Wrath of the Righteous for Paladins (Inactive)

Game Master trawets71

sorry folks, I guess I misunderstood what Dadna thought we should do.

Seeing Dadna had the conversation with the first prisoner in hand; Ian releases his halo to look a little more human and approach's the second prisoner. Asking the prisoners name and rank. Pausing for a moment he offered the tiefling some water and asked if the prisoner needed anything. He explained that the POW's would be taken back to Kenebra's where it would be decided what would happen to them. He looked from the prisoner to the battle field talking about what a waste of life it was, and that the demons only wanted to kill and destroy. Pointing out that they didn't care for the lives of their soldiers. After a little more talking he tells the tiefling that it doesn't have to be this way. That even the tieflings in the demons army had a choice. They could serve this devastating evil, or stand against it. Finally getting to his point, he asks. "Will you tell me where the place called Keeper's Canyon is?"

Trying to influence attituce then make a request, then sense motive
diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Donnen felt a little awkward when he's pulling along - and definitely even more when he was surrounded by his much more charismatic teammates. Yet, he grunted as he looked at the enemy. This was absolutely outside his expertise, and a weird smile formed.

He was a paladin and his word was ironclad; so, when he shook his head agreeing they would treat the prisoner fairly, he truly meant it, and tried to transmit that feeling with his eyes that they could be trusted.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 Aid Another

Ardriel finds that the bracers are AC +1 and the cloak is one of resistance +1.

Dadna and Donnen speak to their prisoner and while he isn't trying to spit at them anymore he doesn't have anything to say.

Ian and Fley have better luck with their prisoner and he seems more indifferent towards them. When asked about Keeper's Canyon he shrugs "Geography was never my strong suit. I don't even know where I am now." Ian gets the impression he really doesn't care about the paladins but he may be holding something back.

Leothar and Ardriel prepare to start their conversation with the tiefling.

Tiefling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Okay, so Leothar and Ardriel are speaking to a different one?

Leothar will let Ardriel take the lead - the elf is far more polished than the rough dwarf. Still, Leothar tries his best at persuasion.

"The demons, the Abyss... that is far worse than anything you might have encountered here in Mendev. I know many of our people would choose to treat you poorly. And I am sorry for that. But the Abyss is beyond your worst imagining of pain..."
Leothar senses he is veering into Intimidate territory and tries to course-correct.
"I know why you may have grievances against Mendev. Or Golarion. But they offer at least a glimmer of hope for the future. Hold on to that. Help us fight the demons."

Diplomacy to Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Uhh... Mythic Surge!
Mythic Power!: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Uhh... Mythic Surge!

Leothar, were you withing 30 ft of Ian, he has " Focus:" Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.

Having tried being nice, Ian illuminates his halo and glares at the prisoner with a piercing gaze. "Let me explain myself. I don't care if you know where your at. We need to know where Keepers Canyon is. So let me make this crystal clear. Your a prisoner of war. If you answer question honestly, like this one about the canyon, things will go easy for you. Maybe you go to a camp someplace warm, where they'll have you picking strawberries. But if you don't help us, I'll see to it that your dropped in a hole where you'll not see daylight. The only way you'll know where the crust of bread they drop to you is by the sound of it splashing in the mud and the rats running to it. The choice is yours. So do you want to reconsider your answer?"

intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18 +2 more if he's evil
sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
wow, wish I could have switched those

Ian changes tactics with the tiefling who stares a him and says "Now your true colors come out! Its that way!" He points a thumb over his shoulder which is over the ford and up river. Ian senses the tiefling doesn't like him but he has no idea if he is yelling him the truth.

tiefling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Looking at the tiefling, Ian shakes his head. "No my colors have not changed. I told you no lies nor made any false pretexts. Everything I said was true. We are soldiers you and I. So we have much in common. But I fight to protect others and to stop this great evil that has come upon us. Upon all of us. I asked the location in good faith, so we can continue to fight this evil. You held back the truth. Not I. So I explained what the results of you actions would be. You serve masters that would have tortured you or me to get what they want. I only told you the punishment for those who continue to do evil." Ian looked over the direction that the tiefling pointed. "I hope for your sake you are telling the truth. Not because I could have you thrown in a pit. But because you will stand before Pharasma and she will judge you for your actions."

Ardriel sits down across from the Tiefling, Yarnal perched on his shoulder to offer guidance. ”Hello. I’m Ardriel. What’s your name?”

Diplomacy, Aid, Guidance: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 22

Rolling Intimidate since Ian rolled it.

Intimidate, aid, smaller than target: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 1 - 4 = 14

Fley stands behind Ian and listens in. "You know, he's right." Fley moves from behind Ian and talks directly to the tiefling. "We're only here to help you. Evil will not prevail in the end." Fley's eyes narrow. "Do you want to live a life of eternal damnation? If you continue your current path, that will happen to you. Or worse. Much worse."

Ardriel sits down and begins to talk to the tiefling and in reply he gets his face spat at. He then just glares at Ardriel and sits in silence.

Fley attempts to help Ian and doesn't get anything else out of the tiefling either.

After about a half hour Irabeth approaches and says "We found a little food and water and some other supplies that should help us once we take Drezen. Shall we send the prisioners back with the survivors and prepare to move on?"

Food and Water: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"I believe that a good course of action. We must press on. Whoever is escorting the survivors should take care to treat the prisoners with compassion, though of course not give them a chance to escape or turn violent."

Leothar silently reprimands himself for his lack of social graces. So much to learn...

Nodding in agreement with Loethar, as they step away from the prisoners Ian gestures towards the ford and up the river. "The prisoner begrudgingly told me that Keepers Canyon was that direction. Do we want to have scouts from the army check it out? Or ask Vaenic, who is an expert on tracking, ride ahead and investigate? Or just move that direction ourselves with the army" He looks at the army briefly, "If that direction is on our way to Drezen, I would think our outriders would find it and warn us before they could attack."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Surge? This comes back on rest and I’m pretty sure we are going to rest before too long: 33 + 2d6 - 4 ⇒ 33 + (4, 6) - 4 = 39

Dadna returned to the tiefling she had been speaking to. She knelt down beside him and gave him a warm smile, which was of course all the more radiant due to the recent blessings of her Goddess.

”Hello there. Our army is going to move out soon, and those captured are going to be sent back to e city. That, of course, includes ye. While we promise that all will be treated without cruelty, I came to talk to you because I don’t think you are evil. I understand that life isn’t fair. And ye haven’t been treated fairly either. It must have been hard, being here in the World Wound, given how the Crusade treats the planes touched. Just as everyone expects me to be perfect, so too do they expect tieflings to be evil by nature. But I am not perfect, despite what is demanded of m. And you are not evil. It’s all a choice. And I’d like ye to stay with me. To help me. To help all of us. We are marching into ranger, and having a guide would save lives. Now, of course, I won’t force ye to do anything you don’t want to. But if you do come with me, then together we can show the crusade, and the world at large, and we are all to be judged back our actions. Will ye do this with me?”

She spoke with compassion, and conviction, feeling like Bolka herself was speaking with her. She truly believed that redemption was possible, and that the role of a Paladin was more than just smiting evil. While violence was necessary, it wasn’t the only solution. It was just one of many tools. And at the end of the day true victory was forging a world where less and less violence was needed.

Ardriel wipes the spittle off his face and says, ”I guess you don’t want to talk. That is your choice.”

He leaves the Tiefling and says to the others, ”I don’t think there’s anything to be learned from them, and it would likely take a long time to bring them back to the light. I don’t think we have the time. We should keep moving.”

The tiefling looks at Dadna and says "The only thing where you are heading for me is death. I'll take your prison but I will also think on your words."

The prisoners are sent south with the survivors and the army marches on. The night passes uneventfully and the army marches for another day. Life on this side of the river is very different. The sky seems darker and dimmer, nothing grows on the desolate ground.

The next morning the army is on the move and as it approaches the dry riverbed Anvenn and Aron come galloping back to the army. Aron speaks up first and says "There are two armies ahead arrayed for battle. One of dretches and another one of tieflings. The leaders of each group are behind them. The dretches are lead by an incubus with 2 schir demons. The tieflings are lead by a human with 4 bodyguards."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"How far apart are they? I'm more keen on eliminating those dretches and demons." Fley's fists clench. "Demons are an abomination. They are dead set on one thing - destruction." Fley nods to himself. "If we don't destroy them now, they could wreck even more chaos on this land. They seem like the greater of two evils."

Fley thinks for a second. "The humans and tieflings can be redeemed though. Possibly.". He recalls the tieflings they just fought. "What do you think?" he asks the group.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Dadna had been positively glowing since her talk with the tiefling prisoner. While she would have liked him to have gone with her, she understood his hesitation and it *felt* like she had gotten through to him. She had kinda-sorta vanquished evil...without killing something!

When Aron came back with the report, Dadna looked at him with a raised eyebrow. To Fley she said "I'd say hit the demons fast and hard. Slaughter them without mercy, and it should break the morale of their cultists." She then turned to Aron and said "But ye seem a bit more nervous than usual. What's the matter?" The news wasn't good, but it was to be expected. His reaction had her feeling like there was more to this than what they had heard.

Aron looks at Dadna and says "I just fear that the demons are going to finally win this crusade." He looks at the ground a moment and then says "Leaving a well led army on your flanks may not be a good idea. The Knights will have to face 2 armies, best if both are leaderless."

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
yeah, that 28's a little tougher

Having slept restlessly, Ian looks about, it seems that even nature itself has been effected by the wound. Seeing Anvenn and Aron he hopes that they have found this Keeper's Canyon and the enemy isn't too well entrenched. As they give their report Ian looks toward Leothar to see what the chief thinks of Fley's idea. Asking, "So do we hit the dretches on the flank opposite the humans, and as the army strikes we go after the incubus and schir demons? Then we may be engulfed by the human army before we can get to their commander."

Like Dadna, Ian also notices that Aron seems a bit more nervous than usual. As she questions him, he understands many of the men must be on edge, and accepts Aron explanation. When he says "best if both are leaderless" Ian looks at him asking. "Is there some way if taking out both commanders before the battle starts? I would love to surprise them before combat. But I fear hitting one would warn the other and I loath splitting us up."

Can’t hit that SM DC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

”There are always risks in war. Our army is mounted, so if need be we can pull out. I’d rather have the numbers to hit one of them hard than to split in half and have both be overwhelmed. I say that we hit the demons as hard as possible and as fast as possible. Slaughter them and then if need be we ride away and deal with the tieflings on our own terms.”

Sense Motive DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
And could only possibly make the DC 28 with an outstanding roll followed by a Mythic Surge.

"I agree with Fley on making the demons the top priority. But Aron has a point that we should eliminate the other army's leaders as well, if we can.

Ian, I know it isn't preferable, but I think we should split up and take the enemy commanders out simultaneously. I would suggest one strike force of Donnen, Fley, and myself, and the other of Dadna, Ian, and Ardriel."

While OOC splitting the party isn't great, the PbP format can make it work okay, and it helps alleviate our problem of being too powerful for these combats.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Ardriel doesn't notice any of Aron's nervousness, but says, "Don't worry. We'll get them taken down." Frowning, he asks, "Is there a path to the Incubus and Schir demons? They're the more dangerous foe. If we can take them out first, we can strike at the human commander."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Aye, Leothar. Let's go defeat those commanders." Fley is nervous, but ready for combat. He pulls out his kukris. "What do we know about Incubuses and Schir demons?" It's been a whirlwind last few days/weeks. The enemies have been a blur, but Fley tries to focus on what he knows about them.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Fley recalls that incubi are resistant to weapons that aren't cold iron or good. They are immune to electricity and poison damage and resist acid, cold, and fire and have some spell resistance.

Just to be clear on the deployments here those two armies are side by side and cover the entire ground. Once the Knights engage they will be engaged with both armies at the same time and there is no outflanking them (you would have to fly or teleport). The tieflings are a little nervous about being so close to the dretches so there is about a 20 foot gap you will charge through at the front of your army. The incubus is to the left about 60 feet and the mortals about 80 feet to the right. If you had an army of fighters this would probably be a losing battle, but you have paladins so it's about even to slightly in your favor. Paladins are made to fight demons and undead, their usual advantages don't apply versus paladins.

Ya' know, I hate to split up, but this might be our best plan at this point. - says Donnen, a little dismayed - Some of us seem more suited tae' fight single, strong enemies, while others of us are more skilled with dealing of hordes of average enemies. Maybe we should consider that as we balance tha' two groups.

Listening to the descriptions of the battle field, and Fley and Leothars desire to deal with the demons first, Ian makes a mental note of Leothars idea to strike the demons first hopefully demoralizing the tieflings. Nodding when the chief says to split the party. Hearing Ardriel point out that the demons leaders are the most dangerous. He turns towards Donnen as the dwarf begins to talk about the plan to split the group.

Kneeling down he draws his knife and begins to draw in the dirt. "The Paladin army is heavy cavalry, mobile and well defended." He draws two circles in the dirt, then a smaller X to the left and to the right. Pointing to the left circle. This is the dretch army, we have the paladins charge through their ranks. Hit them hard and fast. Regrouping on the other side." Looking up he smiles, pointing at the circle on the right. "Then charging through the back of the tiefling army. From what I've seen their not trained as a unit to turn the entire army around to defend from the back side." He shrugs. "If charging the demons doesn't send the tieflings to flight, hitting their backside will. Any dretches still standing will have to fight through the tieflings to get to the paladins. That should spook the tieflings even more."

"In the meantime we split our group." Pointing to the X on the right. "Those who deal with large crowds better go after the human and his body guards." Pointing to the X on the left, "Those of us more suited to single combat or dealing with demons go after the Incubus and her schir demons." He points back to the battle field. "Even if we don't finish the commanders before the Paladins charge through the ranks of Dretches, or regroup to strike the tieflings. We will have confused their control and command enough to mess with their ability to communicate."

He looks up at the others, "A three pronged attack can be an issue. maybe the Paladins shouldn't charge until they see us engage the commanders." Shrugging, "Unless we have some way to communicate with them." Did you ever think we would miss the cantrip 'message'?

"We have a plan then." Dadna said in response to Ian. "I'll go after the demon. This weapon of mine is blessed to deal with their ilk."

Looking up to Dadna, then the chief, "I would rather go after the demons as well." He pauses for a moment, "When I call on the power of faith, I will illuminate, that could be the sign to attack."

Ardriel says, "I'm best suited for focusing on a single enemy at a time, so I'll go with Dadna and Ian to hit the demons."

Irabeth stands to the side listening to the plan. When you are finished she says "It looks like we have have plan. The only change I see is that we won't need an order to attack. You are not getting through those armies to their leaders without the Knights of Kenabres right behind you. You charge for the gap and we will hit the armies as you enter it keeping them busy and off you. They may have numbers but we have Righteousness on our side! I'll prepare the army."

The Heroes form up at the head of the army and start off at a trot and then a full gallop as they charge into the small gap between the two armies. The Knights of Kenabres are right behind them and slam into the armies giving them the opportunity to pass through. The battle of Keepers Canyon is now on.

You are mounted and the listed distances from the two leading groups. On the right blue and yellow are helf-elves, orange is human and red is half orc they are wielding scythes. The leader is a human with a greatsword and plate armor.

Sorry folks, thought since the middle was 20 ft and the generals were 60 ft and 80 ft away that they were on the outside. Guess we know better than to let Ian make the plans.

Holding the reins tightly in his left hand as the dapple grey gelding charges between the armies. Turning the great beast to the right towards the demons, Ian calls on the Power of Faith. As he reins the big grey to a stop, dismounting, while drawing the sword Irabeth gave him. Turning towards the demons his halo illuminated he Shouts, "For Kenabres!".

AC 27. Simultaneously Horse: move action 50 ft. Ian Standard action POF. move action: Ian dismounts while drawing his sword. I checked the PFSRD, It looks like Ian can ride and buff without making a ride check. Not sure about dismounting after the horses second move so the 50 ft move will put him 10 ft off of the grass grid, about where his icon is right now.

For you all!
POF 1/10+1 morale bonus to AC and on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against fear as long as they remain in the area of light.
Focus: Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.

Shortly before the charge begins, Ardriel calls on the power of Yuelral to bless the party.

Everyone has Bless for 7 minutes.

Edited to reflect Dadna's groupings and spoiler requests.

Can we first agree who is where, and can we use spoilers for the two fights? Otherwise this is going to get really, really confusing

Bless gives you nothing with Ian's POF

** spoiler omitted **

That was for Dadna not you Fley.

Ah, that makes alot of sense! Roger that, feeling alot more confident with the fight now.

Bless gives you nothing with Ian's POF

remember neither the power of faith nor the focus for mythic works outside of 30 ft, so the bless may not be a bad idea if we get spread out

With Ian facing the demons, Donnen, Leothar, and I should all benefit from Bless.

[spoiler=Mortals]
Ardriel strides forward slightly and calls out to the human, "You have chosen the wrong side in this fight. Yuelral will see you punished, although your surrender may mitigate it!"

Ardriel then drew his bow and loosed a divinely-powered shot at the human.

Move 10' so the human is within 30', since it looks like he is 10' behind the others, then smite evil on him.

Attack, bless, mythic pbs, smite: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 30
Damage, mythic pbs, smite: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 6 = 14

AC is 22 vs human.