The Righteous Shall Rise...

Game Master verdigris

Round: surprise, Initiative: 18

On seeing the yellow-eyed demon dogs, Cole quickly sets down (drops) the dollhouse and draws his bow - stepping 5’ ahead to try and protect Klarah.

In the house: "Thank you for this gift. That is very kind considering the difficult time this city is suffering." Grasker will wrap the toy back up and stow it safely.

With the dogs: "Wise indeed to escort them back.. "

Round 1
Grasker will draw his sword and move to the front of the group, ideally where if the dogs approached the civilians or our archer they would provoke an attack.

Surprise Round, Init 20

Eli whispers under his breath. "Love, help me protect her..." He stands his ground, hoping to strike quickly when the time comes.

Cast Lenore's Favor

Round Surprise, Init 21

Serra will cast Snapdragon Fireworks, sending a sizzling fiery dragon at the lead dog, the will drop into his soldier's stance, his long ranseur at the ready.

1d4 ⇒ 3 Fire damage & Dazzled (DC 15 Reflex for 1/2, no dazzle)

Reserving the right to 5' step once the map is up...but shouldn't matter as he acts first in round 2.

Surprise, Init 16

Beagan is taken aback by the torn torso. "Big R' be with us!"
He casts Mage Armor on Xanthos.

The Holy Mount steps smartly forward before turning, growling as he prepares to charge the mongrels.

Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Laina: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
D1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
D2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
D3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Klarah: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Surprise Round, Serra,Ely, Beagan and Grasker

Serra notices the dogs and sends a zippy little firework off to draw their attention. Ely calls upon his beloved for strength. Beagan casts a spell to protect Xanthos in the upcoming trial, Grasker, draws his sword and moves to the front to protect the civilians.

Begin round 1... Serra, Laina, and Ely are up. The map has been fixed, please make sure that your token is in the correct place.

Round 1, Init 20

Eli moves forward, intent on showing dominance against rabid dogs. "Aaaahhh! Off with you mongrels!!"

Hammer: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28 for 1d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14 damage

Confirm Critical?: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23 for 1d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7 damage

reflex for doggie 1 vs fireworks: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The lead dog snarls and shakes his head as Serra's firework finds the tip of his nose. He sneezes, sending a wicked slobber shower out around him, but doesn't seem to take any damage.

Round 1

Ely swings his hammer at the first dog, striking the beast in the head, dropping it where it stands. If this frightens either of the remaining two dogs, they don't show it, but slaver even more. One way or another, they will eat well today!

Round 1, Init 21-

Laina draws a dagger, and steps closer to her mother to protect her.

Round 1, Init 21

Serra 5' sideways, lowering his ranseur, as he sends another firework at the dog (2/4). He sends the snapdragon low around the ground and around both the dogs before hitting the lead dog.

He prepares to slice any doggie as they come to attack Ely (or himself).

"Stay behind me while I tender to these curs! Kastor, guard the women!"

Tender?
It's a word, look it up.
Yeah, it's how you like your gooseberry sausages, fatso.

Serra looks glum for a moment, then realizes he has people to protect, and re-focuses his energy.

Readied Attack:
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 to hit;
2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8 damage.

Round: 1, Initiative: 18

Sorry, Cole jumped the gun and tried to act in the surprise round when he was, in fact, surprised. So he’ll act now correctly.

On seeing the yellow-eyed demon dogs, Cole quickly sets down (drops) the dollhouse and draws his bow - stepping 5’ ahead to try and protect Klarah. With his remaining action he takes one shot at the nearest creature.
Bow (cold iron): 1d20 + 8 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 3 = 15 (point blank, cover) damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 (point blank)

Round 1, Init 16

"Horrid Hounds!"
Xanthos takes Beagan's exclamation as direction and charges forcefully towards the nearest dog.

Charge and Power Attack
Bite: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 + 2 = 71d8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

Xanthos' massive bite apparently scrapes into the ground next to the nasty canine.

The surge ahead catches Beagan off guard and he draws his sword after the charge.

Round one, in process

Serra shoots off another fire work, sending it sizzling on its way to the next dog. Once again it sizzles and flickers at the dog, but doesn't seem to damage him. He readies his ranseur for the impending attack and steps to guard the civilians.

Laina draws her dagger and steps closer to her mother.

Ely takes a mighty swing and clobbers the first dog.

Cole, seeing the dogs for the first time, drops the dollhouse and pulls his bow, taking a shot at the second dog. He hits as well, drawing a snarling whimper.

Beagan and Xanthos charge towards the dogs, but aren't able to connect.

Grasker is up, and then the two remaining puppies!

Round 1

Grasker joins the line up of warriors facing down dangerous dogs, and attacks the same dog that Cole pinned.

Radiance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 91d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"I appreciate your enthusiasm Sir Serra, though let us win first and celebrate second!"

Grasker thinks about the unimpressive opening vs some hellhounds:

Give a knight a toy soldier and he brings sparklers to battle. This must be first world thinking spreading from our bunny knight.

I'll need to be extra paranoid to make sure I don't succumb... if I don't turn into a dog's breakfast.

Grasker steps up and swings at the dogs, but misses as he considers the dangers of the world around him.

Round 1, Init 4-3

The 2nd dog, having seen what Ely's hammer can do, attacks the man with the mighty weapon. 5 foot step towards Ely

dog 2+smite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12 plus possible trip if it hits

dog 2 trip?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 vs Ely's CMD?

dog 2 possible crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The second dog takes a vicious bite out of Ely's shin, but is unable to pull him off his feet.

Meanwhile, the third dog snarls and attacks Xanthos!
dog 3+smite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13 plus possible trip if it hits

Klarah, her arm yanked out of the dollhouse as Cole drops it, pulls her foot back and kicks the archer in the shin!
k: 1d4 ⇒ 3
klarah on Col: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 technically, I guess Cole get's an AoO on Klarah, since it's an unarmed attack

Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Laina: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
D1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
D2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
D3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Klarah: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Round 2, Init 21

Serra, Laina, and Ely are up!

Round 2, Init 20

Eli bellows in pain and frustration at the hound, certain he won't walk the same from the muscles being ripped from his calf. He finds balance by planting the hammer behind himself, only barely getting it into position. He almost returns the full favor.

Hammer: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25 for 1d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11 damage

"Three! You are always so bold when you travel in threes, eh?! Three became two, but you were too blinded by your hunger!! It's your hunger that'll undo you!"

Round 2, Init 21

Serra will send yet another snapdragon at the lead dog, this time sending it to spin around Kastor (who is bravely protecting the NPCs), around his legs, up his torso, around his chest and up his back, finally making a quick halo before he finds its target.

Serra himself will seek to hamper the dog's next attack on Ely.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 vs. DC 10 to aid AC (+2)

Serra sends another of his fireworks out, the tiny little flame dancing in a circle over and around then up about 3.5 feet before it begins to glow a lovely gold. Just when you think it will it explode right there, it spins again, and zips over to the dogs nose. Again the only damage it does to the dog is to make it sneeze.

Serra then uses his weapon to distract the dog, the better to protect Ely so he might take another swing.

Round 2, Init 21-

"No, Mama! Don't! He's on our side!" Laina tries to keep her mother from attacking Cole in her fear.

Cole, Beagan, and Grasker are up.

Round: 2, Initiative: 18

Cole just manages to dodge out of the way of the angry woman, but he does not attack her beyond a glare. He five foot steps away to get some space, and attacks the dogs (#2 first).

Bow (cold iron): 1d20 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 3 = 22 (point blank, cover) damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12 (point blank)
Bow (cold iron): 1d20 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 3 = 4 (point blank, cover) damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14 (point blank)

Crit Threat Bow (cold iron): 1d20 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 3 = 17 (point blank, cover) damage: 2d8 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 + 2 = 20 (point blank)

Cole's arrow goes right through the 2nd dog's eye and out the other side, dropping it where it stands. Klarah stops her wriggling against Laina's restraint, staring in awe at the shot.

Beagan and Grasker are up!

Round 2:

Radiance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Grasker takes another swing at the strange dogs, hopefully connecting this time with one.

"Well shot Cole!"

Eli blinks twice strongly, and traces the arrow's path back to Cole. "The demons will have much to fear if you keep up your skill, master Cole. I'm only glad to hit from a distance, so you'll have your space to work your shots."

Round 2, Init 16

Beagan is temporarily distracted by the flaring dragon that flies from Serra's hand (Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2) and as Cole's arrows smash into the nasty puppy. "Send that hound to hell!"

Xanthos keeps his focus and strikes at the foe. Power Attack
Bite: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 1 = 151d8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 3 = 14
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 = 111d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 1 = 151d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Between the snapdragon, piercing arrow, and Xanthos' attack, Beagan squeezes hard to stay in the saddle. Ride(DC10): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

The Gnome remains on his mount and swings his sword against the beast.
Sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The brave gnomish knight rides his trusty steed into battle. Xanthos, not content to wait for the others to put down the abomination, bites back at the remaining dog, ripping it into pieces and spitting it back out again at Grasker's feet.

And we are out of initiative!

"Well.. another victory over madness. The city is blessed to have such able warriors as you all, my friends."

Cole smiles at the shot, pats his new bow, and gathers up his miss. I seem to be hitting my stride at last.

low is bad: 1d2 ⇒ 2

He replenishes his arrows from his pack, having forgotten to do it after the last battle. Absentmindedly he turns to Klarah at last and apologizes. "Sorry for dropping the doll house, but I had to protect you against the dogs."

He hoists the doll house back up and readies to continue on to the Defenders Heart.

Klarah studies Cole as he apologizes, "Next time, you hold the doll house and I'll protect you!" Her chin tilts stubbornly, but she sticks her arm back into through the window as far as it will go and is ready to continue on with everyone else.

"Well.. another victory over madness. The city is blessed to have such able warriors as you all, my friends."

Laina puts her dagger away and nods, agreeing silently.

Cole sighs inwardly but keeps it to himself as he shares the burden of the house and marches down the street.

Serra exits his soldier's stance and looks over the dogs and what they were eating more carefully.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Perception

* * *

"We should keep moving."

Serra looks to Cole to lead them on to the Heart.

"Good work on finding them before they found us, Cole. We got the drop on them and that helped. Do that everytime."

Serra finds on the poor pitiful remains that the dogs dropped: 1 broken rapier, a MW mithril chain shirt, and 33 gold pieces in a small pouch with a hole in it. The remains seem unindentifiable without strong magics that the group lacks.

Serra grabs the grub, doing a quick rinse with Prestidigitation, and nods to Cole to continue on.

1d10 ⇒ 1 *grumble*

Serra spits out some arcane words, but his fingers get caught in his armor and he trips trying to get the new armor off the fallen.

Grumbling, he tries again.

1d10 ⇒ 10

With the looting done, he follows Cole to the Heart.

Before they depart, Beagan takes a gander at the dogs, wondering if they are natural beasties or if the yellow eyes and prickly fur indicates additional extra-planar nastiness has invaded the city. Or perhaps has simply corrupted the local fauna?

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Klarah's comment brings a smile to his face, as he chuckles and winks at the bowman. "Cole, you have a protector now! That's always handy for an archer!" At least that's what the Elves used to say.

Upon hearing Grasker's comments about the city being blessed, he frowns. "If this is blessed, I'd hate to see cursed..." But as he then looks at Laina, he relaxes at bit. At least we saved this girl. That's more than I was able to accomplish before. Maybe I am channeling some of Cathyra's blessing. "But of course we'll do what we can to help, the Big R' willing!"

As the Gnome is lost in contemplation, Xanthos remains alert on the trip back to Defender's Heart.

The rest of the trip to Defender's Heart is mainly uneventful aside from Klarah's occasional outbursts. Laina handles these well, but often startles when crossing large expanses of open terrain; Though she hides it well, she is not much more comfortable out of doors than Klarah.

Cole sees them to the gates, even going so far as to give the guards the password for them, but then urges the rest of the group back to their original mission.

"I'll introduce them to my father later. We need to check that other house before we lose the last of the light today. Let's get going."

Cole leads the group up to the next target.

Eli watches outwardly as Cole herds his cats to the safety of the Heart. He readies for the third site investigation by healing himself.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

When Cole is ready to lead them to the Tower, Eli follows briskly.

Serra follows Cole once the women have been heroically rescued and escorted by the party.

"I'm sure you can set your dollhouse up somewhere inside. Here is some coin if you need food, clothes or medicine."

Grasker will give some amount appropriate for the fantasy economy of the ruined town, perhaps 10 gold? He will deduct it from the leftover starting funds he had.

Grasker follows Cole to the final house.

"Thank you, Sir Grasker." Laina accepts the money gratefully and shepherds her mother inside.

The trip to the final cultist safehouse, the Tower of Estrod, is surprisingly uneventful. There is slight movement in the streets; cautious people doing what they do to survive, but most are more than willing to mind their own business as the armed group passes by.

The Tower of Estrod:

The sixty-foot-diameter gray stone tower is missing the bulk of its upper floors—some terrific force smashed its upper sections away, creating huge mound of rubble north of the building and leaving the tower now a mere stump with a jagged top.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Know (Local)

"This is the Tower of Estrod, eh, Cole?" Serra asks while adjusting his girth around a particularly chaffing section. "I had heard that this place was a library and reseachatory for the City. I wanted to see if I might find some books to read...something that might help us out. Even a copy of The First Defense of Lastwall."

Serra kicks a rock in his disappointment.

"Well, we can hope something survived. Let's get in there."

Serra enters his soldier's stance waddle, his ranseur in front of him, and marches to open the front door(s).

When Beagan sees the shattered top of the tower, he prays.
"Big R' protect us! Patting his friend. "Especially you, faithful steed."

Re-casts Mage Armor, assumming the earlier ones have worn off (3 hour duration).

Arcane Armor Failure(low is bad): 1d100 ⇒ 23 Forgot for first casting today
Arcane Armor Failure(low is bad): 1d100 ⇒ 39 2nd casting
Arcane Armor Failure(low is bad): 1d100 ⇒ 65

"Fiends beware! The day of blessed retribution is at hand. Right Grasker? You said we were a blessing."

The Gnome-bearing bunny trots up next to the waddling soldier, excited by what might be in the tower. "Serra, you think they have a copy of that knightly book?"

"Hmmm, sometimes tall folk don't make doors quite right for me." Beagan tries to pull the door open with his free hand (sword would therefore be sheathed), assuming by being mounted on Xanthos' back he could reach any nobs meant for humans.

Cole moves up toward the doorway drawing his bow as he goes. He takes out his scale, and activates the bolstering. He stands a little taller and prepares to storm the tower.

Bolstering Temp HP: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"Blessed? Oh, good idea."

Grasker casts Bless.

Beagan and Xanthos approach the door and try to open it, but it seems to be locked.

Eli watches Cole produce his Scale, and reaches for his own. He holds it in consideration. You have gone largely unused, Terendelev. I should mind you better. Eli touches the scale to his hammer. Align Weapon- Good

He watches as Beagan and Serra attempt to open the door, grasping the hammer in preparation for the evil which will inevitably flow through the door.

"Perhaps knocking this time is best, eh, Master Beagan?"

Cole motions to Beagan to step to the side. When he's in position, he steps to the other side of the door and raps on it loudly with his fist.

"You in there! Come'n out and say hello!"

Serra waits.

While doing such, he draws his scale and thinks of a happy smiling face to present when the librarians open the door to welcome them in with fresh cookies and smiles.

Serra becomes Aasimarra.

"You in there! Come'n out and say hello!"

Serra has a burst of remembrance and inspiration, that was no way nudged or reminded by anyone else, but a complete recollection of his own, uh huh.

"I've new material for the archives! Open up."

Serra gets his ranseur ready for whomever is inside and opens the door is no doubt hostile.

At the sound of the Passphrase, the door opens, the guard inside quirking a brow at the aasimar standing there with a ranseur in hand.

"Welcome, bro-uhh-sis-uhh... Welcome! Come in and bring the new material."

A second guard waits inside, their scythe in hand, though neither immediately attacks.