At Anevia's words, Dorek nods enthusiastically. "T-that's a good idea - we should k-know what we're facing before we try to t-take the city."
"Maybe we should also see if Nurah is feeling any more helpful today. I suspect the horn we confiscated might be for some sort of signal."
Dorek's eyebrows raise, and he nods to Thawm, tapping Terendelev's scale with a grin. "You k-know, I don't even t-think we need her help. I t-think I could do a passable N-nurah with Terendelev's m-magic - Aron and A-anevia could drop me off at the other s-side of the city on their scouting r-run. I'll b-blow the horn, come running up to the c-city, explain about how all our p-paladins are hiding out here - then, when they go out to f-fight you on the w-wrong side of the city, we'll t-take what they leave behind." The lanky tiefling shrugs, turning his one-eyed gaze to the distant bulk of the Drezen Citadel. "R-resonance-Sharpened-S-shadows taught me some new t-tricks not too long ago - I could c-change my form once we get into the C-citadel proper, go ahead of you, try and w-watch out for the demons."
"I'm going to go question Nurah. I wouldn't mind an assist, especially someone good at sniffing out deception."
Aroden will approach Nurah, and speak firmly but gently to her.
"Nurah, I am not your enemy. Although you were not privy to the conversation, I spoke in favor of allowing you a degree of dignity as a prisoner.
I believe that redemption is possible for those who are genuinely remorseful and willing to change. There is a much brighter future ahead for you if you do so. As Sir Tandyn told you before, there is a path back. Offering us intelligence about the Citadel of Drezen and the defenses the demons have established would be a step on that path."
"Many are those who make bad decisions out of resentment, or anger, or despair, or simply because they are misguided or ill-informed and think they are doing the right thing. Even the gods are not omniscient, so They too err. My namesake made many errors in judgement - but He also fought valiantly against the demons, defeating Deskari in ages past.
Take a step back from the Abyss. Give us what aid you can."
Tandyn pores over the map occasionally glancing up to see if he can spot each landmark. "There are a number of choke points. I expect they'll use them to their advantage, but it also means we can divide the map into defensible zones... well... if it weren't for teleporting and... that." His eyes track the chimera. "I'm not sure if we can avoid its notice, so we should have a plan to deal with it rather soon."
"Maybe we should also see if Nurah is feeling any more helpful today."
Tandyn nods and follows Aroden to find her.
"Good morning Nurah. We've just arrived outside Drezen. This... this is a pivotal moment for you. You get to decide your fate. Now I'd rather like for you to work with us and begin to repair your soul, but I know that decision won't be easy for you. You've seen horrible things. You've done horrible things. There's a lingering temptation to return to the demons. You must have seen yourself as one of them... but I don't. You were a crusader. You've known what it's like to love and trust others. And while some people will betray that, there's only hatred and fear between demons. You've seen it. Will they heal or defend you when you're injured? Will you be safe when they have no use for you? How will they they treat you as you age? You are not immortal. You are strong today, but what will they do when you are not? They will tear you apart as soon as it suits them."
"No, our side isn't perfect. But we're certainly better to each other. Think about when you were a child. Would a young Nurah have survived a moment with the demons? There were people who cared for you just like the rest of us. We were all fed and protected at least enough to survive, and well, we should use our strength to provide that for all those who need it now. It's who we are. And while a demon may see that as weakness, we are stronger than them for it. While they're busy literally eating their own, we are supporting one another to build a world that can support us back. It's a better future, and this is your chance to redeem your spot in it."
Knight Commander Uhturj also follows along.
"Actionable intelligence and victory in Drezen will serve as proof you no longer need to be gagged most of the time as a security measure." She explains, as she removes Nurah's gag so that the manacled halfling can respond.
Cecily goes with the group to talk to Nurah and mostly lets the others talk while she tries to maintain a politic, neutral expression, but eventually she chimes in.
"I do not know how you maintained the trusted position that you betrayed, but you have the chance now, through grace and faith and keeping a true heart, to earn your way into holiness the proper way. Should you uphold truth and virtue, I will vouch for you to the end." She takes a breath to say more, but stops herself before she outlines her plans should Nurah betray their trust a second time.
Ahmose's excellent charm can be a bit much for mortal hearts, so the Blue-scaled Kobold decides to pour over some drinks for the morning....
Nurah rolls her eyes as both Aroden and Tandyn give her fancy speeches.
”Listen you a&@!#+&s, you don’t know what you're talking about. So it's all my fault that I was a slave to Trezbot? That I was whipped within an inch of my life if I spoke out of turn. I chose that, right? What was I supposed to do? And where were you or others like you, by the way?”
Nurah spits on the ground, ”Why did queen Galfrey or one of the other Mendev nobles allow him to command troops? A necessary evil, right? He was useful to your side so your people looked the other way. A bit of advice, you best take a closer look at the evil gestating in your own midst.”
She continues to rebuke your efforts to sway her, ”The demons treated me far better than in my family, anyone in Isger, and now you. I’m not stupid or blind, I know they will betray me eventually. But here’s the thing, you will too. Sure you’ll try to dress it up, put a nice shine on it, make me think it's sweet. But it will still be there, the demons are more honest, they don’t pretend the world works differently than it does.”
She continues to rant, ”Soon Staunton and Thelvihix’s forces will sweep this army and I’ll be freed. If I gave you information then I would be tortured and then put to death.”
"That's fine. We'll talk again tomorrow, Nurah."
Aroden has a pleasant if annoyingly placid smile on his face as he says this.
"Perhaps tomorrow I will bring the heads of the demons that we kill today as evidence that we will not be swept aside by Staunton's forces. If you merely wish to side with the winner... that is going to be us."
"Understood. We'll just have to start smaller. After we take Drezen, maybe we can risk leaving the gag off?" Thawm suggests.
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"Why did queen Galfrey or one of the other Mendev nobles allow him to command troops? A necessary evil, right? He was useful to your side so your people looked the other way. A bit of advice, you best take a closer look at the evil gestating in your own midst."
Dorek scowls, glaring at the bound halfling. "W-well, I wasn't there when you fought with this f-fancy highborn - from what you s-say, if I knew where was the g-grave of that criochnaich fhaighean, I'd s-spit on it." The lanky tiefling shakes his head. "No m-matter your previous experiences, I know w-we've treated you with n-nothing but respect, and you've b-betrayed us for it! F-frankly, I'm starting to have s-serious doubts about our f-friendship!"
"Soon Staunton and Thelvihix’s forces will sweep this army and I’ll be freed. If I gave you information then I would be tortured and then put to death."
Dorek's features go ashen at Nurah's words - clearing his throat, he addresses the group. "HeyeveryonecouldItalkwithyouforaminute?" Blinking as he calms himself marginally, his crimson eye flicks to where Nurah is imprisoned. "N-nurah already knows, I'm f-fairly sure, if you just want to t-talk in front of her. It's about the d-demon commanders."
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"Just a moment..." Tandyn nods at Dorek and returns his attention to Nurah.
”If I gave you information then I would be tortured and then put to death.”
"Oh..." Tandyn crouches down to be at her eye level. "So, you fear them more than you trust us? That's... well... that's completely understandable. This Trezbot person sounds no better than the demons, and I wish he'd faced justice for it. Hells, when the demons killed him it may have even felt like liberation. That's horrible... but it does help explain things. Thank you for all you've shared."
"I would ask you to think carefully about how you've been treated here. You betrayed us, but you're alive. We have limited food, but you are fed. You know more, but you haven't been forced to give it up. We'd like for you to help us, but you won't be threatened. Despite what you've done, we've put effort into offering you a path to redemption. You've been bound and gagged, but only so much as to keep us and you safe. But, I get it. You've been hurt... badly. It makes it so much harder to trust anyone or even see when people honestly care about you. We've offered a way for you to start earning our trust, but it sounds like you've offered another. Tell me about this 'evil gestating in our midst.' If the lead is good, I'll consider it the first step on you path."
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"You make some good points, Nurah, but allow me to offer some observations.
You fear that the demons will torture you to death for betraying them.
But you betrayed us and here we are giving you a second chance.
That is one difference between Good and Evil. It was said on... on another world... 'Good redeems its own. Evil turns upon itself.' They are not just opposing teams. That you still live and breathe is evidence of that.
Yes, there are evil men and women in the Crusades. Just as there are throughout Golarion, and as all mortals carry Good and Evil within themselves. The Mendevian Crusades are not about ending Evil in the world, but in saving Golarion from complete annihilation. The Abyss is worse than anything you can possibly imagine. In Golarion, there is evil, but there is at least a chance that evildoers can be brought to justice and that their victims can find a measure of peace. There is no such hope in the Abyss, ever. There is no justice. In Golarion, there is at least some good, some honor, some kindness, some charity. Those do not exist in the Abyss.
When we win, there will still be Evil in the world - but at least those such as Sir Tandyn will be freed up to address it.
I see the presence of Evil amongst the Crusaders as testament to three things:
It is true that I have not visited you. Redemption is a path you can go down if you wish, and I may illuminate the steps where I can, but every step you take must be your own. And maybe you won't. But regardless of your heart, your feelings, and your beliefs, it is your actions that matter most to me. Help us out of self-preservation, or profit, or genuine remorse - it is all the same to me. I ask that you consider that Good and Evil might not be merely labels, but rather are fundamentally different forces in the universe.
And, consider that we will win. Maybe I will return with Staunton's head tomorrow and that will be persuasive."
Ahmose is seen writing down every that spills from the mouth of Aroden....
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Cecily simmers off to the side, listening, and holds up a gloved hand from her crossed arms to forestall the more private talk. "Miss Dendiwhar, if you want to accuse me of being some gestating demonic entity because of what you think the circumstances of my lineage are, I should rather you just come right out and say it. I am sorry that you were betrayed by a man so negligent in noblesse oblige. Pharasma will see to his just rewards, and as ever we must remain vigilante to holds our peers responsible. But that is no reason to accuse me of wickedness due to what I continue to suffer at the hands of vile cultists."
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Aroden gives a long, logical and in his head persuasive point by point argument about why he is right and why Nurah is wrong. To which Nurah laughs for a good thirty seconds. "Hehehe, ha..." she finally trails off.
Still smiling at the delusional god become wizard, "Oh, you were serious? Look, if you want my help you'll need to let me free first. You can have someone escort me every hour if you like but when you fail I need to be able to run."
Nurah says to Cecily, "You always think everything is about you, don't you?"
Then Nurah says to Dorek, "You're my best friend here. Maybe the closest thing to a friend I'll have have."
Ahmose is seen trying not to laugh. He appears to be doing a very bad job of concealing his optimism about the situation. The Blue-scaled Kobold seems ready to just walk by Nurah and kick her ...again ..his usual response to her subject elections.....
Baring anything of that nature, the Alchemist only stands there looking bored....
Nurah could you at least pretend to repent enough that we can move along? Everyone here already knows that you are committed to an afterlife of dreadful carnage being performed upon you 24/7 in the Abyss, so let's just fast forward a bit ...
Ahmose then slaps backsides to further motivate, alleviate, delicate everyone's feelings.
Good meeting. See everyone next week.
The Alchemist then begins to pour the kool-aid out for everyone too, including Nurah.
It's black cherry. Matches your heart.
One may detect an alcoholic scent as one imbibes the kool-aid. Ahmose sips smiling at her.
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"Nurah, hear me when I say this... when I was young, a demon slipped past the ward, killed my friends, and left me gravely wounded. Rather than let that trauma destroy me, I think my mind was altered to help me cope. I'm still coming to terms with that, but its mercy is not lost on me. Among your tools was a wand that can modify memories... you see where I'm going with this. With your permission, I could help you forget or alter the worst of Trezbot's atrocities. It wouldn't change that they happened, but in a way his memory is all that survives of him. Would you care to kill him a little more?"
"Smiting even the memories of evil, now?" Thawm adds.
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Cecily is taken aback by Nurah's flippant response to her and huffs indignantly, then immediately goes on to think about whether the wand of modify memory would help her cope with her kidnapping. A glance at her claws confirms that her current issues outweigh the darkness of her past.
At Tandyn’s suggestion Nurah’s facade briefly breaks and she lets her guard down for a moment, ”I… need to think about that. Maybe…”
Nurah drinks the black cherry kool-aid™ offered by Ahmose without fear, if she were to be poisoned it would have happened already.
Cecily languidly looks over at Dorek, as though bored with the current conversation, and graciously offers him her attention. "What did you want to discuss? Shall we?"
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"What did you want to discuss? Shall we?"
Dorek looks nervously at Cecily as she offers him her attention, clearing his throat. "It's a n-name Nurah mentioned. One of the c-commanders of the d-demon army she said would f-free her. T-thelvihix the Demise - Thief-of-Breath, last w-watcher of the dead c-city of Tan Relio, and d-destroyer-god of the W-widowknife clan. He's an old evil, older than the d-demon invasion - and he's..." Dorek ducks his head, grimacing as he glances around at the others. "W-well... You k-know how your grandfather has a p-page in that 'M-mendev Peerage' b-book or something?" His gaze drifts down to his feet as he adjusts his eye patch, not meeting the others' gaze. "...And you k-know how my g-grandfather has a page in 'Witch-Cults of N-northern Avistan?' Thelvihix the D-demise is that g-grandfather."
Blinking, he taps his eye patch. "He g-gave me this. Not the p-patch - he t-took the eye that m-means I n-need it." He looks up at his allies, terror in his remaining eye. "The l-legends say he..." The spindly tiefling blinks, clearing his throat. "...It t-translates poorly from the H-hallit. They say he w-watches death. In b-battles - he w-watches the warriors of the clan W-widowknife as they f-fight. And when he w-watches them, they f-fall. Warriors d-drop dead, weapons b-break - if he is with the d-demons, I fear he may w-watch death for our soldiers."
He glances back towards the main camp, at the plumes of smoke that mark the campfires of the Mendevian paladins. "There are w-wards I can make, old g-gods I can call on, but I d-don't know how many still live. I just p-pray it will be enough."
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Tandyn carefully positions himself to talk with Dorek while also keeping a watchful eye on Nurah. "That's quite a lot to consider. Your wards are certainly welcome, but that's clearly not the main thing here. What's the etiquette for this? This seems rather impolite, so please forgive the bluntness: may we kill your grandfather? As in, is that ok with you? I feel like we should have your permission? Should it be: may we please kill your grandfather? Is that more respectful? Cecily, help me out here... so far it doesn't really speak to the depth of emotion I'm sensing so perhaps... wait... does this mean you're gestating?" Tandyn looks to Nurah for clarification.
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An acerbic comment regarding Dorek's polluted bloodline dies on Cecily's lips as she considers the impossibility that Nurah might be right and she might share a similar ancestor some ways up her family tree. And whatever his parentage, he was a Knight Commander now, like Cecily herself. She considers Tandyn's request for assistance and addresses Dorek directly and matter-of-factly. "Knight Commander Dorek, Tandyn and myself have graciously decided to help you kill your grandfather, for the good of Drezen, the Realm, and Golarion." Less formally, almost as an aside but to the same people, she adds, "As Knight Commanders, one should be decisive and sure in one's proclamations."
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"I, too, will attempt to kill your grandfather," offers Aroden magnanimously.
Don't know about those 'old gods', but he can call on me and I will listen.
The wizard holds the Sword of Aroden before him and contemplates its edge.
"What do you know of the abilities of this demon? Is he like the Nabasu? Something else?"
"I- uh- but- grandfather?" Thawm sputters, at a loss for words.
Ahmose seems quite perplexed about the sudden ramifications of killing the grandfather..
"This seems rather impolite, so please forgive the bluntness: may we kill your grandfather? As in, is that ok with you?"
Dorek looks incredulously at Tandyn. "...He t-took my eye, Tandyn - it's n-not like I saw him every S-starday or anything. I have n-nightmares about him sometimes - s-seeing him reaching towards my f-face as a child." He nervously adjusts his eye patch, blinking. "N-nothing would give more peace than to know he is g-gone, but I'm still t-terrified of the thought of actually fighting h-him."
"What do you know of the abilities of this demon? Is he like the Nabasu? Something else?"
Dorek shudders, finding a place to sit down on the edge of a crate of supplies - as he speaks, his scorpion-like tail coils and uncoils from around his legs in agitation. "I... I d-don't know much. They say he eats s-souls, that his p-presence alone can break the s-strongest warrior." The spindly tiefling begins to shiver in earnest, his remaining eye glancing about like a crimson lighthouse as he tries to compose himself. "I r-remember, though - he has a s-staff. In all the l-legends, the carvings, the t-tales of the gods, he has his s-staff. He h-held it when he came for me. Even being n-near it, I felt c-cold. Colder than I've ever f-felt in my life. And h-hungry - not for b-bread or m-meat, for s-s-s... s-something else." Trembling, he tugs his coat closer to his form, warding against some unfelt chill. "S-so, so h-hungry..."
Cecily plants an encouraging hand firmly on Dorek's shoulder. "You needn't be afraid. We will have your back against your grandfather, and you will have Iomedae's strength as well. But beyond that, Dorek, by Iomedae's grace in empowering us all with the strength of Good, you are quite formidable yourself." She gives him...is that something of an actual smile!? "Soon, the demons will be telling terrifying tales about us."
She takes a step back, thinks a moment, and saunters off for a few minutes before returning with the Knight's Pennon of Battle. "You have been feeling off since battling the Nabasu, yes? Perhaps this will help."
Tandyn nods. "Well said Cecily. And Dorek, you're several times more courageous than you realize. One reason my code instructs me to be 'first into battle' is to inspire others to be brave enough to fight. Try as I may, you're often already there no matter how alarmingly powerful the demon is. When the time comes, I know where you'll be. I just wanted to make sure you won't have regrets when your not-so-great grandfather dies."
"And I suppose that brings me back to Nurah... Was this what all the 'gestating evil' talk was about?"
Ahmose absently scratches his arse, as the conversation continues confident he can stay conscious.....
At Sir Tandyn's voicing of his willingness to be first into the fray, the Blue-scaled Kobold snaps to attention!
Everyone has their job to do. Sir Tandyn's is pincushion. Dorek's is rip and tear and puncture and spill bodily fluids from them baddies pincushioning our Sir Tandyn. See.
The Alchemist winks at his Kool-aid.
Nurah only smiles at Tandyn.
After your scouts return, 4 hours
Luckily neither Aron nor Anevia were harmed on their mission, their report is summarized below, with threats and objectives closest to your army presented first.
Paradise hill: A large amount of schir demons, about 100 strong, hold Paradise Hill, once a district of warehouses and food stores that sat atop the high ground east of the citadel. It appears the demons are now using the area as a prison for captured crusaders. Doing so will be difficult, the enemy is dug in and a number of former guildhouses have been converted to fortifications. The enemy here is led by a vulture-like demon.
Southbank: A large number of tieflings and human cultists alike, approximately 400 people, are camped in Drezen’s southern district, and they’re guarding a large amount of what appears to be captured crusader gear.
Ahari Bridge: While the rivers of Drezen are dry, their beds and the steep angled gulches still present a difficulty for mounted paladins to navigate. The only remaining bridge is guarded by feral looking beasts, which are chained to weakened supports. A marching army would cause the enemy to destroy the bridge but a sneak attack by a small strike force could kill the beasts before they are able to do so.
Drezen Watchtowers: Citadel Drezen is surrounded by a wall and seven watchtowers; only four are functional currently. Each watchtower seems to be guarded by a few figures, and each is armed with a large catapult.
Drezen Cemetery: There were sightings of large numbers of undead lurking in Drezen’s cemetery, particularly ghouls. The demons avoid this place but ghouls aren’t friendly to paladins either.
Haunted Vault: The largest vault in the cemetery seems to be surrounded by eerie shadows, as if some vile magic were at work within.
Ahmose stands with one booted foot resting on a blackened stump, holding a spyglass to his eye, looking out across the waste land of Drezen.
Tactical advanced to Paradise Hill, lead by Irabeth while we slackers take that bridge. That bridge is the key. We take it, hold it, then we can go get supplies at South Bank (Irabeth again leads, assuming she's not dead yet), and us slackers take them Towers.
The Blue-scaled Kobold seems confident in his plan (except for the Irabeth not dying part).....
"A wise plan, Ahmose."
"The leader of the demons at Paradise Hill may be a Vrock. It is a significant foe and it is not vulnerable to cold iron, but our paladins' smites should still harm it."
Aroden will give the troops his best information about the Vrock, asking Aravashniel to chime in as he sees fit.
"I propose we take the watchtowers before the army moves in. The army's signal to attack could be us firing the catapult at enemy forces stationed outside Paradise Hill. Perhaps leaving a wide margin of error for the first few shots." Knight Commander Uhturg suggests.
Ahmose just glances over at Thawm. He peers again through his spyglass. He nods.
Towers for the signal to take Paradise Hill and we then take the Bridge at the same time ...hmmmm...could work depending on the Bridges activity with the Towers, if any.
"Think they'd use catapults against the bridge if we didn't take the bridge second?" Thawm wonders aloud.
"Perhaps we should take the towers first and then the bridge. Perhaps we disable the catapults and then climb down?" She adds, thoughtful.
"We'd need a different signal for the army. Maybe the horn." she decides.
"I really don't think so, Thawm.
If we try to take the towers first, they can easily have a demon escape us, Teleport to the bridge, and order the beasts to destroy it.
If we tackle the bridge first, I think it is far harder for the catapults to destroy it if they even can. They wouldn't have the beasts there, chained to the pillars, if the bridge could be easily destroyed from afar by the catapults. I am not sure the catapults can even hit a target at that angle.
But if you are still concerned, we could cloak the bridge in mist to prevent the ones manning the catapults from seeing what we are doing."
"Well, you all make excellent points. It sounds like we all agree that we want the bridge. The beasts are the biggest threat to it, so ideally we would take them out as well as anyone else defending the bridge without the other areas even knowing we've arrived."
He looks down at the map and then back at the view.
"After that, well, it depends on how things develop. We may need to take the towers if they notice and start bombarding the bridge. Otherwise we should take out the demons at Paradise Hill since that entire army can teleport behind us if we attack the other army to the South. Once we attack Paradise Hill, we should expect that every area may know we're here and will be on high alert or even attacking us, so perhaps we can make use of its fortifications and any freed prisoners."
He squints to try to make out some details in the distance and debates asking to borrow Ahmose's telescope.
"Until then, we need to be able to send messages to our army from the field without grabbing too much attention. I suspect the sound of that horn would carry for miles, and guarantee that even that three headed thing will know where we are. Granted, we should certainly use it once that's already the case. I suppose could light up Radiance as a signal and keep other areas from seeing it with a cloak or something. Any other ideas?"
The party ventures forward into Drezen’s ruins, trying to bypass the two armies stationed nearby. While the party is easily able to destroy any patrol that finds and confronts them directly they may have been spotted as they made their progress to the sole bridge spanning the Ahari riverbed.
Four watchtowers stand above bridge supports which are chained to feral aurochs, mutated by their time spent in the worldwound. Within one of the watchtowers are bored tiefling guards.
Round 1
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A bit taken by surprise by the concurred assessment of the situation, Ahmose shines his Badge (and drinks to everyone's health prior to departure for the Bridge).
The draconian easily and quietly descends into the riverbed.
As the group prepares to set off into the ruins of Drezen, Dorek's crimson eye lingers on the distant graveyard for a moment, and he shudders as his shadow shifts and flows around his feet.
Dorek sticks close to the group as they make their way through the demon encampment, ducking through the burned-out streets and taking cover in the shadow of mounds of rubble as the group travels into the remains of the once-great city. His seeming success in remaining hidden seems to bolster his spirit, just as the sorry state of Drezen inflames his anger, and as the group gets to the Ahari Bridge, he stands a bit taller than his normal hunched posture, clutching the hilts of his blades with purpose.
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Cecily sighs dramatically when plans for infiltrating are finalized, not disagreeing with the strategic or tactical situation at all but more her best chance at infiltrating, and she comes back soon after wearing her cultist rags over her adventuring gear. She glowers and rolls her eyes dramatically at any looks thrown her way and, almost as an afterthought, rummages around a but before popping her tail out and waving it around visibly.
Before heading out, she uses her wand of Mage Armor on herself and anyone else in the party who wants a charge for their infiltration.
She whispers, "Are we quite sure these aurochs are demonically tainted? They just look hungry. And...cute."
Aroden will drink a Potion of Invisibility for the approach.
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"Excellent idea Cecily. Let me just adjust adjust the rags on your arms a bit... there... That should move a little better.
Tandyn adorns himself with rags including a makeshift hood. While placing his obviously Iomedaean shield in his backpack, he accommodates Aroden's polite request for one of the four invisibility potions that happen to be stashed there. "Oh... we should probably use these too, eh?" He hands one to Cecily and Thawm.
"Awww... they are cute... but beware! Evil things can be cute, and cute things can be evil! Anyone who can handle the drop, get the Aurochs. I'll get that door. He points and then realizes even he can't see it.
Tandyn moves up and gently tries to open the door.
"I think we can steal the beasts." Thawm whispers back. She looks at Dorek expectantly.
Cecily preens a bit when Tandyn helps her with her disguise but takes her invisibility potion with a grimace when the others do.
"Mm. Yes. We shouldn't kill them, they're animals. I'll go take care of them."
If she can descend while taking 10 while still invisible, she will.
Surprise!
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Round 1
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Aroden casts Haste on the party.