GM Toothy's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Elriel took a moment to pick up the cold iron dagger that Arrika had dropped for him.

The silvery blade left traces in the air as the half-elf continued to slash and stab at the demon.

This time, it sank deep into the demon's heart.

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attack whoever is standing next to me and is the most hurt
shortsword to hit, good, piranha: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23, critical?
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
shortsword to hit, good, piranha: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17, yes?
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

@Rukzha: It had 19 dmg before the escaping so I'm already taking it in consideration. To speed things up, I've changed the target of your spell to the running one and applying Elriel's crit to the one in the web.

Sabrina is able to finish the demon on her feet and Elriel sinks his blade in the demon's heart. Rukzha manages to invade the running demon's mind and he also falls to the ground. After the fight is over, you quickly finish any of the wounded demons.

The children were still crying when Rukzha dismissed her potent spell but they recognize Anevia and soon run towards her. Arrika is also able to recognize a couple kids... some of them were orphans just like her... the others are probably recently orphaned.

Among sobs, tears and hiccups, Anevia approaches you. "They are saying that Queen Galfrey revealed herself as a succubus and fled into the Worldwound and that she's the one who betrayed Kenabres..."

While she's probably way more mature than most of these kids both physically and mentally, there might still be some around her age, or at least slightly younger. Does she know any of them? Are the HP in the header updated? I thought people took damage this fight?

knowledge nobility Queen Galfrey: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Queen Galfrey! That's horrible if it's true. I didn't know she was in the city." Rukza takes of her mask to not scare the kids more than necessary. The mass of intricate and exotic tattoos underneath is not exactly soothing though. "It's good we managed to free the children. Being bound and tortured is not a fate that should befall anyone. Though what do we do with them all? The city is a warzone."

Are there any items of interest on the demons or nearby?

Recognizing a couple of the kids, Arrika waves them over, kneeling and holding her arms open. Come here, Rob, Melly... she calls, trying to keep her voice light. There was no keeping calm in the horror that was the streets of Kenabres at the moment...but they didn't need her panic on top of theirs. This business with Queen Galfrey - it's a mistake, or a trick of the demons. They want us to think it's true, but it couldn't be. Or at least, I pray it's not...

At Rukzha's question, Arrika looks up. They'll have to come with us. I'm sure the Riftwardens will help us find a place for them...right, Aravashnial? All she knew was, there was no way she was leaving them unprotected. For better or worse, the kids were staying with her - at least that way she was doing something, anything, to make the disaster a bit less terrible.

The children are between the ages of 3 and 7 and are a mix of poor and wealthy kids... Rukzha recognizes a couple of them only from sight. There are no itens nearby... this was actually a random encounter!

Aravashnial nods, even if a little annoyed. "Yes, yes, of course... the Blackwing isn't actually a place for children but in this state of chaos I'm sure we'll be able to make an exception."

The remaining kids move around Anevia, a bit scared about Rukzha. "I agree with you, Arrika... there is no way Queen Galfrey would betray us..."

Elriel let Arrika get close to the children. He did not think that a half-elf with bloodied blades in his hands was very comforting.

He cleaned and sheathed his blades and was about to hand back the cold iron dagger to Arrika..., "Girl, do you mind if I hold on to this. I plan on acquiring some special iron shortswords but until the meantime, I would like to keep it, OK?"

tag?

"I can't believe that the Queen has betrayed mankind! She's been fighting the demons like forever."

Sabrina sheaths her sword, scouting the area for more dangers as the others comfort the captive children.

I am not buying into the demon's lies. there is to much evidence to the contrary. in any event, I am sure the Blackwing are not to far off. we should try and reach them before nightfall.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Does anyone recall about those safehouses? I thought one was around this part of the city? Sabrina did not know much about the safehouses but she did remember one being in the South part of the city.

Of the three safehouses (Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod), Sabrina was able to determine the location of the Nyserian Manor and Arrika the location of the Topaz Solutions. I do not recall if you mentioned anything about the safehouses to the others. I've added a couple useful markers of known locations in Kenabres. If you wish for me to add some more, important to your PCs, please let me know.

A couple more minutes walking amid the dreadful ruins, you are able to reach the Blacking without any other troublesome encounter. The children follow without much complaint and because Anevia already has a limited movement, they do not hamper your speed at all.

The Librarium of the Broken Black Wing, called "Blackwing" to the locals, has a reputation for containing the most complete record of research on demon hunting in the country. You now know that the building has also long served as a hidden base of operations for the Riftwardens in Kenabres, its stacks and secret chambers probably containing numerous facilities and resources for this group of spellcasters.

Unfortunately, Blackwing now lies in ruins... all that remains standing is the Librarium's facade and its reinforced great hall. When Aravashnial learns of the building's destruction, he becomes despondent, collapsing to his knees in despair... many of his friends dwelt at Blackwing, after all. "NO! This can't be right! All my friends, the mentors, the apprentices... all the knowledge and lore! All is lost and with the Riftwardens dies also our hope... I failed them, I failed my kingdom since I won't be able to learn more and help with Treerazer and the Tanglebriar, and I failed Lylina... oh Lylina..." He drops to his knees and cries... tears and blood from his ruined eyes run from his face. The realization that he may well be the only Riftwarden left in Kenabres is hard for him to take, and the elf is essentially nauseated with grief.

Curiously, the buildings surrounding Blackwing seem not to have been as damaged... it's as though some force singled out Blackwing for destruction. The majority of Blackwing has crumbled to rubble, with only the main hall still standing, its vaulted ceiling sturdy enough to keep this fragment of the whole intact. The front door to the main hall hangs ajar and the brash sound of a male voice can be heard barking orders. "Stack the damn books better!" peals out from within.

Any plans?

The half-elf neared the elf and put his hand on his shoulder, "You can't blame yourself for this. The fight with Treerazer still goes on. I was almost in the front lines myself before my... incident."

He looked about and sighed, "Besides there's plenty to fight here and your skills will be sorely needed. C'mon let's go see what we can salvage."

tag?

voice...
Instantly on alert, Elriel's sword was in his fist as he peered through. He raised his hand and out a finger to his lip. He carefully walked forth, trying to remain undetected...

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if it makes sense (i.e., kids are quiet, etc.), Elriel will try to sneak up and see what's going on. Stealth mod is +8, if applicable

On the streets

What are the safehouses, I've never heard of them. Can I roll some knowledge?

"What are these safehouses Sabrina? Are they going to be safe even now, with demons roaming the city?" Rukzha is always curious to learn about any topic, especially one relevant to the events at hand.

Blackwing

Rukzha shakes her head in dismay, her gruesome mask yet again back on her face. "It's horrible to see such a great place of knowledge be destroyed. I was looking forward to learning from your lore and maybe even discovered something about my parents. I'm sorry for your loss."

She walks over to Aravashnial and strokes him gently. "The main building still stands and there are voices coming from within. There might still be things we can salvage. We should mourn for the dead and what's destroyed, but not so much it prevents us from taking care of what's left."

"Girl, do you mind if I hold on to this. I plan on acquiring some special iron shortswords but until the meantime, I would like to keep it, OK?"

Of course. I...I think you use it better than I anyway, she adds with a small smile. Truly, I'd used it more to cut my meat than to combat any foes. I'm...not much of a fighter. That was the understatement of an age - but with Kenabres a smoking ruin, her time of being able to leave fighting to others was in the past. But if we can, I'd like to see about getting another weapon of cold-forged iron, if any remain - anything simple to use. A spear maybe - they seem easy enough. Just use the pointy end, right? The attempt at humor falls flat in the palpable tension of the streets, but it had been worth the effort.

At the Blackwing:

With one of the smallest children on her hip, Arrika rounds the corner - to see the destruction the incursion had brought upon what they had hoped would be their refuge. As everyone takes in the destruction and Aravashnial begins to lament, she tucks the child's head into her shoulder, patting the boy's mass of curly hair gently. Shh...shh... she murmurs to the child, trying to keep him calm - and herself.

Rukzha's right, Aravashnial, she adds, moving closer to the crestfallen elf. It...it won't do any good, getting so busy mourning the dead that we forget about the living. We'll examine the ruins if we can, see if anyone remains inside, and then we'll move on. It may be the Tirabades' home will prove a better haven. And then, once we're safe...I promise you all the time you need to weep for their passing. I'll be kneeling right next to you. But we have to keep going now.

The safehouses are places employed by the cultists of Baphomet. There is no way of Rukzha knowing about them unless someone tells you about them, even so, when told, you'll probably be able to identify their location.

As Elriel comes closer, stealthily, he is able to look through the door without being seen. In the center of the room there are three men and a woman, dressed in simple robes, tied by their hands and feet, while a fifth weeping person (woman) is being forced to make a ring of books stacked around the four. Besides them, barking orders in an increasingly frustrated tone is a man in a bloodied crusader's armor, bearing a heavy mace in one hand and a heavy shield with the symbol of Iomedae. "There are not nearly enough books for the fire! Do you want me to give some incentive, woman? I believe we have some time before the 'festivities'... actually, it looks like you have some nice curves under this robe..." Behind him there are two tieflings in leather armor and carrying swords, smiling at the possibility of some new 'fun'.

Elriel, they have not noticed you yet, so if you'd have a surprise round to act... if you wait for the others to come by, the crusaders can notice their approach and the surprise round will be lost.

Elriel once more brings his finger to his mouth in a clear sign for everyone to be quiet. He then stealthily goes back and informs the others of what's going. "Prisoners and what appears to be a soldier of Iomedae being cruel. It could be his shield and armor was taken from a fallen crusader. Two tieflings appear to be under his command. I'll get the jump on them but I'll need you right behind me. You all ready?"

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attack leader unless there is a new plan
shortsword to hit, piranha: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + (5, 5) = 21

If going back is not possible (i.e., they'll hear then Elriel will strike and call his companions over

Elriel is able to move back to his companions and back to the entrance without being seen. When ne sees the others approaching the building he bolts forward, sinking his blade between the metal plates of his banded mail.

"Ahh, you mongrel bastard! You'll pay for this... you two, get rid of this f~&%er!" The man curses and yells.

Bertholdt, Anevia, and Aravashnial remained behind with the children. Everyone else is 20ft. from the entrance of the Blackwing, so take it in consideration when posting your actions
________________________________

Is it too late for me to use cure light wounds on Sabrina before the battle? I have been thinking to do that, but have been quite busy today.

clw Sabrina: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

While Elriel is edging forward, Rukzha walks over to Sabrina. "Sabrina, you are wounded. Let me heal you so you'll be better able to deal with any dangers we might face." She chants and puts her hand on the paladin.

Sadly her being busy with the healing leaves her slow to react to the dangerous situation.

Sabrina hears the not so friendly voices coming from insidea, Thanks again Ruk.

Looks like Elriel found some not so friendly inhabitants. Sabrina makes her way to the entrance.

noticing the fight and the situation, Sabrina draws her blade, glowing with Iomedae's divine light, Lay down your arms and surrender, and I can grant you Mercy, The light of Iomedae has returned. she says as she starts her advance toward the one that apparently stabbed Elriel.

it will be a double move to get to the fight

Boting Arrika and Kelumarion

Arrika touches Kelumarion's head once more before moving inside the Blackwing, assisting him in the fight. Kelumarion moved quickly forward, stopping besides Elriel.

One of the tieflings moves behind the armored man, trying to stab Kelumarion with his sword but Kelumarion's thick fur managed to stop the attack. The other tiefling moved nimbly behind Sabrina but instead of attacking, he hold his blade... the distraction was enough for the man to send his heavy mace towards her chest, stealing her of her breath but not harming her thanks to her armor... the tiefling followed with a stab but found only Sabrina's armor again.

________________________________

Gotta do what you gotta do, mate. :)

Feeling the bite of the fiend-man's metal fang, Kelumarion swerves around to return the favor, his own claws and teeth scrabbling to find purchase.

Full attack to retaliate against the one that tried to hit him.

Bite attack, damage with Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Bite attack, damage with Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Bite attack, damage with Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 101d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Seeing the heavy swing at Sabrina, Arrika gasps - and then breathes a sigh of relief as she sees that her companion is all right. And now to see it doesn't happen again... she thinks to herself with a tiny smile. She conjures up a glob of clear, slippery goo and sends it at the feet of the two within blades' reach of Kelumarion, trying to send them sprawling to the floor.

Cast grease, yellow square on map.

"Sink into the abyss of dreams, fiend-blooded fools." Rukzha murmurs with a pained ghasp as she tries to will the tiefling flanking Sabrina to sleep. We have to stop them from surrounding us.

DC 16 vs will slumber on the tiefling flanking Sabrina.

Elriel maneuvers and slashes with his shortswords, now with two of them out.

He yells back at the leader, "Listen to the girl and surrender and you may walk out of here with your soul."

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attack leader
shortsword to hit, piranha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
shortsword to hit, piranha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

before I post want to see what the results of what is already posted are. I don't want to waste an action on dead enemies.

As usual, I recap once everyone have posted. Before Sabrina's action, only Rukzha and Elriel acted (as his attacks missed) so no enemy around Sabrina is dead... rest assured that I'm not that kind of GM that makes anyone 'waste' an attack... if you attack someone that is already dead, I'll change targets to better suit you all.

Her action might be different depending on if the tiefling is asleep or not though.

I agree with you Rukzha but I we wait for me to resolve each action, our combats would take forever... I generally try to put all enemies togheter to avoid you waiting for me for this same reason. I'd rather have to wait for you to change your previous action somehow than resolve each one's action separately. Boting Sabrina.

After entering the building, Rukzha once more presses her mind against the enemies and her patrons send the tiefling to the land of nightmares... the tiefling falls into the ground helpless. Elriel strikes with his twin blades but one attack goes wide and the other is stopped by the crusader's armor.

After Arrika's incantation, the crusader falls into the ground, his defenses opened... a fact that Sabrina fully takes advantage by striking a powerful blow at the fallen crusader's chest. The tiefling in fighting Kelumarion is able to dodge one of Kelumarion's claws but the other strikes true, marking his face and neck gruesomely.

Outside combat, the free woman frees one of her companions after some effort.

In a lucky strike the critically wounded tiefling strikes the ancient god with his blade, even if just a glancing blow, before back stepping. Into the ground and surrounded by enemies, the crusader drops his mace and begs for his life. "Please no more... no more. I surrender, see? You glorious heroes would not attack a helpless opponent would you?"

Rukzha, I moved you inside since you need Line of Sight and Effect to use a hex. Arrika/Kelumarion, please double check Kelumarion's attack damages... it looks you are considering all of them to be primary attacks with 1.5 Str to damage.

assuming a killing blow is all that's needed...

Into the ground and surrounded by enemies, the crusader drops his mace and begs for his life. "Please no more... no more. I surrender, see? You glorious heroes would not attack a helpless opponent would you?"

He sighed, "You got the wrong guy. I'm no hero."

Without anything to betray his emotion, the half-elf promptly ended the life of the fallen crusader. He shook his head, "Too many things going wrong to have to worry about prisoners."

It was clear he did not enjoy what he had just done. For him, it was just necessary. He turned to his companions looking for approval, "You know. Desperate situations require desperate means."

tag?

Practical as ever, he did not wait for any reprimand or approval, there were things to do. He proceeded to finish off the tieflings and then looked after the hostages. He cleaned himself and his bloody swords as best he could trying not to scare anyone.

sorry, I went to bed not long after my post and didn't think there would be much with the holiday (unless I am the only one that has a Holiday this weekend)

Did Elriel kill the guy that surrendered? I assume he left it open for debate, but I read it as he will kill him anyway no matter what which I hope he didn't

Also thanks for the Bot and again sorry about the slowing things down.

Sabrina starts to sheath her blade to accept the surrender, but her path is cut short as Elriel goes to end his life.

Immediately Sabrina moves to block his blade with her own. We are not in a position to become executioners.

Sabrina turns to look at the surrendered man detect evil on him

The man still needs 17 damage to be dead-dead, even if just 5 to become unconscious. He is not helpless so you can't take a CdG against him. Taking in consideration that we are still in 'combat mode', Elriel would be able to attack the man before Sabrina's reaction, even if it is unlikely that he'll be able to kill him right away... it is up to Elriel if he wants to attack or not but I believe the man will live. Oh, and remember you still have a tiefling that is still kicking!

OK, in that case, then forget my last post...

Into the ground and surrounded by enemies, the crusader drops his mace and begs for his life. "Please no more... no more. I surrender, see? You glorious heroes would not attack a helpless opponent would you?"

He sighed, "You got the wrong guy. I'm no hero."

He stroke with his blades hoping to end the fallen crusader's life quickly.

"And I have far more important things to worry about than taking prisoners..."

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I'm not sure what his AC is and if sneak attack applies, if so, it's 2d6 per strike
shortsword to hit, piranha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
shortsword to hit, piranha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Elriel you are setting yourself up to come to blows with Sabrina. If you are insistent on killing him then Sabrina will most likely refuse to help you in the future of not outright injure. please reconsider...

No holiday here. No flatfooted, but prone means the attack probably is enough to knock him unconscious, but not kill him. I believe the tiefling can't 5 foot in grease since it reduces movement by half, so he would provoke AoO from Elriel and Kelumarion unless he uses acrobatics.

"Wait! Both of you!" Rukzha exclaims upon seeing the conflict over taking prisoners as she wills the last tiefling to sleep. "We can at least talk things through before making hasty decisions. We got a few moments to spare before pressing on. But first, someone need to bind or disarm them before they wake up!" She rushes over to the recently freed person to grab his bindings and use them on their own prisoners.

Slumber on the last tiefling.

Rukzha is able to make another enemy fall into a slumber and Elriel's quick blade sinks into the man, making him fall unconscious... Sabrina's yelling arriving too late to stop Elriel's hand.

Rukzha is fast at helping the remaining librarians to free themselves and uses the same bindings to tie both the unconscious tieflings and the crusader. The tieflings awake a few seconds after but remained quite.

Once free, the woman that was carrying the books yelled with tears in her eyes. "Kill him! Kill this monster of a man... he is no better than the demons that attacked us!"

The crusader is stable.

Rukzha is able to make another enemy fall into a slumber and Elriel's quick blade sinks into the man, making him fall unconscious... Sabrina's yelling arriving too late to stop Elriel's hand.

Rukzha is fast at helping the remaining librarians to free themselves and uses the same bindings to tie both the unconscious tieflings and the crusader. The tieflings awake a few seconds after but remained quite.

Once free, the woman that was carrying the books yelled with tears in her eyes. "Kill him! Kill this monster of a man... he is no better than the demons that attacked us!"

The half-elf had remained distant while the prisoners were tied up, wary of the paladin. Her arm was strong, her faith firm but did she have what it took to get the job done?

Elriel was far more practical when it came to problems. And of those there were plenty. Truly innocent people, demons running amok, a city in ruins. He really did not want to make himself any extra problems by taking prisoners.

He cleaned his blades and sheathed them as he approached Sabrina, "Listen I think I know where you're coming from and, in other times, your approach would be fine. But consider our current situation and our real problems. Truly innocent people, demons running amok, a city in ruins. Do you think we have times to take prisoners?"

He turned to his companions and also addressed them, "Desperate situations require desperate means. What do you all want to do? We can't take them with us because they'll only slow us down or turn on us. Do you want to let them go so they can continue doing what they just tried to do? Leaving them tied up is probably worse than killing them outright. Sabrina, what do you think is best for the greater good?"

Arrika looks back and forth between the elf-blooded man and the angel-blooded woman, jaws set in stern grimaces as they stare each other down. She'd never stopped to consider the question before; the closest she'd ever come to holding another's life in her hands was taking charge of groups of younger children as they played at soldiers. Now she was the soldier, and it turned out things weren't nearly so simple as the young ones wanted to believe.

At first, her mind flits to Kelumarion's, but the agathion offers little in the way of help. ::Both offer wisdom, lioness. But I think it is yours to decide which is the best course this time.:: Feeling small between the twin towers of Elriel and Sabrina, Arrika turns to the woman; maybe she would give some clearer help. Please, ma'am...who are the five of you? What is it this man was trying to do? Did he say why he was having you stack these, other than...to turn them into a pyre?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"We should hear what they have to say." Rukzha says and straighten her mask, bringing attention to her gruesome visage. She leans in close against one of the tieflings and traces her borrowed dagger along his chin. Before saying anything to him she chants in her guttural language.

-
"S̫̝̯ͨ͋͗͠p̴̢̹̙͇͓̉͆̕ë̻̠̜̺̉̂ͨ͐̌̀͝a̡̛͈͙̐̄ͫ̾̀̍̚͘k͎̥̝̖̂̉̅̓̓ͫ̾̑͘ ̸͚̦̲̞͎̝͒̎͑t̨͖͓͙͎̩̰͙̙̫̆ͦͦ͜h̢͎̞̣̪̪͕͙̽ͣ͑ȇ͇̘͔͕ͫͪ ̶̗̳͈̙̐ͩt͓̦͕̦̠͂ͅr̢͕̥̐ͮ̎ͩ͛͡u̘̺͙̙ͦͨ́̿͟͞t̫̝̰ͬͯ́ͥͫͬ̈́͠h̦͈̺̖̓̓̀͊̓ ̠̺̱̲͍͕͈̿̑̋̐ǒ̵̝̰̤͎ͦ̃̊̅̉ͦ͊͠r̨̧̝͈̆͋ͧ̉̉ ̷̗̝͖͕͈̙̌̏̃̋̈́̀͝ͅp̲̮ͦ̈́́̒̚͘è̀ͬ̾̏̆ͫ҉̯̬͔́͘r̨̧̪͙̩͚͍̱̎̾͋̽͛̈͞ỉ̷̻͖̾͢ͅs̭̱̼̥ͪ̔ͧ͗̍ͦ̓ͅ ͇h̡̲̙̺̮̫̝̭ͣ
-

"So, what do you say? Why are you doing this? Who are you all? Tell me the full story and no lies. I can smell lies." She makes sniffing sounds. "Though if you do lie... She drags the words out. Your face would make quite the mask. Those horns..." She traces the dagger up along his chin to them.

Taking 10 on intimidate, the spell was guidance for 21

Sabrina looks to Elriel first then to the fallen enemy, she then looks to the prisoners.

He must face his accusers. They were wronged by him, they shall dictate his fate. should it be death, then he shall be put to death by their hand. First we garner what information we can then they shall face a trial before those he has wronged. Agreed?

it seemed the best solution, though to outright kill after a plea for mercy, it seemed wrong to her. however a fair trial to face those he has wronged let them decide his fate. it seemed reasonable compromise.

The woman cries has she speaks, clearly relieved after the men are bounded and after Rukzha helps to free the other librarians, trying her best to answer Arrika's questions. "My name is Fenna and I am... was a librarian of the Librarium of the Broken Black Wing and these are my remaining colleagues... after the worm-man slaughtered all the Riftwardens, destroyed the Blackwing, and ransacked this place, we remained here hidden, barring the door to the horrors outside... The first person we let in was this man about an hour ago, who appeared to be a crusader in distress. As soon as he was let in he attacked us, bounding them into the center and making me to pile all these books around them..." She sobs more before continuing. "...he... he planned to burn all of us alive and just before you stormed in he was threatening to rape me if I wasn't fast enough with his pyre... I cannot thank you enough!" The other librarians nodded as Fenna was telling what happened.

Meanwhile, Rukzha started her interrogation against the wounded tiefling... the creature was shaken but even so tried to answer as best as he could. "I... we... I... do not know the whole story! We do not really know this man... we were just following him because he had a good plan... he kept saying that the demons would obviously win and that he would definitely 'impress' them... he said that his time among the crusaders was a waste of time and that he received no loot nor woman and that it was time for him to get what was due to him... we joined him after he used and killed two nuns of Iomedae that had run towards him from us..." The tiefling were for sure afraid of what his words would cause to them but more afraid about not telling everything they knew.

Fenna looks at Sabrina with determination. "It will be my pleasure to end these wretched men's life when you are finished questioning him."

I'll let you react before posting any development and to avoid a Trump's wall of text.

Sabrina looks to Elriel first then to the fallen enemy, she then looks to the prisoners.

He must face his accusers. They were wronged by him, they shall dictate his fate. should it be death, then he shall be put to death by their hand. First we garner what information we can then they shall face a trial before those he has wronged. Agreed?

it seemed the best solution, though to outright kill after a plea for mercy, it seemed wrong to her. however a fair trial to face those he has wronged let them decide his fate. it seemed reasonable compromise.

Elriel scoffed, "A trial? You want to hold a trial. Here and now? Is he getting a barrister to represent him?"

He looked at the scene ad continued, "Listen I need no convincing but those women will say just about anything. Will the accused be able to defend himself? If so, you can count on him lying."

He neared Sabrina, "Listen, if it helps your conscience, we can have this trial but know that it is NOT the best solution and may even be worthless. Or at the very least take too long to be effective. I mean are we going to check on these people's alibis?"

Disgusted with the whole thing, Elriel just left Sabrina continue while he busied himself with more practical things, like checking on the tieflings and their leaders for anything of worth.

The half-elf still listened though...

The woman cries has she speaks...

Meanwhile, Rukzha started her interrogation against the wounded tiefling...

Fenna looks at Sabrina with determination. "It will be my pleasure to end these wretched men's life when you are finished questioning him."

Elriel watched Sabrina's reaction to the entire sequence of events. Would she have the accused man tell his side of the story? It didn't matter to Elriel; he had already decided on his guilt even before the woman Fenna and tiefling spoke.

He turned to Sabrina, "So, how does this trial continue? Does the accused get to speak? Do we check on the woman's accusations?"

tag?

Elriel was about fed up with this whole thing, "We are wasting time here. There are demons trying to eat us. We have children we need to get to safety. There is a g%~-d~$n city overrun by demons. Make up your mind, girl. And be quick about it!"

I know I sound like I'm picking on Sabrina but I really am not. We said that this was going to a be 'dark campaign' and I'm just playing my PC accordingly. Apologies if I ruffle some feathers.

I think this is an excellent role-playing moment. No need to rush things. Though it's a fine balance to strike, we don't want to drag things either.

"Why were the nuns running from you, eh?" Rukzha leads her dagger down to the man's crotch and press slightly.

Sense Motive to figure out if they had just as bad intentions towards the nuns themselves: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

The witch waits for an answer before looking at the others. "His companions confirmed him raping and murdering two nuns of Iomedae. The nuns were fleeing from these two when it happened. I doubt they are any more innocent and they were involved here as well." She shakes her head in regret. "As much as I wish it was possible to reform them, I have to agree with Elriel. We don't really have time for that, not under these circumstances. If you wish to question the crusader I can revive him. Due to the way my magic work I can heal each person once per day, so it won't take away from what I can use for others."

If Sabrina wishes so Ruzha will use healing hex on the crusader.

While waiting for the rest to figure out what they want Rukzha goes over to the librarians, she removes her gruesome mask to reveal her exotic tattooed face. "I'm glad you all are safe. Whatever life we can save is precious. I've been saved from dire circumstances myself and I intend to pay it back as many times over as I can. Though I'm doubly glad that we were able to preserve some of the knowledge herein before the heretic could burn it. Maybe I'll still get the opportunity to learn from it. Maybe some of the books here contain something that can aid us in our coming battles, or what say you Aravashnial?"

I never did get an answer on Sabrina's detect evil.

I think you all misunderstood. Trial consists of giving the librarians a weapon and then we leave, let them decide their fate. trial done. (basically a trial by one sided combat). this is assuming that they actually detect as evil.

As per the discussion post, Sabrina detects no evil in the man but the Tieflings are evil.

Afraid to answer, the tiefling remained silent but Rukzha was able to discern that if the nuns happened to fall to their hands, their destiny would not be different, if not worst.

Fenna nods to Rukzha while looking into the floor. "You are indeed right and I must say we are blessed to have you in this time of darkness..." The picks a book from the ground and dusts it. "...here, take this for it might be helpful to you." Rukzha identifies the book as a wizard's spellbook which also contains a scroll, folded up and tucked into the book's pages.

Aravashnial, Anevia, Bertholdt, and the kids arrive soon after Rukzha mentions the wizard's name. The librarian recognize Aravashnial but the apprehension in their faces is quite discernible... perhaps Aravashnial wasn't the most open and friendly Riftwarden. "Oh, I thank the Gods that you were spared master Aravashnial! They are all gone... all the Riftwardens are dead or missing... please, we beg you to protect us..."

Guided by her voice and plead, Aravashanial nods while walking towards her. "Please, remain calm... I AM a Riftwarden and I'll do my duty in protecting the knowledge and you all... now, please, tell me what happened here and who was responsible for such devastation."

Fenna calmed down and started to tell about the fall of Blacking. "It was too fast... soon after the demons breached through the Wardstone's defenses, many Riftwardens were called here to better coordinate their efforts in defending the city... then it came, a man... no, an abomination! He was made out of an infinite number od worms... he used magic and enslave demons to smash the structure down... all the Riftwardens stationed here are dead, as well as the other librarians, with the exception of the head librarian, Quednys Orlun that was last saw near the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell... but we do not really have hope for his safety. We suspect the worm-man took several treasures from the ruins but we did not see which ones..."

The spellbook contains: alarm, dismissal, dispel magic, magic circle against chaos, resist energy, and versatile weapon. The scroll is a scroll of dimensional lock.

Sabrina looks rather frustrated at Elriel. We have not rested in a while. perhaps we need to rest and gather our thoughts on this. I did not see evil in that man's heart. the two half fiends on the other hand. I will kill them myself if need be. I intend to leave that "man" in the hands of the librarians. They will do what is right. He must be punished for what he has done. if it is death then so be it. It just is not our place to decide.

looking to the librarians, that task belongs to them.

Sabrina goes to the librarian that seems to be in charge and hands him/her a dagger. The prisoner belongs to you, you decide his fate. May justice guide your hand, and heart.

The woman grabs the dagger and approaches the crusader. You can see her hand shaking and it is clear that she had never dot this before, her steps faltering the closer she gets from the man. She drops to her knees and lifts the dagger... but leaves the blade fall besides her, crying. "I... I can't..."

To your surprise, a small girl approaches the librarian and hugs her. Soon after she grans the dagger and buries it into the man's throat once... twice... and a third time before turning to Sabrina. "He killed my mommy." The girl did not cry a single time and soon after joined the other kids, taking the hand of a little boy, probably her brother.

Sabrina looks rather frustrated at Elriel. We have not rested in a while. perhaps we need to rest and gather our thoughts on this. I did not see evil in that man's heart. the two half fiends on the other hand. I will kill them myself if need be. I intend to leave that "man" in the hands of the librarians. They will do what is right. He must be punished for what he has done. if it is death then so be it. It just is not our place to decide.

looking to the librarians, that task belongs to them.

Sabrina goes to the librarian that seems to be in charge and hands him/her a dagger. The prisoner belongs to you, you decide his fate. May justice guide your hand, and heart.

Elriel shook his head, "I do not understand you Sabrina. Are you telling me that if this man was raping a 5-year old girl, you would give the dagger to the girl?"

Not waiting for an answer that he expects will not be reasonable, he added, "That is not what we are taught to do in the Tanglebriar but I have no time now. We can discuss under better circumstances."

He then turned to the librarian, "Lady, do not burden yourself with this task. You've suffered enough. Just say the word and I will take that responsibility from you. You are trained to keep knowledge whereas I was trained to kill. Let's all do what we do best."

Elriel will kill the tieflings and fallen crusader if the librarian asks him to do so.

LATER

"Aravashnial/ Rukzha? This place is not safe. We need to move on. Are you all ready?"

we cross posted and they sort of match. I talked about a 5-year old girl and you have the killing done by a young girl. Funny. :)

Sabrina does not answer. She simply shakes her head and goes to step outside.

Sometimes i don't understand myself. she whispers to herself. She wanted to answer him but didn't know how. She thought, it was the right thing. He pleaded for mercy, Could he be forgiven? It didn't matter now. he's in Pharasma's hands now.

Sabrina took a seat outside on some rubble trying to decide where to go next.

To your surprise, a small girl approaches the librarian and hugs her. Soon after she grans the dagger and buries it into the man's throat once... twice... and a third time before turning to Sabrina. "He killed my mommy." The girl did not cry a single time and soon after joined the other kids, taking the hand of a little boy, probably her brother.

Elriel was as surprised as the rest of them. It was funny how his rhetorical question was quickly answered. By a small girl nonetheless. He mused, A girl I would be proud to call my daughter... One day when all the demons are driven back. Perhaps.

He neared the girl and took the dagger from her small hands, "You won't need it while I'm around girl."

He then prepared himself to leave.

Talk about ill suited gear... Between the two books I think it's only one or two spells I can learn. I obviously should have rolled a wizard :/. There obviously aren't any witches to copy things from in this campaign, but I can't even use the arcane gear we do find...

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Thank you, I'll study it carefully and see what I can learn." Or see what I can burn rather. Rukzha thanks the woman eagerly as she grabs the book and the scroll. She'll look around for something to carry it in. Maybe the crusader or one of the tieflings got a sack or backpack.

Rukzha looks around the room while Elriel relive the enemies of their equipment. After a bit of searching she squats down to examine something, poking it with her dagger. "Hey, this is odd. I think this is a dead worm. Maybe it was part of the demon you spoke of earlier. A creature made of a mass of worms, how disgusting." If no one else comes to examine it, or after they are done, she picks up and puts away the piece. Maybe it'll be useful in some ritual or other.

Rukzha looks to the remaining companions. "So what do we do about the tieflings? I'm sure they would have raped and killed the nuns themselves if given the chance. Letting them free does not sound like the best option."

Rukzha looks to the remaining companions. "So what do we do about the tieflings? I'm sure they would have raped and killed the nuns themselves if given the chance. Letting them free does not sound like the best option."

With the paladin brooding outside, Elriel once more felt fre to do what needed to be done. he asked Rukzha, "Please take them outside. They've seen enough this day."

Without anything to betray his emotion, the half-elf promptly ended the life of the would-be rapers. He shook his head, "Like I said, too many things going wrong to have to worry about prisoners."

It was clear he did not enjoy what he had just done. For him, it was just necessary.