M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius's drawn face looks moreso at Falconi's irate dismissal of his words, but while he's groping for an argument that might cool her ire, Ivari steps forward and finds the grace to his tongue that Cassius himself had not quite managed.
Cassius signs the ledger, watching the clerk go with a feeling of foreboding in the pit of his stomach-- but no time to dwell on that.
He gives the watching Maralictor a respectful salute.
"An honor, Maralictor Saren. Acting-Maralictor Cassius Thwaite, sir, and the Signifiers Ivari Thien, Kayle Lightbringer, Vorgal Veil, and Bjorn."
Cassius attempts not to peer overmuch at Saren's wings-- it would be rude. His familiar, however, is not nearly as burdened by etiquette. Decibel spreads his wings, puffs up, and croaks something in the harsh language of Hell.
Infernal:
"Brawwwk-- bet I can fly better!"
Cassius turns an alarmed/mortified glare on the bright parrot, and bows swiftly to Saren. "I beg your pardon, Maralictor, the bird is a mindless dolt. Please ignore the chatter."
Desperate for a change of subject from his parrot, Cassius looks around for the dwarf that they got at such a high price (Falconi's ire is expensive). "Armiger Gorzoth?"
Bjorn blood boils at the words of Maralictor Falconi. Since child he has been told to follow rules without questioning, and when arrived to the citadel, to follow orders without questioning.
We followed the procedure, why is he questioning it? Why people like that exist on a place like this?
The big man, however, remains silent, a lets his more diplomacy versed manage him.
After Falconi final tantrum, Bjorn feels relieved of his own ire, and a smile starts to show on his face. When Cassius introduce him to Maralictor Saren, he nods a makes a mild involuntary bow to him.
Its and honor, Maralictor.
Bjorn, less prudent(or wise) than Cassius, takes a good look to the bronzed wings of the man.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius relaxes only fractionally as it becomes clear that the Maralictor is not offended, it would seem. He nods his head in what he hopes passes as a sympathetic gesture for the other... man's... landbound plight.
As for Gorzoth:
Cassius tilts his head at the armiger, looking him over in assessing fashion before speaking.
"At your ease, Armiger. I am sure you heard the introductions.
"Let me be clear on one thing: this is meant to be a diplomatic mission. If I thought it posed any significant danger, I would not have requested you at all. Ideally, your duties will be to assist Signifiers Bjorn, Lightbringer, and Thien with their armor, as needed, and to perform other minor tasks of assistance such as grooming of the horses. You were selected specifically due to your Druman upbringing, in the hopes you may also be able to offer insight during the trip as to Druman courtesies.
"That said: what a mission is meant to be, and what it may be, are not always congruent. In the unfortunate event of combat... this is not the chance to 'prove yourself' by force of arms or spells. Your orders are to withdraw from hostile engagements to the full extent of your ability, and to defend yourself only if necessary. Is this understood?"
He waits for the answer, then adds on, "What has been the nature of your training? Are you a student of the blade, the spell, the gods...?"
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius nods thoughtfully. "Very well. Are you prepared to travel? If not, grab your things and be quick about it, for the caravan shall be leaving shortly. If you are, then I suggest you see if Signifiers Bjorn, Thien, or Lightbringer have any tasks requiring assistance. We shall talk of your homeland on the way."
The bright parrot on Cassius's shoulder squawks rudely, adding on a chittering in Infernal.
Infernal:
"Boss, this one's snack-size even for a dwarf, they must not feed 'em well in Druma."
"Hssst, you," Cassius mutters, waving a hand at the parrot to shut him up. Not that this ever does any good.
"Yes sir!" the armiger snaps a salute and turns to the rest of the group, seeking to render assistance as necessary.
Assuming that you all don't have anything else that needs rp'd out.
It is not much longer before the caravan is ready to go and you head out, Saren giving what you would have previously considered an impossible leap and unfurling his wings with a clap, shooting into the sky. Your goal is to travel to Citadel Demain, to the Order of the Scourge, and from there to teleport into Kerse itself. The first step though is to cross the mountains.
The caravan makes decent time, the trip made easier by the gentle weather. You occasionally spot Saren flying back and forth, scouting the way.
Eventually the days and nights turn into a week, and then two, before you finally arrive at the Citadel of the Scourge. You are slightly surprised that most of the other Orders seem to have arrived already, with the exception of the Nail, which traveled with you.
A Hellknight approaches as you step inside the walls, and you instantly see from his armor that he is the Master of Blades. Malachai and Saren salute respectfully as he approaches.
"I am Uldrannas Haelcant, Master of Blades here at Demain. We are pleased you have arrived, even if it is late," you can hear the smile in his voice, even if you cannot see his face behind his horned helm. Malachai laughs and clasps hands with the man.
"Blame it on bird man over here. Had to keep him on a string to keep him from blowing away."
Saren does not seem to be amused by this.
"Let me introduce the rest of my companions," he interrupts, before he can be made the butt of any more jokes, "We have here Acting-Maralictor Cassius Thwaite, and his squad: Kayle, Bjorn, Vorgal, and Ivari."
The Master of Blades returns your salutes.
"They're the ones who are responsible for this whole undertaking."
Uldrannas raises pauses, ever so briefly, before whistling.
"Well now. Never woulda guessed that. No offense of course. Just... the stories we heard, y'know? Anyway, that you for your service. You need anything, just let me know," he looks around briefly before shouting.
"Innan! Get over here!"
Another Hellknight runs over.
"Show Acting-Maralictor Thwaite and his squad to their quarters, and anywhere else they want to go. They're more important than you. Try and act competent."
"Yes sir! No promises though," the other Hellknight deadpans, saluting and turning towards the group.
Alrighty. First leg of the trip done! Woo! If you had particularly wanted to have a conversation during travel with Malachai or Saren or any of the other Hellknights, let me know via pm so we don't slow gameplay down. The rest of the trip will occur the day after tomorrow (in game), so you'll have the rest of tonight (approx. 4 hours), and tomorrow to perform actions. Or respond to events.... *dramatic music*
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius is quick to salute sharply at the presence of the Master of Blades, offering the man a bow as well.
"You do us credit with your words, sir," he says. "My team and I shall strive to be worthy of that."
He makes sure that their horses are stabled and seen to. After weeks in the saddle, all his blisters have grown blisters and he no longer feels the ache of sore thighs, but it's still good to be walking rather than riding, and to look forward to proper food, not what is cooked over camp fires, and to look forward to a bed as well, however spartan the accommodations may be.
Should their hosts be present at supper that night, Cassius does his best to make courteous inquiries as to the current duties and concerns that absorb the other Order... and to see if they have heard any rumors about this Druman ceremony. He also tries to keep Decibel mostly quiet, though it's a doomed task in the long run.
Bjorn looks cheerful since they departed from the citadel, like in the first mission, but even more joyful.
Since child, he has been in cloistered orders, so he never went on trips, or even exited the monastery, except when he leaved to the citadel, and then again, he didn't go to the exterior of it until a month ago.
Not that he never felt curiosity about the world, but since that first mission, the urge to be outside of the citadel walls has never ceased to grow.
Even is the failure in accomplishing all the terms of that first mission is going to keep him as a private for the rest of his career, he will conform with being send to field missions.
But the lately evens make he thinks that they will have a splendid opportunity to atone.
We will do our best, sir. Answers Bjorn while saluting to Uldranass after Maralictor's Saren and Cassius words.
Although Bjorn likes to be in social events, his introvert personality makes him expend quality time with his actual squad members rather than meeting new people.
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
Ivari is content to let the others speak for now as the group moves about. His mind still goes over the events of the last mission and the paladin uses his spare time to contemplate a more measured notion of reaction were they to face a similar situation. The paladin is polite and talkative if approached in general but does little to seek anyone out.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
At one point during dinner, mulling over what he was told on the road to the Citadel, Cassius turns to his side and looks to Ivari.
"I had several interesting conversations on the road here," he murmurs. "Did you know that Maralictor Saren is descended of celestial stock? As he says, it gives him 'another way to serve'. To serve the Order, I suppose, but arguably also Cheliax as well, and by extension, House Thrune."
Cassius cuts into a bit of meat on his plate, watching the blade slice into the well-cooked flesh and scrutinizing it a moment before he stabs the chunk of meat with his fork. "It raised interesting philosophical questions about the nature of service, to me. For myself, I am ultimately a pragmatist. I swear oaths of fealty only with great consideration, and I far prefer business contracts rather than 'service'-- I prefer to know what I am giving, when, and exactly what I am receiving in turn. The thought of open-ended devoted service, such as that required by most organized faiths, seems altogether too confining to me. Note that I am expressing personal preference, not judgment."
He pauses a moment, the morsel of meat held before him. "But I comprehend sworn service to Asmodeus, or Saranrae, or any of the other gods. I know you have spoken somewhat of your oath before, and yet, you profess faith in no particular god that I am aware of. Who then decides what offenses demand the meting out of punishment, if not your god? You yourself?"
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
I suppose you might best think of it as inspiration, divinely guided and affirmed by the powers I am given. Since I was young I have had a a strong connection to a sense of justice and purpose. I do not profess faith in a single god in the sense that I am not one god's servant, but I worship many and understand the tapestry they weave together. I am not a faithless man I am merely devoted to something different than what one god means to control.
Ivari contemplates his food and puts down his silverware to use his hands as he talks, Imagine a cart and horse pulling a sled. If you are on the sled you might need to move it side to side to miss a bump but you do not tell the cart where to go. So too the raft on a river. The pull is what I feel. A sense of that rightness. My code came to me through meditation, consultation and training. I did not "choose" it per se but I did come to understand it and continue to explore its boundaries. That it led me here is a test as much as a way to serve. I am to serve as well, all are, but so too am I to be tested by the pull I feel. The gods will reward me or punish me based on my actions. They are there even if I do not consult with them in the way others might...
Ivari pauses and looks at the wizard, I was "called" if you will and though I do not "have" to be the way I am, I feel the most at peace and most in tune with the world by being so. I am given power as a reward some might say but to me it feels as my intended state. I was meant to be the man I am. As such I almost do not feel as though I am tested or confined to serve. I merely "am". We shall see if it is always that way.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius listens to Ivari's explanation, taking the occasional sip from his wineglass as he does so.
"I do not doubt that you feel the rightness of your purpose calling clearly to you," he says when Ivari finishes a moment, "but... hm. I suppose what I am asking is that I understand the tenets of Asmodeus, or of Saranrae-- these things are a matter of church doctrine. We know, for instance, that the followers of the goddess Pharasma will seek to destroy the undead wheresoever they may be. But in your case, drawn as you are by this purpose, this calling if you like, I do not know the particulars. Let us use the undead as an example: does your calling require you to see this as abomination, to be destroyed-- or can they be allowed to exist if controlled?"
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
My code makes no inclusion or exclusion on such matters. I would judge the situation as the law dictates. In the realms of law if we determined that such a creature could be controlled within the tenants of legal right and did not infringe on the safety of the people or my fellows I would have no need to confront it. If we happened upon such a thing rampant in the wild and it should to do us harm then I would destroy it as I would any such hostile being. The undead have few rights so my sense is to usually destroy such a thing without concern...
Ivari will continue to eat and drink as he talks, sure to have no food in his mouth when he does. (He is very proper in this way) Indeed one of the reason I do not fit into the tenants of many such faiths and orders is my lack of concern over such matters. I am strongly rooted and attuned to law and it is my belief that in a world with strong rules one need not "worry" over the other questions these faiths propose. Devil or dead, it matters not to me. Chain it. Use it. Kill it if needed. But why waste a tool if it serves the greater good? I doubt Sarenrae would embrace me warmly for such a belief... Ivari offers an almost snorting chuckle to that thought, perhaps the first sense of "humor" the paladin has ever emitted around the group.
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal looks around the table before weighing in quietly. "So, Master Thein, if I were to pluck an unseen force off of this robe I'm wearing", Vorgal makes a motion with his hand. "And upon opening my hand, a set of bones appeared that quickly poured over the side of my hand", the elf gestures over his open hand, "and multiplied into even more bones and eventually formed into the shape of a wolf, complete with leprous fur covering it's mangy body..." Vorgal takes a breathe and smiles, "You would not attack it but rather admire the skill with which I manipulate the arcane and necrotic?"
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius snorts faintly at Vorgal's words, and picks a morsel off his plate to hand to his parrot.
"Vorgal's example is chosen for humour, I imagine, but for myself I am rather more curious about your phrasing 'as the law dictates'. That is the crux of the matter: whose law? Whose laws? Are you personally bound by the laws of Druma while we are in that country? If you must constantly be called to local laws and strictures, that would seem a dizzying personal mission, to me. And if you are instead bound to a constant law, a law that is higher than that of mortal governments-- and yet, is one that is determine only by the sense of your own calling towards it-- well, I suppose we should all be so lucky, to have such personal convictions."
He sighs slightly to himself, brows knit as he mulls this over. Decibel takes that moment to land on his plate and go for the rest of his food.
While generally agreeable, none of the other Hellknights are excessively chatty, and you learn little of interest beyond the general excitement at the possibility of an alliance with the Blackjackets. After a long evening of conversation, you eventually retire.
In the middle of your rest, an alarm sounds, a bell ringing so loudly that dust shakes from the ceiling. You rise instantly. Every sense you possess is screaming of danger, but you cannot tell what it might be.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius breathes in sharply as he realizes something has gone horribly wrong. Decibel squawks in worry and scrabbles for his shoulder, causing Cassius to wince as the bird's talons dig in to his bare skin.
"Shades protect and hide me," Cassius says, his fingers darting a quick pattern in the air.
Mirror image:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Five images of himself-- shoeless and shirtless, wearing only a pair of loose-fitting trousers-- spring into being around himself. He snatches up his backpack and spell component pouch, but doesn't bother collecting his physical weapons and armor, then beelines for the door of the room.
Are we in private rooms, or a dormitory type setting?
Bjorn springs from the bed alarmed, dismissing any thought of donning as the shrill sound makes him hastle.
The man just grabs the big metal chunk that mades his sword and the backpack, and hurries to find his squad members, adjusting the belt from the black robes he uses to wear since he was in the monastery.
Anyone knows whats going on!? -Says in loud voice, while looking around in search of something that explains the alarm.
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
Earlier...
Were it you Master Vorgal I would indeed be impressed and unmoved to act. Clearly, you are no threat to me. Ivari offers only the merest of smiles to add to his jest.
To Cassius, Before? The law of the land. Where I made my home. Now? The Chain and Measure. The law of our order and our people. This is why I am such an enigma to the goodly orders of my ilk. 'So many unjust laws. So many contradictions.' This is why I came to be a Hellknight. An order beyond reproach. A law designed to weather the test of time.
Now...
Ivari rises pulling his bow and bringing his satchel over his head. The archer paladin pushes his feet into his boots as he tilts his head and looks about....
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Solider:
2 questions. 1 Can I potentially wear just my breastplate if I grab off of what I assume would be a rack of some sort where my armor is, 2. As a matter of protocol is it appropriate for me to only wear part of my armor in any circumstance?
Warpriest 6 Hell Knight 1 | HP 42/79 | AC 22, TC 11, FF 21 | Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +8| Fervor 2/6
Kayle listens intently to her squads members discussion when she is startled by the alarm. Kayle unsheathes her falcata And looks around for the cause.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Waiting on results of our Perception rolls/etc, before Cassius posts again, since what he may order the group to do will conceivably vary a bit depending on what we collectively hear and see going on.
You could, but it would still take 4 minutes do don, or 1 minute to don hastily, as shown here.
During a an ambush or other sudden battle situation you would not be reprimanded for it, but in most any other formal occasion it would be a breach of code.
Note that just wearing the breastplate does not count for the normal bonuses from wearing the full suit, it will only be an ordinary breastplate for purposes of AC, armor check penalty, max dex bonus, and so on.
Ivari & Kayle:
Over the sound of the enormous alarm bell and the shouts and orders of the officers, you hear an odd crackling sound, like a fire burning far too quickly. In addition, you notice a faint heat coming from the walls, and a glow that seems to only appear at the edge of your vision.
Bjorn, Cassius, and Vorgal:
You notice a faint heat coming from the walls, and a glow that seems to only appear at the edge of your vision.
From the room beside you bursts Saren, naked except for his mask (making you wonder if he ever takes it off, or sleeps in it as well), with a gleaming scimitar in his left hand and a tongue of fire in his right. His bronze wings are rustling metallically, and reflecting light that you're not entirely sure about the origins of.
He rushes off down a corridor, sprinting towards the exit.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
"Heat?" Cassius murmurs, glancing to the side trying to get a better bead on the glow that's barely there. He raises a hand to touch the walls, then frowns.
"Gather close to me!" Cassius speaks quick words, his hands moving in the air, then touches each of the squad members in turn.
Casting communal protection from energy (fire). Will absorb 84 points of fire damage for each person, for the next ten minutes, before being exhausted. Casting it on himself, Kayle, Bjorn, Vorgal, Ivari, Decibel, and Gorzoth if he is in the room with us. Is he? If he is housed with other armigers instead, then I'll stick the extra ten minutes protection on Bjorn.
He almost calls after Saren, but the other man is clearly in too great a hurry to stop and explain things. And if Saren goes unarmored... hm.
With his many outlines blurring around each other, Cassius looks to the others. "Orders: grab weapons and any special equipment you have, but if Maralictor Saren's haste is any indication, we have no time to don armor. We will proceed after Saren, staying together, until we have a better idea what the threat is. The spell I have cast on you will offer you significant protection against fire, but it is not infinite. If you have defensive spells of your own, cast them now, and quickly-- any threat that thinks it wise to assault an order of Hellknights in their own citadel is foolhardy, or immensely powerful... or both."
If Gorzoth is with us:"Armiger: I would order you to stay here in the room, but I am unsure if even that will be safe. Grab your gear and follow us at twenty paces behind (sixty feet) and listen for further orders."
Cassius will give everyone who wants it the chance to cast one spell (one round prep, in other words), but on the next round he will proceed 30' down the hallway towards the exit. He will also cast Vanish on Decibel, and tell Decibel to fly ahead and scout. Decibel will move, invisibly and stealthily, for 70' progress (plus Cassius's 30', if allowed) to try and get outside and see what is going on.
(On the next round) If needed:
Decibel stealth (-5 for moving more than half but less than full speed, +20 for being invisible):1d20 + 14 - 5 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 5 + 20 = 38 Decibel Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Main weapon, the backpack and pockets full of sharp projectiles is all I need to go. -Says Bjorn, while going to the exit to take a look in search of any inmediate threat, but he remains inside the building, only showing his head out.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Cassius, do we know any one both foolhardy and inmensely powerful?
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
Soldier:
Thanks for the reply about the armor. How do you feel about me stuffing the armor in my handy haversack? I'm just thinking as far as lugging it around in a fire...
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal lets his concern for the eat fade as Cassius hurries them together. Vorgal joins, battle hammer drawn and pack, including his chain mail, slung over his shoulder.
He slashes water on his face as they walk, then starts going over his spells. "Cassius, perhaps I should take the front, I have some..." Vorgal bites off the sentence with a curse. "Nevermind, I didn't prepare shield yesterday. I can pull out some mirror images if needed."
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Spellcraft:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Cassius flicks a glance sidelong at Kayle at her casting, then nods approvingly. "Handy. As you will likely be the most armored of us, take point, Kayle. Vorgal, I suggest something defensive, yes-- as you can see I am already making use of mirror images myself-- but quickly, so that we may see to the problem at hand."
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Sorry, Bjorn, realized I missed replying to your question. Didn't want to seem like I was blowing you off!
At Bjorn's question, Cassius smirks grimly. "Oh, we know someone who fits that description.... but my gut tells me this is some new threat. I suppose we'll see once we get outside..."
Hey guys, life should be calming down somewhat now. Work actually stopped slamming me, but then I had some personal issues to deal with. But I should soon be returning to our regular (if haphazard) schedule. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
Ivari:
That is fine.
Decibel:
Decibel flies outside and sees an unbelievable sight. A large being seemingly crafted entirely of blackened clouds and arcs of lightning is attempting to crawl from a swirling portal in the middle of the courtyard. From the outskirts of the portal numerous smaller elementals squeeze or are pushed through, breaking into the courtyard and wreaking havoc. From the walls of the keep small streamers of fire and ghostly Hellknights are pushing out, attempting to dispel the portal and combat the intruder, while the flesh and blood Hellknights focus on the lesser elementals leaking through.
Even against all the blazing wards of the citadel though, the being is slowly making headway, its head and one arm out of the portal, straining mightily against the forces pushing against it.
The group huddles around the door as Decibel quickly flies back in, showing far more haste than he did flying out, squawking shrilly. Cassius quickly recovers his familiar, and Decibel relates what he has seen.
If you speak infernal go ahead and read Decibel's spoiler.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Glad to have you back!
Cassius listens with face drawn and becoming more so, his expression unhappy. Apparently he picked the wrong element to defend his squad against. Lightning, again... Zakat's doing, he wonders, or something more primal?
Were the smaller elementals also all storm-themed, or a variety of elements?
"Armiger Gorzoth," he says, "your new orders are to remain here. Should you hear sounds of approaching battle or should the room become unsafe, exit the building in the opposite direction of the conflict, and take orders from ranked Hellknights."
To the others, he says, "An enormous lightning elemental, or something very like it, appears to be in the process of trying to breach this plane. The Order's own defenses are at work against it, but there are a score of smaller elementals that we may help dispatch. Ivari: stay at ranged to try and avoid damage, for I must place what protections I have left on Bjorn."
He gestures as he does so, and adds the words of a spell, as he touches Bjorn's shoulder. Resist Energy - Electricity. It is now 20 points of damage resistance as a 7th level caster.
The spell cast, he strides down the hallway towards the battle, continuing his orders. "Bjorn and Kayle, take front line; Kayle, assist with healing Hellknights when feasible. Vorgal, support with spells or blade as you see best opportunity for each. I shall try and relay the capabilities of the elementals once I can see them directly, but many of the more powerful elementals can shrug off at least some of any sort of physical damage."
Moving as a team, with Cassius letting Bjorn and Kayle take point, until the battle can be seen. Cassius will attempt Kn: Planes checks and Kn: Arcana (or Spellcraft, if needed) checks as soon as he has line of sight to the elementals and to the portal.
Decibel shrieks in distress from his master's shoulder.
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
Ivari stuffs his hellknight armor into his haversack shouldering the bag and bow as he hastily dons pants, boots and shirt as he follows the group. As Cassius gives his order the paladin pulls the bow and nods that he is ready, looking at the others to lead the way...
Thank you, Maralictor Cassius. Says Bjorn, while moving along with Ivari, and taking the head position as commanded, and searching for his sling, to have it at hand too.
Hope those elementals are reckless like our shared friend.
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal follows closely behind Bjorn, crouching as he walks. "Bjorn, take this strength to the front with you, we might need to be aggressive without armor. "
Casting Bull's Strength on Bjron. That's 7 minutes worth of +4 str. Yes, that gives Bjorn 26 strength :)
At least I got some training at fighting without armor. I'll try to hit as hard as possible, and hope that the ones with masks are able to close the gate soon. Says the big man.
Knowledge (Planes): Though most think of the Plane of Air as a vast expanse of clear sky, that plane also holds the power of the storm, including monstrous hurricanes larger than entire worlds and thunderstorms whose peals and claps can shatter stone. Whether lightning elementals are the by-product of common air elementals spending too much time near these electrically charged storms or are merely calved off like forgotten flurries, they are aggressive and almost suicidal in their willingness to leap into battle. They particularly enjoy attacking creatures that are made of metal and creatures that wear metal armor or wield metal weapons.
Many lightning elementals have a roughly humanoid shape, but some prefer animalistic shapes (particularly birds and dragons), and a few appear to be nothing more than large disembodied heads made of dark clouds with flickering lightning tongues. Regardless of the shape a lightning elemental takes, the air around the creature hums and throbs with the promise of electrocution and the tangy stink of ozone.
Info that I am too lazy/inept to write in a remotely rp fashion.
Immunity to bleed, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, and stunning.
Not subject to critical hits or flanking. Does not take additional damage from precision-based attacks, such as sneak attack.
Proficient with natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
Proficient with whatever type of armor (light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Elementals not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Elementals are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
Elementals do not breathe, eat, or sleep.
Knowledge (Arcana): It is difficult to make out much of anything magically speaking due to the chaos and multiple different interacting magics surrounding the portal. The wards attempting to close the portal are obviously Thassalonian in design and implementation, though modified by Hellknight specialists. As for the portal itself, it seems to be a standard conjuration portal, though how it opened to begin with, and how it has managed to stay open is a mystery to you.
All around you Hellknights, both armored and not, are attempting to push the various elementals back. Lightning arcs and cracks, and the smells of seared flesh assault your eyes, ears, and nose.
Before you two huge lightning elementals notice you and zig zag their way to you, but are distracted by an unfortunately armored Hellknight that stumbles across their path.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Cassius's eyes race over the battlefield in a moment of trying to process. At least it is only lightning elementals that he can see....
"It may well be a blessing of a sort we did not don our armor!" he shouts over the noise of battle to his squad. "They favor attacking those who wear metal armor, or bear metal weapons, for conductivity purposes!"
The two monstrously-sized, sizzling foes bearing down on them seem to be the most immediate threat. Cassius points to them.
"Focus efforts on one at a time, to better drop them! At this size, they will shrug off a certain amount of physical damage regardless of weapon used, so hit hard! I will try to blind them to let you approach safely for the attack! There is no point in trying to surround them due to their nature!"(Immune to flanking)
Words flow from his mouth and his fingers crackle with his own brand of magic as Cassius calls up a spell.
Casting Glitterdust. If he could theoretically get both elementals in the casting of it, he will certainly try; if not, he'll go for the closest one. Will save DC 17 or blinded.
A cloud of golden particles erupts around the 'head' of the nearer elemental.
After he casts his spell, Cassius shouts at his maximum possible volume, in words that rise and twist with the wind.
If at charge range
Not even thinking about the risk, Bjorn charges towards the storm-like foe, swinging wildly the big metal chunk he uses as weapon with extreme accuracy. His thundering war-cry resonates as he runs.
Male Human Cleric of War {Torm}(Far Traveler)/1, HP: 10/10, AC: 12(15) , Saves: INT +5, WIS +3, Initiative: +2, Perception: +3 Spell Save: 12, Spell Attack Modifier: +4, Cantrips:Fire Bolt, Mending, Minor Illusion,
Ivari narrows his eyes, first gesturing over himself to have the gods grant him divine favor in combat (Casting Divine Favor) and as the spell settles on to him Ivari casts his gaze to the nearest elemental reaching out with his sense to see if he can detect chaos from them. Since it function like the paladin ability I get all 3 rounds worth of information in one go but it only works on the elemental I am looking at...
The most obvious one is the Hellknight who just stumbled across the elemental's path in front of you. But a quick glance all around shows several other Hellknights who could use assistance. The entire courtyard is currently a battleground, and while the Hellknights are recovering from the surprise with their typical efficiency and discipline, the scene is still somewhat chaotic at the moment.
As the spell envelops the elemental, effectively blinding it despite it's lack of traditional 'eyes', Bjorn takes advantage of the opening and slams into the being, arclets of lightning spewing out from the 'wound'. It reforms back to it's normal shape soon enough, but it now seems smaller and dimmer. The elementals recover extremely quickly however, and retaliate instantly against Bjorn.
M Halfling Investigator 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 16 | F3 R5 W3 | Init +2 | Per +6
Are you wanting us to keep posting in rough initiative order, Soldier? I know what Cassius is almost certainly going to do next, but I'm also bringing up the rear, heh, so I was going to hold off a bit and give other PCs a chance to go before posting.
Your fellow armigers stand all around you, filed up in rank, by company then platoon then squad. There is no movement, no rustle of cloth or clink of metal. Your discipline is unflinching. Many would find it difficult to tell if you were breathing or not. Before you is the area called the Pit, the final testing place of your discipline. You have seen many former comrads fall. Due to weakness in body, suffering from exhaustion and fatigue. Due to weakness in mind, unable to remember the complex maze of rules and regulations that dominate your life. Due to weakness in spirit, unable to cope with the constant oppression and hazing. Less than half of those who started on this path with you a year ago now are still here. But you are left.
The rest of the Order files in, everyone not on duty here to watch this last trial. To anyone else, the row upon row of faceless armored figures would have been a sight of terror. But you have moved beyond such places. You barely notice them. Finally, the Vicarius stands, his iron mask sweeping across you, leaving a quiet discomfort. With dispassionate voice and movement he gestures to a signifier, who hisses quietly and calls into Hell. A portal opens and out steps a barbazu, a bearded devil. Thick armor covers a mishmash of skin and scale and fur and spines. The devil snorts, its beard quivering, and grips its glaive, looking it seems directly at you.
"Armiger Amar! This is your time. Do not fail now." the Vicarius speaks, his voice commanding.
The young man steps out of line, crisply saluting the Vicarius. Torchia returns his salute and your fellow armiger draws his blade and steps down into the Pit. The devil focuses on the man, hunching down and holding its glaive in guard. They face each other for a brief moment, emotionless brown eyes gazing into malicious red. A gong is struck and the two rush towards each other. Halet is more graceful than many of your fellow companions, being one of the few non magic users. He spins quickly, blade held parallel with his body, sliding by the devils thrust. He breaks through its guard, scoring a deep gash in the devils hide.
But it does him no good. The devil drops his glaive and grabs the smaller man, claws sinking deep into his shoulders. The armigers expression never changes, no flicker of fear crosses his features. Just a briefly lived look of sorrow and regret. The devils beard lashes out, sinking into his face. Halet screams then, from the pain, and the devil throws him down, picking up its glaive. Halet struggles to his feet, blood running down his face. The polearm swings, and the first of your brothers falls. The devil roars in triumph, raising the bloody weapon above its head. It then grabs the body and head, throwing the corpse over its shoulder and turning back to the portal. It disappears, back to the third layer of Hell, and another steps out to take its place.
"Armiger Bjorn! This is your time. Do not fail now." the Vicarius speaks, as if nothing had happened.
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal takes half a step forward before registering that the name is not his. He quickly inches back, watching the fight closely while running over his prepared spells again.
Bjorn steps up and salutes the Vicarius, and continue walking unto the pit, drawing a plain greatsword and swinging in a predetermined pattern, as a salute to all his squad. His mind clear of any distraction, as this is an individual test, the others triumph or failure are not to help or hinder his options.
This is what I chose, and for what I have been chosen
The blade pierces your side, crunching through armor and skin and muscle. It then rips the jagged blade out violently, a rush of your blood following it.
The devil shudders from the hit, hunching over and grabbing its shoulder. It quickly disengages taking an AoO and runs over to its previously discarded glaive. It hisses something in infernal and gestures with its claws.
The summoned devil is between you and the original devil (I apologize for not making that clear), so you wouldn't be able to make a charge against the original one
As was pointed out to me, summoning is a full round action, and not a standard. So your charge counts.
The tension in the room rises. All can see that the devil is almost finished, but with Bjorn hobbling and the summoned ally fresh and ready to go it's still unclear who will emerge victorious.
The bleeding devil withdraws, hurriedly scrambling over to its glaive, putting it's summoned ally between the armored titan and it.
The freshly summoned devil lashes you with a pair of strikes.
Male human Hunter 5 | hp -5/55, 2 bleed | AC 20, T 11, FF 19 | Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3 | Handle Animal +8, Intimidate +8, Perception +6, Survival +10
Tyrannosaur companion:
hp 27 | AC 22, T 13, FF 19 | Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +4 | bite +6 (1d8+8) | Acro +7
Embry watches the combat in silence, his hand on his companion's side. The helm he is wearing is not standard issue for Hellknights, but is just as fearsome. Taken in a to-the-death fight with an Antipaladin hopeful, the toothy mask is more demonic than devilish, but is still intimidating to behold. His black full plate armor matches the helm, and his falchion is also forged of black steel, well-made and well-oiled.
Embry's companion, a relatively small tyrannosaurus, wears studded leather made from the skin of one of its own kind, a macabre reminder that Embry was a hunter of beasts like Vesuvius before joining the order.
Embry readies himself, as he is next in line, and he knows it will be his turn to take on a devil very soon. He pulls out an oil from his bag, rubbing it on his scimitar. Putting an oil of keen edge on his weapon, it will last 70 minutes.
Bjorn understand that only killing the original devil can avoid defeat, so he takes a decision, to overrun the summoned devil while charging the original, again being all or nothing....
Human Ranger (Tactician) 2 | HP: | AC FF TCH | F/R/W: | Init +
Elijah Moore, strolls into the stadium, where the final trial is to take place. He is late, a fellow aspiring Hellknight is partaking in his trial, and he is facing off against two demons. I thought it was only supposed to be one on one, I better be extra careful.
He finds a place to view the fight, but doesn't shove people out if the way to do so. He find a place towards the top.
Wow you got double lucky! That was your last round of being hobbled, and you just met the devils CMD. Haha gratz
Bjorn charges, shaking off the pain and fatigue of battle, shouldering past the summoned devil and focusing solely on his target, like a true Hellknight would. The devil sees him coming and raises a paltry defense, but it is futile. Bjorns massive sword cleaves through the haft of the raised glaive and continues on, passing through the devils neck as if it's not even there. The summoned devil charging up behind you disappears mid-swing, back to the Hell it was summoned from.
The Pit goes wild, Hellknights screaming and slamming gauntleted fists against armored chests and stomping the floor. The normally stoic figures all revel in this one moment of celebration. They have a new brother.
Quickly a cleric comes over to you, hands raised as healing magics flow out of him, closing your wounds. He bows to you and ushers you over to the other side of the Pit, where the victors will sit, with you as their vanguard.
Finally, silence resumes, and the Vicarius speaks again.
"Armiger Vorgal! This is your time. Do not fail now."
Now that you all have seen how the fights will go, I will be running these concurrently in spoiler tags to speed things up. Look for my next post in 8 hours, and congratulations to Bjorn! You gain a level! Update your character then sit back and relax.
Thankyou, SOLDIER-1st, that was exciting, I was doubting about passing the test (not Bjorn, of course ;D), and a little luck was in exchange of the inital fumble
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal steps forward, mentally reciting the litany in his head. No fire, no cold, battleaxe only, and... watch out for summoning? That had not been in his studies, he was glad Bjorn had gone ahead of him.
Vorgal shifts into his stance, free hand forward, drawn silver battleaxe low to his side. He waits, poised. First blood might determine the whole fight.
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
I'm glad to be in a pbp that finally uses theater-of-the-mind!
As dawn broke, Legaine was awoken by the cries of his captives, many missing tongues or teeth to scream their curses effectively. He needed a new profession, this was taking a toll on him. As he rolled out of bed, he whipped up a breakfast like never before - eggs, fresh fruit, thick cuts of meat and hearty porridge. He served it up to the captives before serving himself. "It's a new day. Today will be the last you see me, and the last day you see. You deserve a good meal." Legaine wouldn't be replaced and the captives wouldn't be spare. Legaine never doubted himself. A devil, he was told, can always be expected to be vicious. He had done his research in training, frequenting the Archives and reading up on all manners of devils and demons. His morning meal was interrupted by the rumble and quake of hundreds of armored feet marching overhead. The Hell Knights were assembling. He quickly donned his leathers, grabbed his bow, mace and dagger, strapped his two quivers on each hip and made off, slipping into their organized ranks.
Legaine stands still as stone in the Pit, watching with all his comrades as the fight continue on. He is taking advantage, though, and not reveling in the bloodshed, but rather studying the creatures faced. He knows that if he to defeat one, which he will have to, then he needs to know their every strength and weakness. Bjorn's fight was telling and revealing all, but he lacked the same strength as that giantish man. He didn't bring a monstrous weapon capable of cleaving his enemies in two, just his trusted bow and mace, so he will have to be careful and tactical about this. Legaine steels himself for what he knows is coming, drawing a deep breath and easing his nerves. You feel nothing. Only what you need.
The gong sounding the start of the battle is struck, and almost before you hear the sound the devil's blade is stabbing towards your throat. You jerk yourself out of the way at the last second, the blade mere inches from your neck.
Devils have few weaknesses, if any. However, you remember once reading a book on torture by the infamous Herman W. Mudgett, who remains to this day one of only a handful of people to have successfully extracted information from a devil via torture, and currently the only one to have escaped Hell's ensuing wrath. His favored method was to cover the devil in tiny slits, into which he would pour small drops of molten silver, one of the beings few material weaknesses.
You salute the Vicarius and take your place in the Pit, gazing at the devil across from you. The gong sounds.
The devil is in your face faster than you would have thought something like that could move, its glaive slicing into your arm, causing blood to gush out.
Vesuvius sniffs the air and utters a muted half growl, smelling the previously spilled blood and the devil glaring at you from across the Pit. You can tell it's sizing you up, trying to decide which of you to take first. You salute the Vicarius and the gong sounds the start of battle.
Attempting to summon, success on low Summon:1d100 ⇒ 19
The devil hisses in infernal, gesturing with its claws, and another devil appears, slightly darker in coloration, but with an identical glaive and an equal amount of malice in its eyes.
While the rest of the Order cheered wildly, Eoko stayed completely silent, hands on her shining obsidian kamas. But then again, Eoko was an enigma-nobody knew anything about her, except her gender. With the Order faceplate constantly over Eoko's features, a crimson cloak covering the back of her head, and black leather armor covering her body, all that the armigers could be certain of Eoko was her gender.
Nobody could deny Eoko's skill, however. With those strange dual scythes, Eoko could strike lightning fast, and often, when she was sparring with the others, the fight was over before it could properly begin.
Eoko simply sat there, analyzing the devil, trying to learn its strengths and weaknesses while it fought one of the others...
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
If you allow it, I'd like to cast Protection from Evil on myself before the fight starts as I approach the pit. It will determine how I approach this so I'll wait for a response. Also, with my Bane ability, would you count the +2 enchancement bonus towards DR? In other words, since my bow would be +3 it could be treated like silver? See the table here. A lot of what I read says it should, but ask the GM, so I'm asking =)
Your sisters had trained your body for years, but before you left they trained your mind too, as best they could. They told you that devils are tough and implacable foes, able to withstand the harshest of fires and immune to every poison yet concocted. Only a holy weapon, blessed by a priest of a good god, or a weapon with the properties of pure silver could effectively pierce the creatures hide.
You walk into the Pit, smoothly saluting the Vicarius. Your foe waits across from you, hellish glaive held in hellish claws. The gong sounds.
The devil is quicker off the draw, closing the gap between you in the blink of an eye. You lean to the side, almost casually, and the devils glaive slides by you, not touching.
Eoko curses as she oversteps, throwing off her first strike. Due to the first strike being so far off, the second fails to land as well. However, the third (assuming standard AC 19) hacks into the devil's hide. Even though its profane protections kept it from harm, it was still a good blow.
A few armigers looked surprised-Eoko had actually missed!-but they quickly quelled it.
The first strike is true, sinking into you just above your pelvis and then tearing back out. It pulls too hard though and the second strike is slow, giving you time to redirect it away from your body. You can feel your blood draining out of you, though it's invisible against the crimson and black.
Once again, the jagged blade cuts into you, more blood soaking your clothes, causing them to stick to you unpleasantly. And once again, you just manage to avoid the follow up strike, the wind from the blades passing ruffling your clothes.
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
I will go ahead and cast it in negligence and hope you fail your Dispel Check =P or however that symbol works.
Caught off guard by the speed of the hulking devil, Legaine quickly nocks two arrows, one above the other, and with nothing more than though imbues his bow with a Devilbane enchantment (Activating Bane vs Devils). His bow shimmers golden for only a second before the energy is transferred to the arrows. Down on one knee, Legaine lines up his shot and releases, preparing to move out of the way of the glaive.
Legaine quickly steps five feet back after launching the arrows, taking advantage of the attack. He wants to keep the devil as far away as he can, but he knows a strong offense is equally important.
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
Vorgal watches the gong be struck and then barely avoids the attack. No, watch devil and listen next time. He throws the thought away and focuses on what he needs to do. Reach weapon, so step inside of it. 5 foot step towards the devil. Bearded as the last one, so electricity - He hesitates, the glaive still just against his throat. No, defensive first.
Vorgal steps forward, free hand thrown back and silver battleaxe thrown forward. The attack covers the spell forming in his free hand, Mirror Image
The battleaxe misses the devil, but it distracts him long enough fromm the real purpose of the attack, to draw attention away from the free hand. Once the blade passes the devil's focus point, it looks back, shocked to see five Vorgal's in the space. The devil has come face to face with the Elf signature move, Vorgal's Veil.
Mechanics: Spell Combat for -2 to attack, cast Mirror Image defensively, spell combat to trade 4 points (max int bonus) to the con check instead of the spell. Con check DC is 19, bonus is now d20 + 5 (cl) + 4 (INT) + 4 (circumstance) = +13. Then attack bonus is a total of 0 after -2 dual wield and -4 INT.Immediate action, Spell Shield, +4 to AC,
You feel your spell swiftly shrivel and die, as the magic of the Pit devours it.
Attack of Opportunity:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
The devil tries to take advantage of your concentration and stab you again but you are ready and slide to the side just enough. Taking advantage of an opening in the devils defense you fire, two magically powered arrows taking it point blank in the stomach. It roars in mingled rage and agony and thrusts towards you again.
Male Elf Magus 7| HP (54/54)| AC 19| Init +7| F +7| R +5| W +5|P +6|
HP to 35 with the bleed
I can't win a long fight, time to go on the offensive.
Vorgal steps forward to the devil, his shapes following him. Vorgal's axe erupts in sparks and it swings back behind the devils. He brings his hand back, catching at the devils side with a burst of more ( elctricity.
The devil shudders and jerks as the electricity ravages its body, flowing from your hand through it then down to the ground. Smoke is rising from it as it steadies itself, swinging wildly to try and back you away while it recovers.
Lightning flashes, bright enough to cause even the multitude of masked Signifiers to flinch, and with an unearthly scream the devil dies, its skin charred and black, smoke rising from its bleeding and broken corpse. The tall elf stands over his conquest like an avenging god, flickers of lightning still crackling around his fingers and axe. The room once again erupts into cheers and adulation, the Hellknights welcoming another new brother. A cleric comes over and bathes Vorgal in healing light, leading him over to sit next to Bjorn.
And we've got another victorious Hellknight! Congratulations! Level up and then sit back and enjoy the show!
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
Legaine recoils from a second attack, gritting his teeth as the blade tears through his leathers and into flesh and muscle. I'm can't take much more of those. I need to recover. Asmodeus, see me through this. My life is yours. After a short prayer, he swears a vengeance upon the foe before, filling himself with a surge of healing energy to help bring him to victory. Legaine prepares for a quick escape. He swings a foot, kicking the glaive aside as he turns to put some distance between them. As he runs, he says a quick prayer and prepares a healing spell. Legaine stops thirty twenty-five feet away, plants a hand on his wounds and releases the energy then turns to face his foe.
Activating Judgement of Healing, gives me Fast Healing 2. Then acrobatics to escape without an AoO (half movement, 15ft+10ft distance from reach). Then casting Cure Moderate Wounds. Acrobatics to Avoid AoO (+2 for crowd dodger):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Cure Moderate Wounds:2d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 8) + 5 = 15 Health: 25 - 13 attack and bleed + 17 judgement and heal = 29
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
Not willing to risk giving the beast another opportunity focus on an all out assault, Legaine steps to move away from the devil while avoiding any attack. He stops when after almost fifteen feet and turns to launch two quick arrows, suffused with baneful energies, at the enemy. He then prepares himself for whatever the creature has in store. Defensive Fighting
Human Ranger (Tactician) 2 | HP: | AC FF TCH | F/R/W: | Init +
DM:
Elijah, walks down into the pit. He grabs his pistol as he walks, checks it again, almost obsessively, to make sure the right annoying is in place. He enters the arena, and sees the wretched devil come into view, I wonder if you're the hellish son of a b*$#~ that did my father in? If so, I hope he helps me put you out if your existence.
He watches, as the bearded monstrosity flinches, giving him the opportunity to react first.
Instead of going forward, Elijah raises his pistol and waits for his enemy to make the first move.
Ready an action to fire silver billet when devil is within 20', then move 20 feet away to break up the straight line charge I have seen the devil do on multiple occasions.
Attack of Opportunity:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Damage:1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12Fortunately I think your Fast Healing will preemptively prevent (hah) Infernal Wound, so you don't have to worry about that for a bit at least
The devil still manages to get a slash in as you try and duck away, your wounds, though better now, still painful enough to slow you down.
You spin and once again try to launch your arrows, but you rush, and the string slaps against your wrist, causing your hand to go numb.
Critical Fumble:1d4 ⇒ 1 -1 ab for 1 round
Charge attack:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
The devil once again rushes in, trying to keep you off balance and off guard. But you're ready, and roll out of the way just in time, praying your luck continues to hold.
HP 48/48 || AC: 19; T: 15; FF: 14; CMD: 18 || Fort +4; Ref +6; Will +7 || Init +8; Perc +11 || Spells 1st: 5/5; 2nd: 4/4 || Judgement 2/2 || Bane (rounds) 5/5
Legaine rolls back from the devil's last attack, putting just enough distance between him and the enemy. Legaine can't stand another wound from that hellish weapon, and he knows it, so he focuses on felling the beast before it gets a chance. Drawing two more arrows, he nocks one and fires, watching it burn into the devil's flesh with baneful energy. A second one quickly following, he plants it perfectly in his mark.
