I want to return now to the surface and make it home as quickly as possible but safely. I have hired you hansomly and trust those to see the job accomplished. At the very least let us proceed farther today back to the other area we cleared out so it shortens the journey tomorrow. Then if some can press on to look then we know if it is safe to proceed all the way to the surface and get out from under all this damnable rock.
65: 3
52: 2
65+: 5
79: 2
39: 6
80: 9 S R
80: 2 B
50: 2
37:
95: 3 T S
19, 4, 16, 7, 14, 2, 17, 10, 12, 11, 13, 1, 15, 18, 6, 3, 5, 20, 8, 9
As the wards joined them in discussion, Oriana listened attentively, without interrupting the flow of positions and attitudes.
Turning her golden gaze on her cousin and the other members of her party, she spoke, "The nobleman Gwerm seems to have formulated a reasonable compromise. We could travel to the cleared cavern and determine whether we stay there the rest of the night and then continue forth to the land above after dawn prayers are complete. Pakak would still have his reading/studying time and we could plan, rest and heal."
Maelchar nods at Gwerm's suggestion and again at Ori's reiteration of the plan. "I agree, that gets us closer than here, and still gives time for rest and Pakak to advance his studies. Let's do that, but be polite in our declination of Chief Sull's offer of rest here. The Descendants have been most accepting of us and generous in their offer of future aid. In return we owe them some consideration and kindness."
"Agreed" - Zeriax nods at Oriana - "There is nothing preventing us from starting to move today, and get at least somewhat closer to what we believe may be the exit from these caves"
Listening to Maelchar's words, he adds - "I believe we have extended nothing else besides courtesy and assistance to the Descendants Maelchar - you believe we would be offending them in some way if we decided to leave?"
"Personally, I am ready to leave" - he finishes.
"Just saying we should decline their offer nicely is all, which I'm sure we will."
"If it will keep the peace," Pakak states.
Oriana responds quietly and dutifully to Maelchar's concerns. "Brother, we will treat Chief Sull and his people with the proper level of respect and courtesy. I believe he will understand our urgency to continue. I am most grateful for his services and alliance", Oriana gently strokes the magical morningstar at her hip.
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"Aye my friends, Let us advance to the caverns, and perhaps scout the terratory before us as we shall have time before nightfall. But we at lleast have time for a cooked meal before heading into the catacombes?" Garith agrees.
To the chief, with the group after discussing, Garith will bow, saying, "Chief Sull, we appreciate your offer to rest here, but we worry about the state of the surface, out homes and friends, so we wish to get closer to the exit of the catacombes. We appreciate your generocity, and shall bring work of your invaluable aid to those on the surface. We thanks you."
We can have a few people scout the rest of the path and see what's next and maybe advance further. Does Ria have her teamwork feat to work with today, cause then she could use someone else's stealth. Having a couple scouts would be good.
Working about a compromise to ensure that Chief Sull is appeased along with you benefactor in Horgus, the group takes a meal of fish and cultivated fungus before leaving once again. Passing through the town gives the opportunity to make some purchases along the way. Uloading some of the larger items of armor the group, lighter and less encumbered p, makes their way to the mongrel lair. It is with ease and relief tht nothing has moved in while you are gone.
Those that wish to can scout the passage ahead to see what will be in store for them tomorrow. As the path is mainly straight forward without side paths, it is fairly easy to find your way. However there are some obstacles in the path that require you to maneuver around taking time. After 60 minutes of travel you rech the end of the path. Before you is a worked stone wall. Obviously there is a hidden door in the wall leading up tot he surface.
If you want to open the door need perception check of 20 to find out how to open it and a stealth if you want to stay hidden if you do open it...
Maelchar sees nothing but a blank stone wall and leaves it to others with sharper senses to find the way and open it quietly.
Looking keenly at the worked stone wall, Oriana discerns the outline of a door in the wall leading to the surface.
"There is a hidden door in the wall, here", she quietly advises the others and points to its location, as she contemplates how to open it.
"Zeriax, what do you make of this?" Oriana stands aside to allow the monk a closer look.
Looking to Garith, she quietly adds, "We open it on your order, cousin."
Working about a compromise to ensure that Chief Sull is appeased along with you benefactor in Horgus, the group takes a meal of fish and cultivated fungus before leaving once again. Passing through the town gives the opportunity to make some purchases along the way. Uloading some of the larger items of armor the group, lighter and less encumbered p, makes their way to the mongrel lair. It is with ease and relief tht nothing has moved in while you are gone.
Those that wish to can scout the passage ahead to see what will be in store for them tomorrow. As the path is mainly straight forward without side paths, it is fairly easy to find your way. However there are some obstacles in the path that require you to maneuver around taking time. After 60 minutes of travel you rech the end of the path. Before you is a worked stone wall. Obviously there is a hidden door in the wall leading up tot he surface.
If you want to open the door need perception check of 20 to find out how to open it and a stealth if you want to stay hidden if you do open it...
"Zeriax, what do you make of this?" Oriana stands aside to allow the monk a closer look.
Zeriax approaches the area pointed out by Oriana, examining it carefully.
"I stand ready for the door to be open" - the monk nods to his companions, stringing his bow.
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Once the door is found by Oriana and revealed to all it is a simple matter of pushing in the right spot to have it swivel open. From the other side you think it would be trickier to open without knowing where the release switch is, but since you know how it operates finding it won't be difficult for you.
Maelchar does his best to be silent while moving, but fails pretty badly compared to the others who stay up near the front.
Turning her head toward Ryu, Oriana discreetly enquires, "Are you moving forward with us, Ryu Tadamasa?"
The advance scout party tries to quietly open the door to get a glimpse of what the city has in store for them. Unfortunately it is beyond comprehension what has occurred. The tremors and demonic attacks have devastated the city, leaving it a smoking, apocalyptic ruin. Deep chasms riddle the city, while the paths of enormous demons have left ruinous trails of rubble extending out from the city's heart.
Above, the once-familiar skyline of Kenabres and forever changed-the tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St. Clydwell having been completely destroyed, while elsewhere plumes of dark smoke still rise from the smoldering remains of burned-down buildings. Fat buzzards wheel above in skies scarred by red smoke and black clouds. The Worldwound has expanded its borders, and now the city of Kenabres is enveloped in it.
The place feels deserted, yet it's never long before the scream of a fresh victim peals through the soot encrusted streets, indicating that number of survivors has dropped again. Evidence of violence lie everywhere,whether burned buildings, splashes of blood, or dead bodies waiting to be claimed by vultures.
Maelchar whispers hoarsely as he surveys the ruin of the city... "Oh... my... goddess... It's worse than I even imagined."
He weeps openly as he hears another scream and tenses as if to run off in the direction of the sound... and fights the urge. He turns and slips his arm around Oriana's shoulders and stands there weeping at the sight of Kenabras in such disarray... "Our land has fallen into darkness."
He wipes the tears from his eyes and steels his resolve. "We have much to do, Ori. I'll go get the others and tell them to come forward." He heads back to get Garith and the rest.
"Are you moving forward with us, Ryu Tadamasa?"
"I reckon that depends on if you need me, Angel-chan," he says with a dry voice, his lips twisting sardonically.
"Thing is, I wasn't too sure... but hey... well, you know where I stand," he says, his tone seeming to convey an entire conversation, though he doesn't say anything more about what he meant at this time.
He scratches his beard absently for a moment.
"But - seeing as you asked - I guess I'll tag along for a bit longer," he adds with a shrug.
Despite these words Ryu seems to have no particular interest in advancing ahead or moving to his usual position on point.
Instead, he hangs back near Garith for now with a somewhat disinterested look on his face at the carnage in front of him; as if such destruction was nothing unusual or interesting; but merely death - no more, no less.
The desolate sight of what once was Kenabres leaves Oriana mute.
The dark plumes on the horzion, the scream of a dying citizen among the eerie quiet of the crusader city overwhelms Oriana's senses. She wonders at all the people she had known in the city, the fate of her parents and twin, So'rien. She sends a prayer to Iomedae, that among the smoking, apocalyptic ruins of Kenabres, there is still a bastion of life and hope. How many survivours are there?
"So'rien went to seek our parents. We must discover in due course what has become of them and the other crusaders." The words were spoken to her brother, Maelchar, standing beside her, arm around her, visibly distressed by the sight of their destroyed home. She leans into him a little.
Watching a vulture settle atop one of the dead displeases her and so she picks up a large rock and hurls it at the scavenger -- striking it upon the wing; the carrion bird stating its displeasure via loud hissing.
She briskly nods her head when Maelchar offers to bring the others forward.
Once they are all congregated together, she turns solemnly to her kinsmen, comrades and three wards, and quietly enquires, "Where to first? Do we deliver the lady and lords to their respective homes? Or have you other plans, Garith?" The acrid smell of a burning, dying city assails her nostrils but she does not cringe. Her heart clenches yet still she remains stoic. Iomedae grant us strength and wisdom. Oriana's golden eyes glow brighter.
Pakak's eyes widen as he views the devastation. Dwarves are not prone to tears, but his eyes threaten to water at the sight.
Then Ori talks of parents, and his mind turns to Kin "Our clanmates...Torag preserve their souls."
A deep sigh escapes him as he tries to recover himself, "With the wardstone damaged, this area is truly lost another can be found and returned here. Not an easy task. We should thank the gods we were spared the worst even as we weep for the fallen and pray for their souls."
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seeing the devestation, Garith drops to his knees, "No..." his voice quiet, almost a whisper. "In my darkest nightmares I had not imagined..." after moments of silence, the paladin steels himself, rising as he takes a deep breath.
"Based on where we are, the Nyserian Manor mentioned in the letter is near by. We can see if there are any survivors or information in the library, on our way. The letter indicated that upon the destruction of the Wardstone, Kenebras was of no value to the demons, so they may be gone, depending, so we move with care."
After that, we can explore Gwyrm's Manor and determine wether or not it is safe, where our wards can wait, if they wish. Then we can make further plans once we know more," Garith says, voice hard as he holds back his emotion. Unlike other of Iomadae's paladins, Garith is a gentle soul at heart where there is little room for thoughts of vengeance, only the barest glimmer of hope that some may be saved.
can i take the oath against fiends? It replaces my aura of resolve, gives me an extra spell, and replaces a mercy at 9th level, so there's no conflict there. The tricky part is Holy Vessel
Holy Vessel (Su)
At 9th level, a paladin whose divine bond is with a weapon can also use her divine bond to augment her armor or shield with enhancement bonuses, or add any of the following armor or shield properties: bashing, fortification, and spell resistance. Adding these properties consumes an amount of bonus equal to the property’s cost (see Tables 15–4 and 15–5 in the Core Rulebook). She can divide her bonuses from the divine bond ability among her weapon, armor, and shield as she sees fit. This ability has no effect for a paladin whose divine bond is with a mount.
This ability replaces the mercy gained at 9th level.
Can i use the ability as noted in the latter bolded section, as it has the same effect regardless of what i am able to bond with at the start, and use my bond on a weapon?
Or at least on my armor?
Maelchar looks to Garith... His own face streaked with smeared tears and ash, he blinks back more tears as he views the city again and Garith's reaction to the sight. He sighs deeply as he nods in agreement with Garith's plan. "The occasional screams probably means there are still demons in the city, though the majority may have left for some more target-rich location. But I agree that going to the Nyserian Manor first seems wise. Then Master Gwerm's home is not far from there and we can get a better idea of what we are facing by the time we get there, and the other wards can decide where they'd like to go from that point."
He closes his eyes slowly, further tears that had been welling there squeezed out to run fresh tracks down his cheeks. "Would that I had not lived to see such days... And where is my family? What is their fate? Did Sori live to reach the surface and save them?" He looks to Ori as he ponders these things, knowing her loss is as keen as his own if not more so, as she is of their blood, her bond the stronger for that.
He looks to the sky at last... and stares... Where are you, father of my blood, and your heavenly brethren? Where were you during the fall of Kenebras? As he ponders, his eyes well with tears again, but he blinks them back, his face growing a steely resolve and his eyes taking on a grim glow.
"Let's go. We have a long way to go, the terrain will no longer be familiar and we may yet have to fight our way there. The Nyserian Manor should lie that way... I think." He points the direction he recalls it lying, though none of his landmarks are still standing.
He looks sidelong to Ryu, who is usually rushing off ahead recklessly and prays silently that he be more prudent among the ruins of the city and stay with the party.
Oriana pushes her hand against Malechar's and twining her fingers with his, squeezes his hand in show of familial support.
"So'rien is resourceful, brother, you know this. I am holding faith that he made it to our parents' side. Other than that, I cannot say." Her voice is husky with unspent emotion and uncertainty of the future. In her heart, Oriana does not feel the absence of her twin, and so she holds onto So'rien's memory until her eyes meet his again.
After a time, Oriana allows Maelchar's hand to gently drop away and she draws her magical morningstar.
She nods with Maelchar's assessment of the direction of Nyserian Manor and turns her focus onto Zeriax. "I am unsure if you feel up to the task of moving ahead of us to search for unexpected traps and such. We will be following closely behind, if you are."
Indeed the devastation that you see is only partially felt. All of you can see what has happened and know what the affects and ramifications must be, but none of you have felt the personal loss yet of knowing that specific family members or friends have died. There is still a glimmer of hope that specific friends and family members are still safe. As to what may have happened to So'rien and the parents of some some of you, their fate is unknown at this time. Somehow though you feel deep within that they are still alive. What their exact condition may be you don't know but alive is good enough for now and cling to that hope.
As far as the direct and immediate plans, now that you have seen the devastation before you, are you proceeding onward with an hour left of the black and red sky or retreating for the night to rest and prepare for the following day? No need to RP outtherest just need to know for spell and ability resets. We can continue on to the Nyserian manor without further ado, just need to know.
Traveling from one location to the next will take time. Hw much time is questionable but at least 30 min of travel for each leg of the journey. To get from h16 to I is that 30 minute time frame. During that journey there is a 75 % chance of a random encounter for each 30 minutes spent traveling. No maps needed for these encounters as we will just assume that you are 30ft away unless you are surprised.
The advance scout party tries to quietly open the door to get a glimpse of what the city has in store for them. Unfortunately it is beyond comprehension what has occurred. The tremors and demonic attacks have devastated the city, leaving it a smoking, apocalyptic ruin. Deep chasms riddle the city, while the paths of enormous demons have left ruinous trails of rubble extending out from the city's heart.
Above, the once-familiar skyline of Kenabres and forever changed-the tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St. Clydwell having been completely destroyed, while elsewhere plumes of dark smoke still rise from the smoldering remains of burned-down buildings. Fat buzzards wheel above in skies scarred by red smoke and black clouds. The Worldwound has expanded its borders, and now the city of Kenabres is enveloped in it.
The place feels deserted, yet it's never long before the scream of a fresh victim peals through the soot encrusted streets, indicating that number of survivors has dropped again. Evidence of violence lie everywhere,whether burned buildings, splashes of blood, or dead bodies waiting to be claimed by vultures.
Zeriax's usually stern visage gains a somber tint to it, as he gazes at what has become of Kenabres - "We have come upon the materialization of our worst nightmares" - he states, finding a slightly higher spot to survey their surroundings - "I wonder how many have survived, and the horrors they are living through as we speak"
She nods with Maelchar's assessment of the direction of Nyserian Manor and turns her focus onto Zeriax. "I am unsure if you feel up to the task of moving ahead of us to search for unexpected traps and such. We will be following closely behind, if you are."
Zeriax nods at Oriana's words - "The despairing situation the city finds itself in does not change what I am" - he smiles - "And that is why I am ready to do what is necessary - I will scout ahead" - the monk finishes with a grim look of understanding - "We make way to Blackwing Library first, and the Nyserian Manor afterwards, as suggested by Lord Garith"
With these words, he starts forward - after a few steps he stops momentarily, turning behind to his companions - "Before the opportunity is stolen from me, I want to thank you friends - for having accepted me at face value, and for having shown abnegation, laying your safety on the line for me, when we were beset back in the caves - I will not forget it, as I would probably not be able to have returned here without you" - bowing shortly, he returns to the task at hand - "Let us keep the distance of a charge between us - It will allow me to scout, but keep your protection at hand, if and when I need it?"
Oriana keeps to the required distance behind Zeriax, attempting to follow his steps as quietly as possible, keeping her eyes open for any possible dangers/threats or things of note and aiding in the scouting mission.
Maelchar, knowing he's not very stealthy, hangs back a bit, but not TOO far from Oriana, as he wants to be close enough to fight by her side if it becomes necessary, or even protect her, if he can. He keeps his eyes and ears open for threats from the sides and behind, as before him seems to be well covered by Zeriax and Oriana.
Following the precise directions given by Aravashinal you all head to the Blackwing Library. Along the way Aravashinal informs you about the library and its significance.
Indeed, I hope that the Library has remained intact and weathered the storm of the invasion. The Library holds many tomes of knowledge that were costly to obtain. In fact, and keep this a secret to your graves, there is a hidden vault at the library containing information that only select members of my order know about. These manuscripts could contain within them the necessary information to end the crusade in one blow should we ever have a chance to fully understand them and have the power to harness their knowledge. It is with great urgency that I want to search those halls to ensure my brethren are ok and to protect the lore gathered there.
As you go on with Zeriax leading followed by Oriana and Maelchar each 40ft apart, Zeriax rounds a corner of an alley to see three familiar cloaked figures. They are eerily similar to those you saw in the caverns below ground. They appear to be arguing about the route to head to the Library to pick up a shipment that needs to be sent out soon.
The alley is 20ft wide and you will have surprise on them and the first round as well.
Good guys up...
Cultists--30ft--Zeriax--40ft--Oriana--40ft--Maelchar and the rest
-- Surprise Round --
Zeriax motions for Oriana, signaling with three fingers up in the air and pointing forward, to the area where he has spotted the cultists. Not wishing to lose their surprise advantage, he strings his bow with a blunt arrow and lets fly at the closest enemy, making sure he remains around the corner, so as not to be charged by their foes.
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Maelchar moves forward 60 feet to catch up to Oriana and even pass her a little, though still back 20 feet from Zeriax. He tries as much as possible to make no noise, though it's truly a moot point when he sees Zeriax fire his bow.
Upon Zeriax's signal, Oriana moves closer to him (for a better look) but keeps out of ready sight of the enemy. She draws her longbow, notching an arrow, and when Zeriax lets loose his arrow, so does she at one of the other cultists within range.
Both Zeriax and Oriana manage to hit their targets catching them by surprise. Both are still standing but it is clear that both are in a world of hurt.
No need for Init and the cultists are ones you fought in the complex with the glaives.
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Pakak agreed with going to the library, finding it wise. The Lore we have must be preserved if at all possible.
He moves at a good pace, for a dwarf, but he still is a dwarf, and thus behind his compatriots by a good amount when they find new foes. He moves forward to close without getting too close.
The alley is 20ft wide and you will have surprise on them and the first round as well.
Originally it was everyone had a surprise action and then the first round of combat as well. I will adjust as needed though based on descriptions thus far. In short those that are melee oriented will be able to draw their weapons and run up into melee but not get attacks off due to the distance. Those taking ranged attacks will have a single attack followed by the full round actions as well. Hope that clarifies things a bit.
Originally it was everyone had a surprise action and then the first round of combat as well. I will adjust as needed though based on descriptions thus far. In short those that are melee oriented will be able to draw their weapons and run up into melee but not get attacks off due to the distance. Those taking ranged attacks will have a single attack followed by the full round actions as well. Hope that clarifies things a bit.
With her allies moving forward, Oriana stows the bow (move action) and makes her way forward 30 ft, drawing her magical morningstar (If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you may draw a weapon as a free action combined with a regular move.)
Maelchar charges forward, making a hammer as he does so, and lunges at the closest cultist when he is 10 feet away from the fellow.
Originally it was everyone had a surprise action and then the first round of combat as well. I will adjust as needed though based on descriptions thus far. In short those that are melee oriented will be able to draw their weapons and run up into melee but not get attacks off due to the distance. Those taking ranged attacks will have a single attack followed by the full round actions as well. Hope that clarifies things a bit.
Round 1 (I believe)
After their initial assault, Zeriax keeps up the pressure on their opponents, letting his arrows do most of the talking, but adding - "We would do well in trying to capture one of them alive, I believe"
His efforts in capturing an opponent, instead of simply trying to eliminate them, end up harming his aim, which is poor and wide.
Maelchar, Garith and Ryu take the opportunity to move and run up into position as they were 110 feet away originally. Garith and ryu adjacent to the cultists with maelchar back a step to use his longer reach. Pakak moves up as well but holds back a bit to not enter into melee range.
Oriana took a shot wounded one of the cultists and then double moves up to get closer to the ensuing combat.
Zeriax takes a first well placed shot injuring one as well but can not seem to find the mark with his following two shots.
Bottom of round 1
Recovering as well as they can the cultists take a step back and each of them cast a spell targeting one of the melee combatants in front of them. Each of Ryu, Garith, and Maelchar need to make a will save DC 14 or paralyzed in place.
If failed will save, target is paralyzed in place. As a full round action can retry the save.
Good guys up
[dice=will save dc14[1d20+4[/dice]