Linnea the Diviner's page

Merixia manages to snag another bottle of wine before Cyraxherax vanishes, no doubt to spread chaos and booze elsewhere in the citadel. She checks the label. "Ooh, I know this one. A very nice Chelaxian malbec, he must have raided some Hellknight's personal stash." She wouldn't buy Chelaxian wine, but drinking stolen Chelaxian wine? Hells yes. Merixia pops the cork and accepts a glass from Verene, pouring herself a generous serving before she passes the bottle around. "Mmm, that's lovely. Best wine I've had north of Taldor." Most of these northerners wouldn't know a good wine if it walked up to them on the street. She learned to stick with ale, beer, or cider at northern taverns pretty fast.

"Historically, the tribes whose territory lay to the north of here, along the Lake Lost to the Sun, were part of the Black Wave clan. They were distinguished by their fearsome naval raids, their relative openness to arcane magic, and their relations with fey powers. Their worship of Ragadahn, the Eldest of the First World who is the father of all linnorms, and their contacts with other evil powers, did not make them popular with Crusade, especially the Inquisition. There have been violent clashes between them and Mendev in the past. However, they have also been more effective than other Sarkorian tribes at inflicting casualties on demonic forces. If they are still holding out up there, as the Pathfinders believe they are, it is an impressive feat, but they have likely been driven further into the arms of evil fey for the magics necessary to survive. And they may also hold a grudge against the Crusade over past confrontations.

"Meanwhile, the territory to Drezen's south and east, where we have reports of demon-worshipping Kellids acting in concert with Worldwound forces to raid supply lines, was historically under the control of the Wintersun and Frostflame clans, who in addition to their clan-gods often worshiped Sarenrae, Gozreh, and Gorum. They fled the fall of Sarkoris and supported the Crusade for many decades, but grew fed up with inquisitorial overreach during the Third Crusade. About a decade ago, the remnants of both clans went back to the Worldwound, and have not been heard from since. It seems very possible that they have been conquered and suborned by the demons."

Dame Merixia?

Retribution speaks

The term... black wave... evokes something in me. A distant memory, but I cant quite put it, or remember it at my current state. This is a military campaign though, and I fully agree things such as securing once supply lines should take clear priority over the musings of a sapient weapon.

The cleric enjoys her wine as Verene fills everyone in on the local situation, sampling some of the other bottle once she's finished her first glass. "Thanks, Retribution." She looks up at the rest of the group. "It sounds like the Black Wave have been doing fairly well so far. They could probably use some help killing off the local demons for good, but they'll keep for now. I'm more worried about the Wintersun and Frostflame. I vote we go find out what's behind their sudden change of heart and see if we can change it back."

Thanks for the well wishes everyone! Ooh, sandals in winter, not fun. (Unless you live in Hawaii. Sandals are year round there.)

In better news, I saw the doctor today and he says my finger will heal just fine as long as I keep it clean and well bandaged. I know my wound care, that part won't be a problem. Also got a tetanus booster because it's been more than ten years since the last one.

According to the internet, it should grow back okay. Eventually. And I just did super cute candy corn nails too. :(

Little kindnesses have always warmed Idaya's insides nicely. A grand heroic stand is lovely and all, but a little thing, like offering a waterskin, is just a powerful in the right moment.

So Idaya smiles and drinks.

After a long pull, she hands the skin back with a thank you and then nods to Merixia's motivations "Following ones heart can lead to plenty of awkward moments at times, but not as often when it is to find your faith." but then she shrugs a big metal shoulder "Or so I've heard. As one raised in the church that I follow, it is hard to identify that moment I 'choose'. I just WAS Iomedaean."

Merixia hums and gives Idaya a wry smile. "Well, I was born in Cheliax, so I think we're all happy that I don't follow the faith I was raised in. Not that there was any real faith involved, my family was forced to attend Asmodean services." She despises Deskari and the other demon lords, of course, but her most virulent hatred is reserved for Asmodeus and the other powers of Hell. With them it's personal. "I'm happy that you were raised in a kinder religion, one that fits you." Which is true. That's one of the things Merixia fights for, the opportunity for others to follow their own paths free of tyranny. Nobody should have to live the way she did.

"I will not give unsolicited advice when it comes to finding a new patron, if that is your wish, Joran. Anything I could say is likely to be more of a hindrance in getting the attention of a god. But I hope you will consider what your own deeply held goals and values are before you choose a path. Do Gorum's teachings about strength and weakness align with the world as you wish to see it? If so, wonderful. If not, well, there are many other gods and philosophies. You do not have to be a priest to have work and purpose here in Drezen, either."

Ooh, water. Good idea. Merixia digs her own waterskin out of her backpack and takes a long drink. It was hot in here even for a tiefling, and she's wearing full plate armor. She nods in agreement with Verene. "Verene is right. Before you find yourself a new patron, ask yourself what you want to do with your life. Do you want to fight? If so, sure, Gorum will help you with that. Would you rather forge, or do something else entirely? There are other deities who would be a better choice. I don't know much about the dwarven gods, but Bharnarol the Tempered Inventor is a patron of crafting and inventing. Brigh is another option, if you'd rather worship a deity who is neither good nor evil." She pauses for a moment. "It was easy for me. I crave battle and destruction, always have, but I wanted... I wanted to be the hero I needed as a child in Cheliax. Ragathiel offered me help in achieving my goals, and all I have to do in return is what I wanted to do anyway. I don't fight evil because I serve Ragathiel. I serve Ragathiel because I want to fight evil."

Hurray for Thesius and his willingness to share a bit of luck!

I decided that baby's first Celestial Obedience deserved a bit of dramatic flair. (Am I using mythic Pathfinder to indulge my inner drama kid? Yes, yes I am.) Also I was playing with multichrome eyeshadow the other day and thought that effect would look awesome on a divinely bestowed brand. Because Ragathiel doesn't want people getting the wrong impression about his clergy. A Divine Paragon's brand is a blessing and a sign of divine favor, not a punishment!

Merixia spins in the air to face the group, pushing her falling buffe down to reveal her triumphant grin. "We did it! Great job, everyone!" The holy symbol on her face glows with fiery light for a moment. Once the light fades, there's a metallic sheen to the red parts of the brand, shifting from red to copper to gold as she moves her head. Apparently Ragathiel is just as extra as his cleric, because there's no way anyone will mistake that brand for something made by mortal hands now. Perhaps he was listening to her conversation with Verene earlier.

Something unlocks in Merixia mind as the forgefiend falls. Her battle rage and domain spells are ready to be used, and so is something else. A weapon enhancement? Nice! There are a couple other options there, but Merixia's job is to hit things. She wants the ability that will let her hit things harder. Ragathiel had told her during her nightly training that slaying an evildoer would unlock her full abilities for one day, but he hadn't specified exactly what that entailed.

She lands in front of Verene and Thesius with a clatter of armor. "Let's go get Staunton's weapon and start purifying it. The sooner we get the evil out of that thing, the better." Who's going to wield it afterward? Arthur and Idaya seem pretty happy with their weapons, Thesius just got a talking starknife, and Verene is a wizard.

Well, it's a glaive, right? Maybe Sosial would like an upgrade. Shelynites like their glaives.

Merixia banks right to flank the forgefiend with Arthur. Strangely, the furious strength that she's come to expect in combat is... there, but she can't touch it. Like it's behind a pane of thick glass. Whatever, I don't need rage to kill a demon. She raises her sword and calls upon her patron's destructive power.

Move and attack. Furious Focus gives me one Risky Strike per turn without attack penalty.

Attack + divine favor + heroism + crusader's edge + haste + righteous might + flanking: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

Damage + divine favor + weapon of awe + crusader's edge + Destructive Smite + Mythic Risky Strike: 3d8 + 32 ⇒ (7, 2, 3) + 32 = 44

Bane damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Holy damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

How can you not like Cyraxherax? He's both hilarious and useful.

Okay, updated stats and buffs list for righteous might.

Giant List of Buffs (because I ran out of room in my header)
tears to wine, communal resist fire, communal resist electricity, communal protection from fire, communal protection from electricity, heroism, divine favor, bull's strength, ironskin, weapon of awe, magic circle vs evil, righteous condemnation, shield of wings, freedom of movement, crusader's edge, wrathful weapon (holy), dispel evil, haste, righteous might.

Stats time!

DR: 5/evil

HP: 82 + (9x2) Con righteous might = 100 HP

AC: base 21 + 4 natural ironskin + 4 deflection dispel evil +1 dodge haste -1 Dex righteous might = AC 28

Str: 23 + 2 enhancement bull's strength + 4 size righteous might = Str 29

Attack: base (inc. bull's strength) +15/+10 + 3 luck divine favor + 2 morale heroism + 2 enhancement bonus crusader's edge +1 haste +2 Str righteous might = Attack +25/+19

Damage: base (inc. bull's strength and righteous might) 3d8+15 + 3 luck divine favor + 2 sacred weapon of awe + 2 enhancement bonus crusader's edge = Damage 3d8+22

Bonus Damage: +2d6 bane crusader's edge, +2d6 holy wrathful weapon, good-aligned for damage reduction

Saves: +2 resistance magic circle vs evil, +2 morale heroism +1 Ref haste +2 Fort righteous might -1 Ref righteous might = Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +4. Obedience has NOT been completed today.

Round One

Well, if Verene wants her to wait a moment before attacking, who is Merixia to say no? She flies forward and out into the room, giving Verene plenty of room for her spell, and comes to a halt in midair.

Up 30' and forward 50'.

The cleric focuses on the field of stars in her mind that represents the spells available to her. Unbeknownst to Merixia, a fiery red-gold light shines through the vents in the left side of her helmet's face protection as she calls forth her mythic power. She chants the holy words that fill her mind. And as the incantation unfurls, she grows... and grows... and grows. Merixia isn't as big as the forgefiend, but she's as big as Arthur now.

Using 1 MP to cast righteous might.

Merixia will cast protection from evil on Joran, leaving Verene's extended version for Thesius.

Also, GM Lilies first law of Succubusology is that the ones who dress somewhat more *stylishly* or classically and less *teenager fantasy*-ly are generally speaking the more dangerous ones.

Makes sense, they're good enough at what they do that they don't have to be mostly naked to seduce people. It's a flex to all the other succubi.

Giant List of Buffs (because I ran out of room in my header)
tears to wine, communal resist fire, communal resist electricity, communal protection from fire, communal protection from electricity, heroism, divine favor, bull's strength, ironskin, weapon of awe, magic circle vs evil, righteous condemnation, shield of wings, freedom of movement, crusader's edge, wrathful weapon (holy), dispel evil. +4 deflection AC vs evil? If I don't have room to become a giant raging battle cleric of DOOM, that's not a bad second choice.

Stats time!

AC: base 21 + 4 natural ironskin + 4 deflection dispel evil = AC 28

Attack: base (inc. bull's strength) +15/+10 + 3 luck divine favor + 2 morale heroism + 2 enhancement bonus crusader's edge = Attack +22/+16

Damage: base (inc. bull's strength) 1d10+11 + 3 luck divine favor + 2 sacred weapon of awe + 2 enhancement bonus crusader's edge = Damage 1d10+18

Bonus Damage: +2d6 bane crusader's edge, +2d6 holy wrathful weapon, good-aligned for damage reduction

Saves: +2 resistance magic circle vs evil, +2 morale heroism = All Saves +4. Obedience has NOT been completed today.

Sunday, 21 Rova, 4713 — Merixia

"Goodness. It is certainly... distinctive. I hope it does not hurt you." Verene raises her eyebrows. She has seen many kinds of body modification in her travels, including facial tattoos and scarification worn for religious reasons, but never an actual brand on the face. The only time she has seen branding applied to humans has been as a punishment for criminals. Since Merixia is clearly excited, though, she shakes her head and tries again. "It will no doubt be useful to never be without your holy symbol. Between this and that sword, Ragathiel must have great plans for you. Does this mean he has accepted your sacrifice, and answered your prayers?"

"Yes! I can feel..." Her voice trails off as Verene's general air of concern penetrates Merixia's excitement. Why would she be concerned? Is it because Merixia used to be a slave? "Uh. Are you worried that it might remind me of, you know, my past?" She shakes her head. "It's actually illegal to brand slaves in Cheliax. According to Chelaxian law, slaves can theoretically buy their freedom, so they can't be permanently marked by their owners." Merixia rolls her eyes. "Of course, it almost never happens. But the hope that they could legally free themselves is one of the more powerful tools that Imperial Cheliax and the Asmodean church use to keep slaves in line."

Hmm, what other concerns might her friend have? "I'm actually not surprised that he gave me my permanent holy symbol in the form of a brand. Holy fire is kind of Ragathiel's theme, you know? He doesn't have that many rituals, but the ones he does have tend to involve fire. You make a sacrifice by burning it, the bodies of the fallen are cremated on a funeral pyre, hallowing a building involves purifying it with incense in a thurible and tending a sacred fire. That kind of thing."

"Oh, and it didn't hurt. Felt hot for a few seconds, but not painful at all. And it's not stiff like a normal scar." Merixia pulls a series of silly faces to demonstrate. "It's just kinda there."

Your blades spirit... My crimson templars managed to break one of Galts final blades, he was one of the spirits we liberated. His spirit was almost gone, unfortunately enough, but there was enough to truely animate a blade.

I do not truely know who he was, which is odd, given that he seems to remember me personally. I can however sense the marks of certain truely great deeds on a mortals soul, more so if the soul is... just a soul.

Whoever he was, he killed a pit fiend. More specifically at least one pit fiend. Although I do not know which Pit fiend.
Which is also... unusual, as I am quite well appraised of the infernal hierarchy.

Kelinahat also does not know who he is, which is very odd. She suspects that something erased the memory of him existing, alternatively, he may have originally came from some type of alternative timeline, but powerful wishmagic that has erased any memory of him existing is a more likely reason. And... Pit fiends work directly for archdevils, and an archdevil could pull this on a mortal.

He can be a potent ally, and I expect that he will regain his memory when defeating fiends.

Ragathiel does as a matter of fact answer that prayer, quite clearly even.

Pfff

The blade answers

Believe me that, being fabulous is a mental state, it has little to do with looks! True Charisma springs from a heart that burns bright with passion! The sword flares as it says that.

Wow. Merixia hadn't even started a formal prayer, and Ragathiel answered anyway? Just how much attention is he devoting to her? That's... odd. Definitely odd. And it's an issue for Future Merixia to ponder. Right now she's in the middle of a conversation. The cleric relays Ragathiel's information to Retribution word for word. "If I had to guess, the final blade ate so much of your soul that there wasn't enough left to be properly judged in the Courts of the Dead. Otherwise Ragathiel would have sent you on to your final reward according to divine law rather than putting you in a sword." While she's not an expert in theology, she does know that messing with souls after death is a big no-no for gods of all alignments. Daemons and night hags are pretty much the only ones willing to risk divine wrath from all corners for the sake of eating souls or using them as power sources. But an incomplete soul, one so badly damaged that it couldn't complete the normal cycle by being judged? The normal rules might not apply.

A voice calling her name shakes her out of her reverie. "Well, duty calls. I'll talk to you later, okay?" With that, Merixia puts Retribution back in its sheath and goes off to see who wants her.

The next morning

A feeling of heat on her left cheek, and murmured words she can't quite recall, wake Merixia from a deep sleep. Despite the heat, she doesn't feel any pain. She reaches up to touch her cheek- and freezes, because there's something different. A scar of some sort? Digging through her pack, she comes up with the small steel mirror that came with her grooming kit.

It's not just a scar. It's a brand, clearly showing Ragathiel's holy symbol. As she looks, the red parts shimmer with a faint, fiery glow for a moment. Somehow she knows that this brand will work exactly like a properly sanctified holy symbol tattoo, a focus for divine spellcasting in case she ever loses her medallion. "Holy s!~$." Merixia touches the brand again, then grins. "Guess I don't need to track down a tattoo artist after all!"

Much as she wants to go show her new adornment off to her friends, the cleric makes herself go through her morning routine of praying for spells, bathing, and eating breakfast first. If she doesn't do it now she might not get a chance later on. Finally done, she races off to find everyone else.

"Look! Look what Ragathiel gave me last night!" Merixia beams, pointing to her cheek. "I've been wanting a holy symbol tattoo for a while, because sooner or later someone's going to get the bright idea of stealing my medallion. It's just common sense for a battle cleric. But Ragathiel gave me a brand that works the same for free!"

Spell list for the day is coming, I can't think enough for that right now.

I apologize for the lack of activity lately, I've been having a lot of seizure activity lately. Probably due to the heat. :/ Summer cannot end soon enough!

I'll do my best to get a post up today. Please forgive any typos.

Merixia nods to Idaya. "Absolutely. I think we need to make securing our supply lines the first priority, once we've cleaned out the keep proper." She turns to Queen Galfrey's arcane entourage. "Would the two of you be willing to take a look at a magical trap we found? It's a pretty vicious one from what we can tell, and I'm not sure we have the resources at hand to get rid of it. We definitely don't want someone stumbling across the thing by accident." If the archmage and ice witch are able to deal with the trap, that's one less headache for Merixia and her comrades.

Merixia turns away from the group to hide her grin at Ragathiel's comment. It's a bit odd that he's communicating so casually with her. But then again, who else is the General of Vengeance going to gripe to? He has to remain professional with his army, and given his origins, he's probably on his most formal behavior whenever he interacts with other empyreal lords and deities. As a mortal, Merixia is outside Heaven's chain of command. And given her mythic powers, it's probably easier for him to communicate with her than with his other mortal worshipers. I guess you're just that hot, sir. She concentrates on an image of fiery wings.

If her patron wants to vent to her, Merixia is perfectly happy to provide a sympathetic ear.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

Merixia straightens up and salutes the Queen as she enters the tent. An Andoren does not kneel to any mortal, but a salute is perfectly acceptable. After all, Queen Galfrey has led the battle against the Worldwound for over a century now. "It's an honor, Queen Galfrey."

First things first, she needs to reassure the newcomers that Irathiel is on their side, at least for as long as her contract lasts. Merixia gestures toward the muscular devil. "This is Irathiel, formerly Ragathiel's second in command way back when he was a general in Hell's army. No, I didn't know that he used to serve Hell, but it makes sense given how long it took him to get into Heaven. She was caught in a teleport trap during a battle with the demon lord Xar-Azmak..." The cleric goes on to recount Irathiel's story and the battle with the kalavakus.

"I could not, in good conscience, let her go back to Hell without warning her about Ragathiel's defection to the forces of Heaven first. Yes, she's a devil, but nobody deserves what Asmodeus would do to someone he considers a traitor." Merixia shudders a bit at the thought. "Irathiel is still deciding where she wants to go and what she wants to do in the long term. In the short term, she has an understandable grudge against demons, so we made a completely mortal and mundane employment contract to hire her as a mercenary for the Crusade. Same as one would use to hire normal mercenaries."

Merixia laughs at Cyraxherax' antics, offering a few insulting name suggestions of her own. "Seriously, though, thank you for this. There are so many demons and demon cultists around, it was getting a little hard to keep them all straight."

"Armasse was only five weeks ago. It seems like five lifetimes," Verene agrees. "I keep wondering if I will wake up and all of this will have been a very vivid dream. It hardly seemed it at the time, but the days when you and I were translating an ancient Sarkorian's complaints about a dishonest copper vendor together may have been the most restful we will experience for years."

"Only five weeks? Wow. It's hard to believe." Merixia's been having a great time for the most part, but she knows that Verene, Thesius, and Elliot never intended to be crusaders. The desire for a peaceful life is something foreign to her; the urge to fight and destroy has always pounded in her veins like war drums. She never feels more alive than when she's facing down an enemy who has the power and skill to kill her. Merixia is pretty sure that that's the infernal blood talking, though. (And maybe some totally justified anger at the injustice of life as a slave.) I wonder if that's why Ragathiel has so few divine spellcasters? He picks people who are angry at the evil in the world, who love to fight but also have a strong moral code, and most people don't enjoy a life of constant warfare.

Do any of us know IC that Nocticula killed Luralune and absorbed her powers?

Elliot is wounded, but hugs Merixia back.

The white winged b&+** tried to mind control me. Haha no. But she hits hard and her weird crystal blade went through my armor like nothing. Her mind control wasnt, by my reckoning, much better then what I expect a normal Succubus to have, but she was far more proficient in melee.

Elliot says tersely, then returns the hug and visibly relaxes in Merixias embrace

Elliot addresses the party

Good thing we guessed correctly that the demons would try to hit our weakest troops with their strongest ones. Nurah was cooperative enough to cast misdirection, or to bascially have Xyraxherax cast misdirection, which allowed us to hide my, Irathiels and Aziras aura.

He pauses

Think the demoness would have sensed our auras and not fell for the trap otherwise.

Merixia gives her boyfriend a quick kiss before replying. "The misdirection was good thinking. If we encounter this succubus again- what am I saying, of course we'll encounter her again given our luck- I'll make sure to cast every melee protection spell I can think of."

"Well, do we take a mirror? On the one hand, it has clear advantages over sending any messages back and forth. She has sent me two already today. On the other hand, we have slain Eustoyriax and our business with her is now concluded if we choose. And all other things being equal, I would choose not to be beholden to her in any further way. Not having an ally is better than having one you cannot trust."

Additional information for everyone if she is certain that at the moment they are not being scried upon, or spied on by invisible beings: "Which reminds me, the content of the first message was that unasked-for favor I mentioned. I did my best in the moment, but perhaps I should have said nothing. Now she wants to have a friendly relationship of traded favors outside of specific agreements. Which would be wonderful, if there was anything behind her word but self-interest and Nocticula's goals." Verene tells the others the exact content of the sendings she exchanged with Laulieh earlier in the morning.

The cleric frowns, tail slowly swishing back and forth as she thinks. "Laulieh's information has been helpful so far... but this is how fiends suck you in. I wouldn't leave the mirror behind though. Who knows what the demons could do with it if they find it? Maybe just stick it in the bag of holding."

Character sheet incoming! I'm going to keep Merixia's old sheet on her profile until she is officially a Divine Paragon. As per my agreement with Sensen, Merixia has been retraining in her dreams with Ragathiel for the past... I'm not sure how many days. Since the start of the siege, I think? She made an offering to him of a bunch of loot for the retraining cost and now she's doing Angel Bootcamp at night.

The plan for Ragathiel's Obedience was that as long as Merixia gets a hit in on an evil enemy, it counts even if one of her allies gets the killing blow. Otherwise you get LEEROY JENKINS instead of disciplined unit-based combat.

Also, I would like her Divine Brand on her left cheek, in the form of an actual brand. The face is pretty much the only practical option for a holy symbol tattoo/brand when you wear heavy armor. (The fact that this will make Gylou McFaceStealer's plans more difficult is just a bonus.)

Merixia Pentarian
Female tiefling (hellspawn) divine paragon cleric of Ragathiel 9 | hierophant 3
LG Medium native outsider
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft; Perception +17

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Defense
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AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20
HP 82 (9 HD)
Fort +9 (+1), Ref +5 (+1), Will +11 (+1)
Defensive Abilities: Fiendish Resistance (cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5)
Celestial Obedience (Ragathiel): Gain a +4 sacred bonus on saving throws against spells and effects cast by evil creatures.

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Offense
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Speed: 30 ft (20 ft armored)
Melee: Retribution legendary minor artifact +1 cold iron bastard sword (+14/+9, 1d10+10, crit 19-20/x2), cold iron dagger (+12/+7, 1d4+6, crit 19-20/x2), or club (+12/+7, 1d6+6, crit x2)
Ranged:
Space: 5 ft, Reach: 5 ft
Special Attacks: Destructive Smite (Su): You gain the supernatural ability to make a single melee attack with a morale bonus on damage rolls equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum 1). You must declare the destructive smite before making the attack. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

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Statistics
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Str 23 (+2), Dex 12, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 18 (+2), Cha 13
Base Atk +6/+1; CMB +12/+7; CMD +23
Feats: Celestial Obedience (Ragathiel), Extra Traits (Fate's Favored & Crusader), Heavy Armor Proficiency, Weapon Focus (bastard sword), Mythic Risky Strike, Furious Focus, Selective Channeling, Extra Path Ability (Legendary Item 2)
Skills: Craft (armor) +12, Diplomacy +3, Fly +7, Heal +16 (+18 with healer's kit), Knowledge: Religion +12, Linguistics +6, Perception +17, Profession (chaplain) +16, Sense Motive +20
Languages: Common, Infernal, Abyssal, Celestial
SQ: Aura (lawful good) +1 cleric level, Channel Positive Energy 5d6 4x/day, Domains (Destruction [Rage] and Good), Devoted Domain (Destruction [Rage]), Divine Brand, Orisons, Spells
Combat Gear: armor of the pious, Retribution legendary minor artifact +1 cold iron bastard sword, light crossbow w/cold iron bolts x20, cold iron dagger, cloak of resistance +1, belt of giant strength +2, headband of inspired wisdom +1, pearl of power I, wand of spiritual weapon (50 charges), wand of cure light wounds (50 charges), scrolls of lesser restoration x2, remove disease, resist energy, endure elements x5, effortless armor, remove fear x2, remove sickness x2, bleeding strike x2, sure casting, hedging weapons, magic weapon, and opportunistic loyalty, potions of invisibility and cure serious wounds, antitoxin, antiplague, holy water x2, soothe syrup, twitch tonic
Other Gear: Phylactery of faithfulness, silver holy symbol of Ragathiel, spell component pouch, backpack, bandolier, cold weather outfit (worn), waterskin, rations x6, bedroll, flint & steel, grooming kit, traveler's outfit, mess kit, chalk x10 sticks, blanket, healer's kit (9 uses)
Coin: 21 gp, 6 sp

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Traits
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Seeker: +1 to Perception, Perception is always a class skill
Touched by Divinity (Ragathiel): Free silver holy symbol, 1st level domain spells (True Strike and Protection from Evil) a number of times/day = mythic tier. By expending one use of mythic power, she may use any of these two domains' spells as a spell-like ability, but may only use spells of a level equal to or less than her mythic tier.
Fate's Favored: Whenever you are under the effect of a luck bonus of any kind, that bonus increases by 1.
Crusader: You gain a +1 trait bonus on attack rolls against outsiders with the chaotic subtype.

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Special Abilities
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Spell-like Abilities: corruption resistance 1x/day, true strike 3x/day, protection from evil 3x/day
Darkvision: 60 ft
Skilled: +2 Diplomacy and Sense Motive
Fiendish Resistance: cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5
Prehensile Tail: Retrieve small stored objects from person as a swift action
Channel Positive Energy 5d6 4x/day
Orisons: 4/day
Spells: 1st 5 + 1 domain, 2nd 5 + 1 domain, 3rd 4 + 1 domain, 4th 3 + 1 domain, 5th 1 + 1 domain
Devoted Domain (Destruction [Rage]): Gain domain powers for only the devoted domain. Gain domain spells but not abilities for the other domain. Gain Celestial Obedience as a bonus feat at 1st level. Accelerated access to Obedience boons: 1st boon at 5th level, 2nd boon at 11th level, 3rd boon at 14th level.
Divine Brand: A mark shaped like the deity’s holy symbol appears on the divine paragon’s body at 1st level in a place easy to display. An uncovered divine brand functions as a holy or unholy symbol and divine focus for spellcasting. The divine paragon’s cleric level is treated as 1 higher for the purpose of determining the strength of her aura when viewed by spells such as detect good.
Destruction (Rage) domain powers: Destructive Smite (Su): You gain the supernatural ability to make a single melee attack with a morale bonus on damage rolls equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum 1). You must declare the destructive smite before making the attack. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Rage (Su): At 8th level, you can enter a fearsome rage, like a barbarian, for a number of rounds per day equal to your cleric level. At 12th and 16th level, you can select one rage power. You cannot select any rage power that possesses a level requirement, but otherwise your barbarian level is equal to 1/2 your cleric level.
Celestial Obedience (Ragathiel): Slay a proven wrongdoer in Ragathiel’s name. It is not enough for the sacrifice to have an evil heart or evil intentions; the sacrifice must have committed evil or unlawful deeds. Gain a +4 sacred bonus on saving throws against spells and effects cast by evil creatures.
Obedience Boons: Virtuous Combat (Sp): bless weapon 3/day, litany of righteousness 2/day, or magic vestment 1/day

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Spells Prepared
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Orisons:
Create Water
Stabilize
Mending
Spark

1st level:
Protection from Evil (D)
Protection from Evil
Protection from Evil
Divine Favor
Divine Favor
Remove Fear

2nd level:
Bull's Strength (D)
Ironskin
Ironskin
Ghostbane Dirge
Ghostbane Dirge
[empty slot]

3rd level:
Magic Circle Against Evil (D)
Daylight
Life Shield
Light of Ragathiel
Shield of Wings

4th level:
Holy Smite (D)
Blade of Light
Death Ward
Communal Protection from Energy

5th level:
[empty domain slot]
[empty slot]

GM, is it okay if I just do the leveling up math for Divine Paragon instead of having to do it twice? Arithmetic is not my friend.

Regular feat: Selective Channeling, since I will have the Cha for it after retraining

Mythic feat: Extra Path Ability (Legendary Weapon 2, Electric Boogaloo). I'm thinking Intelligent with paladin Spellcasting. Paladins get some nifty melee-focused spells that clerics don't. Plus it's very on brand for Ragathiel.

Mythic path ability: ENDURING BLESSING HERE WE GOOOOO! Half the reason to play Hierophant is Inspired Spell, the other half is Enduring Blessing.

Previously

Channel energy? Merixia can do that. Verene always knows best when it comes to magic stuff. She raises her holy symbol and concentrates. Fiery golden light flares, engulfing the surviving spectre.

Now

"ELLIOT!" The minute the demons are gone, Merixia flies toward her boyfriend and envelops him in an armored hug. "You're all right! What am I saying, of course you're all right, you're a great warrior. But I worry anyway."

Poor Merixia, once again she didn't get to hit the big bad. But hey, keeping the spectres and their energy drain off of the others was important too.

Level up time! Tier up time! WOOP WOOP WOOP

Merixia silently curses the vampire spawn as she fights its grip. My sword! I need my sword! Sword's on the ground, which means she needs to be on the ground. The cleric twists around and tucks her wings in, trying to fall so the vampire hits the ground first.

Combat Maneuver check + bull's strength: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 1 = 26

YESSS COME TO ME CLERIC, YOUR PUNY WROTH IS NOTHI As the spectre is about to mutter profane invectives at Merixia, Merixia erupts into a flurry of wrathfull yet precise strikes, her radiant blade cutting deep into the immaterial form of the spectre.

For a moment, the visage of hatred that is the spectres face fades.

Gratias ago, tandem liber sum. Benedicta sit flamma iustae ultionis. the spectre says as it vanishes.

Merixia:

You have the idea that this was the spectre of a Ragathiellan crusader, likely cruelly tortured to death by most probably Terek Nul or Staunton Vhane, or perhaps by some other fiend. The amount of vile deeds to be inflicted upon a crusader to turn into a spectre under the demons control must be... considerable.

For a moment, visions of torture flash through your mind, Not going to describe what exactly, but it was bad. but you feel content in sending this warrior to Pharasmas court.

You do feel an urge to avenge the tortured crusaders who were turned into these spectres. Although you do not, not yet, know exactly who did this to them. Do you accept a quest to avenge them?

A mixture of horror and pity penetrate Merixia's usual joy in combat as the spectre thanks her for putting it to rest. Dear gods, what did they do to that poor person? Ragathielites are made of stern stuff, but anyone will break under enough torture. Her mentor made that very clear. "I will find out who tortured and killed you, and I will avenge you in Ragathiel's name," she whispers to herself as the spectre fades from view for the last time.

The familiar thick blanket of silence descends on Merixia and Idaya as Thesius flies by. It's always a little disorienting not to hear the clatter and creak of her armor, the sound of her breath. But it's protecting her from their enemy's sonic abilities, and for that she's grateful. Merixia turns to flank one of the spectres with Idaya, grinning behind her helmet.

Let's see how well you like a taste of Heavenly light!

The cleric calls upon her mythic power to grant her greater accuracy in combat. She raises her glowing blade and delivers a series of powerful blows, the divine energy infusing the cold iron searing the spectre's insubstantial form.

Attacking the spectre between Merixia and Idaya, full attack with Destructive Smite. Use a MP to eliminate Mythic Risky Strike attack penalty.

Attack 1 + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor + haste + blade of light + flanking: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 28

Damage 1 + Mythic Risky Strike + Destructive Smite + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor: 1d10 + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 26

Blade of light holy damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Attack 2 (haste) + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor + haste + blade of light + flanking: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 26

Damage 2 + Mythic Risky Strike + Destructive Smite + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor: 1d10 + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 28

Blade of light holy damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Attack 3 (iterative) + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor + haste + blade of light + flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 18

Damage 1 + Mythic Risky Strike + Destructive Smite + Fate's Favored + bull's strength + divine favor: 1d10 + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 33

Blade of light holy damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Note that blade of light sheds light like a daylight spell, affects incorporeal undead like ghost touch, and automatically confirms crits vs. foes vulnerable to sunlight.

Rally for the win! Go Idaya!

Finally, the vampire lord and shadow demon are within her reach! (And their minions, of course.) But Merixia has some preparations to see to before she can wade into melee and test out her blade of light spell. Fiery wings carry her up toward the ceiling, where she raises her holy symbol and begins a brand new prayer to her patron. Shafts of fiery golden light pierce through the gloom, illuminating every undead being in range. Including the invisible ones.

Fly up and cast light of Ragathiel (aka Merixia's version of light of Iomedae as detailed by our GM earlier)

Okay. I can do this.

I live! As much as I ever do, at least. Thank you for not kicking me out, GM. I've been struggling with depression lately and it's making everything ten times harder than it should be. Shoutout to Thesius and Verene for encouraging and reassuring me that Depression Brain is, in fact, a lying liar who lies.

I'm working on my issues, but it's a lifelong process. There will always be ups and downs.

@GM: Does my updated buffs list look okay for what Merixia would have cast before combat?

@Verene: Do I have your buffs on there right?

Merixia scowls at the false banner. "Typical demons. Well, hopefully the Crusade can figure out how to safely get rid of this thing after we've cleaned out the keep." Or, you know, brick over it if all else fails. Perhaps with a lead lining, that's supposed to keep magic contained, right?

Merixia scoffs and shakes her head at the mural. "Please, as if that cowardly bug would ever have the courage to face Ragathiel in one-on-one combat." Ragathiel is famous (one might say infamous) for being one of very few empyreal lords with a kill count among other demigods. He slew an archdevil, what chance would Deskari have? And according to Irathiel, he killed the demon lord Xar-Azmak before his ascension to empyreal lord.

"Hey everyone, this coin is talking to me. Sounds like an echo of that babau we killed. He's offering a semi partnership because he assumes it's only a matter of time before Baphomet betrays his group, or... legion, or... whatever. He wants to provide some intelligence in return for being resurrected. Apparently this coin is key to that."

"I wouldn't give them the coin, the last thing we need is that babau and his subordinates coming back for a rematch when we're up to our horns in demons." She looks over at Verene. "Can we even destroy it? If his soul is somehow stored in the coin, we might not be able to harm it with the spells and weapons we currently have."

Merixia smiles at Arthur's suggestion, a glint of teeth behind her helmet. "An excellent idea. Let me know if you want help!" The giant-sized alchemist probably won't, but she wouldn't mind venting some of her anger on the vampire's coffin. Not at all.

Can't fail that Sense Motive.

Merixia winces at the sight of the bound prisoner, glad that her new helmet conceals her face. Gods, the poor man. This Terek Nul must be very shortsighted to treat his food supply in such a way. Everyone knows that a healthy, well-fed cow gives more milk than a starving one.

Once Verene returns after dropping off the prisoner, Merixia speaks up. "So apparently Terek Nul doesn't care if his thralls die, judging from that poor fellow's condition. Where is he getting them if he runs through them so quickly? It would have taken very little effort to give that man some water, but the vampire didn't bother, which means he knows he can easily get another food source when this one dies."

Merixia does not have a light of Iomedae spell. She does however have a light of Ragathiel spell.

With this spell, you create shafts of blue reddish bright and fiery light that illuminate all undead creatures in the area. Affected undead take a –20 penalty on all Stealth checks. Invisible undead are not made visible by this effect, but the light does make it easy to pinpoint the exact squares in which such undead are located (they still retain the 50% miss chance granted by invisibility). The light of Iomedae Ragathiel increases light levels by one step in a 5-foot radius around an affected undead creature. Once an undead is affected, it remains illuminated as long as remains within the spell’s range, even if it leaves the spell’s original radius, until the spell’s duration ends.

Affected undead must also make a Will save when they are first illuminated by the light of Iomedae. Those who fail this save lose all benefits of channel resistance and take a –2 penalty on all saving throws made against positive energy effects.

Non Mindless undead affected by it also hear boss music.

If you ever cast it where Cyraxherax can see it, he will strive to joink it, for purposes of becoming an even sparklier Disco-ball.

Now I wish we were bringing Xyraxherax, hahaha!

Spells! Verene, if you want to use those 2nd level spell slots for something else, I can cover protection from evil. I decided to swap crusader's edge for death ward, because I imagine a vampire lord has a high save DC on his energy drain.

Orisons (4): standard

1st level (6 + D): protection from evil (D), protection from evil x2, divine favor x2, remove fear, unbreakable heart

2nd level (4 + D): bull's strength (D), ironskin x2, ghostbane dirge x2

3rd level (4 + D): magic circle vs evil (D), daylight, life shield, light of Iomedae, shield of wings

4th level (3 + D): holy smite (D), blade of light, death ward, communal protection from energy

Merixia is always happy to aid in the creation of magic items!

Dreams of fire fade, and Merixia opens her eyes to the familiar tent roof. She feels tired mentally yet rested physically, which is a strange and unwelcome sensation. But it doesn't matter how well rested she is. There are still demons to slay. The cleric indulges in a deep, heartfelt sigh, then rolls out of her bedroll to pray and put her armor on.

After her morning prayers and some breakfast (oat porridge with dried fruit, thank the gods it isn't beet soup again), Merixia feels much better. She enters the command tent to find the rest of the group already there. "Morning, everyone. You would not believe the dream I had last night." Once it looks like the other conversations are done, she describes her dream/vision of Lemner and his assistant, including the hapless nightmare demon and how it ran afoul of what seems to be a very powerful half-demon.

When she gets to the end, she retrieves the Nurgalite dogtag from her bandolier and holds it out toward Arthur. "So, now you know as much as I do about what this is and what might happen if you take it. On the one hand, you might be able to get some information on the enemy, and Lemner obviously hates nightmare demons. On the other hand, he is definitely evil and very powerful. He's a Nurgalite though, and mind control isn't their style. Above all else they want a good, satisfying, straightforward fight, and messing with their enemies' minds would imply that they're too weak to win honestly."

@GM: Any words on the armor?

Greetings, I am called Lemner, chosen of Lord Nurgal, leader of Lemners Legion. A sonorous Bass voice says in your mind

Know that I am no s#++ty little dreamslayer, if I kill you it will be in reality, face to face, blades drawn, ideally at high noon. But unless my boy Vrakashek suddenly decided to become lawfull, good, and a native outsider rather then a full one, you probably killed him.
The presence declares

You note that it seems to look at your shadow as it says *s%#%ty little dreamslayer* he also seems to know that you are lawful, good, and a native outsider.

So, how did he die?

Well. This was certainly unexpected. At least this Lemner doesn't seem to know exactly who she is or where she's located. Merixia takes a deep breath, giving herself time to formulate a reply. "The babau who wore this token died when he and his squad fought myself and my comrades. He fought valiantly, for a demon, but was ultimately outmatched. I regret to say that I did not have the honor of the killing blow, but I landed a couple good hits."

She pauses. "I overheard him speaking to his squad before they detected our presence. They were hired by the faithful of Baphomet. To tell the truth, I was a bit surprised that your servants weren't better prepared for our abilities. I wonder just how much information the Baphometans shared with them? Or didn't, as the case may be." If she can use this opportunity to sow a little discord in the enemy ranks, all the better. Besides, every word she said was true. Vrakashek and company should have known what they were up against. The fact that they didn't means that either someone on the other side dropped the ball, or the Baphometans decided to use the Nurgalites as cannon fodder and didn't bother sharing much intelligence.

I apologize for the delay, it's been a hard week IRL.

Merixia tucks the confiscated Nurgalite dogtag into her bandolier for safekeeping. Leaving it with anyone else risks the babau(s?) attacking that person. And, well... she's still annoyed that the bard got away with his boss' corpse. If she keeps the dogtag, she might get a second chance to kill them. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

The cleric stands near Verene as she, Sosial, and Xyraxherax cast their spells to detect enchantments and enemy scrying. She winces in sympathy as Sosial reveals the modifications to Sorica's memory. "I can't cast atonement right now, that's still a bit more than I can handle. But I suspect that won't be the case forever, or even for very long. Given that you were the victim of mind-affecting spells, there shouldn't be any offerings required other than your desire to be cleansed of the succubus' evil."

He has a trap prepared. When he uses his soul jar ability when next to his... crystal thing, the soul he takes will be slowly crushed by it! How quickly this happens depends on how far from chaos and evil the soul is, lawfull good souls would suffer the most.

Unless the soul taken is chaotic evil, then it can control the crystal. He was trying to *fix* this, but hasnt figured out how, its kind of how he controls the crystal I guess.

"Great, it's not just a shadow demon. It's a shadow demon that can destroy souls." Merixia grimaces. "Best I can do for now is protection from evil spells all around."

Well ok. I think I get what Laulieh was likely doing, regarding your treatment. The good old *Everyone distrusts me because I was captured by demons and they didnt do anything horrible to me* into *I was punished unjustly* into *Now I think that I am entitled to actually collaborate with them because I was already punished* line

She pauses

Unfortunately it does work quite frequently, and we have to keep you under a degree of suspicion. Also, they outfitted you? Means they can scry on any of your gear, and they certainly have like, hair or tissue samples of you.

...

Another aspect is that well... one reason Crusaders tend to fight to the death is that what demons tend to do to prisoners is worse then death. If knowledge of how you were treated by her spreads, her suggestions to *surrender* could become... reasonable and harder to resist. As such I suggest you dont talk about that part of your captivity.

Anevia's analysis makes sense. Merixia nods to the scout. "It's entirely possible that she's not bothering to hide her true intentions, because in this case the truth serves her better than deception. Laulieh was pretty clear about wanting us to fight her enemies for her. If Nocticula is currently enemies with Deskari and/or Baphomet, it would serve her purposes to assist us. And Laulieh wants us to survive long enough to kill her gylou enemy, right? Having a powerful, well-equipped paladin along will definitely help with that."

Oh, boy. Usually Verene is the levelheaded one in their group. But every now and then, she gets the bit between her teeth and charges forward with an idea. I hate being the voice of reason. I would much rather be the voice of kicking the door in. Alas, this is one of the duties of a priestess.

Merixia clears her throat pointedly once there's a lull in the conversation. "Regardless of what the babau does or doesn't do, we need to decide where to go from here. I'm not exactly pleased with this series of events, especially given Ragathiel's teachings on how to deal with unrepentant evildoers, but there's nothing we can do to change it now." She turns to the newcomers. "I'm not sure if I introduced myself earlier, it's been a long day. Merixia Pentarian, cleric of Ragathiel. I came here from Andoran." Nodding politely to them, she turns back to Irabeth.

"From my observations, both Arthur and Idaya are strong combatants who possibly have powers similar to our own. In my opinion, we cannot afford to turn down such valuable assets in battle. While it is possible that the demons may have left... surprises... in their minds, we have sufficient divination spells at our disposal to check for that sort of thing. A dispel magic should be good enough to deal with any spells that conceal alignment and such."

I'm in the same boat, Ceven, so at least you're not alone.

Merixia was looking for Nurgalite dog tags, so if that's what you're talking about, she has it.

"Hello again, Irathiel. I see you've met Sosial and Anevia." Merixia turns to Idaya and Arthur. "Idaya, Arthur, meet Irathiel, our resident munagola, Sosial, who is painting her wings, and Anevia, who apparently came up with the idea." She turns back to the painting crew. "Irathiel, Sosial, Anevia, we encountered some stray crusaders and brought them back with us. Both of them are excellent in a fight. The paladin is Idaya and the one with the axe is Arthur."

Introductions made, she steps back a bit to speak quietly with the new additions. "Yeah, I know it's strange. For now she's on our side, hired on as a mercenary with a purely mundane contract the same as you would use to hire a mortal mercenary. I'll explain in full once we've debriefed with Commander Tirabade."

Sense Motive on Murder Mortal + heroism + tears to wine: 1d20 + 20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 20 + 2 + 2 = 39

Merixia looks from the fleeing babau, to Idaya, and back again. She pointedly does not look at her darling boyfriend, whose benevolence and mercy toward their enemies has been equally inconvenient in the past. Oh gods, there's two of them now! The cleric lets out a deep, heartfelt sigh and starts cleaning her sword. "Really, Idaya? You do realize he's going to come back for a second round, and now he knows our tactics." Her tone is more resigned than angry.

Well, what's done is done. Sheathing her now clean sword, Merixia takes the Nurgalite dog tags off the dead babau. Once Verene gives the all clear, she puts the heavier items into the group's bag of holding. "Congratulations on your new companion, Thesius. Am I correct in assuming that we have another talking weapon in the group?" Retribution hasn't spoken to her yet, but she definitely feels something from her sword. She'll try meditating with it later on.

"I wonder why the bard took his boss' corpse? Does he not know that the only type of outsiders who can be resurrected are native outsiders?" She may not be as learned as Verene, but Merixia knows that that is one of the immutable laws of the multiverse. Mortals can be resurrected after death because their bodies are separate from their souls. When the body dies, the soul remains intact. For outsiders, their bodies are their souls. Killing an outsider destroys their soul.

Okay. I'll use my pearl of power I to give Thesius protection from evil then. Merixia's magic circle vs evil is still up.

Once the group can hear the demons' voices, Merixia retrieves a large pearl from her bandolier and walks over to Thesius. With a mental push, the pearl grows warm and protection from evil pops into her mind as if she had not yet cast it for the day. She quietly chants the words of the spell, touching Thesius' arm.

Merixia is feeling the effects of Chorussina's cold spell, and it looks like several of her friends are as well. "Gather round, everyone who needs healing." Tucking the pearl away again, the cleric holds up her holy symbol. "Ragathiel, grant me your healing light!" Fiery gold light flares around the group.

Channel Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 3, 1) = 12

That puts me at 70/72. How is everyone else doing? Do I need to channel more?

"I would like to use the spiritual weapon wand just before we enter the next chamber, Merixia, if you do not mind. A silencing spell could be very useful in dealing with that babau who was speaking aloud, I think. It might be hard to get it to 'stick,' so to speak, in a way that he could not simply leave. But if took advantage of its duration, and also cast it when we think we are close..." Verene sketches the outline of a plan for Thesius and Arthur.

"Sure." Merixia's tail vanishes under her coat, coming up with the wand and handing it to Verene. Maybe Verene has a way of making the spell stronger?

Casting divine favor right before we enter the room with the babaus. Does Thesius still have protection from evil up? I thought we still had a couple minutes on our min/level buffs.

Several sets of laughter erupt from the darkness at Thesius taunt.

Oi, Vrakashek, someone challenged you, and the dank crevices of your virgin arse. Another demonic voice says

Ah, damn, I was assuming it would be Girly Mc Gylouface another row of guffaws erupt as the demon, still hidden in the darkness, insults Merixia, displaying that he knows things about her.

but that voice sounded kind of male an elfish... the Desnan-super-simp?

Sorry to tell you, but your actually not imaginary Desnan Succubus girlfriend is GONE

She got divine interventioned out of here or something, and never told you guess you aren't that important to her? That hurts doesnt it? Although not as much as seeing S#$~ty-Staunton figuring out how the f+!% to explain that to his higherups haha.

There are more demonic guffaws as the bass voice insults Thesius back.

Merixia grits her teeth, her grip on her sword tightening. She really needs to find an armorsmith who can put a couple horn-holes in that helmet for her. It's one thing for people to look down on her as an ordinary tiefling, but demons recognizing her ancestor's appearance is getting old.

However... the rest of the demons' trash talk is intriguing. A Desnan succubus? Perhaps Joran's information about a heretic in the demonic forces is true after all. If they can find this succubus before Deskari's forces do, she could be a priceless source of intelligence on the enemy.

Something to think about later. The cleric looks to Azira, Idaya, and Arthur. Once somebody leads the charge, Merixia will follow.

Ugh, Merixia had been hoping to avoid another fight. No help for it though. "I have one more divine favor and one prayer. As far as scrolls go, let's see..." She opens her coat and begins riffling through the scrolls stored in the inner pockets. "Hedging weapons might be useful. I have a wand of spiritual weapon. Oh, my pearl of power! Nice, I can give someone protection from evil. That's probably my most useful spell of that level for other people."

Arthur grunts as soon as Laulieh leaves. He is still magically enraged, but he visibly relaxes. He tells the others "My name is Arthur. I didn't want to release my name to the demoness. You see, demons have a thing with names, you never know."

He turns to Idaya and says "I'm glad it was you who appeared when I read the scroll. The demoness gave me that scroll, I was afraid it would summon another demon. It's good to have you in the material plane."

He says "I have prepared for combat. We should move east as quickly as possible to release this construct."

"Pleased to meet you, Arthur." Merixia smiles. "I didn't tell her my whole name. Most Chelaxian tieflings have a secret name as well as their given and family names. We are outsiders, and can be called and bound as such, so that's how we protect ourselves."

Tieflings are on the list of creatures you can summon with planar binding! It makes sense to me that tieflings in a culture familiar with such bindings would take precautions against them.

"Agreed. It best we make this quick. I would like to get out of here before we're left in worse shape then we are now."

"Yeah, I'm out of my best spells and running out of the lower level ones." She moves to follow Thesius, several paces behind so as not to crowd him.

Uh-oh, it's Koh the Face-Stealer time!

As far as Laulieh goes, Merixia had the advantage of Ragathiel's input. He seems to be okay with limited dealings, especially ones where Laulieh and her forces might be of use to Heaven's agenda, so Merixia more or less followed his lead. Without that input, she probably would have played it safe and declined Laulieh's offer for fear of risking her soul and connection to her patron deity. Divine spellcasters (except for oracles) really have to play it safe in that regard because screwing up comes with severe consequences. That's the price you pay for having your entire spell list available on demand.

I don't see anything on the loot list that would be useful to Merixia. She got shiny new armor earlier in the day though, I'm quite happy with that. :)