As D'hara walked by the prisoner cells and headed to her room, she stopped suddenly and turned to look for the jailer. It was not hard to find the man, he was the one not behind the bars. She approached the man with her head up and confidence in her step. She rarely displayed anything else unless something else was needed. She gave a slight nod of her head in greeting.
"I am seeking a set of quickcatch, barbed manacles and assumed you would be the one to inquire with."
The large man simply grunted and pointed to a wall where dozens of manacles were hanging. She nodded once again and headed over. Despite the sheer number of manacles, it didn't take very long to find the ones she was looking for. She slipped them into a sash tied around her waist before turning to leave.
"Oh, I also have a...cadet, in training. He needs experience with the lash. I would like to bring him here to practice an extraction."
The large man nodded and grinned, an ugly crooked-tooth smile. She bowed and left without any further ado.
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Ezechias keeps his head bowed, then explains his motives. "I live to see souls redeemed, but as you say it is dangerous business. However, just like Hellknights are expected to put their life on the line to assist their companions in battle, so is redemption. It is no simple task, but a lifelong quest. I do not know this woman, but I know one thing for sure: she's in grave need for guidance, for a path to call her own. Am I wrong?" the paladin asks the tiefling.
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The knight remains silent for most of the supper, as if his thoughts are elsewhere. Yet his eyes turn to the commander as she speaks, a token of Ezechias's admiration for her. When she opens the chest, he picks the scale he had chosen earlier, the Shield. "This is one of my burdens, my responsibilities. I shall bear it with pride and humility, in service of my companions. As for this library you speak of, is there anything more you can tell us about it? Do you anticipate large demonic forces to be present there?"
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Ezechias keeps his head bowed, then explains his motives. "I live to see souls redeemed, but as you say it is dangerous business. However, just like Hellknights are expected to put their life on the line to assist their companions in battle, so is redemption. It is no simple task, but a lifelong quest. I do not know this woman, but I know one thing for sure: she's in grave need for guidance, for a path to call her own. Am I wrong?" the paladin asks the tiefling.
I'm in a Hellknight fortress, accused of breaking a law. What do you think? The tiefling sneers and tries to pull away from Ezechias' iron grasp to little effect. She humphs and folds her arms about her chest in defiance.
Commander Tirablade regards the woman coldly. It is the law of Mendev that a thief, caught either profiting from an attack by the Worldwound, or hampering the efforts of Crusaders against the same, be put to the question, and then executed. Given your... origins, I doubt the confessors would believe your protestations of innocence. Nor, would they accept a ready admission as anything but an attempt to escape justice and protect your collaborators. The tiefling tries to put up a brave front, but she quails beneath Tirablade's stony demeanor. The commander means no ill will towards the thief, she is simply stating fact, and accepts those facts as the way things should be. Mercy has long been driven from this paladin. You will lie, girl. You will tell them things you never even knew you remembered. In the end, you will name everyone and everything you held dear, enemies, friends, allies, lovers... all be tarnished by your tongue, and we will bring them here. And, they, too, will be questioned. Do you wish that? The girl shakes her head no. Good, then you will serve armiger Ezechias as his squire, valet, and in any other capacity he so chooses. Learn from him, girl, and you may soon find yourself in profitable and meaningful work, serving a cause and purpose far greater than any you, or any of your comrades, have yet known.
The commander nods. She will learn, armiger. No soul is so far into shadow that they cannot be brought to the Light. We all must believe that, or we are no better than those we pursue. She stands and looks out through an arrow slit across the burning ruins of Kenabres. Dismissed.
The knight remains silent for most of the supper, as if his thoughts are elsewhere. Yet his eyes turn to the commander as she speaks, a token of Ezechias's admiration for her. When she opens the chest, he picks the scale he had chosen earlier, the Shield. "This is one of my burdens, my responsibilities. I shall bear it with pride and humility, in service of my companions. As for this library you speak of, is there anything more you can tell us about it? Do you anticipate large demonic forces to be present there?"[?b]
Commander Tirablade nods. [b]There will be dangers along the way. The hordes of the abyss still dash themselves against the blades of the Crusaders. A wave of madness has gripped Kenabres, my soldiers report that men and women, good soliders, all, have turned against each other, slaughtering each other while the demons rain ruin on us all. There are, of course, looters as well, without the guidance of firm Authority, the citizens, even those who once were thought of as the most moral and obedient of us, have descended into barbaric lawless with but a single sun's turning. You will need to thread all of these as you work your way through the ruined streets to Southgate and the Librarium.
Another detachment of Hellknights thunder out, armor gleaming, weapons ready, their cold-iron clad iron spikes glistening in the torchlight. It is possible there shall be some resistance at the Blackwing. The survivors, if there are any, may not take you for friends. The Hellknights were not the most liked in Kenabres, even before this attack. I doubt that is much changed, now. Also, Blackwing was known to all as a citadel of learning, the foremost authority on all things demonic. Many people came from the furthest reaches of Avistan; Cheliax, The Lands of the Linnorm Kings, Absalom; and from places further still in far-off Garund or the Empire of Kelesh. All to read but a single page of the tomes kept in that library. All in the hopes of learning some small piece that may end a demon's hold on this world. She sighs, the black leather of her armor creaking with the movement. It is true as the hellforged armiger said, such knowledge can prove dangerous. The allies of the Abyss may well be there. For a weapon against them in one hand is a weapon against us in theirs. Prepare yourself, and make ready. You ride at first light.
Tirablade leaves, and with her most of the other Hellknights, save for a few servants and those acting as guards.
Hellstrider moves about the dining hall, her large form out of place, yet still graceful amidst the tables and chairs. "So. We move at first light. What do you expect? Ive never been far from my homestead before I joined the Order. So my knowledge of the outside world is limited. Only recently began to learn and study the areas" she asks her new companions. Its been only a few days and already they have been in battle together more than a few times.
Dawn comes early to the ruins of Kenabres. The sun rests low on the horizon, its light barely cresting over the eastern walls, as though it too refused to see the devastation the Abyssal hordes had wrought. Smoke, thick and oily, hangs lower still, a ceiling of choking gases from charred wood and bodies barely above the rooftops. The black cloud is colored a dull orange or fiery red in places, lit from great bonfires or burning buildings. A fine ash, like grey snow, falls from those terrible clouds, collecting in drifts and piles throughout the city. It sifts in through the arrowslits peppering the stronghold's walls, and gathers on gargoyles' heads and statues. The sound of steel clashing against steel and the endless boom of siege engines echo through the close streets of this once proud city, reminding all that battle still rages on.
The armigers assemble in the courtyard before the cold-iron bound gates of the stronghold. Heads on spikes line the battlements, proof of the successes of the Hellknights these past days. Many of the heads are demons, sure signs of victory and prowess. Most are not; while chaos reigns, the mortal spirit will give in to its most base and primal of instincts. These heads are a warning, testimony to any and all who would violate the laws of this town, even during these lawless times. Shambling forms--limping, shuffling, moaning--move about the courtyard, each with a broom, or rags, or some other cleaning tool. They slowly push the ever-falling gray ash into bins to be disposed of later. They bear horrific scars, each bears a brand seared onto their forehead: most are the sign of a war-criminal--looting, and profiteering, mostly--a few, however bear the most shameful of all brands: Coward. These were men and women who did not answer the call to defend against the diabolic scourge, and others paid the price. Cowards in life who refused to serve, they serve eternally in death. From the battlements, signifiers stare down from behind blank-faced helms, and silently command their rotting servants.
The gates burst open, and squads of hellknights charge out, some astride powerful stallions in equally impressive armor, but most on foot. All the better to maneuver through the close streets of a fallen city. Among the mortal warriors, powerfully-muscled bearded devils march on cloven-hooves, their gliaves glistening in the light of the fires. Other squads host a centaur-like fiend of iron and nails that scuttles upon six heavy, bladed, beetle-like legs. Its body seems to be nothing more than plates upon hulking plates of dark metal, each pierced through with gleaming spikes studded with the gruesome trophies of past massacres. In one clawed gauntlet it grips a long, twisted trident, while in the other it readies a thick net woven with fiendish barbs. Always, a blank-helmed signifier is near, directing orders to the fiends in hushed, iron-firm tones.
None of this matters, however. Those hellknights have their orders, and the armigers have theirs: make their way to Blackwing, find anything they can learn about how the wardstone failed or what the demons are planning, end any threat present at Blackwing, and then return. They march out, after the hellknight squads have passed. Hellstrider is in the van, the better to charge forward, followed by the holy Ezechias and hellforged Iavdi, and then the others with the diabolist in the rear. Darsanga remains behind on a different mission.
The going is maddeningly slow. Every street seems to be a dead end, and thrice the armigers must double back on themselves when they find the way clogged with burning rubble. But, progress is made. After the fourth such turning, D'hara and Kevroth hear the screams of a young woman begging for mercy, and the laughing of men.
Please! Let me go! You're.. knights! Crusaders! You're supposed to help people![b]
[b]Aye, an' we will! But, you must do your part! All must sacrifice for our noble Crusade! One shouts.
Another voice, rougher, and with the tinge of madness bringing it disturbingly higher follows in. Virgins hold great power! The stories all say! A maiden's tear can end a curse!
Another voice. A maiden's kiss can restore life!
The original voice chimes back in, low, husky, mad. And maiden's blood, pure as snow, is demon's bane. The sound of men laughing echoes off the buildings.
Through an alley, the armigers can just make out a score of crusaders through the fog. The light of madness burning in their eyes, they encircle and trap a young maiden.
Help! Gods, please! Help! She slowly backs away from the tarnished knights. They laugh evilly, their blades raised.
Hellstrider points her lance at the one infront of the group, signalling him out. She bares her teeth, one of her claws scraping the dirt and pavement, signalling the intention of a charge
"One more movement, that threatens the girl, and I will personally flay you alive and make your little cohorts watch."
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Lawlessness. From crusaders. Unacceptable.
One would expect this behavior from common criminals, not from soldiers. It would seem that chaos knew no limits. The scene disgusted her. She couldn't care less for the girl. Gods knew she had faced similar situations in her own lifetime. The injustice here was that these fools were using chaos as a cover for the own wanton desires. This was blasphemy. This had to be punished.
D'hara hustled past everyone to get a better view of the chaos. She came to a stop next to Hellstrider and freed her whip as she moved up.
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Ezechias curses the crusaders for acting so lawlessly. His thoughts, in inner turmoil, come to focus as he considers what must be done.
"Armigers, please refrain from using lethal force. These are no demons, and they may yet redeem themselves and repent for their terrible lawless actions. "
Laying a hand on Hellstrider, he materializes a transluscent shield of pure faith around the Chakat.
"If they surrender, I will spare them. If they bear arms against us, I will not."
Kevroth darts forward putting the statue between himself and the lawbreakers, drawing his dueling blade as he moves.
Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Lawlessness. From crusaders. Unacceptable.
One would expect this behavior from common criminals, not from soldiers. It seems that chaos knew no limits. The scene disgusts her. She couldn't care less for the girl. Gods know she has faced similar situations in her own lifetime. The injustice here is that these fools are using chaos as a cover for the own wanton desires. This is blasphemy. This has to be punished. Spurred by her outrage at the disorder affronting her, D'hara is the first to act! This madness must end! She hustls past everyone to get a better view of the chaos. She comes to a stop next to Hellstrider and frees her whip as she moves up.
At the front of the file, Ezechias curses the crusaders for acting so lawlessly. His thoughts, in inner turmoil, come to focus as he considers what must be done. His goddess is the savior of the lost, the merciful hand of redemption. No soul is so far gone into the shadow that they cannot be returned to the Light!
"Armigers, please refrain from using lethal force. These are no demons, and they may yet redeem themselves and repent for their terrible lawless actions. "
The paladin calls out to the Dawnflower, begging her merciful light fall upon Hellstrider's shoulders. The clouds part, and a golden shower of light surrounds the chakat. He lays a hand on Hellstrider, and materializes a translucent shield of pure faith around the Chakat.
Iavdi, looking over to the woman with no emotion, urges Igenous forward, before holding a hand out as hellfire shoots out of his gauntleted fist. Green flame washes over two of the crusaders. Then, his cold, emotionless voice booms from beneath his hellish helm. "You will let her go, or you'll find yourselves sacrificed for our noble crusade instead."
oooo 2 points of damage!
Intimidate DC: 13
Iavdi's roll is a 26. Success
26-13 = 12 higher than necessary. That poor poor bastard. He's shaken for 3 rounds.
One of the men caught in the hellish green blaze from Iavdi's clenched fist gulps and steps backward. His blade shakes in his hands, and sweat runs down his cheeks.
Four mad crusaders surround the woman and load crossbows.
Burnt guy 1 moves to strike Iavdi
miss
but, also gets an AoO for his trouble
hit, thanks to charge
Another guy moves up to attack Iavdi
miss
but, also gets an AoO for his trouble
HIT
The others move into position
Bloody devil-worshipers! You're the reason why the demons got in! I bet you're all working together! GET THEM! One of the crusaders lifts his sword into the air and roars an unintelligible battle cry. The others send up their own voices to the heavens and rush forward. Two charge Iavdi, swords raised and madness burning in their eyes. Froth flecks their unkempt beards and blood-splattered armor. Their blades raised high, they think nothing of their own safety, nor anything remotely of tactics. It proves their undoing as Iavdi's superior training and Hells-forged iron discipline catches a gap in their defenses. He swings his glaive in a powerful arch, the dull cold iron of his blade glistens in the light of the fires, and his blade smacks one soundly on the head, nearly braining him. Then, he reverses his strike and slams the butt of his weapon's shaft into the man's chest, knocking the wind from him, and nearly splintering his ribs!
"If they surrender, I will spare them. If they bear arms against us, I will not." Kevroth darts forward putting the statue between himself and the lawbreakers, drawing his dueling blade as he moves.
At the van, Hellstrider points her lance at the one in front of the group, signalling him out. She bares her teeth, one of her claws scraping the dirt and pavement, signalling the intention of a charge
"One more movement, that threatens the girl, and I will personally flay you alive and make your little cohorts watch."
The warrior pulls up short and the front of leather pants grows dark.
Hellstrider: shield of faith
Burned crusader: shaken for 3 rounds
other crusader: shaken for 2 rounds
all damage, except for the burning hands has been lethal so far.
"It would be greatly to your benefit to surrender yourselves and accept our discipline. Soon you will be chained as we are and feel yourselves melt until only obedience remains," Giosue said pleasantly. "But if you insist... Gratiam tuam Tithe Volucrem."
"It would be greatly to your benefit to surrender yourselves and accept our discipline. Soon you will be chained as we are and feel yourselves melt until only obedience remains," Giosue said pleasantly. "But if you insist... Gratiam tuam Tithe Volucrem."
both succeed
The slick oils of Hell, rendered from the fat of a thousand damned souls, bubbles through cracks in the stones. It releases a perfect stench of punishment meted out by merciless arbiters of law and covers the crusader's armored boots. But, such is their madness that they still stand, possessed as they are bu the chaotic swirls of the Abyss!
D'hara crept forward, whip dragging on the ground behind her. She stopped in her tracks and cracked the whip. She sent it low to wrap around the crusader's feet. Then she grasped it with her free hand and yanked hard.
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Ezechias's voice rises above the din, as the orcish growl in his voice becomes more apparent. "Stand down, there is no need for further bloodshed! Crusaders, you have been found guilty of unspeakable crimes, which you need to atone for. Drop your weapons and get on your knees before my companions' patience runs out. You're under arrest, for we represent the law."
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Iavdi swings his glaive around again, preparing to make another strike at one of the crusaders, but then stops the motion, the point of the blade mere inches from his targets' face.
He knew how these 'paladin' types could be, and wanted to take the effort to assure whatever instinct this one had that made him call for surrender. One does not wave the white flag and then strike your enemy down, after all.
"You heard him, didn't you?"
The forged man's words, complete with poorly veiled threat, form the perfect contrast to the paladin's peaceful offer.
Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
D'hara creeps forward, whip dragging on the ground behind her. She stops in her tracks and cracks the whip. She sends it low to wrap around the crusader's feet. Then she grasps it with her free hand and yanks hard. The guard's legs fly out from under him and he lands on his back in a great clatter of metal.
From the back of the alley, Ezechias's voice rises above the din, as the orcish growl in his voice becomes more apparent. "Stand down, there is no need for further bloodshed! Crusaders, you have been found guilty of unspeakable crimes, which you need to atone for. Drop your weapons and get on your knees before my companions' patience runs out. You're under arrest, for we represent the law."
Ezechias rolled a 31 DC 13 to resist (hey! neat!)
31-13 = 18 +3 (from iavdi) = 21 that's 4 over what he needed. so he's shaken for 5 rounds.
Ezechias growls with primal fury, giving in to the base instincts of his savage heritage.
Iavdi swings his glaive around again, preparing to make another strike at one of the crusaders, but then stops the motion, the point of the blade mere inches from his targets' face. He knew how these 'paladin' types could be, and wanted to take the effort to assure whatever instinct this one had that made him call for surrender. One does not wave the white flag and then strike your enemy down, after all. "You heard him, didn't you?" The forged man's words, complete with poorly veiled threat, form the perfect contrast to the paladin's peaceful offer.
A third crusader quails beneath the dread fury of the Hellknights. His blade shakes in trepidation, and looks about himself for support. none comes
2 try to move out of the grease
and down
and down
tripped guy stands
frightened guy tries to attack Iavdi
nope
other crusader charges Iavdi
AoO from Iavdi
hit because charge
nonlethal
attack from charger
One of the crusader looks at Iavdi an the hellknights, and quails with fear. He takes stock, three of his number flat on the ground; four closing ranks around the maid--his salvation. His decision is clear. He raises his sword, fear giving his madness strength.Death before dishonor! Death to the Worldwound! He roars again and swings his blade. Madness empowers his arm, and fear guides his blade. It finds a small gap in the bindings of Iavdi's armor, and the hellfroged soldier feels crusader steel cut deep into his inner workings. The other hellknight charges, but Iavdi eaisly turns aside the crusader's blade, and smacks the back of the madman's head with the blade of his mighty glaive, nearly braining the man.
The other crusaders sneer and pull back drawing the maid deeper into the alley
With his dueling sword in hand, Kevroth readies his shield and pursues the crusaders trying to harm the maiden. Speaking with the voice of an entire chorus, Kevroth delivers his judgement, "And so you have chosen your fate. Lord of Hell, guard your servant this day as I strike down those who would so disregard your laws."
"Ita damnatos et in ira mea, dura sicut furiae!" Giosue intoned, conjuring an unerring bolt.
Hellstrider will try to follow the two that were dragging the woman away. No way she was going to let them get their way. Not while she was still standing
"I will go those two cowards!" she calls to her companions as she moves after them
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Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Hellstrider rushes around the statue, duty burning in her eyes. Kevroth follows the chakat, the Measure and Chain spurring him onward! With his dueling sword in hand, the holy warrior readies his shield and pursues the crusaders trying to harm the maiden. Speaking with the voice of an entire chorus, Kevroth delivers his judgement, "And so you have chosen your fate. Lord of Hell, guard your servant this day as I strike down those who would so disregard your laws."
From his position in the front of the alley, Giosue intones fell words of iron and flame"Ita damnatos et in ira mea, dura sicut furiae!" He bends his will to reality, shaping it with perfect utterances of rigid discipline and power. His iron will brings an unerring bolt of force that flies straight into the chest of the crusader before D'hara.
Once again D'hara sent her whip in low to wrap around the crusader's legs, but this time she followed the trip attempt by walking up next to the crusader. If he was going to stand up again, she would be ready. She clenched her fist in anticipation. A part of her longed to hit something with her bare hands, not only to inflict pain, but to feel the pain herself.
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Iavdi roars out in....(pleasure?) as the crusader strikes him.
"Good hit, sir!" he commends sarcastically, before actually taking stock of the situation.
Seeing the maiden being pulled away, Iavdi will quickly move Igneous into position and invokes the power of the blending flame once again on these foolish mortals.
"Just turn yourself in, miscreants! Make this easier on yourselves!"
Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Once again D'hara sends her whip in low to wrap around the crusader's legs, but this time she follows the trip attempt by walking up next to the crusader. If he is going to stand up again, she will be ready. She clenches her fist in anticipation. A part of her longs to hit something with her bare hands, not only to inflict pain, but to feel the pain herself. The crusader gasps in shock as, once more, his head connects with the ground.
Ezechias shakes his head, pained that the crusaders did not see the light, did not take the offered opportunity. He charges into combat to chastise those criminals. "Measure and chain!"
Took some liberties with this post because the crusaders are farther than 30 feet away
he's charging the clump between himself and Iavdi.
which, gives him charging bonus, and then flanking as soon as Iavdi moves
Iavdi roars out in....(pleasure?) as the crusader strikes him.
"Good hit, sir!" he commends sarcastically, before actually taking stock of the situation.
Seeing the maiden being pulled away, Iavdi will quickly move Igneous into position and invokes the power of the blending flame once again on these foolish mortals.
"Just turn yourself in, miscreants! Make this easier on yourselves!"
As he threads his stallion through the melee, the Crusaders turn there blades on the Hellforged warrior.
against Igneous
hit. His hitpoints are the blue bar on Iavdi's character on the map
Heedless of the danger, Iavdi follows his training: discipline and law are all that matter. One life weighed against the world is nothing. He leaps over one of the crusaders before him. He remains unharmed, but he exposes his Igneous' underbelly to their blades. The horse whinnies in pain as one blade cuts it deep in the side. It's just enough to throw off Iavdi's aim when he swings to strike at the crusader behind him.
Crusader stands on grease trap
ya he's still on the ground
guy by D'hara stands and strikes at her
miss
shaken guy closes on D'hara
shaken guy attacks hellstrider
miss
Another moves to strike Ezechias
miss
2 move towards Kevroth
flanking Iavdi, strikes his horse
hits Kevroth
Get AoOs from Iavdi
Spurred by madness, the crusaders swarm over the armigers. Thrice, the hellknights feel steel cut their sides. But, Iavdi returns two blows of his own, and nearly fells one of the crusaders.
With her fingers clenched tightly into a fist, D'hara slammed her hand into the crusader as he stood up, taking advantage of his vulnerable position. After the first blow landed she continued hammering again and again, crunching bone. The pain seeped into her fingers and ached it's way up her arm. Beneath the veiled scarf, she grinned with enthusiasm. She felt almost nothing of people, but pain was a life-long acquaintance.
Kevroth shifts to the left, trying to deftly slip under the attack he knows is coming. He slips in next to the crusader so it is threatened by both Iavdi and himself, taking advantage of the distraction provided by having the man threatened from both sides. As he moves he whispers a prayer to Asmodeus, touching the red pentagram hanging from his neck. With an effort of devotion, a reddish haze flashes into existence around him, shielding him from the unlawful. Once he is in position, he slashes at the man, showing no mercy.
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Seeing the woman being drawn away by the ruthless crusaders, Ezechias's heart skips a beat. Then he sees the stairs, and the fall beyond, and the meager possibility of success. But it is my duty. We cannot allow that to happen.
Withdrawing from melee, the paladin climbs up the wooden stairs next to him and jumps high before gravity kindly reminds him who rules this plane. A foolish move perhaps, but one inspired by his heart and soul.
"Beware, crusaders, for your sullied hearts cannot win the day. Here I come!"
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Iavdi shows no signs of tiring, his helmeted visage remaining silent as he fell upon his programmed instincts: thrust, swing, block, parry, swing again. It was brutally effective in theory, and the android was inadvertently testing out its effectiveness on the battlefield.
His wicked glaive swings out once more, aimed at the heathen Kevroth was flanking with him, while he simultaneously directed Igneous to lash out at the one that dated close to melee with the stallion.
Giosue stepped forward, peered under the stairs, and chanted: "Gratiam tuam Tithe Volucrem."
Kevroth shifts to the left, trying to deftly slip under the attack he knows is coming. He slips in next to the crusader so it is threatened by both Iavdi and himself, taking advantage of the distraction provided by having the man threatened from both sides. As he moves he whispers a prayer to Asmodeus, touching the red pentagram hanging from his neck. With an effort of devotion, a reddish haze flashes into existence around him, shielding him from the unlawful. Once he is in position, he slashes at the man, showing no mercy. His blade sinks deep into the crusader's back, spilling his corrupt blood across the ground.
At the center of the courtyard, by the fountain, Hellstrider wheels about and barrels down on one of the lone crusaders. She brings her lance to bear and thrusts it at the armored lunatic. But, the point of her shaft glances off the rings of his armor. It digs deep into the earth between the stones, instead.
At the rear, Giosue steps forward, once more invoking his iron will upon the world. "Gratiam tuam Tithe Volucrem."
They both fall
Again, foul liquid, the rendered fat of the damned, seeps up from the stones. IT coils about their feet, guided by Giosue's will, and pulls. With a gasp of shock, the crusaders join several of their brothers on the stones.
Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Near towards Giosue, the inquisitor moves to action. With her fingers clenched tightly into a fist, D'hara slams her hand into the crusader as he stands up, taking advantage of his vulnerable position. After the first blow lands, she continues hammering again and again, crunching bone. The pain seeps into her fingers and aches its way up her arm. Beneath the veiled scarf, she grins with enthusiasm. She feels almost nothing of people, but pain is a life-long acquaintance. Two blows, and her foe drops, eyes rolled to the back of his head, blood oozing from his fracture nose. She spins and slams her fist into the other crusader's throat, momentarily winding him.
Beside her, Ezechias runs bursts into action. Seeing the woman being drawn away by the ruthless crusaders, Ezechias's heart skips a beat. Then he sees the stairs, and the fall beyond, and the meager possibility of success. But it is my duty. We cannot allow that to happen.
Withdrawing from melee, the paladin climbs up the wooden stairs next to him and jumps high before gravity kindly reminds him who rules this plane. A foolish move perhaps, but one inspired by his heart and soul.
"Beware, crusaders, for your sullied hearts cannot win the day. Here I come!" He feels himself carry thorough the air, but an ill-wind. Some crazed, chaotic pull of entropy born of the Worldwound wraps around around his feet like a demonic hand and pulls, dragging him down to the cobbled floor courtyard. He clatters on his back, surrounded by the raving lunatics. From his vantage point on the ground, he sees the light of madness burning in their eyes, the rabid foam flecking their lips. They are well and truly gone.
Iavdi shows no signs of tiring, his helmeted visage remaining silent as he fell upon his programmed instincts: thrust, swing, block, parry, swing again. It was brutally effective in theory, and the android was inadvertently testing out its effectiveness on the battlefield.
His wicked glaive swings out once more, aimed at the heathen Kevroth was flanking with him, while he simultaneously directed Igneous to lash out at the one that dated close to melee with the stallion. His glaive sings through the air, a choir of conflict and battle. The crusader's head flies through air, spraying the crusaders and armigers alike with its deranged blood before rolling on the ground at Igneous' hooves. The stallion wheels and snaps at the other standing warrior, ripping away an ear and part of the man's scalp between its teeth.
The ones near the maidens try to stand
failures!
The other one attacks Iavdi
miss
and then tries to get away from Iavdi's horse... which invokes an AoO from Iavdi
this is a hit he rolled a nat 20
. this is supposed to be a 19, it's a hit
this is supposed to be a 13
Now, the guys on the other side of Iavdi try to stand
more failures
The guy standing by the grease trap tries to circle around and take down Iavdi--he's insane, and the guy on the horse is doing lots of crazy damage
that is a hit
and.. brings more AoOs
Prone guy stands and tries to attack D'hara
This incurs AoO
this is a 20. hit
Hellstrider's dude attacks her
miss
The prone crusaders try to stand, but, Giosue's summoned grease still clings to their boots and they fall to the ground once more. Two others stand and try to destroy the Hellforged armiger. The soldier's expertly crafted armor turns aside the madman's wild swing. The other soldier, however is lucky, and Iavdi feels steel cut into his inner workings. Both soldiers, however, pay dearly for their bravery, as the Hellforged's glaive sinks deep into both. One stands, barely. The other collapses into a pile of his own innards.
The other crusaders descend on D'hara and Hellstrider. The chakat easily dodges her attacker's blade. The inquisitor, however, accepts the pain of her foe's steel. She sheathes the sword in her own flesh, feeling the metal pass through her, slicking the stones with her blood. It is a dangerous move, she knows, but her training is absolute. The motion places her in the precise position to strike. Like an adder, she darts out with one fist, slamming into the crusader's armored side, and feels bones shatter within. She knows with perfect clarity that the man will not stand longer.
Giosue loaded his crossbow, seeing the prudence in conserving his resources.
When the prone Crusader tries to stand, Kevroth takes advantage of his moment of weakness, slashing at him with cold iron and the patient fury of Hell.
The man crashes back to the ground as the rendered fat of the damned make his footing as treacherous as his chaotic heart. With the crusader at his feel, Kevroth sneers contemptuously as he stabs his dueling blade at the false crusader once more.
Hellstrider once again misses her target. This non leathal approach was not working in her favour. She may need to resort a more bloody approach
-Posted with Wayfinder
Twice, Kevroth's blades slash out cutting the crusader as he stands and then following the man down to the ground to drive the kukri deep into the crusader's shoulder. Traitor's blood sprays into the air rich and red and foul as the warrior screams in pain. Behind him, a crusader dodges Hellstrider's lance and Giosue loads his crossbow.
Iavdi: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kevroth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Giosue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ezechias: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
D'hara: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 23
Chakat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Mad Crusaders: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
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Iavdi's forged body has begun to show several red-hot wires through the outside of his skin, and several places are leaking what passes for blood for the android.
Unconcerned about his injuries (as he trusts his allies to aid him), Iavdi focuses on the three men standing in front of him, lashing out with his glaive at the one that's farthest away from him, and directing Igneous to attack the other two.