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Two arrows hit the demon-bee in the shoulder, spasming the upper arm muscles. A ballista bolt strikes it in the stomach, spilling infernal guts onto it's front legs. An axe swings upwards into it's abdomen, spilling boiling blood onto the wall. Yajima, barely breathing with blood running down his back, spins and punches a hole in the demon's chest! It gives a final screech and falls to the ground, slowly rolling off the tower.
Status
Conney 18/21 HP
Yajima 4/34 HP
Lady Vulpina 12/28 HP
Wenjeff 25/40 HP
Harpocrates
Alrik 27/28
Denaria 32/32 HP
2 NPC Artillerists 9/27 HP
Huge Ballista 46 dmg 4 rounds remaining
Left Ballista 21 dmg 1 round remaining
Right Ballista 0 dmg Ready to fire
Scourge of Deskari 153 dmg
The Society’s finest have dealt a great blow to the demonic generals.
The host of Demons seems to have lost coordination as they engage along the battle lines, with the Generals mostly cut down and the siege engines still firing, the horde starts falling apart.
The demons go into retreat or are cut down by the crusaders and Pathfinders who swarm those foolish enough to stay. With the host in retreat, the defenders also start recovering the injured and slain.
The dust settles as surviving Pathfinders find their way back to the Starrise Citadel. Dozens lie wounded, some bearing injuries that may prove fatal. Smoke chokes the air as crusaders continue to douse still-burning buildings whose flames are now mercifully under control.
Venture-Captain Jorsal silently walks up and down the lines of Pathfinders. He rarely speaks, only giving an understanding nod or a comforting smile. The arrival of a squad of battered crusaders from the center of the city breaks the grim moment. At their head rides a stern woman bedecked in shining full plate engraved with intricate gold filigree. Her weapon is coated in what must be demonic ichor, and several of her helmet’s once beautiful blue plumes are charred. This can only be Queen Galfrey, crusader queen of Mendev and leader of Nerosyan.
She brings her entourage to a halt and addresses the assembled Pathfinders. “Words cannot express the gratitude of Mendev. What your Society has done here today goes well beyond what duty required. I have learned that this attack was just one of many in a coordinated assault against all of Mendev, and that our wardstones have failed us, disabled by some demonic treachery. Our city only stands thanks to the efforts of those such as yourselves. I have spoken with Venture- Captain Jorsal, and Mendev shall do whatever it can to aid you in reaching the Sky Citadel of Jormurdun—so long as doing so does not interfere with the new war".
“Now, I must depart for the city of Kenabres to inspect the damage done there. Woefully, it did not have the benefit of the Pathfinder Society’s assistance when it was assaulted, and all reports indicate the city is now completely ruined.” She pauses, worry visible on her face before concluding, “Thank you, all of you for your efforts here today.” Without another word, Queen Galfrey and her entourage turn and leave. The remaining Pathfinder survivors stand united, under the still-brilliant light of the Starrise Spire.
Unable to breach the walls of the city with their primary army, the demons have broken into a full retreat. The crusaders are ready to strike back against the demons. Congratulations Pathfinders on your overwhelming victory!
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Vulpina is left panting behind the ballista, still visibly burnt-- although the healing given at the last moment seems to have soothed the worst of it. Her clothes are a wreck, burnt and black in many places.
Still, she is triumphant, and as she looks out over the field, she sees the demonic horde's back turned. She smiles with what little energy she has left.
She takes a moment to pocket her weapons, then draws a cane, trying not to look like she's leaning on it quite as much as she is. "Who still has strength to carry Yajima?" she asks, looking down at him upon the ground.
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Vulpina looks rather more settled by the time she reaches Starrise Spire, having stopped at the temple to have her burns healed-- she still had a favor to turn in, after all. She will have to ask one of her friends back in Absalom to mend her clothing once she returns-- but of course, thankfully, she brought another outfit.
In the meantime, she sits in charred armor, listening to the queen. When she departs, she turns to her companions.
"I must say, that went as well as it possibly could. Have you any desire to fight alongside me again, I will be happy to mark my name next to yours on any call for agents," she offers to the rest of the group.
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Denaria leans on her bow as the demons recede. She reflects on the battles this day, and the destruction she witnessed. The words of her patron Erastil come to mind.
Sometimes it's not the wealth you have but, what's inside you that others need.
"If Yajima needs aid to get to the city, I will help carry him."