Galin moves to where he has a clearer view of Steave's assailant, calling upon his divine patron to give him the strength to fight this new foe as he fires an arrow,
Abelard squints some more as she fades into view. "That right, lady? Well, I just slayed me some demons so you ain't much of a step up."
With that, he charges at her, his falchion moving at blinding speed as it carves into her.
Wirod o freuddwyd a niwl, cwmwl ei meddwl a safle! Glowing mist rises from the floor sparkling in a myriad of colored lights. They sparkle and wink and flash in a dizzying pattern about Hossila's eyes.
Steave has Corruption Resistance
"Coward!" Steave yells as the glaive carves a bloody track in him. As he takes a deep breath, Abelard charges past him. With Abelard blocking the passage, Steave throws his longsword at Hosilla and pierces her in the gut.
Theran will move up, but without a way to get into the fight, he'll keep ready to attack any for that approaches.
Forgot ACs again because I am an anal sphincter.
Hosilla: 18, T14, F16
Galin called on Arqueros. The empyrean lord looked on him with favor and Galin felt fate bend to his advantage. He loosed a shaft at Hosilla. It turned just slightly in the air to match her dodge, striking her shoulder.
"That right, lady? Well, I just slayed me some demons so you ain't much of a step up." Abelard said as he charged forward, moving past Steave and Galin to batter past Hosilla's hastily-raised guard and slash across her hip. She staggered, the injured leg slow to answer her commands.
Yridhrennor beset Hosilla with an elven enchantment, her eyes clouding over with puzzlement.
Steave healed himself, damned Hosilla for a coward, and threw his blade past Abelard. It went home straight in Hosilla's gut, throwing her back. She gaped in astonishment as her glaive fell to the ground and she tumbled backwards. She fell flat on her back, sword sticking straight up, and went still.
dammit
Well done!! Staeve! You're a true hero! Like any in Thoran Althingr's Annals of the Crusades! All of you are! Such brave and true Crusaders. Heroes, all. Not... not like me. I was useless yesterday, and I couldn't support anyone today.
Falfaerel bite Yridhrennor's nose, hard. Stop that! You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Boohoo your magic didn't work! Boohoo, you couldn't hit the backside of an ox with your crossbow. Who cares? Abelard's blind and he still does just fine. Get a hold of yourself. Spank your inner moppet. And do better next time! You're such a bother!
Yridhrennor rubs his nose and looks about the hallway. Falfarel... care to investigate?
Abelard walks slowly over to the corpse, making sure it's dead. With one eyebrow raised, he pulls Steave's sword out, and walks back to return it to the crusader. "Neat trick. Nice to have up your sleeve. You'll maybe have to show me how you did that some time."
He puts a hand on Steave, healing him of some more damage.
Falfaerel will flap off and investigate. He holds his grumbling until he gets back. A good grumble is best enjoy whilst alive, after all.
"Thanks. I've been crusading for many years. Just takes practice." Steave replies as he accepts and sheathes his longsword.
When the group is ready, he takes the lead again.
Falfaeril follows the tunnel for some distance, finding that it winds about but seems on a steady upward slope.
While he's away, the crusaders examine Hosilla's camp. In a wooden case, they find a gleaming longsword of superior craftsmanship. Its blade appears to be made of pure gold, yet honed to a razor edge and with none of the weight that gold would normally have.
Also within Hosilla's belongings, they discover a note:
Hosilla,
You will remain, for the time being, in Kenabres. But know this: The city's days are numbered. Seek a place of safety-the den of your mongrel lackeys should suffice to keep you safe from the devastation to come. I shall assume command of Drezen shortly, and once Vorlesh has finished with the Wardstone and Kenabres is longer of interest to us, you are to return to my side. Excellent news regarding the salvage of Yaniel's sword from the museum as well-bring it when you come. Our masters will breathe upon it and it will serve them.Before you leave for Drezen, stop at Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod. The passphrase remains "I've new material for the archives." There, you will ensure no evidence of us remains.May Lord Deskari and Lord Baphomet watch over you.
-S.V.
Falfaerel returns and settles on Yridhrennor's shoulder as the elf opens his books and begins frantically researching. The diviner's tongue pokes out and settles in the dust of Hossila's camp and reads. Some of these names sound familiar....
Yaniel, Yaniel's Sword, Drezen, Topaz Solutions, Tower of Estrod, Nyserian Manor, Vorlesh
Yaniel's Sword (since, item)
Drezen, Topaz Solutions, Tower of estrod, Nyserian Manor, Museum
When he's done researching, if he deems it safe, he holds the golden sword in his hands, attuning himself to the magic locked in the sword.
Two years later, Yaniel returned at the head of a small army of crusaders she freed. She returned a more mature and sober woman and shamed the senior crusaders. She soon set off into the Worldwound again, this time not alone. There the lilitu Minagho slew her in her sleep. Yaniel's followers carried her blade back to Kenabres, but the enemy took her body.
With Yaniel's death, the sword's blade went dark and its once-great powers fled. The crusaders placed it in the Gray Garrison as a museum piece. The Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth stole it months ago. Yridhrennor knows that Radiance once held great power, but the stories about it sound more like the powers one would wish it had than those they knew it displayed
The sword does not radiate magic.
Abelard whistles at the sight of the sword. "Whew! A little light for my tastes, but you gotta admit, that's a blade that'd get you noticed - and then some."
He waits patiently for the elf to study the notes and tell them what it means. In this battle, having the right information is like having another sword by your side.
If anyone does not have room to carry the wooden case with the gold sword, Steave will strap it to his backpack. He's clearly getting ready to move on when everyone else is ready.
Yridhrennor tells all he knows from the his research, with frequent (and most times unhelpful) interjections from his familiar. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. It's possible this blade can be retired to its former glory. In any event, they want it, so that's reason enough to keep it from them. I recommend once we are free of this place, we stop the invaders at each of three locations in the town. Or, what's left of the town. We may be able to stop further distruction..
"Sounds like a plan. Let's first get topside. Then, we can figure out what to do first depending on where we are."
th.thank you Staeve I um. Thanks.. He grips husbands and follows then Staeve. There was more adventure to be had!
th.thank you Staeve I um. Thanks.. He grips husbands and follows then Staeve. There was more adventure to be had!
th.thank you Staeve I um. Thanks.. He grips husbands and follows then Staeve. There was more adventure to be had!
Saito brought up the party's charges and Horgus harrumphed loudly at the mention of Nyserian Manor.
"That cannot be so. I know Kando Nyserian! We have had very good business dealings. He is an honest man and a hard bargainer. One of his servants must have betrayed him. One never can get good help..."
"The ways of the Abyss are forever twisting and beguiling," Teofil said. It sounded like a quote from somewhere.
"Be that as it may," Anevia said. "We must take this information to Ira- the Eagle Watch as soon as we can. If we only go ourselves, then it may die with us."
Steave intently listens to everyone and concludes, "we first need to return topside to the city. Where we go after will depend on where we emerge. Let's press on."
Yridhrennor nods A wise plan. Falfaerel, lead on
The bird rumbles but takes wing, exploring the passage head, cautiously
Steave's words improve Horgus' disposition a bit. The crusaders press on, following the tunnel through several bends as it slopes upward, before ending in a series of ladders that Anevia and Teofil navigate with some difficulty. The ladders eventually reach into Kenabres' sewers, where the party find and dispatch a handful of manes and dretches before at last gaining the surface.
They emerge to find the city in ruins. Not a hundred yards from the sundered grate that admitted them, a chasm cuts deep into the ground. Darkling fires lick its fringe and flicker within. Where the land itself remains as it was, deep trenches cut through the middle of buildings like the furrows left by a titan's club. The tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St. Caldwell, once the city's greatest landmarks, are gone. Not even their ruins remain visible from the party's vantage. Every building still standing shows scars, from soot stains and broken windows to entire walls staved in. Fat buzzards wheel above, weaving in and out of the red smoke and black clouds that fill the sky.
The Worldwound has come to Kenabres.
"The Worldwound has come to Kenabres. Does someone recognize where we are? Of the three places of the cult that Yridhrennor identified, which one is the closest? Are there any potential safe havens close to us? Let's list our options and determine the best course of action." Steave calmly concludes despite the hell on Golarion.
Abelard shakes his head, wearily. He cannot see the worst of the destruction, but the smoke in his nostrils and the cries of the feasting buzzards tell their own story. "If the Worldwound's here, there ain't gonna be any safe havens, I reckon. Best to see what we can do afore night comes."
He grips his falchion and gives it another twirl. The cold iron blade that he forged with his own hands has served him well; it has even shed demon blood. But he has not yet tracked down the self-styled Magister Eustache. He shrugs, and puts his personal vendetta to the back of his mind. Yes, he has a responsibility to avenge Ginny - but other responsibilities are now his, too. There's a bigger picture; or there be, if'n I could see, he thinks to himself.
What... oh.. oh my yes. Um.. sure.. Yridhrennor trails off for a moment as he sees the devastation of his city for the first time. After a long pause he shakes himself a wake, gripping his staff tightly in his hands. Um.. let me see... Falfaerel fly up and see where we are.. The bird mutters an oath and flies up into the air, returning quickly to whisper in his elf's ear.
Falfaerel flies up, soon returning with word that the crusaders have emerged in the southeastern corner of Kenabres, not at all far from the walls.
Given Yridhrennor's knowledge (check at 29 w00t) of the city, which of the 3 super bad places does he think they're near?
Given Yridhrennor's knowledge (check at 29 w00t) of the city, which of the 3 super bad places does he think they're near?
Yridhrennor thinks they're closest to Nyserian Manor, but it's still some distance away. After that would be the Tower of Estrod, then Topaz Solutions. The latter two are all the way on the far side of Kenabres. The manor is around the middle of town.
"If it's all the same to you fine crusaders," Horgus said. "I would be happy if you could see me to my manor. If it stands, I will be safe there for a short time. It would be on your way, I think"
"And I should no longer be a burden to you," Teofil said. "I'm not sure if... It you could guide me to the Blackwing? Someone there could help me. And if anybody knows what to do now, it would be the Riftwardens."[/b]
"I hate to make this all three of us," Anevia said. "But I can't do anything except slow you down. My wife and I live on the North Side, if we still have a home. It is on your way if you go to the Tower or Topaz Solutions first. I'm not sure where Nyserian's manor is. Could be inconvenient for you."
Abelard nods. If they're about to have more combat, best if they aren't slowed down. Plus, they have a responsibility to their companions. Abelard is big on responsibility.
"No point zig-zaggin' our way across town and back - Yridhrennor, can you put a path together that gets us where we need to? Best not to travel more'n we need to, I reckon."
Theran will nod as the others leave. "May the moonwolf always look over you."
He nods at the blind seer. "the more we travel, the more attention we draw."
"Right, so we have the 3 cultist locations, Lord Horgus's manor, the Blackwing, and Anevia's home? What's closest? Let's go there first. Hopefully, we can find a bunker before nightfall when demons have the advantage." Steave looks at anyone who appears to know the city well.
Um... Yes.. This I think this works.. Yridhrennor takes out the map and makes markings with some charred wood.
Um... Yes.. This I think this works.. Yridhrennor takes out the map and makes markings with some charred wood.
Yridhrennor thinks the most efficient itinerary as the familiar flies would be this:
1) The Blackwing
2) Nyserian Manor
3) Gwerm Manor
4) Tirablade House
5) Tower of Estrod
6) Topaz Solutions
However, between Kenabres' remaining fortifications (It's built on a hill, concentric walls, etc.) and the chasms, there are two better routes as the crusader marches:
The first takes the crusaders up from the Gate District into New Kenabres, then back down into it again later on.
1) The Blackwing
2) (Up into New Kenabres) Nyserian Manor
3) Tower of Estrod
4) (Back down into the Gate District) Topaz Solutions
5) Tirablade House
6) Gwerm Manor
The second route proceeds through the Gate District first, then loops up to finish off in New Kenabres.
1) The Blackwing
2) Gwerm Manor
3) Tirablade House
4) Topaz Solutions
5) Tower of Estrod
6) Nyserian Manor
The latter route would also deposit all the party's charges where they'd like to go before heading on to known cult bases, if that's a concern.
"The first one is the same. Let's start there and discuss later."
Agreed.
Agreed. Yridhrennor sighs and Falfaeral takes off to scout their path. Every day, I question why I have that bird as my familiar. Now, I am thankful for it.
The crusaders and their charges set off toward the Blackwing, with Saito hanging back with Anevia and Teofil to ensure they safely navigate the debris-strewn streets. Following the rough path of the chasm near where they emerged, but with many detours around collapsed buildings the crusaders draw near to an armorer's shop. It seems to have escaped most of Kenabres' travails, but rough voices from within reach the street through its ajar door:
"This here's a nice one!"
"Quit playing with the goods and help me find the strongbox. Got to be here somewhere."
"I'm telling you, there's this plague. Ain't going to be sod all what takes gold around. Find us some food and a quiet place to die."
"Belt up, the lot of you! Get to taking the things what ain't marked, not that helmet, so we're safe enough when the army's here. You know what they'll think if they see us with a master's forge mark on anything."
The sounds don't slow Theran. Petty crime is nothing compared to the evils that face this city.
"Hail, looters of the armorer's shop!" Steave pauses and hails the looters. "There is safety in numbers. You are welcome to join us seeking shelter."
He stops and turns to be ready for the likely backlash.
"Hail, looters of the armorer's shop!" Steave pauses and hails the looters. "There is safety in numbers. You are welcome to join us seeking shelter."
[dice=Diplomacy (improve attitude)]1d20+8
Silence fell for a moment before a voice called back, "Who's out there?"
Abelard nearly chokes as Steave calls out - that's taking hospitality to the very limits of the word. Best be careful.
He keeps silent, peering into the distance where the sounds came from. His hands grip the hilt of his sword; the one he forged himself. He has considerably sympathy with the looted armourer; and rather less for those doing the looting.
Still and all, life is suddenly desperate. Best not to rush to any hasty judgements.
Falfaeral snickers Hail looters... come and join us, he says. Boy, can you pick 'em, elf!
Hush! He's being noble and brave! Yridhrennor looks on appreciatively. And, he's right, there's safety in numbers.
Can't you keep it your pants, for once? I've seen Callistra priests with more discerning tastes.
When did you meet a priest of Callistra?
Your father's party last year. You had those glasses of honeywine?
Yridhrennor's eyes widen in horror. Oh.. oh my. Now, hush, the Crusaders are talking
"Crusaders of Kenabres. The Worldwound has come here. There is safety in numbers in case demons attack." Steave replies and waves his companions to continue walking toward the Blackwing.
He stays on guard between the shop door and the street to speak to the looters if they decide to exit the shop.
"Crusaders of Kenabres. The Worldwound has come here. There is safety in numbers in case demons attack." Steave replies and waves his companions to continue walking toward the Blackwing.
He stays on guard between the shop door and the street to speak to the looters if they decide to exit the shop.
A man with ashen skin and two small horns rising from his brow cautiously stuck his head out the door.
"That so? Thought it was just the demons come up," he said. "We're out of the city soon as we can get ourselves armed. No heroes here. But since you're minding your own business and letting us mind ours, here's a good turn: your types ain't all dead. Some gathered up on Defender's Heart. Good luck to you. You'll need it so you don't end up like Terendelev."
Seeing a fight from which he can walk away, Steave nods in appreciation to the information while not trusting what he would reply. He stays between the looters and the companions until they are past the shop. Then, he hustles up next to Yridhrennor and asks where this Defender's Heart is with respect to their route.
Let me see...Yridhrennor pulls out his map and marks off a few places while Falfaerel takes wing. The bid lands moments later and pecks at the map.
Ah! By here it is!
Yridhrennor knows that Defender's Heart is a fortified inn erected just a few decades ago, located in the northeastern Gate District roughly between the Tirablade residence and Topaz Solutions.
So:
The first takes the crusaders up from the Gate District into New Kenabres, then back down into it again later on.
1) The Blackwing
2) (Up into New Kenabres) Nyserian Manor
3) Tower of Estrod
4) (Back down into the Gate District) Topaz Solutions
5) Defender's Heart
6) Tirablade House
7) Gwerm Manor
Or:
The second route proceeds through the Gate District first, then loops up to finish off in New Kenabres.
1) The Blackwing
2) Gwerm Manor
3) Tirablade House
4) Defender's Heart
5) Topaz Solutions
6) Tower of Estrod
7) Nyserian Manor