Rappan Athuk set in Nirmathas, Golarion

Game Master baldwin the merciful

"Call something to do away with the axe. We should all be alert: this may signal a response."

"Waaiitz! We needz thee axez to hilp weth thee shr'ines."

The drow speaks out about his concern. The axe is a beacon to you but it also serves a key element to hurt Orcus. There lies the dilemma. Of course, Karnog should probably try to commune with his deity for some guidance.

Eagerly awaiting information

*Karnog: I'm going to slplit this into two posts. The first post above is the immediate future. The next post will deal with other matters.

You'll want to link this post and the last one to your character sheet.

Karnog there were a few typos in the divinations above. If you can't make something out let me know.

Ohhhh, it might be fuzzy but I bet the dwarf with features similar to Duncan is actually Grimm. DM foreboding....

Kalim reflects upon the Void. Nothingness eating nothingness ad infinitum. He was a destroyer. He will destroy for any of his spear-brothers. New Dwarf was on probation. He was clearly mad, but most dwarves were, in his experience. If it came down to it, he would destroy Grimm with contained zeal.

Duncan finished his 3rd heaping of breakfast and sighed in satisfaction.
He was keeping his edge fine however and it was still (relatively) early so he only had 2 ales while he washed it down.

A fine start to the day. Now, I'm a late addition ta this group so I'm happy ta follow. Brother, Karnog, wha'd yer communion tell ye? Are we lookin' fer the Demon wench or headin' Below. I'd be lyin' if'n I didn't admit ta being anxious ta find me son and knock some sense into tha lad. I prepped me prayers fer battle so I'm ready when ye are

Our Creator has given me much in the way of information, some of which I do not fully understand as of yet. A couple of things did stand out, though, which bear on our current situation. The cursed axe must remain, well need it to help get rid of the Orcus altars when we find them. Fentonville will be attacked. Soon, and by a veritable army of the undead and demons. The leader of that army is one of the biggest and most powerful kind of demons, wielding a lightning bolt sword and flaming whip. If I'm correct in my reading, he took care of our Lt. Loreman problem for us. Finally, the dwarven infighting is definitely mixed up with these cultists. Grimm is working with a crown-wearing dwarf - your half brother, Grungsdi? The drow are entangled somehow as well, but I dont know what they're into."

Karnog drains his mug of ale with a sigh.

"And of course, most of these places will be warded against Good folks. My summons, regaining my spells - or yours, Duncan - will be impossible. After the battle here, we need to teleport back to where we met Meathead, and take out the altar there. That will be our first target."

"Oh right, I almost forgot. Another warrior will seek out path. I dont know who they are or how they fight, but my Lord saw fit to showing me a cloudy vision of another standing with us. Be on your lookout, I imagine they will stand out in one way or another."

Another adventurer?! Hell's, including me we got ourselves a veritable military company? Hope he's good with a blade. Between the Drow and yer Void witch we got plenty o'magics. You and I to keep everyone standin. Grungsdi, through ta be honest, E was on a staircase round a bend so I barely saw the swings, but Killin' a Nightshade, well that's damn impressive.
He looks at the Bard, Ain't seen ye fight yet, but yer voice and beauty gives away ye probably a bard of some ability?

Finally his eyes settled on Desmond, Mebbe the gods'll grant ye a barbarian, friend? Someone ta yell and chop fer ye while ye slip blades between a rib? Bwahahaha!
Duncan remembered some of the rogues he's travelled with previously at his comment and let out a hearty laugh. He'd barely spoken to Desmond but the opening encounter where the nude,drunk man ran away from an unfair fight was every bit the stereotype he associated with Rogues and thrives in general. He found then quite entertaining and they possessed a grave and skill the dwarf respected, but he knew not to put high expectations on such men as they usually fled if their lives were in mortal danger. He always assumed it was a lack of faith.

He did slide a full Ale over to the human, however to show him the jest was playful and not meant to be an insult.

"You know, Duncan, if this dungeon and army of demons doesn't kill us all, that just might be a good idea. Form a legitimate mercenary company to travel the lands and put right what's been done wrong. With our skills and abilities, most folks would be hard pressed to counter us, and adding armies or allies would only increase our power. But first, we need to root these cultists out and destroy those altars. Plans for tomorrow need must wait."

I'm going to let a few more hours pass before to let others jump into the conversation. I'll check back later and start to more the story forward.

<bells><ring>The Raging Orc's doors smash open. "Troop movement. We are under attack from the East, West, and North. They're split'n our defense. They're coming at us from different directions...avoiding the new walls."<ring><bells> the sounds of boots and armor clang from outside.

How are you guys going to do this? The attacks are coming from the three sides Kalim and Karnog were not able to shore up last night.

A small gnome, some of you know him already, slips inside the doorway to the saloon. "There you are. Korg's leading the defense along with Talberd the Grey. They are at the North defenses. Folks we need help...we need your help on the East and West defenses."

"Part of me says to split up, cover each side, but I dont know if that's wise. With undead and demons, we could be overrun too quickly for aid to come help. Do we know what kind of foes approach, Walter? Do they have different armies on the different sides, or just a massive horde swarming from all angles? Also, did anyone see a large winged demon wielding what appears to be a lightning bolt sword? If so, that's the side we must really to and defend."

"I observed several Vrocks circling above, but they appeared to be aerial support." He shakes his head back and forth, "I haven't seen or heard of that demon you describe." He exhales, "Korg and Talberd were defending the North from an assault led by three Glabrezus."

"There are undead hordes shuffling forward from both the East and West, but I don't know what manner of evil commands them yet. I'm sure, it'll be ugly."

He stands proud and pulls his light mace, "I've gathered a small retinue of fifteen people to reinforce the Southern defenses that you shored up last night, just in case, there's a shift." He shakes Karnog's hand, "We are stretched thin. We need you. We will surely falter if we don't hold both East and West fronts."

Felicitas ponders for a moment.
"We should make a sortie to the one side, and then swiftly return to the other. In force we can inflict many more times the damage than alone."

May Gods look lightly upon us, and give the strength, and faith to overcome such and evil assault, we have a lot to live for."

"Walter's right, I fear. Well need to hold each side independently, at least until we can slay whatever is commanding that force. Felicitas, you have the right of it. If you can Sally forth, do some damage, then get back safely, great. The longer we keep them off the town defenders, the better. With Duncan, we have almost a pair of each of our specialties. Duncan, Desmond, and Nym can make one physical, divine, arcane strike force, while Grungsdi, Kalim, and I make up the the other. If we could somehow amplify your voice to carry across the town, Felicitas, to aid both our groups, that would be ideal. As it is, its probably best to have you work with Nym, Desmond, and Duncan. If able, Aurora can serve as our eyes in the sky, and communicate via mindmagic to update us on the battlefield conditions."

Looking forward to this.

Yer sending the Sneak and the Drow with Me? Then ye best stay close Rogue. I ain't got the legs ta chase ye if'n ye wander off. Still I can summon a Lillend ta keep ye standin if'n ye ferget ta duck.

He looks quizzically at the Drow.
Ye not carrying much, ye got some fire balls or somethin' useful? Fill me in on yer abilities on the way peoples. I'll be the anchor. Think o me as a cross between Karnog and Grungsdi if'n ye never worked with a Warpriest. Now, songbird, if ye don't mind pointin' the way?

Before motioning to leave, Duncan pulls a Bright Shining coin on a leather throng and ties it to his breast plate.
Got a continual flame spell cast on it, wards off darkness and makes me more obvious to the boss. Also, come here you lot.

He brings his shield to his armour in a clang and flash of light, then moves about the room touching Himself, Desmond, Felicias, the Drow and Karnog
5 is me limit, one hour o flight each

This will be worthy of a song I predict! Today we drive back this evil. Kalim and Karnog and I plan to outslay your side Duncan! Think you can keep up?. Grung loads up his sling and makes ready.

I'll update tomorrow, I'm giving everyone some time to chime in.

"We are Alpha Squad! IT WON'T EVEN BE A COMPETITION. TO SLAUGHTER!"

Desmond gives a wicked smile. "Don't worry, my luck in battle is as good as my luck with women." And with that unambiguous line he turns to Kalim. "Please, this is war. You'll tire yourself out in a few minutes. 100 gold says I have a higher body count than you."

This will be worthy of a song I predict! Today we drive back this evil. Kalim and Karnog and I plan to outslay your side Duncan! Think you can keep up?. Grung loads up his sling and makes ready.

Duncan winks.

Kalim's cackle is unnerving.

"Spearbrother Karnog! Spearbrother Grungsdi! To war! To THE war! For existence! Every man and woman here to fight, or other identity, know that I was an am a spearman, barely trained and armed. I have won and will win based on will and determination! AND SO SHALL Y0U ALL!"intimidation: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35 Kalim tries inspiring the troops.

Those that can hear Kalim's speech begin to bash their weapon against shield or butt the ground. "AS ONE!"

"Very nice, Kalim. Very scary indeed, perhaps we can direct some of the terror tactics against the incoming enemy? It doesn't seem like a good idea to frighten our own soldiers before combat, eh?"

Little late to the party rough week at work. I would like to interject this to the previous conversation.

The cursed axe must remain, well need it to help get rid of the Orcus altars when we find them.

When Karnog is finished relaying the information Nym speaks up. "Kar'nog, itz meybez e goood edea thet yooou car'rey the axe.Yooou sa'em lest li'ke'ley tooo bez cor'up'ted byz et"

He looks quizzically at the Drow.
Ye not carrying much, ye got some fire balls or somethin' useful? Fill me in on yer abilities on the way peoples. I'll be the anchor. Think o me as a cross between Karnog and Grungsdi if'n ye never worked with a Warpriest. Now, songbird, if ye don't mind pointin' the way?

Nym cocks his head slightly at the strange talkative dwarf.

Suddenly there is a a cold iron rapier in his hand.

"Des'man'd end I'z whare gooood ta'me en oer lest bett'lez. I'z de'strect he getz frem beh'end."

Kalim are you casting communal Stone Skin?

depending on that answer on the way to battle Nym will cast on himself Stone Skin (if Kalim doesn't), Shield, and Blur

Little late to the party rough week at work. I would like to interject this to the previous conversation.

Karnog Kegmeister wrote:

The cursed axe must remain, well need it to help get rid of the Orcus altars when we find them.

When Karnog is finished relaying the information Nym speaks up. "Kar'nog, itz meybez e goood edea thet yooou car'rey the axe.Yooou sa'em lest li'ke'ley tooo bez cor'up'ted byz et"

No problem, consider it inserted. It's been hectic.

Go a head and cast your communal spells before we get going. It will take each group 7 minutes to make their way to their respective sides of town, if there is time element to track. Lastly, the two groups can not see or communicate with each other unless by some magical means. This will effect Felicitas bardic performance, she will only be able to inspire the group she is near.

Immediately After using OVERLAND Flight on his group plus Karnog, Duncan casts DEFENDING Bone upon himself as they leave the tavern.
1 hour Flight for Duncan's group plus Karnog. 50points DR/Bludgeoning for 15 hours for Duncan

As they get within a few hundred yards of the battlelines,he pulls them behind a building to hide his casting1 minute out
Duncan pauses and asks his group to Hold.
He gathers them close by and casts COMMUNAL ALIGN WEAPON on his parties weapons, not bothering to do so with his own as his Focused weapon was considered good aligned already. Finally he uses his SACRED ARMOR ability to improve his defences
stack another +2 onto the enhancement bonuses of his Celestial armor and +1 onto his shield. This makes his current AC 39 for up to 15 minutes but the minutes don't need to be consecutive.

He then casts DEADLY JUGGERNAUT upon himself and Crusader's Edge on His sword.
For the next 3 minutes all the parties held weapons are Good aligned and Duncan's Longsword is Outsider Bane for 15minutes

There. Remember stay close ta me if ya need any healing. Hover off the ground a bit when fightin' ta give yer the high ground higher ground is +1 to attack

"Good fighting, comrades. Jeep one another safe, and well see you on the other side of this battle."

Karnog clasps hands with Duncan and looks him in the eye.

"May the Creator watch over you, and your Lady grant your swordarm strength and speed."

He then casts resist energy (communal) against fire for everyone. Desmond, Felicitas, Duncan, Karnog, Grungsdi, and Nym get 30 fire resistance for 20 min. Kalim gets 30 min.

"Let's head to the wall!" and Karnog ascends slightly and begins to fly towards the front.

Kalim gives everyone 150 points of Stoneskin, and casts Message between the two groups. For tactical reasons, not s!%@-talking! Really!

Oh please Mr DM give us 5 round of mowing through fodder so the villagers can see how awesome we are before the BBEG fight. https://youtu.be/4Vr7v_DRRyQ

Oh please Mr DM give us 5 round of mowing through fodder so the villagers can see how awesome we are before the BBEG fight. https://youtu.be/4Vr7v_DRRyQ

You've been in enough of my games you should know that there will be waves and waved of tough chewy fodder, before you reach the mid-tier baddies, then you will start to get tot the real meat of the battle. It should last rounds and rounds. With plenty of swarms because I know how much you all enjoy fighting swarms,

Posts one of two from Aurora's POV.

The heroes move outside and chaos of war surrounds them. The last of the warding spells take effect and the group separates into two.

Aurora takes to the air Felicitas how does Aurora communicate with you?

I'll get up the East and West battle lines later.

Post two of two from Aurora's POV

This post was orginally quite a bit longer but it was eaten by the board. Unfortunately, I did not have it saved when I tried to post last week.

I posted Aurora's view just as we were having all the issues with the website.

The party splits into two groups:

Group 1: Duncan, Desmond, Nym and Felicitas

Group 2: Grungsdi, Karnog, Kalim

I just need to know which group is heading East and which one is heading West.

The town's bell continues to ring it's warning. Men and women both old and young muster taking up defensive positions. A few officer types try to gather squads and obtain some order out of the morning chaos.

One soldier a few years beyond his prime looks at Karnog and says, "Which side you movin' ta. Figured I'd follow'r you the holy man." He smirks.

"We're heading west. Our other team is going east. You got a squad with you, soldier, or are you operating solo? Either way works for me, just looking to get a bead on our resources, ya know?"

Karnog looks the man over closely, wary of more demonic impersonators or other trickery.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 sense motive