GM Toothy's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Rukzha notices Arrika's sharp reaction, even sharper than her own. Her reaction... Something must have happened to her, probably from Hulrun and his inquisitors. I wonder if it's similar to my own experience. She doesn't appear to have any visible scars... But a lot can be hidden under that outfit. Or maybe she lost someone close to her, just like I did...

The half-orc edges over to the summoner and removes her mask to whisper. "Hey Arrika... Seems we share similar grievances at the hands of the prelate and his inquisitors. Please tell me what happened. I need to know." Rukzha's curiosity is piqued by finding another with similar background. Her desire to know more is so strong that she's willing to let everything else wait, even in their current dangerous situation.

Glancing nervously at the group in front, with her gaze lingering longest on the new arrival Lora, Arrika finally nods slightly and shifts her grip on her spear, letting her long sleeve fall back. Her arms are a grim sight - a patchwork of scars from what look to be myriad burns and cuts long-since healed, stretched and distorted by growth as if whatever created them was done to a much smaller body. There's a rhythm to their placement, as if not by chance, and upon closer inspection, a few partial unholy runes can still be made out, etched in by blade.

I'm a witch, they said, she answers softly, tugging her sleeve back and keeping her words barely audible. And my mother, too. We were taken by one of Hulrun Shappok's witch-hunters while we were trying to get to Nerosyan, where it was safer. They said Kelumarion was a demon, that my mother was...f&$*ing him to gain unholy power. They burned her alive, and made me watch. Then that witch-hunter started hurting me... The spectre of past torment crosses her face.

He said it was to cleanse the demon taint from me...the sigils were supposed to draw corruption into them, and burning them away would take the evil too. But when we came before the Lord Prelate's council, he claimed the marks were there already, that they were my mother's doing and he'd just gotten rid of them...and how was I supposed to deny it? I was a little heathen witchling, and Darion was one of Shappok's closest companions...

They gave me to the Church to "civilize" me - but all the sisters ever did was treat me like alchemist's fire in a cracked vial. I started wearing long sleeves because if I didn't, the scars were all anyone ever saw of me. Hulrun Shappok was the boogeyman coming for me if I didn't mind like they wanted...I didn't dare call Kelu for years, and even then only late at night when I was alone... She sighs heavily. Kelu says to forgive them...that the Lord Prelate's repented, and that revenge doesn't change the past. That all carrying hatred does is poison the one who carries it.

Again, she glances forward, where Lora walks with Elriel and Sabrina. I know it's wrong, but some small part of me wants her to know what I went through...what it's like to be alone...but it really wouldn't change anything, would it? An eye for an eye just leaves the whole world blind.

Sabrina kneels besides the lost crusaders, taking a look in their possessions and finding three potions of cure light wounds, three vials of alchemist's fire, three vials of holy water, a healer's kit (6 uses remaining), 3 pieces of gold and their fighting equipment consisting of three sets of a breastplate, a heavy wooden shield, a longsword, a cold iron dagger, and a heavy crossbow with 20 bolts.

________________________________

Lora is lead forward by Elriel and Sabrina while Arrika, Kelumario, and Arrika take the rear, using this small distance to talk about their shared past.

The group continues to go north, walking among the rubble, fire, and corpses scattered around, and crosses another 'Road of Destruction' to find an unsettling scene...

The rubble has been cleared away from the street here, and an improvised stage made of several partially destroyed wagons and carts has been erected in the middle of the street. On this stage stand four frightened-looking men and women, each armed with jagged broken weapons and clad in bits and pieces of dented, bloody armor. Two tiny winged demons with thin and wiry body and ram horns curling back from its twisted head, flap about nearby as they work to stage a "play" of sorts comprising battles between their victims. Four more dead men and women lie scattered about the cleared area, probably victims who attempted to run away only to be killed by one of the demons.

Elriel raised his hand as he took on the scene. He pushed Lora behind him to shield her from the scene and the demons. He whispered under his breath, "Does this madness never stop?"

How close are they? Have they seen us? Can we attack?

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Ooh, hooray! So, I'm assuming some sort of damage reduction, most likely cold iron? And since they're associated with evil spellcasters, do they have some sort of spellcasting ability? If I get one more question, which do they typically prefer to fight with, manufactured weapons or some sort of natural weapon?

On the way with Arrika
A witch? She's no witch. Not all witches are bad, like one who opened the world wound. Still, I probably have to keep it a secret that I am a witch... Rukzha's face is filled with a mixture of sympathy and her pwn pain. "Your mother was burned alive? What an awful fate. My foster father was tortured to death, right here in Kenabres."

Tears fill her eyes as she remembers. "They tortured me too... Unlike you, they didn't have to fake any markings on me, I had them already." She opens her vest to show the top of her chest, revealing even more markings, including multiple tattoos as well as both the intricate scar for her healing hex as well as the riftwarden spiral.

"None of them are unholy though, but it wasn't like they cared about that." Though they certainly carry power, both to protect me and to let me use my powers. She closes her livery up again.

"I don't think they would have stopped if not the Order of Heralds intervening. Some of the Inqusitors seemed to really enjoy causing pain. Thankfully they did intervene though, which is why I'm alive her today.."

"About carrying hatred... I'm not so sure it's only poison. It can also give a goal to strive towards. Keep you going when there is nothing else left. And an eye for an eye. Your saying makes a lot of sense. But I'm afraid it doesn't work when there is true evil involved in the equation. We need to fight and destroy the demons or they will corrupt and kill us all."

----
Knowledge Planes, questions: Special Defenses? Slas? Strong/Weak saves? I don't know how much we can ask for in our questions: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

more to come later

know planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 (that's a 25 for evil outsiders)

Sabrina stopped as she took notice of the scene before her.

drawing her blade, Quasits, minor demons, crafty little spellcasters. they tend to be here in service of a corrupted wizard. we will need cold iron to hurt them. I fought some at Fort Tamms the day before I arrived in Kenabres. watch out though they tend to turn invisible when seriously threatened.

Sabrina draws her sword, The other thing I remember about them, they need to be destroyed.

with that she advances toward the scene.

"Wait Sabrina!" Rukzha hisses. "Flying and invisible enemies is more than your sword can deal with. Take back your crossbow so you can hurt them if they try to fly away at least. Too bad I used the glitterdust already. That would stop their invisibility, but I don't have any more left for the day.." She hands the crossbow over to the paladin and dons the mask.

"I can try to trap them in web, that should hopefully prevent them from turning invisible and if not, we'll at least know where they are from the movement of the strands."

"I don't think they would have stopped if not the Order of Heralds intervening."

Then you're lucky. No one spoke up for me. She keeps a practiced calm on her face.

"Your saying makes a lot of sense. But I'm afraid it doesn't work when there is true evil involved in the equation. We need to fight and destroy the demons or they will corrupt and kill us all."

Oh, believe me - I've no intention of just letting the demons overrun this place. Her grip tightens on her spear haft, and her expression hardens. They're pure evil - made of evil, Kelu says. And we don't have the luxury of making prisoners of those who'd choose wrong right now, those taking advantage of the destruction... Her free hand twines into Kelumarion's fur. What...what can we do? What can any of us do against such endless hate?

Rukzha wrote:

"I don't think they would have stopped if not the Order of Heralds intervening."

Then you're lucky. No one spoke up for me. She keeps a practiced calm on her face.

Rukzha wrote:

"Your saying makes a lot of sense. But I'm afraid it doesn't work when there is true evil involved in the equation. We need to fight and destroy the demons or they will corrupt and kill us all."

Oh, believe me - I've no intention of just letting the demons overrun this place. Her grip tightens on her spear haft, and her expression hardens. They're pure evil - made of evil, Kelu says. And we don't have the luxury of making prisoners of those who'd choose wrong right now, those taking advantage of the destruction... Her free hand twines into Kelumarion's fur. What...what can we do? What can any of us do against such endless hate?

Sabrina catches the last part of this conversation, she turns to look at the two, What can we do?, first, we cannot succumb to our own hatred. we must not become the very thing that we have vowed to destroy. I know from experience, not all evil acts come from pure evil hearts.

Since Sabrina is a paladin, I guess we can cross some bargain with the demons so I'll roll initiative for you but feel free to make any preparations before the fight since they'll only react if you try to intervene. If the way of intervene is a flying bolt/arrow, I'll allow a single ranged attack (from only one of you) before they react. In this case you can decide about the distance.

As you intervene with their small and grievous play, the quasits order the commoners to attack you. Cowed and terrified, the poor commoners obey, turning against you. Soon after both of the demons turn invisible.

Waiting to read about the distance before putting a map.

I suggest to still go through with the plan I posted above. That Rukzha leads off with web once it's possible to catch both of them in it (preferably so they end up on the edge like the other demons so it's possible to attack/threaten them from melee). Rukzha doesn't have much in the way of fort targeting stuff unfortunately.

Yeah, nah, Kelumarion's got policies on this sort of thing, too. ;)

Rukzha's plan sounds like the best way to go to me. I wouldn't worry about keeping the civilians out of it - we can get them out once the spell's done.

"Wait Sabrina!" Rukzha hisses. "Flying and invisible enemies is more than your sword can deal with. Take back your crossbow so you can hurt them if they try to fly away at least. Too bad I used the glitterdust already. That would stop their invisibility, but I don't have any more left for the day.." She hands the crossbow over to the paladin and dons the mask.

"I can try to trap them in web, that should hopefully prevent them from turning invisible and if not, we'll at least know where they are from the movement of the strands."

Invisibility was not something he was ready to tackle well so Elriel bid his time and nodded at the witch girl.

"Sounds like you have some experience here. Let's make it work."

He bit his lip, "I'm ready when you are..."

"Let's move a bit closer, so you can reach them at once if I manage to bring them to the ground with the web. But not too close, or they might get suspicious." She edges forward and draws out the necessary components from her pouch.

Ideally we would be within charge distance (40-60 ft) and catch them both at the edge of the web, but everything can't always be ideal situations. The most important would be to try to catch them both once they are reasonably close to each other and in an area where I can use web.

Rukzha is able to conjure webs from the thin air, grappling all the demons and commoners alike. The demons curse both in their foul tongue and in common, ushering the commoners to attack, even if they are too worried screaming at the moment. One of the quasits tries to get rid of the sticky strands of the web but fails... the other one is luckier and manages to fly upward.

I see that both Rukzha and Sabrina are listed as having light crossbows. Did we pick up another one somewhere, perhaps from the crusader in the library? Though Sabrina would be better able to benefit from her strength score if she found cold iron chakrams or javelins somewhere

Rukzha already had a tiny clump of spider web in her hand from before. Her guttural chanting is acompanied by animated movements as she reaches around herself as if for a big hug.

-

"B̶̛̫̠̃ͥ͆̈͑̋͌̕ĭ̸͉̦͇̩̳̯̹ͦ͐ͪ͌ͪͪ̃͟͝ņͨ̆̑̐̀͏̸̯̞̬d̢̗̫̤͈̅̌ͨ̃̇ ͖͖̙̟̤̥̬̭̿ͥ̿̓͟l̤̈́̈̀̎ͩ̋ͩͦ͝i̤̠̓̏̈́̎m̿̆̍ͨ̽͏͓̗̭̱͜b̨̰̊ ͐ͧ̾̂̑͆͛̇҉̨̛͓̝͉̠͕a̴͕̖͇̮̘͓ͦͨͦͥ̒͊͜͝ṉ̷̷͈̭̤͔̈́̌͑͡ͅd̖̠̟̦̮̭̳̮̏ ͖̝̳̖̰ͥ̽̑͜͠mͣͨͮ҉͖͉i̷̸̩͚̭̾̄n̵̥̝͇͎͓̼̮̠̤̆̀͋͗̕ḏ̵̵̺̾͂̄ͭ̒̀,͊҉̛̯͙̤̥͘ ̲̠̖̪͖͖͙̿͐ͩͬͨ̃̏̇n̷̡̤̘̾̀̂ͧ̃͌ͪ̒̚ŏ̝͎͈̻̻ͥ̚ ̹̫̘͈̯̬̠͓̦̉͐ͨͦ̔ͦ̆e̱̘̗͖̤̠͂̌̐ͫ̈́̎ͮ̕ͅś̩̰̹̬̤̮̘͛͋͒͡cͣͫ҉̣͖̱a̰͕͚̗͇̺̝͔͌̀͢p̄̾̌̎ͤͫ҉͇̘̟ ͚ȩ̪̌̄́ ̡̫̠̺̦͇̻͂͆̏̍͂̄͆̅̂͘f̸̺͍͓͉́͂r̛̝͚̝̻ͧͭ̾̀͊̌ͣ̆͜o̒ͫ̑̈͟҉̷͚͎͙m͊͐̋̀ͪ̈҉̲͓̹̰̰͓̯͍̻ ̟̭̘͚̦̻̫̃̋̑̀m̷̵͎̺̙͖͋̾ͤ̑y̍ͧ͏̬̳̩͖͍̼̼̜ ̗̙͉ͣ̃ͯ̌̈͐͆ͮ̕̕͠ͅt̩̠̠̬̆̅́̕r̺̦̳͈̗̺̜̦̿ͪ̄͋͛͐͒̂́͠ả̵̫̬̯̺́̎͒̋ͭ̾p̰̰̰͉̌̇̇͝,̴̴̛ͣͤ͊̒̾̚ ͈̣̰̱͇̳̬̝ ͕͚͍̥̣̹͚́s̥̪̹̘̣̫̲͒̂̑̾ͮ͊̏̉͞t̴̋̈́ͤ̔̃͏̣͠u̵̡̠͚̻͇̯̼͈͎͛ͦ͑̔̈́͐͛͋͛͡ͅç̝̤̖͌͒͑̐k̟ͥ͡͞ ̛̖̪̭͎̱̓ͧͤ̒̏ͯͩ̄yͫͫ̏ͪͯͪ͆̚҉͍͙̹̟͞͠ô̿ͬ́͏̥̦̠͇̳͔̪͕ȕ̂ͤͬ̈́̎͒͛̀͏̖̞̦ͅ ̸̻͚͍̖͐ͧ̅̋̋̈ͫ͋̒͘a̡͚͔̙̗̺͑̊̌́̑̎ͣ̇̇́ͅr̢͚͎̩̮̗̳̲̦͗͆̑ͯ̃̑͑ͥ̚e̪̰̰ͧͭ ͇͈̭̐̂̅́i͐̃̾҉̘̟̤͍̣̺n̠̼̙̝͉̭̥̲ͤ̎̉ͧ̾̚ ̶̩̞̹́̌̿̕͠m̯̺̱̱̖̬̞̈̃͆ͤ̌ͤ͂ý̳̳͑̕͞ ̱̞̥͙̳̫̣͕̓̋̋w̢̛̩̹̣̜͙̰͇̺̉̏̃͋̿ͤ̑e̴͂͏̰̯̗̥̜b̷̜͈ͯͤͭ̅̈́ͧ̑̀͘"

-

"Yes!" She exclaims in a triumphant voice as her plan works and both demons are trapped. It's quickly followed by "Curses!" As one of the demon manages to get free. "Focus the free one." She says, as if something so obvious needs stating.

She moves forward and waits for her companions to fire before drawing on her powers yet again. This time the scar at her temple pulses extra strongly, almost sending her reeling from pain. "Argh." What was that? Have the demonic energies affected my hexes? Or is it just that I've been using them so often? It seems like they are getting stronger and more taxing.

Delay/ready action for slumber hex after the rest have attacked.

Elriel was about to pat the half-orc girl on the back when one of the demons escaped.

A second later, Elriel moved forward, shortbow in hand and cold iron tipped arrow flying towards the little demon.

"Not so fast, little guy. Why don't you stay and talk a while?"

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move, draw shortbow, shoot cold iron arrow
shortbow to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
please add 2d6 if sneak attack applies

sorry bout the little silence there. as far as crossbows go I gave one to Ruk, so I don't think I have any at all, unless you gave it back.

After the web goes off, Sabrina charges the Demon still stuck.

You have caused enough trouble, return to the abyss where you belong Sabrina obviously has no intention of giving this things and chance of surrender.

attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I gave it back in my last post before iniative (see above). The other Quasit is stuck in the middle I believe.

Grease can be used on objects, including armor and clothing; is it too much of a stretch to say it can then be used on the skin of someone/something that isn't wearing anything, like, say, our friendly neighborhood Nirvana kitty? I'll put up two posts, one assuming I can and one assuming I can't.

Assuming I can cast grease on Kelumarion:

The thick, sticky web strands look to be remarkably sticky, as much a hindrance to those looking to join in the fray as a trap for the tiny demons...but Arrika had an idea. Reaching out for Kelumarion, she focuses her will and creates another film of shiny, slick conjured grease - this time coating the fur of her companion. Kelumarion, go! she encourages with a pat of his hindquarters, and he takes off running for the field of webs, the pearlescent film making it difficult for the web strands to gain purchase. Arrika follows behind, brandishing her longspear at the ready and trying to get close enough to make use of it.

Kelumarion combat maneuver check entering web, vs. web spell save: 1d20 + 5 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 10 = 25 Success - not caught in the web.

Arrika, casting grease and moving up 30 feet next to Elriel. Kelumarion, double move to end up next to quasit #2.

If I can't cast grease on Kelumarion:

The thick, sticky web strands look to be remarkably sticky, as much a hindrance to those looking to join in the fray as a trap for the tiny demons...but Arrika had an idea. Kelumarion, go! she calls out with a pat of his hindquarters, and as he charges forward and nears the edge of the webbing, she reaches for the silver scale in her pocket. Calling upon the latent magic of Terendelev's scale, she wills Kelumarion onto a pillar of cloud; using the nearby house to push off, he ends up next to the free quasit with a glint in his eye.

Arrika, standard action to use Terendelev's cloudwalking scale to levitate Kelumarion and move action to raise him as high off the ground as the flying quasit. Kelumarion, move action to reach the edge of the web and move action to push off the building after levitating, letting him move at half base land speed and end up next to the flying quasit.

Oups, I deleted my post about It already being mentioned after rereading the spell.

Elriel is ready with another arrow, "Get the little guy trying to fly away! Before he turns invisible!"

He turned to witch, "Ruksha, can you bring him down with your cursed nightmares?"

"I'm. trying." Rukzha says in a pained voice, the pain from the scar of her powers heavily affecting her tone. She still manages to keep concentration on the target though.

oh must have missed the crossbow thing. anyway, not sure where it is in the web. (no map for this) also as far as using the crossbow... Sabrina is a swordswoman, and the crossbow is less chance to hit and has DR to deal with. can use magic to bring it down if needed.

There is a map, it's to the left of the city map just like last time. As for the DR, that's why we picked up cold iron bolts.

never noticed the map? boy am I an idiot

OK, to avoid confusion, I've created another Kenabres Map, so the one we use for combat will be used only for that. The whole thing of the crossbows was that Rukzha 'inherited' Bertholdt's items and even if she asked for a RP of him giving her all the stuff, I completely forgot (sorry). So both she and Sabrina should have their crossbows. Also, I think you never discussed the distribution of the loot found in the lost crusaders... I'll propose a distribution as usual in a couple minutes.

Sabrina, once you are able to check the map, you'll see that there is no way to charge the quasits since they are under a web spell so I'll assume you'll shot them with your crossbow...

I'll allow the grease usage... I'm all on for clear uses for spells.

In quick succession, Elriel and Sabrina send arrow and bolt towards the flying quasit who screams in pain but keeps flying. With the aid of Arrika, Kelumarion navigates between the sticky strands of Rukzha's web unhindered, ready to chew at demon flesh in the next moment. The flying demon falls to Rukzha's nightmarish spell, making him fall into the web once again, entangling himself.

The other quasit screams and curses but isn't able to free himself, neither do the scared commoners.

Not wanting to get into the gooey mess, Elriel nocked another cold iron-tipped arrow to his shortbow but waited.

"Rukzha, get rid of the web once the god-cat chomps on one of the quasits. I can then either kill the one that's in nigthmares or help kill the other one."

He then addressed the scared commoners, "It's Ok. Your nightmare and gory play is over. Just stand down and you'll be taken to safety."
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wait until the web disappears and then attack, either coup de grace the sleeping demon or attack the other one if not killed by Kelumarion

if attacking and not coup de grace
shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Didn't the Quasit wake up from the fall? Or did the webs cushion it?

Kelumarion takes advantage of the quasit's entrapment and lunges forward, snapping and clawing viciously at the entangled demon. The monster proves quick even within its bonds, though, and his claws and teeth struggle to make contact.

Bite with Power Attack, damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Claw #1 with Power Attack, damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Claw #2 with Power Attack, damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Seeing Sabrina ready to rush into the web, Arrika shouts another conjuration and creates a shiny film over Sabrina's armor as well. [b]There - that'll help you get through![/ooc]

Standard action, cast grease on Sabrina. +10 to your checks to get through the web.

"I don't want to dissolve the web while those things are still conscious. And it won't sleep for long, ideal would to be finish them first, so it doesn't wake up and turn invisible before you can reach it. Better to fire at them so you don't risk getting stuck in the web. There are also the matter of all these people, they almost seem like they want to attack us..." Yet again she focuses her mind, trying to send the last Quasit to sleep.

As she does so she addresses the bloody actors. "Hey you folk, drop your weapons! We don't want to have to harm you, and we'll deal with these demons so you won't have to worry about those either."

"I don't want to dissolve the web while those things are still conscious. And it won't sleep for long, ideal would to be finish them first, so it doesn't wake up and turn invisible before you can reach it. Better to fire at them so you don't risk getting stuck in the web. There are also the matter of all these people, they almost seem like they want to attack us..." Yet again she focuses her mind, trying to send the last Quasit to sleep.

Elriel seemed mad at the half-orc girl, "I can get to the demons quickly if you get rid of the web!"

He stood at the edge of the web and took a shot with his shortbow and added, "Next time, just do it!"

_____________
shortbow to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
EDIT: I'd love to keep my previous rolls if possible. :)

@Rukzha: Yes, the web cushioned it. Even if I really like to play by the rules, when there is something that makes more sense (like this case), I usually go for it.

Elriel sends another bow, now targeting the other quasit while Sabrina comes closer thanks to Arrika's spell. Kelumarion misses his first two attacks but his last claws rakes the demon who shrieks in pain and soon falls to Rukzha's powerful will.

With their tormentors asleep, the commoners drop their weapons (even if two of them are still stuck to their hands) and beg for your mercy. "Please, please, spare us... we were afraid... we have nothing to do with this madness..."

With the commoners with their weapons down and both quasits asleep, I'll take you out of combat.

All business, Elriel steps through the commoners, "It's Ok. We understand."

He then makes sure the sleeping and helpless demons will no longer torment anyone else.

With the gory task finished, he turns to the people, "Where were you? Do you have somewhere safe to go to? The city is not safe. You should take what you can carry and leave."

tag?

He then turned to Rukzha, "Listen girl, your magic is powerful but, once the enemy is helpless, I prefer cold steel or cold iron in this case."

He sighed as he put a hand on her shoulder, "It's Ok; we're all learning here." He chuckled in a friendly manner, "And I know you're smarter than you look so listen next time. OK?"

He then looked at the commoners, "Can you do something for those severely injured or will that tax your body or hurt you in any way?"

Looking around to his other companions, some of them glistening with a slippery substance, he asked, "Everyone Ok?"

This feels a bit awkward given what actually did happen...

Rukzha does dismiss the web once the last demon falls, allowing Elriel to step forth to finish one of the fallen Quasits, while Kelumarion finishes the other.

When he puts a hand on her shoulder, it causes a number of feelings to well up in her. She puts her hand on top of his, pressing against him slightly. It's comforting to feel the physical presence of someone she has been through so much hardships with. Still, she doesn't agree with his words so she's left with mixed feelings.

She removes her mask and turns toward the half-elf. She has an understanding smile on her face and she speaks in even tones. "I know it's hard to keep track of all that's going on due to the battle and the web obscurring things further, but the I was busy helping out taking out the last Quasit who was in fact not helpless. Next time wait until the enemies are actually neutralized before asking me to dismiss my spells. I could have done it sooner, but that would have given the demons the chance to turn invisible or escape."

---

On the topic of the commoners Rukzha also have something to say. "Rather than take what they can and leave, I think they'll stand a greater chance of survival if they band together with others for protection. They could even travel with us until we find someone to take them out of the city or at least somewhere for them to stay in relative safety. No matter which direction they travel they are likely to run into danger. We've had four encounters with dangers for only the short journey we've had today. Don't you think that's better Elriel?"

"As for healing," She starts walking towards them. "My powers allow me to heal everyone I encouter for a bit, without deducting from what I can do for others. I should be able to do a bit at least." She proceeds to heal all the commoners once.

"No.. we have nowhere to go and nowhere is safe... Deskari himself took part in the attack on the city! There is no way we'll be able to win..." With Rukzha's words and healing powers, the commoners eagerly nod, looking for Sabrina and Elriel for allowance.

Sabrina turns to Rukzha with anger in her eyes. "Elriel is right! I AM the commander here! I should have been able to righteously charge towards our enemy but your spell hampered my movements... how do you expect to defeat the demons if you help them?" She still had her sword in her hands and when she lifted it to sheath, it almost looked as if she was going to attack the half-orc.

In the distance, to the north, you notice four more people. You distinguish a man in a crusader-like armor, an old and small man and two children.

Sabrina turns to Rukzha with anger in her eyes. "Elriel is right! I AM the commander here! I should have been able to righteously charge towards our enemy but your spell hampered my movements... how do you expect to defeat the demons if you help them?" She still had her sword in her hands and when she lifted it to sheath, it almost looked as if she was going to attack the half-orc.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Everyone was not OK. Elriel made an involuntary move to step closer to the half-orc should the paladin carry out her threat.

He spoke evenly trying to avoid any hint of threat in his voide. "Sabrina, stand down. Rukzha and all of us need to learn about works and what doesn't. We're all doing the best we can."

His gaze fell over the survivors and the ruins of the city, "It's not exactly easy at this time."

He then noticed the paladin's blade, "Your blade. It lost its sheen. Did you do something to it?"

tag?

In the distance, to the north, you notice four more people. You distinguish a man in a crusader-like armor, an old and small man and two children.

Elriel spots the small group of survivors. Another crusader. At least this one didn't seem intent on spilling virgin blood.

Having agreed to the half-orc's argument about letting the survivors stay with them, he called out to the other group. "Come. If goodness is in your heart then you are welcome." He scoffed, "We're not the cavalry but we are still alive."

...I will not turn back into the dark...

The final refrain of Brevon's oath echoed timidly in the shadowed recesses of his mind as he took in the destruction before him. Some part of him, not a small part, desired only to turn away, to flee this awful reality into the peace and safety of ignorance; to nestle in the shade of a strong oak and fall asleep, dreaming of safer places and happier times.

Kenabres. Destroyed.

But this world was real. Its cruelty and suffering were limitless, it seemed.

Light preserve us.

He stood still, despite the dread in his heart, that empty, aching hollow where better men hold courage. But Brevon had little of that. Brevon had only his memories. And his grief. He shut his eyes tightly, trying desperately to recall the memory of her face. Then his feet carried him forward, one step at a time, toward the very maw of Hell.

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The mother. That was the hardest part. There were many dead bodies. So many that after a while they began to lose significance, as though a dead man, woman, or child was merely another piece of rubble. Brevon hated himself for the thought.

But the mother lived still. Her children clung to her outstretched hand, even as her blood wept into the dirt. Crushed under an overturned wagon cart, she was (miraculously) conscious. But when Brevon ran to her aid, she shook her head feebly, merely begging him to look after her babies. And then the light in her eyes faded, and she passed into death.

Brevon pulled the boys away and they wept together, strangers on the road, amid the ruins of their home.

They were terrified, of course, and it was easy to convince them to stay at his side. They ventured further into the ruins, searching for survivors, for meaning. They found one of the former crawling out from beneath a building's foundation. He was lucky enough to find cover that did not collapse upon him. He was an old man, delirious, half starved and dehydrated, rambling on about the night overtaking the day, and the emergence of a demon plague.

It seemed to Brevon that these were the least of their troubles.

_____________________________________

Then he hears the shouting. Clutching the old man's hand, he ushers his motley group behind the remains of a chimney. When it appears the coast is clear, he draws his scimitar and leads them on toward the sound of voices. He sees a small arena littered with bodies, human and inhuman. A half-orc woman is tending to some commoners, while others, dressed for battle, hover nearby. There is even an enormous cat.

At the half-elf's warm greeting he sighs audibly in relief.

"Hark!" he calls. "In the name of Sarenrae, I beseech you! I have children in need of aid!"

On the topic of the commoners Rukzha also have something to say. "Rather than take what they can and leave, I think they'll stand a greater chance of survival if they band together with others for protection. They could even travel with us until we find someone to take them out of the city or at least somewhere for them to stay in relative safety. No matter which direction they travel they are likely to run into danger. We've had four encounters with dangers for only the short journey we've had today. Don't you think that's better Elriel?"

He nodded, "I have no problem but I make no promises either. I'm worried should there come a time when we have to flee. We won't be able to stop for any stragglers."

With a resigned nod he continued to the commoners, "I guess if we're your best chance then stay close. If we reach some sort of fortified place, then maybe you can stay there."

Practical as ever, he started bossing them around, "Well, don't just stand there. Those that are healed, go arm yourselves. Grab what you can carry but not too much, we may have a long walk ahead of us."

At the half-elf's warm greeting he sighs audibly in relief.

"Hark!" he calls. "In the name of Sarenrae, I beseech you! I have children in need of aid!"

Hark? He lifts his hand in greeting, "Er.. hello..."

He takes in the scene. The crusader seemed fine aside from his strange greeting.

Still cautious, he watches them as they approach, "Aye, we have children as well. Not-not mine and not here but still children in need. Maybe later we can get your kids to where our kids are."

He turned to Arrika and the half-orc, "We can do that, right?"

tag?

He looked back at the crusader, "Is this your family? Has everyone else... died?"

tag?

Rukzha is uncomfortable when Sabrina addresses her like that. She feels like they are all in this together, fighting together, not here to attack each other. What's worse is that the paladin's accusations are totally unreasonable and doesn't follow reason at all.

The witch does not like it when people don't remember what she has told them before. Her tone is quite sharp, sarcastic, when she adresses Sabrina. "What part about flying and invisible enemies was it you did not get? If I had not used the web, they would have just turned invisible and either attacked us with their powers or escaped to gather even more powerful demons to take us down. I thought that's what we all agreed on beforehand?"

"Being the leader is all well and good, but we should all still be able to contribute to the best of our abilities to take down our enemies in the best way, right? It's not like any of us, were hurt in this fight. I would say the usage of the web was quite successful, quite successful indeed. In the end, that's what's most important right, our success, not who's in charge, right?"

----

Rukzha smiles at the newcommer and gives him a military salute. That at least she knows how to do as a member of the Order, even if she isn't one to carry a sword and heavy armor. "A good follower of the blessed everlight. And one protecting and caring for children to boot. You my good man is the first ray of light we've found in this dark place in quite a while. Pretty much everyone else we've encountered lately have either been captured or killed by demons or even worse, twisted into madness by the corrupting energies of the worldwound. It's good to encounter one for whom that isn't the case. If your children need healing, I can provide it."

"No, not my family. But they are brothers themselves. Their mother, ah..." he merely shakes his head. "I do not believe they are harmed, though they are in need of comfort. This man, though." He gestures to the elderly man who still mutters aimlessly. "He may need more. He is rambling, repeating the same warnings over and over--that the sun is rising later and the night coming earlier, that eternal night threatens the world, that a 'demon plague' has come to Kenabres and will claim us all within a week."

Brevon smiles at Rukzha's kind words but shakes his head sadly. "I only just arrived to find the city like this. I thought I would be able to help defend her. I am too late."

He removes his waterskin and offers it to the older man before turning to the others.

"And what of you? Are you defenders of Kenabres?"

Sabrina, no! Arrika shouts, sighing with relief as the woman moves to sheath her sword in its scabbard, instead of in Rukzha's chest as she'd feared. If even Sabrina is succumbing to the madness of this place... As Rukzha's matching outburst begins, Arrika holds a hand forward in a conciliatory gesture, and Kelumarion darts forward to push himself between the two, snarling low at each in turn. Just...just stop. This fighting doesn't do any good. We let petty quarrels start to come between us, and we'll tear ourselves apart... But then Arrika's lecture is interrupted by the call of the far off call. Hark! In the name of Sarenrae, I beseech you!

Head swiveling, Arrika takes in the new arrival as he comes up, charges in tow. Before he even mentions the children's mental state, Arrika rushes forward, scooping up the smallest of the children in one hand while keeping her long spear in the other. Shh, shh, it's all right...it's all right... Cradling the child close, she takes in the crusader's brief explanation of his companions. We're all defenders of Kenabres now, aren't we? It's defend or be destroyed...and it seems I've finally found the nerve to make it through doing the first. Arrika Telryn, of the Neverrun clan of Gundrun. This is Rukzha, Elriel, and Sabrina. We mean you no harm, should you be of like mind on the matter. Elriel speaks true - we have a safe house a little way from here, where we can take your companions.

Arrika turns back to her old companions...if three days can be called an old companionship. What should we do in the meantime? Find someplace near here to keep them hidden until our business is done? Sabrina...do you think you could keep watch over them, help to defend them until we return? You'll be best at leading the most able in coordinating a defense, better than any of us. It's clear there's still a bit of trepidation in Arrika's voice, speaking to the angel-blooded woman. Tag all, including Sabrina.

Arrika turns back to her old companions...if three days can be called an old companionship. What should we do in the meantime? Find someplace near here to keep them hidden until our business is done? Sabrina...do you think you could keep watch over them, help to defend them until we return? You'll be best at leading the most able in coordinating a...

Defenders of Kenabres. Elriel considered the honorific title for a moment, chest swelling with pride. But he quickly shook his head. "Not us. That silver dragon. He was the defender of Kenabres and looked what happened to him."

He scoffed, "Nah, we're just survivors. I'm sure the gods already have people in mind to be the defenders of Kenabres."

He looked at Arrika and Sabrina, "No offense Sabrina but I don't think you should remain with the kids. It's not fair and we already have an old cripple and others tagging along so let's all stick together. For now anyways."

___________
Let's keep everyone together until the GM determines a good location/situation for Sabrina to head out on her own. Let's continue on to Anevia's House and then to the Eagle Watch tavern/headquarter.

Brevon nods his head at each of you in turn. "Arrika, Elriel, Rukzha, Sabrina. I am Brevon Sabor, but perhaps formal introductions can wait until we reach your safe house. How far away is it?"

Brevon stows his scimitar and instead draws his glaive, leaning on it heavily as he surveys the remains of the arena. "What in creation caused this to happen?" he asks to no one in particular.

With 2H weapon, AC 16 T 11 FF 15

He then noticed the paladin's blade, "Your blade. It lost its sheen. Did you do something to it?"

"No... I did not..." She then remained in silence, apparently lost in her thoughts. Not even when Rukzha answered her challenge she continued the discussion.

Lora steps in, offering her opinion. "Hum... I know I'm just another refugee but if I am allowed to speak... We were heading towards the Defender's Heart as well, where the remaining crusaders are rallying. I think it would be the safer place but I agree that until there, could be a lot of trouble, specially with small children. If Sabrina is willing, we could stay behind with her to protect us... Sabrina?"

The paladin, apparently lost in her thoughts nods after a couple minutes. "NO! I'll not stay behind... I say we all march together towards our objectives. That being said, we've already lost too much time here with introductions... lets move on!"

Just to remind you about those tagging along: Anevia, Arrika, Brevon, Elriel, Lora, Rukzha, Sabrina, the four commoners (Corven, Lars, Linda, and Osfrey), the old man (Grumin), and the two children (Brenn and Dennis).

I'll move us along but feel free to keep the good RP, filling Brevon with what happened in Kenabres!
________________________________

The rest of the way towards the Tirabade Residence occurred without any further trouble. Along the way you spotted a pair of demons, dretches, but they run away from you before you could reach them and it would be foolish to pursue them, even if Sabrina insisted more than once, igniting yet another discussion.

The closer you get more anxious is Anevia, eager to return to the modest home she once shared with her wife, Irabeth. The house sits in the southern part of the Gate District, and despite Irabeth's standing and success in the Eagle Watch, is a simple three-room affair... perhaps this is what happens when someone insists on donating the bulk of the rewards and pay she earns to various charitable concerns.

When you finally arrives at Anevia's house, you find the building apparently abandoned but still standing. Anevia calls out for Irabeth after unlocking the door and stepping in but there's no answer. "IRAAAA... IRABETH! Are you there? It is me, Anevia..." She sighs and moves towards the table, sitting on the chair. "I really did not expected to find her here... she must be with the Eagle Watch in the Defender's Heart. Let me just take a lo..." The rest of her sentence is lost when a ray of scorching fire appears from nowhere and strikes her in her chest, making her fall from the chair in pain.

In the corner of the room appears a half-orc man with a goatee, clad in a red and translucent armor, and wielding a ranseur that appears to be made of obsidian. "Ahh... I've wait for so long to take you, Anevia... but you brought friends? They are friends of Irabeth too? Shall I lay their bodies along yours for her to find?" He laughs madly.

The half-elf nodded in agreement to Sabrina's request. He kept close to 'their leader' in case the woman broke down again and put them in danger.
He looked back at his companions and their band of tag-alongs, "Alright people, let's get going. Holler if you need assistance."
________________
Elriel was not surprised that Irabeth was not home. Knowing what he knew, she would be leading the charge. But they had made a promise to Anevia and it was on their way.

He jumped back when the ray almost killed the sobbing woman. "What the f&!+!"

He immediately looked for their assailant and commented to Rukzha, "I hope ugly there is not your kin..."

____________________
Toothy: the link to the map shows the old map. Is there a map for this encounter or is it just our imagination?