GM SpiderBeard's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Sarkast, visible again after his scouting, nods to the others as they prepare to move on, and steps up to the western door. When everyone is ready, he opens it.

Sarkast quietly opens the door, which reveals a large hallway lined with doors heading northwards. To the south an archway leads into a training hall.

Four combat training dummies stand in this large room, while empty weapon and armor racks line the west wall and part of an alcove to the north. A few benches sit against some of the walls, while to the west, a pair of large archways open up into what seem to be a pair of classrooms.

Two templars are in the training area, and are chatting after they appear to have been sparring. Unfortunately, one is in a perfect position to see the door open and spot Sarkast.

"INTRUDERS!"

You immediately hear the sound of movement from the door across the hall from you as the occupants of that room are alerted.

Everyone but Nilus is up!

Waiting to let Ayesha and Dejik post, as they often start with party buffs that may alter my attack rolls.

Dejik moves into the room, and holy power erupts from the holy symbol around her neck.

Casting Mythic Prayer. Enemies take 8 points of damage and a -2 penalty on attacks, damage, saves, and skill checks. Allies get a +2 bonus on the same checks, and heal 8 points of damage. (Spell resistance applies.)

Ayesha stepped up behind Dejik and cast a minor spell, one that she was hoping would disable the men in this room so that they could prepare for the ones coming from behind. A burst of golden sparkles inundated the two templars, causing them to flinch back.

Casting Glitterdust, Will DC17 or be blinded for 11 rounds

Sarkast feels the surge of power from Dejik and watches as Ayesha lights up the room. He then runs around the cultists and strikes.

Move action to get into position, standard to attack. If one of them makes their save against the blindness, that will be the target. If both or neither do, then he'll target the one on the right.

If sneak attack hits, target is Slowed (unable to make attacks of opportunity) for 1 round. In addition, target is Disoriented (-2 attack, -6 vs Sarkast) and Hampered (1/2 speed and cannot take a 5' step) for 1 round.

Mythic Prayer, Combat Expertise
Attack, Freedom's Kiss: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Sneak Attack: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 6, 3) = 12

With Combat Expertise, AC is currently 32 (21T).

Ayesha's spell goes off with a satisfying BOOF as Sarkast rushes in, swooping in behind a templar to backstab him. The west doors swing open, and two templars appear. One slashes out at Ayesha, scoring a hit on the magus. The templars engaged with Sarkast begin slashing, one quite blindly. However, Sarkast proves a nearly impossible target and goes unscathed.

Ayesha takes 16 damage. Everyone is up!

Looks like you had Triangle step away from me; he can't take a 5' step, so that would provoke an AoO. I'll make the attack, but if he wouldn't have taken the move, just ignore it.

AoO, Freedom's Kiss: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Well, I guess that's as good a time as any to get a 1. ;-)

In a blur of motion, Sarkast steps up, continuing to harry the guards in front of him.

Swift action to vanish, then 5' step and full attack. First attack on Triangle from invisible. Continue attacking Triangle until he goes down, then move to Plain, who is blind. I'll post Sneak attack damage on every attack, ignore it for attacks on Triangle after the first. Not using Combat Expertise.

If sneak attack hits, target is Slowed (unable to make attacks of opportunity) for 1 round. In addition, target is Bewildered (-2 AC, -6 vs Sarkast) and Hampered (1/2 speed and cannot take a 5' step) for 1 round. For each additional sneak attack, extend duration by 1 round or until a new effect is applied.

Primary Attack, Freedom's Kiss: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Sneak Attack: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 2, 6) = 19

Secondary Attack, +1 returning dagger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Sneak Attack: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 6, 1) = 15
Confirm crit?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Primary Iterative Attack, Freedom's Kiss: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Sneak Attack: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 6, 3) = 16
Confirm crit?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Secondary Iterative Attack, +1 returning dagger: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Damage, good, magic: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Sneak Attack: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 2, 3) = 16

For the Rose! Nilus moves forward, mentally cursing his tardiness but outwardly bellowing his familiar warcry

Nilus moves beside Ayesha and attacks one of the Templars in front of her, hoping to attract their attention. Attacking Circle.

Radiance: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32 Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Status
AC 22
HP 148/148

Gonna assume enough time has passed by now that Heroism and Haste has worn off

Ayesha shrugged off the blow with practiced ease. Compared to some of the damage she had taken recently, this was barely a scratch. But, it wouldn't do to let their foes think they could simply attack her and her friends without consequence.

Bringing her shocking spell to mind once more, she channeled the energy into her blade, then stepped forward, spinning into her whirling dance of death.

Casting intensified shocking grasp once more, swift to use a Mythic point on mythic arcane strike (+3 and keen), and going on the attack (circle).

ss,sc,mas, prayer: 1d20 + 16 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 23
damage, mas, keen, prayer: 1d6 + 7 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 2 = 15
intensified shocking grasp: 10d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 4, 1, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5) = 32
sr, if needed: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

attack1,ss,sc,mas, prayer: 1d20 + 16 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 32
damage, mas, keen, praryer: 1d6 + 7 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 2 = 15

attack2,ss,sc,mas, praryer: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 33
damage, mas, keen,prayer: 1d6 + 7 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 3 + 2 = 17

attack2 confirm, anatomist,ss,sc,mas, prayer: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 16
damage, mas, keen, prayer: 1d6 + 7 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 2 = 15

@Sarkast, good catch, bad roll.

Sarkast sends his dagger sailing into the blinded templar's throat before yanking out his dagger and kicking him to the ground. He arches backwards as a glaive goes whistling overhead before he slams both of his daggers through the other templar's armour, who also collapses. To everyone else, it looks like the two templars just keeled and started spurting blood over apropos of nothing.

Nilus slashes the templar in front of him with Radiance, and Ayesha then dances in. Her spell connects, and the templar's charred corpse flies backwards to crash against the opposite wall. She then turns to the other templar, slashing her repeatedly. The templar tries to counterattack...

Arueshalae's Attack: 1d20 + 21 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 21 - 4 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

And Arueshalae sends her to the grave with a final arrow. The fight is over in less than ten seconds.

End of Combat

From this room, there are doors to the east, south, and north.

After the group quickly puts down the guards, Sarkast says to Nilus and Ayesha, "Watch out for anyone approaching from across the hall while I check these doors."

Usual take 10 to listen at the doors and check for traps or hidden doors. If there are no sounds from any that make us want to go there first, start at the northern doors and work our way around.

Nilus takes Sarkast's words to heart and moves to guard the doors.

Ayesha only takes 8 damage from the attack (Shield other), and then Dejik absorbs another 5 on her turn. At the end of the round, Ayesha has 3 damage, and Dejik has 11.

Dejik nods at Arueshalae in admiration. Excellent technique. Mine is rusty--I'd love to get the chance to practice with you sometime. She shifts the rod to her other hand and moves up behind Nilus. Ready, she whispers.

No traps or hidden doors are found. The door to the immediate east of the training room sound like there are people beyond the door, they are trying to be still and quiet. As Sarkast checks the other doors, he hears similar noises. The rooms seem occupied, and nobody in them is moving a muscle.

Sarkast reports what he has heard, then goes to the northern door. Speaking quietly, he says, "It is possible whoever is beyond is prepared to surrender, or could be friendly. Let us not be overly hasty on the attack, just in case."

Once everyone is ready, he opens the door.

Ayesha grabbed the magical gear, stuffing it into their bags of holding, then readied herself and nodded to Sarkast.

Nilus smiles as Sarkast admonishes the group to not attack outright.

I do not think he would have said that when this all began. The Rose works through him even as he follows the Song of the Spheres.

Sarkast moves to the door, looks to the others, and he's about to open it... he feels a voice in his mind. The voice echoes to the rest of you.

bzzzhhhtHold a moment, mortals. I have ordered the Blackfire Adepts on the other side of that door to stay their hands until I have spoken with you. What is your business in the Ivory Sanctum?

I haven't responded because I was going to allow the more <ahem> diplomatic among us to say something. I think we usually defer to Nilus on that.

Err. Sorry, I was under the impression that although we "heard" the voice that Sarkast was the one who was able to communicate with whatever...

Nilus "thinks" the following, if he can communicate with the voice

We are the Heroes of Kenebres, on a Holy Quest to find the Nahindrian Crystals and destroy them before they cause the mortal world even more woe than they have. If you stand aside, we have no quarrel with you...for now.

I am Grillixbee... I propose a deal. Please, let us parlay.

The door to your east opens up. Inside you spot two templars of the ivory labyrinth. Behind them is a voluptuous human woman in a silk dress... with the head and wings of a gigantic fly. She moves in an alien, twitchy manner and the templars are clearly uncomfortable with what is happening here. The remain alert.

We shall speak telepathically, the templars do not need to know. I propose a trade. There is a glabrezu here who has proved difficult my me in my role as facilitator. I want her removed. If you destroy her for me, I will arrange a meeting between you and Xanthir Vang, who controls this sanctum.

Behind her is a table covered in maps and scrolls, as well as a gigantic jar of buzzing locusts. The documents on the table look important.

I hesitate to make these choices for the entire party...so if anyone interrupts or interjects GM can you assume that Nilus waits for a little while before responding.

Grillixbee. Who is your master that you would betray this Demon in this fashion? What assurance do we have that you would not betray us as well? Know well Grillixbee that we walk in the light, and we have destroyed many Demons in our quest. Do not think us easy meat.

Ayesha moved close to Nilus and whispered "I do not like the thought of working a deal with this demon. What is one demon versus another? Other than those that have actively sought redemption, any demon is like as not to have a power play in mind that will likely end in treachery. A devil might hold to the letter of its deal, but a demon has no such strictures. She might adhere to her bargain, or might wait until we accomplish her task and then try and kill us. I do not like this at all. Especially since she intends to hide what she is discussing from her soldiers."

You guys can discuss. SHe's being patient.

k. planes: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

Anything but a 1, anything but a 1, anything...dammit!

Knowledge planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
No love for Dejik, either.

Dejik listens to Ayesha's objection and nods in agreement. I'm also curious what her role as "facilitator" might be. Perhaps it's in our best interest that this role continues to be difficult for her.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 Surge: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Sarkast suddenly recognizes the demon, and moves to converse quietly with the others. "That is a coloxus. I remember being taught that they are formed of the souls of those who think too highly of themselves. They are known for their courtesy and ruthless political maneuvering. As Ayesha says, trusting a demon is rarely a good idea."

Does Grillixbee respond to Nilus' last words?

Well, Nilus is having a moment of crisis honestly. On one hand, he seeks to avoid combat as much as possible as a part of his creed, on the other he will not suffer a demon to live so that it might take lives or inflict ugliness in the world. If the Demon left, promising to take itself away from the Worldwound I think Nilus might be swayed...

Indeed friends. If this Demon seeks to betray us, it will find itself sorely mistaken.

Unless someone else "speaks" to the Coloxus GM you can assume Nilus says his above post

Sorry missed your line to the coloxus NIlus.

She shrugs delicately before responding.

My role here is to facilitate between the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth and Blackfire Adepts, which is a tiresome job. I work for Areelu Vorlesh. I don't particularly care about your intentions or the fate of these Baphomet worshippers, but you look like you're here to kill things. I want Jerribeth dead, and so we can come to a mutual understanding I am sure.

Dejik smiles at Nilus. Some of us are here to kill things, but others are trying to dissuade us. Grillixbee, what will you do after Jerribeth is gone? Are you willing to leave this place?

Grillixbee shrugs once more.

I'll arrange the meeting and depart. At that point I assume my duty here to maintain relations between the adepts and the templars will be moot.

Sense Motive+Mythic: 1d20 + 8 + 1d8 ⇒ (18) + 8 + (2) = 28 Does Nilus think this will happen? If he does..

Alright Grillixbee. Take us to your leader.

If Nilus doesn't think she is truthful

I am sorry Grillixbee. You had best leave, or else will be forced to slay you.

And Nilus really is sorry, he wishes things weren't this way.

Nilus watches the fly-woman closely. He doesn't think she's lying.

Nilus watches the fly-woman closely. He doesn't think she's lying.

In that case, he said "Take us to your leader", and I don't think any of the rest of us are objecting.

Nilus seems to have as much faith as one can in a demon, so Sarkast keeps his weapons lowered as the paladin indicates he accepts the suggested meeting.

There's an awkward silence as she realizes you've agreed to work with her. She quickly flutters her wings and you hear her thoughts urgently in your head.

Remember, Jerribeth must die first before a meeting with Xanthir Vang. Please, follow me. I will show you her lair.

The party seems to want to see Vang first - she's insisting that you follow her to kill Jerribeth first. Once that's sorted we'll push on.

Sarkast is happy to destroy a glabrezu before or after meeting anyone. ;-) He's unsure about working with Grillixbee, but willing to be practical about it.

Sarkast nods to Nilus to indicate he is content to do as Grillixbee wishes.

Nilus interposes himself between Grillixbee and the party, if she turns on them he both wants to protect the party, and be the first to teach the demon that they are not to be trifled with.

As you wish Grillixbee. Remember my words. Nilus says aloud.

Grillixbee buzzes her wings delightedly. Arueshalae's expression is unreadable as the group goes along with the plan.

"zzzzstand down. These adventurers are in my escort now. zzzzreturn to your duties. I will tell the Adepts they do not have a fight now."

She clips out of the room, walking with a composed, regal posture.

"Now, Jerribeth is a glabrezu but can change shape. Just remember the pretty elf is actually a gigantic demon. She zzzis a diplomat like me and will attempt to form an alliance with you. As I am sure you know, you can never trust a demon."

She returns to the main hallway before taking the right doors, which leads into a second hall lined with gigantic glaives. She trots northwards and bangs on a door. A huge minotaur opens it.

"There is some business which is none of yours. Understand you gigantic oaf?"

The minotaurs stare at Grillixbee before grunting and closing the door. She turns you, and shrugs, a strange gesture considering the gigantic fly head.

"zzzThey won't bother you. They know what's good for them."

She finally points to a south door.

"I'm more of a zzzlover than a fighter. But here."

She quickly chants a spell, and you all speed up!

"I'd cast invisibility on you too, but alas, Jerribeth can see the invisible. Good luck!"

Grillixbee heads to the doors behind you.

The party has had haste cast on you. Jerribeth is apparently behind the doors to your south.

Nilus, who had momentarily forgotten Arueshalae was with them, speaks with the Succubus before he opens the door

Mistress. Do you have misgivings about this plan? he asks

When Grillixbee mentions that her target will be in the form of an elf, Sarkast stops. He turns to the others and says, "I cannot in good conscience attack a creature if I cannot be certain it is a demon. Do any of you have a way of confirming its identity?"

Sarkast immediately suspects deception and thinks Grillixbee is trying to get us to attack an actual elf.

My holy power can harm only evil outsiders--if she's harmed by it, we will know for certain. She turns to Arueshalae. I'm not sure whether it might harm you, but I can make sure you're not affected.

Dejik readies an action to channel to harm evil outsiders, selecting out Arueshalae (and the fly demon, if she's still around).

"We know of this Jerribeth from many previous encounters. It seems clear that she is of the evil that we seek to destroy. But I trust not this Grillixbee. this smells of a power play, and I will not be surprised if we are played false after we get rid of Jerribeth."

I can tell Master Sarkast. I know evil.

Nilus says to Ayesha Then Grillixbee will be most surprised that we do not take treachery lightly. However, we will give her the chance to prove loyal, and maybe that will be the first step in her redemption. Mistress Arueshalae had a first step. A journey, no matter how difficult, will always begin with one.

Nilus thinks of the halfling Nura and her execution. I failed her. I will not fail my friends here.

Nilus will use his newfound mythic power to align Radiance to Good.

Casting Align Weapon on Radiance.

Seeing Nilus aligning his weapon made Ayesha think to do the same for Darb N'ssiar. It felt so natural these days, that she thought that perhaps she should look into a more permanent solution.

Arueshalae looks after Grillixbee and nocks an arrow in her bow, her movements magically sped up by the haste spell. She hangs near Sarkast, looking uncertain about everything.

"Jerribeth is infamous and very dangerous. It is she who first corrupted Staunton Vhane, and had him steal the Sword of Valor. The Wintersun barbarians were corrupted by her as well until you saved them. A spymaster any succubus would be envious of and we are the greatest spies. Slaying her will be a great good. If I recall the leader of those Wintersun barbarians was in her thrall. As for the coloxus just... be careful. They are opportunists and schemers."

Ready and determined to go through with the plan, you open the door.

A writing desk, a full-length mirror, a semicircular bath, and a canopied bed sit in the four corners of this large room. A contraption that resembles a cross between a wooden gurney and a torture table sits in the center of the room, its corners adorned with bloodstained leather straps. A set of manacles attached to a short chain is attached to one of the bed's posts.

A beautiful woman elven woman in a green gown lounges on the bed before you, the ripped apart corpse of a templar spattering the sheets at the foot of the bed. She smiles endearingly.

"I knew we would finally meet - what a delight! Sarkast, Ayesha, Nilus, Dejik... and of course Arueshalae. Our escaped succubus. I've been looking forward to this meeting. Please, let us chat."

She moves to stand, delicately knocking a severed hand away from her.

"Sorry for the mess."

Jerribeth

Nilus resists the urge to charge straight at the Demon. His heart is filled with anger, but he puts that aside with great effort.

I come forward first with a Rose.

I doubt we have much to discuss Demon. You have this one chance, and it is fleeting. Surrender now.

Sarkast waits to hear Jerribeth's response, tensed and ready for a fight.

Jerribeth stands from the bed, smoothing out her beautiful green gown.

"Don't be boring," she groans. "How I loathe the mighty paladin coming to slay the evil demons. Trite. Done. Let's talk about something more interesting."

She points westwards. "You're here to kill Xanthir Vang. He is untrustworthy; a liability to my cause. So... kill him, and in exchange I shall grant to a wish. Afterwards, I ask that you wear a token of mine."

She smiles enticingly.

"Think about it. One less fight, you slay the monster you came to slay, and you can have anything you want."

"By such promises are demonic pacts made and good souls lost. Nilus, she is not your sister, nor is she Nura. She makes no bones about who and what she is. She cannot be trusted. We have a job to do."

In a softer voice, she continued, "Do not let your wishful thinking blind you to who and what this demon is. Even now she tries to place self-interest above all, with her talk of wishes and tokens."

Ayesha glared at the demon, sword still readied.