Trevor86's page

Andochtuir smiles and looks away at Torra's praise. Sandru's consequent protest of Ritti's profession reminded him he still had an important topic to discuss with the man and he resolved to broach it sooner rather than later. Life was short, especially with tons of blood-crazed Ulfen, giant golems, tengu assassins and - prospectively - demons after them.

He wondered if this was a good time to tell Ritti and Atsuko about those other ones or an even better time to shut up about it. Judging from the others, they seemed content with that.

"Forgive me for speaking, but if this hasn't been stated explicitely before, I feel obligated to do so. This choice on whether to go with us might be a life and death decision and I do not feel it is fair to Ritti and Atsuko to not share more of our enemy first." If no one stops him. He spreads his hands to the newcomers. "As you can see, Ameiko is the heir to the Minkaian Throne - if that is the correct term?" He looks around for confirmation and apologizes for his dreadfull lack of Minkaiaboo knowledge if not. "As Suishen knows she is the heir, so does the Amatatsu seal know the current regent is am imposter - a demon powerful enough to have overthrown the nation. To be fair, probably small fry compared to the tanglebriar grunts back home," He briefly grins. "But things will almost assuredly get harder from here. I, for one, will do my very best to protect each of you. But the truth is that we don't know the enemy's real strength. It could be that we end up outmatched with many of us dead. Are you prepared to accept that risk as we have?" He asks the pair.

I believe the beast totem rage power added +3 natural armor at level 8 though.

I don't think the ones I'm looking for are faith based or restricted on religion or race. I did a slightl punt and realized Andy does not in fact get third level spells until he reaches level 8/alchemist 7, currently he is six. However, I think you are allowed to still scribe scrolls or formulae into your book of a higher level if you make the spellcraft check and pay the gold cost for it.

As such I'd like to request him to try scribing some spells while he is here. Like spider climb, resist energy, herosim, ablative barrier, monstrous phsyique and displacement. The total cost for this is 320 g. If there exists a masterwork tool for spellcraft(scribing) he will buy that first for 50.

Spellcraft checks:

1d20+14(? presumes existence of scribing MW tool) vs 16, ablative barrier, endure elements. 2d20, 2+: 2d20 ⇒ (7, 9) = 16
vs 17: spider climb, resist energy, resist energy 3d20, 3+: 3d20 ⇒ (1, 11, 13) = 25
vs 18: heroism, physique, displacement. 3d20, 4+: 3d20 ⇒ (9, 11, 14) = 34

Since he failed resist energy the first time, the total should be 410 g.

Grats Thesius! Somehow I also missed that :)

I placed Elliot's two Grease squares on the map. I think that is the best place to put them as they'd cover the entire width of the bridhe and now require a dc 20 acrobatics check to fully jumo across or a dc 11 reflex save. To most of us, even if we have to for some reason rush left to engage the enemy outside of our defensive position, that should still be relatively easy to make. Still, if anyone prefers them elsewhere, let me know!

Slightly earlier

sense motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Oblivious to Ameiko's perhaps-affection but obviously pleased to see her regardless, the warrior smiles at the lively woman and her retinue. "Thank you, Ameiko. Your warmth is a most welcome change from that frigid pit of death," He says in his deep voice. "I am happy to see you again. All of you, of course." He adds a tad quickly before refocusing on Riftun, relieved to see the bard had made it out with the earlier guide.

"Yuto fought bravely as well. He was on the verge of collapse many times but never once yielded. And neither did Torra. Whenever we were ambushed, she would always outshoot our attackers." He adds when Yuto reports on the mission. "And I..." He felt an alien urge to boast about his own accomplishments too - of how many foes he'd brutally bisected and cut down to get to the sword. How he'd got through the entire fort almost without injury, or how his healing abilities had come up handy at least once.

But he didn't. That wasn't who he was. "...simply upheld my promise."

He liked to be reliable, not arrogant. The results would speak for themselves.

Now

"What do you two think?"

"I believe... they did indeed fight valiantly. It was a battle forced on them, but they could have ran when we rescued them. They could have turned on us or stolen from us on the way back. I think it speaks well of them that they didn't. It also doesn't seem to make sense for them to be spies, not after Yuto already revealed our possession of the seal to Kimandatsu during their fight, or that of your heritage. He throws the samurai a sympathetic glance. "As such, I for one am willing to trust them. However, I do confess I know very little of them."

If they are still at the Inn

He smiles then, looking around the Inn. "Yet perhaps a brief celebration of our success and time here could remedy that? It would be a shame not to briefly use the comforts of civilization while we still have them, no?"

Earlier...

Rose is absent from the council meeting, instead choosing to perform a more thorough examination of the city. Or at least, that's what she told herself. In truth, there was simply something vibrant and lively about being in this major center of commerce unsupervised . But more than that, for the first time in a very long while she had a potential lead to actually help with her 'problem'.

And for once, fortune seemed to be on her side as said item did not, in fact, have to be drilled straight through her skull. Instead, recent modern innovations of Tian-Min medicine made by some famous half-elven warrior-physician from the far east had apparently reduced the design to a needle that could be pressed to the skin in certain positions and it would have the same effect. Of course, it would have to be tested first. And what better a way to see if it could solve the nightmare problem that seemed to be plagueing the city?

Planes: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 17 + (6) = 42

The answer hit brightly, instantly, with astounding clarty. A long-forgotten lesson in a different time delivered to a more whole person than herself, now remembered.

She bought it on the spot, only doing a bit of token haggling out of respect for local customs. Then she went about tracking the rest of the group with her followers.

now

"Pairaka's. Fiendish variants of Div. Those are what are likely causing the nightmares to the populace." Rose's voice suddenly rings confident from behind the group as they had their meeting with the baron. "I apologize for my late arrival, my Lord. I just did not want to arrive empty-handed. Raesilia Talbot, daughter of Duke Talbot and recent... co-steward of Stachys," She gives Marius a smile before turning back to the Baron. "It is good to make your acquiantance." She does a polite curtsy exactly as befitting his social station. "Now, knowing is only have half the battle, of course..."

My apologies for the long absense. Is there any check I can roll to know more about those Peraika Divs on where they are found or from where/how they'd have to operate to affect an entire city?

"I completely understand your desire to keep others out of harms way, but we do need to trust our soldiers to fight."

Elliot shares a glance with Sosial, remembering the cleric's earlier advice. "Don't you dare deny them their honor."

"You're right. I apologize - they do deserve that trust. They're the Queen's elite. No matter what happens, they should make it. And it's not like the enemy has appeared all that coordinated or strategic as of yet." He stows his remaining doubts on the strategic soundness of it all.

After the meeting, he goes to check on Akravesh and the Sarenrite camp, wondering if any of those cultists subdued non-lethally had any promise.

"So I was wondering if I could use the chain shirt, scimitar, and battle axe we've found?"

"Of course. Take whatever you need, as far as I'm concerned - especially if Ragathiel asks you directly. It's not something most of us could put to any good use anyway." He responds on the way, knowing full well he was biased for multiple reasons, not least among those that he wouldn't deny her anything, nor that he wanted to give Ragathiel any more reason to object to the Mercy champion trying to court his instrument of Revenge.

Whshing her well, he then goed to see his master, joining him in studying his forgotten forgotten arcane spells. It was an odd feeling, to learn something from scratch a second time. But a surprsingly tranquil and relaxing endeavor, nostalgic as it was along the crusades.

The remainder of his time following the lessons is spent watching the drills of the new recruits, feeling that same... awareness he'd felt since the chimera died. Of how each soldier moved seperately, while being aware why they did. What the goal of it was. Lingering memory fragments from the wardstone explosion told him that in this regard, there was no difference between angelic forces and that of normal humanoids. Alone, they could be strong. But they were much stronger as a coordinated unit.

He returns to the guard post in time to take his shift with much to consider, flying up to the bride pillar and seating himself for a higher up view of the landscape. There, he waits and sees, thinking of whether those same principles could be applied to his team of friends.

That aside, note to self to get the Bit of Luck FCB on every level up from now. It seems to make so much of a difference in so many situations!

Andochtuir, having resumed his role as caravan scout, returns to the camp midway through the conversation. "Nothing dangerous in our immediate vicinity, I believe." He reports. "I hope everyone's eyes have bettered overnight. If not, I can try to take another look at them."

heal vs blind?: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34

When there is a lull in the coversation:

"I believe I have something that could help us descent the mountain. There is this extract I have used at times to range difficult terrain and potential ambushes for the caravan. I think I can alter the formula so that it should allow most, if not all of us to walk downward along the cliffs, directly down without falling. It should allow our feet and hands to glue along the rocks as we descend." He blinks. "Ah, did I say 'should?' I meant I am fairly sure. Quite definitely. Well, in the worst case scenarion I'll fall down and you will get to see my backup plan. If that also fails... well, then I am not as good of a scientist as I thought I was." The muscular warrior laughs heartily.

With Sosial

"You ask me to inspire when I don't know how to be inspiring. Unless it is by killing monsters and demons - but that doesn't translate well to want to make someone change their ways. Saying you wish to change to avoid death is not a genuine desire for atonement." The magus smiles wryly. "But thanks, Sosial. I do appreciate the advice. I'll try to find a way; maybe my friends can show me how."

At the meeting

"We had success so far by sticking together. If Verene and Merixia say they're exhausted, we shouldn't try to push our luck. It might not be ideal, but can't we simply make a defensive perimeter for the night? Like dig and raise a wall? We have triple or quadruple our original numbers. Surely we can make some makeshift fortification here that protect us from a nightly raid."

One thing i never knew about divine source is that it adds the spells you would get from your domains to your spell list. Especially for arcane casters that seems really good. Also potentially flavorful. I.e. maybe a fun way to get back at Iomedae if Verene started granting herself divine spells when Iomdae refuses to.

Hey everyone, i wanted to drop a note that i've been extremely busy still with setting up my own company for the partnership position i was accepted in a while a back. It's a thing of technically being hired while still being a seperate company. Ver lucrative but there's tons of things to handle legally, like insurance, taxes etc next to the actual workload increase. It's more or less been a thing of of get home, eat, watch a little bit of youtube/tv, fall asleep. I've had very little time or energy to write in general. I still hope things settle down soon, but please don't hesitate to continue without me.

Kind regards and my apologies.

"But it sounds to me that you're most afraid of failing your faith. That if you lose anyone else precious to you, you'll poison yourself with hatred. Is that right?"

"I will not let you do it, wielder." Righteous Eclipse interjects, speaking aloud for the first time he can remember. "I will fight you to the end if you seek to wield me in vengeance against a repentant foe.""

The feeling of unease gradually fades with Sosial's words. It felt as though the man was infinitely wiser and more experienced than him and it was easy to see why he was such a high-ranking advisor to the Queen. "I see. I hadn't thought of it that way. So by feeling responsible for their deaths, I patronize and dishonor their right to make their own choices... that's deep. But I can't deny the truth in it."

He does a double take when his scimitar suddenly speaks out loud at the end. Then he chuckles. "Oh, so first Radiance can speak and now you too? Convenient. Next time I wonder whether I'm thinking hard enough to talk to you, I'll remember this moment."

His grin fades. "You ask whether I'm concerned with failing my faith. In short, yes. I was asked in a vision by Sarenrae herself to be 'a light for both my allies and my enemies'. I don't know how to do that - what that truly means on the enemy part. I try to capture our enemies alive when I can, to see if any have some spark of redemption. But is that enough? Am I doing that enough? I'm not skilled in rooting out lies and I don't have the sway of words all the other champions seem to have. Among them, I am probably the least suited one to actually convert cultists, maybe even demons back to the side of light. Are such doubts me being arrogant again? That I shouldn't doubt Sarenrae's apparent trust in me and hope whatever I can do will be enough? It is a an honor, but also a large burden to bear a diety's expectations."

At the command meeting.

"So... regardless of where we make up camp, the intent is to rest for the remainder of the day? And then tomorrow, the army will strike at the undead while we head for the bridge?" Elliot summarises. "And since we will likely be waiting for Anevia's men to scout the citadel afterwards, there will be time for the army to rest after attacking the ghouls? In that case we should probably wait attacking the ghouls so that the army is at full strength both when going after them and when they attack the city. It might also give us more time to get the new recruit backs into fighting shape, even if it's just basic drills."

Earlier

"Your strength saved more of us than you can imagine, Elliot. This was a victory, even if the losses are tragic. Remember that."

"Thanks." Elliot says, still half-watching the proceedings. "...When I see this scene, I am reminded of Kenabres. When I visited my home, all that was left of my mother was her arm. I wasn't there. Maybe I couldn't have done anything even if I was. But that feeling of guilt, it's the same as here. It doesn't seem to leave me. I won't be so arrogant as to claim I can save everyone, even with the wardstone power. But here, it was flying right in front of me. Maybe if I *had* been able to master the power better? Or made some other decision..." He trails off. "You know, Sosial... if I'm honest, I'm not sure what I'd do if the same happened to Merixia, Aravashnial or Verene. I'm not sure I can show mercy if I get any more reason to hate them - I feel I already failed once in how I handled Nurah. I just... wish to live up to the expectations of both Sarenrae and my friends. I only pray that I can."

Now

"I'd recommend moving further away from the citadel as well. We have no way to know if and when they can repair the catapults. And who knows if they have more beasts like that chimera holed up in the citadel... the more time we have to prepare for something like that, the better, I'd say." Elliot adds, back in his own form and in his set of spare, blissfully clean clothes. "Are these cultists and their bulls currently making any efforts to destroy the second bridge? If so, it sounds as if this bridge is more pressing than the undead for now. Perhaps even if not - so we don't give them time to consider that idea after taking Southbank here. Maybe we should just strike as fast as possible."

Elliot, his defenses fully up, makes use of his aerial mobility to reach and cut down whatever foes were both notable and close to the frontline. He doesn't take too much risk, but doesn't avoid it either as he was focused on helping the crusade press forward first and foremost. Still, trying to honor Sarenrae, at some point, when it looks as though the battle is won, he switches tactics and begins non-lethally knocking out foes, channeling wardstone power into his sword to make it strike as such. Maybe there was another Akravesh among them. Someone who did actually deserve a second chance. The chance was small, but if providence saw it fit, they'd lead that person to him or the other Sarenrites - hopefully.

At the end, after checking whether everyone was all right, he busies himself attending the service for the fallen paladins and digging their impromptu graves. He watches but does not partake in the debate on whether their equipment should go to the new prisoners or whether it should be buried with them, in their honor. He felt like he didn't have the right to intervene either way. The three of them had died from the Chimera. Three people he might have been able to save if he'd been stronger. If they'd all been stronger. But they'd been caught unprepared...

He vowed to do better next time. And he already had some ideas as to how to make that happen.

She steps closer and draws him into a brief but heartfelt hug."I'm glad you're safe too. But I'm not kissing you until you un-frog yourself."

The magus grins. "Tempting. Alas, it appears as though there's a few hundred cultists and demons requiring immediate attention. Still, we can always go about changing that?"

"I know that. I just have to be faster next time."

Elliot blinks. "'Faster?' 'Wish you'd been more help?' What are you talking about? That time alteration spell, at least, was very useful, sis. Don't sell yourself short."

"I suggest we focus our efforts on these demons. They look likely to be leaders among the others or at least serve to warrant further attention."

"I can lead the way through the scrum, but my eyes aren’t as keen as yours, so I might need some guidance to stay on target.”

Starting to take the air, and getting his final magical barrier ready, the swordsman nods. "Okay. I'll try and keep an overview from the air. Let's go! FOR THE CRUSADE!" he calls to the nearby knights, knowing he wasn't that impressive by stature or voice but figuring he'd still try rallying the men. Maybe being the one to finish the chimera would lend some weight to his words?

Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"The shrine seems to be dedicated to Brigh, goddess of inventors. But it seems he was impatient with what she granted him." The colourful priestess frowns at the scene. "You can't simply demand power from the gods. It doesn't work that way. A simplification is a reward of service, to examplify the influence they'd wish to have. For Shelyn, we'd each have an art. Mine was to dance, at least until I took up drawing recently. We'd either teach it to others or give performances. A moment of positivity, to forget one's struggles. To make the world a slightly prettier or happier place." Her features grow wistful. "Sometimes, I miss those simpler days. It's been a very long time since I actually danced..."

Shaking her head, she looks at the incense and takes it with her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to grow all sentimental." She chuckles. "Berkanin must be extremely wealthy, to be able to afford adamantine daggers as well as herbal candles worth thousands of gold. Maybe we can sell this and hire a performance hall for a day to remedy my nostalgia."

"And it seems like there's a harpy on the premises for some reason."

When Bharak opens the lockbox in the next room, Elena goes through the journal while the rest of the treasure is catalogued. "Yes. Vergun told us that Berkanin's major domo was a harpy named Herifax. This is probably her room. From the looks of things..." The Shelynite's features soften. "...Oh. It seems she took this position out of love for Berkanin's lover, Kanya. So... a love triangle? I wonder if that worked out... regardless, perhaps that's how they captured the troll, using her song to enthrall his mind. Maybe we should prepare and cover our ears."

Unsure if that helps or not but Elena will tie her shawn around her ears.

"So the cat walk?"

"It looks very long and narrow. Maybe I'm paranoid but I don't like this. If Axton is right that they withdrew and already have scrying abilities setup elsewhere, they might know where we are and this might be a good place to ambush us somehow. But I suppose we don't have an alternative. Do we go all at once or one group of 3 and then another of 2?" She looks around for any suggestions or anyone else wanting to make more preparations. Then she takes out the wand of protection from evil and taps everyone with it as the group presumably starts moving across.

Presuming a line order of Bharak in front, I'll cast shield of faith on him now too. +3 deflection ac for 8 minutes. Everyone has protection from evil for between 6 and 10 rounds before we enter the hallway. Regardless of how we move, Elena will want to be in the first group to be able to heal the frontline if something goes wrong. And to dispel invisibility with the purge effect.

Bharak, you should still have good hope which adds +2 to all skill checks so according to your profile you make the second chest exactly the first try.

Elliot leaves his trance-like state only to stare blankly at the three heads he himself had just severed in quick succession. It felt surreal. "Did I... really do that?" He wonders, before realizing that was at most partially true, what with Azira hacking at it from the other side and he himself having to rely heavily on foreign memories for the skill."Eclipse. When we reach Drezen, could you tell me where your previous owner fell? I think that, at this point, we probably owe her our lives. Or at least I do. She deserves honoring for her gift."

Verene's words bring him back to the present and he whirls around, locking eyes with Merixia and quickly trying to addess the state of her injuries - and then he sees the extent of the dying nights and horses around them. "Damn. That could have gone so much worse. It almost did. Even for us, with wardstone power, we almost lost. Could we have done better...? How? Maybe if we more coordinated somehow?"

A worry for a later time. He takes out a potion of cure serious wounds and holds it up for his girlfriend, unsure of her current vitality but very sure of the amount of blood on display. "Would it help if you drank this first?" He offers to her. "And I'm so glad you're safe." He adds before standing back, keeping an eye on the battle further on.

Elliot will use the wand of shield when we either begin moving towards the fight or it looks like the fight is heading in our direction.

Apologies, i'll try to get a post in tonight. The last two weeks have been hectic with me starting my own company and health problems in the family.

Thanks for the kind words on the support value, everyone.

Partly @Axton: At times, when everything works out well like here thusfar, then especially as a support there isn't really much you can do to add to the 'win more' factor as we're left with nothing really to do and have a perogative to save resources/spells. But when things go badly or specific counters are needed, that's when supports and casters can really shine I feel. Arcane casters can be a lot more proactive with damage and crowd control spells while mine are more reactive, and some things I have but can rarely use like Elena's healing abilities. If she really has to, she can probably heal like up to 1000-ish hp of damage in a single fight if she can keep standing and allies are within reach. We've never needed them, but they're in store waiting for that one Bad Day to turn into a moment of glory.

That said, I do really like Elena's kit. We've reached a point where her Martial abilities are unlikely to really matter anymore but between her domain power giving others advantage (and extra uses available through FCB), the potential healing, the buffs (good hope is a Shelyn cleric spell and inspire courage can be gained through a shelyn-specific feat and 1 level bard multiclass, though I didn't know that when rolling her) and potentially the summons (along with herald caller also fixing the poor skill points), she might be my most versatile character ever. Even if it's more low-key, the overall power of an almost full cleric with the best features of a bard on the side is fairly hard to top. Part of me is tempted to see how far the support can be pushed further as there's also things like Shared training spreading teamwork feats through the party at the lowly cost of 1 level 2 spell lasting 10 minutes per caster level on everyone...

Yikes. Automatic flat-footed is pretty good against our main tanks in this party. I'm still not entirely sure what hits Azira though as Smite Evil would give her like 3 more deflection to AC unless this thing is not evil I believe. So under haste, perfect positioning and smite her flat-footed AC is still 25 which is pretty high.

Elliot's confidence in being able to take this thing up close withers quickly when most of his attacks miss and it then, to his horror, absolutely shreds into his lover seemingly despite her protection. "NO!" He cries, too late despite all of his swiftness, magic and wardstone power. ...But she stays up! -'bless her - most normal people would be dead-' and between Verene's advice and Wulfric's he stays on the target as the cleric heals behind him, hoping to take advantage of the moment it was focused on Azira. Maybe he had one final chance before it took down someone! "Hey six-eyes! You like ganging up on people with numbers, huh? Well guess what: there's three of you and five of me!"

As promised, he and all four of his mirror images move to attack, hoping to finish off the injured beast!

I hope that is enough damage to kill it! *Crosses fingers*

Well, i am very happy with Merixia's decision to ironskin herself in the last round O_O This thing apparently figures her cold resistance is just too much of a threat!

@Gm I know the result of Thesius' 38 knowledge check was discussed earlier in that we didn't learn any additional information other than it somehow being 'special'. Is it enough though to know whether a chimera is typically immune to the energy type of its own breath weapon, in this case cold? As that would greatly impact what Elliot does in the following turn.

Quick post since my earlier one got eaten, just posting the actions: 5ft step diagonally upward to above Elathras, give Bharak bit of luck, he has advantage on all d20 rolls for two rounds. I'll roll the iterative and crit confirm rolls for him:

crit confirm, take higher: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Iterative second roll for Bharak take higher: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

hover: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

@Elathras, the +2 morale bonus on attacks, weapon damage rolls, saves, skill chesks and ability checks is from good hope.

Ah, Right. My bad. I'll take a -2 penalty to attack rolls through spell combat which should give him an 80% chance to make it.

concentration +2 vs dc 17: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Well, i made the cast, barely, despite the terrible rolls this round. But given how well he did last combat i can't really complain :)

Elliot is hit with a wave of nausea, images of both himself and Merixia being absolutely shredded by icicle spears floating through his vision nere moment before the dragonbhead opens its mouth and he barely jumps out of the worst of it. To his immense relief he sees the ame is true for the cleric as he gets up and looks at the flying monstrousity, which was probably easily able to take out most of the crusade if it just floated there and kept blasting the cornered crusaders with just its ice attack.

"Goddess... only I and now Azira can get to it. How are we supposed to-"

Suddenly, it seems to defy common logic and dives right into the group - and within striking distace. "...Oh. well. THAT certainly is convenient."

Swift: Mythic bane, free action: Eclipse +2 damage rolls for 1 moment (blackblade arcane pool 1/2). Full attack with haste, flagbearer, inspire courage. Rime frostbite/spell combat/spellstrike.

If he really gets to us that quickly, in retrospect I probably should have started with mirror image before Blade Tutor's spirit. But I'll deal with it either way. Gotta give Merixia that chance to resurrect the dead when Elliot gets completely destroyed in the first round here :P The header for Elliot seems otherwise correct.

Oh, on good news today I passed my test with flying colours! If I could buy you all celebratory drinks, I would :D

""I could use a hot bath after that..."

Elliot laughs as the nerves finally leave him. By the gods, somehow it'd worked flawlessly! "If I could give you one, I would." He blinks. "Ah, I mean, not in that way! I'd arrange one for you if it was in my means, with how hard it was - should have been, and what you just pulled off. It was amazing - straight up. Might just go down as one of the greatest acts of sabotage in recent history!" He tries to high-five the bard before remembering they were both invisbible and that neither could see the other, thus even if Thesius somehow felt the intent they were more liable to slap eachother in the face.

"We made it. Thesius was brilliant. We didn't even have to fight once," He adds to his report when they reach the crusade command. "How goes the bridge repair?" He asks.

Welcome back gm! I think we only need the results of the bridge repair to continue. Verene and Merixia were set to use magical means to try repairing it while the sabotage was going on. It was asked how many casts of make whole, stone shape and expedite construction (?) were needed to make the bridge south crossable for the crusaders and how many Sosial and/of Aravashnial could add to those if they are willing to share (more) spells.

@Verene thanks, i'll mark that back.

Also, I apologize for the many typo's in the last two posts - I did them from my phone and the touchscreen obviously wasn't made for people over 6 feet tall :')

That aside, in good news today I've been offered a position as a partner in a medical company assuming I pass a certain trial for that in two weeks from now. I'll be studying very hard to make a good impression until then and as a result I might not be as active writing. I will try and keep up, however.

So, the plan is, in short, for Thesius accompanied by Azira and Elliot, all three invisble and with the Fly spell cast on them (You'd have to rule how mana second and third level spellcasts Aravashnial can donate to us), to fly to the remaining 2 siege towers and then for Thesius to stealthily sabotage the siege engines on top of the towers. If we can, we will not fight at all. Thesius previously rolled high on hos engineering when inspecting the siege engine we already sabotaged and his result was that he could sabotage/remove key subtle comp9nents to prevent it from firing. That is what the sabotage team is going for off-screen (preferably off screen for story momentum) If it fails, the backup plan is for the three of them to fight their way out if needed.

I guess you need to rule whether the sentinels are wachtinfg for invisible enemies and if they detect Thesius doing it. Then if he fails, whether the sabotage succeeds anyway and what the cost for this is. Logically the three of thrm would take damage and lose class resources fighting their way through to the goal.

The second team, everyone else, is going south to repair the bridge by whwtever means necessary/viable. You'd have to rule how many spells and which kind it costs everyone. Presumably it will be casts of Make Whole and Stone Shape for columns.

After that, presuming that eventually works on both teams, they meer back up and the army attacks the cultists to the south gor their supplies.

""You better. Or I will figure out how to resurrect the dead just so I can bring you back and yell at you for getting yourself killed."

That's just perfect XD

"May Ragathiel's eyes fall upon you and his wings shield you."

"Okay, to hell with it. The others can think what they damn well please."

Elliot couldn't stay unaffected by her concern and support so he turns back to take her hands. "Thank you. I'll-" The magus hesitates as he looks at his paramour. Could he really promise the divine General wouldn't find his blade wanting? What if the resistance was even worse and he couldn't suitably impress Angry Angel Dad? Was Ragathiel himself as open to showing mercy to captured evildoers as Merixia seemed to be? What if his doctrine ever directly clashed with Sarebrae's and he was expected to choose one or the other? What if the divine personification of vengeance started feeling he wasn't worthy to court his chosen champion? That would be devastating. "-do my best to win his approval." He decides on.

vaguley aware of the rest of the conversation, he looks back when Verene pushes the levitation scale onto him. "Ah, right. Um, here. You take it, Thesius. I'll just... um... go help Aravashnial do our vanishing act." As said, he casts Invisibility from his spellbook on Thesius and then himself. Assuming the third cast is provided by Aravashnial. With the bard, paladin and himself invisibible and flying, he sets off after them to the closest siege tower.

I won't try to cheese this, realistically Elliot would also cast Shield and Blade spirit's guidance before flying off as it also lasts minutes/level and he wouldn't want to fight without those. I'll write off two level 1 and two level 2 slots for the day. @Verene is the pearl of power finished?

"Okay. So we are going with the sabotage first," Elliot surmises. When Azira makes her suggestion he nods. "True, if you are discovered and they manage to dispel the flight while you are above the tower, that would trap you there. I still think you are best suited to fight your way out, but I could go instead if we stick with giving Thesius one guard. I can reapply my flight if they manage such a thing and if not I can simply jump off of the tower and land softly." He wasn't entirely sure if his flight ability *could* actually be dispelled but it was a valid concern he supposed.

For sake of expediency I suggest the first two to agree how to proceed with the Sabotage is the plan that is enacted. The options Elliot suggested are Thesius by himself, Thesius with one (or two) guards and everyone at once. It will just cost progressively more high level spells. Elliot's vote is giving Thesius one or two guards on his sabotage job. He himself only really needs invisibility to follow Thesius and can potentially provide that himself.

When Irabeth asks about magical ways to aid in moving the army, he shares the options the team discussed the night previously. See discussion. "I think the most promising and least costly option in terms of our resources is a spell called Expeditious Construction , If Verene is open to providing that. If the Ramp is 20 feet or so tall diagonally, two castings of that would provide a simply slope downward and then back upward on the other side of the bank. It won't exactly be easy since we'd have a ramp only three feet wide, but at the very least our infantry should be able to cross decently quickly in rows of two. The horses willbe trickier. Even if we double the castings to four that would only give us a ramp six feet wide. Still not ideal and very taxing to Verene's power but maybe that's wide enough for mounted knights to cross in single file."

I don't have any better ideas. We did put forth alternative ideas in the discussion that didn't receive definitive yes or no's but this one seems to have the lowest cost and is the least ambiguous for our goal. The only assumption is that we can form a simple slope upward that would let us bypass the climb check. We can then I.E. use more mobile units and archers to guard the point where the army climbs up. At level 6 our magical options for mass army transport are very limited.

"Urge. To ask. Rising." Elliot thinks on the implication of Verene and his teacher spending even more time together. His hair flares through varying hues of blue and red before he manages to hold his focus on the immediate task. He sits back, relieved that Merixia seemed to be her normal self.

"I don't mind sabotaging more of the siege engines before we do anything else - at some point we will have to manage it regardless. However, I do believe that their presence shouldn't matter for our immediate plan of attacking the cultists on the south. The siege towers are parts of the wall of the city to out immediate west - at least the ones we know of. If they could have shot us while we were camping here out in the open, one could assume we're simply out of range and whether we go south or east, either takes us even further away. It'd cause a lot of chaos if catapults attacked us during the night. Woyuld the demons really pass that up?" he wonders when a disturbing thought hits him. "Although... I suppose it *is* possible that they are withholding fire for if we attempt to cross any bridge, and then fire at the both bridge and us to collapse it." He frowns. "Yeah, maybe we should make sure they can't do such a thing on the off-chance they're capable and patient enough to do that."

His brows crease as he peers at the map. "So... how are we handling this in detail? Are we sending Thesius by himself to be as covert in this sabotage as possible? Or add one bodyguard for saftey? Or all of us? It's going to take a large number of spells to make us all invisible and fly around, though I could provide my own." The magus shrugs. "How about we go with Thesius and Azira, if they are open to that? Thesius for the obvious sabotage and Azira because she's our best warrior and can heal if needed?" He had no issue admitting the paladin was stronger than him, especially if his flight advantage was granted to her by someone else. In spars, she'd beaten him every single time. The only way to have a chance against her would be to go all out with his spells and Wardstone power, which he'd never do as it would weaken himself against any actual enemies that day. Plus, he was fairly sure his fellow Aasimar was holding back against him as well.

"If nothing else, there's a psychological effect to strength in numbers. From afar, any enemy we engage might not be aware that any forces in the rear or moving to flank them aren't as well equipped," Elliot muses the next day at the meeting. He listens to Verene's suggestions and nods. "That seems like the safest move. Maybe we can try having Thesius and Verene escorted south to inspect the bridge before we do so. If it's deemed passable using magic we can go for that and save a lot of time. If not, we simply head east and begin our backtrack."

He waits to see if Thesius and his sister were open to that suggestion before refocusing on Merixia, curious for any signs that her prayers towards her god had worked.

"...Oh gods. Let's hope it eats enough assassins that it won't try to eat tbe hellwasp swarm as desert. I'm not sure anything even exists near here that could stop it if released." The veteran warrior shudders as Torra reminds them of the earlier danger, then follows Ritti, ready to defend him. Her. It? No definitely her, she'd said so earlier... right?

He grimaced. If only the side effects of mutagens didn't signifacntly impair his cognitive abilities...

"I'm still getting used to having a partner in life. I've never courted anyone before, so earlier I guess I just acted on instinct."

"Yeah... same here," The magus smiles and puts his arm and her shoulder when she leans into him. "All I really have as reference material are some books I read on how this sort of thing is supposed to go - assuming the stories can be trusted. Except that, you know..." He looks around the devastated buildings, the army going about setting up camp and its chores such as the pile of bodies that would have to be dealt with and the blasted and mutated landscape of the Worldwound. "...There is a distinct lack of anything normal going on around us."

"Anyway, Verene convinced me that it isn't actually a sign of weakness to pray for guidance when I've done my best and it isn't working, and since Ragathiel is the whole reason I'm here in the Worldwound, he just might answer." Merixia chuckles. "An atheist counseling a cleric on a matter of faith. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke."

Elliot snorts, amused at first, then he contemplates the deeper implications. "...He might, yeah. What with the five of us each receiving visions of our respective gods before. One might assume they are unusually invested in us and our success." The swordsman continues, frowning. "Just, ah, if he offers to change you in some way, would it be because you wanted to or because you felt forced to? I want you to be happy," He clarifies. "And I love you as you are. Just know that you don't have to do such a thing. We've gotten by everything in our way thusfar and I'm sure we will continue to do so. Just..." He struggles to find the words. Whatever happened to Meri, he would have to live with that too. "So long as it's your choice."

Realizing it was getting late, he eventually disentangles himself. "All right. Shall we go off and have a bit to eat? I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And dead tired, too. We'll need to get a good bit of sleep while we can, probably." He smiles even though part of him was reluctant to break this tender moment amidst all the carnage of the crusade.

Marius makes a hmm of acknowledgement (if not complete understanding) and signals the coachman their readiness to depart.

Likewise, Rose isn't sure how to handle the Baron following his reaction. Apparently, he picked human values over his canine ones while at the same time taking offense of human language and doing so easily. She wasn't sure what that meant for his exact level of intelligence or restraint but could only hope Barcos would be able to reign him in at Yanmass when it mattered. He could, however, realize when someone was laying it on thick and clearly wasn't the type to joke around or fall for flattery, which she hoped translated to good social awareness in general.

"By now, if you were not made aware, you should all know that I... failed out of the program. Too aggressive. Too angry. Too... principled. (...) But those skills never go away, do they?" she looks down and there's a message in her eyes, just for the other woman, though it isn't entirely clear what it might be.

"Made aware...?" Rose repeats, feeling she was missing something, especially with the pointed look. What was that about 'the program' or falling out because of anger or principles? As far as she knew, people did fail the lessons of the academy based on their difficulty, but their personality? There was rare at best. Attendence wasn't exactly cheap and poor behavior reflected poorly all one's peers and the other major noble families. It was the place to form connections and you were expected to be on your best behavior - at least in public. "So why didn't I hear anything about her?"

"Why would we be made aware of you dropping out of the Kith? The Academy isn't exactly easy to finish, for one. But even then, it's not as if those skills translate perfectly to one's value in the field. You obviously did just fine these past weeks. I mean, thank you for being honest but please don't pull yourself down over it." She grins and gives a fond look at the inquisitor. "Though I must admit the dancing skills come in handy at times. Also the trivia! There was this one time I had this standoff with a foul-mouthed shipwright on boat repair - I'd like to think he was suitably humbled. I was a horrible violinist, though. You couldn't pay me enough to embarass myself like that ever again - and I pity anyone unfortunate enough to ever hear me commit crimes against the Scales." The tailor gives an embarassed chuckle as she enters the carriage, after which she begins reading a book with basic information on the region they'd be travelling to.

”Plus, when I woke up today it seemed like a fun idea.”

"Really? You mean to say dressing up as someone else is a hobby to you?" Rose asks, intrigued. Then she smiles. "Well, if you ever want any assistance or feedback on a outfit - or even, dare I say it, a new one tailored to your specifics charms - please feel free to ask! I have extensive experience breaking out of the compound. And, on occasion, into it too. Disguises are my speciality, second only to speculative intrigue and explosive alchemy." She winks at the Ulfan just as Baron Barksley bristles in protest.

"My mum was a lovely woman. Do not say that about 'er."

diplomacy?: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

Ah yes, talking animals and the age old question: to improve its attitude, do I roll Diplomacy or Handle Animal? The finer mysteries of pathfinder...

"Wait. So those words had actual meaning! On my first try!?" She rounds to the dog, sheer excitement drowning out the rest at first. "What part of it signified- ...oh, sorry, an insult to your mother? Then what did I call her? Truly, I do apologize for any offense."

She takes that back when Barksley informs her. "A b*tch? But... you're a dog. So... how am I supposed to refer to-"

Just as she says it, something in her demeanor changes just then and there is a certain fire in her eyes and voice as she kneels down and looks him right in the eyes. "No, wait. THAT isn't the issue here. You and me, we are nipping this one right in the bud! You, sir, are a noble scion of canine heritage, are you not! You have faced down assassins! Claimed an entire prefecture as your territory! You and you alone are Baron among the hounds of Taldak! Is that not worthy of praise? Of respect! Have you not already achieved more than most humanoids can ever aspire to?" She follows, daring him to disagree.

Of course, these were only rhetorical questions. "If so, then no one should impose the social values of other cultures above yours! No one should sabotage your pride - not even you yourself! Submitting to human slang should be beneath your caninity, good sir! So when someone calls your mother 'a b*tch', stand tall and proud! *I* value my human heritage, and when someone calls me 'human woman', I say: Yes, and thank you kindly!"

She catches her breath, now ruffling the sides of Barkley's face as she (seemingly) attempted to talk more sense and self-respect (?) into him with every line. "Now I want to hear you accept your forebears! Speak, bold and worth of your title, your legacy: "I am Baron Barksley and me mum's the single greatest B*tch in all of Avistan! And anyone who dares claim otherwise will have their legs used as fetch toys!"

The noblewoman looks at the Baron expectantly.

Later, just before leaving...

""City. Agent. Child. Scry. Yes? (...) Oh! You can... Good! Yes!"

"Lotti..." Lingering behind as the elder gnome servant cleaned up the meeting room, Rose is burning to ask about Velvet and Wobblekins, but in light of these developments, what comes out instead is:

"Are you on drugs?" She asks, deeply concerned. "Or, um. I mean. Can I get you some help? Really, I won't judge! There was a lot of that going on at the academy when people weren't looking so..." She trails off, unsure how to continue yet very aware of the irony of someone with a mental illness more worried about someone else's cognitive health.

"I was so disappointed and mad at myself for completely failing everyone that fight. (...) Just maybe don't ask when I'm that upset and the situation isn't safe enough to break down emotionally? "

Elliot isn't sure where to begin; the time and place component was clear but there were feelings of inadequacy there too, which he himself had also struggled with in the past. Perhaps he still did, to some degree. But that wouldn't stop him from trying his best for her. ”All right. I’ll keep that in mind. Just know that you don’t have to pretend things are well. Not to me, at least – I wouldn’t think any less of you. Everyone has their off days; I certainly had mine below Kenabres.” He grins wistfully – it felt like a lifetime ago. In a sense it was, with parts of his memory replaced by that of another. ”And…” Mustering his courage, he gently takes her hand. ”I am your… partner, am I not? I’d like to think that if something ever did trouble you in the future, no matter what it was, you’d feel safe and secure enough to tell me. And if not, to tell me that instead.” There is an earnest warmth to his gaze.

”Besides, I do believe I owe you at least a few more pep talks,” He adds good-naturedly. ”It doesn’t seem entirely fair that when I feel down, you’re there for me, but when you feel down, you go to Verene instead. Or Verene gets to you first? Either way – when does a poor guy get to return the favor! ” The magus laments in decidedly overly dramatic fashion before rising up and taking a similar cliché heroic pose. ”Do you hear that, universe! I, Elliot Worthane, have empathy too!“ He boasts heavenward. ”I demand you let me use it!”

The sky was not visibly impressed. ”…Both demon and crusader alike are laughing at me, aren’t they.” Deflating back to normal, he chuckles. ”Let’s hope that one doesn’t make it into the history books.” He risks a glance at his companion. Maybe he’d lifted her mood? Made her laugh? Smile? It was all he could hope for.

”on the road, I am the mercenary Kela. I will guard you and watch the carriage as we go.”

"Of course," Rose answers, looking up from her 'good boying' of the Baron. She suppressed an odd yet deep feeling of amusement over someone else doing the whole secret identity thing for a change. "I assume that is because your father wishes to keep his involvement and support a secret for now? Or is there a different reason?"

After Faenia's response or lack thereof comes, her attention is redirected to Baron Barksley and Wobblekins. "Actually... hold on you two. If both of you can speak, there is something scientific curiosity commands me to ask!"

She crosses her arms. "If animals can learn to speak common, can us humanoids learn to speak your tongue in turn? And I mean that in a non-magical way, of course. In example, if I say '*woof, woof!*', or '*Miauw...?*', what does that translate to?" She follows, watching both familiars in turn. To her credit, she did mimic the animal noises surprisingly well.

Elliot listens to the interplay between all staff members, very glad for their expertise and experience. While he could offer suggestions, formulating a workable plan for a force now three hundred or so strong was highly complicated and soon the fatigue of the day's battles begins wearing down his ability to focus. He's happy when Irabeth dismissed the team, feeling he did everything he could have contributed that day. And the premise of a good meal followed by his tent and bedroll seemed awfully tempting just then.

"Want to take a walk?"

...But resting would have to wait. "Of course. I know just the place." He smiles and begins heading towards one of the many only partially intact buildings to the north - probably still a holdover from the capture of the city by the demons in the past. Perhaps there'd never been a need for them to repair the lodgings, what with the demons' native resistances to most weather effects. Or maybe fixing things just wasn't in their nature to begin with. Regardless, it was easy to find and ascend one of the half-collapsed towers to get a decent view of both the citadel to the west, the making of camp below them and the bridge over the dry riverbed to the south.

Along with the setting sun, that was probably the best possible scenery one could hope for on a crusade, or so he figured. "We made good progress today," He says as he sat down on the edge, drawing and resting Righteous Eclipse on his lap for added sitting comfort. Starting with something positive and pretty much objectively true seemed a safe way to start the conversation. "The crusade as a whole, I mean. If we figure out how to move the army across the riverbed, at this rate we'll have all of Drezen's surroundings cleared out in mere days."

The momentary look of contemplatation over that logistical problem fades as he briefly shakes his head. "But that's not why we're here, is it? So... how are you holding up?" The magus follows invitingly, trying to read his lover's mood and intentions.

"Did you get the impressions that we could pass by Citadel Drezen and cross the main bridge?"

Um, did we? I don't remember that information coming up. However...

"That would mean marching the entire army right by their front gate, exposing it to at least two more towers with catapults and whatever decides to charge at us from the gate. Not to mention that IF we do that, it would be very easy for the demons to trap us on the bridge to the west by attacking from the rear and front the moment we try and cross it." Elliot says. "I'm no tactician, but that sounds like a disastrous idea."

He turns and looks south, in the direction of the rocky riverbed. Seeing Merixia, he smiles warmly and waves her over. "Hey! Feeling better now?" he asks, relieved as that was apparent enough. He'd have to thank his sister later - and it was probably best to not even allude to having been there himself even momentarily. Everyone had their bad moments. What was to be gained by lingering on them? Nothing good, in his mind. Still, maybe he could help out to restore her spirits further.

"If I could only cast that spell..." He thinks, but he knows he can't - so he puts it on hold for later. "We're trying to figure out how to proceed from here," He continues instead. "Do you have any ideas?" He asks her, then turns back to Irabeth and Thesius. "It seems to me that we only have two workable courses of action: try and cross the river or bridge to the south to neutralize that army and get its supplies for our new men, or keep sabotaging the siege towers so the army has more freedom to move about. In any case, it's probably best to deal with any and all cultist and demon forces outside the city before we attack it directly. At least, that's what seems safest to me."

"So... how about we put the army to work repairing the south bridge enough for us to cross it? Is that possible? If we follow Azira's plan and outfit the former prisoners with bows, we should have good protection from any aerial threats. And if this camp is out of range for their remaining siege weapons, whoever we sent to work on the bridge should be too. Even outside of potential magic, we have a lot of people to work with. Surely we can get something done in a reasonably short time?" He muses, looking at the others for their opinions.

Before leaving the region:

Rose spends most of her her remaining time contributing to the region's stability. Many letters are written to and fro to Dame Crabbe, Legate Voinum, Barons Okerra and Araig and finally Baronet Vort to make agreements on local trade and local security in the time they would be away. She travels to say farewell to Sepsinia and Dame Crabbe personally, handing her the document of partial ownership of the Manor along with the invitation that she would always be welcome there or wherever Rose happened to be, should she need her support. Similar heartfelt goodbyes are made when she parts with both Konstiantina and Lisa, who had elected to stay behind.

"I'll miss you both. Please be well. We couldn't have asked for better friends to help us on the way, and I know everything is in good hands here." She wipes away tears of sentimentality and puts on a smile. "Hey, let's all agree to meet next year on the next Harvest Festival - and we'll do another perfomance!" She looks fondly at Lisa, her unlikely but probably best friend. "...And bake some more pies together." She adds to Konstiantina, grinning. There probably couldn't be a better steward than the stalwart paladin, pristine in her dignity and unshakable morals. "And with a whole year to prepare, I am expecting the best pie this side of the Inner Sea." She adds teasingly, enjoying the aasimar's brief look of panic.

The remainder of her time is spread between quiet -and less quiet- moments with Marius and the pure bliss that came with the realization that she had not one, not two, but five whole weeks of partial backlog for the Thread Rare to work through!

Truly, Stachys was paradise.

She'd miss it - not as an assignment, but as... home. She thinks, giving it one last look as the carriages for departure are loaded. "We'll come back here, won't we?" she asks Marius, briefly leaning onto his shoulder as they left.

During the above meeting, whenever it taks place:

Rose chuckles softly at the interplay between Barcos and Marius as she knelt down to give Baron Barksley a good welcoming petting. She does, however, looks a bit worried when Wobblekins was mentioned and directly called out. At one point, she was going to have to talk to Lotti about what they knew and there was only so much opporunity left to put it off...

If only we had mythic obscuring mist here, which iirc created fog clouds literally miles wide. Plenty to obscure an entire army.

Also @Verene np, I'll bow out of this scene. I like the dialogue between the two of you.

With their numbers now tripled, Elliot feels a surge of pride - they were doing it, making a real difference. Not only by killing more enemies, but also actually saving others while they were at it. These people had been condemned to fates presumably worse than death. No one apart from the fifth crusade could have saved them - and they had. Hundreds and hundreads of demons and cultists had been unable to stop them.

He isn't sure what to do when some of the prisoners seem to go out of their way to thank him specifically as he walked past - apparently the group's exploits during the journey were further adding to their growing reputation and some claimed their progress was sorely possible due to the five of them being here - a claim he was discintly uncomfortable with. "Ah, sure. No problem?" He says, which was probably the lamest possible way a 'decorated hero of the crusade' could have responded. But then again, he was about as charasmatic as a stage magician could be expected to be, suddenly tossed to the forefront of a nation or world-altering conflict, expected to take a lead role.

Still he stays, walking through the crowd on the off-chance his technically only 'missing' father would be among them. But he abandons those efforts soon enough - clinging to false hope only made the crushing disappointment worse. And speaking of such...

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

He finds Verene talking to a stack of crates. And while he wouldn't deny anyone their own particular ways of relieving stress, the sounds of crying eminating from them up close were a rather telling giveaway. His eyes meet his sister's and he slowly nods. I'll leave this to you then, he implies as he silently leaves the scene, thinking he was abiding Meri's earlier wish of not wanting to talk just yet. Maybe his sister had better luck.

If Azira hadn't already done so, he'd report their success to Irabeth. It seemed pointless, as that could be inferred easily be enough from their presence here and the notable lack of giant boulders falling from the sky to turn them into bloody paste. But at least it would distract him from that feeling of powerlessness over his girlfriend's sorrow...

"I'm not okay. But this really isn't the time or place to talk about it. Excuse me, Verene needs my help."

Elliot watches her make a quick exit, the urge of needing to do something only growing stronger. But if she needed space, he should abide by her wish - right? Or was he, as her partner, expected to be more decisive and proactive? He sighed - relationships were complicated.

"Say, Righteous Eclipse? You wouldn't happen to have any advice on courting from your previous wielders, would you? Or just your own? Though I'm aware there probably isn't much of that going on in the world of animated swords... is there?" He thinks to the sword.

When they reach the next battlefield, his shapechanging magic has faded and he's back to his usual self, flaming hair gently taking in the wind. Wasting no time and seeing no reason to hold back in such a mass conflict, he reached deep within himself and forced out his arguably most powerful protective magics of blur and shield, then took to the sky. With his speed and maneuverability, the crimson blur - and by gods he hoped that particular name wouldn't stick! - flipped around the battlefield with lethal precision, more than once actually causing a demon to pass out or even run away rather than being struck down. Perhaps the thought of someone taking them alive was just that much more terrifying than being struck down by crusaders on the retreat, and with how demons tended to treat their prisoners, he supposed he couldn't blame them.

Still, throughout it all, he tries to stay near his friends or any crusaders who look like they really need assistance. With Merixia feeling out of it and how some of these demons here were much worse than the ones in Kenabres, he doesn't overly push his luck.

Andochtuir watches the ceiling with a sinking feeling. "...We need to return to Kalsgard immediately and inform the others. Yuto confirmed to this demon that we have the Seal. They will bring whatever forces they can muster. I wouldn't be surprised if they say we need to leave the city right away."

Glancing around the injuries and blood-soaked party members, he blinks. "Oh, and uh, is everyone all right? Should I attend to someone's injuries?"

With Torra seemingly the worst for wear, the giant lumbers over to her and gently places a hand on her shoulder. "It happens sometimes. When I fought the demon in the castle, I felt useless while you saved us. The important thing is that we have eachother's backs when it counts. At least, that's what my Quenya -I mean, my... captain in common- used to say."

heal Torra: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38

Heals Torra for 45

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Standing by near the catapult, Elliot was relieved Verene and Thesius both were so knowledgeable on its engineering - if left to him he would have just destroyed whatever his scimitar could reasonable sabotage and take random loose bits, hoping on Desna's grace that they were the correct ones. He was very curious how and where the two of them learned such feats, but there were more important matters to attend to.

Like Meri's decidedly dead look right then which hit him like a Brimorak's hoof straight to the stomach - and his face could very much attest to just how hard that was. He wasn't sure whether it was worse to see her enraged or like this following a similar fight like in the temple, but even he could tell it had to be addressed somehow. Still, he does as instructed, accepting the healing up to where most of his wounds were seen to. Then he lingers behind a bit when the process of tending to the others is over. "Thanks. But... are you okay?" He asks the cleric, concern evident. "If you feel like talking, I'll listen. Maybe offer some advice. Can't promise it'll be all that good but that's never stopped me before." He grins slightly at the last part. Maybe a bit of humor would help? At times likes these he wished he was more eloquent like most of his other friends here...

"These demons were really tough... I hope the commander and the others are having a better time down there." Elliot says when he lands back atop the tower, letting his flight magic fade with the time. He glanced around, noticing that apart from Azira, and to a lesser extent Merixia, everyone looked worse for wear. "We have to play our part, though. Let's figure out how to destroy this thing or make it unusable." He follows and approaches the siege equipment.

Is it feasable for us to make it in time/distance to join the battle still and help out the crusaders? If not Elliot would suggest searching the tower and the bodies of the brimoraks. Otherwise he is open to trying to rejoin the battle even if it takes part off-screen.