Zedth's Hell-scarred and War-torn (PF1) (Inactive)

Game Master Zedth

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Roland is freaking mad and shakes his head to the dumb man. How could he be so blind after all that's happened. "I asked you a simple question, and expected a simple answer. But you didn't offend me, don't worry. You don't believe in harbingers, I don't believe in fallen angels, so let's call it even. There are people who would bet their lives it would never rain blood, and others that dragons are not real." He shrugs thinking of Adakos. "Anyway, if you get to know anything about my sad delusional tale send word." He turns away from the man to get back to the camp and hist fellows.

"Xavius is as blind as they come regarding our next target. So , do we have somewhere else to go?"

"Well ye best start listenin to the little creeper," he says poking Xavius chest. "Got more than enough proof at this point for me own liking and I don't, don't ye doubt. We got two Harbingers already and two gems. And from both me own god and the Walker been saying, the hags and spear are real too. Now gods don't show ye stuff like that fer no reason. Me beard twitches just thinking about it. I think their all connected somehow."

He begins to pace a bit as he tries to think through all the things that need to be done. "This place is important. Has something to do with the ritual unless I missed me guess. And devil's got here which means more are probably coming. Ye need ta hold em somehow."

Rapid fire questions:
How far is KK seriously that name is ridiculously hard to follow and is there any paths underground?
Where was the spear said to be?
Where are the hags?

I feel like we need to unite the dwarves, the people from the she-dragon's village and these guys just to hold the line while we try to figure out the connections and get the s~+$ together.

The following bits of knowledge were obtained through previous knowledge dice rolls and character history/knowledge.

How far is KK seriously that name is ridiculously hard to follow and is there any paths underground?

Khaurak-Khozil does indeed have several tunnels that could be braved in order to reach the keep proper. Most of the lower tunnels aren't regularly patrolled by dwarves so there is plenty of potential danger and adventure along the way! One such tunnel leads to Moradin's Fissure, if one can manage the labyrinthine lower tunnels of the underdark.

Where was the spear said to be?

Its last known location was in the Valley of the Kings, somewhere in the Untamed Wilds. (see the Map of the Realm for the location of this vast swathe of land.)

Where are the hags?

They live in a bog at the foot of Mount Azesht'lorn, which requires traversing the dreaded "Bone Wastes" desert. (Mount Azesht'lorn is also shown on the Map of the Realm in the southwest corner.)

Gromff thought and thought and thought some more. He wanted to do something for his home now that he was here. He wanted to "suggest" they send some aid. But that wouldn't help anyone but himself and dwarves weren't selfish. Leave that to the humans. No, as long as the devil's assaulted his home they weren't headed here anytime soon. So that meant finding the other gem and Harbinger, the spear, and the hags. That was a fair bit of traveling though and time wasn't on their side. Eventually he stops trying to figure everything out for himself. Like he had said just yesterday, he wasn't the thinking type he was a dwarf of action. Time to action.

"So now that things'r settled here mostly, I think we should ask our friends the Silvermane where their commander went. We take care o that if we can then head to the Valley o the Kings or Mount Azesht'lorn. Find the spear or the hags. Ones a mighty weapon and the other might lead us ta the last gem and Harbinger." He looks at the others for input.

Lets get rolling. Half-elf or not, world ain't going to save itself.

Roland shakes his head. "Since their commander was replaced and was a devil I doubt any of the Silvermane know where the loser is, but if you wanna try that I can play the bad guard."

"I heard the untamed wilds is freaking huge. Of course, they are untamed and not uncharted, which could mean we can find a map or more information about it. Where do we start?"

"Well the Valley o the Kings can't take up the whole damn thing. Obviously we need more info but I ain't sure where ta get it. Doubt anyone here knows," he says waving his hand towards the rest of the town. "Battleborn and Moradin been oddly chatty recently, could try them. Or Littledragon may know something."

"Gromff." the mage says walking to the dwarf. "Go check Walker. Since you are buddy buddy with your god, maybe he'll tell you what to do with Grandpa." she says looking at the older man.

--

After that, she walks to Littledragon.
"Thanks for protecting the girl. You've done more than anyone could've asked."

Finally, she walks to the little girl and asks what she wants to do
"I'll probably need to leave this place soon. I want you to come with me. This isn't safe anymore. Not after what happened. But following me isn't not that safe either. The difference is with us, no one will be hunting for you."

"I think grandpa knows what he's doin. Else he wouldn't a done somethin so foolish." He then snaps his fingers like he just remembered something. "The girl said he mentioned the spear. Tried ta walk away a couple o times. Maybe he can guide us."

Crazy idea in mind he goes to look for Walker. "Ye know where the spear is don't ye? Can ye get us to the general location?"

Catcher with Littledragon -
"No thanks is necessary. I know what is at stake and I would give my life to protect her or any one of you."

Catcher with Aersensi-
"Why are they hunting for me, Catcher? There are too many bad men!" The child remains composed with an adult-like concern on her face. Her simple statement is indisputable.

Gromff with Walker-
The wispy old man turns to look at Gromff with a fire burning in his eyes that contrasted sharply with his behaviors thus far. In an almost feverish manner he speaks, "Spear! A spear? ...The Spear! Yes.... yes, devout servant of the Soul-Forger." He grasps the dwarfs arms and stares into his eyes, suddenly at a loss for words. The feverish quivering eyes calmed after a few uncomfortable moments, as did Walker's grip on the warpriest. The passive, simple demeanor once again took its place and the Walker seemed himself again, turning away from the dwarf as if they hadn't spoken at all.

Littledragon steps to the Walker's side with a furrowed brow, clearly unhappy to see him in this state. He guided the old man to a tree stump and bade him sit a spell.

Satisfied that Walker was once again his old self, the black priest turned to the adventuring heroes.
"He's been having...fits...the last few days. His eyes get watery and restless, and just as suddenly they display a fury that I not want to confront! Something is wrong with him, and I fear his time is growing shorter."

"Whether the legend is true I cannot say, but I do believe you all are destined for greatness. If anyone can find the spear, it should be you!"

@Aersensi

"Silly. Because one of the bad man heard how special and adorable and cute you are! That's why they are hunting for you." she says with a sad smile.

Roland just shakes his head seeing Catcher and the little girl, but does not add to that discussion, yet. He's more interested in seeing Walker and his babbling, that for now seemed extremely weird.

He tries to speak low enough so Walker and whatever is inside him would not hear it. "Walker was found when he wanted to. That man knows everything around him. If he wants to get away from this place, we should let him. I think it's not his anger who's showing up. We can guide him out of here, and deal with the problem as need be."

"What if this creature wants the spear?"

"Cobblestones," is Gromff's only comment on Walker's deteriorating condition. "Don't think he can hold on ta that devil much longer. And if the creature wants it, all the more reason ta get to it first."

He then turns to Littledragon. "Can we barrow some horses or a faster means o transport? Got a lot o ground to cover to soon."

He then turns to Roland. "Wanna make some Silvermane piss their pants?"

Intend to interrogate the Silvermane about Bluntwar but I wouldn't leave it to a dwarf's social skills. In fact, without Miro, we are really lacking except for Roland's Intimidate.

"Now someone is giving an actual idea!" He raises his hammer on his shoulder to make it more handy and walks toward the dwarf. "We're just scaring them for fun or is there anything you want to know?"

"The hell happened obviously. And where the ring leader is. Bluntwar has a lot to answer for."

Directly after the battle, Adakos leaves the questioning of the prisoners to the group and makes his way out of the encampment, trying desperately to catch up with the fleeing devil that had managed to escape them yet again. After quite some time, he gives up the pursuit, realizing that two legs were no match for a creature with wings. Resigned to sulk about his poor luck of late, the ranger found a flat stone and plopped to the surface, his breathing coming in labored gasps as he attempted to catch his breath from the chase.

After a few short moments, the ranger got the feeling he was being watched, but a quick scan of the area revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Secretly he hoped the devil b$!*& would return, but inside he knew better, he was beginning to understand these creatures a bit more, and he knew her return would only be when she once again felt she held an advantage.

Moments later he felt something tickle his hand, the one he wore the strange ring on. Looking down he saw a bright green snake had climbed the flat stone and was moving across his splayed open hand. Realizing that any sudden movements might cause the animal to strike, he remained perfectly still, waiting for it to finish its probing and continue on its way. Instead of moving on, it began to curl around his wrist, its tongue flicking repeatedly at the ring the ranger wore. Adakos had a familiar feeling of great calm seep into his bones, much like the previous times he had entered the strange mists, and the feeling brought him a peace he had not known for some time. He felt the sudden urge to find a way to take the fight to the creatures they had been constantly confronted with. He knew that there would be many more fights ahead and something deep inside him was actually comforted by this revelation. For the first time in his life, the half-elf felt the true touch of the divine, and it filled his soul with purpose. He would be the hand of the one who had so obviously chosen this group for the task, or he would die trying.

Filled with a newfound resolve, he stood, the small viper still coiled snugly around his hand, and made his way back to the garrison. It was time for action.

He then turns to Littledragon. "Can we barrow some horses or a faster means o transport? Got a lot o ground to cover to soon."

The priest of Battleborn can certainly find some mounts suitable for the party to use indefinitely.

After a thorough search of the tent city and its surroundings, and after a interrogation of the remaining Silvermane soldiers and patriots, there appears to be no sign of the commander Bluntwar or his attendants. His disappearance opens up more questions than it answers -- how long has he truly been absent? Who or what was posing as him? Where has the commander gone to now?

A general consensus seems to be that he is a private man, often resigned to evenings alone with his scriptural tomes by candlelight. His commands were typically swift and left no room for debate, and so no one had much of an opportunity to question his motives or his loyalties to the cause of goodly folk. An orderly faction, the Silvermane simply did as they were asked, though in hindsight many individuals are expressing doubts they harbored recently.

For the time being, the Silvermane forces at Archdale are being led by a handful of sergeants and lieutenants. Carrier pigeons are ready to be dispatched to a number of strongholds, bearing messages stating that new military leadership (Silvermane, specifically) and reinforcements are required at Archdale. Xavius and the leaders of the militia miscellany are reluctant to allow the communications for the time being.

Kar, 1st man of the mountain and his warrior clans appear to the most powerful faction left intact here at the tent city. He and his fierce ram-riders seem to bask in this new unstated position of influence and authority. They clearly enjoy the displacement of the haughty, gleaming-armored faction from the south.

I woulda sworn I had another post last night. It must've been eaten by the hungry paizo boards. Coming right up...

Everyone may do any shopping they would like while here at the tent city. There are artisans of many kinds and fine weapon/armorsmiths ready to take your coin. For anything magic or rare, please ask. (Adakos, you can certainly find durable arrows here.) You may consider all your loot 'liquidated' for purposes of simplicity and expedience.

--------------

When you are ready to depart,

Littledragon takes the liberty of readying horses for you all, be it swift riding horses or the claimed warhorses earned from the recent battle. Your choice. Please mention in this thread which type of horses you all choose. The ebon priest supplies each with a saddle (riding or war, your choice) and saddlebags.

So friends, what are your plans? Are they any questions I can answer? Would you like a 'nudge' post to rekindle things a bit?

I suppose we better get this unfortunate business out of the way too --

Upon awakening the next morning, a folded note is found hanging from the party's tent flaps. It is bound in black ribbon and sealed with candlewax showing the imprint of the Battleborn Divine rings worn by the heroes.

Opening the letter you find that it is from your companion Miro.

Dearest friends and companions,

-Miro

After the interrogations, Gromff is almost steaming mad. No one know where he went? No one questioned the shift in orders? And he thought dwarves were loyal. That was the difference though. They were loyal to their commander and dwarves were loyal to the race. If the commander was a fool he'd step down or his subordinates would do it for him, though not violently. Just a broken nose or bone. Bah. He didn't want to leave something like this behind but they had more pressing matters. Gromff chooses one of the warhorses, gives it a military saddle, and he puts on the magic spurs. All said and down he was barely able to stay in the saddle with the heavy armor. But he would rather keep them on when a lot of his enemies could become invisible. So wobbly rider he would be. "So spear or hags?"

Military saddle. Spurs of Riding. Not buying anything yet except 3 large tents for us and the horses if necessary.

Adakos has a horse actually, and a hanging tent, so I'm good there.

Looking to the dwarf the half-elf says, "Well, if the legends are true, and the spear wants to be found, we should just happen upon this valley during our travels, no? Seeking the hags might actually be the path to the spear itself in that case."

"Hope not if'n that's the case with the spear. Might need the hag ta find the last gem. No clue where that is."

Roland is kinda sad that the little guy left, but well, people came and went in their group all the time, and they had a job to do. Still, that excuse seemed a little off.

"I don't know. What happened in that cave dwarf? How did you know Archdale was under attack? And how in seven heavens you transported us here?"

"Told ye already. That place was close ta heaven and hell somehow. Which meant I was as close as I'll ever physically be ta me god. Got a message. Saw the spear, the hags, the battle. And I was given a powerful spell I ain't got the power ta cast yet. And a decision. I chose here."

"So we just have to go to the spears or to the hags now. Ok, it sounds like we're in the right track. I vote for the spear."

An unwelcome fresh snow began to fall, though thankfully it was light and only seems to manage a dusting. The last thing a traveling group wants to see before their departure is inclement weather mucking things up.

-------------

Veronica, you've been on your own for some time now and recently decided upon a journey to Archdale to find this fallen angel's army you've heard about. Unlike most of the residents here who arrived by road, you came from the mountain range itself where you've spent most of your life. The Frostfangs are many miles long and treacherous for most of its length, but there are many parts that are easily navigable by those who know the area.

Your shattered monastery is approximately 50 miles due north of Archdale, nestled in the range that surrounds the ominous forest known as the Dragonvale. You believe that you have finally arrived, though you're unsure what to make of this place due to your limited vision -- as the tents come into view one by one, you find that you have indeed happened upon a massive gathering of war-ready factions. You're greeted with both friendly waves and drawn weapons as you pass, though no one takes any hostile action against you. The tent city is bustling with activity, but a strong smell of burning flesh and scorched material indicates something much more menacing than an army's multitude of cookfires. There was battle here, and recently.

Veronica arrives in the morning, the morning after the party did battle at the Silvermane complex. Assume that she walks nearby the party who is preparing horses for travel, where Littledragon (the ebon-skinned priest of Battleborn) and Xavius hover nearby.

Veronica sniffs the wind, noting the smell of burning oil and flax, the sign of a people getting ready to move. She grips her pick tightly, the thing serving as a comfort after the ache of the long mountain journey. She takes a glance around and notices not a single soul of major impurity.

Deciding this might be a safe place, the place she has been seeking, she turns to one whose soul seems quite pure, surely a servant of the good gods This is you Gromff, and asks "Good Sir, I have heard that an angel has taken residence here. Would thee be kind enough to point me in the right direction?"

She blinks several times, her faded eyes focusing on the short dwarf before her.

Currently, said dwarf is attempting to climb into the saddle of a horse far to big for a dwarf and failing miserably. He already lowered the stirrups but that made the leg swing impossible. He was scratching his beard and contemplating jumping. He considered the possible success with the embarrassment of failure and was finding the scales far too unaligned towards the latter. "A small stool?" he mumbles under his breath. He turns towards the voice then does a double take. The women before him looked to be a minor with the pick but was asking for Xavius? Why? Oh nevermind. Humans were odd like that. He waves her towards Xavius standing nearby and then heads off himself to find a small step stool or something similar. "Durned horses. Where's a griffon when ye need one?"

The young woman gives the sign of bound hands towards the dwarf as she says "Thanks be to you, brother." before starting to walk off in the indicated direction.

And as she continues it isn't long before the angel appears in her distorted sight. Tears starting to form in her eyes, she tries to calm herself before approaching the heavenly being. "Oh great member of the angelic host, this one seeks thy guidance and council."

... He waves her towards Xavius standing nearby ...

Scratch that last bit about Xavius

I... I know that symbol...

The young woman glances with a curious look before asking the dwarf "Brother, if I may ask, how did ye come about that ring?" as she gestures at the bronze ring upon his finger.

He looks at the ring and back at her with suspicion. Uh oh. "Why?"

For a moment Veronica hesitates, staring rather intensely at the Dwarf.

No, his soul is uncorrupted... definitely one that follows the goodly Gods...

She removes the leather glove from her right hand with a more metallic clank than would be expected, before exposing a similar bronze ring to him. "Because, I, too, have come upon this sacred artifact, and I am curious to hear of your experiences... Brother." That last word sounds almost intimate, like she is talking to a long lost friend.

Just in case it wasn't obvious, a bit of Detect Evil going on here...

Gromff stares at the ring a moment to make sure it looks like his. Then he sighs and puts his hand to his face. "Scuse me," he says to the woman. Why in the world did they send this one? She looked far too...simple not meaning stupid to be another of Battleborn's chosen. He walks towards Littledragon, shouting in annoyance. "Blast it all Littledragon, can't yer god be a little more subtle? We got another one," he says pointing at the new girl. He then grabs a soldier nearby, "Grab her one o the horses. She's probably coming too."

Vernoica scrunches her eyebrows in confusion as the Dwarf turns away, and then glances around in shock at his shout, drawing her cloak tighter around her at the increased attention.

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong? Where am I to be going?"

Please, Gods, help guide me in dealing with these unwashed masses, that I might understand their vexing ways...

Distracted with the preparation for their next destination, being there where it is, the mage does not notice the newcomer until Gromff is shouting at Littledragon.
To that, she quickly stops what she is doing and pick up her infernal glaive walking off in the dwarf’s direction.

The approaching young woman looks at Veronica with appraising eyes Competition? before turning to Gromff and asking ”Anything happened?”

"Divine intervention!" he says throwing his hands in the air. The volatility with which they waved indicted he did not care anymore.

Veronica closes her eyes and mutters a silent prayer at her Brother's claims of holy providence.

”Oh, that?” she says with no surprise in her voice.
”Miro left today, and Gengis already sent another? That was fast.” Catcher says putting the weapon away and walking to the newcomer.

”I’m Catcher.” he says extending her hand. In her finger, another bronze ring.

Opening her eyes, the woman stares at the girl with her clouded eyes for a moment.

Another pure one... and this one also wears a ring...

She grasps her tool and glove in her left hand and shakes the hand of the girl. "My name is Veronica... Did... did I mishear that I was to be going somewhere a moment ago?"

These must be desperate times if ones so young are given such weapons and called into battle...

"I'm not sure where either." the mage says scratching her head "I wasn't really paying attention."
Catcher turns to the dwarf and continues ”Hags or Spear? I think the Spear is a better choice if only because it’s a weapon.”

What she didn’t said was that she didn’t want to face a coven of hags at the moment, and doing it so after getting a legendary weapon would make things easier.

"Spear. Gettin a stool," he yells across the stable as he leaves it. Someone else could explain this. Maybe Littledragon or Xavius since she came to see them.

The half-elf babbles slightly to himself as he pulls on Summer's bridle and prepares to mount the horse. How are we going to chase something that only becomes found when it chooses to be? He checks his saddlebags and saddle and bows to the newcomer, "Adakos, a pleasure to meet you Veronica. It sounds like you are about to be caught up in this whirlwind just as I was recently. Hopefully you enjoy a challenge!"

Satisfied that everything is in order for travel, but still completely unsure of their destination, the ranger awaits Gromff's return to see if he will end up needing help mounting his steed-on-loan. Turning back to the newly arrived human he asks, "What led you to this place? It seems a strange coincidence that you would present yourself here at just this moment. Divine providence indeed!" As he speaks he continues to be mindful of the bright green snake that has situated itself partially in his sleeve, still not completely certain of its intentions. Although he does take a small amount of joy when its head pokes out and gives the air a taste with its tongue. Snakes, such fascinating creatures.

"Wants a lift, dwarf?" He mocks the dwarf but will help him if he needs a hand climbing up the horse.

Roland does not mind the addition of this new member, but he is suspicious just because the others were not. This cliche could cost them their lives, like it happened with the Silvermane. "You guys are all welcome, hey join us for breakfast, even tough you know the devils have the ability to impersonate others." So he is a little more throughout in his judgement.

The barbarian approaches the newcomer with his big earthbreaker in hand, close enough so she could see how big he is, and he also wants to check what's wrong with her eyes. He does not sound friendly. "Don't worry, you're not going anywhere, Veronica. Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Veronica, as she had each of them so far, stares briefly at the elf and the large man.

This... is not really what I had been expecting... but these are desperate circumstances... to be fair he is being properly pragmatic...

She holds a hand up in a non-threatening gesture, the other still grasping her 'walking stick', and asks "Please, I am no devil nor a friend of such fiends. Far from it."

Her brows crease in confusion as she adds "And I am not sure what is going on, or where ye intend for me to go. I was wandering and taking the fight to the fiends where I could, but I heard rumor that there is an angel leading a resistance, and I intend to find them and to ask them for guidance... to offer mine assistance. Is... is this... Littledragon the angel of which I have heard... or is it Gengis??"

Catcher looks around to confirm Xavious isn't near to hear before whispering ”Humm, I think you left a very important part out. Fallen Angel, which just took a beating and was saved by a mysterious party…”

Then she looks at Roland and says feeling somewhat happy ”And don’t worry about the big one. Roland is his name, and his dumb as he is tall.” she looks at Veronica again before continuing ”But his threat is real. Lie to us and you can consider yourself dead.”

She walks to her horse and continue to pack things as she answer the other questions.
”Little Dragon is the priest, Gengis is the god. The” and Catcher does that quote marks ”angel is Xavious.”

Pointing to Littledragon she continues ”The ebon-skinned man in the green robe is the Priest. The god if he exists, we’ll probably never see, that one is Xavious.” Catcher finishes pointing to the fallen angel.

”Anything more you want to know? No? Good! Pack your things and get your horse, we are heading out.” she finishes.

The angel is fallen?... By the Gods, did I just give myself away to an enemy?... But, they aren't evil... and the rings...

Veronica looks down, her brow furrowed, and starts to ask a question before stopping herself.

Does it matter why he fell? Surely, if he were a divine agent then he would not have fallen... in this day and age are even the heavens tainted?

Her hand grips tightly to her 'walking stick' as she calmly says "Please excuse my question, but I feel that there may be a misunderstanding." She glances at Gromff and Catcher before asking "Am I a prisoner, or being escorted out of the town? There seems to be this idea that I am to go with all of ye, but I do not understand from whence this course of action originated."

Catcher raises her eyebrows, the firm grip in the walking stick not unnoticed, then she turns to the half elf ”Adakos, since you just lost your newbie position to her, it’s your turn to explain things and keep her up to date.” then she walks away, to see if the little girl would come with them or not.