyone could make a call on the Arcane, it was probably Julian. Aside from his mutagenic wild tendencies he was far more intelligent then many gave him or Tieflings credit. As Anathya agreed she nodded in acceptance as well. "I trust Julian's advice. With this bag of holding we can take some more equipment with us, we will have to wrap it in heavy cloth to avoid damage to the bag but the majority of the coinage may not be able to come with us. A fact we can remedy later."

Iomedae forgive my weakness, we will take Drezen on the morrow. May my actions shine wisdom into the hearts of the prisoners. May they yet chose the better side. At the last thought she looked towards Jestak out of the corner of her eye.

Once they gathered up what they could they returned to camp, victors for another day. She made a stop on her way through the fortress and grabbed up six bottles of the fine dwarven spirits as a morale booster for the men and a reminder of her oath to the prisoners.

Jestak had looked thoughtfully at the treasure, but made no move towards it - seeming a bit disappointed, actually, but she clearly knew what would happen if she chose to oppose the lot of you. Exiting the fort was easy enough now that you knew the layout, although it seemed almost frighteningly empty now, and word quickly spread through the camp. Soltengrebbe was actually the first to greet you, bounding forward and looking quizzically at Anathya.

Planning to rest for the night, then?

Rowan would have urged her tro select something, she did aid us in the chapel. She has earned it if we can retro it or do it later that is fine. I am assuming we are able to carry most of it out, minus all the coinage. Right? :3

Rowan returned Soltengrebbe's warm welcome and laughed as the large Chimera bore down on Anathya. She greeted her officers and informed them of what was going on, making sure to not spare any details. Especially of the dwarves they encountered. She has the items taken to her command tent to be sorted and summons Aravashnial to see if he can use magic to unlock the stubborn chest. She hands off the Dwarven spirits to Irabeth and though it wouldn't be enough for all the forces it would be a good start.

She saves the a bottle for Meiyun, which she delivered personally and thanked her for her hard work.

After so much fighting she hoped not to damage what lay inside if at all possible. With all the gathered gear they had found in the main tent now she motioned for Jestak to search through what they had found. "Pick something." Without seeing the barbarian woman's reaction she set the last bottle of dwarven spirits down and spoke plainly. "Despite us being on opposite sides in the beginning you saved me from the imposter in the chapel. If there is something here that can aid you then please. Take it. You have more then earned it in my eyes. Also, never hesitate to speak freely in our presence. You are not a prisoner, nor will I see anyone bind your tongue." At the last words she looked to Jestak then, a warm smile on her tired face, she completely accepted the woman as a comrade. Despite the rough beginning.

Diplomacy - Improve Attitude w/Jestak: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30

Just on the outskirts of camp Julian speak with Anathya, giving her the low down of their camp setup. The Officers and current comrades and additions they have gained over the course of their Crusade. "We have a talented Dwarven blacksmith named Meiyun, Irabeth is the half orc commander, her wife Anevia is one of our scouts along with Aron. Sosiel is our army cleric of Shelyn and Nurah is the Chronicler of the group. Of note though is that there is a rather large chimera that joined us recently, it stands about..." He indicates above his head in a rough estimate of Soltengrebbes height. "... has Three heads and is extremely friendly. However don't attack it, it was a handful and I prefer it be on our side." He says somewhat jokingly.

He thinks for a moment and then adds. "It also likes to cuddle. A lot. Be prepared to picked up and cuddled with. Most of all, keep calm."

Seeing Soltengrebbe come into view Julian smiles and waves at large chimera in a freindly way. Though he steps aside when it decides Anathya was more interesting. Looking back he says lastly. "He also understands the dragon tongue, to an extent." He stands off to the side, letting Rowan, Jestak and the Crusaders move ahead. He would show Anathya around camp and introduce her to officers, soldiers and where the prisoners were. Once she was acclimated to the camp and where the command tent was located, he would then move off to start preparing no reagents for tomorrows push into the dungeons of the Citadel.

Surprising the others by reaching into her long flowing coat and drawing out a couple of patches, she shakes the first out, the fabric transforming into a pair of large sacks in her hand as she does. Grinning, she steps back as she places the other on the ground, the swath of cloth rapidly shifting and expanding before materializing into a full sized light combat-trained horse with a military saddle, standing patiently, and nickering softly as she runs her hand through his mane. "I thinks we should be able to carry everything now." she says as the crusaders begin loading the sacks with the coins and jewels strewn about the collection of treasure.

As Julian gives her the rundown on the force that had managed to make its way this far. When she'd passed through the regions they would have had to it was still heavily under enemy control, with no chance of any sizable force not being decimated. It had taken her weeks and all the skill, stealth cunning and ruthless guerrilla tactics she had at her disposal to make it this far alone, driven by the knowledge that she needed to be in that citadel to meet those that would further her ability to bring the war to the enemy.

It was impressive actually, and in all honesty, the sight did her heart good. As self sufficient as she was, being alone in the darkness with only her own thoughts and the knowledge that everything around her wanted her dead took it's toll many a night. Having companions, people to support and depend on was a welcome change.

"Wait, a chimera?" her words trailing off as the massive beast comes bounding forward, Julian's warning the only thing allowing her to resist the urge to draw her crossbow.

'Ok...remember he said that he's friendly. Just don't make any sudden movements.' she thinks giving the chimera a forced smile as she pats her warhorse Bolt's neck, to keep the animal calm.

Technically, Meiyun's human, just with some dwarven ancestry. XD ...Look, her build is rules-legal but kind of crazy, okay? I was having fun.

After some hesitation, Jestak took one of the garnets, seeming to appreciate the idea of something that was both valuable and easy to carry. Soltengrebbe, meanwhile, began nuzzling Rowan with one head and Julian with another while the third sniffed Anathya several times. He picked up the two it was more familiar with, though, depositing them on his back before padding back into the camp.

Aravashnial, for his part, took his time examining the lock on the chest. "I never studied the Knock spell." he said with a grimace. "This is hideously well-made, too. Meiyun could probably open this properly - she's good with tools."

That, as it turned out, was true. She was not a burglar, adept in the use of lockpicks, and after a few seconds of examining the chest, she didn't even bother to try. Instead, she brought out a hammer and a few tools, then simply began pounding until she broke it. "Ooh, nice." she said as she raised the lid, then turned the chest around to show you the contents.

The chest's contents included 633 cp, 1,427 sp, 5,786 gp, 376 pp, nine garnets worth 100 gp each, a pearl of power (2nd level), a rod of metal and mineral detection, a scroll of divination, a set of stone-carved dwarven figurines worth 600 gp, an expensive pair of vases worth 250 gp each, a silver coffer worth 350 gp, an elixir of climbing, a potion of neutralize poison, a wand of nondetection (23 charges remaining), and a dose of oil of life (crafted from a cure serious wounds potion and the quicksilver from a philosopher's stone, and acting as a True Resurrection - unlike the rest of the items in the chest, it has pretty much no value because it's so obscenely rare and difficult to make that you can't put a price on it, and Meiyun almost fainted from shock when she saw it).

Despite these incredible treasures, the most valuable object in the chest may well be Staunton Vhane's journal (and a quick perusal suggests that Staunton was the one who kind of exploded into a cloud of insects). This journal records events from his life, recited from his childhood in the Five Kings Mountains to his time spent in the First Mendevian Crusade searching for the lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun, on to his betrayal of Drezen and his time spent serving Deskari and Baphomet alike.

During the height of the First Crusade, as the initial wave of demons was forced back into the heart of the Worldwound, the crusaders began to build fortresses in fallen Sarkoris to hold the defensive line. The greatest of these fortresses was built by a small army of dwarven crusaders-worshipers of Torag who drew upon the architectural styles of their ancient Sky Citadels to create Citadel Drezen, a squat, almost bunkerlike fortress situated atop a rugged bluff in the northeastern corner of the region. The citadel was completed in 4628 AR and played a key role in the successful end of the First Crusade. In the years after that crusade's end, the citadel drew more and more crusaders, and a town of stone buildings grew rapidly around the citadel's walls. For a time, Drezen served as the unofficial capital of the crusade, and it was in this fortress that many of the crusade's most beloved and sacred relics came to stay. The greatest of these was the Sword of Valor-a magical banner once carried into battle by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade. Under the aegis of the Sword of Valor, several crusading orders struck decisive blows against the demon armies, and its presence in Drezen was believed to make the Citadel's walls impregnable to demons.

Unfortunately, the Sword of Valor offered no such protection against traitors. When a second and much larger invasion of demons surged forth from the Worldwound in 4636 AR, the crusaders rallied again to the fight. The Sword of Valor remained in Drezen's walls, to protect the citadel and the city that had formed around it, and its presence repelled several attacks over the course of the next 2 years. But in 4638 AR, Staunton Vhane fell under the influence of what he believed to be a warrior-princess from Kyonin.

In fact, this elven beauty was a disguised glabrezu named Jerribeth, who convinced Staunton that Drezen was adequately protected, and that the Sword of Valor needed to be carried into battle once again. Believing that the leaders of Drezen were cowards who hid behind the magical banner for their own personal safety, Staunton stole the Sword of Valor and brought it out of the city to Jerribeth, who had promised to bring it to the front lines. But when Staunton delivered it, she revealed her true form after accepting the gift, and made Staunton watch as the marilith Aponavicius led her army into the city and took it in a single ruinous assault. Thousands died that night in Drezen, and many more died in the weeks to come as they fled the fallen city into the inhospitable wilds. Staunton was the first and last of that night's victims, for as the battle ended, he was brought before Aponavicius herself and given a choice-death or servitude. Staunton chose the latter.

The loss of Drezen triggered the official start of the Second Crusade, but this time the demons were better organized, more numerous, and more powerful. The crusaders did their best, but in the end, they were forced to abandon Drezen and its holdings as they raised the wardstones along the river banks bordering lost Sarkoris.

Scholars still debate the identity of the person responsible for the city's loss - and this journal finally provides definitive proof of what really happened that day.

Other notes of interest include the following:

• A list of dozens of sacred and holy weapons and armor he and his brother have successfully tainted through the use of something called a "corruption forge" (the notes include information on how to use it).

• A description of the Sword of Valor, including Staunton's frustration over Aponavicius's desire to keep it as a mere trophy and not to attempt the banner's corruption.

• Several detailed pages of how he hopes to someday torture Irabeth for "ruining nearly everything" when she confronted him almost a year ago in Kenabres.

• Notes on the shadow demon Eustoyriax, an unusually powerful shadow demon who came to Drezen a few weeks after Staunton fled here from Kenabres. The shadow demon arrived in the possessed body of a crusader named Maranse (a man the diary records as now being long dead after having been turned over to the succubus Kiranda), and bore gifts from a place called the Ivory Sanctum - five elixirs of distilled power brewed from powdered Nahyndrian crystal. The notes explain how Staunton volunteered to take one of the elixirs to test its strength before Aponavicius used one, and of the powers the elixir unlocked in him. The notes go on to describe the grisly deaths the elixirs inflicted on the dragon and xacarba servants Aponavicius tested them on, and that only the chimera Soltengrebbe survived the transformation. The notes conclude by revealing that the shadow demon Eustoyriax remains here in a chamber below the citadel, where Aponavicius has placed him in charge of protecting the Sword of Valor.

• The Ivory Sanctum is the central stronghold of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth in the Worldwound, a fortress led by a man named Xanthir Vang who also happens to be the regional leader of the Blackflame Adepts. Staunton records his sole meeting with Xanthir Vang, and indicates he would rather not meet him again-apparently something about the man particularly revolted the anti-paladin.

• Finally, Staunton mentions a special prisoner who's been kept in the Drezen dungeons-a succubus by the name of Aureshalae who was captured by Aponavicius. Staunton knows the succubus is some sort of Abyssal heretic and that the marilith wanted her kept prisoner until a special oubliette in the Rasping Rifts on the Abyss was ready for her. The fact that the succubus escaped not long after Aponavicius left Drezen in Staunton's hands is a major point of worry for the dwarf He's sent several minions out into the Worldwound to track her, noting that her loss of certain demonic abilities is the one saving grace and hoping her inability to teleport or become ethereal will allow his agents to find her and return her to Drezen before Aponavicius finds out she's managed to flee into the wilds of the Wounded Lands. The final note in the diary talks of how he hired an annis hag cultist of Sifkesh to track her down as well, and that if this final attempt fails, he intends to seek out Arueshalae himself once "this matter with the so-called heroes of Kenabres is settled."

Sounds awesome to me, I really need to use the contacts tab in my Hero Lab and add all the NPC's. XD However Julian and I are all about mixed races, as you can tell, so we aren't bothered by it for some reason I was totally under the impression she was full dwarf, but now it is noted. Love HL.

As before she returned the great Chimera's affection, before being snatched up she indicated Anathya as she spoke in draconic. "Friend, Anathya.". She smiled as she saw the intelligence in Soltengrebbe's eyes and laughed as they were given something even a king would be jealous for. A ride on a mythic Chimera back, though being snatched up in full plate was awkward to say the least she couldn't help but imagine riding into the sky on Soltengrebbe one day and not for the sake of battle. But for the adventure of seeing how high they could climb and to places yet unexplored.

To have survived the horrors within the Citadel, to be surrounded by good friends and new allies left Rowan in a more uplifted mood. She called for fellow Dawnbringers to show Anathya, and Jestak, the way to her tent and to treat there new companion's with respect as well. Jestak would find no mistreatment here, she would be accepted and hopefully someday soon she could bring the woman around completely. Iomedae would be blessed to have one with such ferocity as part of her swords. Though the thought of Jestak leaving left her with a slight chill, she needed allies but if the warrior woman found no reason to stay then she could not hold her to. It was a sad reality in the current crisis they faced.

When they had unloaded their hard earned gains in the tent she was surprised to see the Riftwarden was unable to do anything with the lock, it was also a point of weakness she planned to remedy. "Julian and I will share our spellbooks with you Riftwarden Aravashnial and in return we would hope you do the same. So that together we can become stronger and more cohesive." When Meiyun arrived she introduced her to Anathya and Jestak as well.

When Meiyun broken the lock she clapped her on the shoulder lightly. "Excellent work, if only Julian had such skills!" She smiles broadly at the small jab she gave the usually over talented Tiefling Magus. "Now let us see what they hid in such a fortified chest." What they found left even Rowan weak in the knees momentarily as she steadied Meiyun from the shock of the find. Though everything was a bit overwhelming for her at that moment, to think they had made it so far was amazing. To be holding the diary of the Traitor of Drezen and to have been one of the few to bring him low was a just act of righteousness in the pursuit of defeating evil. Though this mention of a Succubi Heretic made her eyebrows climb as high as they would go. Had she been an Inquisitor still she wouldn't have believed it, though the mention of the shadow demon and Maranse made her sigh in frustration. She had been duped.

She instead focused on this Heretical demon Staunton mentioned. How is that Possible... No sooner had the thought came to her she thought she might have already found an answer. Her research into demons, a grim reminder in her obsession in finding a way to defeat them aided her thoughts. She closed the Journal and sent some of the Dawnbringers to summon the rest of her officers. Including Nurah, who she still had suspicion's of. She hoped in light of the recent events that whoever had been trying to break them from within would finally turn.

After the Dawnbringer's had scurried off she quietly handed the Oil of Life to Meiyun. Saying pointedly. "No one is to mention this exists, Nor who has it." She marked every face in the room then. Jestak, Julian, Anathya, Avarashnial and Soltengrebbe, who she believed wouldn't betray them.

Post to follow once I know who all shows up officer wise.

Julain, returned the chimera's affection somewhat hesitantly as he still felt bad for knocking the poor beast out of the sky. He gladly accepted a ride as his poor feet were bruised from all the jumping about in the citadel.

Julian was intrigued by all that they had found and were able to gather, Anathya's horse had allowed them to recover the last of it and Meiyun's skills with her tools allowed them to discover explode-a-gnome had been hiding. He smiled at the thought of the outrage their fallen opponent would have felt and nodded in agreement with Rowan's words and actions.

Before Irabeth had the journal he perused the notes as well and was shocked by the knowledge that a demon had gone rogue against the abyss. Such a thing was unheard of but being a tiefling such an idea made his choices all the more justified. If a demon can change then who can ever say Tieflings are all evil...

Einherjar felt warm on his side and he realigned his train of thought, handing the book back to Rowan as he made mental notes.

Sorry for light post but working on Loot tracker, as I am woefully behind on it.

I fully support leaving reviews for 3PP stuff. XD It REALLY helps the creators.

Meiyun took the bottle, carefully concealing it within her clothing. "As you command." she said respectfully. *Notes this on the campaign info tab*

At Rowan's command, the other officers soon assembled. Aravashnial was already there, of course, but Irabeth arrived alone - Anevia was off scouting the area and harrying the few enemy forces still in the area, and probably wouldn't be back for hours yet. Aron was with her, but Sosiel was in the camp, and the cleric promptly made his way over. Nurah was the last to arrive, and looked with interest at all the new shinies. "Well, guess we've got the money to keep everyone fed." she said cheerfully. "Armies march on their stomachs, after all - trust me, I know." she pat her belly a few times.

She set a hand on Nurah soldier and gave it a slight squeeze in a warm way as she chuckled. "Indeed, it was hard earned but it will be wisely spent for the betterment of all." With the officers gathered she stepped to the center of the command tent.

She had a tired look, all sense of merriness left her as she addressed those who were present. The armor of the Pious shined in the dim light and Iomedae's symbol flashed as she turned. "Irabeth, when you see Anevia, repeat what is said here. Please." She hands over the Journal to Irabeth then before saying."The Traitor of Kenebras, Staunton Vaughn is dead and his items are captured..." She lets it sink in momentarily as she continues, indicating Julian, Anathya and Jestak. "... though he called out to Deskari in the end, he failed to dim the light which is our cause. In his fall we rescued those lost and made new allies." With that said her features soften some as she introduces Anathya and Jestak to everyone present. "We found Anathya within the Citadel, battling a Vrock alone with all the ferocity that her deity could give her. A truly inspiring event. She has aided us immensely and it is my hope you will come to support her as I have. Jestak, a former soldier of the enemy, however she came over to our side and I hope to see her treated with respect. She also aided me against a Succubi and aided in the rescue of four of our crusaders who were taken without our notice. Now..."

She indicates the map of the citadel, unrolled on her small desk as always. "We make our final push into the citadel dungeon tomorrow. Though we face heavy opposition, we will succeed. A Shadow demon lies within the fortress, though I have no doubt the enemy could try and strike at us in our camp so we will double the sentries, patrols and everyone is to be on guard for demonic intrusion. Patrols are to actively search for evil aura's in camp. Again, so I am perfectly clear, everyone needs to be on-guard and not move alone. Those acting strangely need to be checked, phrases remembered lest this Shadow Demon move to be able and strike we commanders."

"Now, once the citadel is fully secured I will see these spoils spread among the warriors. For now we need it in this final push and with this we will recover the Sword of Valor and raise it over Drezen once more. For now I need you to continue to be vigilant and hold the city with what forces we have, Julian, Anathya and I will return to the citadel. I do welcome those who wish to join us, gladly but only one or two could go. No more, lest we threaten our command structure here." She lets them have time to think it over before asking a finally question of her officers. "Is there anything to report while we were away?"

Chucking quietly as the odd chimera runs off with Julian and Rowan, Anathya walks into the camp, leading her treasure laden horse. Once seeing to getting Bolt unloaded and watered, she follows the messenger sent to lead her to Rowan's tent, noting her status as a Commander and the deep respect and affection awarded her by her officers.

Looking on as everything retrieved was reviewed, she notes the usefulness of the equipment and gear, knowing that much of the actual m poo monetary wealth would go far towards maintaining the force. Though used to working independently or as part of a small group, her education on the needs of an army was rather extensive.

The details of the journal were at once enlightening and troubling. The presence of the sword filling her with the urge to plunge into the depths to wrest it from the vile hands that had held it all these years, while the mention of an anathemic succubus was met with scepticism. She'd spent her whole life trained to hunt demonkind, learned their strengths, weaknesses, their vile tastes and even what they feared most. Never had she heard of a full demon turning from the paths of corruption. She knew of quite a few tieflings like Julian who had overcome the taint of darkness in their blood, and in fact her own patron epitomized the struggle against the inner darkness of being fiend blooded, but a full demon turning good? She'd believe that when she saw it. If there was a single thing succubi had mastered, it was deception.

She smiles at the assembled officers as Rowan introduces both Jestak and herself coloring very slightly at the mention of her bravery. She'd simply been doing what needed to be done, fulfilling her role as a weapon against the darkness.

"Their defenses grew quieter the longer you were in there." Irabeth said, pointing to a few marks on a map. "We've been working to present a threat without trying to make them feel desperate - if they panic too much, they might cave and call for reinforcements after all, in which case we could have thousands of demons upon us within hours. As much as I'd like to be in there with you, I think it's best if I remain here, ready to direct our forces in case something goes wrong."

"The morale of our troops is excellent. Well, it's always been high, but freeing the prisoners really spurred them on." Sosiel added. "There've been a few minor incidents, mostly from people who didn't have a high standard of behavior to begin with, but nothing truly worrisome. We've set a few of the men to ministering and teaching them - they're not a professional force by any measure, but they'll be more than just a rabble with weapons if we're attacked again. Quite a few have expressed the desire to stay and help rebuild the area if we can retake control of it."