Way of the Wicked - The fall of Andoran, Chapter II (Inactive)

Game Master increddibelly

I'd like information about erinyes and what they can do. The library might give me a bonus or something?

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

While everyone else is busy with whatever they are doing, Sindran cleans himself of blood and gore and takes Cole to his private office to discuss his new position in the 9th Knot and to show him the lay-out of the Horn.

This just gives me an excuse to somehow know most everything on your character sheet and to make sure you can handwave knowing everything you need to know about the Horn and our plans despite being new. You're officially considered part of the 9th Knot so you have access to Sindran's information trove. This also means Cole will be added to the schedule of performing rituals. Anything specific about other characters such as their history or confirming that Talon is blade-bound--that is to say anything other than capabilities--should be asked directly of said character. Sindran will just redirect the question.

"Greetings, Cole Adams. I am Sindran Eithe," the half-orc begins, taking his seat behind a large desk. The manacles he used are on display on the desk, a subtle reminder of Sindran's position in the group. Cole is given a subtly uncomfortable chair that rests lower than Sindran's in height. "You have heard of me."

Outside, a fiendish-looking ogre with black flames dancing in his skin guards the door. "You have also Grumblejack, my friend, bodyguard, and second-in-command. If you need to get in contact with me, he is who you'll ask. Do not hesitate in approaching either of us for anything."

Interestingly, Grumblejack has more intelligence and wisdom than Cole.

"You've already been asked of your skills, but I'd rather ask you in person. Understand that we are a group. Understand the structure of our group. Each of us has our own areas of expertise, as well areas of deficiency. We need to know yours."

You don't need to reply, I'm assuming you'll say it. You've already told Talon the gist of it.

"Furthermore, you were the one who spied on us? Then tell us what holes you've used in our security so that we may either close them up or exploit it."

Again, not actually needed to be explicitly said. GM will say whether or not we can use that.

"We will assault the 7th Knot soon. Tell me everything you know about them. Tell me what you know of their capabilities, what they are likely to do, and where their bases of operation and safehouses are. Tell me what you've done in the past weeks while we've worked on the Horn, and what information you've gathered in town. Tell me Elise's relationship with the Baron. Tell me about your brother."

Who is Cole's brother? Assuming he's one of the ones listed, who will be put on trial.

I suggest two plans of assault. First, a sudden surprise attack. We have superior forces and information. Leave Elise no time to maneuver. Have we heard from Gabriel? Elise may have moved from her current location. When we get a definite location, all-out assault.

Second plan is to have Cole meet up with his brother. Do the 7th Knot know Cole has betrayed them? If not, we can use that. If yes, his brother may still be the weak point in their organization and we can use that. From there, we either divide and conquer or proceed as the first plan.

Better to do it subtly or to cover it up. The town thinking that the group at the Horn is defeated is definitely ideal since no one further will be investigating. Perhaps their disappearance will be said to be them going to the Horn to clean up the place. We can also use that as a lure to get that Victor's-Descendant-Guy to the Horn. No work to do and he gets all the glory. Failing that, Caladwhen can still use her charm and beauty to get him, but that's for the future.

The Baron was allied with Elise. We need to know where he currently stands. If Elise has retreated to his protection (here I go giving the GM ideas again), then this may be an easier or more difficult endeavor depending on the Baron's disposition and final allegiance.

We still require someone left behind in the Horn to defend it and perform rituals. Caladwhen is definitely going due to her vendetta. Cole is essential for information and as a proof of loyalty. Oret, Talon, and Sindran are either/or. You'll require a frontliner, so Oret and Talon will be useful. Sindran can stay behind, despite my liking of a fire vs. ice showdown.

We also need to add Cole to our Sanctity Ring link-up.

Suggestion:
Caladwhen-Nariel
Caladwhen-Talon
Talon-Cole
Cole-Oret
Oret-Sindran.

Sindran has a ring slot occupied, so he only has one slot available. If you need a ring slot for another ring, bring it up so we can redo the links.

[dice=Knowledge (planes)]1d20+13

Erinyes (Furies) are fallen angels - in the literal sense. Something happened to this Angel at one time which caused them to turn to the dark side. And dark they are: Merciless eyes, blackened (bloodied?) feathery wings giving them . Many kudos to you if you ever manage to get one to talk about it - but this is the reason why Erinyes are only ever seen working in pairs; no one but another Fury truly understands them.

In their previous lives, they used to tell stories of light and hope - now, they bring only vengeance and justice (of the violent kind).
Each Fury carries a long, leathery rope, which they lovingly craft themselves out of the flayed skin and hair of their victims. It's said that it's an unforgettable experience to see a Fury wield their rope.

Their gaze sees deep into their enemies' souls, stirring fear in their minds. true seeing, fear at will

""Tell us what holes you've used in our security so that we may either close them up or exploit them.""

Elise and the Baron are lovers now. She's got him wrapped around her finger. That will probably complicate matters within Farholde, but by now your minions have setup their own network if you need something done. Plus, Sindran is well connected to the harbor; Elise and the Baron are not. You don't need the Baron that much anymore.
The only thing the Baron has that you don't, is food. Minions go through a cartload of bread a weak, and the Baron's farms and wheatfields have really helped thus far.
You have money, though.

After finishing up some correspondence with her various operatives (including Gabriel), Caladwhen heads down to visit with Sindran and Cole. Entering Sindran's office, she wanders in somewhat absent minded manner a moment before adding "I hope our newest addition is acclimatizing to life at the Horn?" Finally stopping to lean up against Sindran's over sized desk, Caladwhen slowly turns to face the two men "So, we should be expecting Elise soon..."

I think a report on Elise from our operatives would be worth waiting for. I'd like to know if she is approaching the Horn with anything other than herself and fellow companions of the 7th Knot? I would assume they just think Cole is missing, since it wouldn't make sense for him to flee to the 9th since they are supposedly slain just recently.

Once we have some current details, we can plan our next best action. Caladwhen will send for word from Gabriel; a very important mission for T'larryo to execute post-haste.

Won't the towns rejoice and the ruse of the 9th being dead be short lived. The horn shoots green flame into the sky like a beacon. Once they see that still they will assume us alive.

We should strike tonight if we are to not wait on them. The Devils should be here in moments assuming they teleport here. The Baron is not a true worshiper of Asmodeus. He is in it for the money and has fallen for the witch. You should expect no more aid from him. My brother is lost to me. He chose the witch. If he lives then I will give him another choice if the Cardinal allows. If not then that is that. They know my loyalties lie with Asmodeus the Cardinal and the other knots. They tried to kill me and would do so again on sight I believe. There are a few weaknesses in the defenses. As a token of trust I will tell you of one now. The witch is smart and moves a lot but I believe they are staying in the manor with the Baron now.[/b]

Making and assumption here, DM correct me if I'm wrong.

An assault tonight would be good while the town and the sevenths guard is down. My favorite disguise is that of street urchin kids. People usually don't look twice at you. We could recon the manor. If they are out we could lay a trap there for their return. Or I have plan B. Plan B would be to have the Erinyes go to the Seventh. They will state the Cardinal has made them part of the seventh and sent them to continue the ritual upon learning of our death. They can tell Elise that hs is both pleased and angry. Pleased at her rooting out the weakness of the 9th but angry she almost cost them weeks of work and time. If they play to her ego enough she should buy it. They could then lead them here. Bring the Baron as well. I believe he has been curious to see the horn. We lay our trap and wait. Once here the Erinyess turn on the and we hit them hard and fast. Now we eliminate the seventh and I'm good enough at disguise too assume the role of the Baron. We can keep his farms and field producing for us. How does this sound to you?

Won't the towns rejoice and the ruse of the 9th being dead be short lived? [...] Once they see that still they will assume us alive.

*waves it away* isn't that just residual yahda-yahda-mumbo-jumbo, but that's just too difficult to understand for the common folk in Farholde?

The Baron is not a true worshiper of Asmodeus. He is in it for the money and has fallen for the witch.

Sorry - I need to correct this: Baron Arkov Vandermir absolutely is an Asmodean. That's the only reason he helped the Knots out in the first place, months ago. The rest of it is dead on.

There are a few weaknesses in the defenses. As a token of trust I will tell you of one now.

Don't overlook this - Cole has been spying on you, so he KNOWS some weak spots. The minions can fix this security hole in a few days of work for 2 Defense Points. Just tell them to, if you care about defense enough.

Or I have plan B.

Int: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Talon nods at the plan. Convenient that he offers up such a good plan.

Suspicious to the end!

Mwahahaha!! Got to keep you on your toes. Maybe I am a plant from IB. :)

I didn't plan on the Erinyes disguising themselves. The seventh seeing they are devils should help sell that they were able to teleport here to save the ritual. They only need to bluff and lie a bit.

K. Planes w/Bardic Luck: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

It may take some convincing the Devils. Pointing out an all out attack in the town could put all the plans here at risk should be enough to get them on board with the plan. They wouldn't want the Cardinal angry at them for attracting more attention to us from the town. Yes lets go that route unless you guys think otherwise?

At least Aerest was tolerable. Maybe this human will just have an accident one day...

Talon stays silent, but doesn't object to the plan as he mulls it over in his mind.

Character sheets on our enemies would be excellent, but that might be giving information you might not want to share.

You're right, though. And the horn will probably see some greedy 'vultures' who think it's easy pickings now that you're all supposed to be gone. Trickery is complicated...

All the more reason for a stronger, legitimate force to be occupying the Horn now, isn't there? Someone like that-guy-with-the-Victor's-heritage. Deters invaders, make people think nothing's wrong, weakens the forces of the enemy, and finally nets us that last piece of the ritual if Caladwhen can work enough wiles to get him to come over.

Don't overlook this - Cole has been spying on you, so he KNOWS some weak spots. The minions can fix this security hole in a few days of work for 2 Defense Points. Just tell them to, if you care about defense enough.

I care! Heitr having two actions means they can do even more for fixer-uppers.

Intelligence: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Sindran thinks the second plan over before finally offering his opinion.

"Still quite a risk. Erinyes do not act as mortals do. They might decide it more efficient to attack the 7th Knot when they're already so close regardless of consequences. They have only that single goal.

"A suggestion: If Elise is still unaware, and you must have the erinyes deceive them, simply have them tell her to go to the Horn under the Cardinal's orders and then refuse to answer questions. Close enough to the erinye's intentions of delivery. Elise will, of course, make her own conclusions."

How do the erinyes do the 'delivery'? Actually, my question is 'what needs to happen for them to be able to perform the delivery'?

"But try to keep the Baron alive; his food is what we require but not all that he can offer. Additionally, assuming his role will take too much time and effort. Despite being manipulated by Elise, he is still an Asmodean. If the plan goes well, he will do as we ask. And if he can't see the wisdom in abandoning the weakness of his lover, then I will be to glad to . . . remind him of his family's history."

The Baron is an afterthought, but he may be displeased enough to stop support after learning of Elise's fate. He is not bound by contract. He is only a fellow worshiper. That carries some weight, but how much is yet to be determined. The devil are lawful and have a task yes, but they are a knot none the less. The have to follow the loyalties as we do. They will not assault them if we make it clear that would hurt the Cardinals and our plans here. If we present the plan the right way the should follow. They are quite capable of lying effectivly. I think it will be less suspicious with the lie as opposed to saying nothing. Only a suggestion. I am the new member here. I will support any decision the group decides.

Meanwhile, upstairs, the evening dusk completed...

*cough*
*cough*
*wheeze*

The smell of something burning wafts in through the window of Caladwhen's study.

*cough*
a smoking ball of feathers lands crudely on Cala's table, moving notes and papers everywhere.

"*cough*, Caw! *cough* Evening, lady Aldimae..."

Lars looks around for something to dip his smoking tail feathers in, finally settling for Cala's wine - ruining a perfect glass of "The Blood", Jeggarian 4683.

"Your minion Gabriel sends his regards; he wishes to inform you that he believes Elise is completely fooled by our little ruse."

He pats his tail with his left wing, finally dousing the smoke, but he gets wine all over his feathers. " Furthermore, Gabriel plans to lead the 7th on a guided tour around the Horn tomorrow at noon. That's about all he had time to say - Elise is clinging by Gabriel's side, trying to win him over to join her cause. *grin* Failing miserably, of course."

Lars catches the deep red of the wine drops. Suddenly he looks up in shock, searching for the bottle...
"I...I...My apologies, mistress. I spilled The Blood. This is inexcusable. I just barely escaped, you see; two vicious, dark witches are approaching from the southwest, and one of them nearly took my life." with a tear in his eye, Lars carresses the bottle, and mumbles "What a waste... An excellent vintage...."

The 'dark witches' are probably Melinoe and Tisaera having a bit of sport on the way here.

curious - I've never seen Cala this quiet when a drop of wine was spilled; especially wine of this caliber... Oh well, just distracted, I guess.

Outside, the goblins patrolling around the Horn return smiling with fresh game; they say the wildlife just ran at them.
Indeed, from the southwest, sounds of all sorts of panicked wild creatures can be heard; they are running from the the forest, and apparently more interested in the 'from' than in the 'to'.

Then, one of your patrols blows a signal horn - but it stops abrubtly...

A goblin strolls from the forest, into the clearing around the Horn. The goblin is wearing a ... snake? ...wrapped...around its body...? The tail of the ...snake... cruves deeper into the forest.

As the goblin points at the horn and calls back over its shoulder, the snake wriggles up, around the goblin's neck, and suddenly pulls tight sharply,

"Urk!"

separating the poor goblin's head from the poor goblin's body.

"Despicable creature."

"Indeed, sister."

They don't waste words, do they?

Speaking coldly and decicisvely, two Erinyes emerge from the forest. The left one is wrapping her impossibly long whip (ah, not a snake, then...!) as the right one looks up at the horn, clearly looking for someone.

After mere moments, their patience is spent, and they fly up.
In a booming voice, both scream "FELLOW ASMODEANS! YOUR CARDINAL HAS SENT US."

Talon flies out to meet them, glancing with disapproval at the dead goblin. A little unnecessary. "Yes, we heard of your coming. We are currently making plans for getting rid of the 7th, care to join us?"

curious - I've never seen Cala this quiet when a drop of wine was spilled; especially wine of this caliber... Oh well, just distracted, I guess.

I had a great post that got eaten by the forums... argh.

Glaring at T'larryo, an icy piercing glare that only Caladwhen is known for, a moment of silence passes before she coolly adds "T'larryo, my bath chamber is not thirty feet from here, use more sense next time." Taking what was left of the wine, Caladwhen tosses it out the window "No matter, you bring good news."

Gliding across the room to her wardrobe, Caladwhen grabs her favorite cloak and tosses it over her shoulders "T'larryo, those witches you speak of are our guests... alert the others to their coming; also ask the others to meet me for aperitifs tonight in my antechamber." Looking over at her familiar, Caladwhen smiles ever so slightly "It's time I fill them in with my plans for the 7th."

Later that evening, over some fine port...

Picking up her glass, Caladwhen takes a moment to tilt the glass, allowing the liquid to slide slowly back into place. After a sip, Caladwhen stands up, and clears her throat before addressing the members of the 9th there gathered "I have done some proper research, and determined an appropriate fate for the 7th Knot." Starting to pace in-front of the fire in the hearth, Caladwhen continues "The contract states we only need deliver 51% of the 7th; I'd like to take a literal interpretation of this clause. If we can take them all alive, I propose we allow Nariel to surgically... reduce each of the 7th by, oh say, 49% percent of their physical being." Allowing a moment for that to sink in, Caladwhen stops pacing before continuing "With the materials garnered from the surgery, I can create a golem of sorts..." Facing the others, there is a glint of something cruel in Cala's otherwise icy facade, "Wouldn't it be particularly fitting if fifty-one percent of the 7th to be delivered to the Cardinal by the other forty-nine percent of their own persons? How marvelous."

Oh my god Cala, that is glorious.

Caladwhen, that is vicious and vile.
I love it when your true inner thoughts rise to the surface.

I am new to your not, but do not stray from the teachings. "Cruelty is a tool not a pastime. Be ruthless to thy enemey but reward those who serve thee well."

[b]Don't get focuse on what to do to them based on some vendeta. that is not what we were tasked to do. Focuse on captureing them for the Cardinal. Stick to the teachings and Asmodeus will be with us. Stray and shows weekness that petty things could bother us enought to make us not see the big picture. This betryal of the seventh is not to be taken lightly, but also not up to us to punish.

Rolling her eyes slightly, Caladwhen sighs somewhat impatiently "A cruel fate is the reward for traitorous ambitions; you forgot that the 7th Knot is our enemy now, and in case you hadn't noticed, the Cardinal was absolutely furious with your former cohorts." Pausing to take a sip of wine, Caladwhen scowls before adding "Thorn doubtless has far worse in store for them." Growing somewhat introspective, her scolding tone gives way to something more thoughtful, tinged with a hint of awe, or perhaps fear "Cole, whatever pain and retribution we exact on the 7th, it will pale in comparison to their eternal damnation. The price of breaking an infernal contract is terrifying; cruel is not a strong enough adjective to describe their fate."

The teachings tell us that torture and cruelty are tools used to get information and further the goals of ourselves and Asmodeus. To do such things over a grudge are to give into ones own weakness and desires. I will hold nothing back in their capture and handing over to the Cardinal, but it is not a game. As said I am new to your group. I trust each of you, but starting to stray in such ways is how the seventh got to the position they are now in.

Not trying to be combative, and will follow whatever plan we decide to do. Just playing up the religious zealot part of his character.

well played, Cole :) Your zeal is exactly the reason you're not on the receiving end of the punishment.

Ever since they heard Cala's plan, the sisters watch the interaction with obvious interest. After Cole's last comment, it's clear that the meeting is veering off in the direction of a religious debate, and one of the Furies intervenes.

"Your cardinal wishes to punish the disobedient minions, demonstrating his devotion to the Laws. Your plan will suffice, Elf Aldimae(*)."

(*)Note how they stay strictly to the bare minimum facts to describe individuals. No one being spoken to has any doubt who they intended - even though they couldn't have been more vague. These 'ladies' are clearly accustomed to the entangling word-games of the nine pits.

Then its decided then. We wait on them to show with Gabriel tomorrow. Is there any preparations that need to be made. Do we let them come into the complex and attack in the big hall before going up the staircase or do we hit them outside where the Furies have the advantage of their flight and I can take up position outside on the horn and rain arrows down.

Oret, silently observing the events thus far, finally speaks. "It seems a waste not to have them...enjoy the hospitality we have provided within the horn. However, Cole, you make a good point. Better, perhaps, to meet them outside with superior maneuverability and, more importantly, the ability to surround them. If we need to retreat," he sniffs, obviously not thinking this is particularly likely, "then the Horn and its defenses await them."

The next day, tensions are high. It's the day of reckoning - the day you get to prove your worth for the Cardinal's cause, to show your loyalty to Asmodeus and his infernal order. The responsibility of your task weighs you down.

But...

It's also the time of payback. It's the time of vengeance for putting you in danger. You are meant to exact justice!

and while these and similar thoughts haunt your mind, time passes, until...

With a nod towards the Furies, Caladwhen sets her glass down and approaches the table "Well, that settles it then. Do your best to take them alive everyone. Death would be too easy a punishment for their betrayal."

Maybe we should discuss our ambush plans in the discussion tab, so we don't clutter up the game play thread to much?

This is going to be ambitious. A big fight between lots of characters. To make this work, I have a few rules:

Please use the initiative to determine how close you are to ground level.

0-5 sanctum
6-10 Horn L2
11-15 Horn L1
16-20 caves
>20 ground level

Around noon, you hear voices chatting happily from the direction of Farholde. This must be Gabriel's party and their escort. They are about 15 ft into the forest, you can already see the branches they are pushing aside to get through. There's a 50ft clearing between the edge of the forest and the Horn of Abaddon.

Let's crack some skulls...! errr....no wait, we need the skulls 100% intact!

Those with high INI are in the forest or in the clearing between forest and Horn, and automatically succeed on the perception DC to notice the invaders. You've been discussing various excellent ambush plans, but your INI roll determines how close you are to ground level. [b]Cole gets to act first - he gets to prove himself![/b]

Cole, since fortune dictates that you get to open the dance... Where *exactly* between the Horn and the forest do you place yourself?
For instance, you can hide in the forest or in the horn (stealth check),
or you can wait for them to emerge from the forest in the clearing around the horn (diplomacy check?)
or...what does your gut say?

Would like to be disguised as a townsfolk hidden on the second level of the Horn outside above the clearing amongst the rocks would be nice. If seen I will try to play it off as being curious and wanting to check out the famous Horn.

Stealth with Luck: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

Is it possible to cast any spells when they approach. I would like to start with Good hope when I first hear them and then Haste as they get closer. Will start the assault when they get to the middle of the clearing. If they happen to spot me first then I will start the assault then.

Swift action for Luck, Full attack Rappid shot ont he Witch.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35 +2 more if good hope, and +1 more if hasted
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 +2more if good hope

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 +2 more if good hope, and +1 more if hasted
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 +2more if good hope

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 +2 more if good hope, and +1 more if hasted
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 +2more if good hope

If hasted:
Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 +2 more if good hope, and +1 more if hasted
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 +2more if good hope

Confirmation: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25 +2 more if good hope, and +1 more if hasted
Damage: 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (6, 3) + 18 = 27 +4 more if good hope

42damage from crit, 70damage if first 3 hit, 80damage if good hope was cast, 93 damage if Hasted.

Posted normal attack and posted if spells are running. You make the call what we could prepare with. Hope its clear enough.

Edit: Used 2rnd of luck, 6/8 rnds remaining. If the witch falls switch remaining shots to the Barbarian.

Right - let's get this show on the road! Forums ate my post **twice**, so I've resorted to using trusty Notepad. Sigh. This is just narrative of the first turns where everyone takes positions and casts defensive spells, and it helps you target your favorite enemy.

When the members of the 7th emerge from the forest, Cole carefully takes a few seconds to prepare for battle with spells that support his abilities.
He is up high, well covered, and the the forest edge is far away (~300ft)

Talon and Sindran both spot the 7th as they breach the forest - it's immediately clear that the noisy guy is the biggest melee threat - he has a massive greatsword. This fits Cole's description of Dostan, a focused brute, dedicated to Elise. He has certainly grown since you've last seen him in the Cardinal's chambers.
Just behind him now appears the sly, silent snake of a woman you've all come to hate; Elise Zadaria, witch extraordinaire. Although not as extraordinary as she will be, after Caladwhen is done with her...
Zadaria's bodice is shimmering subtly, suggesting a defensive spell effect of some kind.

To both sides of this pair, the shaking trees reveal the positions of Tallus and Titus, the party's ranger and cleric respectively. Titus the cleric is Cole's brother; according to Cole, Tallus the ranger is madly in love with Elise and will do just about anything for her.

Here they come...

More to follow. Talon and Sindran are next to place themselves somewhere. When in doubt, use your initiative : the sooner your turn, the closer you may place yourself to ground level.

Fully aware of the pressure that has been building, Hexor and Vexor contribute their share. They have noticed the movement at the edge of the forest and inform every member of the ninth as long as they're inside the Horn. For anyone they can't reach, they contact a cohort or minion.

Each time, they teleport into existance nearby, invading any ongoing conversation, and their message is similar to this : "dear sir you will pardon the interference but without further ado, your adversaries have announced themselves, hmmm." - before popping off to inform someone else. Within seconds, everyone is aware.

Talon - Sindran, tell us where you're at and what you're waiting for. You can be at the ground level if you want.

Sindran at the clearing around the Horn and waiting for the 7th Knot. He will attempt to stall so the others can arrive but that plan may be foiled by Cole firing at the now-irate 7th. I'll hold off on making a Diplomacy check until I know I can actually attempt Diplomacy and not get blasted to damnation. Oh, and Grumblejack is with me. Preferably readying an action to cover me. Look at that big guy, lovable daemonic goof that cleaves flesh from bone and ravages limbs like they're going out of Infernal fashion.

in other words : get a move on, Stryx :p But regardless of your actions, Sindran and Grumbly will get seen so the time for stealth seems gone.

The second the ranger emerges from the forest (he's to the south of Elise, if it matters) he notches an arrow on his -admittedly superb- bow. Looking around for signs of life, he calls out to his companions mere moments later:
"Pst! Two. There."
He strafes to the south, trying to improve his tactical position.

Meanwhile, inside the horn, Melinoe* interrupts her conversation with Caladwhen and looks to the southeast, in the direction of the seventh. She smiles smugly and snaps her fingers. For a second, she shimmers faintly - before reappearing exactly where she stood before!
Seething in rage, she hisses through her teeth "Elf! The Horn of Abaddon is warded against Extramural Teleportation."

She draws her sword, walks to the nearest window, and jumps out, spreading her bloodied wings.

* at least, I think.

Oret - you're up! Cala is next.

As soon as she hears the Ceustodaemon speak, Tisaera (but who knows, really) Walks towards the exit of the Horn, loosening the ferocious whip to her side.
She's grinning.

The moment the Ceustodaemon teleports away, Oret silently curses himself for not staying closer to the entrance of the Horn. He draws on his inner power to speed his steps, then proceeds to dash toward the incoming party.

Swift action: Increase move speed from 40' to 60' (7/8 ki remaining)
Full-round action: Run, Oret, run!

Glancing over towards Melinoe* with a slightly exasperated expression, Caladwhen shakes her head and shrugs slowly as if to say of course the Horn is warded against extramural teleportation, it's a fortress isn't it?

Lifting to the air herself, Caladwhen winces slightly as she plucks an eyelash from her left eye before quickly wrapping the lash in a piece of what appears to be wax. Quickly, she whispers an incantation in elven and disappears.

* or which ever one just chastised her for something so blatantly obvious

Action: Casting Greater Invisibility and moving a full 60' towards the battle from a high vantage.

IB, can I assume that Caladwhen will have been able to get a few spells off before the encounter began knowing that they were coming? I'd like to have Fly, Fox's Cunning and True Strike ready before the battle begins, otherwise I waste a lot of time buffing.

buff spells generally last a minute per level. But, since you have no more information about the exact time of the arrival of the Seventh Knot than 'around noon,' it's going to be extremely tricky to get the timing JUST right. It's a guess, really, and that sounds like a waste of spells...

You know the seventh are not stupid though - they won't just charge in. You will have some time to prepare.

Outside, the cleric steps out between the others, and chants a spell. Swells of fiery energy flow out from the cleric's holy symbol towards the all members of his Knot; with every gulp of energy, they grow in size until they stand as tall as nearby trees.

The witch rubs her hands, generating what looks like a snowball. She keeps smoothing the white globe, without releasing it.

Ah so I didn't get the jump on them. No worries. Round 1 will just be casting good hope then, Next round will be haste if any of the devils or any party memebers bellow are within 45' I will include them in the haste as well.

Well, would T'larryo have been able to tip Caladwhen off as to their approach from the trees? They have a telepathic link. If not, Caladwhen will at least have True Strike prepared, as that doesn't have the narrow time frame the other spells do.

True Strike has the narrowest time frame. It applies to your next attack (if the attack is made in the next round). So durration of round after casting.

The Seventh nod to eachother, then advance towards the cave entrance as one unit.
they are now all on the same initiative, last.

When they get close, the witch releases her spell, causing an instant cold snap in the air above Sindran, which releases large hailstones and intense snow.
Both Sindran and GrumbleJack take damage from the Ice Storm
bludgeoning: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12
cold: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

Ow.
Sindran HP: 11/31
Grumblejack HP: 28/48

Assuming it's my turn.

Sindran swears at the sudden snap of cold and bludgeoning hail, moving back with a growl and gesturing for Grumblejack to follow and protect him.

Outside the storm, he chants something and smacks his palms together, generating a sudden explosion of fog from where they collided.

Sindran and Grumblejack move back 30 ft. into the cave entrance, out of the Ice Storm. Sindran then casts Obscuring Mist (CL 8th), lasts 8 min.

Grumblejack readies an action to smack any enemy that comes into range with his greatsword.

Cala and Nariel are pretty far down the initiative order, so I'll hold off until a few others have posted... do we have a map of the battle by any chance?