The vampire finally rises to his feet, ignoring the attacks he draws before he snarls at Nilus, and leaps through the air, trying to land beside the paladin!
Ayesha lunges at the vampire, who turns aside her blade easily.
Nilus backs up and unleashes two attacks on the Vampire!
Seeing that Dejik and Ronan are on the other side of the doorway by themselves, Sarkast takes a deep breath, then tries to squeeze past the vampire to the other side.
He then watches for an opening to attack.
Jinxx moves in and attacks
Sarkast leaps clear over the vampire, crossing into the other room and standing protectively behind Dejik. HE watches to see if the vampire attempts to flee.
Jinxx rushes in, but his attacks around the hard coerner are fouled by the incredibly quick undead.
Nilus is far more fortunate as he rushes in, sweeping Radiance down and scoring a savage hit! The vampire clings to the wall, almost collapsing from the force of the blow.
Snarling, despite being flanked, the vampire leaps at Dejik, stabbing and clawing at the oracle.
Dejik easily dodges the dagger, but a claw manages to swipe across her face, and a deathly cold creeps through her limbs.
Ronan
Jinxx
---
Ayesha
Sarkast
Dejik (7 dmg)
Nilus
---
Vampire (92 dmg)
"Cousin, let us trade places so we can help each other!
Weakened by the vampire's attack, Dejik staggers out of Sarkast's way. She drops her sword and draws another wand, then blesses Sarkast's dagger.
+
Ayesha threw everything she could into her attacks, using her magical abilities to augment both her arms and her blade. She broke into the dervish dance, sending the last bit of magic coursing through her blade as she did. The blade flicked out at the vampire many times, but her focus was on delivering the spell attack.
BANG
After missing several times, Ayesha's scimitar connects full-on with the chest of the vampire. He flies hard into the wall, and his smouldering corpse collapses to the ground.
End of Combat
Ayesha looked at the vampire for a minute then walked over to the corpse. She held Darb N'ssiar in a two-handed grip and brought it down on the vampire's neck.
"Let's see you recover from this!"
The vampire's attack has weakened me, but I can still heal you. Do we continue?
Sarkast nods as Ayesha finishes the vamptire, then looks concerned as he turns to Dejik.
"You do not look well ... is it an affliction you could cure with time to rest and pray? Or is there someone in camp who could?"
Dejik shrugs. I should be able to recover on my own. With rest, I could cast spells to help me shake off the affliction. If that doesn't work, then I'm not sure what I'll do. The spells that could heal me are beyond my ability. Sosiel might be able to cast them--I don't know.
Ayesha hacks off the head of the vampire and keeps stabbing it, wathcing in horror as the body starts to repair itself irrespective of the damage done to it.
Dejik's earlier recollections about vampires tells her that a stake through the heart, sunlight, or immersion running water are the only ways to permanently kill it.
Nilus will shove Radiance's haft through the Vampire Lord's chest once Dejik reminds him about ways to kill the thing.
It seems we are wounded then...perhaps withdrawing to a fortified area and resting might be wise. Are Staunton's chambers able to be locked?
I'm not sure I could adequately pray with this pervasive evil pall. Perhaps it would be best if we returned to the army.
She pauses and turns to Sarkast. Although there was that cell with the Desnan symbols--there was a sense of peace and holiness there. Cousin, do you think Desna would offended if we prayed to Iomedae and Shelyn in one of her sancutaries?
"I am no priest, but I have never heard of her having any distaste for either of your gods."
"I'm not sure how restful it would be there, though, especially for all of us. We might be better off returning to camp to recover, and coming back tomorrow."
Sarkast is visibly concerned over Dejik's health. "I doubt the fiends are going anywhere, and even if they have a chance to recover, we will be better able to handle the challenge with you recovered and all of the spellcasters at full power."
With Ayesha keeping the head firmly separated from the body of the vampires, the group hauls the horrid undead creature up the stairs before tossing it into a pool of light through a crack in the ceiling. A loud hssssss sounds before the body is consumed, killing it entirely and leaving its possessions behind.
The spellcasters among you identify the following:
- wand of death kneell (39 charges)
- +1 shadow studded leather
- +1 vicious dagger
Furthermore the library which was partially destroyed has a truly remarkable collection of books on the outer planes, the Abyss, and local history going tback to the ancient days of Sarkoris. Using these books for research confers a +2 bonus to Knowledge (Planes) checks.
You discover that it's late at night by the time you return, hvaing spent many hours within the citadel and then underground. As you pass through the entrance of the citadel. Within the rooms you have cleared, you see guards on duty, saluting you as you pass. Your return to the camp proper is more subdued, since most of the army is asleep, but the soldiers - your soldiers - are ecstatic. Staunton Vhane has fallen. The great betrayer is dead, and people could not be happier.
Gratefully, you find comfortable cots for your rest and ointments for your wounds, and pass out.
The deranged, awful whispers that continued to press into your psyche become louder and more insistent as you sleep. The result is a fitful, terrible sleep haunted by horrifying nightmares of depravity and death.
The next morning you wake up mid-morning, far later than is usual, and find Irabeth, Sosiel, Aron, Anevia, Aravashnial, and many others wait you at a late breakfast table.
Sosiel makes his way to Dejik, the joyful cleric smiling.
"I heard tell of your battle with the vampire, and visited you while you slept. My blessing is yours, and its curse should be lifted."
Aravashnial passes over a small bag. He grins haughtily.
"I've been busy. Some potions and and a scroll for your use."
Within the group finds the following:
- A potion of cure moderate wounds
- A potion of fly
- A potion of water breathing
- A scroll of elemental body
Finally, Irabeth speaks up, a little more businesslike.
"While Aravashnial looks pleased with himself, here's my report, commanders. We've secured the western half of the citadel. Some encounters with a group of brimoraks that unfortunately left one woman dead, but we've managed to put enough of a military presence in that there's no attempt to advance. No reinforcements have arrived as of yet. Considering these demons communicate telepathically, they must be insane. Joran and Jestak remain under guard but have been cooperative. Joran is... a lost soul, for lack of a better word. Jestak is a psychopath. What plans the Gods have for them, I am not sure."
As they leave the citadel, Dejik hands the wand of Death Knell to Ayesha or Ronan. I couldn't imagine ever wanting to cast this spell, even before Nilus started getting through to me.
Before retiring for the night, Dejik will visit the infirmary and use the last of her spells and channels to help the sick and wounded.
Nilus will go to both Jestak and Joran and speak with them. He won't be trying to convert them, or even get them to repent their ways. His visit will be simply to thank them for turning their back on wickedness and to show them a small kindness.
Love is the most powerful force in the universe...
"Dejik, something like that wand needs to be destroyed. I wouldn't use it, even against ol' fangtooth back there. I'd say give it to Aravashniel and see if he can reclaim any magical ingredients from it while he destroys it."
Ayesha was bone tired from the days' adventures, but there was a pile of reports sitting on the small table in her tent. Sighing heavily, she sat down at the table and began reading through the logistics reports, seeing that the new additions to the army were mostly being offset by the supplies they had captured. Of course, that wouldn't last long, and there Wasn't a lot of forage around here, especially for the knights' horses.
She worked late into the night, finally falling asleep at the table. The morning sun found her draped over the reports, sound asleep. When she awoke, she was stiff and sore. It took a half-hour of dance forms before she felt limber enough to sit again, and meditate on her spells for the day.
Before bed, Sarkast gives a quick inspection of the troops' weapons, advising on repairs and making sure everyone is keeping their blades sharp and clean.
The next morning, Sarkast is visibly relieved to see that Sosiel was able to help Dejik recover from the vampire's curse.
"Jeg vet lite om slike skapninger , men det var som om din livsenergi ble drenert bort . Jeg ville være bekymret for å miste deg til den slags sløse, fetter.
After a meager but appreciated breakfast, then ranges a bit to watch for signs of enemy movement nearby.
On returning, he seeks out Aravashnial and asks, "Before we marched, I had acquired potions to improve my eyesight. Those are gone now. Is there any chance you can produce something similar when you next have time?"
Nilus pays Jestak and Joran a visit. While Jestak simply snarls as Nilus speaks to her, not really giving away much as to if his words have reached her, Joran engages. Over the next while Nilus discovers a very academic, thoughtful man with a deep knowledge of theology which well surpasses that of anyone in the group. Joran is also an evil man who has committed many heinous acts willingly and gladly, but knows these ways have failed him. Although Nilus is unable to keep up with Joran intellectually, emotionally he seems to make a connection, leaving Joran in silence.
Ayesha works at her quartermaster duties. Unfortunately with the large number of wounded, despite magical healing, it's hard to be clever with the use of food rationing and the army consumes at a typical pace.
Aravashnial looks over Sarkast, nodding slowly.
"I'll see what I can procure, Sarkast. No guarantees but the sorts of things we can find here appear to be without limit."
Dejik thanks Sosiel for curing her, then tells him she has some questions about Shelyn, when he has time.
First she'll ask him whether Shelyn has any relationship with Iomedae that he knows of, or whether there's any similarities between the two goddesses.
Then she'll tell him what happened in the citadel, when she was powerless and desperate and called on Shelyn for help--and received it. She wonders if Sosiel has ever heard of such of thing or if he has any idea what it means.
I've been a servant of Iomedae my entire life: I was trained to be a scout and an archer in her crusades, to join the ranks of the paladins who raised me.
She smiles sadly as her fingers trace the embroidered holy symbol on her tabard. When I lost my sight and that life ended, I knew the Inheritor had other plans for me. But recently, I had a dream where Iomedae told me she couldn't help me anymore... Dejik closes her eyes and bows her head. I'm lost, Sosiel. I don't know who I am now...or who I'm supposed to be.
Sosiel listens intently to Dejik, looking over the blinded young woman with concern. He settles beside her, his armour clanking softly.
"Well, Shelyn and Iomedae are at once very different, and very similar. Shelyn is beauty, and love incarnate and for this reason she is beloved by all Gods, even those of great evil. She cannot help this - it is her nature to be loved. Rather than a warrior, she creates and nurtures but she is energetic and passionate; capable of great might when her hand is forced. She is as old as the world, and in her way is the beauty of the world.
Iomedae was born a mortal, ascending to Godhood through the test of the Starstone. She was the hearld Aroden, and with his death has become his heir of sorts. Iomedae's place is far more direct. Her place is to fight evil, to lead crusades, and to stop evil from consuming the world. Being born mortal, she thinks like a mortal, taking a direct and uncomplicated view of things - at least to the other Gods. Iomedae is a warrior, leading the crusade against evil, and she has been at war since she ascended. Shelyn and Iomedae are allies, and in this battle, close allies - I would argue."
He pauses for a moment, considering his words before speaking further.
"The reach of the Gods varies by place, and by context. Their own great games are beyond our ken. But I know that where one is prevented from intervening directly, another may be free. Although The Eternal Rose has the same stake in this conflict as all beings who love Golarion, Iomedae is the general. She is on the front lines; closer to this conflict than any deity. The focus of the demon lords will be intense."
He takes a moment to choose his words carefully.
"The Eternal Rose is selfless with her love of all things good beautiful, regardless of their loyalties. Perhaps she helped simply because she could. And if you were to show her your love in return it would be gladly received. But. You are a living embodiment of the power of the Inheritor. She has very obviously not abandoned you. If I was to guess - which I am loathe to do - I would say that Iomedae cannot help directly. She may be too closely scrutinized by the enemy to move on this plane. Remember Shelyn is loved by all, and so can move more freely, and perhaps with less attention than Iomdae would. That is my reading of it at least. Your choices, however, are your own."
After hearing from Irabeth, Sarkast looks to the others. "I am ready to resume our search of the ruins, unless anyone has anything else we should attend to first."
Sarkast scouts the area out. It appears that the parts of Drezen still in the hands of the enemy are entirely locked down - nothing is coming out. Although the occasional ghoul or dretch is seen off in the distance, there appears to be no significant enemy threat; the occupying army appears safe.
I suggest we secure the eastern half of the citadel before continuing through the dungeons. I would hate to lose the ground we've already taken if the remaining demons summon reinforcements. And I hate to risk the guards if there's not a good reason to.
You find yourselves back in the dungeon after their well-spent morning at camp. More of the paladins have moved in, and used the deadbolt doors to close off the progress of any enemies on the top floor.
Down back into the dungeon, the horrid whispers begin to infect your minds once more, distracting at you; clawing at your psyche. Still, you push through and find yourselves at the secret door, west of the main entrance. After Sarkast checks it closely, you push it open and proceed into the hallway beyond.
A ten-foot-wide cage encloses an elevated lift at the top of this high terrace. A line of chains and an array of pulleys allow the cage to be lowered down into the room or moved across the room to a set of double doors at the far side of the chamber. The terrace and cage both overlook a large chamber with walls that seem to glow red hot. Heat wavers in the air, and wisps of vapor periodically waft up from the floor and walls, but the temperature atop the terrace is rather cool. Below, in the center of the room, squats a large forge made of black and red metal.
- Dejik and Nilus sense overwhelming evil emanating from the forge.
- The room is incredibly hot, and would cause fire damage if not for Dejik's handy spell
- The cage in the room is operated by chords. You can go up, down, or across. The floor is 20' below the platform you are on. Standard action to use the pully. One round to reach the floor.
Mother I do not like this place. Keep me away from that forge!
As the group takes in the sights, they spot creatures on the floor, maintaining the area.
This snake-bodied humanoid hisses with anger. Spines of crackling flame dance along the creature's blackened, fiery-red scales.
These are salamanders, warriors from the elemental plane of fire. They are often summoned to the material plane to be warriors, or craftmen as they are famous for their skills with weaponry.
Ronan
Jinxx
Sarkast
--
Salamanders
--
Nilus
Dejik
Ayesha
Back to the dungeon, then Ayesha thought as they pressed forwards. There was a sense of urgency to their quest, though it seemed as if the army was in a good position to back them up should they need to regroup.
Reaching the forge room, Ayesha flinched at the sense of dread coming from the scimitar at her side. "Something is terribly wrong about that forge. Darb N'ssiar is terrified of it. Be cautious."
She was about to say more, but then the creatures below pressed the attack. "Watch out! Salamanders! They are from the plane of fire, so fire spells won't work on them. Cold spells should be very effective."
Sarkast looks into the room, assessing the drop. "I can drop down without any danger to myself, and Jinxx can fly. There appears to be enough room for the rest at once if we want to descend as a group."
He considers the forge and the resting place for the cage at the opposite end of the room.
Ronan casts Haste on everyone.
Sarkast and Jinxx hold back while Ronan casts the group's favourite spell. Everyone feels their heartbeats race as they are supernaturally quickened.
Seeing the group hang back, the salamanders choose not to rush up to the cage, and instead flee out of line of sight, holding back as they await the group's next action.
Haste active, 1
Salamanders
--
Nilus
Dejik
Ayesha
--Round 2--
Ronan
Jinxx
Sarkast
Sarkast waits, daggers in hand, while those who intend to descend enter the cage. He then prepares to drop down onto the salamanders once they move up.
Realizing that her daily protection spell might not be enough in these circumstances, Dejik calls on her divine powers to protect the group from the heat of forge.
Casting Communal Resist Energy, Fire: Everyone in the group has 20 points of fire resistance for 10 minutes; Sarkast and Ayesha have 20 minutes.
Ayesha casts a flying spell on herself, and then prepared to follow Sarkast down with the group.
HP 68/68. Current AC: 24/19/21
Active conditions:
Active spell effects:
Arcane pool: 8/8 left today
Spells remaining: 1st 5/5, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/3
Black Blade arcane pool 2/2
Mythic power: 7/7
pearl of power lvl 1 2/2
pearl of power lvl 2 1/1
Nilus gets into the cage and begins heading down...