Once More into the Breach - GMF's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Female, humanoid and terrified.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

At the sound of the scream, Joao paused to flatten himself against the nearest cover, and looked at the others to see what their responses were going to be. He already had the mace in one hand, but his other hand made a curious gesture, the point of one of his throwing spikes just barely visible. While the others may have been distracted by the scream, he looked around the area that they were in, suspecting duplicity.
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Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Pytros gestures to the others to follow the sound of the screams. He keeps his longbow at the ready, leading the group in that direction. He hustles to the bend in the road, taking care to use cover and concealment as to not expose his position prematurely.

Ruarc, convinced that someone is in danger, moves along with Pytros. He has his shied, at the ready with one hand free to draw Justice or his loaded sling as might be appropriate.

You come around the corner of an abandoned building and find a cluster of half a dozen knights in battered armour standing in front of a ruined shrine to Sarenrae. They hold bared steel and before them kneels a weeping woman. Even from this distance you can see that their sooty faces are grim and their eyes burn with feverish light. One of the knights, a human woman with fresh scars on her face, says to the kneeling woman, “Your sacrifice aids the cause of good.” They slowly raise their swords...

Ruarc steps out into the open and says in a loud, clear voice, "Stop! What's going on here?!"

Pytros was content to take the lead on this, while Joao looked towards a more practical solution, should the attempt at diplomacy fail. He kept out of sight, but crept as close as he could to the potential hostilities. If something occurred, he wanted to be able to neutralize one or more of the individuals before they knew what hit them.
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stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
If there is no way to get within 30 feet without being seen, Joao will settle for getting as close as he can without breaking cover.

Knowledge: Local 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Pytros quickly assesses the situation, recalling the words of a crusader who he spoke to on the long trip from Andoran to the Worldwound. The young man had told him that he was in need of the services of a prostitute to ensure that he had no virgin's blood in him so that he could be less attractive to demons intent on torturing him. 'The young man is likely dead now,' Pytros thinks to himself. The crusader had considering remaining in that state so that his blood could be useful in an emergency because the blood of a virgin has properties that could harm demons. It stands to reason that this is the intent of the crusaders.

Pytros sheathes his blade and draws the whip from his belt. Should it come to violence, the defenders must live - even if they must learn a lesson well. "We must insist that you leave her alone, soldiers. Who among you is the commander of this unit?"

"For shame!" cries Aglamore loudly, real fury aroused in him for the first time since the fall of the Dragon. "How could you ever think that the sacrifice of innocents was in the cause of good? Your swords are here to protect innocent blood, not bathe in it! The very superstition you think of was the lying tale of the demons, meant to lead you into grievous sin!"

"Seek the forgiveness of Iomedae, lest you fall prey to a fate far worse than death in these lands. And seek not the blood of any who are not in league with evil, for your immortal souls are at risk thereby!"

Joao sighed to himself, seeing Pytros put his sword away. If this came to blows, it would make his approach harder. The next chance he got, he was going to have to get a sap. It looked like there were going to be a lot of misguided individuals from the outset, and the longer that misguidance continued, the weaker things would be when they finally rallied.

The mace was replaced on his hip and the spike returned to his sleeve as he listened.
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Continue to hide and listen

The battered crusaders snap to attention when you step out into the open. Momentarily forgotten, the crying woman starts to make a run for it, but one of the men stops her with a casual backhand.

A woman, her armour scarred and torn, takes a step forward. "Who are you? How dare you presume to judge what you can't possibly understand." Her eyes suddenly narrow, "How is it that you are so untouched? Only vile cultists could wander these ruins so unmolested!"

Aglamore, still fueled by righteous anger holds aloft the precious symbol of Iomedae. He walks straight to the crusaders and directly to the crying woman. "I am Aglamore, servant of the Inheritor. I have faced demons and walked out of the Worldwound and now we have all returned from the depths below this city. We understand exactly."

He bends to give the woman his hand, helping her to rise. "Fear not," he tells her, "For you will not be harmed. These good people are only frightened, as you are."

Turning to face the crowd, he says "The evils of the Enemy are many, and first among them is the power to divide us, to make us prey upon each other in our fear and our wrath. Take heart, for you do not need the blood of a virgin. You have all that you require within your own breast. Courage and faith will see you to the end, not magic tricks. You have come so far to fight the Enemy. Do not be taken in by his lies now."

Aglamore pulls off his breastplate and tunic, kneeling before the scarred woman. "No woman have I lain with, for I have been a captive of the Enemy for long years. My blood is as virginal as any, for whatever that is worth. Here is my breast and I am unresisting. If you truly believe that mere blood has a power you cannot find in the holy embrace of Iomedae, take it from me. Plunge in your sword if you must, but leave this woman alone."

Fool, Ruarc thinks, watching Aglamore expose his vitals to the enemy. He glares at the "crusaders", daring them to attack the cleric.

Intimidate on Ringleader of Murdersaders: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

:-)

Sorry for the delay.

The crusaders look unsure an a few have the decency to look properly chastised, but the leader seems more disgusted than anything else. "Well isn't that a pretty speech. You come up with that while you were hiding in whatever hole you just crawled out of? Where have you been 'oh mighty champion of the inheritor' while the rest of us have been dying out here? Where have you been while I've been watching demons tearing my men apart and listening to their screams while they're being eaten alive? What's you pretty little God been up to while..." her voice breaks for an moment before pressing on, "while they've been flaying the children? Have you seen what they've let happen? And we can't stop them. Our weapons barely touch them. They just laugh and kill and kill and kill. We're all going to die..."

Her sword fall from nerveless fingers and she drops to her knees. Covering her eyes, she shakes with sobs. The rest of the knights just look on numbly.

"Come with us. We will find a way to win, our faith will carry us through," Ruarc suggests. He relaxes his threatening stance now that the ringleader has backed down.

Stepping out from where he was hiding, Joao looked at the crusaders, but said nothing. He considered asking them about where they were, but he had not been in town long enough to get the relative position of anything, save for the cathedral square. Even with that as a point of reference, there was little that he knew about in this fallen town. He could infer that this section was relatively safe, since these crusaders were here, but what he needed was a map. They had to get the others back to their homes...

If there were homes to return to.

Anevia gathers up the terrified girl, who just sobs uncontrollably. Ruarc get's little more than a look of distain and the knight begin to melt away, leaving their formal leader.

The woman eventually gets herself under control and introduces herself as Klarah. She explains that she was out scavenging for food for her parents,both of whom are hiding in a basement nearby, when the mad knights caught her and she wants little more than to return to her hidey hole. She has little else to add other than that there she's heard rumours from other survivors that the crusaders were falling back to some defensible position in the eastern part of the city, but she's not sure exactly where.

Anything else, or continue on to Horgus' manor?

Manor.

Manor it is!

Together, you move on through the ruins of the city. After a tense hour or so, you make your way into the Noble's district. Here things are surprisingly intact compared to the other districts you've been passing through. Probably since the initial attacks would have focused on the more densely populated areas. Still unless thing improve, these beutiful manors will burn just like the rest.

Still there are a few exceptions to the general peacefulness. Several of the immense ulkreth demons that were part of the initial assault appear to have used this district as a shortcut to more fruitful areas of slaughter and their passage has left great swaths of wreckage in their wake. Horgus stops at the edge of one such path and points at what was once surely a stately manor, but is now nothing more than a pile of rubble and a gouged trough of ruin.

"Well if you were looking for the Nyserian manor, there it is, or was. In either case, somehow I don't think it proved to be such a useful safe house once things started. Come one, my manor is right around the corner."

Soon the sooty, but still standing, manor comes into sight. Its door stands wide open and no one appears to be nearby. With a curse, Horgus runs into the house and you soon hear more shouting and cursing from inside. Following in his wake you soon see why: The house as been partially looted. Apparently the highly paid guards protecting his manor, which Horgus could not shut up about earlier, proved to be somewhat less than loyal.

Still, in the basement, you find that the Gwerm family vault has remained unmolested. After what appears to be a rather complicated process, Horgus manages to open it up. In the brief glimpse that you get, you see that this is more than a simple money vault. The entire thing is outfitted as more of a glamorous panic room than anything else. After some stern words to stay out, Horgus goes in and comes out with several sacks of silver and gold (1000gp altogether)

Payment delivered, he says, "“Of course you recognized my importance immediately, but still, you did a most adequate job of getting us safely to the surface. Above average, even. I intent to wait this mess out in my sanctum, but you may use these premises to rest if you must. Also, if you do find a safe refuge or this mess finally blows over, do send word. My thanks” With that he pops back into his vault and shuts the door behind him.

Anevia and Aravashnial both have their own home requests or you could go looking for this supposed crusader rallying point.

"So we will, Lord Horgus," agrees Aglamore. He is no fan of the man's attitude, but everyone in a city occupied by demons deserves his compassion, and the man may still prove to be a useful leader in the fight to come.

Turning to Anevia and Aravashnial, he says "Please, allow us to convey you in safety to the crusaders. From there we can seek word of your homes. Once we know where it is safe, we can make better choices about where to go."

Aglamore votes for the rally point.

"I agree," Ruarc states simply.

Joao nodded when the others looked his way, his payment already tucked into the pack that was on his back. There was a scent on the wind that he could not quite place, and he had turned to look at what he could see of the city from here. He was not going to show it, but he was nervous. This was destruction on a scale that he had never imagined, and by comparison, he was very small.

Shaking his head to clear it, he forced himself to refocus on the task at hand. Everything seemed insurmountable when looked at overall, but it was the small things that enabled the bigger things to be accomplished. They had delivered Lord Gwerm to his manor. They would find the other crusaders, and make sure Anevia and Avar-- Arash-- the elf were delivered safely. After that, he had some reading to do, and then perhaps some practical application, if things worked out well.

"Fair enough, there is a good chance that Irabeth will be with crusaders anyways," Anevia agrees.

With little more than the a general direction to go on, you make your way towards the eastern part of the city. After your brief time in the relative peace of the Noble's district, returning to the heart of the destruction is a painful experience. While the carnage is heartbreaking, you begin to see more and more cultists among the dead, suggesting a resistance that was mostly absent in the other areas you've passed through.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 DM, please feel free to auto-roll things like that for me, since that's a passive check, and it isn't really reactive for me if I fail.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Ruarc waits for the thing he doesn't hear?

If you guys want, I can use your passive perception for this kind of stuff. Pytros succeeds, you can look at the spoiler and respond accordingly.

Pytros perc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Stealth 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Pytros gestures to the others, passing on the message for them to find a position of cover. With too many unknowns still present on the battlefield, they cannot assume that the incoming sounds are friendly. If they are, all the better, but it is far better to be prepared to evade or ambush enemies. With the destruction all around them, it is not terribly difficult to find a decent spot of cover. He pulls out his stolen bow and nocks an arrow while crouching on one knee.

With a warning gesture from Pytros, Joao faded off to the side of the direction that he had indicated, reflexively positioning himself to make sure that his being seen was not too likely. The amount of debris in this area compared to a normal town made it very easy to find a hiding spot. Once he had time, he would have to shift his clothes to something more fitting with the colors of the town. One of the metal spikes were in his hand but by his side, ready to throw once they ascertained what it was that they were encountering. Calming himself, he waited.
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Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Ruarc also heads for the nearest bit of cover, hoping that whatever is making the noise is friendly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Scrambling for cover, you duck behind some rubble. A few moments later, a trio of armed men come into view, the sigil of Deskari, the demon lord of locusts, prominantly displayed. They lead a short column of sooty and bruised men and women that are linked at the wrists by a rough rope. Another pair of cultists bring up the rear.

Profession: Soldier 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Pytros peeks above the rubble to eye the prisoners and their captors. He tries to gauge how difficult a battle it might be if they ambush the group, and how many of the prisoners might die in the melee. Sometimes it is not enough to do the right thing - saving prisoners - if the right thing is suicidal.

The cultists each carry a large scythe, the favoured weapon of their dark master. They don't seem particularly alert and none of them have exposed holy symbols. They seem no different than the cultists you've previously encountered. If the cultists were to turn on the captives, they wouldn't stand a chance, but the captive may aid in their escape, allowing you to quickly overwhelm the cultists.

Aglamore awaits a signal from Pytros. When he gets the signal, the priest uses uses his supernatural tactical acumen to permit Pytros to go first, casting bull's strength on himself.

Seize the initiative: Allow an ally within 30' to take the better of 2d20 for initiative.

Combat then, I take it. I'll give another day for anyone it post preparations and then I'll roll initiative.

Do I have the alter self scale? If so, then I'll alter into a troglodyte again.

I would assume so...

Combat: Surprise
9 Aglamore
8 Ruarc
7 Pytros
5 Joao
5 Cultists

Everyone gets a surprise round action and and round action. Map updated

Surprise Round

Ruarc rounds the corner and rushes the nearest cultist.

Round 1

He lunges forward with his troglodyte jaws, trying to bite the man. He also slashes him with his claws.

Bite on Cultist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 hit
Claw 1 on cultist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 miss
Claw 2 on cultist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 miss

Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

AC:21

HP:23/23

Alter Self; 28 rounds.

That's a lot of bad guys...

Aglamore casts shield of faith and then moves up to support Ruarc.

AC: 18

HP: 24/24

GM Reminder: Aglamore has reach and combat reflexes.

Joao was realizing that a lot of these situations that they were getting into were not suited to his style of fighting, which resolved him to find a way around this problem. Moving to where Aglamore had positioned himself, he looked at the building to see if there was not a way that he could go through it to get to the other side. The less amount of time that he spent visible, the easier it would be for him to get into position.
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DM, is there a way through the building? If there is, then Joao will double move through it. What about over it?

The guys with horns are the baddies, the others are prisoners.

@Joao: I'm good with you climbing onto the roof or moving through the house either will work

Round 1, Initiative 7
hp 28/28; AC 15/11T/14FF; +5F/+3R/+4W

MA: move 30'
SA: Longbow vs. Cultist 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
> Damage 1d8 ⇒ 7

Pytros darts from his position of ambush, setting his feet and shooting the nearest cultist with an arrow. "Free yourselves!" He shouts encouragement at the prisoners as his arrow hits. He prepares to strike out with his feet should the opportunity arise from a careless foe approaching him.

I am still studying for my test, so please DMPC me until I return.

Pytros Surprise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Your sudden assault leaves everyone is a bit of shock. The prisoners seem too stunned to react yet, but the cultist come after you. One charges at Ruarc, a pair peel off to engage Aglamore, a pair strike at Ruarc.

Aglamore AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aglamore AoO 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Aglamore AoO 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Aglamore's spear whirls with deadly grace, but they press on,

Charge Pytros: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12
Attack vs Aglamore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Attack vs Ruarc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Attack vs Ruarc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

Combat Rn 2
9 Aglamore
8 Ruarc
7 Pytros
5 Joao
5 Cultists

Pytros steps back and fires,

Pytros: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

You're all up

Moving through the building quickly was difficult, and with any luck, the cultists did not see him, since that would make his task much easier. The house had seen some damage, most notably the walls where it seemed something had charged directly through the walls, but at least it was not too cluttered with debris as he feared, and his steps were sure as he paused just inside the opposite wall.

As he heard the shouts of his companions, he gripped the morningstar and stepped out, finding that he was in a surprisingly good position, and he did not want to waste it. The swing was smooth, but he was hoping that the prisoner and Ruarc was enough of a distraction that his opening attack would go momentarily unnoticed.
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5ft step
SA: Attack+Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22, Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (6, 1) = 12

AC:21
HP:17/23
Full attack on cultist up/right of me, then up/left after he dies.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 62d4 + 8 ⇒ (3, 1) + 8 = 121d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Ruarc growls as the glaive slices through his armor and hide, then lunges forward with blinding speed. He bites the throat out of the cultist to his right, before tearing his heart out of his chest with one claw. Then, he jams his off-hand claws into the guts of the other cultist standing there. "Go back to the Abyss, demon-slaves!"

Aglamore backs up to proper spear-thrusting distance and summons the holy might of Iomedae.

Cast bull's strength

AC: 18
HP: 24/24

GM Reminder: Aglamore has reach and combat reflexes. With bull's strength his attack is: longspear +7 (1d8+6/×3)

Not to tell you what to do, but 5' stepping doesn't provoke AoOs, so are you sure you don't want to withdraw further back?

Why? From here I am in striking range. They can't simply swarm right or left to get to my allies. I'm denying them easy passage through an area. If I back up more than 5' and cast a spell that will draw an AoO.