Ezechias's page

Hey everyone,

I've already told our awesome GM, but I wanted to let everyone apprised of my situation too, of course. I wanted to let you know that things aren't great for me these days, with little time to post and even less to think about any kind of decent post contents-wise. My family life is very full (my second child, born last summer, takes way more time than I had anticipated), and I have very limited attention to give to PbPs as a whole.

Bottom line, I wanted to tell you that I won't be continuing with you guys for all these reasons. I really wanted to express my gratitude for giving me a spot in your campaign, and giving me a chance to play that character. You're really lucky to have such an amazing GM, I hope this campaign strives and blooms even more than it has to this day!

Lithrac / Ezechias

PS: GM, could you remove me from the active player list, please? Many thanks.

Ezechias remains behind, waiting for the signal, his mind and body both bent on the safety of his companions.

Is it too late to retcon a Lifelink on Kevroth and D'hara?

Ezechias looks grim all of a sudden. "Of course, the Ivory Labyrinth. Why haven't I thought of that earlier? It's Baphomet's lair, temple and cult. The domain of lies, conspiracies, and all manner of beasts. His dark theology promises untold power in exchange for blood sacrifice and secrets. The labyrinth itself a metaphor, of course. We have to put an end to this." explains the paladin to his companions.

Ezechias appears to be a little lost in his thoughts. Perhaps is he establishing theories of conspiracy within Kenabres? Is he simply daydreaming? Is he lost in Commander Tirablade's blue eyes? He nods absent-mindedly at her order, knowing that finding out more about that creature won't be an easy task. "It will be done, Commander."

On his way to Fort Naberius's library, the half-orc armiger is joined by D'hara. "Most interesting. So this conspiracy reaches far beyond what we could imagine. What do you know of this Ivory Labyrinth. Is it a physical place? A hidden temple? Or the name of their organization?"
Knowledge (religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Ezechias snaps to attention, his wits fully about him as he unfolds the story that befell his companions and him. "Commander, Ma'am! I'm afraid we were too late. We were delayed on the way by wayward and lawless crusaders engaging in acts of rape and wanton destruction. They were chastised accordingly, of course. We eventually reached the archive, but it turns out we were too late, as a fiendish presence - a man made entirely of worms - had had most of the texts burnt. We slew the tieflings that lingered there, but I'm afraid there wasn't much we could save. However, an item of note was this letter, that reveals some of our enemy's plans. We would like to request to act upon this piece of intelligence and bring in this Faxon for interrogation."

The half-orc nods his head humbly at the newer recruit. "Ezechias," he corrects. "Well met, armiger. Your help will be providential as we seek to unravel this knot of lies. Follow me." he simply says, leading the way to report to Lady Tirablade.

Ezechias is now ready. I was able to purchase the wand of infernal healing fully with my WBL, so no need to save some gold on that account.

Outstanding! Gear will be fixed this evening then.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Found it. WBL is 3000gp at level 3. Yay!

EDIT: Is our WBL reduced because of the Automatic Bonus Progression?

Wow, level up! I'll make the modifications today. That means a complete redistribution of our WBL, right? What is the WBL for level 3?

Also Ren, looking forward to playing with you! I hope the pace of the game will pick up now.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ren, we aren't level 4, we're level 2.

Ezechias speaks up for the group. "We should head back to the Fort to report and plan our next move carefully. Recklessness is out of question."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Congratulations! Welcome to the club of the sleepless parents (tm). Now you'll be keen to post your combat action in the middle of the night, just after feeding your baby kid. ;)

Ezechias remains silent throughout the reading of the letter, though his tense face lets you understand that a cold anger is slowly stirring inside him. His fanglike teeth are clenched.

"They dared invade our city, and now the Tower of Estrod? We must put an end to this, arrest this Faxon and interrogate him."

Ezechias absorbs most of the wounds from D'hara, leaving her more apt to focus her mind on the scholarly task at hand. "I'm not much of a scholar. Giosue, let me know if I can help you with something."

D'hara is healed for 1 points, then I'll use one charge of the wand of infernal healing to top me off while the others are researching.

Ezechias rushes to the side of the wounded once the fight is over, stabilizing everyone and taking the wounds for fear his companions on himself.

I'll just need to know who needs how much healing.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ezechias takes another swing, hoping for a merciful, swift death for the tiefling. "May your next life be kinder."

Mwk Cold Iron Scimitar, flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 111d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Ezechias, wounded by the vile-souled man, aims another blow at the man's chest. However, the blade slices through the air instead ofits intended target.

Mwk Cold Iron Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

No worries, GM!

Ezechias focuses his full attention on the tiefling, clearly considering him to be the biggest threat. The paladin's curved blade arcs through the air to tear flesh and bone, though the wound remains superficial.
Mwk Cold Iron Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I'm sorry, when was my turn? It seems to be I haven't had a chance to act in ages. Thanks!

Sorry, I was out of town yesterday and I didn't get a chance to post today. I'm fine with that action. Thanks, GM!

Ezechias, forming the rear guard by himself, endeavors to catch up with his companions. Double move. I guess Darsanga would do the same if he needs to be botted.

As a precautionary measure, Ezechias would have set his Life Links on Hellstrider and Dhara.

Everyone should be at full hp with the charges spent from the wand of infernal healing.

"As much as I would like to save their souls, I sense they're beyond our help now. They've chosen that path of darkness wantonly, and they will pay the price. The chains for them!" the paladin sentences with a sour, disappointed look on his face.

"And to you, fair maiden, please treasure the life you are given, and thrive to preserve order and light in this life and the next one."

Ezechias then sees to his companions' wounds.

Dhara is missing 16 hp, Iavdi 17. Is that all? If we bought that wand of infernal healing, it'll take 4 charges and 2 minutes to get them back to full hp.

So did we purchase that healing wand? Who agreed to contribute? I'm counting Dhara and Iavdi (as well as myself) so far. Any others?

@Iavdi: I'm sorry I didn't see your question earlier. I've chosen infernal healing not only because it is very thematically linked to the Hellknight cause, but also because it has by far the best ratio hp healed per charge (10 per charge). It's the absolute best for out-of-combat, though CLW does a better job during combat.

Ezechias stands up, facing the wrath of the crusaders (and their AoOs), then strikes the one closest to him.

"You shan't take away that fair maiden! I won't allow it." he states as the curved blade arcs towards the crusader's chest. However, it is deflected by a nearby beam protruding from the rooftop above.

Mwk Cold Iron Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Seeing the woman being drawn away by the ruthless crusaders, Ezechias's heart skips a beat. Then he sees the stairs, and the fall beyond, and the meager possibility of success. But it is my duty. We cannot allow that to happen.

Withdrawing from melee, the paladin climbs up the wooden stairs next to him and jumps high before gravity kindly reminds him who rules this plane. A foolish move perhaps, but one inspired by his heart and soul.

"Beware, crusaders, for your sullied hearts cannot win the day. Here I come!"

Attempting to land on the crusader next to the maiden. DC 5 Acrobatics, right?
Acrobatics, ACP: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (1) - 6 = -5 Epic fail! Does that mean I fall short and land prone?

Ezechias shakes his head, pained that the crusaders did not see the light, did not take the offered opportunity. He wades into combat to chastise those criminals. "Measure and chain!"

Mwk Cold Iron Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Ezechias's voice rises above the din, as the orcish growl in his voice becomes more apparent. "Stand down, there is no need for further bloodshed! Crusaders, you have been found guilty of unspeakable crimes, which you need to atone for. Drop your weapons and get on your knees before my companions' patience runs out. You're under arrest, for we represent the law."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Sorry, ISP issues still not solved and couldn't access the map from home.

Gear for level 2 (1000 gp total):

Mwk Splint Mail (350 gp)
Mwk cold iron scimitar (330 gp)
Heavy Steel Shield (7 gp)
Alchemist's Fire *2 (40 gp)
Holy Water *2 (50 gp)
Paladin's Kit (11 gp)
Holy Symbol, Silver (25 gp)
Potion of Cure Light Wounds (50 gp)
Oil of Bless Weapon (50 gp)

Total: 813 gp

Also, can we pool resources to get a wand of infernal healing (750 gp)? If we all contribute, it wouldn't be that much (around 110 gp each).

Ezechias curses the crusaders for acting so lawlessly. His thoughts, in inner turmoil, come to focus as he considers what must be done.

"Armigers, please refrain from using lethal force. These are no demons, and they may yet redeem themselves and repent for their terrible lawless actions. "

Laying a hand on Hellstrider, he materializes a transluscent shield of pure faith around the Chakat.

Casting shield of faith on Hellstrider. Please deal nonlethal damage!

Just to clarify, what's the current total value of our gear at this level?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Later, with his companions.
The knight remains silent for most of the supper, as if his thoughts are elsewhere. Yet his eyes turn to the commander as she speaks, a token of Ezechias's admiration for her. When she opens the chest, he picks the scale he had chosen earlier, the Shield. "This is one of my burdens, my responsibilities. I shall bear it with pride and humility, in service of my companions. As for this library you speak of, is there anything more you can tell us about it? Do you anticipate large demonic forces to be present there?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Earlier, in Lady Tirablade's office.
Ezechias keeps his head bowed, then explains his motives. "I live to see souls redeemed, but as you say it is dangerous business. However, just like Hellknights are expected to put their life on the line to assist their companions in battle, so is redemption. It is no simple task, but a lifelong quest. I do not know this woman, but I know one thing for sure: she's in grave need for guidance, for a path to call her own. Am I wrong?" the paladin asks the tiefling.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Depends. I like using it to read posts while not at home, or make short replies, but I hate typing long posts with it, or posting actions for a fight which I can't see the map for. It has its uses!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Awesome news about the gearing! That said...

Apologies for the lack of posting for the past two days, I've moved into a new apartment and my ISP still hasn't restored my connexion. I'll do my best to post from my phone in the meantime, but if I need to be botted, please do so. Sorry about the inconvenience!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ezechias remains lost in his thoughts for most of the day. He spends an hour in prayers at dawn, honoring the rising sun shedding its light over the ruined city of Kenabres. However he cannot bring himself to venture into the courtyard and pick a trainee like he was ordered to. His face remains tense, as if he knew he had to do it but couldn't bring himself to doing it.

I cannot bear the responsibility of one of these wretched souls. This isn't for me - I'm no master, I won't lay chains around their wrists, their hearts, their souls.

Yet as he is passing through a less-frequented hallway of Fort Naberius, he suddenly hears the outcry of an argument, then nothing. Taking the next turn, he stumbles into the cowled figure he caught glimpse of earlier, among the new recruits. A frail-looking figure, a woman perhaps, whose head is hidden by cloth and shadows. Behind her, the agonizing body of another recruit, a strongly-built one, lying in a pool of blood. Fortunately enough, still conscious. Uttering a holy word, Ezechias stops the bleeding and the man's wound starts to close as they transfer over to the half-orc's body. He quickly escapes without explanation nor thanks. It is only then that Ezechias's blue eyes catch glimpse of the cowled figure's hands, or rather, claws. Pale as death, yet with pitch-black fingernails dripping with blood. He seized the assailant's wrist as she turns tails and attempts to escape.

"Let me go!" a woman's voice says in a rugged Taldane.

"I won't, for you have hurt this man and must atone for your action. Who are you? Why have you hurt him?" the stern voice of the paladin demands, yet with a slight hint of compassion in his words. With his other hands, he pulls back the woman's cowl, revealing the face of a beautiful woman in her early twenties, her skin pale as death, with jet-black hair flowing around it. Her eyes are as dark as the heart of the Abyss itself. Pointy horns, albeit discreet, adorn her forehead, while a black leathery tail is wrapped around her waist. "LET ME GO! You can't help me, no one can. I'm Hopeless. The man did nothing, he was in my way and I needed to steal food from him - he resisted, so he got a taste of my claws. And so will you if you don't let me go!" The woman grows fiercer, her face enraged and devoid of regret for what she has done.

A Tiefling. I clearly smell the taint of the Abyss around her, yet she's no demon. She's just a lost soul. Yet if someone else finds out about her origins, she's as good as dead.

Ignoring the woman's protest, he pulls her wrist forcefully, literally pulling her as she's lashing out like a frienzied cat. Her claws rake into the plate armor Ezechias is wearing, leaving marks of fury. Turning to meet the tielfing's gaze, the paladin protests with an authoritative voice that leaves the woman speechless for a moment. "No, you are not hopeless. Come with me and stop this childlike behavior. If anyone sees you, you're dead." Ezechias climbs the stairs all the way up to Lady Tirablade's office, and enters after knocking.

"Lady Tirablade, my apologies for this uncalled visit, yet I fear there's a matter requiring your attention. I found this woman assaulting another recruit, and if it were not for my arrival, the man may have died. She's a tiefling, with the taint of the Abyss on her. She clearly comes from the Worldwound, and her motives are unclear. Yet I wish to submit a formal request to allow me to train her. I do believe in redemption, and I feel this woman's heart and soul aren't lost for good. She may yet find her way back into the light, and into the path of law and righteousness that is ours. Her failings will be mine, any punishment she will have to endure, I will endure as well. Yet her redemption, should she find the way, will be hers and hers alone." solemnly vows the paladin, bowing his head as he awaits a stark rebuke for his bold words and vain hopes.

Apologies for the lack of posting these past few days. I am in the process of moving to another apartment (moving day is next Thursday), so I'm swamped with boxes everywhere and not a lot of time to post, unfortunately. I expect things to return to normal in about a week or so, when most of the work will be done. Sorry about that!

I've also been thinking a lot about the opportunity given by the new recruits, so I'll be sending a PM with my thoughts, GM.

The latest development is awesome!

Just a quick question though : can we create the squire's personality from scratch, or will you create one for each of us when we claim them?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ezechias's muscles hurt in the aftermath of the confrontation with the demonic hordes. He takes time to inspect everyone's wounds to make sure they aren't infected, and does his best to staunch any bleeding.

Yet a smiles shines brightly on the paladin's face, as he contemplates the fact that no life was lost on the Hellknight's side. A feeling of great pride starts to swell inside him, the pride of belonging to a unit of peerless armigers. Ezechias wipes the blood on his blade, and returns to a normal size. He snaps to attention and salutes as Commander Tirablade issues her orders.

"Commander, Ma'am. Are we to train them, Ma'am?"

@Everyone: It's great to see the pace picking up once more! I really feel that everyone is very involved in this campaign, and that's awesome!

@GM: Seriously man, your descriptions rock! I love reading those round after round, making combat much more exciting than a few dice rolls! I think it also pushes us to write better for these posts that usually focus on mechanics rather than story.

I'd *love* to submit a character for your Strange Aeons game, but unfortunately I'm in the process of moving to our new flat, and we're swamped in boxes, diapers and sleepless nights. Unfortunately it means that I won't have the time to create a decent submission for that campaign.

Seeing his opponent dissolve into chaotic ashes, Ezechias raises his chin, thanking Sarenrae for bringing her light to shine in these desperate times. His mind is immediately forced back into the fight, as his companions are sustaining heavy damage at the claws of the demons. Ezechias charges, his scimitar shining briefly as it strikes the dretch harrassing Hellstrider. "Measure and Chain! May our bonds of brotherhood never be forsaken!"

Cold Iron Scimitar, Smite, Enlarge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Ezechias's curved blade tears through the schir a second time as the beastly demon attempts to stand up. Knowing that the lives of his companions may depend on how quickly he dispatches this lowly demon, he strikes once more, keen on ending this business as soon as he can. The blade's arc is near perfect, as if Sarenrae herself had guided her paladin's hand. The schir twitches, his bones and flesh torn from shoulder to abdomen.

Cold Iron Scimitar, Smite, Enlarge, vs prone: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 4 + 4 = 301d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9
Confirmation roll: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 4 + 4 = 321d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

As a former WoW player addict, I know how the period right after a new expansion can be enthusiastic, to the point where all the other hobbies tend to disappear for a few months. However as a player of this campaign, I'd love if we moved/posted a bit more frequently, to be honest.

Ezechias dodges the schir's halberd, finding himself shielded with his stalwart faith and force of conviction. His arm rises again, bent on cleaving through demonic flesh.
Cold Iron Scimitar, Smite, Enlarge: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 4 = 181d8 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 14
This time, the cold iron curved blade arcs through the air in a more precise manner, like a crescent of pure light reminding that Sarenrae hasn't forsaken the crusaders struggling for their lives. "Perish, and send this piece of news back to the Abyss, foul spawn. This city does not belong to the Lord of Locusts. This city is under the protection of the Hellknights orders, striking and raising their shield as one. Begone!"

Seeing another horned devil appear in front of his very eyes, Ezechias conjures the might of righteousness into his scimitar. "Minion of evil, I smite thee!"
Smite evil against the conjured schir. +2 AC against him.

Then, the holy blade slices through the air, aimed at the demon's horned head. Unfortunately, the crafty abyssal spawn ducks in time.
Cold Iron Scimitar, Smite: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 = 131d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

Are chakats humanoids? With spirited charge, Hellstrider would be the one that could benefit the most from it, I guess.

Please note that Ezechias will set up his Life Links with Darsanga and Giosue every morning, reestablishing them when they meet after splitting up. Does it sound fair?

Ezechias prepares for battle, steeling himself against the demonic wave about to crash into the Armiger ranks. He raises his scimitar, and shouts a battlecry. "Measure and Chain! Prepare to withstand their charge, brace!"

The paladin wards himself with a translucent shield of faith marked with the symbol of the Dawnflower. Scimitar in hand, he waits for the demon to come, protecting Giosue.

The half-orc paladin stands to attention and reports his own account of the events that occured. Words pour out of his mouth as if he needed to say them, to utter them so that they'd leave his heart and his mind.

"Commander Tirablade, Ma'am. We witnessed it all, starting with the invasion of St. Clydewell Cathedral Plaza by the demon army and the failing of the Kite's wardstone. It flashed briefly, but then the swarm came and the wardstone did nothing, as if its magic had been warped by abyssal taint. The mighty Terendelev herself stood to defend Kenabres, but in the end she was no match for Khorramzadeh, commander of the demon army. He slew her in front of our very eyes, but her last thoughts were somehow for us. She gazed into our very heart and found us somehow worth of saving, as our strength of arms wasn't enough to face the enemy there and then. We stood together, united behind Measure and Chain despite our different order, and fought the demons hard. Whether we made a difference today remains to be seen, but we are proud to say we steeled ourselves and sent back more than a handful of demons back to the Abyss. However, all around us there was only death and destruction. Chaos reigning supreme." While he speaks, despair seems to extend its grasp into the paladin's heart. Raising his head, he offers a determined look to the commander. "We're ready to go back, Ma'am. There is still much to be done. What are our orders?"

Remaining silent at the gates, Ezechias appears to be lost in his thoughts, as if he trusted Darsanga with saying the proper words... or maybe it didn't matter. The half-orc pats his horse, and prods her forward, silently obeying the command to enter. It is only then that he notices the half-orc paladin. He is in fact so surprised that for a moment he fails to salute properly as he rides past. He quickly corrects his mistake then, but his thoughts run abuzz with a thousand questions about her.