GM Losonti's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Losonti

"I realize the enormity of what we are asking you," Irabeth says, once things have quieted enough for her to speak. "The city's greatest defenders have either perished or fled, save those gathered here. We don't have the strength to assault the Garrison, but a small, elite strike force just might be able to do it, especially with the attention of its defenders drawn elsewhere. When you are ready to begin your assault, we will launch our own feinting attacks throughout the city. This should buy you the opening you need to slip through the city and into the Garrison."

"The fragment must be destroyed," Quednys adds. "Ordinarily, this would be beyond even the capabilities of even our most powerful wizards. Fortunately, we prepared a contingency for a day such as this. Aravashnial, show them."

The blind elf nods and steps forward, placing a cloth-wrapped object onto the table. He unrolls it to reveal a rod, made of white wood and with a green crystalline orb held at one end. "This is a rod of cancellation. Merely touch this rod to the wardstone fragment, and they will destroy one another. Be careful not to touch it to any of your own magical items, as it will expend itself destroying them as well." He quickly rolls the rod back up into its protective cloth. "I also know of a hidden Riftwarden cache on the way to the Gray Garrison. Its contents should be quite useful to you."

"Destroying the fragment will rob the demons of the vulnerability in the field that is so crucial to their plans," Quednys says. "They will not be able to use it against us again, unless, of course, they destroy another wardstone. Something I do not think is possible for some time, as the Kenabres wardstone was only so vulnerable as a result of years of attacks upon it."

"Almost," Irabeth adds dryly, "as if they've been planning for this day from the start. There is one more thing," she says, all traces of humor evaporating. "I would never ask you to do something I wouldn't attempt myself, and you delivered my wife to me with no expectation of reward. When you attack the Gray Garrison, I will be right there alongside you."

Massielo immediately takes in the seriousness of this endeavor. He says "We welcome your help" to Irabeth, impressed with her leadership. He is curious about the cache that Aravashnial commented, but he doesn't say anything. He starts thinking about his parents, and how he's going to say that he is going on such a mission.

After resting, Massielo is ready.

Greta grins when her guess proves accurate but quickly grows serious again as Iribeth and Aravashnial speak. When they finish, she looks around awkwardly at the gathered leadership for a moment as she contemplates a questions.

"Yes, thank you, commander!" she echoes. Turning her attention to the elf, she continues, "we'll do whatever we can for Kenebres, and its people, and we'll do it without seeking rewards, because it's the right thing to do, but there is one thing that you, or someone in your order, might be able to do to help us if we can afford to wait until tomorrow to leave... you see, we've gathered enough resources to enchant my hammer but none of us has learned how to do that yet... is there any chance that maybe if we gave you what you need you could do it for us tonight?"

"Well, I already said I'll do whatever I can, not so much for a suicide mission as Junior.... But a good night of rest to be at our best before we sneak in.... and complete this mission!"

"But are you sure they can continue without you lady? And now that you are together with your lady again.... Perhaps you should stay here, at least for now?"

Tristan nods in agreement with the others. The Inquisitor spends his evening dining, planning, and pouring over maps of the Gray Garrison.

Benedic takes Irabeth's announcement with some surprise, but nods to himself as if to say that is good and proper. He spends the evening asking about Irabeth around the camp to learn more about her, such as which deity she worships and more about her background. He does not think he will uncover any surprises but he feels like he is doing his part to help the war effort.

Diplomacy (Gather Information), enhanced diplomacy, Touch of Glory, Variant Channeling: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 1 + 4 + 1 = 30

Massielo spends the rest of the day and night tending to those in need in Defender's Heart. He avoids talking to his parents, but in the end of the night he knows he shouldn't stay quiet and tells his parents that he will leave again in the morrow, but doesn't give any details. He gives the excuse that he is tired and retires early.

Caliban returns and copies Bear's Endurance into his spellbook that evening before preparing to head out...

Take 10 for 20 on spellcraft and spend 40 gp

Benedic makes a point of checking in on Beatrics while the party is back at Defender's Heart, though he does so almost furtively, trying to see her without making it obvious what he is doing-- just "happening" to encounter her while he is gathering information about Irabeth. As thanks for the knowledge that she shares with him about the provisional leader of their band of resistance, he gives her an account of their adventures, doing his best to emphasize the danger so that she (and he) does not feel bad about his decision to forbid her from coming with them. He is surprised and puzzled when she shyly says that she has composed a poem about their journey under the city, and he listens in rapt wonder when she performs it for him. It is framed as a prayer to Iomedae to keep safe Her faithful servants in dark times, and Benedic finds it especially inspirational. When he leaves her, he does so extremely reluctantly, lingering in her company for several farewells and departing with an almost haunted expression.

Aravashnial listens to Greta's question, and begins to shake his head, but freezes in place as a look of realization crosses his face. "I believe such a thing may be possible. It will be difficult, but we will do our best. Hand Quednys your weapon, please, and we will go about our work." Normally, enchanting a weapon takes 2 days, but by pooling their efforts and working through the night, the remaining Riftwardens will be able to give your longhammer a +1 enchantment. Make sure to mark off the gold!

The corner of Irabeth's mouth twitches upward in amusement at Selann's suggestion of staying home.

"I've never been one to let others fight my battles, Master Juris," she says, "but your question is a sound one. Had I not seen evidence of your competence, or if I still had cause to worry about my missing wife, I may well have stayed to lead my soldiers. But your arrival has changed the game, so to speak, and I am confident in the capabilities of the men and women under my command."

The morning brings a number of surprises. Many of the crusaders are lined up at a number of heavily-laden wagons, while workers swarm about the vehicles unloading their contents. As you approach, the mood of the crowd is a bizarre mix of excitement and irritation. The source of the latter storms out from behind a pile of crates, laborers fleeing his wrath.

"Incompetents!" Horgus bellows, his face reddening. "If you work any slower the bloody demons will be halfway to Druma before the first wagon is empty!"

As all this is going on, you see crusaders at the front of the line shedding their own worn and battered arms and armor in favor of what is inside the crates: a massive arsenal of swords, polearms, and armor, masterworks all.

Closer to the gates, you see the newly equipped crusaders forming up into their units alongside their First Descendant auxiliaries. Waiting for you at the gates themselves is another, smaller group of 8 of Kenabres's subterranean citizens. One turns as you approach, a broad smile on his face.

"My friends!" Lann calls out to you. His voice drops to a stage whisper for a moment as you get closer. "I heard you're going to save the day. Well, let no one say we did not do our part!" He gestures expansively to the seven soldiers assembled, then back to you. "We have no intention of letting you go into the demon's maw by yourselves, and so I am sending some of my best hunters to keep you out of trouble." He turns back to face you, his voice growing serious.

"I can't go with you, I'm afraid. Many of my people don't speak Common, so I'll need to be on hand to translate orders. Whatever happens today, take heart in what you have accomplished. And if this goes sideways, and we all die, well...I'll owe you a round at the tavern. Take care."

Each of you will receive a mongrelman follower. I'll let you name them. They act on their given PC's initiative, and will follow your orders unless they're obviously suicidal.

"Master Horgus," Benedic says by way of greeting, clapping the bitter man on the shoulder. "It is good to see you, and greater still to see you contributing to the war effort. I knew we could count on you to step up when it truly matters!"

I'll name Benedic's mongrelman ranger "Fennadich". :)

Massielo is impressed to see the crusaders mobilizing. This is what he wanted, a chance to fight back. Now they have the chance to hinder the demonic plan in a meaningful way and he does not intend to waste it.

Seeing Lann, Massielo wraps his arms around the mongrel and squeezes him hard and says "You, missing out on the fight of our lives? I wouldn't dream of it!" Addressing the warriors close by, he says "Today mongrelmen and... surface men bleed and fight for our lives and freedom together!" He brandishes his weapon, a morningstar gifted by chief Sull of Neathholm, which to him symbolizes the union.

This act impresses a young mongrelwoman ranger called Sinesia who volunteers to be assigned to him in aiding in the fight.

I'll be adding Sinesia's stat block to my sheet and her HP to my mini sheet. Don't kill her off please.

Tristan begins looking for masterwork Lamellar leather to be enchanted...

Selann is a bit surprised to find a mongrelman ranger looking to him for direction. "Forentian? I'm not much for giving orders so I'll expect you to use some judgement of your own to pick targets. Get some extra arrows for that bow and don't try to follow me into the mix. Sometimes I keep my distance to use magic. Others, I sneak in to stick my knife where it'll do the most good."

Wow! Perception and stealth almost as good as mine....

Greta's face can barely contain her smile when Aravashnial returns her father's hammer in the morning, and she gives the elf a huge hug as she thanks him repeatedly.

As she walks through the streets with her companions taking in the preparations her grin remains. "We're really doing it," she remarks to whoever might happen to be listening, "the crusade is marching to war again, and we're marching with it. The forces of the Abyss have dealt us a serious blow this past week or so, but now the tides will turn..."

At their reunion with Lann, she smiles and waves to their former companion, but leaves the talking up to Benedic and Massielo. When they're partnered up with warriors of Neathholm, she can't help but chuckle as she looks up at her new squire Girk who towers over a foot taller than her. "Everyone's going to think I'm your squire," she mutters only half-jokingly. She takes a moment to assess his gear and its condition and then bids him to stay put for a moment. Then she darts over to Horgus' carts and, though she's unwilling to grab one of the new swords that may have specific recipients intended, she pulls a worn but working longsword from the pile of discarded weapons and trots back. "Here," she says handing the blade to Girk, "this isn't as nice as your bow but it'll serve you better than a club if you find yourself face to face with an enemy."

Once everyone has had a chance meet their squires, the petite knight asks, "so, time to find the commander?"

I forget how the loot sheet works... should I be marking off that gold or will Junior take care of it? (I think it was Junior who's our quartermaster, right?)

Well then Arsenault, it is a pleasure to meet you. I think we will get along just fine with your aid today, and I look forward to working with you. I recommend sticking to using your bow, we bring a lot of melee combatants with us always. The elf greets the ranger formally and with great hope for what they are about to embark upon.

Junior shakes the hand of Lann and then awkwardly pulls him in for a bro hug. ”Good to see you in the fight buddy and thanks for the assist.” He greets the mongrelfolk called Lotney and starts talking strategy, drum solos, and chocolate bars.

With the organizing out of the way Lotney says with a thick accent, "Hey you guys! We gots demons to kill."

Tristan wakes an hour before the Dawn. The Inquisitor says his prayers, tenets, and reports. The young Inquisitor then washes, dresses, and eats breakfast.
He seems to be purposely isolating the initial early morning of the attempted raid of the Grey Garrison. He is seen pouring over the same architectural plans.
We have the proper gear? Climbing kits? Crowbars? Shovels? Anyone have access to any Alchemical supplies? Scent repellent, Dye Markers, plants that allow one to grow gills for an hour granting underwater breathing?

Tristan then finds Junior.
We got a list of supplies? I suggest distribution among the Mongrelmen volunteers. We are gonna need a bigger boat!

Tristan begins organizing these supplies for the Mongrelmen. He is introduced to Aaragon.
Call me, Strider.
He relays in a hoarse, earthy tone of voice.

Tristan winks.

Tristan, you can get your +1 lamellar. Since you're studying the layout of the Garrison, I'll reveal the layout of the rooms (though not their contents, obviously). The red chamber is the Temple of Iomedae, while the green one (located on the third floor) is the Wardstone chamber.

Everyone: the map has been updated, and I've placed your followers on the board. They have generic tokens for right now, so you'll want to either give them a color or substitute your own token. Just make sure to indicate it in some way!

The signal to begin the assault is given shortly after dawn. The forces gathered at Defender's Heart begin to pour into the city, hoping to spend lives to buy you time. Following a short delay, your party heads out on its own path, deeper into Kenabres.

Your team, despite its size, encounters little resistance as your press forward into the heart of the demonic foothold. What few cultists and the occasional demon you encounter are silenced before they can raise the alarm, and you arrive at your first stop: the Riftwarden cache. It's exactly where Aravashnial told you it would be, and a quick check against the list he gave you confirms everything is present: eight potions of cure serious wounds, four potions of lesser restoration, 15 +1 evil outsider bane arrows, a chime of opening, a wand of magic missiles (CL 5th, 31 charges), a wand of daylight (24 charges), and a wand of shield of faith (CL 6th, 7 charges). The stash recovered, you continue on your way unmolested.

Soon, you arrive at the Gray Garrison, where a large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more—nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. In front of the entrance, you see two hideously obese, naked men armed with scythes on guard.

Got Lotney's token replaced.

Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Junior looks at the naked men traipsing about without a care in the world and recoils a little bit, "Um... ew."

Working on getting the loot logged.

Earlier

Junior tries to figure out the mystery wand they had found earlier.

Spellcraft vs 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"Yes, more healing items to horde!"

Knowledge-Local?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Selann looks at the deformed, naked men, wondering what sort of perverse, possibly undead creatures they might be.... "Lord Hulrun? What did they do?" He readies his crossbow with one of the magical bolts, flaming, for once the battle starts.

Mage Armor and Anticipate Peril ready to start....

Who is carrying the Rod of Cancellation? Don't want to leave that behind!

It seems to have been erased from my profile, but Benedic was almost slavishly devoted to Lord Hulrun before the game began, as you can see from this post. Could Benedic possibly make a Knowledge (nobility) check to recognize him instead of Knowledge (local)?

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

I don't see the naked scythe wielders in the map. Also, I colored my ranger green and added a note in the map. Feel free to remove it if it is too polluting.

Massielo comments "The corruption is spreading. How do you suggest we go about this? We shouldn't just assume they are beyond redemption." He wishes they don't need to fight former allies. I suppose that is what is so terrible about demons. They corrupt., he thinks.

I have always wondered why Inquisitors don't know humanoids...lol!

I replaced (hehe) my Mongrelman Token (Yes, Junior; all by myself!)

Knowledge local untrained: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Tristan wishes the Defender's Heart Battalion Iomedae"s blessings before the Inquisitor readies to lead their group to the secret cache, prior to infiltrating the Grey Garrison.
The morning air seems to be holding its breath in anticipation of the coming conflict. The startling silence of the city seems disturbing and distrusting; as each absently kicked stone crashing and pounding across the strewn rubble of the deserted streets causes hearts to race and fingers to clench on hard gripped weapons at the same time! The heavy sounds of breathing, the faucet of sweat pouring down temples and palms , the constant shifting of feet, weapons, eyes seems to be on the verge of pointing clearly to the clandestine group, as they make their wary way forward through the wounded city.

At the Riftwarden cache, the Inquisitor helps to catalog and secure the findings. Tristan defers their appropriation to anyone else who desires to carry them.

At the Gray Garrison

Tristan watches the two not too certain what those are!? creatures just guarding the front doors to the Garrison. He points to Strider to take a hidden point inside some ruin building to cover the front doors.

Tristan whispers.
Anyone got any pants?

Caliban grins at Tristan's jest, I am afeared we did not bring spare pants this day, should we attempt to draw out these hideous creatures? he points with his head over to the doorway. The elf seems in better spirits than at any time in the recent past with the party, feeling a sense of purpose. He grasps Terendelev's scale in his left hand, concentrating a moment, and in enveloped in a brief silver glow.

Resist Elements, Electricity

Massielo makes a face at Caliban's comment and says "Well, we've learned not to judge by looks. I still want to try to converse. If something goes wrong, you can say that would serve as a distraction. We don't know, it's possible they are being magically controlled. And even if they have been corrupted, I believe anyone can be redeemed."

As the others discuss how best to handle the naked guards, Greta clutches her scale from the great dragon and closes her eyes for a moment. Suddenly her skin hardens and bursts into thousands of silver scales.

"We don't want them raising any alarms..." she cautions Massielo, "our allies are paying dearly for us to catch this place unaware. If you think they might be savable humans that were twisted by the demons' magic maybe we try to find a different way in and leave them until we're done inside? Or else you could go try to talk to them alone so you don't seem like a threat? If they won't listen you could try to lead them back to an ambush... you're not very quick though, so maybe stay a decent distance from them while you talk?"

Junior takes out his scale and asks, "Should I?"

Benedic, I'd say yes, but even so you can always attempt a knowledge check even when untrained if the DC is 10 or less. Massielo, thanks for reminder. You are all mercifully spared an exact match for what is described here, and instead get an approximation. I'll try to get a post up tonight, but it may be tricky. If not, expect one tomorrow.

Hearing the team discuss possibly talking with the.... whatever they are, Selann runs back to get around the building. As he runs past Forentian he quietly says, "Stay back with the team. Use arrows if this turns to fighting. Run if it falls apart!"

Junior says, ”I got this!” He begins to take off his armor and his clothes, he adds, ”Tristan avert your eyes.” Once sufficiently naked he holds the scale aloft and invokes its power. His form slowly transforms into an extraordinarily fat and rather short human man.

Disguise, polymorph, different race: 1d20 + 3 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 10 - 2 = 12

Massielo realizes that Junior is very good at misdirections. He would prefer a more direct approach, laying out the cards. But it's better than attacking, he feels.

Tristan nods to Junior. The 1/2 Orc definitely has tricks that his more Iomadean companions do not have access!
The Inquisitor definitely can appreciate the differing approaches.

Tristan sends Junior's Mongrelman to join Strider to help cover the 1/2 Orc from the cover of the ruin building.

Taking liberties, sir...lol.

Tristan then prepares to react accordingly; if this goes sour....

The two men turn at Junior's approach, their faces morphing into hideous imitations of smiles. "Have you come to offer yourself to Deskari?" asks Lord Hulrun, his voice full of mockery.

Tristan would like to amend his previous position to when; not if, this goes sour....

Massielo holds his morningstar firmly and motions for Sinesia to get ready.

Benedic looks surprised as he recognizes them. "Those two men are Lord Hulrun, the leader of Kenabres, and Kandro Nyserian, whose destroyed manor was on our list of safehouses. But how could Lord Hulrun look so twisted and evil...? Is that him, or perhaps his body deformed and animated somehow? We must try to discover what has happened to them, perhaps after we or our friends have dispatched them."

Sorry, I've been out of town for a couple of days!

knowledge ?, HA: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Knowledge (arcana) (Int)+6 (+3 identify)(2), Knowledge (dungeoneering) (Int)+6 (+3 identify)(2), Knowledge (nature) (Int)+6 (+3 identify)(2), Knowledge (planes) (Int)+6 (+3 identify)(2), Knowledge (religion) (Int)+6 (+3 identify)(2)

Junior hems, ”I’m probably more of a Baphomet man if given a choice between the two.” He pauses and then says, ”The locusts are swarming!” He casts vanish and starts to head back to where he left his weapons. I’ve only done a 5ft step, not sure how many actions I can do.

Bluff to send secret message to Tristan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Success
Lotney SM: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Initiative? Possibly surprise round based on secret message check?

Massielo realizes that a fight is about to break out. He blesses the party in response, a little unhappy with how things turned out. He says "Try not to kill them."

Cast bless on <Gary Oldman> EVERYONE friendly of course

Tristan attempts at not laughing seem to be choking him....then he clues in the rest of the party.

Selann carefully waits and watches around the corner to see what the party decides.

I'm out of range for a sneak attack so I'm waiting for something to let me advance with stealth....

Also I think the bluff DC is 21 for the fat men. Assuming they're evil. Due to the scale

Greta slowly places her palm on her face in disbelief.

what is he doing... did he not understand that the whole point of talking to them first was supposed to be to look for a way to sway them back to our side... why did he vanish without evening trying to get through to them, and what was that business about Baphomet... he's always been a bit off, I guess if this doesn't turn into a complete disaster at least we'll have learned a valuable lesson about trusting him with something like this...

The small warrior sighs and shakes her head then whispers to Girk, "if they start raising an alarm shoot them as fast as you can... if they try to get to Junior let them get far enough from the door that anyone inside would have a hard time hearing them before you start shooting."

Sense motive #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Sense motive #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Their grins stretch even wider as Junior answers. Impossibly so, in fact, as the corners of their mouths start to pull apart. They make no other response, however, even as Junior disappears from sight. They simply look past him toward the rest of your party.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

"Vermlek demons," Benedic mutters darkly. "As I suspected, they have burrowed into the corpses of these brave men and now wear them as disgusting suits of flesh armor. It would appear battle is now joined; to arms, my friends!"

Benedic moves forward to try and protect Junior from a charge, if indeed the demons have been sufficiently provoked.

Grey Garrison

Tristan frowns as he recognizes these evil, foul demons.
Gather around me for a moment. This will help. They are Vermlek demons!

The Inquisitor touches each around him, saying a prayer to Iomedae.
Protection from Evil, communal

He then puts on his mean face!

Hearing Benedic, Massielo says "Sinesia, get ready." He readies himself for a charge.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Any additional information about the demons with that roll?

Caliban exhales, bringing his blade up before him quietly and intently. Glancing to Arsenault, he nods briefly and the ranger picks up his arrow, waiting for the sign from the others.

Activate Arcane Pool on his Black Blade 1/6

Selann continues waiting. Once melee starts he should be able to sneak within range for a shot.

Note to self. Get cold iron bolts. +1 or +1 flaming might not do the trick!