This thread is for Yogadragon's Wardstone Patrol table. Open for dotting and character introductions.
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Blue-black feathers glistening, Tchak walks in. His clothing is almost a glowing ivory soft leather, made from the skin of a white dragon. At his side is a finely crafted katana, festooned with blue and black silk ribbons. His beak is covered with tribal tattoos of the Snowmask people of the far north.
"I am the Falataima, but you may call me simply Tchak."
Mendev’s Pathfnder lodge in the capital city of Nerosyan is housed within Starrise Spire, a defensive tower in the outer wall whose pinnacle glows with celestial light that shines out like a beacon, simultaneously giving comfort to Nerosyan’s defenders and acting as a warning to any who might wish the city harm. Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury calls a short meeting on a covered balcony overlooking the city. A middle-aged Mwangi man with greying hair, he closes the door to the spire’s interior and takes a seat in one of the set-up camp chairs, gesturing for his guests to do the same.
[We Pathfnders of Mendev,” he states, making a sweeping hand gesture that encompasses everyone present, “have our own agendas, but these must sometimes give way to the greater need: the protection of this land and its people from the horrors that dwell in the Worldwound. “We are here by the grace of her majesty, Queen Galfrey of Mendev. Without her support, we would surely be run out of town by Hulrun’s more fervent followers. Our agreement with her states that all Pathfnders are required to volunteer some of their time in the defense of the realm. As relative newcomers, I’ve recommended you to take part in a minor military mission under the command of a veteran crusader named Sir Ilivan of Erages. Although he is not a Pathfnder, you would be wise to follow his advice, as he has been fighting the Abyssal spawn longer than some of you have been alive. I expect you will give him the respect he deserves.”
Venture-Captain Jorsal stands and opens the heavy wooden door leading back into the lodge, revealing a tall half-elven man clad in heavy plate armor, wearing a red tabard typical of the Mendevian Crusaders, and carrying a cavalry helmet in his left hand. He gives a professional nod to Jorsal before striding to the front of the group, surveying everyone with poorly disguised disappointment. “Pathfnders,” he barks in quick staccato without further preamble, “our mission is simple. The recent attacks on the wardstones have compromised our defenses, and the enemy presses its advantage. We have received word of attacks on Fort Portolmaeus to the north, but the crusader leadership suspects that other parts of the line may have been breached as well. We will proceed to Fort Portolmaeus tomorrow morning on horseback to assess the damage, using the passphrase ‘That the Black Prince might be redeemed’ to permit us entry. On the way there, we will scout for enemy movements
and other signs of demon activity. Once we have completed our assessment, we are to return to Nerosyan and you will be relieved of your obligations to the Crown. Do you have any questions?”
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wasted his life on a lie. He turned his evidence over and said goodbye
to his home, his family, and his former life. Maruka knows he’s missed
his adulthood, yet looks forward to discovering the world. In fighting
for his father’s redemption, he had become a gifted researcher, scholar, and intellectual, but after being refused acceptance to wizard schools due to his age, he’s had to pick up magical techniques here and there.
Sir Ilivan addresses the party, Not much for sure. But since the last major attack, the demonic armies have retreated to the interior of the Worldwound. This is most likely a probing attack by some lesser minions to test the the current efficacy of the Wardstones. Dretches, schirs, and brimoraks and their like. If you've not spent much time fighting demons in the past, I'd advise you to equip yourself with a cold iron weapon before we head out. We'll provide each of you with a horse to travel on, however we cannot spare any of our combat mounts for you. They are in too short supply to give out to every passerby who decides to fancy them self a crusader for a day.
Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit.
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"Tribal accents from when I lived amongst my people. I wear them as a remembrance. I am a skilled warsinger to bring forth the fury of battle for you all. I have a fair hand at some knowings but I think the old wizard here may be better. I am also a shield maiden and can stand along a shield wall if it comes to that." Valyssa says to the others.
"I overheard this in the local tavern which may be of use. The Mendevian Crusades began almost a century ago when a rift to the Abyss opened in the barbarian kingdom of Sarkoris. The church of the goddess Iomedae called the First Crusade, and it was largely a success. This is a new area for me. I shall ask around."
"There is a Sir Ilivan who rose from the ranks of the enlisted to become an officer and was knighted by Queen Galfrey. The half-elven soldier was a smuggler on Lake Encarthan before joining the
Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit.The knight hails from the half-elven settlement of Erages in Kyonin, where he had to endure prejudice and segregation throughout his youth. He later joined Kyonin’s military, but ultimately left his homeland after being discharged from this military for striking an elven officer. Sir Ilivan has become increasingly distant in the past few years due to the horrors endured by all soldiers who fight in the Mendevian Crusades. His most devastating experience involved killing a number of fellow soldiers while he was demonically possessed." Val tells the others what she knows.
Sir Ilivan gives you leave for a few hours to make preparations for your patrol. When you return, you find five horses saddled and ready to go, and Sir Ilivan making the final adjustments on his own mount.
Ah good. You're back. You can show up where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there - that's a start I suppose. Your horses are ready. Mount up and let's head out.
Your patrol takes you along the River Road, a normally well-used thoroughfare that follows the eastern bank of the West Sellen River. However, due to recent demon sightings you are the only travelers on the route today. Ser Ilivan leads the party. After you get underway, he begins asking the party some questions.
You pathfinders are a pretty varied bunch. What're your stories?
He nods along as you answer, but his eyes perpetually scan the road, looking for threats and you are unsure how much he is actually paying attention to your answers.
As you travel, Sir Ilivan periodically stops and holds up a hand and stares into the distance, as if he perceives some threat. Try as you might, you cannot discern what it is that he is looking at or for. He regularly interrupts your conversation to give orders to go check behind a pile of large rocks, or behind some tree, or even directing the party to take up defensive positions against some perceived threat that never materializes.
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Something very odd about this Elf thought Maruka, but he couldn't put his staff on what it was. Maruka resolved to keep a close eye on the Elf's behaviour before glancing around at the Monk, the Half-Orc and the young lady who had offered her healing services so freely and laughing to himself Who am I to call an Elf's behaviour strange when I myself travel with such an eclectic mix? .
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Zavita bites initially and starts to recount a recent adventure, I recently just got from the plane of water to investigate what happened on a exploration mission to re- She looks over at the half-elf and notices the lack of attention and calls him out on it. If you're not going to pay attention then why ask?
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Valyssa inspects her mount and saddle when it is presented to her by the Knight. She does this so he sees she has some measure of riding ability and she is not some coal-chewer.
As the group rides she listens to his off hand remarks about the Society and then she replies "I am a warsinger. Good in combat as well with sword and shield. In my past I have braved the Sargava wilds with others in a test of will and endurance, I also helped discover the origins of some strange storms in that area. I am useful outside of combat as well."
Ser Ilivan gives Zavita a glance, then grunts curtly when she calls him out on his inattention. After a bit more traveling, Ser Ilivan pulls his horse onto an overgrown path. He dismounts and begins tieing his horse to a tree.
There is an abandoned village up ahead. The demons have been known to use it as a staging ground in the past. We need to check it out and make sure it is clear.
Ser Ilivan leads you through the overgrown trail, and up a hill. Just before you crest the hill, he motions for you to drop prone and crawl the rest of the way.
An abandoned village lies at the foot of the hill on the banks of the West Sellen River, its decaying structures slowly melting back into the landscape. Between the hill and the village proper lie flooded fields sectioned off by raised, earthen walkways that converge on a larger, dry area.
Within the raised dry area, you see six peasants and a pile of dead bodies. As you approach, you hear yelling. Two of the peasants throw a pair of their compatriots to the ground. They then begin yelling at the remaining two, and pointing at the two prostrate humans. Eventually, the two being yelled at begin to beat and kick the two on the ground, while what seem to be the leaders watch and laugh.
Seeing the scene below, Sir Ilivan adresses the group, No demons here. It's not our business if a few cultists decide to come to this decaying village to beat each other. Hopefully they'll kill each other and not trouble us. Back to the horses. Without missing a beat, he turns and begins creeping back down the hill.
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"THere's something off about them... those two doing the 'coercing' don't even look human... I'm going to get closer as well..."
Tchak moves up closer to the 'cultists', but not to be taken by surprise, he draws his blade as he walks, arriving with it out and in his hand. He makes no attempt to approach unseen... When he gets close enough to be heard, he calls out.. "Hey! what's going on here? Why are you beating those folks?"
Ser Ilivan fixes an icy gaze on Zavita and Valyssa as they speak. You think you see his countenance softening for a moment, before hardening again.
Not our problem. If you insist on intervening, go. I suppose I will wait here so that I might warn you should a demon patrol show up on the road. Be quick about it, we have a long distance left to travel.
As the party walks forward, they begin to hear pitiful sobbing from the men on the ground in between blows. When Wei calls out, all the peasants turn to regard you (except for the ones that are on the ground bleeding. They whimper meekly, grateful for a brief respite).
Suddenly, with a hideous retching and tearing sound, the men directing the beating's faces bloom out like rotten flowers and a pallid, five-jawed worm extrudes itself from the ragged hole in the neck where, only a moment before, a head sat.
Valasa and Wei may act. Combat map is below my forum name.
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Seeing the sudden change Valyssa begins singing a warsong to encourage her companions strength in battle...and moves up next to Wei
Musta-Krakish,
Musta-Krakish,
The time has come, to awaken him.
I call upon the ancient lords of the underworld,
To bring forth this beast and,
Awaken, awaken, awaken, awaken,
Take the land, that must be taken.
Awaken, awaken, awaken, awaken,
Devour worlds, smite forsaken
As the Pathfinders move to engage the two creatures, the creatures move to engage themselves. The two demons step up and attack, while the peasants under their command take wide paths, attempting to distract the pathfinders so the demons might have an easier time killing their new prey. As the two groups engage, a third demon stands up and begins chanting in a demonic language.
As the chanting finishes, the demon looks around expectantly. When nothing happens it begins shouting loudly, which you can only assume is swearing.
The north peasant advances, and takes one swing at Valyssa with his club.
The other peasant double moves around to give the Demon a flank.
The blue demon advances and takes a swing at Valyssa with his scythe.
The yellow demon will 5-foot step and full attack Wei.
Valyssa
Wei
Enemies
Qatala
Zavita
Maruka
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Maruka racks his brains for memories of these familiar creatures before it suddenly comes to him. These are Vermelk Demons! he cries.
Maruka attempts to dismount his steed quickly
Swiftly landing on the ground, Maruka moves 15 ft behind Wei and loads his light crossbow
Hear me foul beasts! Your end is in sight and it will not be pretty!
[dice=Knowledge Plains Check]1d20 + 11 + 3
** spoiler omitted **
Maruka racks his brains for memories of these familiar creatures before it suddenly comes to him. These are Vermelk Demons! he cries.
Maruka attempts to dismount his steed quickly
[dice=Ride check, DC 20. pg 187 CRB] 1d20+2+2
Swiftly landing on the ground, Maruka moves 15 ft behind Wei and loads his light crossbow
Hear me foul beasts! Your end is in sight and it will not be pretty!
You can definitely recall some weaknesses. With a 31, you get 3 additional pieces of information. Since you asked about weaknesses, I'll tell you that they have DR 5/ Cold Iron or Good and negative energy affinity (they heal from negative energy and are damaged by positive energy). You can ask two more questions (things like spell like abilities, supernatural abilities, special attacks, resistances, spell resistance, etc).
Zavita - you should be at -5 HP right? You take the damage you heal via lifelink, correct?
Wei, I have added the extra +1 damage to your damage rolls.
Valyssa, what weapon are you using? Let me know if it is cold iron so I can add some more damage.
Valyssa lands a solid blow on the vermelk demon facing him, however it doesn't cause as much damage as he would expect. Likewise for Wei, who sticks his sword into the flesh of the demon. He bears down and pushes the blade further into his foe, dealing a grievous wound before removing his blade and preparing to defend himself.
Meanwhile, Zavita steps up and attempts to incenerate the demons. After the flames clear, the demons are singed and burned, but are largely unaffected by the flames. The peasant however, falls to the ground,covered in burns.
Qatala lashes out with her whip, but fails to connect on the demon.
As the demons prepare to counter-attack, the blue one steps back and begins changting like the brown one did earlier. After he finishes, some demonic runes appear briefly on the ground, there is a flash of light and then standing there is another demonic creature. This creature’s bloated frame shudders with each heaving step, yet despite its shape, the thing moves with surprising quickness.
The new, bloated demon points a finger at Qatala and chants in demonic.
Meanwhile, the yellow one will swipe at Wei with his scythe once again, aided by the peasant.
Finally, the brown one appears to be casting a spell. When he finishes, a pulse of black energy races forth from the brown demon. It seems to bolster and heal the other two demons, and then slams into Wei.
Valyssa
Wei
Enemies [/b]
Qatala
Zavita
Maruka
Status:
Blue -11, summon used
Yellow -10,1x Inflict used
Brown - summon used
Dretch - cause fear used
Valyssa
Wei -14 (16 or 18, depending on save) hp
Qatala
Zavita - 5 hp?
Maruka
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"Rise up from your thousand year-old sleep,
Break forth from your grave eternally.
I command you to rise, rise, rise, rise,
rise, rise, rise, rise."
Valyssa continues to sing to get the best out of her companions. She also readies an action to strike at whatever foe gets close to her sword swing...
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Hmm they can summon Dretchs. This can get crowded fast
No clue what they are casting.
Zavita takes a step back, as she absorbs more damage from Wei...
She then reveals her Ankh and a beam of light comes forth and strikes
and blinded for one round
Zavita-44/54
Wei-14/27
Valyysa-35/35
Maruka-34/34
Qatala-32/32
Maruka launches a crowwbow bolt at the demon, but it goes wide due to having to aim around Wei and Valyssa.
Wei retrieves his want and activates it. His skin takes on a sickly pallor, but his wounds begin to knit of their own accord.
Valyssa assumes an offensive posture and prepares to strike should a foe advance.
Zavita chants to her god, and a spear of light shoots forth from her Ankh. It strikes one of the demons squarely in the chest, expanding and growing into a blinding light. When it subsides, there is nothing but a scorch mark where the demon once stood.
Status:
Blue -Incinerated
Yellow -10,1x Inflict used
Brown - summon used
Dretch - cause fear used
Valyssa -Readied to attack
Wei -13
Qatala
Zavita - 10
Maruka