Pakak listens, his thoughts reeling with the ramifications. Then he speaks, in low rolling tones "Not for nothing is this called the Worldwound, we know this. Since Aroden's fall, the very nature of the orb we dwell upon has stood at the brink of the abyss, with that 'wound' being the land that has been pulled past that edge," The dwarf grows impassioned at the mention of family, but his tones still controlled, "Our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, they came here to hold the line, to keep that wound stitched tight if they could not cure it. Now those stitches are torn, and the wound , unless closed anew will open wider and wider, the pull stronger and stronger, until, one by one, nation by nation, even sea by sea, all that is is consumed by the demonic infection that brings a pox of damnation that putrefies. You ask us if we are with you? I speak only for myself, but can any thinking being NOT be with you? Were we to flee to the farthest corners of this globe and the wound still opening, we would but delay our damnation. I for one, would rather stare into the heart of the abyss and strive against it rather to to turn coward's back upon it and flee, my last thoughts that better men than I died first striving, while I died later... doing nothing of worth."
Pakak takes another breath, and then finishes, "I am with you, I am with you all. They say 'to the end' but we are at the edge of the end already, so better to say, I am with you all AGAINST the end itself. I do not know what use I will be, but all I have, all I am, I shall fling against the darkness. If it had a face, I would spit at it."
"Let us ready ourselves for this coming battle. Is there any other information that we have regarding this woman, should we face her? All i have heard is myth and rumor."
Sir, Garith, unfortunately I do not know much more about her. She was instrumental in the forming of the worldwound but what her exact abilities are I do not know.
Reiko stands quietly by the door, surprised by her sudden inclusion. "My blade will serve as well, Lady. But... it sounds as if you intend to take the field yourself. How many warriors will you bring? It may affect our tactics."
indeed you surmise correctly that I will be taking myself into combat. I plan on joining you. You assault the Grey Garrison. I have made arrangement already should I not return. As a paladin of Iomedae I can not sit back and let the atrocities stand any longer. As for additional forces, the will be none with us directly. I have order though a series of skirmishes designed to draw defenders away from the Grey Garrison. The crusaders are to use guerrilla tactics to evade and prolong the fight giving us as much time as possible. Without knowing what the conditions or forces are inside it may take us many forays to finally overcome the garrison and destroy the wardstone.
Zeriax listens intently as Irabeth recounts the gathered information - "I am at the ready to carry out this mission as requested" - the monk comments with a grave tone - "Do we have any way of knowing what they expect to accomplish by tampering with the wardstone fragment, and what impact it would have in Kenabres?" - he adds.
Pondering for a few moments, and listening to his companions' words, he continues - "And are you planning a frontal assault of some sort, or an infiltration?"
By tampering with the wardstone it would turn and kill all non demons in the area. The sacrifice of cultists means little if they can bring about such a triumphant stroke to our forces. As for tactics master Zeriax, that is part of the reason I am coming with you. I do not know for sure what we will face and may need to adjust our plans immediately pending the information gathered first hand.
Pakak listens, his thoughts reeling with the ramifications. Then he speaks, in low rolling tones "Not for nothing is this called the Worldwound, we know this. Since Aroden's fall, the very nature of the orb we dwell upon has stood at the brink of the abyss, with that 'wound' being the land that has been pulled past that edge," The dwarf grows impassioned at the mention of family, but his tones still controlled, "Our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, they came here to hold the line, to keep that wound stitched tight if they could not cure it. Now those stitches are torn, and the wound , unless closed anew will open wider and wider, the pull stronger and stronger, until, one by one, nation by nation, even sea by sea, all that is is consumed by the demonic infection that brings a pox of damnation that putrefies. You ask us if we are with you? I speak only for myself, but can any thinking being NOT be with you? Were we to flee to the farthest corners of this globe and the wound still opening, we would but delay our damnation. I for one, would rather stare into the heart of the abyss and strive against it rather to to turn coward's back upon it and flee, my last thoughts that better men than I died first striving, while I died later... doing nothing of worth."
Pakak takes another breath, and then finishes, "I am with you, I am with you all. They say 'to the end' but we are at the edge of the end already, so better to say, I am with you all AGAINST the end itself. I do not know what use I will be, but all I have, all I am, I shall fling against the darkness. If it had a face, I would spit at it."
Would all of our brethren in arms be as impassioned as you are my good Pakak. We would rid the world of the demons and send them back to the hell they came from. I am glad to have you with us. Do not discount your abilities too lightly as I have a feeling you will save us all with your magics at some point.
Now, are there any further questions you have for me. I will keep answering them to the best of my ability. If not, then I would recommend you rest for at first light we head out to the Grey Garrison.
Reiko nods, content with the rough-sketched plan as no strategy withstands first contact with the enemy. She does speak somewhat hesitantly, "Lady, there is the matter of Aravahinal's goods... did you wish to discuss those now? Also, some of those present here have missing family. With your permission, I'd like to check the record of recent refugees."
Umm, oh yes. Thank you Reiko. That slipped my mind. It seems that Aravashinal has had some luck with the acolytes that you left him with. They were able to uncover a hidden ache of items that Aravashinal remembered. Although still bereft of his sight his memory is still sharp and proving his worth to us. Perhaps someday his sight could be restored to him, but unfortunately we o not have the means to do so at this time. In the stash was discovered some items that may be of help.
She sets down two sacks that contain: 8 cure serious potions, 4 potions of lesser restoration, 10 +1 evil outsider bane arrows, chime of opening, a wand of magic missiles (CL 5th 31 charges), and a wand of daylight (24 charges)
As for the missing family I will have some of my assistants go through the records and ask around. With all the upheaval though it may take some time and even then they may not have come here but left the city by themselves.
Zeriax stares at Pakak as he speaks - he had never listened to the arcanist dwarf articulate as many words - now that he did, he felt satisfied by it, his words bolstering his own resolve and will to at least try and make a difference in all of it.
Nodding at his companion, he cannot help but acknowledge his words - "I am honored to fight by your side Master Pakak, and you will not stand alone as you stare into the heart of the abyss - I will be there offering my bow and my protection"
Now, are there any further questions you have for me. I will keep answering them to the best of my ability. If not, then I would recommend you rest for at first light we head out to the Grey Garrison.
"I believe we know all there is to know for the time being Commander Tirabade, and indeed we have learned much today about the seriousness of the situation, as if the state of Kenabres was not testimony enough" - Zeriax stands - "We will adapt to what we found ahead of us, and be the best we can be for this city, and all of those that count on us"
Reiko watches the gifting, observing the interactions among the people she would (likely) be fighting beside tomorrow, trying to perceive the intangibles of the relationships. Unfortunately, three days of accumulated sweat and dirt abrading her skin draws her thoughts ever towards finding anything that would pass for a bath.
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"I appreciate that Irabeth," Garith says regarding his cousins.
"You are right Pakak. I take heart in your stone resolve, and slall stand with you, willing to give my last to protect you all." That said, the soldier in Garith takes over. "Pardon any presumptuousness on my part, but I would know more about you two," Garith says to Reiko and Irabeth. "We are to enter the breach and stand back to bach against the hordes of the abyss. We would do well to know eachother's strengths and weaknesses."
"I, unlike others of my calling, do not unleash Iomadae's wrath upon evil foes, but protect those around me from it its denizens. When the situation is dire you can stand within the aura of the goddess's blessing and I can offer protection to you. Otherwise, I count on heavy armor to protect me as i lash out with my shield and the Radiance, but i try to keep close to others to offer Flanks and the chance to heal if necessary."
"What of you two? Ryu would recklessly dive into the middle of a horde and lash out violently in a race to death. Will you be worrying me so, as well?" Garith asks, recalling the rather enigmatic warrior.
Excellent idea Garith. Personally I prefer to take on the largest most demanding target possible. It is my hope that by doing so after it is defeated it demoralizes the rest and makes a fight easier. It is interesting that you have chosen that path of Iomedae. Not all see that side of her as a protector. They see the warrior side only. I must confess that it is the warrior aspect that I follow more than the protector for I can channel her fury into my blade a limited time per day.
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Placing a hand on the hilt of the Radiance Garith says Our lady does manifest with sword And shield, does she not? I bear the Shield as best I can for those like yourself and Maelchar may be her sword. Mael and Samantha both make masterful use of polearms we can keep lesser enemies from interfering, or render assistance in taking down the greatest thread, depending on the situation.
My blessings are similarly limited. It is only against two enemies that I have strength to grant Iomadae's protection, and I must use my healing light to grant a shield to those beside me. Primarily i jsut try to stand in the way and present a target that can weather the fury of our enemies.
Reiko nods at Garith's reasonable concern. Her response is matter-of-fact, lacking any ounce of bluster. "A wise consideration is never presumptuous, Sir Garith. I fight as the needs of battle dictate - aggressive or defensive, single or allied, overt or stealthy... but I'm very rarely reckless and then only with purpose." She indicates her equipment with a small gesture, "These are my arms and armor, save my bow. I move swiftly, quietly, and gracefully - even in armor. With one blade or two, I strike hard and with precision." After a moment, the ronin openly admits, "As my armor is light, I'm pleased that you can offer protection and healing. In those areas, I am vulnerable."
Reiko glances at the others, gauging reactions. In their place she wouldn't trust words alone... "If you'd like a demonstration of my skills or a chance to spar - say the word."
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"Versatility is good, and if you are moble as Ryu, then fitting into tactically advantageous positions will be easy enough. I myself as rather battle weary, and not sure if i am up for a good sparring match. But your versatility in battle should make it easier to plan and more importantly, as Irabeth mentioned, improvise."
I still have the 2 con damage. Is there access to Lesser Restoration here? I'd rather not have a con damage going into this fight...
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"I am trained in the way of the Bow" - Zeriax interjects - "Even though it is my focus and it allows me to fire from range or even if engaged in direct melee combat, I am still able to fight effectively with almost any part of my body, as it was dictated by my training" - he adds flatly.
"I know demons and devils well - even though I have not extensively studied their home planes or organization, I have a sense for their phisionomy, and are able to place my shots with particular effectiveness against them - we have been at odds for a long time..." - he finishes.
Turning to Reiko he adds - "I will spar with you, if only because it helps me relax. I have no intention of evaluation your prowess - in the dire circumstances we find ourselves in, I would rather rely on a strong resolve and will to assist than any battle prowess, and you have demonstrated such will so far" - he adds matter of fact - "Perhaps we can meet downstairs before our meal time?"
"I am still able to fight effectively with almost any part of my body."
"I will spar with you, if only because it helps me relax. I have no intention of evaluation your prowess... Perhaps we can meet downstairs before our meal time?"
"That is most kind, Zeriax-san. I look forward to it."
Maelchar, fascinated with Zeriax's fighting style, goes down to the practice yard with the intention of sparring against a pell, or a fellow crusader, himself. Surreptitiously, he watches Zeriax and Reiko spar while down there, just mesmerized with their skills.
Would all of our brethren in arms be as impassioned as you are my good Pakak. We would rid the world of the demons and send them back to the hell they came from. I am glad to have you with us. Do not discount your abilities too lightly as I have a feeling you will save us all with your magics at some point.
Pakak thinks on this, then simply inclines his head.
Nodding at his companion, he cannot help but acknowledge his words - "I am honored to fight by your side Master Pakak, and you will not stand alone as you stare into the heart of the abyss - I will be there offering my bow and my protection"
Pakak clears his throat and responds with a simple, "Good."
You are right Pakak. I take heart in your stone resolve, and slall stand with you, willing to give my last to protect you all." That said, the soldier in Garith takes over. "Pardon any presumptuousness on my part, but I would know more about you two," Garith says to Reiko and Irabeth. "We are to enter the breach and stand back to bach against the hordes of the abyss. We would do well to know eachother's strengths and weaknesses."
Pakak nods, not just at the assurance, but at Garith's wisdom in knowing those they will rely on in battle.
As the warriors head out to practice, he rises to rest, and study, not just to replinish his spells, but to gain more knowledge of the threats to come. There maybe lore here that can better prepare him. Knowledge is the shield and weapon of the mind. Magic is knowledge honed and made concrete. May I wield it half so well as they wield theirs.
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Oh, zeriax they'll try to drag you down to the pits of hell, but then...
I appreciate the Resto, Samantha. Want to save potions till when we don't have spells since we get magic back in the morning.
Garith also watches the sparring, admiring the elegance of skilled unarmed combat. He does ask "Samantha, I am still... drained from the encounter with that foul plant. Have you any power left for any restorative prayers that may remedy this. I fear I may not be well by tomorrow." [ooc]RP-ing the resto. no real need to roll cause even on a 1 I'll be spiffy by morning.
Reiko pulls her swords and puts them aside. She frees the empty lacquered sheaths from her sash and uses them as stand-ins for the blades themselves. Weaving them in slow patterns of martial katas, she warms her muscles for the sparring session.
By mutual agreement, it will be a bout of taps and light strikes, neither warrior willing to risk injury given the importance of the mission the next day. The small audience doesn't escape the ronin's attention. While everyone was gracious in accepting her assessment of her abilities, she imagines there may be something more than idle curiosity for some of those watching. Reiko elects to demonstrate some of her skills while battling with the archer... the better to remove doubts.
When the match commences, Reiko slides in fast and silent. The noise of her 'blades', armor, and footstrikes barely rises above a whisper. The sheath in her hand jabs towards the archer's eyes, hoping to cause him to involuntarily blink, to mask her next move. The ronin dives, tucks into a ball, and rolls through the monk's deadly hand-to-hand range, trying to get behind him before he can lash out with a foot, knee, or anything else. Using the waning momentum from her roll, Reiko slides into a standing position on the archer's flank. She is rewarded by not feeling the impact of Zeriax's fist or foot.
The rest of the battle is a blur of motion for Reiko - strike and counter-strike, block and sidestep, slash and jab. She can't say whether she or Zeriax bested the other. They both land more than a few solid blows.
For those that have shared their path with Zeriax, it is a strange sight indeed seeing him depositing his bow and arrows away from the sparring area - to anyone observing the monk's actions, a sense of reverence is evident, as he calmly removes the weapon and quiver to lay them carefully side by side.
Removing also the remaining gear, he goes into what seems to be a short moment of meditation - standing up straight, eyes closed, his arms stretched downwards, palms facing outward. After a few seconds he bursts into a series of controlled, practiced, controlled movements, warming muscles and honing reflexes.
When the sparring is engaged, he defers to Reiko for the first movements, and is surprised at her agility and speed.
In spite of her blinding first swing, the monk is able to see through the ruse, and is well aware of the woman's movement - in spite of his presence of mind, he is however not able to prevent her from rolling through his immediate vicinity - his foot lashing out and connecting with nothing but air, as she is already behind him in an advantageous, and well chosen tactical position.
Whirling around he nods in appreciation of the intelligent approach to the practice fight, and instead of lashing out, decides to attempt and revert the situation - charging directly at Reiko with balanced steps, he seems ready to jump in attack, but veers at the last moment, first left, then impossibly quick, to the right, spinning around the woman, his back actually touching the flat of her blade as she attempts to stop him with a slap.
The logic of the movement is similar to Reiko's, and only the way it is carried out is different - the end result is the same, Zeriax unraveling the woman's maneuver to recover his position, the monk now flanking her, a fist dashing ahead, and a gleam in his eyes.
The Tien is an agile fighter, and the combat is only balanced because she is fighting with the flat of her blades - else, and against a Zeriax battling without his bow, she would probably prevail - since both of the sparring opponents have accepted their handicap, the confrontation is actually, and uncanningly paralleled - Reiko's slashes are lightning fast as well as the monk's fists, feet, and elbows.
They square off for a couple of long minutes, sometimes one pulling ahead, landing a touch on the other, but overall there is no way to tell if one has pulled ahead or not. At the end, beads of sweat forming on his brow, arms and legs, Zeriax offers a smile and a bow - "Very well fought Reiko-san. You have the grace of the crane, the agility of the monkey, and the quickness of the snake - I congratulate you on your abilities and training" - he comments after the spar, with reference to some of the Tien fighting styles - "Thank you for the opportunity, I appreciate the level of engagement and focus"
Reiko bows low, smiling. "I'm glad I don't disappoint. We must do this again some time, Zeriax-san. You have much to teach me... Given your skills here, I look forward to seeing what you can do with your preferred weapon."
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"Well fought you two. I've yet to see you battle in earnest bare-handed, Zeriax, although it is quite a surprise to our foes, to be kicked with such severity by an archer," Garith says clapping a hand on the back of the monk. Then turning to their newest member, adds, "And while I cannot say I look forward to seeing you use live steel, I am glad to have you in the field with us in the coming conflict."
Garith is ready to bunk down and roll out in the morning
Reiko acknowledges Garith's words with a nod, "That is most kind of you. Unfortunately, it is the irony of our age that to achieve peace, sometimes, we have to fight for it."
Zeriax acquiesces to Garith and Reiko's words - "And it seems fight we will Garith and Reiko-san"
That night the group sleeps fitfully as each and everyone of you have dreams and nightmares. In the dreams it seems as if you are nothing but droplets of water riding on the current of your existence. The current picks up pace before you are dropped as if from a waterfall and crash down to the ground. Instead of stopping though you travel through the ground for a ways. There you wait as the world continues on above you unknown and unseen. The air around you starts to get hot as you burst from the ground in an explosion of steam. In this form you rise above the city and are able to look down upon. At this height the cold starts to envelop you all and form you into one large drop. You descend again this time towards a squat stone building in the heart of Kenebras. As you fall you see that you are not just some random bits of condensation that came together but instead are the formation of a single solitary tear coming from the right eye of Iomedae as she watches the horror and travesty of what has happened to her temple. From the left eye that shimmers slightly as if looking through a thin veil a second droplet falls moving quicker than the large tear until it catches up. The tear and the droplet then merge together to finalize the descent towards the Grey Garrison and put out the fire that burns from below.
At first light the group heads out under Irabeth's instructions. The group is actually the third one out from the Heart as others have left to provide the much needed distraction in the hopes of drawing out troops from the defended temple. Picking your way through the city it takes you almost 2 hours to reach the spot where you can see the front of the Garrison.
A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the Gray Garrison, an aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more-nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. Two hideously obese, naked men armed with scythes guard the Gray Garrison's entrance.
One of the men is a rotund version of Kandro Nyserian,the proprietor of the Grey Garrison
One of the men as a bloated version of Lord Hulrun, the leader of Kenebras.
Varian creates a lucerne hammer and casts lead blades on it in preparation of engaging with these bloated, disfigured beings.
"WHo or what are they? They look like they should barely be able to move, let alone fight."
Reiko glances at the figures before ducking back into the ruined building they occupy. Her eyes slide to Mael, "The second one appears to have once been Lord Hulrun... Master of Kenebras."
The ronin checks the keen edge on her katana and touches the dragon scale in her bandolier, activating its holy ability. Her dark eyes suddenly glitter with a silver reflectivity. She looks to Garith and Irabeth, awaiting their thoughts as the de-facto leaders but offering some viable options. "Shall we attempt to draw them in or assault from multiple directions?"
Challenge (1):
Resolve (1):
Iajutsu Strike (1):
Darkvision (3): x
Shield of Faith (1):
Hero Points (3):
Effects:
Darkvision - 20 hours
Zeriax confirms Reiko's observation - "And the other one is a is a rotund, bloated version of Kandro Nyserian, the proprietor of the Grey Garrison, or maybe former proprietor" - he adds - "I don't understand what we are facing here - are these distorted copies? Have those men been somewhat perverted by the demons..?"
The monk's eyes survey the scene as best as possible, trying to discer other opposing forces - "They seem to be armed for combat, and on guard duty"
Zeriax the 2 people look like the skin is hanging a little loose even though it is bloated.
Having relentlessly chased demons for the last two years, Reiko has gathered a small store of information about her quarry. She tries to identify the skin-wearers.
"Something is defintely off with their skin..." - Zeriax comments with his companions.
Pakak takes the rear but frowns and mutters, "Grayskin? Could their bodies have been violated by necromancy?"
With almost everyone from the group contributing you guys know that the 'humans' before you are actually vermleks.
CE Medium outsider (chaotic, demon, evil, extraplanar) lnit -1; Senses blindsense 30 ft., darkvision 60 ft., scent;
Perception +8
AC 15, touch 9, flat-footed 15 (+3 armor, -1 Dex, +3 natural) hp 30 (4d10+8)
Fort +8, Ref +0, Will +5
DefensiveAbilities: abandon flesh,flesh armor,negative
energy affinity; DR 5/cold iron or good; I m m u n e electricity,
poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10, fire 10; SR 14
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft. Melee scythe +6 (2d4+3/x4) or
bite +6 (1d6+3)
Special Attacks inhabit body
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 3rd; concentration+4)
3/day-mass inflict light wounds (DC 16), spider climb
1/day-gentle repose, summon (level 2, 1d4 dretches, 50%)
You know from your knowledge of the nobility that the previous lords of Kenebras are usually interred with honor at the Kite. Since its destruction though you are not sure what would happen. Your religion doesn't tell you what the next alternative should be but you know that a suit for a demon is definitely not one of the next options.
Pakak whispers his own studies to the others.
Since his own weapon is already cold iron and can bypass the demon's damage resistance, he turns to Samantha, Zeriax and Reiko and asks, "Do any of you need assistance to bypass the damage resistance of these creatures? I can make your weapons good aligned for a little while."
Reiko frowns at the revelation of what they face. She pulls her second blade from its sheath, preparing herself. "Vermleks... My blades won't bite as deep as I'd like but they will bite if we can flank these creatures."
At Mael's words, the Tian woman smiles broadly, "That would be a large favor I'd be hard-pressed to repay, Maelchar-san."
Maelchar prepares to make Reiko's blade good. When the group is ready to move out it will be one of his last actions before actually moving.
"I have a cold iron warhammer, and a cold iron dagger...both are of use to any of you who wish them as long as you use them well," Pakak says.