Ambitious Hearts of Golarion

Game Master Monkeygod

It was rare that a threat emerged which could unite the various dwellers of the Darklands. While this could have been such a threat, the various peoples, factions, and species, were reacting in a much more usual manner. They were fending for themselves, even though what faced them threatened them all.

It began with whispers in the dark, and a thickening of shadows. The [url=https://pathfinder.fandom.com/wiki/Mongrelmanmongrelmen[/url] were the first to notice this. First their hunters began to vanish. Then the voices in the dark began to creep into their dreams, with the young and the old walking off into the shadows never to return. The remaining ones began to flee. Unlike their ancestors, they did not flee in the deeps, for that is where the disturbance came from.

Just as they fled to the surface, a military force marched past them. Just as the mongrelmen were haunted by the whispers from below, so too was a call made for for the faithful to march below. They came from Janderhoff mostly, but also from Kravenkus. They were the Gemforged Order. In times of peace they were scattered throughout the realms, living lives as craftsman, artisans, miners, and the like. But when the call was made, they heeded it, casting off the names of their Clans and taking up that of Gemforged. It was a solemn oath, that once made, was unthinkable to break.

It was rare that they order was called in force, and to do so was not something that Lord Thurin Gemforged took on lightly. But he had received a sending from the demigod Bolvar Gemforged, informing him of a danger that rose far beneath the surface. A danger, which if left unchecked, threatened the stability of the world.

Rank upon rank of dwarves marched. Two contingents made up the bulk of the fighting force. The first was led by Thurin himself. Roughly 225 initiates made up the fighting force, dwarven stonelords who wore thick plate armor and who carried large steel shields. Axes and hammers gleamed in the darkness. They were led by roughly two dozen Paladins who acted as squad leaders, who in turn answered to seven sergeants, and finally four platoon leaders. And these four platoon leaders? They in turn took orders from both Thurin, who was the Lord of the entire order, and Brunhild Gemforged, who bore the battle standard of the Order.

This force was roughly doubled with dwarves who bore thick steel armor, heavy picks, and just as heavy crossbows. They were led by Brundrika Gemforged. Those who did not know the order might have thought that she and Brunhild might be hard to tell apart, but nothing could be further from the truth. Brundrika was a once in a generation talent as a kineticist. A dwarf whose command of earth and stone was only eclipsed by the demigod Bolvar himself. She was something of a High Priestess in the eyes of the Order, such were her blessings. Her own battlestandard was held by Vaela Gemforged.

And with them, embedded in the force, were the inquisitors. Faceless dwarves, known only by their masks. They were sent by the temples, and were instructed to watch over the Order. They were messengers, emissaries, spies...and assassins. They took no order from Thorin or Brundrika, and acted in the interests of the religious institutions of the realms. They were also invaluable as mage hunters, keeping the army safe(r) from arcane annihilation.

Together, Thorin and Brundrika commanded approximately 550 dwarven stonelords, with a chain of command that allowed the fighting force to break down further and further, all the way down to individual sections. It was an army by any standard, though admittedly it was not enough for the task at hand. Thurin, despite his strength and his blessings, knew this. A veteran of the of the Worldwound, he knew all too well how such a fighting force could, and would, be worn down and spat out.

It was for this reason that he had called out to the lieutenants of the Order. Dwarves who were not part of the regular command structure. Traditionally, they came from the paladins who had 'graduated' from the ranks and left, only to come back at a later time when there was need. Drarn and his miners, along with Thorek and his scouts, had been called upon. Together, they moved ahead and deeper from the main force, watching for threats, checking tunnels for stability, and avoiding the type of traps that would devastate the heavy infantry which followed. Even Barak Gemforged had been called, with his irregulars. Fighters, barbarians, oracles, clerics, rogues, alchemists...an eclectic mix of dwarves who did not fit in anywhere else. What they were doing Thorin had no idea. There were some questions best left unasked.

The entire order had been called to war, and with them they brought their baggage train. They were ready for a long campaign. And in this, their demigod had given but a simple order. "Advance. Hold. Do not break, and neither shall I."

It was a cryptic order, for it showed that Bolvar, for all of his divine strength, was not completely confident in his own abilities. Thorin had sworn before the Order that he would not break his vow. It was a vow that had spread throughout the ranks. And his people took such vows deathly serious.

The first issue that faced the Gemforged Order, though, was that their mission took them through the territory claimed by the Drow. And while their order, taken as a whole, was a threat to nearly any people in Golarion, he knew that such a fight was not one that they wanted or needed. It would bleed them dry, and how then could they support the demigod that they followed?

It was for this reason that emissaries were sent out. They brought word that Bolvar Gemforged himself sought an audience with Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym, the tyrant of the City of Zirnakazras.

It was beyond rare for Bolvar himself to make such a request, for mortal politics were normally beyond his concern. The fact that he had called the entirety of his order, and that he was seeking such an audience in person, was a testament to the great need.

The only question now, was whether the Order could complete it's mission in peace, or whether all of the realms would bleed due to dwarven stubbornness and the pride of the Drow.

The high meeting chamber was not often used, but this day would go down in the cities history books as critical day in what was to come. Matriarch Urlrith daughters all seven of them. She was now just 6' tall and like her offspring ware personal clothing over ceremonial garb. Her 1st born Zrikia Tanor'Thym Commander her personal Guard sat opposite her at this Oval table made of Steel wood. She oversaw the city guard and defence, with a battalion of some 600 troops, 500 regulars, and some 100 or so officers so overseeing them. well trained and supplied they never left the city. Next to her on her left sat Rinika Tanor'Thym Head of Dark Blade Spy Network and City Watch. Keeping the more criminal elements in check, She did with a network in infromants, Investigator, inqistars, Rogues and assassins. At last count some 500+ members splint into City Watch, some 300 and The dark blade, some 200 persons at her disposal. Sitting on Urlrith's left was 3ed daughter Priestess Tovzza Tanor'ThymThe head of all faith in the city and the law Courts.
She was incontrol of Layers, Civil servants, Pristes, Clerics and the number of unholy orders in the city. Again some 500 to 600. Then at other sits sat the younger daughters, Ages ranging from 70 to 27, they had there own small house holds, and for this meeting that did not matter.
sat Anzzira Tanor'Thym{House Nobel L6} {Daughter 4}
Tizzari Tanor'Thym{House Nobel L6}{Daughter 5}
Follower:Mazzra Tanor'Thym{House Nobel L6}{Daughter 6}
Follower:Zerarny Tanor'Thym{House Nobel L6}{Daughter 7}

Urlrith, called the meeting to order.
"Zrikia Report"

"Yes, Tyrent Matriarch, The city guard of late has been dealing with a number of refugees seeking to live in our city. with in these we are heading there is a greater movement. As yet what have not be able to get a full picture, of what that may be. But there is a feeling from the interviews I have conducted that a new danger has arisen."

"Any details other than that?"
Urlrith asked her daughter commander, no came with a head bow. her head.

"Humm, Rinika what have you found it."

Rinika head of the secret service spoke, clearly and to the point.

"They call it the under-shadow, Matriarch mother, something out there is seems to be encroaching civilized lands. beings are just vanishing, I walked to one merchant whose entire caravan just vanished on root. He sent a team to investigate and they to vanished. Others have simpler tails, nothing concrete just unexplained disappearances. We suspect a war band, or Centipede stampede one with Titans. There was one 400 years ago, and the swarmed. They said back then they moved with Devouring Mists in toe, so could be that."

Now the matriarch glanced over to the window at the city below, looking back again she asked a blunt question.

"Demonic incursion Tovzza?"

Tovzza looked shocked she had been asked and not Rinika

"No Matriarch mother, none of our castings so far have come back with Demonic hints, but there is something, something that does not wish to be seen, but just felt. Its not close not now but it is moving up. From below"

She stopped there as her mother stood up.

"Well my offspring this seems to be all tantalizingly vague, so let me share something with you."

She bright them message scroll from out of her sleeve and waved it.

"That Demi-god and mad dwarf crafter or legendary items Bolvar Gemforged would like an ordinance with me, to talk about a threat, and I quit here "To us all""

She looked at her seven daughters, that look a mother Drow gives when testing.

"What do you think?"

Rinika spoke 1st,

"My reports say she shows up now and then form his workshops and that he was involved with the Onyx Key events. Last of all he has what seems to be an alliance with Queen Azaersi."

Urlrith nodded as always Rinika was well informed. Urlrith had not known that last part about Queen Azaersi.

"Interesting"

Then Tovzza spoke

"I feel we should place him in the center of our divations, we may learn more."

"No!"
Urlrith said sharly.
"Daughter mine, one does not simply look into the mind of a half-god, no we do not do that. So here is my command. Zrikia I want a full honor guard in place for when he comes, He like just drop in so I have been told. Tell the city Gate portal to let him throw and bring him to court. Tovzza I want you six high ranking priestsesss there at court with me. Rinika city wide surveillance this is a provent meeting even if its with pomp. And send one of your "Spaceles" with me replay, I will see him."

They all nodded.

"Go get ready, we have someone comming we need to show respect to."

Where exactly is the dwarven demigod himself? Is he with the Gemforged Order itself, or is he back at his forge in Kravenkus?

Alone Bolvar walked through the city gates of Sekamina City of Zirnakazras . The Realm of Endless Night, in the common tongue. The demigod had appeared at the games, having bypassed the patrols and scouts which he knew were watching all approaches carefully.

He was, at first glance, but a dwarf. A paragon of what it meant to be a dwarf, certainly. If one was to imagine what a regal dwarf would look like, it would have been him. His beard was long, and the color of silver. His frame was broad and his arms strong, showing a weathered and earned strength. He wore simple garments, as worn by a smith, the leather darkened by heat and time. On his brow was a simple iron circlet, along with smithing goggles. The only ornamentation which he possessed were a pair of rings, one silver and one gold, along with a modest pendant around his neck, shaped in the hammer of Torag. For the many, many drow who watched his approach, a rare few who were the keenest of eye caught a glimpse of him appearing very differently. For but a brief moment, when the angle was just right, they could see a warrior-king, covered by an ethereal panoply of rune-etched armor. This was but for the smallest of instants, as when the mortal eye attempted to focus on the sight, what was seen instead was but the humble attire of a smith.

As he walked he judged the city. For all of its ornamentation, it was as fortified as any large settlement in the Darklands. Should an army attempt to force its way in they would have to do so through one of four approaches, each which was narrow and without any protective cover. And from there? From there one would have to make their way through a secondary gate, with all of the defense that entailed.

He also looked carefully at the forces marshaled. He knew that his Gemforged Order could not prevail against such numbers. He was a realist, who had uncounted years of experience. He knew that what was before him was a Drow city. And a well run one at that. The weakness of any such city was that the Drow within were political by nature. They were as likely to backstab one another for personal gain as they were to work together. The most dangerous thing that one could do was to create an existential threat that would unit the factions. Should they all work together, then they would be able to claim a fighting force that would shake the foundations of any foe. He trusted the leadership of the Gemforged Order to know this. That if negotiations failed, the dwarves would focus on getting safely through Drow territory, without engaging the core holdings of the dark elves. He knew that the hundreds upon hundreds of Stonelord Paladins would be suited for such a task. Though doing so would cost resources, in both supplies and blood, which could be ill afforded.

Rather, what was most optimal was to convince the drowse that the threat which necessitated the calling of the Order was a threat to all. A threat that the Drow themselves would gain from defeating.

And the key to this was Matriarch Urlrith herself. A demigod herself, who like him had ascended. Though while Bolvar had been bound by oath and loyalty to the duty of Torag, the Drow had made feel deals with the Archdevil Moloch. Where Bolvar toiled alone, called only when the dwarven people were under threat, the Matriarch had stayed bound to a different toil. That of mortal life, with all of the trappings and bindings of power. The two were alike in their ascension, but differed greatly in how this manifested.

As he passed through the gates he thought sadly about the possibility of bringing destruction to the city. Despite The Cult of Archdevil Moloch being paramount in the city, he had no desire to bring endless earthquakes down upon the city. The destruction that a conflict would bring...it would be a cascading effect of feuding and grudges that would serve nobody. It would be a conflict where all would lose, and the losses would continue for generations to come. And when measured in the time of dwarves and elves, that was a long time indeed.

The demigod remained silent as the drow came to escort him to the throne room of the Tyrant Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym. He knew that if the parlay went wrong that he was in grave danger. The kind which could threaten even his existence. He did not care though. He had lived for so long, that the prospect of a true death did not stir any fear in his heart. In many ways, he longed for an honorable release. To finally pass to the just reward that all mortals faced. What kept him in the mortal world was an unbreakable oath, not personal gain. No amount of gold or power could entice him.

He would face the Tyrant in her own lair, on her own terms. He would walk in alone, but not unarmed. For it was impossible for him to ever be described as such. When he finally set sight on the Tyrant herself, Bolvar made a fist and placed it over his heart. His eyes, steady and piercing, locked with hers. His voice boomed, carrying with it a gravitas impossible for a mortal to emulate, filled the throne room.

"Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym." He announced. "Tyrant of Zirnakazras, favored of Moloch." He looked up at her. Not only due to the height difference, but also because of where she was seated. This did nothing to reduce his regal bearing. If nothing else, having two demigods present in the same room, each a paragon of what it meant to be one of their people, created an aura which most mortals would never forget. "Ye fulfill your role well as ruler of this city. And your honoring of this parlay is well noted. Have ye felt the same warnings that stir from below, which call the attention of myself and my followers?"

She wanders through the street before spotting her opening. The guarded manor of Jianax, an advisor in Sorshen’s court, was just up ahead. She learnt by now that even though Sorshen herself was powerful, her new court was hardly as skilled. Since she had been making efforts to be nonthreatening, very few of her nobles possessed guards with the senses to even spot her if she tried to hide. As she slipped into a nearby alleyway, she put her magic into action. A thin sheen of invisibility covered her body and she simply walked through the guards with no issue. Jianax was a newer addition to nobility it seemed and he lacked the funds to hire more magically capable guards. A mistake on his part but a welcome one for Kisyu-EL.

She barely held her giggles as she walked into the manor. It seemed he had tried to increase security after all. There appeared to be more guards here than there was before. No, on closer examination, the other guards seemed to have different symbols adorning their uniform. It seemed he had guests today. Kisyu-EL was so eager to find out why.
She transformed into her smaller fox form. It would allow her to slip into tighter entrances than her normal human guise and she anticipated whichever room they were situated in, it would be at least locked and placed under watch. Sure enough, the meet hall was locked and its main entrance was under watch by more than a dozen guards. No bother though. She channeled her magic in the form of a catchy song, one which each guard could hear personally and that blocked out all other noises. The spellsong in place, she summoned the power for a Mass suggestion.

The suggestion would be innocuous enough, “The mansion seems unusually quiet, perhaps you should patrol the premises a few times to make sure everything is alright.”. Something the other guards would not be able to immediately identify as the work of a spell. She watched as the guards walked away and waited for the opportunity. The door slipped open as a couple of the guards inside walked out to discover the commotion. That was all the opening her fox form needed to slip inside.

She entered the room and looked around. It was clearly a place meant to impress guests with its opulent gold and silver interior with numerous trinkets or magic items on display. They were hardly worth her time though and instead she focused her attention on the people in the room.
There was Jianax of course, along with his two allies in court, Numer and Xian. Both were members of the new aristocracy that Sorshen ruled over. And all three could best be described as greedy opportunists. They were relatively spineless though and their reaction showed this trait very well.

“What is the meaning of this, guardsman? I specifically instructed you not to open the door under any circumstances.” Jianax demanded. The guard he addressed looked at him uncertainly as he replied, “I am uncertain sir. All the guards stationed outside have suddenly left. We are pursuing the matter no-”. Jianax clutched his desk, “It seems we have to cut our meeting short gentlemen, I think this proves my point. Something strange is going on in this city. I have noticed no less than 10 nobles radically change their decisions and stances in court for no discernible reason. And the guards sometimes just straight up ignore orders to do other things. “. Xian stroked his beard, ” have you approached queen Sorshen with your findings? She is a wizard beyond compare, if this phenomena is magical she should detect it.”. Numer snorted as he replied, “It could very well be queen Sorshen behind this mess. Surely you know what she specialised in when she was a Runelord.”

Kisyu-EL giggled quietly to herself as the men argued amongst themselves. It certainly was very convenient that Sorshen was still viewed with suspicion by her more evil leaning nobles. It would make her job so much easier. She gazed more closely at the group. Of the 3, Numer was the only one who was overtly evil according to her aura sight. While the others could be pushed or prodded to be more righteous, Numer would need a more permanent approach.

Kisyu-EL followed the group as they went outside to gather all their guards and give them a tongue lashing for the perceived urge for independence.The nobles swiftly departed from Jianax’s manor as Kisyu-EL followed in pursuit of Numer. She followed him all the way back to his own estate, slipping into his manor as a fox before waiting patiently for him to be alone.

Once he was alone and preparing to change for a meal, Kisyu-EL would strike. With a simple greater shadow conjuration spell, Kisyu-EL summons a succubus. She orders it to drain Numer of his energy and the summon obliges. The noble had little choice in the matter as the succubus’ charms were too difficult for him to resist, especially with Kisyu-EL casting mind fog on the area. It wasn’t long before Numer would die from the Succubus’ attention. Kisyu-EL allowed the succubus to stay just long enough for the servants to see her before dismissing the spell. Allowing some very interesting rumours to spread.

Numer was, amongst other things, a lustful man. Perhaps he caught the attention of a succubus with his own desires or more scandalously summoned one? The fact the noble had no such power didn’t matter in the investigation report. Not when Kisyu-EL used her powers to convince the investigating officer to file it under a magical mishap. Numer would join the list of more than a dozen other nobles who Kisyu-EL thought were too obviously evil in Sorshen’s Court.

No matter, Kisyu-EL had more to do today after all.

Rinika Tanor'Thym looked shocked
"What do you mea, he's is already here!!"

The lesser agent of the Dark Blade flinched, no doubt she had been sent with this bad news, as one of rank with in the Blade wanted to risk Rinika's anger.

"I was told he is walking through the market area in spiders gift ward , we have angles shadowing him. I was told to say he is heading to the court."

Rinika scrambled checking the scrying devices until she found him and his shadows.

"Double the number no triple it!"

She checked the device once more and then gone was the simple dwarven Blacksmith there was other, then it was gone...

"Hells balls!!, tell you officer to keep an eye on him personally and if she fails me you will be doing her job. I need to talk to the Matriarch"

======

Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym bust into laghter when Rinika told her.

"I have not seen you so flustered in years Rinika, we shall have to test the Blades work like this more often, have the gate captain executed, incompation on the job, someone needs to be blamed for this, we can't have the citizenry worried about a brach in our defences. Make sore it makes the city paper."

She got up and called her maids, With them came her most trusted male drow, Zaniss her puttler. To the maids she said.

"Make me ready we have a visitor come of some standing."

To Zaniss her puttler,
"Zaniss meet our guest and bring him to the throne room."

Last to all she said to her daughter.
"Slip this into you gossip grape vine, the one in our city to
Bolvar Gemforged, the hero of our fighting pits"

Her daughter looked puzzled,
"If a do that every drow faction will seek to have someone in the room with you when you meet him, it will make you look weak."

Urlrith smiled at her daughter,
"Arr that is true but what will worry them even more is what Im a plotting with him. And how can they benefit from it. They will stop there squabbling and all be focused on me. Now go do as commanded."

Her sister and butler bowed and left the room

==========
Now here she was and Bolvar Gemforged blessed of Drewaves stood before her. She looked over the room,
[i]yes you lot of back stabbing Regiciders. Have a good look, this is what real power looks like, used as a fine blade not as a mullet to knock in field poles. She greeted him back.

"Bolvar Gemforged, Bolvar the true shield, Bolvar the hammer, Bolvar master all tools. You honor us with your presence and thoughtful words. And it has been far to long since you last fought in our city games. We missed you"

She stood up and walked down to steps to stand before him.

"Dark tidings from the caves, something on the move, yes we are aware, so then, you wish a Parlay"

Again she looked around the court, everyone of the cities ranked houses had a representative there, some it seemed not fully dressed in the rush to be here.

"Agreed, come let's to my privet officers"

She nodded to civil servant buy the door.

"BY TYRANT DECREE, THE COURT SESSION IS HERE BY CLOSED, YOU ARE ALL DISMISSED UNTIL THE NEXT SITTING"

Urlrith took Bolvar Gemforged's arm and walked with him to some large gold doors. Which open and she led him into....

Bussalin tavern, music was playing, a male orc was doing some kind of odd dance in some kind of garment, that left little to the imagination. Most of the customers seemed to be female Drow mercenaries and other unsavory types. Tyrant Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym looks had changed as well. Now she looked like a smile Drow mercenary.

She still had hold of his arm,

"I hear you made Thurin Gemforged the Commander of the Gemforged Oath. He is a good statagest, good pick."

A bar made came over.

'same booth mam"
The elf slave waitress asked Matriarch Urlrith who nodded once and soon they were sitting in a both just the two of them.

"This is a inn down by the Barracks, as you can see the troops like to let off steam. And its one of the few places out of the reach of my own Daughters. I made it so"

She says with a wink then she ordered drinks and when they had come she sipped her wine, and looked at him now with her keen mind.

"Yes, we have lost to this new creeping danger, and I do not want to try and deal with whatever it is before it's too late. So saying that, tell me why your here Bolvar"

She had thought about tricking or even trying to get him to sign a contract, but there was an understanding between those with the Devine spark. Respect and confirm, do she asked a simple honest question. `,

The dwarven demigod did not smile. He did not blink. He did not even breathe. Where Urlrith walked with a liveliness in her step that spoke of both power and danger in equal measure, Bolvar moved with inevitability in each step. There was *life* in the drow tyrant, for she had sold her soul to a demon lord for life eternal, along with worldly power. Bolvar had died, only to have death denied to him. Both were oath-bound. Both were beyond mortality. But the effect was as different as the deities that they followed.

He was aware, acutely aware, that this was a city of Moloch. An enemy of Torag and all dwarven people. Where orcs tore down the physical workings of the dwarves, and left cities in physical ruin...Moloch did this to the soul. There were few places as dangerous for a dwarf to be than Zirnakazras. Even the inn they had entered, for all of its charm, looked to him like a blade. Rather than having it swung at him, he was being invited to walk into it, neck first.

Bolvar looked up at Matriarch Urlrith, once the two were alone. Though he knew that in such a city, whether they were truly alone was down to the whim of the drow before him. And he knew that, if given reason for anger, that she would prove as dangerous a foe as any he had faced.

"Yes, we have lost to this new creeping danger, and I do not want to try and deal with whatever it is before it's too late. So saying that, tell me why your here Bolvar."

He listened to her, as still as a statue carved into a mountain. Only when she had finished talking did he respond. Each word was deliberate, chosen with the care of a craftsman chiseling into stone. And each word that came out as just as permanent.

"Before time." He began. "Asmodeus and Torag, despite their differences, caged the Rough Beast." Without showing any sign of emotion, he continued. "Existence itself was at stake, and due to this, all differences were put aside. This..." He intentionally sighed, though he did not physically have to. "...this has not risen to such a degree. Yet. This much I know, and it is why I have gathered The Order. And it is why I am here." With all of the intensity that came naturally to him, he looked her in the eyes, his stare unnatural in how it was held. "I seek safe passage through your lands. Despite the differences of our patrons" He emphasized the last word. "I seek no quarrel, nor harm to your holdings. In respect of the lands that are claimed, The Order is encamped outside of your domain." Still holding his gaze, he added "Furthermore, I would ensure that my efforts and yours do not run afoul of one another. Therefore, I am here to not only request, but to listen. Listen to what you know of this threat, and what actions are being taken. I would not inadvertently cross purposes, as caused by lack of knowledge."

With his peace said, he stopped and listened intently to what the Matriarch of the City would say. And while it was not easily discernible, a part of him, deep down, did so for more than mere duty. He was, for all intents and purposes, an immortal. And even so, it was rare for him to be in the presence of a peer, even one so different. There were a rare few people on Golarion whom could understand his position, or who could converse with him as an equal. And even for those whom earned his respect, they passed away all too soon. He knew that it was dangerous to feel that way, for it was like being drawn to the warmth of a fire. To get too close risked being burnt, and the fires that Urlrith commanded burnt brighter and hotter than those of near any other that walked Golarion.

"They're gone." - came another voice from behind. The outworldly banshee turned around, now facing a beautiful succubus with fair skin and short hair. A blue armor complemented her deceptively delicate figure, wrapped by two long red wings that seemed to flap on their own. A longbow was sheathed on her back - "All the crusaders... They camped for a while, but now left."

"Ah." - the spectral crone replied towards the succubus - "So they did."

At that moment, her figure changed as well - now, quickly gaining flesh, shaping into a succubus-looking aspect of her own. She was dangerously beautiful - looking like a woman in her late forties, with long purple black hair and a sensual aura that invited trouble.

"Still alive, all of them. That's progress!" - said the short haired succubus, finding a place to sit.

"Hm..." - replied the older-looking one - "Is this you, or the Great Dreamer speaking, Arue?"

Arueshalae smiled, but didn't say anything.

"I hear her too, you know." - continued the shapeshifting half-fiend - "When she wants. Few words, poetry even, in certain blinks of my eyes."

"It's a path. For all of us, Matron."

"Ah, that word..." - she seemed almost surprised, and her voice carried almost a sexual intensity - "So deliciously punishing. So deservingly humbling."

"Pardon, Areelu..." - Arueshalae's smile disappeared for a moment, concerned with her words.

"No, no, don't. Don't worry. It's appropriate." - responded the half-fiend, now more serious - "It all started so, so long ago, and exactly because I was a mother. A mother that lost her son, seeking vengeance, and blind in my destruction. And now... Now that time doesn't seem to matter anymore... It all feels like it happened in seconds. The Worldwound, Deskari, Baphomet. The heroes. Myself. Yes, my part in all of it. And... And despite everything, I'm a mother without a son."

"That's the penitence." - Arue crossed her legs, and leaned back.

"Yes. The penance. That's what I carry. But you, and all the others... It's hillarious, but in all the craziness, all the unthinkable atrocities I committed, somehow the universe gave me the mockery of failing in my greatest victory, while at the same time gifted me with the feeling I sought this whole time. I somewhat feel like a mother again, in some sense."

Arue allowed herself to smile again.

"Very well, Matron. We may have to go. You know we can't stay in this plane for too long."

"I know." - responded Areelu, considering her options - "We will be going soon. Thanks for the news, and for keeping an eyes on the invaders. I don't even see them as enemies anymore, but I guess it's enough that one side thinks this way."

I'm gonna ask for a slight pause in your scene. Keep talking and roleplaying, just do not finish up until I have a chance to make my post. Sadly, I need to head to bed, as I got called into work for 10am

The moment Bolvar talk of Asmodeus, Torag and the Rough Beast. There is a subtle change in Urlrith. Very few would have seen it, but she know that
Bolvar Gemforged was one of the few beings in the world who would know when an Immortal demi-gods focus was fully bright to the here and now. The many things her mind had been working on. Admission of the city, the conflicts then politics, what to where at the next state event, all gone, rudely ended as her fill mind now centered around them. It was not intimidation she know would be as pointless on Bolvar as it would on a mountain. Bolvar was not a being as such but an act of nature. A like glacier ice grinding down land. This was her showing him what he had just said had her full and uninterrupted attention. As he stopped talking she say one word.

"Out!"

The command is palapple in its raw power, Everyone one around them stopped what they were doing at the same moment and as one walked to the exits, in moments they were alone.

Alone now Urlrith takes time to look at Bolvar taking him in, how much so who knows, she always keeps her cards close to her chest but now....

She lets out a deep breath.

"What I am going to tell you know Bolvar non know, But I really want you to understand me and my motivations. When my mother was.. removed from being head of my house perminaly. It was my older sister, who I find out much later did it on the behest of Drow matriarch Allevrah Azrinae, Matron of House Azrinae in this cities twin the city of Zirnakaynin, my old home. My sister hunted down and killed all my siblings, all on Allevrah's orders, all for a grand plan to being about a second darkness with the aid of Demons. To cut a long story short as one of the ones that stopped this. I had to make a deal, a deal, I did willingly with the Powers of the Hells. Powers that follow Asmodeus. So you can see why what you said is of Interest to me. The Hells made me as I am now. Someone who works to stop uncontrolled Chaos from ending it all. Something I will not allow by being the Evil Tyrant, I am Cruel and ruthless, not for sport or personal gratification but because sometimes it takes an evil to fight a greater one. Do you know, when I finally killed my sister, I felt nothing but satisfaction that I had ended her demonic plots, before moving onto the next plot to stop."

She waves an arm at the room.

"This whole city is as it is as a bastion to fight Demonic forces in the darklands. We have not done much so far but it's a start."

She looks around as if seeing the space for the 1st time, then back at him, and that focus was on him once more.

"Now you come, and tell me that something from the past may be coming back, something that is the very essence of Chaos unleashed. O Bolvar.., I have to ask myself is this fate?. I know you feel it sometimes, once you becomes like us, we feel that flow of things mythic and legendary. I feel it right now, and oddly it lets me feel a kind of camaraderie to you, I find that most odd."

She waits to see what he says in response to her words.

He listened, as patiently as the mountains moved. There was not even the flicker of a muscle, nor any sign that he wished to interject or interrupt. It was only when his counter part had spoken her piece did he move. It was small, a slight shift as he leaned forward.

Bolvar did not trust her. Then again, he trusted a rare few individuals, for trust was not something that was given. It was made. It was earned. And at that moment he was speaking to the champion of Moloch. That she professed that the pact was entered into out of great need he did not question, nor did he see any reason to doubt the veracity of her stated intentions. That was all immaterial. For it was true that the need before them was great.

”Fate.” He said, his voice dripping with both weight and bitterness. ”Or chance. We are bound regardless.” He met her eyes evenly. ”The Pit of Gormuz is, of course, the primary entrance to The Dead Vault. There is reason to believe that followers of the Rough Beast have discovered a way to open another route. Signs and portents already show that a breach is forming, and that a champion is either ascending, or already has.” He paused, collecting his thoughts. Even in the face of such an apocalyptic event, he did not rush. ”Xotani, The Firebleeder. Chemnosit, The Monarch Worm. What rises may yet be worse than what has come before. And if our information is correct, the followers of this champion are not but orcs and gnolls. But the most ambitious of Drow. Ones who believe that they can control that which the Gods themselves cannot.” There was a pause, and his face hardened beyond its natural state. ”My order, alone, cannot prevail. But they can hold the line while I act. Though even then, my survival is not guaranteed. And if we fail, your city…” He raised a hand and held it out, inviting her to imagine what would happen should such an opening appear so near her territory.

He hoped that it was clear why he had come. Why he had taken the risk to march into the center of her power. And why old rivalries and hatreds paled in comparison as to what was to come should they fail. And…she was one of the few who understood that if the Gods were forced to intervene, victory would not spare the world that remained.

As you sit speaking with Urlrith, you are suddenly overcome by a vision. In it, you see a single three-story tower that sits on the edge of a cliff several hundred feet in height. It looks unremarkable at first, but then, the sunlight hits it just right, and you see the ancient, eroded carvings of dwarven faces carved into the cliffside.

You immediately recognize this 'tower' as the only visible part of the Sky-Citadel Jormurdun, long thought lost to the Worldwound and it's demonic invaders. You also know that this vision was sent by you god, Torag.

While you are sitting with Bolvar, you unexpectedly have a vision. You see an obvious Drow city, yet it is one you have never encountered before. The vision zooms in, to a massive tower. Within, you see a shocking sight: Two of your 'dead' sisters, working on some magickal ritual. Suddenly, they look up right at you, and smile wicked, sinister grins.

That night, for the first time in a long time, you sleep. You haven’t needed nor wanted to sleep in decades if not longer, but tonight, you rest. As you do, you dream. The last time you did so, your son was still alive. You see a temple atop a dried up waterfall, bathed in starlight, with a clear night sky overhead. Which is unusual, as the skies above much of the Worldwound have not yet been fully cleansed of their Abyssal taint. You know this to be Pulura’s Fall, home of Eliandra, high priestess and chosen of The Shimmering Maiden.

Then, the scene changes, and you see a massive army of demons and undead. In the midst of them is a massive, towering six-legged creature that lumbers across the battlefield with a horde of demons clinging to its shaggy back like a swarm of fiendish ticks. Encased in an armored shell of smoldering, white-hot iron plates, there is a fiendish intelligence in the eyes of its twin wolf-like heads. You have never seen or even heard of such a beast before, however you do know the doom it brings.

You’re unsure if this scene is current or in the future, but you are certain it must be stopped, no matter the cost. Pulara's temple must not fall to this swarm of demonic horrors.

As Bolvar talks of the dreaded The Dead Vault, something came over Tyrant Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym, she stood up knocking over her chair, and took two steps back before being lifted in the air and engulfed in black flames, her eyes changed from purple to jet black.

Being one with the Domain of Knowledge and a Planar Envoy linked to the hells themselves. Someone or something chose that very moment to send her a vision. Bolvar would know this, having gods blood as well, the signs are known and clear, someone had been listening to them.

"
I see a Drow city one unknown to me!
I see a tower!
I see with in two of my dead sisters!
I see a ritual!
I see, arrrrr..."

She dropped back to the ground, caching herself, her eyes cleared and the black flames faded. She stand there a moment getting her focus back, before staiting up and walking to the bar. she grabbed a glass of wine, downing it in one, after emptying the glass she stopped and looked at her own reflection in a bar mirror.

"Well, that was painful, and visions are always soo bloody cryptic."

She looked a moment longer at her reflection before turning back to Bolvar.

"Do tell me you had one as well, I would hate to suffer this kind of thing alone."

She took another glass from the bar, turned and walked back to their table. A wave of her hand and the chair righted itself, sliding in behind her as she sat once more saying as she did.

"Well It seems Bolvar, that powers beyond us are forcing our hand."

She thought for a long moment, working out options. The advantages and disadvantages, moves and counter move. The contemplations of a Tyrant Matriarch.

"Before I agree or disagree to your request, quid pro quo was agreed so here is what we know. We have been losing people, mostly exploratory marchants and scouts sent after them, to what we do not know but its always the deeper cavens. Also there has been an uptake of refugees from some of the deeper cavens. Mostly Shroom farmers and wild hunters, but they talk of the same thing taking others, chatter of whole deep settlements vanishing without a trace. I have scouts out now platting locations, I will have a repost within days. This may give us info on this new root in."

she stopped there and waited to hear his response.

The vision which struck the dwarf was of a far less intense nature. Whether this was due to a difference in the nature of their powers, or their patrons, was an answer he did not have. Regardless, he immediately recognized what he had seen. A single three-story tower that sat on the edge of a cliff several hundred feet in height. It would have been unremarkable, but-for the ancient, eroded carvings of dwarven faces carved into the cliffside. It could only be one thing. The Sky-Citadel Jormurdun. It was famed for being lost to the Worldwound and the demonic invaders.

He looked upon the draw and briefly thought about keeping the information to himself. But he knew that one such as her would be able to read him well enough, and would know that he was hiding information. That was not healthy towards continued cooperation, or survival, for that matter. He waited for her to finish, even with the revelation being in no rush.

"Aye." He said, his voice like stones rubbing together. "The Forge Father spoke, at the same time as you're...patron. I saw a tower as well, though of my people." He was silent for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. "Our task here is not complete. But these towers may yet speak to a threat beyond this. Whether it is related, or of a different source, remains to be seen. I would venture towards the former, given that both Great Powers communicated at the same time." He forced another unneeded sigh, as it was useful at conveying emotion and naturally allowing a pause.

"I will have my Order begin preparations for making a fortified encampment. In three days, when our scouts return, we can form a plan of attack." He paused, weighing his words. It felt like he was walking into a cavern, engulfed in darkness, from which he knew not the dangers that lurked inside.

"I would venture that neither of us seeks to lose our followers unnecessarily. Should the main threat be identified, it would...be ideal if we identify each other. Neither Torag, nor Asmodeus, wrestled with the Rough Beast or its spawn alone. For the sake of both of our people, it would be ideal if we strike together when the head of the serpent is revealed."

Well, the world news had been rather concerning of late, too, but with liches and titans moving in Irrisen, they didn't have much chance of looking outside their borders just now.

Greta reaches over his shoulder and taps one of the enemy tokens. "Kostchtchie," she growls. "I want to tear his throat out, but I'll settle for his demons'."

Kit gave his wife a wan grin, knowing just how much the misogynistic demon lord irked her. "I'm entirely in agreement there, dear, though I'd probably use Nip myself. What worries me is the other two."

He waves a finger around the other tokens like he's drawing a circle around them. "Right now, all three are at cross-purposes, slowing each other down. If we crush one, one of the others might be free to grab what they're looking for before we can get to them."

Greta grumbles wordlessly deep in her chest. They are, truthfully, rehashing what they'd already both figured out. "I don't like the 'follow them to the treasure' plan," she finally says.

Kit gives her a slight shrug. "I don't like it either, and really, it's a fallback. We should be able to get more information before it comes to that and look ourselves."

"I don't like the 'you infiltrate their camps' plan either."

"But we both know it's our best first chance." Kit sighs. "I'll start with Kostchtchie's forces. His demons are pretty stupid, so there's a decent chance they'll be yelling at each other about failing to find things and I'll be able to pick up some information from that. The titan and the lich... well, if I have to poke around their forces, we'll figure out how hard it'll be to slip past their magic when we have to."

"And if you get in trouble, I'll be charging in to get you out," Greta growls.

Kit smiles up at her. "Exactly."

So basically, Kit is going to be using his shapeshifting and stealth to infiltrate the camps of the groups looking for these artifacts and learn what they know about their location(s) while Greta hides outside the camp as reinforcement if needed. Kinda assuming the normal army forces would be useless against these guys.

Despite not having to sleep at all, Areelu allows herself to rest. And she knows that when such moments happen, they may be beyond her own choices. They carry omens; messages; and frequently, it's on the blink of her eyes that the gods find time to mock the demigoddess with their doubtful wisdom and scorn.

Yet, she knew better when to properly interpret what she sees. And this was one of such occasions. Her eyes open as if they haven't even closed. She considers communing, or even traveling to Elysium to seek Nocticula. She even considers seeking Desna at her star in Heavens. But no, this is something to find and sort by her own.

In her thoughts, she summons Arueshalae and her closest followers - or friends, as much as she'd hate to admit - to confer as a council. She thought Pulura's Fall was safe after the mythic heroes visited it during their quest; it seems it's not the case. As each of the invitees arrive, a table sets by itself, with utensils and food seemingly dancing in the air and forming out of invisible particles - a giant arcane feast. Areelu doesn't say any words, or do any gestures; at this point in her long existence, such spells became just a supernatural part of her being.

Once all Areelians are present, she explains the dream in vivid detail, clearly showing images and sounds through elaborate illusions, until they finally fade in a swarm of dark moths.

"So... I didn't see it by some randomness of fate. I didn't imagine, I didn't conjure these thoughts. Either this happened, is happening right now, or, as you can guess - will happen. But not in our watch." - she speaks, voice echoing through the room.

Some discussion proceeds, at which point a priestess-looking figure lifts her hood - revealing a burned elven face.

"When do we depart, Matron?" - asks Ember, the witch, with a peaceful smile and a combination of loyalty and confidence exuding from her words.

The Trayn Matriarch Urlrith Tanor'Thym, listened intently to
Bolvar. Bolvar was not a complicated being in the way a lake is not complicated, but like a like he was as deep as the deepest dwarven mine. She could read him but only as one reads the surface of a lake. Her instaints told he had not lied in anything he had said.

She closed her eyes a set her mind to what was needed. All was still as Bolvar was as a rock and she was internalizing her thighs. moments passed as her mind works. Then her eyes opened again.

"You have my blessing to pass through city lands, a writ form me allowing your troops to encamp within city control lands, And limited clearance, limited to 50 at any one time, of your troops to enter into my city as my honor guests, free to trade so long as the brake no local laws, If they do, they will be handed back to you for judgment. With all the privileges and responsibilities that come with that. If you are happy with this agreement I will send my oldest daughter to agree terms and in form thaise that need to be informed of the local realiven lows. "

It was clear what her intent was, a small army showing up dose wonders for the local economy, as long as they do not wreck the place.

Then that done, she added.

"I will also gather a similar number of troops as your own, who will join you in this endeavor. What say you to this?"

This should be
"You have my blessing to pass through city lands, You will have a writ form me, allowing your troops to encamp within city control lands.
With limited clearance, limited to 50 at any one time, of your troops to enter into my city as my honor guests. Free to trade so long as they do not brake local laws, If they do, they will be handed back to you for judgment, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with that. If you are happy with this agreement I will send my oldest daughter to agree terms in detail. She will inform you or relevant laws."

She adds

"I believe the tower in your vision and the one in mine is the same tower, and that we both have something there we need to address there. Mine has the faces of my dead sisters. My troops will match under may Banner, the Purple and black"

The dwarf nodded. "The agreement is acceptable." He intoned, his words falling like an avalanche. He stared directly into the Matriarch's eyes, his gaze devoid of any malice, anger...or even pleasure. His eyes burned with the intensity of divine will, or a desire to accomplish an appointed task. "I will inform the commanders of The Order of the arrangement. Our forces shall work together, as shall we."

He was fully aware of the dangers of working together with the followers of Moloch. Even if their leader was completely honest, the archdevil delighted specifically in converting dwarves, and considered priests of Torag to be his favored sacrifice. Bolvar also knew that many in the order would wish to react violently when approached by forces under such a banner. He considered it a test of their discipline to follow orders, and to pursue the greater evil that they had gathered for. He hoped that he would not have to take a direct hand in it, as it would be a great disappointment if that was required.

"As for the towers, we shall cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let us focus on the task at hand."

She meet his eyes, unlike his that showed no emotion at all, He was as expressive as a rock and his eyes like coals in a fire. Her eyes were full of intelligence and calculation. One did not become as she in the hierarchy of Drow culture and the machinations of the Hells without having a level of pragmatic total ruthlessness that even some Arch Devils respect. And yet she has been honest with him, only sometimes the only person who can fully understand your exstatance is a being similar to you. Even if they stand on the other side of morality. And in that look she could sense what may be a problem.

"So as not to cause problems then, I will send Ranger Night Army, they march under a All Dark Flag. Not the Livery of Moloch or my city. They stand for law and order. They are scouts, Night Rangers, Night Blades, Shadow mages and Clerics of the Dark."

She stood.

"I will arrange a building in the city to act as your Embassy, you are free to stay there. And if you wish, I could ask the Hell Knights to stand guard outside. They have a Knights-Keep here and are not under my control. Embassy grounds are your Sovereign territory. I uphold this as a law, so that traders who would not normally deal with us Drow know they are protected."

You can all feel free to narrate whatever your next big moves are. If we need to adjust or retcon things, we can worry about that if it comes up. Otherwise, I'll reveal whatever information or encounters you might come across.

Basically, do your own thing, and I'll chime in when necessary.

The troops of the Night army matched out of the City of Zirnakazras, at its head was Anzzira Tanor'Thym{House Nobel/Warrior L10}
4th Daughter to the city Tyrant
CHa 20 / Leadership score 25
Commanding a
Level 5 {Commanders 5} x1
Level 4 Officers {Night Rangers 4} x6
Level 3 Night Rangers Sargents (Night Rangers 3) 24
Level 2 Night Rangers Capitals (Night Rangers 2) 48
Level 1 Night Rangers (Night Rangers 1) 160

Drow Army (Medium)
XP 400
LE Medium army of drow (Night Rangers)
HP 3; ACR 1
DV 11; OM +3, Ranged
Speed 2; Consumption 2
Note +2 OM due to spell-like abilities
Tactics
Dirty Fighters: Your army uses trickery and unfair tactics to gain an advantage at the start of a battle. For one Melee phase this battle, its OM increases by 6. (After that Melee phase, the opposing army knows to be ready for such tricks.)
False Retreat: Once per battle, your army can make a false retreat, luring a target enemy army deeper into your territory. On the phase your army makes a false retreat, it doesn’t attempt an Offense check. On the phase after it uses this tactic, increase its OM and DV by 6 against the target army.
Sniper Support: Your army holds some ranged units in reserve to attack a target enemy army during the Melee phase. If your army damages the target army in the Melee phase, it deals 2 additional points of damage from these ranged attacks. The army must have ranged attacks to use this tactic.
Spellbreaker: Your army has specialists who can disrupt enemy spellcasting. Increase its DV by 4 against armies with the spellcasting ability.
Special
Darkvision: The army takes no OM or DV penalties in dim light or darkness.
Light Sensitivity: The army decreases its OM and RV by 1 in bright light.
Poison: This ability functions as bleed.
Spell Resistance: The army increases its DV by 6 against armies with the spellcasting ability.
Resources:
Ranged Weapons (2 BP): The army is equipped with ranged weapons (such as crossbows, slings, or bows), gaining ranged attack capability. Increase its Consumption by 1.

Joined the Allied units.

Gemforged Contingent
This Represents the Gemforged Order who wear plate and use shields, not those with heavy picks and heavy crossbows
Dwarf Army (Large)
XP: 800
LG: Large Army of Dwarf Stonelords
HP: 18; ACR 3
DV: 16; OM 4, melee
Morale: 7
Tactics: Standard
Special:
Defensive Tactics,
Magic Standard (Loyalty),
Smite Evil,
Improved Armor,
Improved Weapons,
Post-Battle
Lay on Hands
Speed: 1, Consumption 3

============== Opposing Army of undead CE ===========

VANGARD
Commander lichCR12 {adds Spellbreaker /Blindsense:/ Create Spawn}
Ghoul Army
XP 400
CE Medium army of ghouls
HP 9; ACR 1
DV 11; OM +1
Speed 2; Consumption 1
Tactics
Relentless Brutality: Your army throws caution to the wind and attacks with savage and gory vigor. Increase its OM by 4, and decrease its DV by 4.
Spellbreaker: Your army has specialists who can disrupt enemy spellcasting. Increase its DV by 4 against armies with the spellcasting ability.
Special:
Blindsense: The army reduces its OM and DV penalties by half from darkness, invisibility, and weather.
Cannibalize: Reduce Consumption by 1 (minimum 0) for any week in which the army wins a battle and is allowed to feed on fallen corpses.
Create Spawn: If the army destroys a living army of equal or greater size, it may immediately recover a number of hit points equal to twice its ACR or create a new army of its type but two sizes smaller than itself.
Darkvision: The army takes no OM or DV penalties in dim light or darkness.
Disease: If the army damages an enemy, the enemy becomes diseased and takes a cumulative –1 penalty to its OM and DV each day after the battle. Curing the disease requires a successful Stability check modified by this penalty, and allows the army to reduce this penalty by 1 each day thereafter until the penalty is gone.
Paralysis: Each time the army damages an enemy army, reduce the enemy army’s DV by 1
Undead: The army is immune to disease, fear, paralysis, and poison. Its DV increases by 2.

MAIN FORCE
Commander nightwalkerCR16 (Adds +3HP/DV / Bleed / Channel Negative Energy / Trample}
Skeleton Horde (Huge)
XP 800
CE Huge army of human skeletons
hp 18; ACR 3
DV 16; OM +5
Speed 2; Consumption 1
Tactics
Relentless Brutality: Your army throws caution to the wind and attacks with savage and gory vigor. Increase its OM by 4, and decrease its DV by 4.
Special
Bleed: When this army deals damage in melee, the target army takes an automatic 1d6 points of damage at the start of the next phase.
Darkvision: The army takes no OM or DV penalties in dim light or darkness.
Channel Negative Energy In the Melee phase, the army deals +1d4 points of damage against a living target army. If the army with this ability is undead, instead of dealing extra damage to an enemy army, it can use this ability to heal itself; if it takes an OM penalty equal to half its ACR for one Ranged or Melee phase, it heals a number of hit points equal to its ACR.
Mindless: The army never fails Morale checks, but must always use standard tactics and strategy.
Undead: The army is immune to disease, fear, paralysis, and poison. Its DV increases by 2.
Trample: The army increases its OM by 1.

Setting as the two allied armies meet, the move to a new camp location on root they walk into an ambushed of undead, lead by a Nightwalker. No Surprise as both sides have Darkvision. The alarm is called and troops get into formation.

Battle Phases 1 -> Tactics Phase
Tactics Phase:
The GM decides what battlefield modifiers apply to the battle.
The commanders each select a tactic their respective armies will use during the battle.

VANGARD {Ghoul Army} {Medium}
Titanic delayed
Relentless Brutality: Your army throws caution to the wind and attacks with savage and gory vigor. Increase its OM by 4, and decrease its DV by 4.
DV 7; OM +5

MAIN FORCE {Skeleton Horde} (Huge)
Titanic delayed
Relentless Brutality: Your army throws caution to the wind and attacks with savage and gory vigor. Increase its OM by 4, and decrease its DV by 4.
DV 12; OM +9

Ok Bolvar Pick one tatic from your two armies, one for each.

VANGUARD
Drow Army (Medium) LE army of drow (Night Rangers){Medium}
Tatic??

MAIN FORCE
Gemforged Contingent LG: Army of Dwarf Stonelords (Large)
Tatic??

Once you let me know we can right up what each side dose this Phase, then move onto Ranged Phase.

(3) Brunhild Gemforged ( Lvl 15 Sister in Arms Cavalier )

Step 1: Five Essential Background & Concept Elements
* Brunhild commanded a remote dwarven outpost that was overrun by giants. She expected to die with her shield in hand.
* Thurin arrived with the Gemforged Oath and slaughtered the giants to the last. He did not do so for glory, only duty.
* Brunhild swore herself to repay the debt. Not out of romance. Not out of worship. Out of honor.
* She is not a paladin. Her faith is not theological:it is personal. Her loyalty is to the Order and its people.
* As bearer of the banner, she stands where the fighting is fiercest. If the banner falls, morale falters. She will not let it fall.
* Her banner is a Lord’s Banner (Victory (evocation aura): Allies of the owner of a lord’s banner of victory gain a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks for as long as they can see the banner.)
* Has the leadership feat. Cohort is a lvl 13 Stonelord, Vaela Gemforged. She has another Lord’s Banner. One for the shield wall, one for the crossbows. The rest of the dwarves are stone lords, who are musicians and runners; relaying orders for the rest. Each trains and hopes to carry a banner.

Step 2: Two Player Goals
* Brunhild wants to one day save Thurin’s life in equal measure.
* She wants the banner of the Gemforged Oath to become a symbol known across dwarven lands: a promise that reinforcements will come.

Step 3: Two Secrets
* Secret She Knows: She sometimes fears that if Thurin were to die, her oath would lose its anchor.
* Secret She Does Not Know: Her survival during the giant assault was not chance. Thurin was guided to save her by Bolvar, who in turn was guided by Torag.

Step 4: Three Tied NPCs
* Lord Thurin Gemforged – Commander and the dwarf she owes her life to.
* Thorek Gemforged – She mistrusts him openly, yet begrudgingly admits he has changed.
* Helga Brightaxe - Her sister. She runs a shop in Janherhoff and truly hopes that her older sister can settle down and ‘come home.’

Step 5: Three Memories / Mannerisms
* She plants the banner before every engagement, even minor skirmishes.
* When angered, she grips the banner pole so tightly her knuckles whiten.
* She keeps a single giant’s tooth mounted inside her shield.

Brunhild stood at the forefront of the battle-line, the standard of the Gemforged Oath held firmly in hand. She *detested* the situation that they were in. She was used to the concept of holding the line. It was, after all, her forte. For more times than could be counted on her hands, she had fought in battles where the participants were counted in the hundreds, and not all of these experiences were with the Order. In her experience, and she was experienced, an anvil was only as useful as the hammer. And here, the hammer was taking the form of not only drow, but drow from a city of Moloch worshipers! While she was not a paladin in the strictest sense, she was a member of the Order nonetheless, and thus a certain level of piety was to be expected.

But she also knew that her role was not one to doubt publicly. Hers was to receive orders from above, and to see them through. The goal was clear: they had to take the most defensive position possible, and to hold it against the horde of undead. This way the drow could rain death upon the foe from afar. She had to trust that they knew what they were doing: that they would focus their bolts upon the ghouls, rather than the skeletons. For such weapons would do little against a skeletal foe, but would sink into corrupted flesh.

"HOLD!" She roared. "YOUR OATHS STAND! YOU WILL STAND! WE WILL NOT FALTER!" If there was one thing that she was good at, it was projecting her voice. Her banner was held high above her, for all to see. The shield wall formed at the best placement the dwarves could find...

Dwarves: Defensive Wall: Your army fights defensively, taking actions to protect fellow units as needed. Decrease its OM by 2, and increase its DV by 2.

Drow (?) I'd like to see what you do with them, to get an idea of how tactics properly work

Ranged Phase:
Any army with the ability to make ranged attacks may make one attack against an enemy army. This phase typically lasts for 1 round (one attack) as the two armies use ranged attacks while they advance to melee range, and then use melee attacks thereafter. The battlefield’s shape and other conditions can extend this duration. If both armies have ranged attacks, they may choose to stay at range and never approach each other for melee (at least until they run out of ammunition, though the Consumption cost of maintaining an army generally means the army is capable of many shots before this happens). Armies without ranged capability can’t attack during this phase, but may still rush forward.

VANGUARDS ATTACK EACH OTHER
Attacking And Taking Damage
In mass combat, the hundreds of individual attacks that take place in one battle phase overlap each other enough that who actually attacks first is irrelevant. When armies attack, each army attempts an Offense check (1d20 + the attacking army’s OM) and compares the result to the target army’s DV. If the Offense check is equal to or less than the target army’s DV, the army deals no damage that phase. If the Offense check is greater than defender’s DV, the defending army takes damage equal to the result of the attacker’s Offense check minus the defender’s DV. For example, if the attacker’s Offense check is 11 and the defender’s DV is 7, the defending army takes 4 points of damage. Because these attacks are resolved simultaneously, it is possible that both armies may damage or even destroy each other in the same phase. If the Offense check is a natural 20*, but that check is lower than the enemy army’s DV, the attacking army still deals 1 point of damage. If the Offense check is a natural 1, that army can’t attempt an Offense Check in the next phase, due to some setback: a misheard order, getting stuck in mud, and so on.

Offense Check: d20 + Offense Modifier (OM)
Drow Army Attack roll Ranged attack OM+3 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Damage Dealt: Offense check result – the defending army’s Defense Value (DV)
VS DV11
Morale Check: d20 + the commander’s modifiers + the army’s Morale score

21-9=12 Points of Damage, The Ghoul Army has HP 9 which leave them at -3
The army is decimated, scattered and diagnosed, the Lich Commander however lives and confronts the Drow Comander.

Then using Drow Commander's skill for Amy double move

VANGARD
Comander Anzzira Tanor'Thym {Drow Nobel/Warrior L10}
Drow Army (Medium)
XP 400
LE Medium army of drow (Night Rangers)
HP 3; ACR 1
DV 11; OM +3, Ranged
Speed 2; Consumption 2
Tactics: Dirty Fighters, False Retreat, Spellbreaker,spellcasting,
Special: Darkvision, Light Sensitivity, Poison, Spell Resistance,
Resorces: Ranged Weapons

VS

VANGARD
Commander lich CR12 {adds Spellbreaker /Blindsense:/ Create Spawn}
Ghoul Army
XP 400
CE Medium army of ghouls
HP -3; ACR 1
DV 11; OM +1
Speed 2; Consumption 1

Melee Phase: The armies finally clash with melee attacks. Each commander selects a strategy using the Strategy Track, then each army makes an attack against another army. Repeat the Melee phase until one army is defeated or routs, or some other event ends the battle.

MAIN FORCE FIGHT
Gemforged Contingent
Dwarf Army (Large)
XP: 800
LG: Large Army of Dwarf Stonelords
HP: 18; ACR 3
DV: 16; OM 4, melee
Morale: 7
Tactics: Standard
Special: Defensive Tactics, Magic Standard (Loyalty), Smite Evil, Improved Armor, Improved Weapons, Post-Battle Lay on Hands
Speed: 1, Consumption 3

VS

Strategy: Aggressive DV–2 OM+2 DMG+3

Attack Roll VS DV16{TBC} 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Commander NightwalkerCR16 (Adds +3HP/DV / Bleed / Channel Negative Energy / Trample}
Skeleton Horde (Huge)
XP 800
CE Huge army of human skeletons
hp 18; ACR 3
DV 14; OM +7
Speed 2; Consumption 1
Tactics
Relentless Brutality:
Special: Bleed, Darkvision, Channel Negative Energy, Mindless,
Undead, Trample.

Seems about right to me.

Morale: This number represents how confident the army is. Morale is used to determine changing battle tactics, whether or not an army routs as a result of a devastating attack, and similar effects. Morale is a modifier from –4 (worst) to +4 (best). a new army’s starting morale is +0. Morale can be further modified by the army’s commander and other factors. If an army’s Morale is ever reduced to –5 or lower, the army disbands or deserts and you no longer control it.

Routed: If the army routs, reduce its Morale by 1. If the army’s current hp are lower than the army’s ACR, increase its hit points to its ACR. a routed army refuses to fight until you succeed at a Loyalty check during your kingdom’s Upkeep phase (you may attempt this check once per turn). Note that a routed army can still be attacked by enemy armies, and can attempt Offense checks in battles—it just can’t initiate a battle.

Your ARC is 3 so you fine for now.

Drow HP:3
Dwarves HP:7
Skeletons HP:15

No range attack, The drow attack from the side.

Round two tactics
Drow Army
Tactic: Dirty Fighters: Your army uses trickery and unfair tactics to gain an advantage at the start of a battle. For one Melee phase this battle, its OM increases by 6. (After that Melee phase, the opposing army knows to be ready for such tricks.)

Strategy:
Reckless DV–4 OM+4 DMG+6

OM ATTACK ROLL 1d20 + 3 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 6 + 4 = 14

Round two tactics
Dwarven Army
Tactic: No Change

Strategy:
Defensive DV+4 OM–4 DMG–6

OM ATTACK ROLL 1d20 + 4 - 2 - 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 - 6 = -3

If the Offense check is a natural 1, that army can’t attempt an Offense Check in the next phase, due to some setback: a misheard order, getting stuck in mud, and so on.

Round two tactics
Skeleton Army
Tactic: Spellbreaker: Your army has specialists who can disrupt enemy spellcasting. Increase its DV by 4 against armies with the spellcasting ability.

Strategy:
Aggressive DV–2 OM+2 DMG+3

OM ATTACK ROLL V Dwarf Army 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 = 7 [+4V spell castering Army.]

As all three armies class but the Nightwalker is to clever, the drow are funneled into the deaven shields, causes both armies to become entangled for a round. The drow on on full Defence as they are court between the Dwarven army and the Skeleton Army.

Areelu had not visited the place before, but heard of it; she knew of its infestation of ghosts and other undead, as well as the potential forces of Deskari (despite all the anti-demon wards). Yet, after her dreams, she was curious as to what actually expect. And, while she couldn't experience fear anymore, she was confessedly apprehensive to what she could find, especially the images from her dream.

Around her, many other images formed - about a handful of her followers, like Arueshalae and Ember. Like Areelu, they weren't truly there; but differently than the half-fiend eldritch godling, they weren't used to the experience, just living through it by the power of her spells. They were invited to investigate and scout with her, but pretty much all of them would be more comfortable through to actually be there on their own bodies.

"We can all talk to each other in our mind link." - said Areelu, hands moving in a strange somatic dance - "Please split and look around. Don't be alarmed by what you see, but try to be thorough. I know something is here."

What spells/effects are you(and your minions) using for this scouting mission? Include any senses enhancing ones. Also, are you all astral?

Now, another possible angle - Areelu maintains simulacra of herself and her main companions. Each simulacrum has a permanent telephatic bond with their original. She'd also be scrying at the same time. Finally, she'd keep a temporary telephatic bond with the group of companions and simulacra right before the mission for a better control.

Additionally - Areelu herself has constant telepathy, which her simulacrum would have too I guess? Would it also have all her shapeshifting stuff? It opens all types of can of worms :D I don't know. So the bonds may not even be needed? Anyway, presenting here some arcane ways of accomplishing what I described :) She's a CL23 eldritch godling with spells off the wizard list, plus a bunch of others learned through different ways. Her spells are also all supernatural.

Astral projection would only allow to project her and the companions from the material plane to the astral plane, so I'm not sure it would work here.

Project Image
Simulacrum
Permanency
Telephatic Bond
Scrying
Invisibility

The Simulacrum only has the abilities of half the HD/levels of the creature it is duplicating. So, even if it did have all of your shapeshifting stuff, it would only have them as if it were 10th level. Same with HP, skills, and feats.

Also, while I'm not positive if it gains duplicated spells you've cast on yourself, I see no reason you can't just cast them on the simulacra instead.

If you wanna do this route, that's totally fine. Are you gonna cast any sensory enhancing spells on the dupes?

Assuming the simulacrum has her senses etc., then her simulacrum has things like constant lifesense (blindsight for living creatures). I'll cast True Seeing on them just in case, plus Echolocation and Find Traps - Areelu has Immortal Invocation and a very high concentration, so there are really a lot of slots for fairly any level other than 9th. If you shoot your e-mail to me via PM I can send you a spreadsheet I'm using to calculate her abilities.

Ok we cant attack this round but we can defend, so I am saying we both go full defence. Which seems logical

Drow Army
HP 3; ACR 1
DV 11; OM +3, Ranged
Speed 2; Consumption 2
Round two tactics
No Tactics as can not attack after rolling Nat 1
Strategy:
Defensive DV+4 OM–4 DMG–6

Dwarven Army
No Tactics as can not attack after rolling Nat 1
HP: 7; ACR 3
DV: 16; OM 4, melee
Morale: 7
Speed 2; Consumption 2
Strategy:
Defensive DV+4 OM–4 DMG–6

Skeleton Army
hp 15; ACR 3
DV 14; OM +7
Speed 2; Consumption 1
Tactic: Standard*: Your army’s attacks have no additional modifiers to its OM, DV, or damage.
Strategy:
Standard DV+0 OM+0 DMG+0

OM ATTACK ROLL V Drow Army 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Drow Amy DV11+4 = 15 Vs 23 DMG = 8-6 = 2DMG = Drow army on 1HP

The drow rangers take the massive hit of the Skeletal horde, but at the last moment they are able to use the Dwarven shield wall as support. but thier numbers drop considerably under the onslaught. Only 1/3 ramind with the Drow commander.

As Drow amy HP is now at its ACR 1 I will say this triggers a Morale roll. But I am also saying the Drow commander as the
BOON: Hold the Line: The commander is skilled at convincing the army to maintain morale against dangerous opponents. If the army fails a Morale check to avoid a rout, it may reroll that check. It must accept the results of the second check, even if it is worse.

Morale Check: d20 + the commander’s modifiers + the army’s Morale score Vs OM roll resolt,

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26* made so no drop.
Note the 7 inc the commanders bonus of +2, an army can only have a max of +5 Morale + anything the commanders has V boons.

ROUND 4 next.

Drow Army HP1 {withdrawn}
Dwarven Army Hp7
Skeleton Army HP 15.

I think it may be time for a tactical retrait.

OM with Smite Evil: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 4 = 18 18 vs DV 10

Banner held up high, Brunhild encouraged her warriors to surge forward. While there was no love lost with the drow, she had to admit that without them they would have suffered significant casualties. Not only had their commander defeated the enemy general, a liche of no small power, but the crossbow bolts of the drow had ravaged the ghoul horde. It was their impetuousness in charging into melee which had broken the drow ranks...a decision which she knew that they did not have to make. It would have been far easier for them to stand back and continue shooting, even if it meant hitting her men. As far as she was concerned, the drow had done their part, and it would be shameful for the Order to come up short.

"FORWARD!" She roared. "THE DROW SHOWED BRAVERY! WILL YOU SHAME YOUR ANCESTORS? SHOW YOURS! FORWARD!" Her talent for projection carried down the lines. The response from the paladins flowed down the lines, going even further than her voice could carry. Pushed into a religious frenzy, they refused to show any fear or hesitation, as they brought axe and hammer to the undead horde.