GM Rednal's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

So apparently the forum reset took away my dots. that's annoying. But my hands are rested, so here we go! Post coming up tomorrow. Currently retraining.

Julian watches in silence, a voice inside him railing against this process. Urging him to fight instead of standing aside and feeling like he was watching a comrade fall. With each pulse of power he felt as though what made Rowan, Rowan, was being stripped away. Edging the trauma he had suffered slowly back to the surface, but ultimately he swallowed it down and watched Rowan change. She had made her decision and he would abide by her wishes.

When Kariel approached him his focus became razor sharp. He sighed at the light bush on his forehead, though he focused purely on her words. Knowing that his early slip, though useful, was a mistake. The darkness was more prominent in the 'Wound, temptation like the most delicious dessert and his possessive nature threatened to rise to the surface as well. At Kariel's words he nods. "I will remember and gird myself to resist the tempting darkness." Not all those who wander are lost, least of all myself.

"Very well." the angel said, nodding slightly. With a slight creaking of wood, she raised her hand and gestured to the Sword of Valor above. The artifact pulsed slightly, then sent down a ray of light that enveloped Rowan. Within the ray, Rowan could feel all of the powers and defenses of her Paladin training melting away, leaving her mind fully exposed.

Blessing's, Truth, Faith, Virtue, Justice, Righteousness and Her Holy Word. All these things were instilled in Her now emptied mind by Kariel. Like the armorers hammer, each powerful magic embedded itself into her frame. Her very soul resonated with the celestial might and the lesson Kariel was teaching her. The path she had been on shattered when the Holy Word was released. The mystical Mage Queen of Sarkoris was replaced by a new image, a holy knight one so radiant that Rowan winced as the light enveloped her where she kneeled. When the light faded she wasn't regretful anymore, she had not the time to regret a decision made. Sarkoris would be in good hands.

She felt the sword taps upon her shoulders and rose as bidden,0 a new woman, a better knight and a more righteous symbol of Iomedae's paladine faith. As the might of each spell faded, so did Rowan's old life with them. Her spell books chain seemed to burn and warp until it fell from her side, like something denounced by her new path. She hardly looked at it, so foreign it had become.

At the birds cry she watched in quiet fascination as the falcon, Phanuel, swooped towards her. She didn't flinch or shy away as it settled on her shoulder, instead she felt like he belonged more then her spellbook of old. She nodded to Kariel's words, responding proudly and confidently. "In her name I will right the wrongs of this world, bring swift justice onto the wicked and mercy unto those who have stumbled from the path. You have my utmost oath it shall be so, Lady Kariel."

As Kariel turned to the others she turned to look at Phanuel, raising her hand confidently and stroking his feathers lightly. "You are Magnificent. From what realm did you come from Phanuel?" She assumed Heaven but any of the celestial realms was just as fascinating. "I look forward to our talks, I wish to learn all that I can from you."

When Kariel was gone Rowan hardly batted an eye. It was the angel's way, appear, aid and leave. So as to not sow to much disruption.

"Nevertheless... Anathya, Ragathiel is pleased with your efforts and what you have learned in your time here. He calls you not to be a Justicar of his own, but to be a hunter of the dark. If Rowan is a sword, then you are a bow, with the power to hunt all evil that comes within range." She pushed up on her toes and kissed Anathya's forehead. "You, too, are necessary for what must be done. Watch over your friends, and see what others may not."

The words ring in her mind, echoing with a deep resonance, a refocusing of purpose. While Julian might chafe at the idea of Rowan dedicating her life to Iomedae's cause, she understood, in fact she understood all to well. While drastically different she had given her own life to the fight against the darkness. She new all too well the solitude, the loneliness at hat accompanied the noble purpose and honor in being her deity's champion.

And now she also understood the balance needed to prevent being lost in the darkness. Thanks to Rowan and Julian, she understood that as long as one remembered they were not alone, never truly alone....there would always be that glimmer of light in the deepest darkness.

She may have come close to losing her way once, but she had been through some of the worst she'd ever faced recently and come out the other side. She would be the hunter in the darkness, the darkness that in many ways was her home. Her sacrifice was to become a denizen of the darkness while fighting for the light, hunting in the places the light could barely touch. She understood the darkness better than most. She would show mercy where warranted, she would honor the genuine desire for redemption, and in fact champion it, but she knew as well that there would always be those that would take the outstretched hand only to draw closer for betrayal, who would claim to accept the chance to change, only until the opportunity arose to strike again.

In those cases, where betrayal lay in wait, where facing the darkness would endanger the purest of the light's champions, where the only option left was swift and final judgement, she would be there.

Smiling at the sight of Rowan communicating with her new divine companion, the Slayer of Ragathiel comes forward to rest a hand on the newly appointed Justicar, noting Julian caught in his own inner turmoil.

"How do you feel?"

She nods to her newest companion, speaking aloud in response to their words. "I hope that day is far from now as we have much work ahead." The Worldwound was at the forefront of her mind.

Her smile deepened at Anathya's approach and she chuckled at her words warm heartedly. "More or less the same but more focused. The best I could say is, complete, in a way." She runs a hand lightly along the falcons feathers. "Before I had too broad of an idea of what I was to become. Now I know what I am and what I am to aim at."

Seeing Julian's turmoil she sighs. "That man has been through hell, best to give him some space."

Looking back at Anathya she smiles again. "So, Slayer, are you ready to get to work?"

"At your side?....Always." Anathya answers with a wink and a smile of her own.

Feel free to get started as soon as you're done preparing. XD If you're a little lost, just mention setting out.

Electronics ban is over! My wife initiated a sudden blitzkrieg on electronics usage. So I am back. Heading to work tomorrow as well. Will update my sheet soon.

Julian approaches, shaking off his grim thoughts as he smiles st the changed Rowan. "So where do we start Rowan? Especially before the shine wears off."

"It's not going to wear off." Anathya quips with a grin.

At least, one hoped it wouldn't wear off... but all things considered, that was a pretty safe bet. Nobody who'd fall or give up so easily was ever asked to become a Justicar in the first place.

"Indeed it won't, however we have much work to do and little time now that Drezen no longer needs our support."

She smiles as she speaks to her comrades, giving each a light squeeze on the shoulder with her free hand. "Let me introduce Phanuel, our newest companion and mighty celestial confidant to aid us in our struggle with the abyssal scourge." She introduces each of her companions to her falcon companion before adding. "After all of this time we are still clueless to the demons references. The Candle of Hope. The Lady of Spring. These are not references to Iomedae. So who is it then? They are obviously targeting something, something important or someone."

She looked to Julian. "Have you discovered anything of use in that Desna inspired cell? I have seen you spend more time there then your own bed. Have you discovered something that we have overlooked?" She wasn't accusing him, merely curious if there was a lead on something of use.

She turned to Anathya as well then. "Are your slayers battle ready? The forces and organizations I aided in creating are strong enough to survive on their own. Prospering is not my concern, not anymore." She didn't feel any pain in the thought anymore, the idea of becoming a Queen and saving Sakoris was trumped with the idea she would protect the people the world over.

"Once we have squared away our affairs here we will start exploring the lands around us. It's time we strike at the demons and keep them from turning their attention back north. I will verify targets with our fellow Officers. I am sure Anevia and Aron might have something for us by now. You guys have anything to add?"

Anathya ponders the references, having been a bit to shaken up at the time to really catch them when mentioned by the shadow demon.

Lady of Spring +5 to all results if Demon related.
Knowledge Religion (Creatures): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Knowledge Local (Creatures): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Knowledge Planes (Creatures): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Candle of Hope
Knowledge Religion : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Knowledge Local : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Knowledge Planes : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

"They're ready, any other training they need will happen in the field. I've taught them how to survive and that's the core of it." she replies.

Both of the names definitely sound like deific titles of some sort - but they're not titles you're familiar with. That, in and of itself, is fairly unusual given your collective knowledge and understanding. Of course, that doesn't mean you don't know the deity(s?) they're applied to... simply that the titles themselves are obscure and not in common usage.

Insights gained from the Desna inspired cell? D20+int: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Julian ponders for a moment before shaking his head. "That cell is a sea of calm in the darkness. All I know is that someone important to me spent time in that cell. Someone I owe, a lot and when we first arrived it... it felt like I had just missed her..." But is she the Demon?. He shook his head, dispelling the errant thought. "My groups are more then capable of carrying on without me. The hospital as well the alchemist lab and shop or more then manned up. So lets go and check with Anevia and them before setting out."

"Excellent Anathya, I will leave it to you to break the news to them. Because we will be moving a lot and soon." She turned to look at Julian, reading his face before nodding sagely. "Arueshalae, most likely the escaped demon was in that cell. Because there would have been no other way for her to escape unless this is a trap. If you think of anything else let me know. Other then that let your fellows know you are departing." A repentant demon? The thought was staggering, but she had to have an open mind and a ready sword.

"I will check in with our fellow officers and see if we can get some research teams going. We need to understand our enemies strange threats. Lest we dance with disaster if we miss something important. Any questions or suggestions?"

"Sounds good..." Arueshalae, he never got the woman's name but she was possibly a demon? His world seemed upside down and sideways at the thought before Einherjar brought him back to reality. "I'll get things settled and buy some items for our journey. Meet back in the citadel in four hours." With that he was out the door.

Is there any shops specializing in anti-swarm items Rednal?

"That works." Anathya responds.

Specializing in anti-swarm? Not particularly, no. But there is anything within the city's pricing limits, plus Meiyun for custom orders. Basic alchemical gear (including throwables) is available in plenty, and stuff like Swarmbane Clasps can be rolled for or forged.

"Right, let us prepare and we will leave at first light." She nods to her companions before heading off briskly.

She visited her other companions then. Checking in with the City Lord Irabeth and her companion Anevia.

Then Aron and Sosiel, followed by Aravashnial.

Too each she posed the same question's, digging for rumors and reports about odd happenings or key sights needing to be hit. Failing that she asks about landmarks that may need to be investigate and cleared of any lingering demonic forces near Drezen. "If there is anything you know, no matter how vague or unbelievable. Please let me know and we will investigate it." She wanted to avoid aimlessly exploring but if forced too she would pick a direction and not look back.

As you talked to the others, Kariel's words rung in your minds - that heading to the Molten Scar in the southwest would make things clear. It was not, of course, the only place that needed attention... this was, after all, the Worldwound. Outside of rare citadels like Drezen, evil was quite literally everywhere.

As for specific points of interest, though... [u]Eagle Rock[/u] (some ways straight south of the city) was held throughout the Second and Third Crusades, but early in the Fourth Crusade in 4693 AR, the fortress finally fell after a long and harrowing siege by demons and wormlike grimslakes (marrow-eating monsters often found in battlefields in the Worldwound), and there were definite rumors of demons inhabiting it.

To the southwest, and closer than the Molten Scar, was a [u]chapel sacred to Erastil[/u] - yet it seemed to have been desecrated, and its tender was missing. That had put a number of locals on edge, given its proximity to the city. None of the crusaders liked such events. People in the city might know more if you took the time to gather information.

There was also talk of [u]Wintersun Hall[/u] - a place where an old clan had gone to try and reclaim their lands, and were possibly still alive - and there was also talk of some kind of [u]Woundwyrm[/u] along the old Gray Road that they were probably going to have to take care of at that point, as well as some kind of [u]Sanctum[/u] used by the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth.

In fighting the forces of evil, there were a great many things to do... so it would be wise to carefully consider where to expend your might, for the longer you took, the more time the demons would have to put their own plans into motion.

Functionally... the Molten Scar is your main quest, and everything else is a sidequest. XD

Taking her leave, Anathya heads back out to first meet with her unit of rangers. It was a bit welcome to note their reactions when Julian had made his...unorthodox entrance, how ready they were to engage, though she explained it away as a propensity towards the dramatic.

Ensuring that they understood their mandate, and that in her absence their leader should report any and all findings to Irabeth, she makes sure they are well prepared before leaving them and heading to the citadel’s magic stores, obtaining an arsenal of useful spells in the form of scrolls of multiple levels, to go along with the alchemical items Julian had supplied, and a healing wand that would vastly improve their ability to recover in the field.

She would make sure they were ready, well equipped and as prepared as they could be for anything.

Julian spoke with his alchemists and with the hospital staff. All proceeds they gained were to be divided equally among them. Especially as he didn't know how long he would be gone from time to time. So the business would have to survive on its own. However he request they not price their goods to the point it put the people at a disadvantage. Especially as Drezen was still recovering and his tiefling Alchemists needed to build a better reputation for themselves.

Once he had made his standing orders clear he joined Rowan and recalling what Karel had said he was unsure of which place to proceed too first. Hearing about Eagle Rock though made him speak up. "Perhaps it would be good to rout the demons there and continue building further support in the areas around Drezen. On that not restoring the Erastil temple would also be good."

"Eagle Rock. It sounds like a good start, though we will pursue what Kariel tasked us with in due time. But Julian has the right of it, take back the surrounding territories and restore as much order as possible. Too Eagle rock!" Rowan was excited to be on the move again, finally coming out of her stupor and focusing on her new found might.

Phanuel let out a quiet caw at your choice of destinations, seeming faintly amused by it - and while Soltengrebbe was quite sad to see you go (thoroughly licking all of you when you said goodbye), he seemed resigned to it.

Your destination was due south of the city, some 24 miles or so - and given the rough nature of the Worldwound's ground and the way it slowed you down, that was a good two days of walking before you finally reached your destination. Here, the ruined remnants of five towers give the top of this escarpment the look of broken fingers jutting into the sky. Below the ruins, the face of the rocky cliff looks almost like the profile of a bird of prey.

Anathya studies the rock formation before them.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Apologies for the wait, apparently this game was still disconnected after the recent forum malfunction. Ugh. Here we go!

Julian hunkers down and looks at the rock formation from a distance, intent on scoping out any enemies long before they spotted them. Hopefully...

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Rowan smiles at Phanuel, she felt assured in her decision in liberating Eagle Rock. She bids farewell to Soltengrebbe, holding on to each head for a long moment before saying they'd return. She doesn't visit the labor union and leaves it to its own devices. She was a consultant now, so there fate was what they made of it. Drezen was out of her hands, now and forever. All she could do was ensure that Iomedae's will be done and bring swift justice down upon the wicked, to purge the darkness with the brightest light of all.

Righteousness.
________________________________________________________________________

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

She looked over the rock formation with a critical eye, looking for any ambush points or hidden enemies. "We go in low and quiet, do what we did at the siege of Drezen if need be. We strike fast and clean them out before any fierce resistance can be mounted against us."

Anathya gives a silent nod, checking her weapons.

As you looked around, a faint droning sound could be heard - and a demonic locust the size of a horse, with a scorpion's stinger and an almost-human face, buzzed out of the ruins and moved into the air above you, some forty feet up and about a hundred feet forward given your distance from the ruined fort.

Init (Enemy): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Init (Anathya): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Init (Julian): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Init (Rowan): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

It was also much faster off the mark than would normally have been expected, and Julian was the only one quick enough off the mark to react before it did anything else.

Poke me in the Discussion thread once you've posted so I don't forget. ^^

As the creature emerges, even as it exceeds the reaction time, Anathya's mind races through the extensive catalog of demonology stemming from her wealth of experience.

Knowledge Planes (demons): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 31 if not a demon

The demon is a Derakni - a kind of locust demon, known to be the favored minions of Deskari. Great flights of them are known to plague certain regions of the Worldwound. They're fairly tough and agile, but not as strong mentally, but they're quite resistant to spells, immune to electrical damage (and resistant to the other common types), and tough to hurt physically without a blessed weapon. Their bite and sting are both poisoned, but their claws aren't.

Even as the creature moves to attack, Anathya begins to rattle off her knowledge of the Deskari spawn, listing it's strengths and weaknesses.

*Juggles* ...Did you three want to just call this game? You seem like you haven't been able to post consistently for quite some time...

Unfortunately that looks like the case. I check every couple days....used to check every day, but looks like it's pretty dead.

It was fun for the little while I was a part of it.

Well, at least it's a decent ending point... heading out into the Worldwound to see your quest through isn't so bad, as such things go.

Okay.

If we are ending it I apologize, it sucks. Life hasn't been giving me any consistency and I really enjoyed this gam too. :/

I finally am getting some time, but I hope it doesn't get awkward again. My new workplace has changed my schedule to the point that our working ours are not consistent, tending to work more then I sleep and it makes posting a bit of a problem sometimes. Trying to get it straightened out. Home life is chaotic too, kids are out of school and wife has her own issues we are dealing with.

Like I said above, I will post today, but its up to you guys whether you want to try one more month and see how it goes. Again sorry for holding things up. Its na issue in several of my games. of which I have dropped a few to try and reestablish my more imprtant games and personal ones I DM.

Let me know. Will check back in the morning, again, apologies for throwing things off.

Well, let me put it this way... if you want to continue, post your characters' actions. ^^

Salute! On the way~!

Defiant active 29 AC, T 23 FF 16
Blur Active: 20% miss chance! When struck!

"Spread out and don't let it catch you!"

Julian raises his hand and casts blur as the demon moves to fight them. He moves along the ground, as he moves off to the right ten yards. Drawing Einherjar as he does in preparation to fight the enemy.

MA: Break formation and move to the right, SA: Cast Blur!

As Julian darted over to the side, the demon gestured curtly - and tens of thousands of wasps appeared in the air in a long line, covering the region the three of you were in as they buzzed and started sinking their stingers into everything they could reach.

Swarm Damage (Anathya): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Swarm Damage (Julian): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7
Swarm Damage (Rowan): 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Fort DC 13 vs Poison (Anathya): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Fort DC 13 vs Poison (Julian): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Fort DC 13 vs Poison (Rowan): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

Gritting her teeth as the insects begin to sting, Anathya calls forth divine power to sear it's way through the swarm,incinerating many of the creatures.

As she does she draws a scroll from her hip, readying to cast a defensive spell.

Channel to harm Chaotic
Abyssal scourge: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 4) = 19

MA: Draw Composite Long Bow
SA: Cast Divine Favor on herself

"Your time comes demon! Anathya i'll need you to handle these insects." She pulled her Slaying arrow out. [i]Lets see if this works...[i] Such a demon would be difficult but not impossible to defeat. "Julian try and weaken it!"

Reposting, didn't realize it didn't take. UGH!

"Ya, Ya got it! But time to handle these insects first" He rattles up a couple of his bombs and tosses the holy bombs into the amassed Wasps. Hoping to slow the swarms down some or clear them completely out. "Just focus on ugly, I'll burn these little cretins out!" At least he hoped his bombs were effective...

FRA - Fast Bombs 2x Bombs
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Holy Bombs Damage: 5d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 6, 1) + 13 = 27
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Holy Bombs Damage: 5d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 1, 6, 2, 2) + 13 = 26

Between Anathya's channeling and Julian's bombs, the wasp swarms were rapidly shredded to uselessness - and the demon, apparently thinking Julian the greatest threat at the moment, pointed a finger at him and sent out a bolt of spiraling black energy meant to tear through his strength.

Ranged Touch Attack (Julian): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 for Temporary Negative Levels: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Anathya's eyes glow white as she draws power forth, moving with incredible alacrity as her crossbow appears in her hand, touching the weapon ad a golden glow spreads across it.

In a blur of motion she unleashes a trio of shots, fired unerringly at the locust demon.

Swift action: spend 1 mythic point for Amazing Initiative (gain extra standard action). Bonus standard action: Invoke blessing:Holy Strike. (attacks count as good and do additional 1d6 to evil creatures).

Full attack w/ Rapid shot VS Favored enemy
+1Called Heavy Crossbow/ Holy/ Favored Enemy: 1d20 + 16 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 6 = 30
1d10 + 1 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 6 + (3) = 13

+1Called Heavy Crossbow/ Holy/ Favored Enemy: 1d20 + 16 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 6 = 28
1d10 + 1 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 6 + (1) = 11

+1Called Heavy Crossbow/ Holy/ Favored Enemy: 1d20 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 6 = 33
1d10 + 1 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 6 + (5) = 16

Attack demon with holy arrow 1/2 + DF: 1d20 + 1 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 10 = 16
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Attack Number 2 with bow + Holy arrow 2/2 (all gone): 1d20 + 1 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 10 = 16
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Rowan unleashed two arrows at the demon in the hopes of weakening it with holy magic. However her hopes are dashed by the powerful droning of its wings and the fell weather of the Wounded land. "Julian are you okay?"