Protectors of Golarion (Wrath of the Righteous AP)

Game Master Sensen

Current Chapter: Sword of Valor
Wherein an army marches, a relic is rediscovered, and a victory claimed.
Date: Sunday, 14th of Rova (IX) 4713
Time of Day: Mid-Morning
Season: Late Summer
Weather: 18° F (-8° C), Grey Skies

4713 Calendar

General Purpose Maps:
The Worldwound

Siege Points: 23 (Confident)


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Elliot nods at the cleric's estimation and rises. "All right, thanks. Well... we tried. For the record, it's not the fate of these cultists that worries me here," He clarifies mostly to her and Irabeth. "My real concern is for the mental state of whoever thought slitting a helpless prisoner's throat was an acceptable move. It feels like a step towards self-righteousness at best, a mark on the soul at worst. At the end of it is someone either becoming like Hulrun, or just like the evil we fight and claim to surpass. However, given all that's happened I can't really blame anyone. I just hope neither outcome happens to the Children, if it was them. They deserve better."

With difficulty, he takes the legs of one of them and begins dragging it to the exit. "Guess we might as well put them with the others now, and see if the priests wish to speak with their bodies later."


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Oh okay, I was just not understanding how much time had passed and which things had been done. Scratch all that deliberating then — Verene would just think it overwhelmingly likely that the First Children killed them. If it's been only 15-20 minutes (I think make whole has a 10-minute cast time) then Verene's longer but sub-1-hour buffs were technically still up, though I already removed them from her status bar.

"These wounds do look like they were cleanly left by swords or knives. Nothing to be done about it now. If you want to know more, Elliot, I would ask the First Children. I hope we will see them along with the dead to be buried in honor back at the Defender's Heart. Here— moving them will be easier if we use the disk." She pushes to her feet and continues using her floating disk to take care of the tasks left on their list before leaving the Gray Garrison: helping Thesius search the downstairs properly, moving all the heavy items they have found to the secret armory, taking all of the enemies' corpses outside so they will not rot inside the building (leaving the humanoids in neat rows and the demons with their fiendish creatures in a pile), and finally cleaning off the disk and piling it again with one rope-tied bundle of heavy objects while Elliot takes the other on a floating disk of his own. The two formerly tied-up cultists simply go with their compatriots outside, while she takes the rope back for reuse. Only after all the work of moving bodies is done does she ask Thesius for a use of his cantrip to clean up. She makes sure someone locks the dovecote window again from the inside and the front door using the keys found on Jeslyn when they leave.

Our understanding is that the First Children already took back to the Defender's Heart all of the bodies we wanted taken back there, right? So I'm ready to move on.


female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

”In all the chaos we might have missed a cultist…” Azira suggests without an abundance of concern. She helps finish moving the cultist’s bodies out of the Garrison and arranging them outside, then draws Radiance and prepares to set off for Defender’s Heart.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Earlier in response to Verene...

"It's stirring up memories of my father and the one that saved me...it's hard to think about on top of all of the other emotions swirling within me."

Now

"It does seem likely that we may have missed someone. They may have had a way to hide from our eyes, such as the invisibility we have used against them as well."

I'll get up a bigger post later, but did not want to hold anything up.


Encounter Maps | Geographic Map | Treasures | Important NPCs

The journey back to the Defender's Heart is cold, and there are still occasional sounds of fighting - whatever the effect the wardstone's destruction had on the demons in Kenabres, their cultists remain. Despite this, the champions and Irabeth do not have any trouble finding their way "home."

The guards at the Defender's Heart look even more anxious than usual - presumably the offensive has left them less well-staffed than they would have liked. "Lady Irabeth!" One calls upon seeing the group. "And everyone else! Quickly, open the doors!"

Irabeth nods wearily. "Send someone to gather the people in the common room. We've much to discuss."

If any of you want to seek out particular NPCs here, before she does the debriefing, please do. Also, Elliot, we can do the discussion about Righteous Eclipse with the Sarenite cleric from ages ago in spoilers now.


F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin

Merixia sheathes her bastard sword once the doors to Defender's Heart open, looking around the common room for Anevia and Aravashnial. With their injuries they probably aren't out fighting, and they would probably like to know that the party survived.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Verene's spell protects her and Thamyris from the elements despite her light clothing. She keeps the floating disk in front of herself as they go, so she can more carefully control its naturally level path and make sure it does not pass over any crevice large enough to cause it to wink out of existence for lack of solid support. Directing it with her mind while staying alert for the dangers represented by the not-terribly-distant sounds of battle is a somewhat awkward process at first, but by the time they reach the Defender's Heart again it feels like second nature.

Since nothing they found seems particularly urgent, when they arrive she seeks out the First Children just to make sure they arrived safely, let them know everyone survived, and gather with them in the common room. Once she has done so, she and the disk drift over to the wall where survivors have been posting names and requests for any known information of their missing loved ones, to see if anyone has reported any news of the people she is looking for or if she can give closure to those looking for the unfortunates whose remains she has recognized along the way.


M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Upon returning to the Heart, Elliot dissipates his disk in the nearest available room, depositing the bodies and found items there, locks it and looks around for Aravashnial first and foremost. His Master was the closest thing he currently had for a family next to Verene.

Afterwards, he inquires after the fates of Fenna and the other scribes and librarians from the Black Library, and of Klarah and her parents. Had any of them been escorted back already? If not, this was perhaps the time. If they were already here, were they involved with the fighting in some degree? Feeling reasonably fresh, he might be able to head out and assist in the other ongoing skirmishes, especially after re-preparing his spells... depending on the contents of Irabeth's message, of course.

I think Klarah was previously rescued but the Librarians barricaded themselves in the library. If that is false, Elliot blames it on his spotty memory. :)

GM:

It was near the end of the day that he saw a Sarenrite priestess, and an inkling of an unservolved matter was pickling his mind. "W-wait! You. Um... sorry, I can't remember your name. It was all so hectic and there were lots of missions we had to run in a short timeframe. But... you wanted to Discuss Righteous Eclipse? Do you know something of it?"


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Thesius sighs upon returning back to the Defender's Heart. He was glad to see the place was still standing without issue. Upon entering, he finds a place to sit and think. His mind still whirling from the events and old memories that had been stirred up. He would need to deal with them sooner or later and felt continuing to push it off would only hurt in the long run.


female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

Azira seeks out the highest ranking priest of Iomedae currently in Defender’s Heart. Once she finds them, she turns over the two repaired helmets and gives a report on all the desecrated sites they had cleansed. Then she shares the sad news of the fallen crusaders whose bodies and been brought back to receive their final honors and rites.


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Encounter Maps | Geographic Map | Treasures | Important NPCs

Spoilered for ease of reading rather than any actual secretiveness. I figured after so long in a dungeon, we might slow down a tad for some RP, but let me know if you want to move onwards.

Merixia and Elliot:

While Merixia can't find Anevia, she figures that the woman is probably with her wife.

Finding Aravashnial, by contrast, is easy - he is deep in discussion with Quednys Orlun, the proprietor of the Blackwing Library.

"It must have done great damage to the demons' efforts, but until we hear more from the frontlines, it's impossible to know... ah, the attack team returns, and... largely uninjured." Orlun says, looking at the pair. "Where are your friends?"

Aravashnial's ears twitch as he tries to determine who is present. Giving up, he sighs. "Quednys, who is it?"

The librarians were, in fact, rescued after you guys found the Defender's Heart was safe. Aravashnial was staying with them until then.

Verene:
The Children linger in some of the further rooms from the main area, along with another representative of Neathholm - Lann, who rises to greet Verene. "Good day, Lady Tanaquil." He bows with a slight flourish. "I was speaking with my fellows about your assault on the Garrison. Pray tell what happened after they left."

Thesius:
Thesius finds a place of relative peace in the common area, his air of exhaustion keeping others from easily approaching. Amidst the gathering crowd, he sees a few familiar faces - Ashlyn Darial, an old friend of his father's, Klarah from Fine Fittings, wearing a longsword at her hip and with a white cat winding around her ankles, as well as Anevia and Irabeth, embracing and speaking quietly to one another.

Azira:
The highest ranking member of the Church is Second Sword Knight Orin Kalvas, a Chelaxian man in his late fifties. He is in the main room, watching Irabeth and waiting for her to report on the results of the attack.

He listens to her report with a grave expression. "Thank you, Fourth Sword Knight Tal-Shirin. We haven't had the chance to speak with one another before, so let me also extend my condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a brave woman, and though I rarely had the chance to speak with her personally, I have heard tales of her feats for many years." He scratches his chin. "It is good that you sanctified the shrine and chapel. I'm certain the Inheritor is pleased with your actions. While I'm certain Knight-Commander Tirabade will tell us more, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what you found in the Garrison."

Elliot, Alone:
I assume this is after the debriefing, but if it's before you left, please correct me.

The priestess blinks at him before nodding rapidly. "Yes, I did. Thank you for remembering, but I cannot blame you for not noticing at the time." She looks at the black blade. "That is a relic of our faith and has been for many generations. Only a rare few are able to awaken its power. I believe the last was a woman who fought in the First Crusade... Aisha, I think her name was?"

"!!!" Righteous Eclipse makes a noise of shock. "That was her name! I'd... forgotten."

The priestess, blithely unaware of the interplay, continues. "She fell... in Drezen, when the citadel fell, I think."


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?
Worldwound GM wrote:
Aravashnial's ears twitch as he tries to determine who is present. Giving up, he sighs. "Quednys, who is it?"

There's a tightness in his chest; a touching feeling of familiarity and happiness upon seeing his wizened mentor and surrogate father figure again. The magus chuckles once, his throat a bit dry, and fights back both the emotion and sudden rush of tears threatening to form. He was supposed to be dead. dead ! That he could even stand here and talk to Aravashnial again was an absolute miracle, and maybe, if Merixia hadn't been standing there too, he would have cried - briefly, of course - or given a hug at least, protocol be damned!

But he was pretty sure that would ruin whatever positive image he had built up during the fighting...

"Master, it's me! And Merixia Pentarian is here as well. I just wanted... to let you know that we did it! We got to the Wardstone easily, then I flew the Rod of Cancellation straight into it and it- well, it blew up. But not the way we thought!" He quickly summarizes, then adds."I'm okay. We're all okay. Better than fine, even! Some part of its energy was dispersed into us, I think. How that would work on a finer Arcafundamental level is something that might require a lot of study, but it's amazing and the practical uses-!" He blinks and slows down. "I mean... maybe it can all wait. Just, how are you? How have things been since we were gone?" He continues, a bit sheepishly.

Worldwound GM, coversing with the priestess:

Ah, thanks for the reminder. I left the time of day deliberately vague as I don't know if Irabeth's speech has an effect on our actions for the rest of it. But probably afterwards? I don't mind either way.

"I see... thank you for telling me." He solemnly makes the traditional, probably Qadiran in origin prayer sign for Sarenrae and bows his head. In truth, he felt much less composed. Wasn't her name technically a part of himself now? What of her identity? He had her memories to an extent. Was Aisha herself then also part of him? If it was, that meant he'd died seventy five years ago only to come back now. But hey, he'd just about died himself just now too so technically this was already his third 'life'.

"So she fell at the very start of the Second Crusade. I'm sorry to hear that, even if I knew it deep down. Is anything more known of her, if this relic is so important to our fate? And... could you tell me *why* it is important?" He grimaces and looks away. "The unfortunate truth is that both the Sword and I lost part of our memories. It has no idea of who it is, or of Aisha, any more than I do."


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Elliot, the Red Heron wrote:

There's a tightness in his chest; a touching feeling of familiarity and happiness upon seeing his wizened mentor and surrogate father figure again. The magus chuckles once, his throat a bit dry, and fights back both the emotion and sudden rush of tears threatening to form. He was supposed to be dead. dead ! That he could even stand here and talk to Aravashnial again was an absolute miracle, and maybe, if Merixia hadn't been standing there too, he would have cried - briefly, of course - or given a hug at least, protocol be damned!

But he was pretty sure that would ruin whatever positive image he had built up during the fighting...

"Master, it's me! And Merixia Pentarian is here as well. I just wanted... to let you know that we did it! We got to the Wardstone easily, then I flew the Rod of Cancellation straight into it and it- well, it blew up. But not the way we thought!" He quickly summarizes, then adds."I'm okay. We're all okay. Better than fine, even! Some part of its energy was dispersed into us, I think. How that would work on a finer Arcafundamental level is something that might require a lot of study, but it's amazing and the practical uses-!" He blinks and slows down. "I mean... maybe it can all wait. Just, how are you? How have things been since we were gone?" He continues, a bit sheepishly.

It's clear to Merixia's discerning eye that Elliot really wants to go give his mentor a hug, but is holding himself back for some reason. Surely it's not because she's there? But then, men can be strange about showing emotion. She elbows him in the side (lightly, mindful of her heavy armor) and leans over to whisper in his ear. "Go greet him properly, silly!"

Once Elliot stops talking, Merixia speaks up. "We figured you would want to know that the mission was a success and we all lived to tell the tale. When the wardstone exploded, five of us- myself, Elliot, Verene, Thesius, and Azira- saw visions of the wardstone network. Why the same didn't happen to Irabeth is beyond me. Past, present, and the future that would have come to pass if we failed in our mission." She shivers a bit at the memory. "Similar explosions of divine magic happened at every wardstone. The demons took heavy losses, but I'm pretty sure we just lost our first line of defense."


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NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr
Worldwound GM wrote:
The Children linger in some of the further rooms from the main area, along with another representative of Neathholm - Lann, who rises to greet Verene. "Good day, Lady Tanaquil." He bows with a slight flourish. "I was speaking with my fellows about your assault on the Garrison. Pray tell what happened after they left."

"Good to see you again, Lann son of Rokk." Verene hopes she remembered his full name correctly as she bows with the same grave formality she would use for a visiting foreign dignitary. The First Children seem to place great importance on old-fashioned standards of decorum. With a friendly smile to make sure he knows no offense was given, she adds, eyes twinkling, "And please, call me Verene. I hold no title, not even by courtesy. It makes strange hearing indeed to be addressed as though I were my great-aunt Valeria!*

"Varel, Barok, Hedge, Lorn, Jan, I am happy to see you five made it here safely. After you returned with the bodies of the crusaders, we battled a half-fiend minotaur, the cultist who I believe raised those zombies, and then six babau demons. But by that point, Elliot had destroyed the last fragment of the Wardstone with the rod of cancellation. It did explode as we feared, but it harmed only the cultist, not us. We were granted visions from the wardstone network that made us believe many of the demons on this side of the border were instantly destroyed by that same wave of power. Areelu Vorlesh apparently took exception to this circumstance, and to the destruction of the artifact she had wanted to corrupt, and turned up to personally chastise us for our temerity. It... did not go as she planned." The characteristic understatement is wry in tone. "Essentially, the last dying flicker of the Wardstone's power protected us from certain death at her hands and the hands of her minions. I think part of it is still inside the five of us, even now. Why, or how, I could not begin to tell you.

"So we did a light spring cleaning of the Garrison, collected everything of use or value, and returned here." After a half-breath to consider, Verene adds neutrally, without accusing anyone of anything, "Elliot was sorry to find that his two cultist prisoners were already dead and could not be taken with us. As I doubt they would have found mercy here, I do not see it makes much difference except sparing them potential torment. Tell me, what have you seen since we have been gone, Lann? Does anyone know how our friends are faring in their battles across the city?"

*Great-aunt being the one who actually inherited the title Lady Tanaquil. I am assuming here that most Sword-Knights of Iomedae, and for that matter, non-titled children of titled nobles, would be addressed by courtesy titles, not because they actually hold titles and estates in Mendev's peerage. With a few exceptions (like maybe Irabeth, knighted for bravery?) So Verene is probably used to hearing people call her mother Lady Alma, but that certainly wouldn't extend to herself.


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?
Merixia wrote:
It's clear to Merixia's discerning eye that Elliot really wants to go give his mentor a hug, but is holding himself back for some reason. Surely it's not because she's there? But then, men can be strange about showing emotion. She elbows him in the side (lightly, mindful of her heavy armor) and leans over to whisper in his ear. "Go greet him properly, silly!"

Elliot takes an involountary step to the side when she pokes him. While he was fairly tall, he knew he was probably pretty lanky, his upbringing with his nose between many dusty tomes and pages doing him no favors there, and Merixia was pretty strong... well, and pretty in general. "A-Ah? You... think I should?" He whispers back.

He looks back at Aravashnial. "Um, Master, I'm sorry if this breaks protocol..." Then he steps forward to give the elf a warm hug. "But I'm really happy to be able to see you again. Thank you for teaching me all those things over the years. If you hadn't, I'm not sure I would have made it through."

Merixia wrote:
She shivers a bit at the memory. "Similar explosions of divine magic happened at every wardstone. The demons took heavy losses, but I'm pretty sure we just lost our first line of defense."

Quickly unattaching himself afterwards, he nods at the cleric's assessment. "Yeah, and I think that with our containment fields gone and the demons reeling from the blast, the Queen has no choice but to go on the offensive. I wouldn't be surprised if a new crusade was quickly assembled to try and take back the land while they recover..." He ponders, thinking of the implications.


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Encounter Maps | Geographic Map | Treasures | Important NPCs

Merixia and Elliot:
"Ah. It is good to hear you again, my young friend." Andochtuir says, a faint smile lurking about his lips. He listens to Elliot's rushed explanation with an attentive expression, leaning forwards slightly.

Orlun purses his lips thoughtfully at the explanation. "That is unexpected. I wonder why..." His brow furrows.

"Unfortunately I was not present at either the creation of the wardstones or the destruction, Elliot, else I would have a better sense of what has happened. As it is, I'm... not wholly sure I could explain even a part of it."

The human wizard looks increasingly grim as Merixia discusses the destruction of the wardstones. "I had feared as much, but from what I understand, it would have been much worse had you not destroyed it. Our network was going to fall in any case... and if you have new power now, well... perhaps that is an even trade."

At Elliot's hug, Aravashnial stiffens - he is clearly unused to physical affection, or perhaps just too badly hurt psychologically to reciprocate. "You are... welcome. It was my pleasure." He says awkwardly.

"I cannot speculate on what the Queen will do next, but I pray that it will be to send aid to us." Orlun says, tapping his finger lightly on the table. "Else we'll have to rely more upon you than ever before."

Verene:
The First Children look at one another, though Lann simply looks intrigued. "Truly? It sounds as though Lady Iomedae herself offered you a blessing through this magic."

"We encountered minimal resistance as we returned whence we came, Verene." Hedge says. "A few cultists, the odd minor demon. Nothing significant. Then we saw the explosion, and we feared the worst."

"I have been sent as a spokesperson for Chief Sull and the other settlements in the city below." Lann says. "We cleaned up the passageway that you slew your way through, and that is where your allies passed through. I believe a handful of the squads have returned from their missions, but I have heard naught more of them."

That assumption works for me, Verene.

Elliot with the Priestess:

"You have awoken the blade, then? I'm afraid it has always been something of an enigma, and I don't know much about it. It is well-known amidst the crusaders of the Everlight, but the specifics have been... unclear."

The woman sighs, massaging her temples. "Important... how much do you know of these swords?" She gestures at Righteous Eclipse. "I'm no historian, so I can't say much of anything for certain, but I have heard that there are many of these blades - or at least, more than Righteous Eclipse, and that they usually work with - or against - their wielders to do great or terrible things. I believe that a cleric of Sarenrae in Kelesh blessed Righteous Eclipse, in the hopes of bringing it to the service of the Dawnflower, but... I don't know more. I'm sorry."

"I don't recall my creation, but it feels true that I was not forged by Sarenite hands." The blade notes.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Worldwound GM wrote:
The human wizard looks increasingly grim as Merixia discusses the destruction of the wardstones. "I had feared as much, but from what I understand, it would have been much worse had you not destroyed it. Our network was going to fall in any case... and if you have new power now, well... perhaps that is an even trade."

Merixia feels her cheeks heat up a bit. "I'm not sure I would go that far. Yeah, I have a little more power now, but I'm still just... me." Still the uppity tiefling ex-slave who's too stubborn to back down from a fight and not nearly as well educated as a proper cleric. Father Darian did his best, but she had a lot of basics to catch up on.

Worldwound GM wrote:

At Elliot's hug, Aravashnial stiffens - he is clearly unused to physical affection, or perhaps just too badly hurt psychologically to reciprocate. "You are... welcome. It was my pleasure." He says awkwardly.

"I cannot speculate on what the Queen will do next, but I pray that it will be to send aid to us." Orlun says, tapping his finger lightly on the table. "Else we'll have to rely more upon you than ever before."

Aww, poor Aravashnial. Obviously he doesn't get enough hugs. Merixia makes a mental note to encourage Elliot to show more affection to his mentor. "Gods, I hope she does. Even with the demons gone and the cultists in disarray, there's so much rebuilding to be done, and I have no idea where to even begin with that. I can help heal people, provide basic nonmagical medical treatment, and clear rubble, but that's about it."

Speaking of healing... "Aravashnial, when you have a moment, can I talk to you in private?"


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female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

Azira smiles weakly as her superior speaks about her mother, and she unconsciously reaches up with her left hand fiddles with her holy symbol. “Thank you, sir,” she replies, “her absence, I’m sure, has been felt throughout the city these past days by all those fighting back the invaders. But I’m sure she made the demons in the square pay dearly for her life.”

Her eyes grow glassy with her final statement, and her breathing is slow and tightly controlled while she listens to Orin’s assessment of the cleansing and request for further details. She clears her throat and adopts much more soldierly posture and attitude as she reports, “The Inheritor did, in fact, approve of the cleansing of her shrines and chapel, and she demonstrated that approval with a brief manifestation of a glowing golden aura. It was greatly reassuring to receive a sign of her notice in the midst of such tragedy. As for what we found in the Garrison… the time and energy they gave to profane that which is sacred proved their depravity, and probably saved lives they could have been out destroying instead. There’s clearly a plan at play here, with their attempt to corrupt the Wardstones, and some sort of leadership structure, but—thankfully—the soldiers on the ground are undisciplined and guided more be there vile nature than what’s best for achieving their objectives. That may be their undoing in the end.”

”Also, when the Wardstone shard exploded, it… as the energy erupted out of it, I could feel it flowing into me, and much of it flowed through me and out but… it feels as though some of it has settled inside of me. That sounds crazy to say out loud. But, I feel it nonetheless. I don’t understand what happened or how—perhaps Aravashnial will have some insight for us—but I believe I know the why: some shred of the Wardstones’ power has been entrusted to me, and to my companions who shared the experience, so that we can use it to finally close the Worldwound. I know it’s not my place to decide who will go where or when, but whatever our next step is, I volunteer. I will not let this gift go to waste.”


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr
Worldwound GM wrote:

The First Children look at one another, though Lann simply looks intrigued. "Truly? It sounds as though Lady Iomedae herself offered you a blessing through this magic."

"We encountered minimal resistance as we returned whence we came, Verene." Hedge says. "A few cultists, the odd minor demon. Nothing significant. Then we saw the explosion, and we feared the worst."

"I have been sent as a spokesperson for Chief Sull and the other settlements in the city below." Lann says. "We cleaned up the passageway that you slew your way through, and that is where your allies passed through. I believe a handful of the squads have returned from their missions, but I have heard naught more of them."

"My apologies for worrying you," Verene says to Hedge. "We are all fine, or at least—" she glances, worried, at Thesius where he sits alone in another corner— "We are uninjured, as you see. Lann, as Chief Sull's representative, I hope you will be a strong advocate for all the First Children in the city below to be considered as welcomed citizens of Kenabres and Mendev from this point forward. Taking back the Garrison and destroying the Wardstone could not have happened without your support. Without you, the war would have been lost. You are heroes, and every man, woman and child in Mendev should know it. We must put an end to the injustice and prejudice the First Children have suffered. I will add my voice to yours and support you in every way I can." She looks between Lann and their five allies, hoping they will see how serious she is.

"And, I am sure Azira and Lady Irabeth would agree with you in attributing what happened in the Wardstone room to Iomedae, while Merixia would attribute it to Ragathiel, Thesius to Desna's luck, and so on. But I must say, I did not perceive any god's direct hand in those events at all. Nor do I feel any call or communication from one now, even as I can see, understand and harness arcane forces I should not be able to without study. It felt more like the Wardstone itself had a kind of limited consciousness, or simply that its inherent magical nature is to ward mortals from harm and be inimical to demonic teleportation," Verene says thoughtfully. "We saw its... memories, I suppose, in visions. It was created in a ritual by many different clerics working together with Iomedae's herald, the angel called the Hand of the Inheritor. It witnessed Hulrun Shappok burning innocents in 4665, and of course Khorramzadeh's first attack in 4692, which cracked it—"

Her eyes widen. "—Oh. And the demon Minagho is a lilitu. That is important information the Crusade did not have before. That, and the books and documents we recovered from the second floor of the Garrison, should be given to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Only I'm not sure who they are."


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Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Thesius finds the moment out of the ordinary for him. He was use to being the life of the party, gambling and making people smile. Of course, it was a silly thought considering everything else that had happened.

Seeing familiar faces doing well and stepping up to their unexpected roles brought forth mixed emotions. He was glad to see them, but it felt as if he should be doing more in that moment.

With a shake of his head, he dismisses the thought. He doubted any would blame him for needing a moment. While it was clear the others were giving him room to breath, he would not push off any that approached him. However, he was not about to invite any over at that moment either. It was a good chance for him to start to recalibrate in a more earnest manner.

Despite it all, he could not help a small smile as he watches the cat playing a dangerous game beneath the feet of Klarah.

He makes a mental note to find time to converse with Ashlyn later, but he was not quite ready for that. The recent events having brought up painful memories of his father made him not want to give them further hold.


Encounter Maps | Geographic Map | Treasures | Important NPCs

Merixia & Elliot:
"We shall have to hope, then, that that will be enough." Orlun says gravely. "Do not fear, though. You won't have to do it alone. I doubt anyone here would demand that of you. You'll have to tell us more about your new prowess when you've figured more out about it."

"Yes, we'll need a lot more population if we wish to even start restoring this city." He says after a moment. "Your talents will likely be most useful in wiping the rest of the cultists out, however, given your performance at the Garrison."

Aravashnial turns his face towards Merixia's voice. "Yes, of course. Let me know what you need when you are prepared."

Azira:
Orin rubs his hands together, warding away the chill for the moment. "Most impressive. In all my years I have heard of such manifestations only rarely. The Queen, a few times. Yaniel, according to rumors." He shakes his head. "Whatever the reasons, it seems that Iomedae has plans for you, Fourth Sword Knight."

A moment's pause. "I cannot say what our long-term goals shall be - I leave that in the hands of other, more wise minds than my own. However, in the short term, I believe we should focus on cleaning out the rest of Kenabres. I imagine that there are still cultists running amok, and we will have need of your skills and Radiance's powers." He nods at the golden blade at her hip.

Verene:
Lann and the others listen in fascination to Verene's summary of the situation, though a few of the Children look somewhat baffled at the array of topics and the speed at which she shares them.

"A most impressive tale." Lann says after a few moments. "Your information will no doubt be critically important to the Crusade... but I do not know enough to be able to fully comprehend it, I'm afraid. Much of what you say is unknown to me."

I am thinking of maybe having Irabeth's debriefing within the next couple of my posts. Thoughts?


female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

Azira gently unsheathes Radiance, its warm golden glow illuminating the dim room, and settles into her fighting stance. "We are learning to dance together fairly well," she says with a smile as she moves gracefully and rhythmically in a little circle slicing the air several times along the way. "We will both serve however we can."

I'm enjoying the RP, but I'm ready to move on whenever you are.


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?
Merixia wrote:
Merixia feels her cheeks heat up a bit. ”I’m not sure I would go that far. Yeah, I have a little more power now but I’m still just… me.”

Elliot blinks. ”’Just you’? What are you talking about? You mean you weren’t kicking ass and taking names the whole time? Could have fooled me.” The emberkin says, and smiles. “” As I recall,- and yes, I will freely admit my mental faculties have been spotty of late, but still! – you were one of the only ones of us not scrambling out of the poison cloud trap, for one, dishing out damage all throughout the assault AND the one putting us back together when we needed it most. I bet you could have done much of it by yourself even, especially after that gift at the end. I’d rather have you with us than a whole extra squad of knights - and I’m sure the others feel the same.”

The compliment is earnest and warm, even if he seems to realize something afterward and quickly looks away a bit awkwardly. ” Um… I mean… well, like I said.” Was that too much? But it’s true, so…

Later in the conversation, when Merixia asks to speak to Aravashnial alone, he takes the perhaps hint and politely excuses himself, claiming there was someone else he had to find and talk to as well.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Elliot, the Red Heron wrote:

Elliot blinks. ”’Just you’? What are you talking about? You mean you weren’t kicking ass and taking names the whole time? Could have fooled me.” The emberkin says, and smiles. “” As I recall,- and yes, I will freely admit my mental faculties have been spotty of late, but still! – you were one of the only ones of us not scrambling out of the poison cloud trap, for one, dishing out damage all throughout the assault AND the one putting us back together when we needed it most. I bet you could have done much of it by yourself even, especially after that gift at the end. I’d rather have you with us than a whole extra squad of knights - and I’m sure the others feel the same.”

The compliment is earnest and warm, even if he seems to realize something afterward and quickly looks away a bit awkwardly. ” Um… I mean… well, like I said.” Was that too much? But it’s true, so…

Now Merixia is certain that her face is as red as her tail. Elliot really thinks so much of her? Really? "Um, uh... thank you. But no, I definitely couldn't have done it all myself! Everyone did an amazing job. You flew past that cultist in the bone armor to get the wand to the wardstone like she wasn't even there."

Once Elliot has excused himself, Merixia approaches Aravashnial and offers him her arm. She guides the blind wizard to a secluded corner where (hopefully) they won't be overheard. "I just figured out how to cast third level spells today, including remove blindness. So... I know this is an intrusive question, but are your eyes still there? If there's anything left of them, I think that spell can restore your sight."

Once Aravashnial has answered the question, I'm good to either cast remove blindness and move on or just move on.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr
Worldwound GM wrote:

Lann and the others listen in fascination to Verene's summary of the situation, though a few of the Children look somewhat baffled at the array of topics and the speed at which she shares them.

"A most impressive tale." Lann says after a few moments. "Your information will no doubt be critically important to the Crusade... but I do not know enough to be able to fully comprehend it, I'm afraid. Much of what you say is unknown to me."

"Beg pardon, I was rambling. The visions are not important now," Verene says with slight impatience, clearly at herself rather than the Children. "What is important is the first part: what comes next. You are the heroes who came to the aid of the Crusade in its darkest hour. Now is the time to correct the injustices your people have suffered and ensure the First Children of the Crusade are accorded the respect and freedom they have always deserved."

Fine with going to Irabeth's speech soon, GM. Just hoping the First Children will have something to say either way about the idea of pushing for the Crusade/Mendev to recognize their people as equal citizens again and let them come out of hiding etc.


M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Slightly earlier

Merixia wrote:
"Um, uh... thank you. But no, I definitely couldn't have done it all myself! Everyone did an amazing job. You flew past that cultist in the bone armor to get the wand to the wardstone like she wasn't even there."

"Really? Well, thanks..." He scratches the back of his head, making a few embers fall down from the motion. Caught in some sort of internal debate, he doesn't seem to notice her blush. "But I'm not sure I deserve such praise. At the time, I just... wanted to get there as fast as possible, as far away from the group as I could. I knew it would probably explode, and figured that just maybe, if I could cross that distance quick enough, you might survive the blast. But in doing so, I probably endangered the mission... It worked out with the cultist, but less well against the minotaur - as much as I like taking giant axes to the chest," He gives a wry grin. "Just, ah, don't tell Irabeth, all right?"

He glances from her to his teacher and the keeper of the black library, both mere feet away and also privy to this entire conversation - including the admission of his potential screwup. And his use of conveniently ambiguous singular/plural pronouns in English. "Um, I... think I'll be going now. There was someone who claimed they could tell me something about Righteous Eclipse and I should probably go hear them out. It was nice talking to you all." And with that, he leaves with brisk pace.

Now/With the priestess:

Sarenrite wrote:
""I'm no historian, so I can't say much of anything for certain, but I have heard that there are many of these blades - or at least, more than Righteous Eclipse, and that they usually work with - or against - their wielders to do great or terrible things. I believe that a cleric of Sarenrae in Kelesh blessed Righteous Eclipse, in the hopes of bringing it to the service of the Dawnflower, but... I don't know more. I'm sorry."

He sighs. Working against their wielders as well as for them? Great. That totally isn't worrying. "Well, that is more than I knew previously. When we clear out the city, I hope to consult the Black Library, what books remain, anyway, on the topic. Yet, do you know of any reference to it Howling? As in, the moon or wolves? I think the cultist who had it previously spoke of the Howling Moon. And I think I heard it howl in delight when I channeled it full of power. I'm just unfamiliar with references to such in our faith?"

"Eclipse, are you feeling all right? You acted a bit oddly back there, in the wardstone room..."

I'm ready to go to the debrief.


Encounter Maps | Geographic Map | Treasures | Important NPCs

Azira:
"That is good to hear." The Second Sword Knight smiles wearily. "We need all the help we can get in these dark days. If we fail here, well..." He shakes his head. "No need to think that. For now, we celebrate your success, and... it looks like the good Knight-Commander is prepared to have her speech." He nods at the center of the common room.

Merixia & Elliot:
Orlun scratches his chin. "Well, we'll see what the Knight-Commander has to say for herself and then make plans from there. Speaking of which, I'm heading to the common room for now. Would you care to join me, Elliot?"

Once the pair leave, Aravashnial stiffens at Merixia's question. He looks briefly offended, but takes a breath. "No. They are gone. The whip destroyed them." He gestures at his blindfold. "I would not, if it is all the same to you, show you the damage. My pride is hurt enough as it stands."

Verene:
"Hm." Lann looks to his counterparts. "The tribes would be grateful to hear that, I believe. Chief Sull would have to make the fullest plans for the future, and to rejoin the people of the Crusades."

"Some would be even more eager to reclaim the practices of their ancestors." Hedge says.

"Or rejoin the Church of Iomedae. If they would have us." Lorn adds.

Lann nods. "It will not be easy. There is much distrust for the surfacers, and I have already seen that they do not find me pleasing to look at - they fear me, as is the wont of all mortals when faced with aught different from themselves."

"But we have taken too much of your time already." He continues. "Let us be off, that we might hear the Knight-Commander's words."

Once everyone has gathered in the common area, Irabeth clears her throat. "Friends. You have likely heard much of our plan in the past two days. To destroy the wardstone and save the crusade from its corruption. I am pleased to announce that we were successful."

There's a susurrus of mutterings, many of which seem pleased, but with an edge of fear.

"I know how you feel." She chuckles dryly. "But let me say this: my fellow warriors fought against mighty demons after the destruction of the wardstone, and did so with such power and skill as to put me to shame for my own clumsy attempts." She looks at each of the champions. "Verene Tanaquil, Elliot Worthane, Thesius Monteblanc, Merixia Pentarian, and Azira Tal-Shirin. These five heroes fought boldly against the darkness of the demons, and emerged victorious. They faced down Vorlesh herself and did not falter."

Many faces turn to look at the heroes - especially those who know them well. Whispers spread throughout the area as those who don't look around to identify them.

"Furthermore, through their actions, the demonic invasion against Mendev has been decimated and has returned to the pits of the Worldwound. This means that we shall see relief within a few weeks - the Queen will merely need to mop up the remnants of the traitorous cultists and march an army to Kenabres!"

Cheers go up - only a few at first, but then more until the shouts and whoops are nearly deafening.

I'll give you folks a chance to respond here.

Elliot:
"The Howling Moon?" She purses her lips for a time, thinking. "Not within the Serenity faith, but there is a Mistress of the Hungry Moon among our foes in the Worldwound. Jezelda, demon prince of lycanthropes of a malevolent bent." The priestess flexes her fingers uncomfortably. "I believe they may favor the scimitar, as we do."

"Your power awoke more in me when the wardstone fell. Perhaps my joy at that overwhelmed me..." The sword falls silent for a moment's time. "I am thinking more clearly now than I have since you first took me up. In time, I believe we will continue to grow together. But know this: I have never deliberately chosen to serve this demon prince of which she speaks."


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

It was... strange to be heralded so by soldiers, priests and wizards alike he'd considered his betters only days - a week? - ago. When the applause erupts, the magus' first instinct is to hide from it, walk away after acknowledging it, perhaps. Was he really that big of a hero? So many other valiant people had also given their very lives so that the people gathered here could tell the tale, and he wondered if they would be remembered similarly.

But perhaps... perhaps what these people needed now was not for someone to doubt their lavish praise, but accept it, and actually be that hero until such a time where they were no longer needed.

He raises his hand and waves it to the collected crowd, his eyes passing his blind mentor, Orlun, the survivors of the library and others he'd encountered on the way here.

But not his family...

"The commander gives herself too little credit!" He calls out, hoping his voice didn't waver and carried through the tavern. "She was with us the entire time, at the very front and facing the same evil! She deserves the same praise, as do the Children of the First Crusaders that were with us!" He adds, pointing to them.

Not knowing what else to do or say, he leaves it at that. It was rather daunting, being scrutinised so intensely by that many strangers at once. That would have to be his contribution to this perhaps historic moment.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Worldwound GM wrote:
Once the pair leave, Aravashnial stiffens at Merixia's question. He looks briefly offended, but takes a breath. "No. They are gone. The whip destroyed them." He gestures at his blindfold. "I would not, if it is all the same to you, show you the damage. My pride is hurt enough as it stands."

Merixia sighs, her shoulders slumping as she takes in the news. "No, there's no need for that. Damn. I was really hoping I could help." She takes a deep breath and forces herself to straighten up. "Well, if I ever gain the power to cast regenerate, you'll be the first to know!" Most clerics go their whole lives without ever being able to cast such a potent spell. But given the power of the wardstone... someday Merixia might be one of the lucky few who can. "Oh, and this definitely falls under healer-patient confidentiality. I won't tell anyone unless you want me to. That's why I brought us over here, I think we're far enough away from everyone else that we won't be overheard."

Worldwound GM wrote:

Once everyone has gathered in the common area, Irabeth clears her throat. "Friends. You have likely heard much of our plan in the past two days. To destroy the wardstone and save the crusade from its corruption. I am pleased to announce that we were successful."

There's a susurrus of mutterings, many of which seem pleased, but with an edge of fear.

"I know how you feel." She chuckles dryly. "But let me say this: my fellow warriors fought against mighty demons after the destruction of the wardstone, and did so with such power and skill as to put me to shame for my own clumsy attempts." She looks at each of the champions. "Verene Tanaquil, Elliot Worthane, Thesius Monteblanc, Merixia Pentarian, and Azira Tal-Shirin. These five heroes fought boldly against the darkness of the demons, and emerged victorious. They faced down Vorlesh herself and did not falter."

Many faces turn to look at the heroes - especially those who know them well. Whispers spread throughout the area as those who don't look around to identify them.

"Furthermore, through their actions, the demonic invasion against Mendev has been decimated and has returned to the pits of the Worldwound. This means that we shall see relief within a few weeks - the Queen will merely need to mop up the remnants of the traitorous cultists and march an army to Kenabres!"

Cheers go up - only a few at first, but then more until the shouts and whoops are nearly deafening.

This is one situation that Merixia was not at all prepared for. She came to Kenabres thinking that she would be merely one of many crusaders, not a lauded heroine! Hesitantly, she waves to the crowd, tail curling around her leg in discomfort. Being the center of attention is rarely a good thing for tieflings. They might cheer now, but all it'll take is one misstep. How many of these people agreed with Hulrun Shappok? How many would happily drive me out of this refuge if I didn't have Irabeth and Anevia backing me up?

Given the number of tieflings she's seen with the cultists, the racial hostility is only going to get worse from here as the people of Kenabres see the fiend-touched commit atrocities against their families and friends. Idiots. They're just proving the haters right about us. I'd rather eat ground glass than prove them right about anything.


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female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

Azira draws forth Radiance and raises it in a celebratory salute. As the cheers die down, she returns it to its sheath with a flourish. She smiles and nods at Elliot’s words and offers, “well spoken, Elliot, the knight commander and our allies from Neathholm fought bravely and deserve our thanks and praise, as does the Inheritor whose blessing was on us. And as we celebrate this victory let us all remember that there will still be need for us to serve and fight as we finish the work go driving the remaining cultists from the city and begin rebuilding. Together, our victory begins here and will spread all the way to the Worldwound!”


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NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

First Children, slightly earlier:
Worldwound GM wrote:
Lann nods. "It will not be easy. There is much distrust for the surfacers, and I have already seen that they do not find me pleasing to look at - they fear me, as is the wont of all mortals when faced with aught different from themselves."

"I know. But deeds speak louder than appearances, or so I hope. That means we must make sure all of Mendev knows that without your aid, the Crusade, the nation, even the world would have fallen to the demons. It must be the first and most important thing they learn about your people. I have confidence that with such a beginning, in time they can overcome their fear and suspicion." Verene straightens her spine and nods as Lann moves them over to the others, to where Irabeth is preparing to speak. "Right."

Worldwound GM wrote:

"But let me say this: my fellow warriors fought against mighty demons after the destruction of the wardstone, and did so with such power and skill as to put me to shame for my own clumsy attempts." She looks at each of the champions. "Verene Tanaquil, Elliot Worthane, Thesius Monteblanc, Merixia Pentarian, and Azira Tal-Shirin. These five heroes fought boldly against the darkness of the demons, and emerged victorious. They faced down Vorlesh herself and did not falter."

Many faces turn to look at the heroes - especially those who know them well. Whispers spread throughout the area as those who don't look around to identify them.

Verene stands straight and calm with her hands clasped before her under Irabeth's praise, although she privately feels that for herself at least it is undeserved. Meanwhile Thamyris quails at all the attention upon him and ducks into her hair. She meets the eyes of a few people she has encountered over the past few days: Anevia Tirabade, Fenna and her fellow librarians, Klarah and her parents, the priestesses Dorri Loskdam and Sheia, the quasit survivors, the half-elf Alea, the actor Rayyan, the master wizard Quednys Orlun; and with an effort gives them each a slight, wry smile. Relief and sorrow, weariness and hope are all tangled together in her gaze.

Worldwound GM wrote:

"Furthermore, through their actions, the demonic invasion against Mendev has been decimated and has returned to the pits of the Worldwound. This means that we shall see relief within a few weeks - the Queen will merely need to mop up the remnants of the traitorous cultists and march an army to Kenabres!"

Cheers go up - only a few at first, but then more until the shouts and whoops are nearly deafening.
Elliot wrote:
"The commander gives herself too little credit! [...] She was with us the entire time, at the very front and facing the same evil! She deserves the same praise, as do the Children of the First Crusaders that were with us!"
Azira wrote:
“Well spoken, Elliot, the knight commander and our allies from Neathholm fought bravely and deserve our thanks and praise, as does the Inheritor whose blessing was on us. And as we celebrate this victory let us all remember that there will still be need for us to serve and fight as we finish the work to drive the remaining cultists from the city and begin rebuilding. Together, our victory begins here and will spread all the way to the Worldwound!”

Verene waits for the cheering from Azira's stirring words to die down somewhat before she speaks. "Today was a good day, for Mendev and for the world. But the demons are not defeated for good. They retreat, they lick their wounds, and they plot. Meanwhile, we are wounded, and our recovery will be long. Much of Kenabres lies in ruins. Everyone here has lost someone dear. We may not all be able to fight, or even to serve the Crusade itself, but we do not all need to in order to serve our common good.

"We can do it by small kindnesses and shared sacrifice, by shoring up each other's weaknesses and binding each other's wounds. By remembering that our similarities are more important than our differences. In the coming days, we will all need some part of the courage of Knight-Commander Tirabade, who charged Areelu Vorlesh alone while the rest of us were immobilized by magic. We will need to find within ourselves the generosity of the Neathholmers, who sheltered and fed five strangers when we would have died in the caverns below Kenabres. And we will need to mirror the decency and integrity of the First Children of the Crusade, who answered the call and came to aid us in our most desperate hour despite decades of being shunned by the surface folk."

She smiles and looks, for a moment, much younger. "That is all a very long way to say: we mortals will win, because we are too stubborn to lose. Because we will get up tomorrow and honor our dead, fix what is broken or make something new, offer a hand to a stranger or fall in love, all the while held up by each other in a thousand thousand known and unknown ways. Because we all pull together. And because despite everything, today we are alive. And that is something to celebrate."


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Elliot's words manage to cut through the cheers for a moment, and they grow quieter - more low, excited conversations than shouts and whoops of joy. Most of the eyes in the room turn to him - if any recognize him from before Armasse, he can't see it in this dizzying moment of public speech.

The First Children look alarmed at being called out, but they are applauded all the same, a few cheers and toasts going up to them. Irabeth smiles wearily at Elliot, but nods an acknowledgement nonetheless.

Merixia's wave does little to distract them from Elliot and Irabeth, but most of those who look at her do so with genuine gratitude in their eyes. It has been a horrific week, and apparently they are willing to accept her - at least for now.

Azira, like her fellow aasimar, garners more attention with her words. The content of her speech is applauded, though the cheers have faltered - whether because of grim acceptance of the charge or because it is an unpleasant truth - there is yet work to be done. Irabeth nods her agreement, though she doesn't get a chance to respond any further at the moment.

Like Azira's little speech, Verene's is met with mixed applause - but the seed of resolve that the paladin planted in the crowd grows stronger with each word she speaks. When she finishes, the cheers break out - not purely celebratory now, but mixed with genuine and firmed resolve.

Amusingly, Orlun is actually the same level as you all are now.

"Thank you for your wisdom, all of you." Irabeth says once the cheering has died down. "As Azira and Verene have said, we still have much to do before the Queen's forces arrive. There are doubtless cultists who remain in the city, and this is not their home." She looks over the crowd.

"It's ours... but not just ours. Some of our expeditions have come back with word of other, smaller groups of survivors, in particular to the west in the northern part of New Kenabres, a handful in the southwestern Gate District, and another collection in the northern Gate District."

She folds her hands. "Our fighters will be returning over the next day from their brave gambits to distract the cultists and the demons from our successful foray. Welcome them back as heroes, for it is heroes that they are, just as much as myself or my companions."

Irabeth claps her hands. "On to the more serious matters. Over the next few days, I will have more assignments for those of you who are willing and able to go out into the city. Those of you who wish to help but aren't willing to go out into the city, speak with Master Otai," the weathered proprietor of the Heart raises his hand in acknowledgement, "because he'll have ideas for you."

She grins, clapping her hands. "Alright, now that that's all out of the way, on to the celebration!"


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Elliot sighs, relieved, when his friends turn out to be much more eloquent than him, especially his older and definitely wiser sister. And Azira had a real gift for rousing people, as could perhaps be expected of a direct favored of Iomedae. Merixia, on the other hand, was perhaps even more subdued than him in that moment and part of him wanted to try and give her a show of support, but he wasn't sure what to do, especially in this situation.

Fortunately, in the end, the reaction to their words is postive for each of them, and he is about to go for a quick drink and go back out into the city to join these other rescue teams when-

Irabeth wrote:
""Alright, now that that's all out of the way, on to the celebration!"

Elliot blinks. "W-Wait. What celebration? Don't we have to go out and clear-"

He takes a nervous step back as an incoming tidal wave of partying crusaders seems intent on swallowing him...


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Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Thesius takes in the site as Irabeth recounts the recent events and his comrades do their best to keep her honest about them. A smile on his face knowing full well they would not allow those who helped not to be praised as well. It was a concerted effort and while she may want to point them out in particular, they were not about to take that laying down.

Taking the lightening mood in stride, he does his best to shake off his contemplations and join in the festivities. Taking the time to seek out those he saw earlier.

"Klarah, how has your practice been going?" he asks while gesturing towards the sword at her hip. His eyes darting shortly after to the cat still lingering about her. "And who is your new friend?"


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NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Verene beams about the room with general goodwill as Irabeth calls a beginning to their celebration, and joins happily in the festivities, laughing and chatting away with those around her as easily as a comfortable matron at a village fete. She is clearly in her element now, in a way she perhaps has not been, or has not allowed herself to be, since Armasse: she has no trouble finding a kind word, an interesting question, or a gentle jest for everyone, putting her excellent memory for names, faces and interests to good use. She discreetly steers conversation away from painful topics and worries for the future. If asked, she treats her own role in the extraordinary events of the day as marginal and disclaims credit, preferring to assign it equally to all her more martial companions. (Her modesty is clearly unfeigned, for her dispassionate private assessment is that Elliot, Azira, Merixia, and Thesius could easily have done all the group did today if it had just been the four of them, Terendelev's scales, and the wand of cure light wounds.)

She does her best to circulate and spend some time with each small knot of people present. Especially if Merixia or the First Children seem uncomfortable and inclined to keep to themselves, she insists on dragging them over to others and acting as a kind of social lubricant while they get to know each other. She particularly wants them to meet those who seem likely to be openminded and accepting but may be too intimidated to strike up a conversation; those who can talk easily with them about training, weapons or tactics; and most of all, those whose good opinion and social influence she suspects could be crucial to the Children's fortunes in the coming days, when the glow of victory wears off and people return to old habits of suspicion and mistrust.

Throughout, she keeps a full glass and makes sure others' are as well, but drinks sparingly herself, her merriment owing more to general high spirits than to liquor. At some point she makes sure to join Irabeth and Anevia, whom she is not shocked to see stay in each other's company the entire afternoon. With no one else around to hear, she briefly breaks her self-imposed rule of not mentioning the struggles of the recent past or future. "I would ask to be included in any undertaking to find other survivors or bring them to safety, whenever it occurs. There are those dear to me yet unaccounted for, and this echo of power left with me by the Wardstone explosion is more versatile than I ever knew possible for arcane magic, making it highly suited to address unpredictable needs and situations. But I do not know if it will last, or for how long."


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Spoilering again because of formatting rather than secrets. I'll move us on when everyone has had a chance to decide with whom/whether they want to RP post-speech

Thesius:
"Oh!" Klarah flushes, startled, when Thesius approaches her. "Oh, uh..." The cat peers at him with an oddly pale gaze before flicking its tail and winding through her legs.

"It's been going well. I've been having... dreams, I guess. Keseph here just sort of woke me up after one of them, and now we're... bonded. It's strange." She says somewhat plaintively. After a moment, she brightens. "But I'm doing very well! Sixth Sword Knight Hakon says that I'm a natural."

She hesitates a moment. "Uh... what happened over there? What's it like, having some sort of new power now?"

Verene:
As Verene downplays her part in the skirmishes, one of the Children - Hedge, she thinks, though she can't see him - makes the (entirely valid) point that she utterly defeated at least half-a-dozen tieflings with a single spell just within the first steps of the Garrison.

The Tirabade couple look at Verene when she comes to them. "Of course, Verene. You'll be a welcome addition." Anevia says with a wry grin. "We'll be working together, then, because I'm doing some of that."

Irabeth coughs.

"Well, mostly at the administrative stuff, admittedly." She sighs, waving her free hand at the cane she is still using. "But if you've got magic you can turn towards that, it'd be a great help. Aravashnial, well... he has a very limited repertoire at the moment, and Quednys isn't a diviner."

Elliot:
Elliot finds himself surrounded by admirers, fans, and people generally desperate to get to know him. He's not wholly sure how long he'll have to deal with this, but getting used to it might be in order. Either that or getting the Hell out.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Verene Tanaquil wrote:
She does her best to circulate and spend some time with each small knot of people present. Especially if Merixia or the First Children seem uncomfortable and inclined to keep to themselves, she insists on dragging them over to others and acting as a kind of social lubricant while they get to know each other. She particularly wants them to meet those who seem likely to be openminded and accepting but may be too intimidated to strike up a conversation; those who can talk easily with them about training, weapons or tactics; and most of all, those whose good opinion and social influence she suspects could be crucial to the Children's fortunes in the coming days, when the glow of victory wears off and people return to old habits of suspicion and mistrust.

Left to her own devices, Merixia would probably be nursing a tankard of beer in the corner. Verene, however, has other ideas. She can't bring herself to refuse the wizard's well-intentioned invitation, so she goes along with it. I guess I really should get to know more people. There's just so many of them though! Merixia knows what she's doing in a fight or when faced with the wounded or sick. At a party full of strangers, though? She has no idea. What is she supposed to do? Talk, right, but what is she supposed to talk about?

Nobody told her crusading would involve parties!

Worldwound GM wrote:

The Tirabade couple look at Verene when she comes to them. "Of course, Verene. You'll be a welcome addition." Anevia says with a wry grin. "We'll be working together, then, because I'm doing some of that."

Irabeth coughs.

"Well, mostly at the administrative stuff, admittedly." She sighs, waving her free hand at the cane she is still using. "But if you've got magic you can turn towards that, it'd be a great help. Aravashnial, well... he has a very limited repertoire at the moment, and Quednys isn't a diviner."

"I would be happy to help as well. I don't think I can do anything for your leg, Anevia, but I'll do whatever I can otherwise." Merixia shifts uncomfortably, feeling too many pairs of eyes on her. "To be honest, I'd rather be on a battlefield right now. At least I know what I'm doing there." And as demonstrated by the proprietors of Fine Fittings, even people who ordinarily distrust tieflings tend to be less picky when they're being rescued or healed.


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Elliot does his best to greet everyone approaching him politely and remember their names, but it's clear he's uncomfortable, not even remotely used to this kind of attention. He doesn't know how to behave, let alone dance or drink. All the noise and the warmth and the mixture of sweat and alcohol and all those bodies pressing in on him- it was completely different from a stage performance and he hadn't even done that much.

At some point, he manages to nimble himself through the mass and stumbles out of it near those seated at the table, looking rather frantic. "Verene? Meri? Help! I need to get out of here. What do you say we sneak away and go find more cultists to fight instead? Like, join one of those other rescue teams out there! I swear that if just one more person tries to scoop an ember I'm going to throw up a fireball!"

He finally takes a deep a breath - and a slightly better look around, then freezes. "Oh. Ah. Hi commander, you're here too... N-Nice party, really..."

His gaze glides to the doorway, as if calculating whether he could make a clean break for it, or if magical assistance was perhaps needed. Which, coincidentally, was exactly what he was considering right about then.


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NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr
Merixia wrote:

Left to her own devices, Merixia would probably be nursing a tankard of beer in the corner. Verene, however, has other ideas. She can't bring herself to refuse the wizard's well-intentioned invitation, so she goes along with it. I guess I really should get to know more people. There's just so many of them though! Merixia knows what she's doing in a fight or when faced with the wounded or sick. At a party full of strangers, though? She has no idea. What is she supposed to do? Talk, right, but what is she supposed to talk about?

Nobody told her crusading would involve parties!

In response to Hedge, Verene claims, with perfect truth in her own view, that her spell that took down several tieflings at once was superfluous, for the warriors among her companions, Hedge included, would have accomplished the same result in perhaps another ten seconds. But she does not intend to sit around talking through the mission or their past battles, which not everyone can relate to. Instead she exerts herself to the utmost to find safe, quotidian topics that everyone will have opinions on and that will also reinforce the essential commonalities shared by every humanoid culture: handicrafts, local art forms and style challenges for the differently shaped with Sheia, Rayyan, Syras and Dea; strict training instructors of their pasts and swapping tips about caring for cold iron weapons with Iomar and Dorri; traditional remedies for various common ailments with Sheia, Aravashnial, Jovis and Coram; and of course, food and drink, with everyone from Kimroth Otai all the way to the poor quasit survivors. She finishes a story at her own expense about the first time she tried fermented mare's milk that causes even Quednys Orlun to crack a smile, and the flow of conversation breaks for a moment, as it sometimes does, into smaller groups.

Verene glances sidelong at Merixia, still smiling as she takes a sip from her mug. After a pause she says lightly, "What will you do, when the war is over?" Her tone is merely curious, but it is clear the question is not one she would have posed generally as part of her making-conversation program.

Worldwound GM wrote:

The Tirabade couple look at Verene when she comes to them. "Of course, Verene. You'll be a welcome addition." Anevia says with a wry grin. "We'll be working together, then, because I'm doing some of that."

Irabeth coughs.

"Well, mostly at the administrative stuff, admittedly." She sighs, waving her free hand at the cane she is still using. "But if you've got magic you can turn towards that, it'd be a great help. Aravashnial, well... he has a very limited repertoire at the moment, and Quednys isn't a diviner."

"If you have any question that could be answered by the local birds, or by sending some insects to look inside a building and report back, I am at your disposal," Verene says solemnly, even as her mouth twitches at how ridiculous the promise sounds.

Her good humor fades. "Unfortunately, the mysteries of healing are beyond me, even now. I am sorry. I can harm living creatures in countless ways, but as always, it is orders of magnitude more complex to create living things and tissues than to destroy them."

Elliot wrote:
"Verene? Meri? Help! I need to get out of here. What do you say we sneak away and go find more cultists to fight instead? Like, join one of those other rescue teams out there! I swear that if just one more person tries to scoop an ember I'm going to throw up a fireball!"

However, her mood lifts again as Elliot comes tumbling over. "What, do they want to make keepsakes of bits of your hair? Poor Elliot! The life of a heroic young aasimar is not all roses, it seems."


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Merixia, Elliot, and Verene:
Anevia smirks at Merixia, though there's an understanding light to her eyes. "I hear that. But..." She shrugs. "The people need this. Even if there's plenty to do, there's a need for release. Otherwise you end up... badly." Her expression darkens.

Irabeth hugs her wife's shoulders tighter. "I have a few ideas on what sort of fighting you might be needed for, Merixia, but that is going to wait. I don't care whether you've all been revitalized by the wardstone, you need rest just as much as anyone. So." She waves a hand. "I'm not going to say anything more on that."

Irabeth waves her hand at Elliot's awkward introduction, her brow furrowing in a mock frown. "No. I don't think that's a good idea. Do you even know where any of them were supposed to be hitting? Stick around, or go practice out in the courtyard - there's not going to be many folks out there now."

Anevia snickers at Verene's commentary. "Anything you can do would doubtless prove helpful." She says sincerely, despite the crooked grin on her lips.


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female, Aasimar, Paladin 6, Marshal/Champion 1 | HP 61/61| AC 28 (t18/ff21) | CMD 26 | F +12*, R +13*, W +13* | perception (darkvision 60') +1, sense motive +1 | +9 initiative | panache: 4/4; LoH: 6/6; smite: 2/2; divine bond 0/1; mythic: 5/5 |active effects: lucky number (14), feather step

Sorry, yesterday was a rough day with my shoulder and I didn’t get to any posting.

Azira flits around the celebration with the natural ease of a fish in water. Several times she tries to make her way over to Irabeth—and the rest of her companions before too long—but each time she’s intercepted by another group of people wishing to thank her and to hear more of the stories of what happened at the Gray Garrison. Over and over she obliges. At first she really does enjoy sharing the tales and excitedly recounts different people’s most impressive feats.

With repetition, however, her true enthusiasm wanes (though thanks to her charm no listener would notice) and her mind begins to drift to all the work left to be done: scouring out remaining cultists, searching for survivors, recovering as many of the dead as they could. The thoughts begin as mere background distractions but as the repetition of stories drags on they grow more pressing: searching for her friends, looking for her mom’s body, a funeral…

She finishes the tale she was telling and smiles and nods appreciatively while the listeners thank and praise her, but in her mind she wrestles with a burning desire to run away, to run all the way home and curl up in her mother’s bed, to twist herself up in her mother’s blanket and smell her perfume on it, to open the gates and let loose the flood of tears she’d tried so hard to hold back. But this wasn’t the time, and she knew it. Victory had to be celebrated when it came so that everyone would remember in the hard days to come that it was possible, that more victories could be had.

Thinking and celebrating could no longer co-exist though, so she quickly downs several glasses of wine and heads for the dance floor.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Verene Tanaquil wrote:
Verene glances sidelong at Merixia, still smiling as she takes a sip from her mug. After a pause she says lightly, "What will you do, when the war is over?"

"Go find another war. There's always more to be done, and Ragathiel expects his clerics to be on the front lines of the fight against evil. Being a cleric or paladin is a lifetime commitment. If I live to get old, like my mentor, I'll do what he did and teach the next generation." Merixia takes a swig of her beer. "Look, this is going to sound bad, but I like to fight. I especially like to fight for a righteous cause. I knew very well what I was signing up for as a priestess of Ragathiel, and I did it because I wanted to. Father Darian would have been perfectly happy to teach me to be a nonmagical swordswoman if I decided that this level of service wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn't his only student, just the only one who became a cleric." That had been the original plan, until she started dreaming of Heavenly armies and their fiery general.

Worldwound GM wrote:

Anevia smirks at Merixia, though there's an understanding light to her eyes. "I hear that. But..." She shrugs. "The people need this. Even if there's plenty to do, there's a need for release. Otherwise you end up... badly." Her expression darkens.

Irabeth hugs her wife's shoulders tighter. "I have a few ideas on what sort of fighting you might be needed for, Merixia, but that is going to wait. I don't care whether you've all been revitalized by the wardstone, you need rest just as much as anyone. So." She waves a hand. "I'm not going to say anything more on that."

Merixia sighs slightly, but nods to the couple. "Okay, I'll stop complaining. You're right; I may feel like I can take on the world physically, but mentally it was a long day." Hmm. Maybe there's some hot food to be had. She should eat something to soak up the beer.

Worldwound GM wrote:
Irabeth waves her hand at Elliot's awkward introduction, her brow furrowing in a mock frown. "No. I don't think that's a good idea. Do you even know where any of them were supposed to be hitting? Stick around, or go practice out in the courtyard - there's not going to be many folks out there now."

"Want to go find something to eat, Elliot? I could use a meal, or at least a snack." She smirks a little. "Maybe your admirers will leave you alone if you're with the big bad tiefling." Poor Elliot. Merixia wouldn't want to be in his shoes. All these people are bad enough, but she's not sure she wouldn't have fled if they swarmed her that way.


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Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Thesius kneels down and holds his hand out to the cat, allowing it to choose whether to investigate or not.

"I'm glad to hear it goes well and you have made a new friend along the way. Have you found a knack for magic as well?" he says while turning his eyes back to Klarah.

At the question, Thesius turns away for a moment. A look of thought upon his mind. Surely the deepening power within him had raised curiosity, but he had not put too much thought into it yet.

Turning his gaze once more to Klarah, he responds, "We fought our way in and destroyed the shard. To most of our surprise, we were not destroyed alongside it. Many of us empowered instead. It's likely what saved us in the face of Areelu and it feels as if my connection to Desna has strengthened. As if her graces fall more heavily upon me then before." With a smile and soft chuckle, he continues, "One might say that Lady Fortune shown her brilliance upon us."


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr
Merixia wrote:
""Go find another war. There's always more to be done, and Ragathiel expects his clerics to be on the front lines of the fight against evil. Being a cleric or paladin is a lifetime commitment. If I live to get old, like my mentor, I'll do what he did and teach the next generation." Merixia takes a swig of her beer. "Look, this is going to sound bad, but I like to fight. I especially like to fight for a righteous cause. I knew very well what I was signing up for as a priestess of Ragathiel, and I did it because I wanted to. Father Darian would have been perfectly happy to teach me to be a nonmagical swordswoman if I decided that this level of service wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn't his only student, just the only one who became a cleric."

"It doesn't sound bad. Some people have a talent for fighting. The world needs warriors, and will as long as it has monsters. Whether they are shaped like demons or like mortal men. There are worse things than to be a mercenary who always knows her employer and his cause is worth fighting for." Verene pauses. "But is it all you want from life? To fight, or to teach, in Ragathiel's service?"

Worldwound GM wrote:

"I have a few ideas on what sort of fighting you might be needed for, Merixia, but that is going to wait. I don't care whether you've all been revitalized by the wardstone, you need rest just as much as anyone. So." She waves a hand. "I'm not going to say anything more on that." [...]

Anevia snickers at Verene's commentary. "Anything you can do would doubtless prove helpful." She says sincerely, despite the crooked grin on her lips.

With private relief that Irabeth has vetoed the idea of them going out to fight again today, Verene nods. "I trust you will find me when you need me, then. There is something I have been curious about, but inside the Garrison it never seemed like the right time to ask. What is the story of your father's sword, Lady Irabeth? Was he also a paladin?"


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?
Verene wrote:
"What, do they want to make keepsakes of bits of your hair? Poor Elliot! The life of a heroic young aasimar is not all roses, it seems."

"Gee. Thanks sis. I wonder why the concept of hair made of a perpetual heatless flame is so interesting to people," Elliot dryly remarks. "I can explain all I want that it feeds on me and that No, you can't skip out on candles forever if you tie it to a stick, and that No, you can't brew it into a potion and extract Wardstone power from it - probably. But for some unknown reason, especially today, no one seems to be listening." He throws a worried look at Azira on the dancefloor. "I just hope they don't try and pluck all her feathers too, or such. ...Though I guess with moves like that, people will get distracted..."

Irabeth wrote:
""No. I don't think that's a good idea. Do you even know where any of them were supposed to be hitting? Stick around, or go practice out in the courtyard - there's not going to be many folks out there now."

He quickly stands up straight when Irabeth speaks, relieved that she wasn't admonishing him. Too much, at least. Man but the commander sure could be unintentionally intimidating. "Yeah, training. That sounds like-"

Merixia wrote:

"Want to go find something to eat, Elliot? I could use a meal, or at least a snack." She smirks a little."Maybe your admirers will leave you alone if you're with the big bad tiefling."

"-Like something I might do later, as I am pretty hungry, come to think of it," He finishes and grins back at the cleric. "Hm, you'd think that between a fallen angel aasimar and yourself that we'd be pretty daunting to approach. I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves if these crusader folks are really as stubborn as they claim to be. Hey, maybe we should practise our villanous glares while we're at it!"

intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 4

It is, at best, a smolderingly cute pout.

"Really though, it's weird to think I even have admirers. There was a time I was kicked around on the street, and now this. It feels so completely disconnected," He says to her on the way to the bar. "What about you? How do you feel about all this?"


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No worries Azira. Hope things improve for you soon.

Azira:
Though the paladin's enthusiastic fans don't notice her drooping enthusiasm, her move for the relative quiet of dancing (if alone at first) brings a momentary abatement of questions. Instead, her natural grace and beauty earns her a great many stares - nobody approaches, however, perhaps feeling inadequate in the face of her skill.

Thesius:
"Magic? No, not at all." Klarah shakes her head vigorously. "No, I... I don't think that will happen." She frowns, looking down at her cat. "What?"

"Khaseph seems to think otherwise, though." She says slowly, running a hand through her dark hair. "I'm not sure why. Maybe I should ask some of the priests..."

"Oh, I didn't realize you were a worshipper of Desna!" Klarah leans forwards, intrigued. "But how do you mean your connection? I didn't think you were a priest..."

Merixia, Verene, and Elliot:
"Merixia, your resolve is admirable... I don't know much about Ragathiel, other than that the Hand of the Inheritor once served him." Irabeth says approvingly. "But it seems he has a worthy servant in you."

"Verene has a point though. There's lots more to life than serving the gods." A wicked smile graces Anevia's lips as she glances at Irabeth, who flushes slightly.

"Yes." She says simply, nodding briefly and trying to keep at least some of her dignity. Verene's inquiry provides her the chance to accelerate past it. "Dad wasn't a paladin, but he was a crusader. So was Mom, actually. He would make a good one, though. He taught me a lot about self-control and honor. Almost everything I know about it, actually." She shrugs. "When I left home for Vigil, he gave it to me."

Anevia watches Merixia and Elliot go, a contemplative expression on her face. Irabeth glances at her wife, a brow arching. She grunts something in Orc, and Anevia grins.

I think I'll move us onwards in a few of my posts - there's another neat thing that'll happen once your characters go to sleep.


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Worldwound GM wrote:

"Merixia, your resolve is admirable... I don't know much about Ragathiel, other than that the Hand of the Inheritor once served him." Irabeth says approvingly. "But it seems he has a worthy servant in you."

"Verene has a point though. There's lots more to life than serving the gods." A wicked smile graces Anevia's lips as she glances at Irabeth, who flushes slightly.

"Yes." She says simply, nodding briefly and trying to keep at least some of her dignity. Verene's inquiry provides her the chance to accelerate past it. "Dad wasn't a paladin, but he was a crusader. So was Mom, actually. He would make a good one, though. He taught me a lot about self-control and honor. Almost everything I know about it, actually." She shrugs. "When I left home for Vigil, he gave it to me."

"What, like marriage and stuff? Sure, if I could find a man who loves me for who I am, and doesn't think I'll magically settle down and become a housewife the minute I have a ring on my finger. And let's be honest. A tiefling is not exactly what most people imagine when they're dreaming about their future spouse." Merixia isn't even the sexy kind of tiefling. More of the 'rawr, I'm going to kick your ass!' kind of tiefling.

Elliot's interruption is extremely welcome at this point. She's had about enough of people poking into her personal life.

Elliot, the Red Heron wrote:

"-Like something I might do later, as I am pretty hungry, come to think of it," He finishes and grins back at the cleric. "Hm, you'd think that between a fallen angel aasimar and yourself that we'd be pretty daunting to approach. I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves if these crusader folks are really as stubborn as they claim to be. Hey, maybe we should practise our villanous glares while we're at it!"

It is, at best, a smolderingly cute pout.

"Really though, it's weird to think I even have admirers. There was a time I was kicked around on the street, and now this. It feels so completely disconnected," He says to her on the way to the bar. "What about you? How do you feel about all this?"

Merixia can't help but chuckle at Elliot's attempt at a villainous glare. Honestly, it's kind of adorable. "Yeah, it's funny. Part of the reason I wanted to become a cleric was to be respected. I mean, it was mostly so I could fight for a good cause and protect the defenseless, but very few people respected me for most of my life. Now that I have that? It's weird. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for people to turn on me."

Hahaha, Irabeth and Anevia ship it!


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?

Uh oh. Is this the start of the crusader rumor mill? XD And I guess it's not gonna get any better the longer they spent together here...

Merixia wrote:
Merixia can't help but chuckle at Elliot's attempt at a villainous glare. Honestly, it's kind of adorable. "Yeah, it's funny. Part of the reason I wanted to become a cleric was to be respected. I mean, it was mostly so I could fight for a good cause and protect the defenseless, but very few people respected me for most of my life. Now that I have that? It's weird. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for people to turn on me."

"Yeah, I get it. It feels too good to be true - something that doesn't usually happen to people like us," He orders a mead and some bread, though he was unsure whether the barman could actually hear him through the noise. "I mean... perhaps that's presumptuous of me. It's just... very rare to meet another person who can really understand what it was like growing up against prejudice, and then also not let it corrupt them. You're always so upbeat and personable, still fighting the good fight despite it all. It's... really refreshing. Makes me feel less alone, in a way."

His golden eyes seem to regard her fondly for a moment before it is broken by him getting his drink - and he takes a swig.

Fortsave: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

He downs it in one go. Hm. Did mead usually taste that way? It was strangely warm and bitter. Probably just the heat of the tavern getting to him?

"So, ah, I feel I need to ask just in case..." He hesitates. "...What are you going to do if Azira and I are guessing correctly, and that we'll be going on the attack soon? It'll be another crusade deep into the Worldwound, probably, whether they label it as an extension of the Fourth or the Fifth."


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin
Elliot, the Red Heron wrote:

"Yeah, I get it. It feels too good to be true - something that doesn't usually happen to people like us," He orders a mead and some bread, though he was unsure whether the barman could actually hear him through the noise. "I mean... perhaps that's presumptuous of me. It's just... very rare to meet another person who can really understand what it was like growing up against prejudice, and then also not let it corrupt them. You're always so upbeat and personable, still fighting the good fight despite it all. It's... really refreshing. Makes me feel less alone, in a way."

His golden eyes seem to regard her fondly for a moment before it is broken by him getting his drink - and he takes a swig.

Merixia has already had one beer, but she's not going anywhere else today. Irabeth made that very clear. Might as well have another. "Another beer please, and whatever you've got for hot food."

She turns back to Elliot. "It's not presumptuous at all, I feel the same way. Most people just don't get it the way you do. What it's like for everyone around you to write you off as a lost cause, fallen before you could even walk or talk." The heat rises to her cheeks yet again. Maybe she can pass it off as the alcohol? "It must have been even worse for you here than it was for me in Almas, what with Hulrun the Paranoid running the city and infecting people with his attitude. But you didn't give in, you didn't give up, and you didn't let it make you bitter. I respect that a great deal." Her beer arrives, and she salutes Elliot with her mug before taking a drink.

Elliot, the Red Heron wrote:

"So, ah, I feel I need to ask just in case..." He hesitates. "...What are you going to do if Azira and I are guessing correctly, and that we'll be going on the attack soon? It'll be another crusade deep into the Worldwound, probably, whether they label it as an extension of the Fourth or the Fifth."

Merixia blinks at him, a bit puzzled at the question. "I came here to fight demons, so that's what I'll do. Always figured that would take me into the Worldwound eventually. What about you? I know you didn't originally intend to be a crusader."


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M M Aasimar (peri) Magus 6 (Bladebound, Hexer) I Archmage 1. Unbuffed: Init +6, Perc. +8. HP 38/58. AC 21/FF16/T16. : F+9, R+ 9, W+8 (+2 vs conf/insan) Att. +11, 1d6+7/18-20/x2. CMB +10, CMD 21. VS SR: +8 /+12 (evil outsider). Darkvision. Current buffs/conditions: Invisibility?
Merixia wrote:
""It must have been even worse for you here than it was for me in Almas, what with Hulrun the Paranoid running the city and infecting people with his attitude. But you didn't give in, you didn't give up, and you didn't let it make you bitter. I respect that a great deal."

"Ah, thanks. That's... really nice to hear." His embers turn a shade of blue and he scratches them absently.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"It wasn't all bad, though," He continues, seemingly not noticing her discomfort - again. "I mean, I didn't have a mentor like you did until I had Aravashnial. But my foster parents did their best, as did my sister, and they were great - protective and warm as they could be, I think. Just incapable of helping me control my fire nature, not that it was their fault in any way. Which reminds me... did you ever tell us about your family? If you did, or don't want to talk about it, I'm sorry. I'm just..." He vaguely motions around the side of his temple as his flame's azure glow grows deeper. "Curious to know more about you, and it's hard not knowing if I've forgotten anything important..." He glances away in shame. The memory loss was evidently still bothering him.

Merixia wrote:
"What about you? I know you didn't originally intend to be a crusader."

He gives a wry grin. "Well, I won't deny that some part of me insists you would be fine without me. But... maybe it wouldn't hurt to have some backup?" There's some humour in there, but also a somewhat hopeful undertone to the question? "Besides, if you all didn't have me to lighten the mood every now and then, I dread to think of what would happen. I can't have you shouldering that burden alone."

"To say nothing of having to leave the city to look for my parents, if we don't find them in the next few days."

"Only..." He takes another drink offered to him in passing and he grows more solemn. "I am worried that I won't be able to live up to the expectations of the people here. I've never had any sort of formal martial training, for one. I'd probably have to change that, but I'm not sure who I could or should train with. Or, for that matter, if there will even be time for such. The prospect of being relegated to winging it all, forced to rely on the memories of Aisha alone is rather daunting. That's the former wielder of Eclipse, I just learned."

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Welcome to Kenabres, Mendev, and the Worldwound, legends-to-be! This is where we'll be doing most of our OOC discussions. I have a bit of a laundry list of things to clear up before we start up on the game.

First, and foremost among them - I ask that you add your status line to your posts - the area where I've got the link to our geographic maps. I'm pretty sure most of you have that already, but I want to make sure it's clear.

Second - these are questions for Verene and Elliot. Namely, that both of you are specialized in not only divination, but Foresight in particular. I don't overly mind the overlap, which is why I was willing to choose both of you, but I do want ask whether you two are alright with the overlap. If not, let's discuss how to fix it.

The other question is that for Riftwarden Orphans, if there are repeats, it recommends/commands that those who share the trait be siblings. Now, it's definitely possible that Elliot and Verene's parents are the same people, what with him being an aasimar and humans being quite capable of producing those. That said, she's fourteen years his senior, which means that if this is so, her parents would have to survive until she was at least 14. This would, of course, impact Verene's backstory - rather more than it would impact Elliot's.

Elliot, I recommend that you switch Skald out for Hallit in your languages.

Verene, I wanted to ask you about your stats - there're a few places where you treat your Dex bonus as though it's one less than it would otherwise be - I suspect as a result of switching from being middle-aged and losing the penalty? But I thought we should look into that.

Thesius, a couple things - I generally run without counting ammunition, especially if the party's been in a settlement where you could buy more recently. When I judge it appropriate, usually after a while outside of such a place, I start counting down as your theoretical reserves run low. In light of this, you probably want to reassess your spells known. Also, you have a free language unassigned - I'd like you to assign it.

Elyda, Merixia, I... don't have a whole lot to ask you two.

For everyone, though, I encourage you to discuss whether your characters have met or if they're just meeting for the first time, etc.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

To Worldwound GM, thank you for the opportunity to take part in this campaign. I've updated the various fields in my profile to help fill in the status bar. There is still some tweaking to be done to add in stats. Edit: I've worked on fitting in what I thought to be relevant information into the status line. Is there anything else you would like added? Languages perhaps?

In regards to your concerns, I have swapped out abundant ammunition with comprehend languages. This thematically fits my character's want to for knowledge to help bring the threat of the Worldwound to an end.

I have also added Celestial to Thesius' known languages. Please let me know if there is one that you think better fits the setting, but I figured the language may be prevalent in the area with the crusaders.

To my fellow players, I look forward to playing with you and I would be happy to work with you to incorporate our backstories together. Thesius definitely makes his way through the city of Kenabres as he can, whether it be in seeking out obscure knowledge or joining in on a game of cards or dice.


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Your stat line works for me, I think. I mostly ask my players to update things like "active conditions" and hp, etc. after an encounter so that I can make sure my stats are up to date when the next encounter happens, at which point I start tracking them again.

I put this at the bottom of every post I make combat - just so people can see how I format it.

Statuses:


Elyda: HP 11/11; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; corruption resistance (good) 1/1, Judgement 1/1, Touch of Good 6/6
Verene: HP 7/7; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10; Prescience 7/7; Thamyris: HP 3/3; AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 15
Merixia: HP 10/10; AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16; pyrotechnics 1/1, true strike 1/1,Touch of Good 6/6, Destructive Smite 6/6, Channel 3/3
Thesius: HP 9/9; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Archeologist’s Luck 7/7
Elliot: HP 8/8; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10, Arcane Reservoir 4/4, Prescience 7/7

Spells are in your hands, though - I trust you guys to keep track of them, etc.

With regards to the languages, Thesius, Celestial, Abyssal, and Hallit are good choices, in my opinion. Maybe leaning towards Abyssal or Hallit a tad, but all will probably see use.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

I plan on updating the stat line as circumstances change, whether that be losing hit points, equipping/unequipping a shield, and so forth. If you find you wish for me to modify it in some fashion later on, just let me know.

Currently the AC is one less because I'm assuming he does not have his buckler currently equipped.

I have no problems keeping track of my spells. They are fairly limited and spontaneous so that makes it fairly easy at this point in the game.

I'll switch the language over to Abyssal, it makes sense he would work to learn the language of the enemy.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

Hey there, everyone! Thanks for selecting me, Worldwound GM. And nice to see Merixia again as well :)

Regarding the Wizard overlap, I think I'll alter my build a bit then, also knowing the rest of the party now. While it's definitely a fun prospect of two foresight diviners trying to cheat the other in a friendly game of cards and wondering why their sixth sense is going haywire all over, party balance matters a bit too. :) I think Verene is going for a control wizard build?

If so, I think I'll shift Elliot a bit into my first concept for an evoker/blaster arcanist, playing into the pyromania aspect of the emberkin Aasimar. I think I might then go for Aeromancer as the arcanist specialization with the evocation admixture wizard school discovery. Essentially, he can change the damage types of his spells and is unusually powerful in raising caster levels of evocation spells. I had an idea for there being an unplained link between Elliot and Kharroumzadeh the storm King and him being good at wind (and all elemental magic) which I dropped during creation, which could be added back in?

I'd also, if allowed, would like to go variant multiclass into bard since we didn't get one with inspire courage in the final lineup, and we might need a bit more buffing there since we're a bit light on martial capacity. Would that be all right?

On the shared backstory of us wizards, would that mean that Elliot is Unaware in general that he has an older sister? Were they placed in different foster families on purpose and met during training later in the supposed headquarters of the Riftwardens in Kenabres (I believe the Librarium of the Black)? From reading her backstory, it seems Verene left for a large number of years to go into her journey of faith-introspection. Would she knowlingly leave her much younger brother behind in Kenrabes for all these years?

Regarding whether or not I met anyone before, Elliot's backstory is that he's been in trouble with the inquisition for a long time, but was locked away out of sight most of the time for his teenage years studying magic. There's a good chance I might have met Elyda as the party inquisitor before in less than favorable conditions. I suppose our relationship depends on her stance on discrimination/racism against persons portraying demon-like characteristics, like Elliot's fallen-angel ancestry and his penchant growing up for setting things on fire accidentally.

Outside of that, he's recently been a bit more active socially in doing stage magic with a theatre group. I might have met someone there before, or at Kenabres' large celebration? @Merixia, what do you think? Have we met before, other than in a parallel universe once? :)


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Elliot Worthane wrote:

Hey there, everyone! Thanks for selecting me, Worldwound GM. And nice to see Merixia again as well :)

Regarding the Wizard overlap, I think I'll alter my build a bit then, also knowing the rest of the party now. While it's definitely a fun prospect of two foresight diviners trying to cheat the other in a friendly game of cards and wondering why their sixth sense is going haywire all over, party balance matters a bit too. :) I think Verene is going for a control wizard build? If so, I think I'll shift Elliot a bit into my first concept for an evoker/blaster arcanist, playing into the pyromania aspect of the emberkin Aasimar and just taking the base arcanist class, foregoing the school specialization.

I'd also, if allowed, would like to go variant multiclass into bard since we didn't get one with inspire courage in the final lineup, and we might need a bit more buffing there since we're a bit light on martial capacity. Would that be all right?

I have no issue with it, if that's what you'd like to do. I mean, you were already heading into a performer with the stage magic bit.

Quote:
On the shared backstory of us wizards, would that mean that Elliot is Unaware in general that he has an older sister? Were they placed in different foster families on purpose and met during training later in the supposed headquarters of the Riftwardens in Kenabres (I believe the Librarium of the Black)? From reading her backstory, it seems Verene left for a large number of years to go into her journey of faith-introspection. Would she knowlingly leave her much younger brother behind in Kenrabes for all these years?

That's mostly up to Verene, but I'll put my two cents in here - if you want to keep your backstories as close to what they are right now as you can (but want to pursue the sibling relationship), then I'd say that their foster parents were different for each of them, and that Verene probably knows she was going to have a younger sibling, but thinks that the parents died before the child was born, or something. I think that I can manage if you guys don't want to be related - or if you want to be cousins, or something - but I'll probably figure such out more completely once the reveals plotted into the AP come out.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

Sure, that sounds reasonable!

I edited my above post slightly; I'd forgotten the arcanist archetype I took originally for the evoker build was Aeromancer with the intent of taking the evocation wizard school arcane discovery (school understanding) at level 3. This would allow him to change any evocation school spell to other elemental types such as fire. I had an idea for there being some unclear potential link between Elliot and Kharroumzadeh the Storm king and that he might have gotten some unexplained evocation powers relating to him, which I eventually scrapped in favor of going to the other school. That said, while Aeromancer is probably 'best' for an evocation Arcanist and that wind control adds to fire potential, the archetype's flavor text names the Shory, who are otherwise not involved with the worldwound at all. So... would an alternate explanation as above still be enough to be allowed to take that?


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Aeromancers are originally from Shory Empire, which was in Southern Garund and had a whole lot of flying cities. It's rather far afield, but it's a possible archetype. I like the whole pyromania angle, though I'm unclear on how it relates to the Aeromancer school. Unless that was the part that tied him with the Storm King?

Ah, wait, now I see your edits. Okay, hm. I mean, arcanists study their own natural talents, so I don't see why something similar couldn't crop up in Mendev.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

Yeah, that exactly. Kharroumzadeh is named the storm king. Not knowing anything else about him, I assume he is a major entity with control over storm evocation. Perhaps one of Elliot's dead parents managed to syphon some part of his power away from him, or something among those lines?

Alternatively, Peri-blooded arcanists are often stated of having horrible nightmares of inflicting cruelties on others. Perhaps in these visions, he sees things from the point of Kharroumzadeh and gleans some of his knowledge from these bouts, or instinctively knows it without understanding why. As to why there's such a link... well, no idea? But it's fun for me as the player to not know :)

A more simple explanation is that his angelic Peri ancestor,

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/peri/

has limited control over wind as well as fire. Their whirlwind dance ability literally makes whirlwinds. It's stated as a dance that keeps increasing in speed until it's a tornado. I guess that implies some inherant control over wind?


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Khorramzadeh is a balor that is essentially Deskari's commander in the Worldwound - the most powerful of the demon warlords of the Worldwound. Just before the Fourth Crusade (in 4692), he launched an attack on Kenabres that damaged the wardstone, and prompted the Fourth Crusade. He's pretty infamous - mostly for that, but he's also covered in/associated with lightning rather than fire, which is atypical for balors.

And yes, peris are associated with wind and fire, I imagine. That seems more predictable, if not as interesting.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

Ah, I see. Well, either works for me. Could make for a nice twist, too. Elliot just assumes he can do it because he has innate Peri blood, but it's actually because... :)


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Thanks for selecting us for the campaign, GM! Lots of strong writers in this group! I'm excited to play with you all and see where the story takes us.

Worldwound GM: The places in Verene's stat block where her numbers were too low by 1 were a result of changing from a 20-point-buy build to a 25-point-buy. Her starting Int went up to 19, so no change in stats there, and her Dex went up by 2. I forgot to adjust a couple of secondary stats up by 1 to account for the increased Dex, and by the time I realized, it was too late to change the submission post. However, I made the corrections as I saw inconsistencies in her character profile, and I think everything should be properly added up there now, including on the stat line. I also initially had removed her skill point in Perception because I wasn't sure where an extra skill point was coming from, but then I realized - favored class bonus! Duh. So she starts with a total of 10 skill points - 2 (class) + 4 (Int bonus) + 1 (human racial) + 1 (favored class) + 2 (background). And her Perception and Sense Motive account for the Alertness feat granted by her familiar. I'm glad you're reading the stat blocks closely enough to notice things like that!

I've updated my stat line so it includes statuses on uses of prescience, Diviner's Fortune, and Thamyris. If conditions happen, I'll put them there too. If something's ever missing that you'd like to see there, just let me know.

GM and Elliot: I could definitely change Verene to be more of a blaster than a control build if necessary, but it does seem Elliot's concept has more synergy with evocation than hers does. The Foresight school you were originally going with seems really strong, with that 8th-level Foretell buff for the whole party as a free action! I'm tempted to switch to Foresight over vanilla Divination. However, Diviner's Fortune is a decent buff for lower levels that stacks with Guidance, so I suppose I'll keep her as is, pending something I've missed.

As far as their relationship to each other, here's a way they could be blood siblings but keep the backstories relatively intact: there's a 14-year age gap. If I have the timeline right, Khorramzadeh last attacked Kenabres when Verene was 14. She could believe her baby brother was killed along with her blood parents in that attack, when in truth he was saved but raised by other people who didn't know who he was or that he still had living family. And she left Kenabres on her doomed Bildungsroman only 4 years later, before they had a chance to meet again. How does that sound? All we would have to decide is if they've met each other again in Kenabres in the past few years, before the story starts, and how awkward that is on a scale of 1 to Extremely. :)


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Indeed! I'll see what I settle on.

That said, I would ask that you put your stat line up - as Thesius has done (though your formatting there is up to you).


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

The stat line is the line of gray text right under the character name for each post, right? Edited under the "Classes/levels" field in the character profile? This is what it looks like for me right now:

Female Human Wizard (Diviner) 1 | HP 7/7 | AC 12 (T 12 FF 10) | Prescience 7/7 | Diviner's Fortune 7/7 | CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Init +7 | Perc +4 (+8 Thamyris). Thamyris: HP 3/3; AC 17, T 16, FF 15

Is that formatting okay?


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Yeah, that's what I've decided to call it, lacking as I do a formal name for it. And yeah, that looks fine to me, Verene.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.
Verene Tanaquil wrote:

GM and Elliot: I could definitely change Verene to be more of a blaster than a control build if necessary, but it does seem Elliot's concept has more synergy with evocation than hers does. The Foresight school you were originally going with seems really strong, with that 8th-level Foretell buff for the whole party as a free action! I'm tempted to switch to Foresight over vanilla Divination. However, Diviner's Fortune is a decent buff for lower levels that stacks with Guidance, so I suppose I'll keep her as is, pending something I've missed.

As far as their relationship to each other, here's a way they could be blood siblings but keep the backstories relatively intact: there's a 14-year age gap. If I have the timeline right, Khorramzadeh last attacked Kenabres when Verene was 14. She could believe her baby brother was killed along with her blood parents in that attack, when in truth he was saved but raised by other people who didn't know who he was or that he still had living family. How does that sound? All we would have to decide is if they've met each other again in Kenabres, before the story starts, and how awkward that is on a scale of 1 to Extremely. :)

Yeah, foresight is awesome :) What can i say except I like teamwork abilities and party buffs! I don't think foresight it is a free action, though? But at mythic tier 2 you get the option to spend a mythic point to take a non-spell extra standard action during your turn. My plan was to cast spells normally and use that mythic ability to activate foretell on the same turn before casting it if necessary (lowering all enemy saves by 2 among other debuffs) or just buffing the party instead.

The level 1 foresight power, prescience, is really good as well, as it's a free action to use, and you then know exactly what you'll roll beforehand for any one d20 roll that turn! Aka Legal Cheating! In the past, I played a wizard with it for 2 levels and that was *extremely* useful to know. If he rolled high, he could shoot something with a bow or use a spell that relied on an attack roll (hydraulic push, thunderstomp etc). If low, he instead used a save or suck effect. Black tentacles, to name an example for later game, also becomes even more deadly if you know you will roll high before casting it. I imagine it's even better in a demon-heavy campaign to know if you'll roll high enough to pierce spell resistance beforehand.

On their background, the problem I see with that explanation is that Elliot is very visually distinct. There can't be that many peri-blooded aasimar with golden eyes and flaming hair around :) However, the presumed death angle from that attack could still definitely work! Maybe the assumed loss of both her parents and baby brother triggered Verene quickly setting out in a crisis of faith, running away from home style, and by leaving prematurely she missed Elliot still being alive? I guess you'd definitely recognize Elliot or at least strongly suspect it could be hima, but since he'd have been a baby, he'd have no idea who Verene is. I guess it doesn't have to be awkward until Verene tells him?

@Worldwound GM I'll get to that, brb.

Edit @Verene I guess it's fitting we have virtually identical stats, being siblings :)


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Ah, shoot, I missed your first post somehow, Verene. Uh, let's see... Are you not a Foresight focused school diviner? I could swear that that's on your sheet. If you're planning on going plain diviner, that's fine too. I just want to be sure.

Khorramzadeh (Thank you, auto-correct. Somehow, you managed to get that without me having to look it up.) attacked Kenabres in 4692, which would have been... 21 years ago? Terendalev, the silver dragon guardian of Kenabres nearly killed him and pushed his forces back.

Her parents probably also survived, given that they went out on some sort of mission that they didn't return from - in terms of the trait's story, which will come up as mythic trials once you guys get out of the first adventure.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Oh, I was fooled by Foretell not mentioning the type of action it takes to "utter" your prediction. I didn't read it closely and just thought "well, talking is a free action!" But since it's a supernatural ability, and supernatural abilities are a standard action unless otherwise stated, that must take precedence. Makes sense. Still, if you can do it right before combat or in the first round, it would definitely be worth it, even with a very action-economy-crunched 8th-level wizard.

I also think I may have added in a school power that doesn't apply, and Prescience is only attached to the Foresight school, which means it conflicts with Diviner's Fortune. In that case I'll remove Diviner's Fortune. I wondered why she didn't have it listed before! So she is already a Foresight focused diviner, not vanilla. Sorry for the confusion!

Re: their backstory, it could be possible that either: Elliot's aasimar traits became more pronounced as he aged, or that Verene was immediately sent away to live with her foster parents, who were still devout Iomedae worshipers but perhaps were retired and didn't live in Kenabres. Or both! It wouldn't make sense for a fourteen-year-old to start traveling the world on her own, I think, but it could be that she hadn't been back to Kenabres since she was fourteen.

Edit for GM: I see, I didn't realize that the parents dying on a mission into the Worldwound was important to the adventure. Perhaps it could go something like: parents sent on mission while 13/14-year-old Verene and baby Elliot remained behind. Parents do not return, Khorramzadeh attacks, Elliot is lost in a burning/collapsed building or something so she believes him dead (but his peri-blooded powers protect him!). She is sent to live with family friends or distant relations who are devout worshipers of Iomedae in another part of Mendev. Relevant authorities, who might try to reunite them if they knew Elliot's identity, either don't realize exactly who his parents were, or have lost track of where Verene went in the confusion. Maybe they even believe she was also killed! So he's sent to a different foster family and his backstory can stay the same.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

Yeah, that can work too. It could indeed manifest gradually, and Flaming hair also isn't very distinct if you have virtually no hair as a baby to begin with. Perhaps Verene wouldn't know her baby brother even was an aasimar then? Going by that angle, there doesn't seem to be a way for them to know or recognize the other, except for the same Riftwarden birthmark. Which, being the campaign trait, seems to fit perfectly.


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You're flip-flopping avatars/profiles, Elliot. Something to watch out for.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

I updated the post above, sorry for the confusion. Verene is indeed a Foresight specialized diviner, I just forgot that because it's been a while since making her. Let me know if that version of their history works with the campaign's events and Elliot's backstory.

It could indeed be that she didn't ever even know her brother was an aasimar, which would be kind of incredible for RP when they meet up later and discover how similar they are. I could see her being terrifically guilty for 'abandoning' him, or incredibly jealous of his celestial nature. Or both at once!


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Yeah, all the traits have ties to hooks throughout the AP. I think that the revised backstory works - if it works for Elliot, I'm perfectly okay with it.

Also, good to know you're in the Foresight focused school. I'll update my notes accordingly.


F Archon-Blooded (Lawbringer) Inquisitor (Cold Iron Warden) 3| HP 24/24; AC 18 (3 mins) Touch 11, FF 15; | F:+5, R:+2, W+6| Init +4; Perc +9| Darkvision 60ft |Corruption Resistance (Good) 1/1 | Judgement 1/1 |Touch of Good 6/6|Track Teleportation 1/1|Channel Energy, dmg 1d6, 3/4

Hello, all!

Apologies for the slow entrance - time zone differences and a COVID lock down where I live has contributed to this. However, I'm here now and excited to play! I am going to go read through each character backstory, as I haven't done that as yet, and then I can see if there are hooks that could help Elyda connect with other characters.

Worldwound GM: Thank you for selecting Elyda to be in your game. I am looking forward to playing. :)

Elliot Worthane:

Quote:

Elliot's backstory is that he's been in trouble with the inquisition for a long time, but was locked away out of sight most of the time for his teenage years studying magic. There's a good chance I might have met Elyda as the party inquisitor before in less than favorable conditions. I suppose our relationship depends on her stance on discrimination/racism against persons portraying demon-like characteristics, like Elliot's fallen-angel ancestry and his penchant growing up for setting things on fire accidentally.

Elyda is from Vigil in Lastwall. While Vigil is fairly homogeneous ideologically, it is quite ethnically and racially diverse, so I don't believe that Elliot's Peri ancestry will be a point of contention or a source of racial discrimination for her. With Archons belief that chaos is the root of all mortal suffering and a Peri's inner conflict with their good and evil urges - perhaps that might prove a sore point if Elyda believes Elliot is making rash, reckless, selfish decisions etc that may put them all at unnecessary risk. I will need to read his backstory to see what kind of trouble Elliot's been in to add any more to their possible connection. :)


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One of the themes of this particular game is how truly united the crusaders are (or aren't), and how the crusaders themselves have impacted the locals. Specifically, the Kellids and their druidic pantheism.

Your mention or ethnic and racial diversity reminded me to share that. xD


F Archon-Blooded (Lawbringer) Inquisitor (Cold Iron Warden) 3| HP 24/24; AC 18 (3 mins) Touch 11, FF 15; | F:+5, R:+2, W+6| Init +4; Perc +9| Darkvision 60ft |Corruption Resistance (Good) 1/1 | Judgement 1/1 |Touch of Good 6/6|Track Teleportation 1/1|Channel Energy, dmg 1d6, 3/4

Thanks for mentioning that, Worldwound GM. That's good to know.

===

Okay, I've now had the chance to read through each backstory.

Elliot: The accusation of heresy, attempted murder of a high inquisitor and consorting with the enemy when Elliot was only 10 years old would not cause Elyda to be prejudiced against him for he was only a child. However, if Elliot believes he is being watched/followed by the inquisitors and city watch, then perhaps Elyda has been warned about him by fellow lawkeepers, so, I believe she would only know of his "reputation" with the local inquisitors/watch and be cautious/watchful until he proves (through his actions/deeds) the accusations are unfounded. (She'd know of him through hearsay, but not know him personally - so they wouldn't have met formally.)

As for the other characters, if any one of them have some connection/interaction with the local Iomedaean priests, then she would have briefly met them (at least remember their names/faces). The only one I'm unsure of is Verene - Elyda may not have crossed paths with her before the group comes together. Merixia, being a Tiefling, may draw more of Elyda's keen attention/curiosity to determine if she is trustworthy, however there would no immediate animosity coming from Elyda.

I think it would be an interesting dynamic if Elyda were to formally meet the others for the first time when they come together with their united goals/missions (through the GM"s story/plot hook).


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Out of curiosity, how many people are familiar with the AP? I know that two players - Elliot and Merixia - have played at least a little of the AP before, and I know some folks have had access to the CRPG beta, but...


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin

I live! Sorry for the late post, it's been a hard day. But I got in, and so did Elliot, so things are looking up!

@GM: We only got two forum pages into the previous game. There was another game before that, years ago, that I got into, but that one died quickly too. Hopefully third time is the charm!

@Elliot: I'm down to have Merixia and Elliot know each other ahead of time. Maybe they met at a performance?

@Elyda: If Elyda is hanging out with the priests of Iomedae, she's probably encountered Merixia at least in passing. Merixia enjoys sparring in her downtime, so if Elyda does too, they could have met that way.

Not sure about Verene or Thesius.


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F Archon-Blooded (Lawbringer) Inquisitor (Cold Iron Warden) 3| HP 24/24; AC 18 (3 mins) Touch 11, FF 15; | F:+5, R:+2, W+6| Init +4; Perc +9| Darkvision 60ft |Corruption Resistance (Good) 1/1 | Judgement 1/1 |Touch of Good 6/6|Track Teleportation 1/1|Channel Energy, dmg 1d6, 3/4

GM: Eight years ago I started playing in a WotR campaign, but I didn't play for very long and do not remember much of what I did participate in.

Merixia: First seeing your character in passing at the Iomedaean temple sounds good. I also like the further connection of them having sparred together - I can see Elyda and Merixia facing each other, practicing with their respective blades, perhaps under the watchful/expert mentoring eyes of the Iomedaean priests? Thank you for suggesting that! :)


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F Tiefling (Hellspawn) Cleric of Ragathiel 6 / Hierophant 1 | HP 54/54 | AC: 19 (11 tch, 18 ff) | CMB +8, CMD +19 | F +8, R +4, W +11 | Init +1 | Perc +13, SM +17 | Destructive Smite 8/8 | Touch of Good 8/8 | Channel 3d6 3/3 | Pyrotechnics 1/1 | True Strike 1/1 | Protection from Evil 1/1 | Mythic Power 2/5 | Effects: heroism, magic circle against evil, haste, perfect placement, ironskin

Yes, Merixia would most likely prefer sparring on temple grounds with priests watching. Less chance for a crusader with a grudge against tieflings to "accidentally" go too far. She doesn't mind aasimars unless they give her attitude for her ancestry, and it sounds like Elyda is pretty egalitarian as far as race goes.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

As far as building a backstory with the other characters, I think Thesius and Verene would have had a lot of opportunities to meet: she spends much of her time in the library, doing research into old objects and making translations into Common/Taldane of texts and documents in other languages. She might also be called on to identify the properties of magic items sometimes. I don't know if she knows much about the secret(?) society of the Riftwardens, but it's possible that they could have worked on odd jobs for them together and met that way too.

For Elyda and Merixia, there might have been less opportunity to meet. It seems Merixia at least has just arrived in the city and may not have met anyone yet, which is fine. These days, Verene avoids temples and religious devotees on purpose. She doesn't attend services and lives a quiet, inconspicuous life that would not bring her to the attention of law enforcement. However, you never know - everyone might meet on market days and holidays. Or if one of them wanted the services of a scholar, translator (for Tien or Vudran, since both speak Abyssal), or magic-item-identifier, they might have run into her.

It does seem like I may have spoken too soon about the possible shared backstory for her and Elliot.

WotR Player's Guide wrote:
Unfortunately, you never knew your parents, for you were raised by a foster family in Kenabres. Your foster family has confirmed that both of your parents were Riftwardens, and has further confirmed that your parents went missing on a secret mission into the Worldwound less than a month after you were born.

Having now reread the Riftwarden Orphan campaign trait in the Player's Guide, I'm not sure that what we talked about above works. If it's important for the campaign that both Verene and Elliot never knew their parents, to the point of not even knowing their identities, and they have the same parents, the large age gap becomes more awkward. Here are some things we could do to resolve this:

Option 1: Elliot is older. Slight background change, no mechanical changes. They're the same age (fraternal twins), or close enough that neither remembers their parents or each other, and Elliot is older than before. They were placed with different foster families for some reason; we could figure out more details about whether they knew about each other growing up or not, but they definitely weren't brought up as siblings. Both keep the Riftwarden Orphan trait. Functionally, Elliot has been an adult for longer, but otherwise his background and appearance stay the same (since he's an aasimar, who by the usual rules age even slower than any race but elves and dhampir.) Verene's background stays mostly the same.

Option 2: Verene is younger. Significant background change, no mechanical changes. They're approximately the same age and Verene is younger than before. I am reluctant to do this because I would have to fully rewrite her backstory as a wanderer for over a decade, plus re-evaluating her party role, but it would certainly be possible to do it without changing the crunch at all.

Option 3: Verene takes the Child of the Crusade trait instead of Riftwarden Orphan. Slight mechanical change, slight background change. Almost no changes need to be made to her backstory and none to Elliot's. I like this trait better flavorfully for her than Riftwarden Orphan anyway, since it fits with her longing from an early age to serve Iomedae like her (foster) parents; the only reason I didn't take it in the first place is that the associated Marshal mythic path doesn't seem like a great fit for her, as obviously she'd be going Archmage. However, I truly don't know how important it is to have the "right" trait for your Mythic Path. Would need your advice here, Worldwound GM.

Option 4: Elliot takes another trait instead of Riftwarden Orphan. Slight mechanical change, significant background change. If Elliot's planning on multiclassing to bard, perhaps the Child of the Crusade and associated Marshal mythic abilities would actually be a good fit for him. However, Elliot's player has done a lot of work on the foster family NPCs for him, which don't seem to be a storied crusader family, and I don't want to discount that.

I guess my preference at this point would be Option 3, then 1>4>2, but any of them would be fine.

Edit: To answer your question, Worldwound GM, I've played a tiny bit of the AP before on these boards, ending after about 4 combat encounters. So, really no plot had taken place yet except the very intense opening scene and learning the names of several important NPCs. I'm looking forward to playing the Owlcat CRPG when it comes out, because I liked their version of Kingmaker, but I haven't played the Wrath beta at all.


F Archon-Blooded (Lawbringer) Inquisitor (Cold Iron Warden) 3| HP 24/24; AC 18 (3 mins) Touch 11, FF 15; | F:+5, R:+2, W+6| Init +4; Perc +9| Darkvision 60ft |Corruption Resistance (Good) 1/1 | Judgement 1/1 |Touch of Good 6/6|Track Teleportation 1/1|Channel Energy, dmg 1d6, 3/4

@Verene: Just my two cents worth, after reading the backstory for Verene, I thought Child of the Crusade would be a good campaign trait for her to take based on the story. However, I hear you regarding going Archmage.

@Thesius Monteblanc: Hi! Looking over your char sheet, it seems you have one additional language you can give your guy... As a Half-Elf, you start with Common and Elven, you've picked up Abyssal and you have one more bonus language slot left as your INT is 14 (+2). :)


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Worldwound GM, I played in what I believe was a highly modified version of the game years ago. Something about old D&D aspects being brought into the game led me to believe this.

I have also played part of the CRPG beta, but I will work to not make any decisions on previous information I've run across.

Elyda kindly pointed out I'm missing another language. I'm going to go with Hallit for that one. I think me and Verene can use that to help us spin together a cohesive backstory for how they came to know each other.

Elliot, I could see the two characters perhaps having crossed paths during one of Elliot's performances. However it's quite possible that they were caught up in their own activities at the time to really talk. Thesius perhaps making note of the Elliot's distinctive look.

Verene, I do feel like it makes sense for our two characters to have an existing relationship. Perhaps helping one another in translations, acting as sounding boards, and even tutors in new languages.

Elliot, Verene, and Worldwound GM, is it be possible that Verene was put into the care of another family as her birth parents continued their dangerous work?

That or perhaps Elliot and Verene only share one parent?

It's possible that the "patrol" Thesius' father died on might have included their parents as well depending on how much of a connection we would like to make between characters as well.

Elyda, thanks for pointing out the missing language.

Elyda and Merixia, again I don't necessarily see Thesius having much interaction with the two beyond maybe in passing while Thesius seeks out new sources of information about the Worldwound.

While having had a close encounter with a demon years ago, I think Thesius would be fairly open to judging everyone on their actions unless revealed to be a full demon. Tieflings are not unheard of in taking part in the crusades, so it quite possible he has run across them before having spent most of his life in Kenabres.


F Archon-Blooded (Lawbringer) Inquisitor (Cold Iron Warden) 3| HP 24/24; AC 18 (3 mins) Touch 11, FF 15; | F:+5, R:+2, W+6| Init +4; Perc +9| Darkvision 60ft |Corruption Resistance (Good) 1/1 | Judgement 1/1 |Touch of Good 6/6|Track Teleportation 1/1|Channel Energy, dmg 1d6, 3/4

No problem, Thesius. Just didn't want you to miss out on a language. :)

As to the characters, I believe it makes sense (and doesn't seem forced) if we all haven't met before, and, in some cases this is our first meeting. It plays into the theme of unifying - of our group coming together and learning how to work together. I'm good with not having had any or much prior interaction with Verene and Thesius and meeting them for the first time.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

All right! Catching back up a bit...

@Worldwound GM, I've played the Beta videogame up to roughly what I think the halfway point of the story is (I completed most of act 3, if you know what that means). Five or six years ago, I was invited to an ongoing campaign where we speedran parts of book 2 and 3, but that ended fairly quickly. It did only the main storyline in paraphrasing what happened and we fought important 'main' encounters at a rate of 2 or perhaps 3 sessions per book. I remember feeling disappointed that it seemed like almost everything was skipped and that I wanted to do it properly at some point, but also the start and finish.

@Merixia Sure! We could have met at a performance. I was going for that Elliot is a novice stage magician and that he's only very recently started doing so. Assisting the play of the Jolly Jousters at Kenabres' yearly celebration, where the module seems to begin, is probably his first major one. Perhaps you saw one of the rehearsals? Though there might also be something said meeting at that one, only just prior to hell breaking lose? :)

@Verene, Elliot being as old as Verene but aging more slowly due to being aasimar can work. I'd probably have to either rewrite his foster family or make them a longer-lived race to compensate. But... that probably works out well. If Aasimar age slowly, it makes sense to place them in a foster family that also ages slowly. It can work if they're half-elves or such. On the traits, the player's guide strongly hints that they change at some point during the story and I can remember that they were indeed tailor-made to be *really* good for the specific assumed role the mythic path has. To what narritive degree it matters, I don't know.

@Thesius What is your character currently doing in his every day life and what kind of personality does he have? It might help a bit for previous connections to know more about this. If Thesius is a skirt chaser bard, he might have tried to hit on Elliot's foster sister (I'll probably change his family to half-elves to match Vereena's backstory). I'd imagine the half-elf community in Kenabres is somewhat limited. Though I'm also fine not having met previously. It does indeed not make much sense for everyone to know eachother beforehand.

@Elayda All right, sure. Then we haven't met, but you know Elliot by reputation/alleged infamy among the inquisition?


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Okay, uh... lots to digest.

Verene: There's a significant mechanical benefit to choosing the mythic path associated with your trait. To take an example that no one here has: Child of the Crusades, if one chooses the Marshal mythic path, gives you a flat +2 to Will saving throws. Further, when they succeed on a saving throw to resist a demon's mental influence, they can spend a use of mythic power to stagger the demon for 1 round/mythic tier, with a chance for the demon to half that with its own will save.

They're not insignificant benefits.

It's neat to see what you guys will find interesting and what plots and differences you'll notice between my GMing and others', as well as between me and Owlcat.

I'm planning on opening the gameplay thread up today, so once the question of our arcane casters' relationship is settled, I'll do so.


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I'll also add that if you want to reflavor the Riftwarden Orphan, it's possible Verene might be Elliot's young aunt? Tying her to the Riftwardens through her sibling and their spouse, or something? Alternately, in that case, maybe both Elliot's parents and Verene's (who would be Elliot's grandparents) were Riftwardens, with the former seeking out the latter's mission in the aftermath of Khorramzadeh's attack twenty years ago. It could be finnagled, is what I'm saying.


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Also, for our divine casters: this lists the additional spells you get as clerics and inquisitors for your deities.


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Since I worked out a way to not immediately need the two arcane casters to interact, I figured I'd post the gameplay thread opener now rather than make people wait.

It's entirely likely I've been sitting on the post throughout the whole of yesterday, and got impatient to share it.


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NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

@GM, thanks for getting back to me and trying to make it all work together. The only problem I see with Verene both being older than the orphaned Elliot and knowing they're related is that it makes it much less likely that she would set out on that long pilgrimage in the first place. As his aunt, she would feel responsible for him on some level.

@Elliot, if you're willing to make Elliot a bit older than originally described, I do think that would require the least changes for both of us. From what Worldwound GM said, it seems that taking the "right" trait for your planned Mythic Path is quite important. So if at least one of his foster parents could be of a long-lived race, or still human but getting on in years, then the two of them can just be blood siblings sent to different foster families as very young children. That seems the simplest to me.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Elliot, I don't know that he would have openly hit on Elliot's sister. While tending towards a light-hearted demeanor, Thesius tends to spend his time gambling or researching. It is possible he may have have bought the troupe a round out of appreciation being that he is a follower of Desna the Starsong.

A quick glance at Kenabres does show the majority of it's population to be human with a small population of other races. While half-elves number among one of the higher populations outside of humans it is still a fair small number in comparison to humans.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

@Verene agreed, I'll make his foster family half-elves as discussed. They at least reach maturity around the same speed as Aasimar. Just in case, for clarity, that would mean you were placed in a different foster family than mine simply because you are a normal human and I would (eventually) age more slowly? And we don't know eachother since we were seperated at a very young age, and not told about the other as an additional safety measure of sorts? No one knows what mission our parents were on and what powerful demon they might have pissed off during it...

@Wordwound_GM

First Awesome first post!

Second, I've been looking through some of the mythic stuff planning out the build for later and I'd like to ask one thing before we begin, even though I realize it's a while off before this might become a thing.

The ability I'd like to ask about is Inspired Defense from the marshall path. This is game-mechanically the main reason Elliot would branch into marshall and his main mechanical benefit of being a variant multiclass bard. Taking it requires giving up 50% of all his feats and 20% of all his mythic abilties, so the cost for taking it is huge.

However, It's also arguably quite broken (even seemingly among mythic), adding (the inspire courage bonus + Elliot's mythic tier combined) to all saving throws for all members while inspire courage lasts. That's eventually a +14/+15 morale bonus on all saves at mythic rank 10 for everyone and practically ensures no one ever fails a save outside of a natural 1, long before we even reach endgame.

Are you ok with this being a thing? Is the module prepared for something like this? I'd find objections to this entirely understandable, in which case I'll instead drop the bard and marshall paths and go full arcane caster. Losing half your feats to VMC in the projection means a lot of other fun abilities or tricks cannot be used.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

I'm going to work on getting up a post shortly. My availability will be somewhat low this evening as I have my niece's birthday to attend, but I will try to keep up and at least get another post in before the end of the night.


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Elliot Worthane wrote:

@Wordwound_GM

First Awesome first post!

Thanks!

Elliot Worthane wrote:

Second, I've been looking through some of the mythic stuff planning out the build for later and I'd like to ask one thing before we begin, even though I realize it's a while off before this might become a thing.

The ability I'd like to ask about is Inspired Defense from the marshall path. This is game-mechanically the main reason Elliot would branch into marshall and his main mechanical benefit of being a variant multiclass bard. Taking it requires giving up 50% of all his feats and 20% of all his mythic abilties, so the cost for taking it is huge.

However, It's also arguably quite broken (even seemingly among mythic), adding (the inspire courage bonus + Elliot's mythic tier combined) to all saving throws for all members while inspire courage lasts. That's eventually a +14/+15 morale bonus on all saves at mythic rank 10 for everyone and practically ensures no one ever fails a save outside of a natural 1, long before we even reach endgame.

Are you ok with this being a thing? Is the module prepared for something like this? I'd find objections to this entirely understandable, in which case I'll instead drop the bard and marshall paths and go full arcane caster. Losing half your feats to VMC in the projection means a lot of other fun abilities or tricks cannot be used.

Hm... honestly, that's a little out of my expertise, but I'm pretty sure you can't "branch into" another mythic path - at least, that I can tell. They're similar to classes, but not exactly the same. If you have any info contradicting that, that's fair. Wait, scratch that, I'm almost positive you're stuck with only one mythic path when you get mythic power - the one you started with. If you want to go marshal, that's fine, but I don't think an archmage has any means of getting to that ability.

Beyond that, I'm not wholly comfortable with the projection you offer - I'm not wholly sure that the AP is built to handle that. It could be, but I am not very good at judging this sort of thing. In any case, with what you've pointed out, I'd say I'd like to avoid it if possible.

I will eventually check to see whether DCs get absurdly high in late mythic territory, but I am not sure they do.


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

Variant multiclassing into bard would not grant inspire courage until level 7, so it’s a long haul to that ability.

Worldwound GM, the Dual Path feat allows you to traverse into another mythic path. Not sure that that was the intention here, but it is one of at least two ways I’m aware of to get access to a power from another path.


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Oh, hey, you're right. So it does!


Male | Half-Elf | Archaeologist Bard 5/Evangelist 1/Trickster 1 | HP 54/54 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16; Uncanny Dodge | Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +7; +2 vs. enchantments; +2 sacred vs. insanity or confusion effects | Init. +4 | Perception +22 | Low-Light Vision | Archaeologist's Luck 7/12 left, Lore Master 1/1, Mythic Power 5/5 | Spells 1st - 4/5 2nd - 2/3 | Current buffs: n/a

I know the Trickster path has an option for it as well, but Mythic does have some interesting choices out there. I don’t think I realized/remembered just how broken a bard could be with it.


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Yeah, that one looks pretty broken. Even by mythic standards.


M Aasimar (emberkin) Arcanist 2. HP 14/16. AC 16/FF 14/T12. Perc. +1. Init +2. Saves: F +2, R+2, W +4. CMB +0 , CMD 12. Spells: level 1 0/4. Reservoir: 0/5. Conditions: None.

@Thesius Yeah, I'm aware. It would be a long haul there. And yes, you're right that I was planning on taking the dual path mythic ability to be able to select some abilities from Marshall and Archmage. Dual path (and path dabbling, the Trickster ability) seem to allow for some pretty sweet combinations of abilities between mythic paths.

@Worldwound GM Got it. I'll refrain from going there. Thinking about it more in general, I think the game can't be balanced around assuming someone has it as that'd make saves impossible to make for teams not having it. And going for anything that stops anyone ever failing a save seems to break the game more than I'm comfortable with too.


NG F Human Wizard (Diviner) 6 | Archmageᴹ 1 | HP 22/40 | AC 18 T 14 FF 15 (+2 v. AoO) | Prescience 8/8 | Mythic Power 4/5 | CMD 14 | Fort +5 Ref +8 Will +8 (+2 vs. insanity/confusion) | Init +10 (and Forewarned) | Perc +9 (+14 Thamyris) | Conditions: haste 6r, perfect placement 5r, mage armor 58m, endure elements 24h | Thamyris: HP 20/20; AC 19 (T 16, FF 17) | Conditions: merge with familiar 6hr

Elliot, we should decide if Verene and Elliot know of their family tie by now. I imagine they would certainly know each other casually because both are students of magic in the same town, although it seems Elliot is being directly mentored by the Riftwardens in a way I don't think that Verene really is. Perhaps they might not have found out about the true connection yet? The Riftwarden birthmark is a pretty unmistakable clue, but there's no guarantee that either would have talked about it, and Verene's is hidden by her hair most of the time.


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Verene: Prompting your familiar to look is fine by me in this context. Also, I take it you'd like to speak for him? I don't mind, I just want to know whether I should take that on.

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