He runs his hand over it and smiles in appreciation of the secrets this citadel held. He left it unopened and went back to his comrades to share his find. "Got a concealed door in the wall over here. I don't know where it goes but it is an option. Your call Rowan. Do we chance the dead or take the doorway?" he settles down on his haunches as he waits for an answer.
Rowan thinks for moment before finally nodding. "We clear the specter's and what lies beyond first. Then I will have no qualms doubling back to this doorway next." Rowan wanted to charge through the secret door, but her feelings aimed her in ending the plight of the spectre's and releasing any prisoners still held in the dungeon first. Or at least seeing to it that they were strong enough to escape the citadel and into the Dawnbringers welcoming embrace.
The Citadel is a pile of rock but every soul within is the real treasure. Where this citadel is important it can be rebuilt, where people cannot... She nods to Julian to lead the way then, knowing full well they would face the unquiet dead first before making their way further.
Rechecking her weapon, Anathya nods, ready to put the spectres to rest and continue on, each rumble a reminder of their limited time.
Nodding at her decision Julian twirls Einherjar as he approaches the double doors and pushes them both open. He calmly watched the spectres warily as they moved down the hallway. though he didn't engage them unless they looked like they were going to attack him.
He moved quietly, watching the sides of the hallway and moving with stealth in mind. Ever mindful of the dead though he also didn't want demons sneaking up on him either...
Second, the subject immediately receives another saving throw (if one was allowed to begin with) against any spells or effects that possess or exercise mental control over the creature (including enchantment [charm] effects and enchantment [compulsion] effects, such as charm person, command, and dominate person). This saving throw is made with a +2 morale bonus, using the same DC as the original effect. If successful, such effects are suppressed for the duration of this spell. The effects resume when the duration of this spell expires. While under the effects of this spell, the target is immune to any new attempts to possess or exercise mental control over the target. This spell does not expel a controlling life force (such as a ghost or spellcaster using magic jar), but it does prevent them from controlling the target. This second effect only functions against spells and effects created by evil creatures or objects, subject to GM discretion.
Third, the spell prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures. This causes the natural weapon attacks of such creatures to fail and the creatures to recoil if such attacks require touching the warded creature. Summoned creatures that are not evil are immune to this effect. The protection against contact by summoned creatures ends if the warded creature makes an attack against or tries to force the barrier against the blocked creature. Spell Resistance can allow a creature to overcome this protection and touch the warded creature.
Julian tsked and moved forward to engage the foes, he starts casting a spell before engaging them fully. As he unleashed the spell several blurs left his fingertip and instantaneously slammed into the lead spectre. Like unseen hammers the spectre was battered by missiles of force...
"Take advantage if they surround me, though I am unsure if our weapons can harm them..."
Anathya moves 25 feet down the hallway, calling upon her divine gifts to unleash a burst of holy energy, as wave of ghostly fire washing forward to roll over the specters.
Seeing Julian facing the Spectres alone didn't sit well with Rowan, as Anathya moved forth and casted forth her holy light she couldn't help but feel firm in their actions. We will bring these poor souls peace, somehow... She moves forward twenty feet and focuses on her own symbol as she releases a burst of positive energy. The sword tattooed upon her breast shined with holy light as the positive energy pulsed out and away from her. Lighting up the area thirty feet in every direction before disappearing as quickly as it had appeared...
Julian didn't let his guard down but he bit back the pain of knowing the fate of the patrol that had brought him out of the Worldwound.
"Jonas and Belgan!? This is where you've been trapped this entire time!? Please let us pass! " He pleaded with the spectres in the hope they would remember enough to heed him, in the hope that they would aid him one last time. "We will release you if you just let us through unharmed! Remember your oaths, not to the gods but to yourselves as the men and heroes you still are!"
Though not her specialty, Anathya knew enough about undead to know that hose powerful enough to shrug off divine energy aimed at them were well too far gone for any hope of saving. The only thing that could be done for them now was to put the tortured remnants of their souls to final rest.
Taking a single step to her left, the slayer of Ragathiel locks her eyes on the spectre directly ahead of her, a glow of golden flame engulfing her hand as she raises it, chanting in celestial.
"In Ragathiel's name, cling no more to this mockery of life, but find peace!" she shouts as she focuses divine power like a ray of the sun, projecting a blast of light from her open palm.
Sheathing her sword she draws her bow instead, hoping that her actions in the next few seconds would actually bring down their Spectres...
She knew she had very few holy arrows left and these incorporeal beings were not so easily harmed with non-magical attacks.
He spoke blasphemous words in Abyssal, something that no evil creature would stand to not challenge as the constellation of the stair of stars appeared on his Cloak of the Night Sky. "The light is eternal..." The runes had awoke a rage in Julian and a deep sorrow for the poor souls of men he once knew. They didn't deserve this... Einherjar took on a white glow as Julian channeled his magic into the blade's edge. I will find a way to save them... He spun, fighting with all his might, hoping that if he severed their existence with Einherjar's blade. That perhaps they could find peace. I will destroy everything they have worked to corrupt, I will end their sickness once and for all and free those bound by the Abyss!
Einherjar sang as he cut the air, fighting defensively lest these tormented souls succeeded in weakening him. Which he could not allow. As Einherjar sliced through the spectre of one of his old heroes he whispered. "Desna save you, I'm sorry Jonas..."
Julian watched as they disappeared into the stones, he contained his rage as the constellation glowed on his back. A reminder that his journey was one fraught with pain but worthwhile because the end would make all this suffering worthwhile. He turns and nods to Anathya. "Nice shot... Forgive them though, I knew both when they were alive and now they are bound to this place I believe. They know not what they do..." He gave Einherjar a flourish before he turned ready to press on, thankful that he had remained unharmed by his old allies. At least what was left of them. He looked to where they disappeared, a part of him hoping they could hear him. "Now stay out of our way you two, we will be back but you are better off hiding."
Hoping the spectres would listen he pressed on...
He checks the cells one by one as they move forward,intent on not having something sneak up on them until he arrives at the first set of doors on the left and right.
He turns his gaze to the doors on the left and examines the bars as well hoping that the way was unlocked. If it was locked he heads to the right instead...
As he examines the two doorways he waves for the others to catch up...
Rowan hurries to catch up to Julian when he motions to them to move forward. Exchanging her longbow for her longsword again she moves up near Julian but a few paces back . She was cautious of enemy casters or traps in the area. She kept her eyes open just in case.
She whispers to Julian then. "Are you okay Julian?" She worried for his mental state, seeing companions of old in such... Horrid circumstances would most certainly burden the mind.
Rowan's question was answered almost mechanically, as he had expected it to come. "I'm fine, focus on the mission." Though his answer was very blunt because in the few moments after the battle he quickly detached himself from the rage that welled up. It wasn't going to help, only hinder, their work. He had no time for it and the angrier he got the more he itched to drink the mutagen and turn to running on instinct. Besides the constant chattering of the voices would eventually erode his thinking if he focused on dark thoughts. They simply couldn't afford that now, capturing the citadel was far more important.
Though hanging back she couldn't hear the full details, Anathya could hear the terseness in Juilian's voice and see the tension as...something else in his body language. A moment later she catches herself, realizing that on instinct she was beginning to scan him as she would a target.
Ragathiel grant me strength she thinks refocusing on the task at hand.
"Right, which way then Julian?" She gives Anathya a nod as she approached.
"Lets head left then. Clear these areas one by one. Leave nothing to ambush us..." His mind was clear for now, detached from the emotional pain and isolating himself in his own logical void. Einherjar was warm in his hands. He was keenly aware that every action and emotional shift was being keenly watched by the blade for which Julian was thankful.
Pressing his ways through the bars on his left he heads through the northern double doors...
Seeing them attacking again Julian launches back into the fight. This time he feels nothing for the spectres, he knew they wouldn't stay hidden but a part of him caved to the hope they were still there. That hope was gone, he'd banish them with bomb and blade after the harm they had caused Anathya. His wings hardly fluttered as he did and aerial somersault and slashed powerfully with Einherjar...
The injury to her body is minimal, barely noticeable really, but as the malicious spectres reach out to touch her, Anathya feels as if her very soul were being grabbed and attempted to be torn in half and devoured by the fell spirits. She clls upon divine power sending a wave of holy fir d=forth, but even that is far weaker than normal.
With a grunt of frustration Rowan maintained her distance from the Spectre's and instead intoned a spell to strike them down! Focusing on the one Julian wasn't hitting at that moment...
Her resolve cracking, Anathya screams as she can feel sections of her soul being torn away, her sense of self, her will, years of training, honing and focus all being rapidly eroded by the touch of the spectres. Even as the second one was destroyed, the Inquisitor leans against the wall, barely standing, her entire body shaking with the trauma of having her very essence viciously mauled.
Julian looked calm though he felt, regretful. More so at his actions then anything else. The spirits deliberately pulled back to lay harm on his companions since they could hardly touch him at all. With a sigh he turned back the way they came. "No point in pressing forward, I made a dreadful mistake and Anathya need healing that I cannot provide. Lets get back and seek out Sosiel and hope he is prepared." The regret entered his words slightly, he was more than worried as to what these spirits may had done to his companion.
He waves for Rowan to support Anathya then as he leaves himself ready for battle.
Rowan was at Anathya's side immediately after the last spectre dissipated. Throwing the woman's arm over her shoulder as she nodded to Julian. "Agreed, it would be foolish to press onward until we are sure that nothing worse has happened to you Anathya." Her voice brooked no reproach as Rowan embraced the grave, near fatal, tactical error she allowed to occur. One that should have costed Anathya her life. Though, despite her better judgement she nods towards the Northern Doors.
Nodding, Anathya gratefully accepts Rowan's support as they turn back, simply focusing on putting one foot in front of the other as she tries to drown out the whispering laughter that seems to come from all around her.
Rowan nods to Julian. "We'll be fine, scour the room to the north and lets make something of this effort." She swallows the want to vomit before speaking softly then to Anathya, trying to drown out the mocking laughter and the feeling of the tainted atmosphere rubbing across her skin. "This is but a delay, I should have been ready but instead we left you in a trap. We will get this sorted and complete our task. Just going to take some more time is all." The Citadel is important, so is the Sword of Valor. But losing a comrade at the beginning wouldn't justify moving recklessly forward. Iomedae, forgive your foolhardy servant.
Julian frowns as he tests the bars to the north. If they didn't budge he decides to abandon further exploration and takes up the lead spot until they cleared the citadel. Once they were clear he helps Rowan carry Anathya more quickly.
"Not your fault......they played on Julian's......desire to believe....there was still some good in them." Anathya manages "Sorry.....for hindering our......progress."
Once free of the dungeon Julians head clears enough for him to respond wisely to Anathya, shaking his head as he supported her from the other side. He did feel naive to think men souls that were so cursed and broken had enough sense of self to stay out of his path. They were lost and Julian would bring them back to the light. "Your not a burden, this is just the pleasantries of war, you were injured nothing more." Once they were in the cleared out area of the Ruins Julian stopped Rowan and Anathya. Barrin the Dungeon door again before leading them to the well appointed office of Staunton Vaughn. "Take Refuge here and I will return. 'I will knock twice rapidly and once slowly after which I will say 'Shrouded in Starlight'. It may be unlikely anyone has any items or abilities to fix Anaythya. If I find something or someone I will return but I can move more quickly..."
If no one objects he heads for the roof and launches skyward and back to camp, taking the most direct route possible in the hopes of saving them time and energy. If no one in camp has something prepared then we will have to press on...
Rowan nods, knowing Julian was indeed far swifter. "Don't take any risks and return quickly."
While waiting for Julian's return, Rowan was somber as she looked over her supplies. Frustrated she wasn't able to provide her newest companion with the relief they needed. "You are not a burden Anathya, not in the slightest. Bad things happen, soldiers are injured in the war of light. That is all. We will press through this." She went to the bar within the well appointed room, pulling a bottle of fine spirits out of the rack and looked at as she turned the bottle in her hands. "The voices in that place, the discovery of those Julian once knew. Do these Demons delight in cruel jokes and mocking those who lack their vitality?" She was angry, those spectres looked as though they had died in the worse ways imaginable and even death brought no release. "After everything we put him through he has to face that? Sometimes I question the gods will, their tests and wonder if this is a cruelty visited on us for our sins." She sets the bottle down as she runs her hand across the counter.
Part of her would enjoy transforming this place into the fortress it needed to be again. They would win, but now she questioned the cost. Can Julian hold on to his reason here? Should I seek out Irabeth and others instead? She was calm as she asked Anathya a simple question. "Do you remember the inquisitions of the Third Crusade?"
"I prefer to look at it as something to draw strength from." Anathya says quietly. "I see their corruption, the things they do and the way their victims suffer, and it fuels my rage, keeps the fire burning to visit some of that same pain and suffering on their kind."
She takes a deep breath, looking up at Rowan. "I just need to try to remember to temper it with compassion and understanding for those that deserve it."
Nothing. His body shuddered as his logic and reasoning turned to raw emotion and anger. He hadn't prepared for this. They had Nothing.
<:Julian, remain calm, you are shaking.:>
He had knew the answer already, but he had hoped he was wrong, when faced with the harsh truth they faced. His breath was coming quickly as he looked stone faced at Sosiel for a moment before allowing a weak smile. "Don't let anyone outside the officers know that Anathya has been badly injured. Spectre's have tore her up very badly and we are unsure as to how badly yet."
<:Stay calm, don't make them lose faith. The are strong but its fleeting if you falter now.:>
He paced his breathing, giving a roguish grin. "Seeing as there is nothing here to aid us, we will just press on. See you in a few hours Sosiel."[/b
With that he shot skyward, flying back towards the citadel as quickl as his wings could carry him. Einherjar's voice did little to soothe his fracturing resolve.
<:What is your plan?:>
[b]"Mutagen, what do you expect?"
<:You can't rely on that false strength Julian, don't lose yourself to the beast when things don't go your way...:>
"What do you suggest Einherjar? Anathya's condition could worsen and what then? We lost Tarov, Rowan is a Hospitlar and now this! What else can I call upon to bring death to my enemies?"
Einherjar's response was more quiet then before, perhaps the blade was sighing with Julian's growing frustration as they winged over the broken city of Drezen. <:Do you think you are the only one to curse fate? To be put in a rough situation? Throwing a tantrum like a child will solve Nothing. What is done is done. Now focus, else we risk losing more then Anathya or the broken souls in that dank dungeon.:>
Einherjar paused interrupting Julian as he continued to scold the tiefling like a teacher and an angered student. <:Fact is Julian. The wardstones are gone. Your group falls and this menace will spread like an incurable plague. Many women will end up like your mother and more will suffer fates like those men did, if not worse. Dragged back to the abyss and forced to endure suffering even when completely innocent. So if you imbibe that, do so with the thought of maintaining your calm and intellect. You can ill afford to lose sight or become reckless now. Do not lose faith. Desna would not have given you gifts if she did not think you capable.:>
"A wise answer, sometimes though it presses me to the brink. Despite my own reason I cannot help but question why." She takes a deep breath then and turns, leaning against the bar as she looks to Anathya. "I hope this experiance hasn't shaken Julian. He was a crusader a long time, he witnessed the deaths of his companions before and was tortured by the inquisition. Of which I had a part in his arrest, among others he openly resisted the Inquisition and paid dearly for it. I regret what I did then though now we have moved past it... But I pray nothing else from his past visits him this day. I fear that it could be too much especially because he will find nothing at camp..."
She hangs her head. "We three are the strongest in the entire battalion. Tarov..." She gives a grim look then. "He was a dwarven warrior who had been instrumental in helping to save Kenebras and get this far before he fell ill. Proving that even the strongest fall easily to the unknown. It won't be surprising if there is nothing we can do right now."
She stands, moving around the room slowly, eyeing the walls lest some type of evil suddenly walk out of the walls. "Do you think you can continue if he returns with nothing?"
"I have to. In the grand scheme of things I'm not really that important. We have to stop them from what they're trying to do,, and if I die in the effort, well at least I die fighting." Anathya replies. "I'm not sure how effective or useful I'll be though."
Rowan smiles at Anathya. "With that resolve you will do just fine." This brief respite was good for them to recover before they would have to plunge into the depths again. The earth shakes reaffirmed that their time was slowly running out. "Gods willing we will win this yet." She ran her hand over her sword. [i]And may I eventually redeem my wrongs while serving the Inquisition.
"At least now those spirits are out of our way, we need only fear similar ones appearing. If they do we will take the other path we found."
Anathya returns the smile. Despite her current condition, and perhaps because of it, she truly relished not being alone any longer.
<:Think this through and press forward. Those spirits will linger so long as they have control.:>
Julian lands lightly on his feet, the long flight tired his wings but he had returned. Though empty handed, he was prepared to press on. He moved through the Citadel with Einherjar in hand and a look of bold determination on his face. "Got it. Lighten the load on those two and press into the fight, hopefully Rowan agrees to letting me fight alone up front."
<:What choice does she have?:>
"Agreed, besides I want her to save her best for last."