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

Game Master Fanguar

No worries. Not what I would have done, that's all.

Seeing his compatriot cut to pieces right before Joao's blade slips between his ribs, proves too much for the severely wounded man and he runs for it (Withdraw)

The two of the reaming cultist step after Aglamore. One goes high, while the other goes low and one of the blades connects, leaving a wicked gash
Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The lone remaining fighter, stalks after Pytros and cuts him deeply,

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 And Pytros dodged a bullet
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8

Combat Rn 3
9 Aglamore
8 Ruarc
7 Pytros
5 Joao
5 Cultists

Dripping blood, Pytros steps back again and fires,

Twang: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Thunk: 1d8 ⇒ 8

The arrow catches the cultist in the throat and he drops to the ground, grasping at his spurting throat.

Everyone is up

Ruarc moves over to Aglamore, whipping Justice from its sheathe and swinging it at one of the cultists. His polymorphed muscles drive the blade with great force and he cuts the cultist nearly in half.

AC:21
HP:17/23
Move 15' left, draw as part of move.
Attack on cultist (PA): 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 3 = 19

WHat is Pytros's status?

The statistics of the fight indicated that the others would be able to manage the attackers capably enough, and Joao was concerned that any escapees would put others on alert, or return with reinforcements. So it was with barely a moment of hesitation that he pursued the fleeing cultist. More demons in any vicinity would not be good.

Pytros HP 20/28
@Joao: You are in charge range

Placing himself into a vulnerable position like this was something that he disliked, but in this case, it was certainly a necessary thing. As the cultist ran, Joao readied himself, taking advantage of his momentary speed to strike at the fleeing cultist via a flying kick. Fortunately, the cultist's armor weighed him down enough for his attack to be delivered, forcing a stumble and then a fall. Joao did wince as the cultist's head severely impacted a piece of debris, however.
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Jumping KIIIICK!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13(Charge Action), Hit!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Brother Aglamore backs up and attacks with his longspear. "Demon-worshippers! Disgusting slaves to sin and darkness. Repent or be cast into the darkness with your hideous masters!"

longspear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 241d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

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)

Suddenly finding himself alone, the remaining cultist turns to flee Withdraw

Pytros fires a arrow after him, but it fails to put him down.

Twang: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Thunk: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Everyone is up.

Ruarc chases after the cultist.

Double move.

Knowing that Ruarc can handle a single guard, Brother Aglamore moves to the aid of the prisoners. "You are free now," he assures them. "We will take you to a place of safety. Is anyone badly hurt?"

It was a moment of effort for Joao to precisely place the dagger strike, ensuring that the cultist would not rise before he quickly went through any belongings on them. The larger parts of things were discarded, looking specifically for a holy symbol. It was likely that he would have a collection of various ones before this was over, but he was comfortable with that.

Once that was done, he headed back towards the others, not wanting to be too far from help in a city that was overrun by demons.
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Full Round: Coup de Gras

Pytros fires another arrow and this time it catches the cultist between the shoulders. He drops face first into the dust of the road and twitches feebly. (Combat over)

The prisoners look to be in shock, barely able to contemplate their good fortune. Most seem to be dirty and dusty townsfolk, but one of the prisoners is decked out in dented plate armour and wears a tattered crusader tabard.

General comment: Unless you indicate someone that you want to take alive, any enemy that drops below 0 is dead. Tracking stabilizations and negative hp is pain.

And so it appears that we might be given a second chance. Before you start looking at me with murder in your hearts, Yes my skin is red, yes my eyes yellow and yes these are small horns and this is a pointy tail. I am a tiefling born by rape and Currently in the Employ of Iomedae as a Crusading Paladin. I hope you don't have to go to far to listen to your hear and feel that I spoke the truth. I am was the only one left when we all got captured.

Brother Aglamore has seen many things in his long and horror-filled career as a Crusader, many of them demonic lies. But he is also a sure and certain believer in the power of redemption.

"For Victory, For the Heart," says the Iomedaean priest. "If you speak truly, then I honor the courage in your veins. But I have seen the boldest crusader go into the darkness and the lies of the Evil One made flesh. If you are what you say, you will forgive us our doubts. Will you give us your name, Crusader, and a sign of your good faith?"

Not only can i do that but i also can prove what I say is True. His there someone wounded so that i can use the Power I hold and Lay on Hands on him? I am Arwen McLyntier. he says concentrating on his detect evil ability.

"No need to worry, we'll keep the Hermean from slitting your throat," Ruarc says sardonically. He allows his transformation into a troglodyte to end, and approaches the newcomer. "My own blood is also tainted with that of fiends, but I've managed to get along with this lot alright so far. Ruarc Bataar," he says by way of introduction, offering his hand for shaking.

The other prisoners seem suddenly to realize that they are free and there are many tears and much rejoicing. While this is a joyous occation, the reality of the situation settles back in and Arwen suggests that you follow him back to the crusader's current strong point, the Defender's Heart Inn.

It takes some doing, what with the increasing number of refugees you collect on your way, but as dusk starts to purple the sky, you finally reach the defenders heart, a stout 3 story stone building that is currently serving as a sort of headquarters for the local crusader groups and mercenaries.

As you approach a crossbow bolt is fired above your heads.

"Who goes there?" comes the shout.

You identify yourselves and crusaders come out to see you.

They are cautious and battle weary, but one of them recognizes Anevia and let you in right away.

As you enter the camp there is a shout of delight and a half-orc woman comes running and Anevia let's out a cry of delight as she sees her.

The two share a long, tender embrace and a kiss before realizing everyone is watching them.

With a cough of embarrassment, Anevia turns to you to make introductions.

"My friends this is Irabeth Tirabade, captain of the eagle watch and my wife."

An imposing half-orc woman, resplendent in battle worn Iomedean regalia, steps forward to greet you warmly. "I cannot thank you enough for bringing Anivia back to me safe. I had thought her lost, like so many others. If there is anything you need, I am at your service."

"Now Anevia has mention some of what has occured, but perhaps you could fill me in on the detail. Our current intelligence is spotty at best and any information regarding the enemy or current state of the city could be crucial to our winning this battle."

"I cannot thank you enough for bringing Anivia back to me safe. I had thought her lost, like so many others. If there is anything you need, I am at your service."

Joao was perfectly content to remain silent until she said that, then she had his attention, and a few requests that he was going to make of her later. For now, he followed after the others, as they went to be debriefed. This was a good beginning. There were demons to kill, and now he had the resources to do it. As they walked, he wore a satisfied half-smile, formulating plans the whole way.

Pytros isn't remarkably pleased about having another tiefling in the group - but at this point, he cannot be picky about his allies. Likewise, he frowns at the relationship between the two women. In Hermea, such a relationship could not result in children and thus was banned. However, this is not Hermea, and he keeps his feelings to himself. "I am Pytros ex-Lucarus. We have fought our way from the infested bowels of this city to this freedom. The demonic power is undeniable, but our human resilience and steadfastedness is greater still. I will tell you what you need to know."

Pytros explains the circumstances of their stranding below the city and their formation into a ragtag unit. He explains the battles and makeshift alliances with the mongrelmen, and the presence of the cultists in the caverns. He lays out the intelligence they discovered and the sick, insidious penetration of the cultists into the city. He warns her that some of the soldiers are desperate and mad with that desperation, and the devastation that they saw.

Ruarc allows Pytros to do the talking, following the others into whatever form of debrief the Crusader resistance has in mind for them. He tries to count the resistors, to assess how well they are doing and what forces are still available to the side of good.

Ever the servant of his people, Brother Aglamore hangs back, aiding Pytros where necessary, but letting the warrior tell the tale.

Irabeth nods listening to your explanations and seems very interested when you mention the templars and their safehouses.

"They have spies everywhere," she says "and they have been among us for decades. Years ago, I personally managed to root out one of their more powerful members - the leader of a group called the hammers of heaven. We all thought Staunton Vhane was a model crusader, but as far as I was able to discern, he's been working for the demons for decades. There is even evidence he may have been the one to betray Drezen to the demonic host all those years ago, causing the fortress to fall to the demons. They knighted me for that discovery, but I'm still not sure why, since he slipped through my fingers and escaped. Now apparently he is one of those behind this latest disaster. If only I had killed him..." Irabeth trails off for a moment before she shakes her head to clear her thoughts.

"Well, no point on dwelling on what can't be changed, so let's focus on what can. These underfolk you mention could be a great help indeed. I will send some men to make contact with them. We have a period of rest at the moment but it's only a matter of time until the demons make another push to take the heart. We have around two-hundred survivors here but currently less than half of these can fight. We can use all the help we can get, yourselves included. Resources are scarce but we have several skilled healers here and plenty of food and drink. Take some time to rest while I discuss this information with our little ragtag resistance counsel."

Irabeth and Anevia take their leave of you.

While times are tough, the Eagle Watch doesn't have the authority to impose martial law over the survivors, and for purposes of keeping up morale among the merchants and other citizens here, they've done their best to avoid wholesale requisitioning of gear. There are enough merchants in the place that you can sell off your unwanted items and purchase new gear and supplies—you can assume that anything costing 100 gp or less is readily available for purchase, and that anything beyond that up to a maximum of 2,500 gp has a 75% chance of being available for sale.

Taking stock of the situation, you see that all things considered, the Defender's Heart is a pretty ideal defensive position. Those on this side on the defeses are in pretty high spirits and most seem to believe that the army is on it's way to help and that it's only a matter of time until they arrive.

In your poking about, you also hear that a group of wizards at the Blackwing library are most likely the only reason the Heart has held out so well, as they put up such a fierce resistance that most of the demons were drawn that way. It's said that the explosions of magic coming from the south could be seen and heard even from here. However it seems that the combat to the south has stopped and that most believe that the library was totally destroyed.

At this news Aravashial is clearly distraught he becomes despondent, collapsing to his knees in despair.

"...Excuse me, I need to find a healer that can restore my eyes." he says slowly rising and starts to blindly wander off.

Ruarc spends the next time searching for his sister and his former lover, on the nearly dead hope that they may have somehow survived the demonic onslaught.

arwen listen listen to the report that was made as the city fell

'll need a weapon of sorts if you want me to assist. Pretty much anything would do , even a club is better then nothing.

You could have taken a glaive from one of the dead cultists if you wanted to.

Or somebody could give him Radiance, the cold iron longsword and former weapon of a renowned Iomedean hero....

@Ruarc: No luck, but considering that there is only 200 people here out of 20, 000, that doesn't really mean much.

If they had time for now, Joao was going to explore the encampment, looking to see what they had in the way of a standing Alchemist, and whether or not the Crusaders had anyone that was more focused in his area of experience, which was "Infiltration and Acquisition", as he would put it. The state of the defenses was impressive to him, but he had a vested interest in remaining, so after this first day of exploration, he was going to find the others and see what he could do to progress his personal mission here.

The view from the roof was impressive, and while being aware of the current state of the city, he had to steal up there and look over what had once been the beautiful, thriving city that had weathered the siege of demons until now. There was dust and smoke on the wind still, though the latter was undoubtedly less than what there had been at the beginning. Thoughtful, he watched the sky, and finally got a good look at the city so he would have some idea of where he was-- the thought crossed his mind at looking to see if the inn he initially stayed in still stood-- but now, there was a proper rest to be had, and tomorrow work would start.

Well if no one wants to buy or sell anything or offer the longsword to Arwen, we move on.

You find yourselves a comfortable spot out of the way and get a restful night's sleep.

In the morning as you start about your day, a runner informs you that Avarashnial would like to see you. Tracking down the blind mage, you find him with healer, looking better, but still blinded. With him is a singed and bedraggled, bookish looking man.

"Ah, my friends, I am glad that my message found you. There is someone here that I would like you to meet. Max here has quite the story to tell."

Arwen will ask around if anyone has seen a beautiful longsword that glows with an inner light

----

Prey do that of that wonderful story he says with a smile to the one introduced as max

Before you is a tall, rather frail looking man with spectacles and wild, unkempt hair. Around his neck hangs an iron holy symbol of Aroden. He takes a look at the assembled gentlemen before him.

"Aravashnial, you didn't mention that there were tieflings among these heroes. It is a particular interest of mine to study the denziens of the Great Beyond. I suppose that's how I came to know of Aravashnial." He spares a glance at Arwen. "A demon-blooded paladin. Fascinating." But he lingers far longer on Ruarc, looking to study his features carefully. "I can see this one has a certain... malleability of spirit. Very exotic... an oni-spawn, yes?"

He steps back a bit, his attention returning to the full group. "Forgive me - I haven't introduced myself. I am Maximillian Akorius the Third, but you can call me Max. I'm a scholar, one of many who study the demons of the Abyss. When the attack occurred, I went immediately to the Blackwing Library, seeking to meet my colleagues and learn more about the nature of this attack. I expected that the demons would pursue more militaristic targets. Little did I expect that so many of the demons would attack the library itself! I think they mean to destroy the knowledge therein - perhaps they realize that knowledge is the only thing that can turn this tide of destruction! Max voice rises in crescendo as he emphasizes this point.

"We did our best to resist the demons, but we were certainly not all prepared with combat magics that day. With our resistance failing, it was decided that I would be the one to seek aid, while the remaining scholars resisted. So now it falls on you. Will you save us, and save the library?"

Not sure if I left out important details. I don't know what I'm supposed to know.

"..A tall order without information", Joao mused, leaning against the wall. "Is there a time frame?" There was definitely an ulterior motive in his interest, even with a lack of information that he was used to getting. At least he had been able to track down some new clothes.

"Knowledge is more powerful than any weapon. Demons, for all of their savagery, understand this intimately. They may lack the discipline of the Hellish legions, but they have every bit of cunning." He offers a hand to Maximillian. "I'm Pytros. Do you know the martial capacity of the demons? Hopefully they sent forth a force capable of taking the library under the assumption that it would be relatively unguarded. A group of nabasu, for instance, would be ideal as a strike force of that type. Did you get a good look at their numbers? If it is within the capacity of our defenders to defeat them, we should immediately head there with the intent to save the remaining scholars and the contents of the library."

Pytros immediately begins sketching out the details of a plan, waiting for information to fill out and change it. "How did you elude them and get here? What sort of defenses does the library currently have? Do you have a map of the exterior and interior of the library and the surrounding buildings?"

I defer to the GM to help me answer Pytros's questions.

Just some hand waving here...The powerful magi fought during the initial invasion, leaving the care of the library to their underlings. Their magic shook the city, but did little to stem the tide. Since then, the library has been dealing mainly with cultists looking for the library specifically and roaming minor demons, just looking for mayhem. Most of the surrounding area is little more than rubble and parts of the library itself have collapsed. With resources rapidly depleting, Max was sent to find help with a wand of invisibility (now depleted). This is more of a resupply operation, we're not talking about breaking a siege.

"Cultists are a good start", Joao commented, thinking of the sigil of Deskari he currently possessed. With more sigils in his possession, he could better imitate them, and doing so would bring him closer to learning how to remove them. Cultists came first, then he would be removing the demons themselves.

Well what ever i can do to help to take the fight back to the cultist

Aglamore takes aside Joao, Pytros and Ruarc. "I think we should offer the Sword to Arwen. He is a paladin of the Inheritor and may do much with it that shall benefit us and our cause."

"It is hopefully only a small force remaining. With your help, we should be able to free the trapped wizards and scholars. I can show you the way, though the path is treacherous."

Aglamore takes aside Joao, Pytros and Ruarc. "I think we should offer the Sword to Arwen. He is a paladin of the Inheritor and may do much with it that shall benefit us and our cause."

"I'm fine with that."

===================

Before the group leaves to go to the library, Ruarc leaves a message with Aneiva and her wife for his sister and lover, should either of them show up at some point.

Aglamore presents the sword to Arwen. "It is the Sword of Yaniel, beloved disciple of the Inheritor. Use it well and it will serve you in the darkest hour."

Then the priest is ready to go visit the library.

When Arwen takes up the sword, it bursts into glowing light. Apparently, he has been deemed worthy. (Functions as a +1 cold iron longsword. It can be made to shed light, as torch, at will.)

Following Max's directions, the party navigates the dangers of the ruined city and reaches the The Librarium of the Broken Black Wing with little difficulty. Max's descriptions have done little to prepare you for the devastation that you see before you. The library stands mostly in ruins, with only the main hall standing in any meaningful way. No one challenges your approach and as you near, you can see that the main doors stand slightly ajar.

I will use it until i die and then you can pass it to the next paladin so that it may continue to fight he says putting the sword by his side after giving it a long hard look.

Ruarc stealthily approaches the doors, and listens at the crack for the sound(s) of anything within.

Take 10 on stealth to the door, and then take 20 on perception over two minutes for a 26.

Accompanying Ruarc, Joao is focused more on providing backup in case something goes wrong. He stayed nearby, was more concerned with the periphery of the area that they were entering.
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Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Ruarc hears shouts of "Faster!" and "Stack the damned books higher," as well as the occasional sob.

Aglamore realizes that those inside are terrified.

"In the name of Iomedae, Blessed Warrior, Shield of the Innocent, I say you have nothing to fear," he calls out with a loud voice.

"I am Aglamore, servant of the Inheritor, and with me are stout heroes come to take you to a place of safety. You are in no danger from us. Unbar the door and see for yourselves. If you be not friends of the Fallen, you shall suffer no harm. I swear it."

Pytros keeps his eyes open for attackers, finding a position of cover while Aglamore works to gain entry. Better the cleric than him. His clear manner might help later, but it likely wouldn't make a great impression upon the scholars they set out to rescue.

Inwardly chuckling to himself at Aglamore's manner, Joao paused to bemusedly imagine himself as a "stout" hero. Personally, he considered himself neither as he shifted a little better into his cover, and kept an eye out for anything moving towards them. At least they were doing this while the sun was out, rather than attempting this in the dark. He would rather not be surprised by something from a darkened sky.
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No Trace applying now. +1 vs. Opposed Stealth checks.

"Strange that there are no enemies out here. It leaves me concerned." Max approaches the library and sees if he recognizes the voices within.

"You wield the power of creation and destruction, bending the laws of nature at will," replies Aglamore, his voice lowered. "I recall what it is to be a peasant with no power but that of my right arm. In a city overrun by demons, I'd hide, too. These people have no reason to think we're anything but more demons."

"As much as driving out the invaders, it is our task to show the people of this city that they have champions on their side. To do good, we must be seen to do good."