GM SpiderBeard's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Finishing Dejik's Round 3 action
As the triangle demon collapses, Dejik runs past it to Ayesha. Ayesha! Are you all right? As the wound erupts in festering evil, for the first time, Dejik is actually thankful that she can no longer see colors.

Nilus moves over and swings his blade down hard, hoping to end the last foul creature.

Glaive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17Glaive: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"I am injured, but this is not as bad as it looks." She held her arm out. "Let's kill this last one quickly so we can see about healing these injuries."

Nilus' glaive does the dirty work and decapitates the last abrikandilu, which collapses to the ground.

End of Combat

The company now stand in front of the rubble of Nyserian Manor which was identified as a cultist safe house by the cultist Hosilla. It appears to have been completely destroyed.

Make some knowledge local checks on Kandro Nyserian if you want some information. I'll have the spoiler up as soon as my pdf reader stops having a hissy fit.

K. Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

According to the information I have read regarding these types of demons, the disfiguration, though unpleasant, will likely clear up in a day or so. The wound will still need healing, though.

Had a bad couple days at work, and am getting caught up again.

Sarkast makes sure all of the demons are dead, then retrieves his thrown spear and looks around the area as the group gathers together.

I guess even being allied with the demons doesn't save you

Dejik collects her arrows and pokes around the rubble. Could there be some underground portion to this mansion? They might still be hiding nearby.

Ayesha's wound mostly transfers to Dejik, and Dejik touches her shoulder and heals herself.

Ayesha nodded gratefully at the newcomer as most of her wounds healed up. The bite on her arm still looked (and smelled) nasty, but the bleeding had stopped. She draped one of her shawls over it to keep it mostly from sight as she looked around for some water to clean her blade in.

"I definitely think this place is worth exploring more. If for no other reason than to see if there is any more information about the cultists and their other hideouts."

Who has the note that was included in the cultist leader's loot list? It has some information about a sword and a password.

The note is included in full in the Campaign Log on page 5

Ronan has Jinxx come up to him and he lays his hand gently on Jinxx. Jinxx is Healed for

Rejuvenate Eldolon: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Dejik looks at the note. "Stop by the three safehouses to ensure that no evidence remains"...That almost sounds like the cultists were responsible for this destruction.

She pauses and thinks for a moment. But if you killed this Hosilla, who carried out the orders to destroy the evidence? And who is this "S.V."?

Sarkast, help me search through this. Nilus says as he begins poking through the rubble, looking for anything related to cultist activity.

Taking 20

Sarkast nods, and joins the paladin.

Take 20 for 30 Perception, spear in one hand.

Everyone else joins in and the group begins combing through the rubble to look for signs of the cultists or perhaps a glimpse of the sword apparently purchased from Anevia's wife.

However, after a good hour of searching there is literally nothing but rubble here. Any valuables that remained have been looted or destroyed by the abrikandilus. Notably, there are no corpses either. The location of Kandro Nyserian, the Lord of the manor, and the identity of S.V. remain a mystery.

Going to hop you guys back to Blackwing as per your plans. If your minds are otherwise, I can just rewind.

It is getting quite dark in Kenabres by the time you turn back to Blackwing. Exhaustion and fatigue begin to creep in as you make the dangerous journey back through the city as night falls. However, you manage to avoid a confrontation and arrive unscathed at Blackwing. You hear "It's them, open up!" as you arrive, and the great doors of the main hall crack open.

Inside the piles of books have been cleaned up. Anevia is unconscious in a corner, still recovering from her ordeal. Aravashnial is in intense conversation with Fanna. A small cheer sounds up as you return. Arvashnial turns his head towards you.

"What news?! What was at the manor?"

Sarkast finds a place to set his pack down, and sits down to rest.

"Sadly, we found no evidence of the inhabitants of the manor. However, that also means we have no reason to assume they are deceased. Once we have rested, we can resume our search of the city and see what else we can find."

As the group settles in for the evening, Sarkast assists with any fortifications needed, then takes time to apply his whetstone to each of his weapons before turning in for the night. If a watch is needed, he volunteers for dawn.

Dejik digs her healer's kit and surgeon's tools out of her pack, and spends some time treating Avenia's leg.

If she can spend an hour or two to take 20, that would preferable. Otherwise, she'll roll it.

If she has to roll, she gets Heal check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Before turning in, Dejik spends her last channel of the day.
Channel: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

That should bring everyone up to full.

Indeed, it is as Sarkast says....the manor is destroyed.

The main hall of Blackwing cannot said to be comfortable, but it is at least safe and somewhat cozy. With Dejik's expert medical attention to everyone, you are able to rest soundly, your sleep only occasionally interrupted by the odd explosion or scream echoing from the devastation outside.

It is mid-morning by the time the group have recovered from their exhaustive day. The librarians share out some of the food they have recovered, largely stale bread, cheese, and dried meat but enough to make for a meager breakfast. Anevia is now up and although weak and in pain, is in high spirits.

"Are we ready? The sooner we can set out the better. We have a lot of ground to cover and it's my turn to be impatient!" she smiles as she speaks. "From what the librarians told me there's a rift we need to somehow cross. We can either circle around through the inner city, or strike out for it and try to find a way over."

In the morning, Sarkast checks all of his gear and repacks his backpack. He says to everyone, "This well-made pack that Thora was using looks like it would distribute weight efficiently if it were strapped on correctly. I just keep my pack thrown over a shoulder so I can drop it easily, so if anyone else could make use of it, please do."

The MW Backpack lets you count your strength as +1 for determining your light/medium/heavy load, but Sarkast can't make proper use of it since I need to be able to drop it as a free action. If anyone else is on the edge of their load, please feel free to take it.

He puts his weapons into their various sheaths, and stands by Anevia. "What exactly do you mean by 'rift'? Are you referring to a cleft in the ground, or a tear in the world that demons can come through?"

I for one would prefer to go around. Since I can't see anything past 30 feet, I don't usually know what's on the other side of the rifts. However, if you want to try to cross the rift, this should help.

Dejik pulls a grappling hook arrow from her pack. Nilus, can you use a longbow? I think it will also fit in your shortbow, Avenia, if the other side of the rift is still within your range. As Dejik ties the grappling arrow to her rope, she switches her life link back to Sarkast.

Oh, and...um.... She hesitates, blushing in embarrassment. Would it be all right if I walk near the front of the group? That way, when you all charge into combat, I at least have some chance of seeing where you're going.

Ayesha was defintely feeling better after an evening's rest, and finally back in the swing of things. She also was impatient to get Anevia reunited with her wife, and to seek out those other cultist hideouts.

While Sarkast got the details of the rift from Anevia, she turned to Dejik. "Of course you should be in the front as we travel. Your eyes, damaged though they are, have been very effective at finding creatures in the way. Besides, your touch saves lives, and that's not something I am comfortable leaving behind."

"If needed, I am also a fair shot with a bow, though I rarely use one in combat."

Has the group decided to go through the inner city or along the outside and attempt to cross the rift?

We don't know that there is a way through the inner city, and we have the means to cross a decent-sized crevasse. I vote we try the direct route, and then circle around as needed.

Agree with Ayesha

Also agree with Ayesha

Did we get a description of what the "rift" is? That is, will there be demons flying out of it or is it just a chasm?

Dejik offers Bellis the wand of Spiritual Weapon. Bellis, if you can use this, it will be much more valuable in the hands of someone who can see 100 feet.

We have not, though the map we were given makes it look like a normal chasm (as opposed to a planar rift)

If you check the map, Kenabres has had several rips open up in the earth - one of which you all fell down into at the start of the campaign. There's a big one directly in the way to get to the Irabeth residence. That said, I see party consensus so will move you on!

1d100 ⇒ 40

The group bid their farewells to Aravashnial and the librarians. Anevia gamely limps along, eager and worried about her wife. The trek northwards through the outer ring of the city is fraught, but the city is notably quieter than yesterday.

That quiet is rudely interrupted as you finish picking your way over the rubble of a building. An appallingly loud, grating howl starts up from a couple of blocks down. The sound is maddening, painful to listen to and sets your hairs on end. It is also directly in your path. Circumventing the source of the noise is possible, but would add a good half horu to the journey due to how badly this part of the city has been destroyed.

The company currently stands in the middle of a street, which is covered in rubble and debris. This section was a poorer part of town, and as such the buildings are nearly totally destroyed. You can proceed northwards towards the sound of the noise, or attempt to backtrack, or cross over the rubble of the buildings, which cover side streets.

No map yet as how you proceed will affect what I put up.

Is there a way that Sarkast could climb up some of the rubble to higher ground and get a look in the direction of the noise? If so, Take 10 for 18 Climb and/or 20 Acrobatics, plus take 10 for 18 Stealth, going slowly and carefully. If needed, he has grappling hook and rope, as well as a folding 10' pole for balance or for poking things.

And just in case it comes up, that 20 Acrobatics can be used for a 5' vertical leap from a standstill, due to his Ki pool giving him the Running Start ability.

Do we hear any sounds of people in distress, or just the howl?

Sarkast scampers up the rubble, his fantastic ability over difficult surfaces keeping him from breaking his neck at several points where the buildings try to crumble from beneath him. Eventually, he gets high enough to see for a good distance.

Two blocks north, a good 600 feet away, a strange, spiky, doglike creature sits in the middle of the street. Several corpses surround it. Its head is raised and it bays out its horrible call to the rest of the city.

Nilus wits with the rest of the party, but he wants to put the demon down. Each demon slain is a black mark extinguished, allowing more beauty to flourish in the world.

"I say we destroy this beast before it can kill anyone else."

Agreed, Ronan. Sarkast, can you see a good approach from there? Should we come at it from the front or try to flank it?

You have a direct approach straight down the street, which winds a bit. You could get within 100' or so of the creature without it seeing you if you're quiet.

However, the surrounding area is all ruined buildings and rubble which is ideal for a very slow and silent approach. There are also elevated perches - it's a question of getting close enough without being noticed.

With sight on the creature, the knowledge planes check drops to DC 12.

Nilus nods at Ronan Agreed.

K. Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Ayesha mentally reviewed the bestiary of outsiders that she once spent hours poring over in the house of Khamil. A smile flickered over her face as she remembered those times, before the old bitterness set in.

"Very well then. Let's be smart about this and take our time. I am not the stealthy type, usually, but I will do what I can." Ayesha began tying up her bangles and jewelry with strips of her scarves and shawl, trying to eliminate any source of extraneous noise.

Sarkast relays what he saw, and agrees. "Every demon we dispatch is one that will not harm another living being."

Assuming Ayesha relays what she knows (from the spoiler about the demon)
"Does anyone have anything to block our ears so we are less likely to hear its bay? If not, I can cut pieces from my blanket to use."
If no one else has a better solution, Sarkast will cut improvised earplugs from his blanket.

He then assists Ayesha in silencing her jewelry, as well as anyone else who needs it.

If you'll allow this sort of usage, Sarkast can Aid Another on stealth by checking everyone for loose items that will make noise. With a +8, he fails to aid on a 1, so I'll let you roll those secretly if you're allowing them.

Finally, once the group is ready, the scout leads the way, finding the safest path through the rubble for the team to follow, and pointing out a good sniping spot for Anevia.

Spear and MW dagger in hand, pack loose on his shoulder to be dropped as soon as combat starts. Take 10 for 18 on his own stealth check.

I have some paper--if we wet it down, it might make better ear plugs than the blanket. Dejik pulls a couple of pieces of paper from her pack and offers it to the group.

She turns to Bellis. Bellis, your voice has great power. Do you think it could help us fight the demon's howl?
Bellis, do you have countersong?

Dejik will follow closely behind Ayesha, trying to be stealthy.

Map is up. All areas with rubble in them (off the streets) count as difficult terrain, except for the building to the north which is intact. The elongate debris are walls which you can climb on if you're good. The circles are piles of debris high enough to block line of sight.

Sarkast helps tie down loose objects on the group and everybody begins to approach as cautiously as they can. As you get nearer, another brutal howl sounds out!

Everyone please make a Will save DC 14, +2 from blocking your ears.

As the grating, vile noise pounds at your minds, you get closer and closer, and the howler looks up! The howl immediately stops as it sniffs the air, and then stares through the rubble directly at the group. It snarls, and howls again, springing into action.

The howler moves immediately towards the group, racing down the street to circle around behind you!

Everyone can go! Annnd this demon rolls a lot of 20s.

Will Save: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27

Dejik moves up to the edge of the rubble and shoots at the howler (cold iron arrow).

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Will save: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

Wincing in pain as the creature's howl burrows into his mind, Sarkast drops his pack and moves up, trying to keep the rocks between him and the demon. He holds his spear ready, hoping to get a shot as it comes around the rock.

Moving 15' and attempting a stealth check to keep his position hidden, then ready an action to throw his spear if he can get a clear shot, hoping for sneak attack.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

*Sigh* The dice gods giveth, and the dice gods taketh away. Ready a throw action anyway.

will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Ayesha winced at the howl, then again as the thing obviously spotted her as she was trying to sneak forward. Well, there was nothing for it now but to forge ahead. She moved forwards quickly, all thoughts of stealth left behind, her scimitar at her side and ready for action.

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Ronan hears the howl but it is muffled enough that it doesn't get to him.

He reaches down and touches Jinxx and a shimmer surrounds Jinxx (mage armor)

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

For the Rose! Nilus calls as he charges at the beast.

camping atm and using phone so cannot see map

If Nilus can charge he will, if not then he moves as close as he can and attacks if possible.

Activating smite evil.+3 to hit +6 damage on first attack +3 ac

Smite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 Smite: 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15