Broken Golarion

Game Master Monkeygod

Alright. That brings Godwyn up to full with his lay on hands. He will still do the channel to heal Drystan and nearby hellknights.

Loc will have the remaining undeaad hep drive them off before commanding the survivors to form a bull work. In the mean time he will go through land and begin to group back up. Surprisingly, everyone who was within 200 feet of Loc would stabilize if they dropped into a near death state. He always has Withholding the Mercy active.

"I hope they like us now. Some of those soldiers owe me onyx for cutting down my undead. That stuff does not come cheap." He complains as he begins to take stock of what ever undead he has left.

As expected, the fodder flees, Lian releases her plant binding, everything trapped in it long since dead by one means or another.

I wonder if our mission is complete, or if the outpost commander has more for us... hm, we must discuss things with the one in charge...

Lian scans the field to see if there's anyone who looks higher rank and relatively unwounded.

The Maralictor can be found organizing repair and treatment parties. She salutes you when you approach.
My thanks, all of you. Without your timely intervention, well, I don't have words for how screwed we would have been. For your heroics, I think you should know what you were defending. Come with me.

She leads you down into the depths of the earth underneath the fort. You are easily two hundred feet underground before you come of an ancient looking vault. It is covered in arcane and divine wards and makes your skin tingle just looking at it.
The Maralictor preformes a rite in Infernal, then in Celestial, then again in another tonge you don't recognize. The vault hisses open to reveal several golems. However, unlike ordinary golems, these are covered in ancient and powerful glyphs of binding. In infernal.
Now you know. Fiend Infused Golems. They're dormant now, but don't make too much noise, eh?

Godwyn stared at the golems, his mouth agape. "Fiend infused golems? Such heresy. Is there any way we can destroy these, lest they fall into the hands of the enemy?"

This statement provokes the first involuntary show of emotion from the Maralictor you've seen. She rounds on Godwyn and hisses. Are you as thick in the head as you are tough to kill? These are a ancient and powerful weapon! The secret of their manufacture is all but lost! You would throw away a tool as potent as this because of simple prejudice? Do you even know what you're seeing!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 Further +3 if this counts as one-on-one

Godwyn turned to the hellknight. He was about to argue based on morality, but knew that this audience would not receive it. Instead, he said:

"I see hubris. This is a weapon created by the enemy. A weapon that they attacked you to find. A weapon powerful enough that the hordes of hell would commit such resources to get. Do you really believe that once activated, you, or any other mortal, can control them? What warrior would wield a sword that the enemy can control? If they are not destroyed, then would you really risk hearing fiendish laughter as the golems rampage through your lines at the most inopportune moment? I would rather deny the enemy their strength, than risk delivering it into their hands in the hope that the fiends were dumb enough to not take control of them."

Loc will quietly move forward towards one of them and cast detect magic. He will try to figure out what all of the runes are doing and if their is any sort of command word associated with these creatures.

"So do you know who made them? May have a hint as to how to use them more effectively. I assume you can not control them if we did not send them out to assist in the defense. If you would allow me I would be happy to do a bit of research on it. Maybe you could point me to any literature that was left here that could give some hints to these creatures? I agree with Maralictor. No use throwing away good weapons. Worse comes to worse we keep them away from the fiends and instead use them against the Tyrant. Golems are the perfect weapon against both wizards and necromantic powers."

"More importantly, how many people are you willing to throw away protecting them?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15Aid another for Godwyn.

"My comrade raises an excellent point." Drystan says, when he finishes cleaning the fiend-gore from his weapons. "Granted, all golems contain the essence of some bound outsider, but generally it's some sort of elemental spirit. How can you know what pacts the creators of these things swore, and what consequences they might have? How can you be sure they will ever obey anyone besides the creator? I know these are desperate times, but it seems to me that these fiend-golems are a sword without a hilt; there's no safe way to wield them."

Infernal, not Abyssal, Lian responds to Godwyn Blaecwulf. A dangerous player, but not our current enemy who threatens all civilization on Avistan, if not Golarion itself. And did not Sarenrae herself fight alongside Asmodeus, lord of all Infernal, to defeat the great beast Rovagug?

Brook considers, We had thought we were rescuing Hellknights, this being a weapon depot is new to us. Though another question raises- if you have these, why did you not activate them for the defense? Perhaps you wouldn't have needed our aid with such a force.

Knowing first hand what prejudice can drive things to, Ametist feels he had to give his five cents on behalf of the Hellknights.

"Maybe they don't know how to. I think one should carefully study these things before using them or discarding them. I don't know much about devils or demons, but for your words it seems they're a different lot, so maybe one can be used to fight the other."

Maralictor Incudine sighs are shares more information. We are in possession of their control amulets. He who wears the amulet controls a golem. However, we don't know how to make them do more than move, and I suspect someone with a deep knowledge of golemcraft would be required to bring them to their full might. With the demons at the gates we couldn't move them for fear of capture. Now that you've handily dealt with that, we are free to relocate them to HQ in Agustana.

Zorakir remains quiet, he resheaths his scimitar for now as he and the others were in good company.

Only half paying attention to everyones lips to get a read on them, he decides to walk up to the golems to give them a better look. "Maybe they're tools of evil maybe they're not. Sometimes rivers and lakes aren't as clear as we wish them to be and considering the current state of the world, maybe it would be best if we hold on to them or need be use them down the road."

He positions himself right beside one of the golems."Are we going take them on our wagons or let them be delivered? I can have them brought up in no time." Zorakir said with an uncharacteristic smile, his hands firmly gripped onto waist of one of the golems.

We will be moving them as soon as possible. This outpost is no longer secure. If you would consent to guard them it would ease my mind, though it sounds like you're a pretty divided group on this topic.

"I have no problem making sure they don't get taken by the demons. I think that would be bad for everyone.."

"Using them or not, it is something we might not agree" Ametist states. "Leaving them to the enemy, though, I think we all agree on this being a very bad move." He looks at the rest and checks their reactions to the proposal. "How long would it take?"

”Sadly, you speak the truth. Though once more it feels like my oaths are being stretched.” With a sigh he continued ”Nothing good will come of this. Using the weapons of the enemy will eventually lead to not only the ruin of the wielded, but all unfortunate enough to be close by. It is folly to think that foes who can fly and teleport will leave these golems be once they are moved to more populous areas.”

"Sir Godwyn, we can only put out so many metaphorical fires at once. One thing at a time." says Karen as she puts her hand on his shoulder.

”Yes...” Defeat was evident in his voice. ”I will go tend to the wounded. Please tell me when it is time to depart.” It was something that he knew to be right. And in a world falling apart, what else was there to hold on to?

Zorakir glaced over at the forlorn knight, it was a sad site to behold, as if watching a unicorn die.

"Things aren't as simple they are in nature, the sun is loving mother yet also a stern father, a giver and a taker of life. The natural world just acts, completely unaligned. These golems might be irredeemably, but can't someone use evil force for good just as some can used magic to damge the weather? There must always be checks and balance, Drystan and yourselves are the keepers. Perhaps we can finds a way in the future to destroy them or let nature grow over them."

Zorakir nods and overs a small bow to the knight, after the formalities he wraps his wines around the golem, harnessing to his back. pushing his feet off the ground he manages to carry the golem as if it were a child's doll.

Shoulders as wide as the world: Commit Effort. The Godbound can pick up any object no larger than a warship and carry it at their normal movement rate. The gift allows the object to hold together and the Godbound to avoid sinking into the earth, but the object is too unwieldy to use for violent ends.

The rest of the golems are loaded into carts and the party sets out. The way back uses far more roads than the way out (which comes a no surprise to anyone). You are ambushed several times along the way by brigands and demons alike, but the party easily handles it. The demons must not have the local forces to take full advantage of your temporary vulnerability.
You arrive back in civilization without significant incident and people give you a wide berth. You can't tell if it's the Golems or the force of Hellknights walking in perfect unison that produces the effect in people.

Or the scarred, mutilated man, effortlessly carrying a golem around like a toy!

Godwyn returned the bow. He didn't agree with the druid, but he appreciated the effort. It was a difference in philosophy, he knew. For a druid, there was balance in all things. Life and death, light and shadow, good and evil. All had their place. But he was a paladin. He was a champion of life, light and good. For him and all under the same banner, the world would be a better place if it was imbalanced...in the right way. He did not argue this, though. What point was there, when it would do so little? Rather, he appreciated the gesture. It was one that was well received, respected, and returned.

----

Once back in civilization, Godwyn was already looking to depart. He stood at a distance from the rest of the group, for he did not want to be associated with what was happening. He understood it, but still did not believe in it. And the last thing he wanted was for the common folk to see his colors and to think that he, or his order, was part of this.

As the procession makes its way through the city, Godwyn finds himself on a slight ridge overlooking the lumbering wagons.
So, they decided to bring the hybrids back! Interesting. says a laid back voice you recognize instantly.
The Stable Boy lounges on a small wall that surrounds a local store. The height of the wall brings him roughly even with your height in your horse. He looks very much like a cat laying there.
I assume words were had. he glances at you with an arched eyebrow.

”Better intentioned than low templars, and even more needed. Not my ideals, not my idea. There is no discord here, just different ideals.”

The fact that you're sitting up here could say otherwise. What will the Hellknights say, I wonder?

”Whatever they want.” Godwyn said with a little more force than he intended. With a deep breath he continued ”Those golems are the product of evil, however lawful that evil might be. I cannot risk all that we have fought for over this. But at the same time I cannot condone it. Do you understand now why I stand as I do?”

Oh, I understand. But most people won't. I wonder, have you thought about what your little display of virtue might cost?

Godwyn shrugged. ”It will cost less than if I was there. I am a paladin, sworn to do what I believe to be right. Part of my duty is to be an example to others whenever I can. If I walked there, it would send the message that I support the practice of using Infernal and Abyssal tainted artifacts, which I do not. If any wonder about my presence, or lack thereof, they may think about the why. I have not kept it a secret. But, if you mean our alliance with the Hellknights and whether this might break it? Well, many you see walking down there today do so because of the power channeled through me. They saw me fight and bleed along side of them. They saw me heal the sick, the maimed, the crippled, the dying. If they would throw that aside so easily, then I say now that their friendship with me was doomed from the start. Does that answer your question?”

It's not a good idea to bring the Golems all the way through the city. While they are inactive, they are definitely scary and intimidating enough to cause a scene if they are hauled to the inn.

Zorakir, do you want to remain outside of the city with them?

Indeed. And it provides a measure of just how far that golden rod is shoved up your butt.
For the first time the Stable Boy's tone shifts and he speaks bluntly.
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin, Godwyn. Not all are as upright as you. he says, then he is gone without even a hint of wind to mark his passing.

Then move this scene to a ridge just outside of town. :)

Godwyn muttered ”Better a golden rod than a...nevermind.” as the boy vanished. With a chuckle that was not there before he went back to watching the procession and wondering what his companions were up to...

Drystan remain silent, keeping an eye out for any trouble.* Once the annoying boy leaves, he shakes his head. "I think the Hellknights will understand, brother. They of all people know what it is to obey a code, even when it is impractical." Without thinking, he flaps the new wings that have grown from his back since the confrontation at the fort. Surely a blessing from my Lord of Vengeance he thinks, when he realizes what it is he's doing. Albeit an odd one.

*Geez, I don't check the board until I get home today and I miss the whole conversation. lol

Ametist stays a bit apart while the golems are transported. He doesn't understand that technology, and is not willing to start studying it now. He hopes, though, that there are in fact some people who can use it. For what he was told, the world is desperate, and desperate times require desperate measures.

He evokes his home cave, back in the mountains. How he used to commune with the stones. It seems so long and far, now... He has witnessed powers beyond his comprehension, beings above all limits... Will he be able to restore balance?

Oh, so you *want* to be on the receiving end of the Stable Boy? Alright! Next time he's all yours. :)

Seeing his brother paladin flap his wings, Godwyn smiled. "You look more and more like Ragathiel each day. Between your flaming blade and wings, the demons and devils will flee at the mere sight of you."

Turning his gaze back towards the procession, Godwyn fell back into thought. The Stable Boy, or whatever the creature was, seemed to think that he took this too seriously. But how could he not? The world was breaking. It's people were being slaughtered. The knowledge that so many innocents had suffered drove him to both rage and despair. Just as he had done so many times before, he prayed to any god who would listen to have the power to end their suffering.

He reached up, at that moment, and felt his cheek. Was that...blood? He looked over at Sir Drystan, with crimson tears falling down his face. There was a dull pain. A feeling of intense sadness. He looked at his comrade, resplendent with his angelic wings, and realization hit him.

Both he and Sir Drystan were paladins who fought in the name of Empyreal Lords. Sir Drystan walked the path of Ragathiel, the Angel of Vengeance. It was his lot in life to bring the fiery sword of vengeance down upon those who had earned such ire. He was a Crimson Templar, one of the select few of the militaristic order. Since his rebirth, his old comrade and come to resemble his lord more and more.

And now here he was...Godwyn had never been Sir Drystan's equal in combat. While he knew that his skill with a halberd was formidable, it would never match what Sir Drystan could accomplish with his bastard sword. However, vengeance was not Sir Godwyn's path. He walked in the footsteps of Keltheald, the Lord of the Sunset Spires. An angel who championed exploration, light, and all that was naturally good in the world. Where his brother brought the fiery sword of vengeance, Godwyn carried the shield of mercy. It was his avowed role to protect the innocent and to shield the weak. To put himself in harm's way so that others would not have to.

Divine insight filled him, for he knew that his prayers had been answered. "Brother...I can feel it." He said, a pained smile on his face. "I prayed for it, and the gods have answered. I have taken on the suffering of the innocents of our world. I feel their pain so that their's might be lessened."

Touching his face, he could feel the wounds opening and healing. His celestial blessed body could heal from almost any wound...but these powers did not prevent harm from occurring. The pain he had accepted on to himself ripped open wounds that healed as soon as they came.

With a force of will, he made the pain stop. Muttering a prayer prestidigitation he cleaned away the blood from his face, before moving down to his armor. He felt as if though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders...but it was accompanied by a feeling of guilt. That his comfort now came at the expense of others.

"If I am to bear these burdens, I am going to need to enchant my armor. Otherwise, I fear that I am going to be too rusty to be of any good to anyone."

And with that, Godwyn is now a Holy Vindicator

I'll remain outside with them, if any one wishes to join him in guarding them, he wouldn't turn them down.

If a display of virtue has cost, Lian puts forth, Well, I suppose it is up to us silver-tongue to counteract that cost and smooth things over, Lian puts forth. Indeed, she had little doubt of her ability to sway Paladins and Hellknights, both of whom knew the face of what they faced, of necessity. Those who worry about strife between the two groups, little more.

Those of you who choose to return to the embassy to report your success easily make your through the city with no trouble. Thanks to the commander from Fort Invictus(the citadel you saved), you are granted an immediate audience with Maralictor Kayla.

Who smiles warmly upon seeing Incudine with you, safe. "Sister, how I have missed you! It has been dreadfully boring here, but Father needs my assistance, and with his failing health, I was unable leave. I am glad to see the ragtag band of miscreants that I sent to help were successful in their mission."

Incudine is in shining formal highlight plate for this meeting. She salutes her sister who seems to be senior to her in spite of their identical ranks, then grasps forearms with her. It's the most emotional and friendliest you've seen her act since you met.
They did, sister, and well. I'll save the details for my debrief, but these you have sent have proven to be capable.

Drystan looks at Godwyn for a long moment, and nods. "Yours is a burden brother. A heavier one than mine, I think. I bear only my own, where you seem destined to carry the suffering of others too. A heavy burden, but one you will bear well, brother."

FYI, I'm going with the assumption that the Paladin Boys and Lian are having their conversation *before* those who decide to go to the Embassy. If that's not the case, and all three are staying outside of the city with Zorakir, let me know.

Karen will again avoid the embassy.

If you all avoid the embassy, the game can't progress any further...

Godwyn will go then if everyone else wants to avoid it. Though Lian hasn’t responded yet to the offer of having her do what she was built to do: talk for the party

Drystan will go with Godwyn. Can't let him go walking into a stronghold of Hell(knights) alone.

Lian loves Embassies. She's an addict. Sometimes she gets drunk and wakes up in embassies

I'll see what I can do- though a word of advice, sometimes ruffling feathers is not as unhelpful to negotiation as one'd think. Especially from one who is honest in their disagreements.

Lian'll go, herself if need be but with anyone else who wishes to follow.

As Lian walked into the embassy, the sorceress might have seemed out of place in a building filled with large men covered in plate armor. That is, if it wasn't for Sir Godwyn and Sir Drystan, who walked on either side of her. For those who did not know her and what she was capable of, it would be excusable to believe that they were there for her protection.

Zorakir remained outside of the city walls with the Abyssforged golems, having been told that it would be best to keep them out of the sight of the general populus. He wondered if it was the golems that should remain hidden or himself.

He held the golems close to his body, suspended by his thorned vines. Slowly growing ever more bored with his current lot. I understand the importance of this task but you think they could of sent a Hellknight lackey or someone to atleast past the time with. He slumped onto the ground, his hands between his legs.