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Sarathel Tirabade: "Either we should wait here until the charm wears off, or get everyone back to the Defender's Heart, lest more cultists return before them, as I see it."
Zullion: I do not mind either, but staying here may leave us vulnerable, we do not know the layout of the area that well, and an ambush could be... unwanted"
Sarathel Tirabade: "There's probably someone at the Heart who can break the enchantment."
Vendric: "So Nightwolf, how long have you been friends with Faxon?"
Nightwolf "I... uh... don't remember, isn't that strange?"
Vendric: "Not at all."
Altruis Heavensward: "It'd be best to make our way back to the safe haven."
Nightwolf "Is it wise to bring the cultists back to the Heart?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Every little bird has a story to tell and maybe they'll sing for us?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "It is a fortified location, with lots of paladins. Can you think of another place they'd be keeping prisoners?"
Zullion: "If they try anything that goes against what we strive for, it would be most bad for their health." he was mainly looking at the one still tied up.
Lerial: "I know what's good for mine."
Zullion: "Oh, I had no intention to refer to you Lerial," he gives her a warm smile.
Nightwolf "Very well, lets be off then. Before Vendric starts asking me about my childhood."
Zullion: "Lerial, would like to accompany me on my companion over there? His name is Lighthoof."
Lerial returns the smile, and is very careful not to point weapons anywhere near her... new friends or captors? "Of course, he's a beautiful animal."
Zullion: "Indeed, he was a gift from my father when i came of age, we have spent many hours just riding"
Lerial: "A gift to be treasured, I'm sure."
Zullion simply smiles and nods to her statement, and motions for her to get on. He cups his hands for her to get up.
Altruis Heavensward smiles as his own companion joins him on his shoulder, chirping a chorus of it's own.
Lerial manages to land just behind the saddle, looking somewhat surprised she doesn't fall off the other side. "I... really don't have much experience with animals."
Zullion: "Do not worry, I do. Just hold on, and everything will be fine. " he hops on and joins her.
Lerial stows her glaive, and holds onto him.
Altruis Heavensward: "On a sidenote, I should probably give my Dove a name at some point, given that it's helped me to knighthood." He throws the door-guard over his shoulder.
Nightwolf "I don't trust her." He hoists Faxon over his shoulder careful not to hurt his friend.
Altruis Heavensward gaze softens after a peering glance at Lerial and a nodded confirmation from his Dove.
Vendric: "So back to the inn then?
Zullion: "That is the plan, i think"
Altruis Heavensward: "For a job well done, a hot meal, and payment."
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On the way back, they come across a trio of abrikandilus leaving a shop.
Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. As Nightwolf finds his mark he notices a weak point in the creature's defenses. The demon is struck twice, once through the rat-like tail and once through the thigh.
Vendric sighs, "I knew hoping we'd get back without running into anything was too much to hope for." He moves up and throws some holy water at the foremost demon, striking it squarely in the chest.
Altruis Heavensward moves up 5 ft. and fires his sling of justice at Nightwolf's target, cracking its arm. The demons charge Vendric, who happened to be walking near the front of the group.
Abrikandilu: "You dare defile us with your foul substances?" Two of them manage to bite the alchemist. Sara moves forward, preparing to heal him.
Zullion: "Take the one in front so I have a clear path!" he calls as he readies a charge.
Lerial is surprised to be trusted with this, but awkwardly pulls out her glaive and swings, nearly losing her grip on it. "Sorry... said I'm not used to animals..."
Zullion stabs the furthest foe in the gut. And the middle one has a hoof stomp on his foot. Nightwolf fires twice more. The nearest demon falls with an arrow through the throat, the farthest has one sprout from a shoulder. Vendric moves back 5 feet and throws another holy water at the now-left-hand demon. The demon's flesh sizzles as the holy water dribbles down its front. Altruis Heavensward fires the sling again, aiming for the one on the right... but the bullet whirrs over everyone's head and through a window. The left-hand abrikandilu steps in to attack Vendric, his flesh still steaming, and the one on the right steps in to take vengeance on Zullion.
Sarathel Tirabade steps back, offers a prayer, and rests a hand on Vendric's head, healing him.
Vendric: "Thank you."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Glad to be of service."
Lerial takes another swing at the demon. "I may be getting the hang of this..." she smiles, as the demon's head comes off.
Zullion: "HAHAH! Indeed you are!" he exclaims as he jabs at the remaining demon, before Lighthoof lays into it...not that there's much point, once the lance finds the demon's black heart.
"Victory! Well done Lerial, good job, and from horseback too, there may be a rider in you!"
Altruis Heavensward wraps the sling back around his throat as an ascot, giving it a light puff.
Lerial: "Maybe... I've never had the chance before."
Zullion: "Then I shall teach you"
Altruis Heavensward: "Many chances lay before the glory of the sun."
Altruis Heavensward: "Maybe I should practice with my sling more."
Lerial chuckles, somewhat nervously. "The...windows would thank you?"
Zullion: "Ah yes, the poor windows,
always at the mercy of his scorn"
Vendric: "I'm surprised it wasn't already broken."
Altruis Heavensward: "Most effective strip of cloth I've ever known, and you can disguise it as clothing...since it more or less is."
Zullion: "And as useful as such"
And with that, they press on to the Defender's Heart.
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They give the password "Silverstrong" as they approach, with some of the guards cheering to see they are not only each in one piece, but with prisoners in tow.
Irabeth Tirabade: "I take if you've been successful in cleansing at least one of the enemy safehouses."
Nightwolf "be it ever so humble..."
Zullion: "Indeed we have, we also have 2 captives"
Irabeth Tirabade eyes Lerial. "Two?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Three for three on the cleansing, and we recovered some holy symbols for the troops, even gave them a wash. We have a Sarenite case."
Nightwolf "The first was naught but traps, but we've brought some prisoners for interrogation from the second...and as reported, the third was destroyed before we first came here."
Zullion: "Yes, the proprietor of the place, and one of his servants."
Vendric: "The non tied up one had a change of heart. Brought on by Zullion there."
Irabeth Tirabade smiles. "Well done. Not many of the cultists are willing to reach for something better."
Lerial shrinks behind Zullion.
Nightwolf "Then she shouldn't mind answering questions."
Lerial: "What do you want to know? I mean, I know a lot of our...the demons'... forces were sent to the Gray Garrison, but no one bothered to tell me why."
Altruis Heavensward: "Knowledge is the strongest weapon we have in this war."
Lerial: "I ...don't think I know all that much, but you can ask."
Nightwolf "Do we have any here that can remove a charm effect? I believe the leader here was charmed in to helping the cultists."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Yes. Quednys or Aravashnial should be able to break a charm."
Zullion fakes a cough and nudges his head at Nighthawk as he looks at Irabeth
Irabeth Tirabade nods. "I'll just have a word with him..." She frowns, attempting to detect evil on Lerial. She then nods. "Looks like a sincere convert. Some have tried to trick us."
Irabeth Tirabade heads up the stairs to fetch a mage.
Aravashnial: "Commander Tirabade has explained your problem. This should take but a moment." He casts dispel magic... on Nightwolf, who is restored to his right mind.
Nightwolf shakes his head momentarily as the effect clears. "I thank you Aravashnial."
Vendric: "So how do you fell about Faxon now?
Nightwolf "I'd run him through... if I didn't have a better idea..."
Irabeth Tirabade: "And what is this better idea of yours?"
Nightwolf "Perhaps we can trick him into revealing some important information if he believes I'm still charmed]."
Altruis Heavensward: "So, lock you both in a cell?"
Nightwolf thoughtfully "I'm not sure that would be enough... maybe if we stage an escape?"
Altruis Heavensward: "That's a bit risky
Vendric: "I agree. Perhaps too risky."
Altruis Heavensward: "We could give me a few minutes with him. A few non-violent minutes."
Nightwolf "Fair enough, I'm not sure we could trust anything he says under duress though. What of the zone of truth we discovered?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "We'd have to bring him back to it. And who knows what other spells he could try."
Vendric: "Who knows if he has any other tricks as well."
Nightwolf "I suppose we'll just have to hope his survival instincts are enough to force the truth from him."
Altruis Heavensward: "Aravashnial, could you provide an anti-magic zone?"
Aravashnial: "I am afraid I have not found a surviving copy of that spell. So much was lost in the Librarium's ruin...."
Nightwolf "We'll keep his hands bound, and gagged when not being questioned. That should prevent most spell casting."
Altruis Heavensward: "I believe I should be sufficiently shielded from Faxon's magic as a paladin."
Vendric: "You never know though. Your protections could fail."
Altruis Heavensward: "Anything can fail, but to focus on failure will not see us forward. Sometimes it takes a plane-touched to understand a plane-touched, Vendric."
Vendric: "I'll take your word on that. I would like to be present at his interrogation though. in case something does go wrong i'd like to have a chance to stop it."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'll accept that."
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As a guard is dispatched to prepare one of the old private dining rooms into an interrogation room, the attention returns to the new convert.
Zullion: "Speaking of better, Lerial, for now, perhaps we can get you to work at this establishment. Help around the place. Till I have more time to spend with you. On the plus side, you will earn money in a good and honourable way. Come Lerial, let us go talk to the keeper of this establishment."
Altruis Heavensward: "Lerial could serve under my old tutor while here at the Inn."
Lerial: "You would really... trust me... in the guard?"
Irabeth Tirabade eyes Lerial carefully. "I think it would be wise to keep you from temptation for a while, but Velora instilling some discipline would do her good..."
Zullion: "Honest work, as I said. And as soon as I get some free time, I will come and sit with you"
Altruis Heavensward winks at Lerial, "Enjoy the wake-up calls for me."
Lerial smiles shyly. "Do you take this much interest in every woman who follows you home?"
Zullion: He chuckles "You are the first. And not to mention, that skill, even though untrained, on horseback, during combat, is quite a feat. I wish to see it honed, and flourish. A new you, so to speak"
Lerial smiles nervously, "But still a me that's -me-? You aren't going to try anything..." She makes a gesture that would look mystical to those who don't know what actual spellcasting looks like.
Zullion: He cocks his head, then it dawned on him and he laughs "By Apsu, no, he would disavow me if i tried something like that, no. You have left that old life behind, you are born anew"
Lerial: "Really? Just like that?" She sounds like someone so used to there always being a catch that she's having trouble believing there might not be one.
Nightwolf "If it makes you feel any better demon I still do not trust you and will be checking in on you as well."
Zullion: "Just like that." he frowns and starts to pat himself down, the grins "Got it" he hands her his silver holy symbol "Here you go"
Nightwolf "If you even smell of treachery I'll not hesitate to put an arrow in you."
Lerial stares at the silver dragon for a long moment, then gingerly picking it up, as though it might animate and bite her.
Zullion gets to his feat abruptly, his hand on his sword as he steps between them "Take that back" he growls at Nightwolf.
Altruis Heavensward: "Zullion, you cannot force your feelings and ideals on someone else, it's neither right nor just."
Zullion: "Neither is threatening people like that"
Lerial actually does look more relaxed with Nightwolf's warning.
Nightwolf "I'll not take it back, but save your ire for the enemy. As long as she remains on the straight and narrow I'll not harm her."
Zullion: "Then go tend to the one you have as a prisoner, Lerial and myself will not be present"
Lerial: "I don't mind, really. It's not like he shoved me against the wall with his hand on my throat...." Her casual tone indicates that's how her previous associates would deliver such a warning.
Altruis Heavensward starts working his way out of his armor and so he can seem less threatening.
Zullion: He takes his hand off his sword and takes his seat once more.
"If something like that happens to you, you are free to come to me and tell me who did this"
Lerial: "Okay...if you're sure..."
Zullion: "I am" he nods, then to the barkeep "Drinks for myself and my lady friend here"
Lerial smiles shyly.
Kimroth: "What'll you be having? Wine, ale, beer, something stronger?"
Zullion looks at Lerial expectantly.
Lerial: "Um.... ale?"
Zullion: "There you go!"
Kimroth: "Same for you, sir?"
Zullion: "Today has been a good day, also, I am bushed, so, strongest you got!"
Kimroth: "That'll be 2 gold for both."
Kimroth: starts pouring the drinks.
Zullion: "There you go, oh, can I start a tab for her? Till she can start earning money, I doubt she can pay for anything herself."
Kimroth: "If you want to pay for the lady, I'm certainly not going to argue it."
Zullion nods.
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Nightwolf: "I'll wait outside."
Altruis Heavensward places a healing hand on Faxon, who has been tied into a chair, then takes a patient seat and waits for him to stir. Faxon feigns continuing unconsciousness. Though he's doffed his armor Radience remains at his waist.
Altruis Heavensward: "Brother, don't do this. We can talk like civil men."
Faxon attempts to crack an eye open unobtrusively.
Altruis:"Don't make this harder than it has to be."
Vendric: "I see you peeking."
Faxon 's eyes snap open to glare.
Altruis Heavensward: "Now now, no need to show anger to kin."
Faxon-the-tiefling: "I see no kin." He says to the aasimar.
Altruis: "Back in my childhood, I was called demon-tainted for my scars. I can see you're in the same boat, so to speak." He raises his shirt to reveal about 4 jagged lines running across his chest. From the looks of them, they may have reached near the bone at the time.
Faxon: "So you've survived some trouble."
Altruis Heavensward: "And I see you have as well. Now, we're both touched by the planes, but that doesn't force us down a path."
Faxon's gaze darts around the room like a trapped animal.
ltruis Heavensward: "Just relax, you won't be harmed in this room."
Vendric: "Unless you give us cause."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'm not going to force you to tell me anything about what's going on, but if you want to work towards the path to redemption, you could tell us."
Faxon: "Yes, of course... why wouldn't I want to join a doomed cause? Give it five years, and everyone on Golarion will be speaking Abyssal."
Altruis Heavensward: "Doomed? You have to understand. The Worldwound -will- be sealed and we -will- win. I want to save as many lives as possible from eternal damnation. That includes yours."
Faxon sneers. "You've already lost. The wardline has failed, and that was all that was holding back an -entire plane.- The Abyss will swallow this world. You can swear fealty to its masters, and live... or they'll kill you... or they'll catch you and break you."
Altruis Heavensward: "And what will they do with you, knowing that you failed them?"
Faxon laughs. "What makes you think I've failed?"
Altruis Heavensward: "What makes you think you haven't? I'm the one being nice here. I'm offering you safety and redemption, but Lady Tirabade may have other plans for you."
Faxon: "Please... everyone knows the Eagle Watch doesn't have the stomach for torture."
Altruis Heavensward: "You're right. We'd never torture you, but we could sing songs, share chorus, and recite psalms till you wish you were dead. We don't torture, We cure."
Faxon: "Sounds like I'll be lulled to sleep until the day I awaken with my grandsire's true power."
Altruis Heavensward: "You think they'll let you have that power?"
Faxon: "They won't have a say in it. The Abyss itself shall grant my birthright."
Altruis Heavensward: "Oooh, cocky. The Abyss is well known for giving things as expected. It's never twisted the design for itself."
Faxon: "But my loyalty until death will earn a place in Lord Baphomet's eternal armies."
Altruis Heavensward: "Ah, there it is, there's where your glimmer of hope lies."
Faxon: "Yes, of course. I'd be an idiot to throw away eternal power to avoid a few months of napping, wouldn't I?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I guess that's how a pawn would think."
Faxon looks around. "Or a few days. Since this city's fall will be complete ere long."
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, we're sitting on our own demise, are we?"
Faxon: "Yes. You can't stop it. An army will be ready to teleport in either today or tomorrow."
Altruis Heavensward: "Has anyone told you that you're a worse liar than a paladin?"
Faxon luurches against his bindings.
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, filled with fire, are we? If you're so confident in your master's plan, then you wouldn't mind giving us a futile chance to fight back, yes?"
"I'm sure my Master's forces could put your corpses to some use.... and there's no way any of you can stand before Minagho's might. Oh yes... she's coming here. Personally."
Vendric: "I think we may surprise you. I mean we already did once."
Altruis Heavensward: "Bluffing again? You really don't believe in your cause. To think, someone with such a great and powerful destiny fears a small army holed up in an Inn."
Faxon: "Lord Baphomet holds those who trick our foes to their doom in high esteem. And if I simply change the doom, that is still practice, of a sort."
Altruis Heavensward: "What greater trick than the truth? Why, we'd send our strongest troops to deal with that cause."
Faxon: "All right. The truth then... it isn't MInagho coming... it's Areelu Vorlesh." He smirks. "Surely you know the name of the witch who -created- the Worldwound? Now you know the true futility of your cause, for in her might she can destroy this city with so much as a twitch of her eye!"
Altruis Heavensward: "And how is she going to magic us to death? A curse? Some witch's brew? Orphan tears?"
Vendric: "We won't know if we don't try. We have overcome many challenges already. This witch sounds like another one we will have to do."
Faxon: "The same way she did when she engineered her escape from Spellhold -- she will steal your hope, turning it to ash in your mouths as she makes it her own!"
Vendric: "My hope is very hard to steal."
Altruis Heavensward: "You called the wardstones our saving grace, does she mean to do something with them?"
Faxon: "So you -do- have a brain in your head."
Altruis Heavensward: "And where does she plan to corrupt this wardstone? So we can, you know, continue our futility."
Faxon smirks. "In the last place you'd think to look."
Altruis Heavensward: "A church?"
Faxon laughs. "That seems to be the first place you think of."
Vendric: "And what do you think would be the last we'd think of?"
Faxon: "Now that would be telling."
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, but you know how dim us holy-folk are to the truths of this world."
Faxon: "And so you will remain... until you forswear your oaths for better."
Vendric: "I think you just don't know yourself. Might not have been as high up in the chain of command to be granted that knowledge."
Faxon smirks. "A hint then. A creature out of history likes to work amidst other relics."
Altruis Heavensward: "The museum?"
Faxon: "Yes, of course the museum. It has the perfect resonance."
Altruis Heavensward flashes a smile, "Thanks for being so helpful."
Faxon looks puzzled.
Vendric: "So time to put him back to sleep?"
Faxon utters an incantaion, and Vendric feels himself fighting off...something. Faxon is knocked out by [i]Radiance's[i] hilt just before Vendric's vial breaks against him, so he doesn't feel the deathly burning.
Altruis Heavensward opens the door, "Corpse clean up! Also, we need the Commander!"
Irabeth Tirabade: "Corpse? You said you would not hurt him."
Vendric: "He did give us cause with that spell."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Spell?"
Nightwolf: "Good riddance."
Altruis Heavensward: "He cast a spell on Vendric, so I went to knock him out, a bit before Vendric doused him in holy water."
"But, the important part is we know everything."
Vendric: 'I'm not sure what spell it was but I'm glad I was able to resist what ever it was."
Irabeth Tirabade sighs. "It sounds like you were reacting in good faith. We'll just have to hope he isn't judged until this is all over.... that's the worst part of this war. Knowing that for each mortal foe slain, an immortal will likely take the field."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Which everything do you know?"
Altruis Heavensward: "They're going to corrupt the wardstones by using a piece of it down in the museum. Something about perfect resonance."
Nightwolf "Everything? He was that talkative? I didn't think you paladins had it in you to be so 'persuasive'."
Altruis Heavensward: "Well, 'it pays to know how to feint with words as well as a blade', as my old tutor used to say."
Irabeth Tirabade: "The museum? You mean the Grey Garrison? The Old Quarter is under their control... do you know when this is to happen?"
Alturis: "Within the next few days."
Vendric: "Not sure on a when but it seemed to be soon. Even still we should try to stop it as soon as we can."
Nightwolf "You were persuasive, nice job."
Irabeth Tirabade nods. "I'll consult with our arcane experts on how best to defuse this sort of threat. If we're to get people there soon, a small strike force is best suited to slipping through their lines. Will yours be sufficiently prepared by morning?"
Altruis Heavensward: "We should be, especially considering my full-plate should be ready."
Vendric: "If that is when you need us we will be prepared then."
Nightwolf "My bow is always at the ready."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Once I've consulted with Quednys and Aravashnial and determined the solution. I will call you to the mission briefing. Or first light tomorrow if our discussions take long enough that you wold otherwise be deprived of rest."
((Thus ends the 13th session))
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The party is gathered in a conference room that was once a private dining room, with the additions of Irabeth and an older man, whom Irabeth introduces as Quednys Orlun, there to make sure they undertand the magical implications.
Irabeth: "As horrific as recent events have been, we’ve come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev’s murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we’ve seen since the fall of Drezen. It’s fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory.
“While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we’ve heard from within the barricade they’ve erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you’ve managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we’ve determined what she intends to do.
“When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the Grey Garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we’ve learned, they’re hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones—essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon.
“The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven’t attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we’ve lined up for the slaughter.
“Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border—I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening—we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it.
"And as you've already agreed, that's where you come in." Irabeth adds with a grim smile.
"We stand ready to do our part" Zullion puts his arm across his chest. "Even if it means to lay down our lives"
Vendric: "Hopefully it doesn't mean that."
Quednys chuckles. "I hope not, and not only because that would be counterproductive. You lads have been a pillar of hope to the people of Kenabres, and to see hope die once more might break their spirits."
Altruis: "I will see this task done, and that our entire staging team makes it back alive, myself included."
Quednys: "I cannot say what defenses may stand in your way, of course, but once you reach the wardstone's remnant, the actual destruction will be quite simple." He pulls out a rod made from some white wood with a green orb between two prongs. "This is a rod of cancellation. Simply tap it against the remnant, and it should crumble, though given the strength of the magic imbuing the wardstones a few attempts may be necessary."
Altruis pats Radiance, "I'll be sure to get our friends a chance to tap the wardstone."
Quednys: "You will want to be careful with how you handle it, lest it drain any of your gear of magic on which you rely, and thus become useless itself."
Altruis: "So, i'm hearing you tell me not to carry it, lest it touch Radiance."
Quednys: "I believe it would better not to risk that, yes."
Zullion: "My suggestion is we wrap it up with old rags, and I will stow it on Lighthoof."
Irabeth: "Do you think you'll be able to access it swiftly enough in that condition? There's no knowing what defenses will lurk in the room where the fragment is kept."
Vendric; "It would be better to have it on one of us and ready to use. There is no telling how long of a window we will have to destroy the wardstone."
Zullion; "We have to get to the place first. But I will concede to your decision."
Altruis: "Perhaps we could have our friend Tomas hold it?"
Irabeth: "Is he the one who least relies on magical gear?"
Altruis: "Actually....I've just had a thought. Could we have a sheathe made for the rod? I'm versed in the ways of using an open hand as a shield, so i'd always have a hand free to draw it."
Quednys: "It is possible, but a sheathe is only more difficult to open wrapping if some of the rod does not stick out of it."
Zullion: "Any part of the rod? Then how would ones with magical rings wield such an item? Gloves?"
Quednys nods: "Quite. Its powers, while vast, still are limited to direct contact."
Vendric: "I could take it. I don't ususally use a melee weapon and I can throw my bombs and drink potions with one hand."
Altruis: "So, it'd essentially be a second sword for me to work with. I feel I could handle that. The Blessings of Iomedae have given me little need for the magics we've found on our enemies, so i'm the least decorated, as it were."
Irabeth: "Save for Radiance, as you've already noted."
Quednys: "And while magic, It is made of wood, not steel. I'm sure you don't want to be making it easy for your foes to sunder."
Altruis: "I wouldn't dream to draw it till the stone was in sight."
Zullion: "Yes. We do not wish our only way of defeating their plans to get turned into splinters."
Irabeth nods, and pulls out a map of the city. "With that settled, when you assault the Garrison, I will be leading the bulk of our forces, and the deepfolk who've joined us, in a raid opposite your planned line of approach, so I need to know your intended route."
Zullion: "Are their any side entry ways that the enemy may have overlooked?"
Irabeth points at a spot near the middle, at the western end of the East/West chasm running through the inner wall. "That is your goal. The chasms are easy to surveil, and they have troops on the walls. Unless a small chasm has been overlooked, I doubt there are any unobserved entries... which is why I intend to draw them away from you."
Zullion: "Then may Apsu watch over us as we attempt that entry."
Irabeth points to the side rift in the south wall. "This section currently has a heavier guard, more likely to be called away to reinforce attack from another quarter."
Altruis: "Perhaps attack from where you've witnessed little guard activity, to make them believe this is a genuine assault? And then our little squad walks right in the front door, barely opposed."
Irabeth nods, pointing at a chasm in the north wall. "This chasm's walls have been a deterrence to the Eagle Watch, but with our swift-climbing allies the threat will look much more real. I know you can handle yourselves, but if you need to fall back, please do so. Far better to require two assaults than to lose you... or that rod."
Altruis: "Have you been able to instruct our allies in sword use, yet? Or, as I would like to hope, a few have stepped up to seek out such training."
Irabeth: "Training takes time, and with the few days passed, it is better to let them continue using the weapons they know, although there are a few swordsmen among them."
Altruis: "Can you prepare a gold-glowing paste?"
Irabeth: "I'm not familiar with one."
Altruis: "If they just so happened to have a knight with a glowing, golden sword, then I'm sure they'd have no choice but to meet the threat with as much force as possible."
Irabeth: "I understand your meaning, but even if we knew such a substance, the coating would quickly come off in battle, and then they'd know it to be a diversion."
Altruis: "Fair point. The main diversion will have to do then."
Irabeth: "It will take a few hours for you to go around, making our more direct assault yet more diverting. So the question remaining is when we should plan to launch it. Sunset makes for a clear signal they wouldn't see as such, and you could then more easily creep past in the shadows."
Altruis: "Sunset seems workable, but I have a last question as far as armaments goes."
Irabeth nods. "Then ask it, by all means."
Altruis: "Do you happen to have a cold iron gauntlet in any of the stores? I'd like to do my best to not draw Radience till we're inside."
Irabeth: "One should be easy enough to find. And we'll buy you all the time we can."
Tomas hurries to his companions’ side in a whirl of robes, his hands covered in oil and dirt. Skinnareth slinks along behind.
Tomas: “Please, forgive me my absence. For a while now I’ve been absorbed in a project, and it took me forever to cobble the materials into something suitable.”
Altruis: "So long as you're ready for our mission."
Tomas: “I think so. I don’t know much, but what I heard from the summons was that this was our last hope to save the city.”
Sarathel: "The city, perhaps all of Mendev... but what matter the size of the stakes?"
Vendric: "Its still our best and only shot at stopping their plans and turning the tide."
Tomas: “What’s important is that you need someone with brains and with brawn on this mission. I have the brains, and with those brains I gave him the means to supply more brawn.” Tomas indicates Skinnareth, who grins in the back and displays gleaming iron shells upon his talons.
Altruis: "We've got both in grand supply."
Tomas: “What, so you’re saying you don’t need me? I may not be a warrior, but there’s still a lot I can do, no matter what the lizard has said.”
Altruis: "Now I never said that. Has the lizard actually been harming your sense of self-worth, friend?"
Skinnareth shrugs. “I already agreed on the promise that the demons had material wealth. And these nodules on my person do look... impressive.”
Tomas puts his hands on the table. “I urge you to let me go. I will prove that my skills are indispensable. And my magic expertise will help you win the day. So, am I going?”
Sarathel: "Tomas... I think everyone else has been assuming you'll be joining this venture."
Altruis: "I'm really not quite sure how you got it in your head that we'd abandon you."
Tomas: “Well, up to now I couldn’t do much against even the smallest of demons. With some of my modifications, my associate can more easily drive them back.”
Altruis: "Magic is not a path to quickly rise, it is the patient man's game."
Quednys "We generally prefer to think of it as a career of scholarship rather than as a game."
Tomas: “And my research of the spellbook from the library has expanded my knowledge significantly. So I am confident I can support you from behind the frontline.”
"And I have the front," Zullion nods.
Tomas: “Of course I know that this is a battle... which would have made me run. But I feel like, well, I already got this far. I need to see it through.”
"That is true bravery my friend" Zullion slaps Tomas on the back "not be fearless, but to face the fear."
Vendric: "In some cases one could also call it foolishness. Though in this case I wouldn't call it so."
Tomas: “Thanks... although one of my responses to fear is overwhelming optimism. Could be more this, that, or the other thing.”
After some further though on the party's capabilities and possible contingencies, the rod of cancellation is passed to Vendric. On the way out the door, Tomas picks up a cache of cold iron bolts and tanglefoot bags.
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The party makes their careful way through the ruined and blasted streets. Vultures circle overhead, as if in anticipation of the evening's carnage. The outer quarter is fairly pacified.
As the sun sets, they near their proposed entry, taking cover behind a building with a stealthy, reptilian scout watching for the way to clear. Not five minutes after sunset, the fiendish figures guarding the way vanish.
((Thus ends the 14th session))
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Our heroes swiftly make their way to the Grey Garrison, where they find a large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretching before the aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more—nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. Two hideously obese, naked men armed with scythes guard the Gray Garrison’s entrance. Nightwolf takes a moment to study them, and recognizes them as Kandro Nyserian and Lord Hulrun—once the leader of Kenabres....both appear to have put on a few dozen pounds.
Nightwolf "Lord Hulrun, Kandro Nyserian?"
Altruis Heavensward: "You know these people?"
Lord Hulrun: "Have you come to turn yourself over to Deskari?" He grimaces evilly.
Nightwolf "That's Lord Hulrun - leader of Kenabres... sort of."
Altruis Heavensward: "And there goes subtlety. Have at thee."
Zullion: "For siding wholly with the forces of the Abyss, I hereby sentence you to death."
Nightwolf "I guess we're doing this." He fires at Lord Hulrun, the arrow sinking deeply into his bare flesh.
Kandro steps forward, and a wave of darkness washes out from him, pain washing over our heroes. Zullion lowers his lance at Kandro, and charges. As Kandro dies, the flesh bursts open, revealing a pallid, five-jawed worm. The lance is also piercing said worm.
Altruis's dove speaks to him in Celestial. "Vermleks! The men were already dead. That worm inside is a demon. They can cast out waves of negative energy or spider climb at will, and react to it as undead... if they shed their fleshly disguises, they heal."
Altruis Heavensward: "A vermlek, kill it swiftly lest it shed the dead body and flee."
Nightwolf "Chest busting worms bad, got it."
The vermlek wearing Lord Hulrun's corpse tries to move in to catch them all in another wave of negative energy. It proves to be less nimble than it thought as Zullion's lance intercepts it in the last mistake it would ever make.
Altruis Heavensward: "Good work, my friend. That lance of yours is mighty dangerous."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Especially with a horse's weight behind it."
Zullion: "Only with the help of my friend here" he pats the flank of Lghthoof, "without him, i am not the best on the ground with two feet"
Nightwolf "These men were once respected leaders of the city. We should hide their remains in one of these collapsed buildings until we can return for them to give them a proper burial.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Yes, I quite agree."
Altruis Heavensward gives the worms a good stomping....just to be sure.
Zullion: "I am not sure there will be much left, but yes, respected burial for them" he nods, and makes a strange motion with his hand.
Zullion, Sarathel, and Nightwolf gather the human remains to a quiet corner to await burial.
Altruis Heavensward tries to listen past the door, and thinks he hears calm, muffled voices. Nightwolf sets his hand on the door, and stares.
Nightwolf "First room is empty, multiple creatures in a room on the left, cultists I think. Another room on the right, didn't see anyone, there but that doesn't mean it's empty."
Altruis Heavensward: "Shall we cleanse the garrison?"
Zullion: "I agree, this place is now an abomination to all that is good."
Nightwolf "Let's."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'd say ladies first, but I believe chivalry can wait this one time." He tries the door. "And it's locked."
Nightwolf pulls out his lockpicks and tries to opening, to no avail. "This is a stubborn lock."
Nightwolf looks for another entrance. The only other apparent point of entry is a small shutter on the wall 15 feet above and just to the left of the front doors.
Altruis Heavensward whispers to his companions, "I do have a grappling hook and rope." He hurls it at the shutter 15 feet above, and it catches on the top.
((Thus ends the 15th session. Yes, it was a short one, as life suddenly happened to one of the players.))
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Tomas: "Look! It looks like somebody's left a rope hanging!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Yes, Altruis just threw it up there."
Zullion: "Unless I remove my armor and stow my shield, I will have little success in climbing up there"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Or... we could take turns using that scale of levitation."
Skinnareth: "Hmph. Your tiny claws can't even do that much?"
Nightwolf "I don't know that I care for this method of entry but as that door refuses to budge I guess we have little choice."
Zullion: "Being stealthy is not a bad options, but i am not geared or trained in such matters, if I had a choice, I would simply force the door open."
Tomas Castonello: "If we did climb, Skinnareth can help pull us up from the top."
Nightwolf "Reaching the ledge is not an issue it seems but rather do we want to pursue that option."
Nightwolf "I have a crowbar if someone wants to give me a hand trying to force the door."
Zullion: "Or Lighthoof could kick the door in?"
Nightwolf "I quite like that idea if your mount can manage it."
Zullion: "Few wooden doors can withstand a good kick from a trained war horse," he nods.
Skinnareth looks at the stone doors. "Against this material though, he might get hurt. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Zullion: "I will use the crowbar, best not risk the chance of a sprained leg." Nightwolf puts his shoulder in as well.
The doors smash inward. And the sound of chairs scraping backward immediately follows, from inside and to the left.
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Along the northern wall of the foyer, a frieze depicts a line of mounted crusaders crashing over a horde of twisted demons. The crusaders’ faces have been obliterated and vile graffiti is carved over the entire scene. Fresh blood stains the floor.
Vendric drimks his mutagen and waits for a more melee-focused ally to go in first. Nightwolf draws his bow, holding a steady aim, until a tiefling tries to run across. Nightwolf looses, and the tiefling is shot directly through the heart, falling dead. A second tiefling runs across the foyer, gaping at its fallen kin.
Nightwolf confidently says, "Next."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Impressive shooting."
Another tiefling crosses the foyer from west to east. As Zullion steps in, the tiefling lying in wait in the corner attacks, blade bouncing harmlessly from armor. Shield and scimitar ready, Zullion steps into the fray and attacks the first assailant he encounters, despite its feeble attempt to harm him. The tiefling takes a slash across the chest, screaming in pain but staying on his feet. A fourth tiefling lashes out at Altruis as he steps in, his blade clanging off the paladin's armor. Altruis Heavensward retaliates with Radiance.
"May a thousand centipedes eat your entrails from within!" the tiefling cries out as his shoulder is pierced.
A fifth tiefling comes in from the west, yelling "For Deskari and the swarm!" and stabbing at Zulion, who watches it bounce off his armor.
A sixth tiefling quietly smirks, and fires a crosbow at Altruis from the western room. Skinnareth moves onto the wall over Zullion, and snaps down at the tiefling next to him. The tiefling leans on the wall, as his armor deflects the terrible teeth. Tomas moves up and taps Skinnareth's dangling tail to deliver mage armor. Sarathel Tirabade steps up, ready to heal any of her allies who request it.
Vendric steps up and throws some holy water at Zullion's vocal foe. The tiefling hisses as his flesh burns from the cool water. His neighbor's eyes roll back as he collapses when the water splashes him. Nightwolf looses at the same target, and the Shoanti's arrow pierces the tiefling's eye, and then its brain. It falls backward.
Two slams echo from the right (East) as the tiefling who fled that way continues on.
Zullion points to the rest he will go left (West), and proceeds to attack the crossbow-wielding tiefling, who sidesteps the blow. In the western room, the faces of the portraits that hang on the walls overlooking the table have been slashed. 2 marble planters lie smashed in pieces on the ground, and mud streaks across the white stone floor. Neatly laid down cards sit next to piles of human-looking body parts on the table.
Altruis Heavensward swings Radiance once again, and the tiefling falls.
The crossbow-tiefling drops his crossbow, drawing his sword, and swings wildly. "Fast one, aren'cha?"
Skinnareth: "See them, fleeing before me! How futile!" He climbs around the foyer's perimeter and into the eastern room where he looks around.
Nightwolf "More likely alerting reinforcements."
Vendric moves in and tosses some holy water at the remaining tiefling.
"Deskari take you!" The tiefling curses as he burns. His suffering is soon ended as he falls to a Shoanti arrow.
Nightwolf "What of the one that fled east?"
Skinnareth: "The coward hides behind closed doors! I will find them and devour their valuables!"
Nightwolf "Be on your toes, half the compound could be alerted to our presence now."
Skinnareth crawls over to the eastern door and points to it. "I think this is the one. The creature shivers in terror behind it!"
Tomas Castonello steps inside. "That smell is toxic! What have they been doing in here?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Playing cards, it seems."
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In the eastern room, a bracket shows where a longsword once hung over a stylized gold sunburst affixed to the south wall. Lines of strange runes are carved into the walls on both sides of the sunburst. Dried blood and excrement have been smeared across the sunburst and a short bench for kneeling that sits on the floor. Those fluent in the language recognize the runes as Celestial prayers to Iomedae.
Altruis Heavensward reads the prayers.
Zullion: "For now, this place is lost to Chaos, we need to proceed and do what we came to do, with time, this place will be made whole once again."
Vendric: "And no doubt this was all the demons doing." He motions to the blood and excrement.
Skinnareth: "Yes, beyond the portal lies conquest and victory! Now, we fight!"
Tomas Castonello: "Just make sure we don't pass up any hidden items or prisoners."
Altruis Heavensward: "You wouldn't happen to know prestidigitation, would you, Tomas?"
Zullion: "I will bar the door once it is opened"
Nightwolf "North or east?" Tomas Castonello: "I'm afraid I never learned that spell. It wasn't in the book either."
Skinnareth: "This one, this one!" The protean? taps the lintel of the eastern door.
Vendric: "As much as i would hate to leave a shrine to a good god in a state like this I'm afraid we don't have the time or the luxury of cleaning at this moment."
Nightwolf "Alright creature, I am ready when you are."
Altruis Heavensward whispers to the alcove, "We'll be back, I promise."
Sarathel Tirabade: "The gods often reward those who prioritize setting such places to rights."
Zullion: "Ready"
Skinnareth: "Yeeees... begin!"
Zullion: "Yes, we will, once the immediate threat has been dealt with." He looks around, this place was not defended well, a shrine, yes, but little to no defensive areas, such a waste, this will need to be rectified.
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Skinnareth easily throws open the door.
The room beyond was once some sort of museum, but its contents have been smashed and scattered across the room—even the shelves have been shattered and torn apart in places. The decapitated bodies of two knights, their armor and bodies broken and mangled, lie in the ruins.
Skinnareth crawls in and hisses at the open room, annoyed when he doesn't see a tiefling cowering in the corner. However he, and Zullion on stepping in, and Nightwolf from just without see a pair of abrikandilus with hands in human heads, moving the mouths as grisly puppets.
Zullion: "Abominations, you shall be sent from where you came!" he growls.
Altruis Heavensward is distracted by the filthy alcove.
Abrikandilu drops the head with a snarl. "New toys! Come to be played with!" It takes a 5 ft. step and bites Zullion's armor. The other throws its head "puppet" into Zullion's instead.
Zullion: "OI! Filthy creature!" he scowls at the one who threw a head at him. Nonetheless, he lashes out at the demon in front of him. The abrikandilu hisses as the scimitar slashes his side.
Vendric takes a step to get a better view and once again throws some holy water at the abrikandilu near the door, which gurgles as bits of its throat are melted. The demon hugs the wall as the arrows start flying, letting them shoot past him. Altruis advances past his allies and in, to face the farther demon squarely, taking bites from both as he moves. Skinnareth crawls upon the wall until he is within reach, and slashes at the demon with all his sharp appendages and the abrikandilu suffers from fangs and claws.
The abrikandilu bites Zullion "Take that!"
The other abrikandilu bites Altruis. "Your head will make a wonderful puppet!"
Zullion's foe falls to Nightwolf's first of two shots. Altruis Heavensward heals himself before striking, and the abrikandilu dodges the radiant blade.
"Die, creature of the nether!" Skinnareth gets upon the floor and rushes toward the next demon, raising a claw.
The abrikandilu laughs as the lizard misses, then snaps at the paladin again, his teeth only finding the armor, and ducks under a shelf to avoid Nightwolf's next arrow. Vendric moves in and and makes it rain holy water. Half the demon's face melts away...turns out, they -can- get uglier. And its scream is piercing. Altruis Heavensward performs a downward slash attack. The demon falls, its shoulder separated and a golden blade in its chest.
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Zullion: "These things sicken me, stealing the body of the fallen to ... wear."
Tomas: "It could be that skin flaying is a part of what gives them their power."
Vendric and Nightwolf search through the rubble. A morningstar made of a strange, dark metal lies discarded in the corner of the room.
Nightwolf casts detect magic and studies it. "This weapon is magic."
Skinnareth: "Need a hand identifying it?"
Nightwolf "Tomas can you identify it?"
Vendric: "The metal is adamantine."
Altruis Heavensward: "Adamantine, you say?"
Tomas Castonello: "Adamantine is one of the strongest materials on the planet! That thing could smash through a stone door like nothing..."
Nightwolf "I believe it has a basic enchantment to make it more accurate and cause more damage."
Nightwolf "Truly a valuable find, useful should we encounter any more locks that refuse to be picked, but I prefer my bow for combat."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'm relatively good at the art of smashing."
)
Zullion: "I would not mind having such a weapon, perhaps we could re craft the form into something more usable?"
Nightwolf "It seems our foe did not flee this way." he glances at Skinnareth.
Altruis Heavensward: "I think it's rather usable as is."
Nightwolf "Perhaps we should take a moment to clean this altar before moving on. Remember the shrine to Torag?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "And what of the two fallen knights?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I'll say a prayer for them." He arranges their limbs in reverant poses, side by side, and sets their heads over their shoulders, and prays over them.
Vendric: "I would agree if we didnt have a urgent matter to attend to. And if we weren't in the enemies base as well."
Zullion: He crosses his arm across his chest, his eyes lowered "To the Returning my fellow knights."
Nightwolf: "May their souls find peace." After a moment of silence he adds, "Lets move on then."
Zullion: "I shall take point once again, just direct where you would like to explore, but I assume next will be the northern door?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I rather firmly believe we should clean the altar."
Tomas Castonello: "We still have to make sure no one is around to cause trouble."
Zullion: "I do not think we have the means to do such a task quickly."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm happy to conjure water for the task."
Skinnareth: "...hmph."
Nightwolf "If we watch this door we should be able to take a few minutes."
Vendric: "We can do something quick but we cant afford to use too much time."
Zullion: "I shall be the defense of this unexplored entrance while you do the deed of cleaning the altar, but I do suggest haste."
Altruis Heavensward immediately sets to cleaning with his allies okay, and Sarathel's help.
A few minutes suffice to clear away the worst of the refuse.
Nightwolf "A marked improvement. We can leave the rest to when the place is no longer demon controlled."
Altruis Heavensward prays at the altar.
Altruis Heavensward: "Let us inherit thine arms, Iomedae."
Sarathel Tirabade tilts her head. "What was that?"
Altruis Heavensward: "It's what the longsword says when you look at it from a kneeling angle."
Sarathel Tirabade: "There's no longsword on the wall... just brackets to hold one..."
Altruis Heavensward helps Sarathel to the same kneeling position he was in and gestures to the flourishes.
Sarathel Tirabade looks up. "Oh! I see... the sword's part of it... all those flourishes from the runes..."
Nightwolf "An interesting clue perhaps? But to what puzzle?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "One we may recognize should we stumble across it."
Nightwolf: "Skinnareth, would you be so kind as to open this door for me?"
Skinnareth: "Hmm, finally the humans are deferring to me. I knew this day would come!"
Skinnareth curls his tail around the door and prepares to shove it open.
Skinnareth finds the door resisting a shove.
Altruis Heavensward: "Mace the door."
Skinnareth: "Hmph. Have at it, then."
After a couple blows, the door pops open, a bar and bracket clattering to the floor. It opens onto a smaller room, from which two other doors lead: North or West.
Zullion: "Clear, where to now?"
((And thus ends the 16th session.))
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Nightwolf: "Left or right, seems to be our eternal question."
Vendric: "So north or west? Which way should we try first?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm not sure... whichever way the tiefling ran, we're more likely to face stiff opposition now."
Tomas Castonello: "The way we are currently headed seems the best path. Whomver escaped from us before will alert more guardsmen the farther they get into the complex."
Nightwolf "I think we already established we don't know which way it went."
Tomas Castonello: "Skinnareth attacked the teifling, who then fled in this direction. And the door we checked first had no tiefling. That makes this the most likely route."
Sarathel Tirabade: "We could always flip a coin..."
Vendric: "Seems as good idea as any."
Sarathel Tirabade pulls out a silver piece.
Vendric: "So, heads north, tails west?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Of course, I visited the museum in better days... and there should be a stairwell off to the west, I remember it being in the middle of the building."
Tomas Castonello: "That makes sense. The ones in charge would want to be higher up, farther removed from the goings-on below."
Nightwolf "Knowing that, I'd pick north, preferring to clear out any opposition from behind before we attempt to ascend."
Vendric: "That is a good idea wouldn't want to get caught in between whatever up stairs and still down here." He examines the north door without finding anything suspicious.
Nightwolf "Creature, do you want to do the honors?"
Skinnareth: "If I must, human."
Tomas Castonello: "Go ahead, then."
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Skinnareth throws his weight into the door and it bursts open. On the other side, blood and filth smear floor of this long room. Six white stone statues of famous heroes line the hall—each clawed, bloodstained, partially smashed, or otherwise defaced. At the far end of the hall, a raised dais holds an upturned alabaster altar. Sitting atop the upside-down altar is a hideous mass of severed limbs that have been stitched together into a vile monstrous insectoid shape. Before the dais, 7 ratty bedrolls have been laid out on the floor. There are also a few cultists wielding scythes and two tieflings.
Nightwolf's first arrow hits the doorframe, just next to Skinnareth's claw. Altruis steps in, swinging Radiance at the cultist just ahead who The scythe-wielding cultist takes a long slash down her side. A tiefling in red leather with bark-like skin and a dagger in his left hand throws a small vial. It hits the corner behind Altruis and explodes over him as Skinnareth ducks back behind the wall. The cultist nearest the door falls in the blast. A second cultist steps up to attack the paladin, standing over the fallen comrade. The cultist grazes Altruis through a crack between bracer and pauldron. Vendric lobs a bomb at the middle cultist using his precise aim to try to avoid hitting his allies in the blast. The third cultist and nearer, more normal-looking tiefling are caught in the edges of the blast. Skinnareth crawls up the doorway into the room, baring his fangs at the cultists. His claws flash and his neck extends, but in a surprise move, the tip of his tail whips around and goes for the tiefling's legs. The protean bites out the cultist's throat, and his claws prick the tiefling's hand. The remaining cultsit steps back, pointing at Altruis. "Drop your weapon!"
Altruis shrugs off the magic behind the order. Nightwolf looses another arrow, and another tiefling falls, leaving only one cultist, and the bark-covered tiefling alchemist. The Shoanti steps into the defiled chapel. Altruis swings Radiance, slicing into the cultist's leg, and he catches himself on a statue.
Tiefling Alchemist: "You fools. You have no idea the forces about to crash in behind you!" He hurls a delicate glass phial. In a fit of irony, the bomb lands where Skinnareth was seconds before.
Nightwolf "Bring on your hoards, saves me the trouble of hunting them down."
Skinnareth: growl "Watch where you throw that, creature!" He now takes cover from the other side of the wall, while flames splash over Sarathel and Nightwolf's able to duck the worst of it.
Sarathel Tirabade rounds the corner, whispering a prayer and offering the paladin a healing hand.
Skinnareth: "Stay in the back, humanoid!" Skinnareth moves slightly past the half-orc and bites down on the cultist, felling him.
Tomas casts guidance on Vendric. "That explosion in there sounds familiar, old man Vendric. Could you render his conjurings inert?"
Vendric: "If its what i think it is. It is not that easy. But I can try to make him inert."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, I'm here if you need me. Take this bit of magic."
Vendric throws a vial of holy water at the other alchemist, catching his off hand, where smoke leaks from cracks in the bark as the tiefling glares and hisses. The tiefling alchemist ducks between the ruined statues as the first arrow bounces off his bark-like skin, and the statue gets in Altruis's way as he slashes at the tiefling, who hurls another bomb, this time hitting Sara, setting her aflame as flames wash out over Vendric and Nightwolf, though the protean manages to keep himself unburnt.
Skinnareth: "NO!"
Tiefling alchemist: "Feeling nice and toasty now?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'll live. What's more, I'll thrive." She grits her teeth against the pain of flames, then stops, drops, and rolls, smothering them.
Skinnareth: "Choke on your own blood and die, corrupted filth!" Skinnareth races across the wall and his open maw shoots toward the alchemist, who stabs with his dagger into the protean's long, serpentine neck as he passes.
Tomas Castonello rushes into the room and tucks and rolls behind a statue for cover. "The hallway looks tight, but I could bolster your strength, Altruis!"
Altruis Heavensward "He is alone now, we'll take him down soon enough."
Vendric moves up and once again throws a vial of holy water at the other alchemist, who screams as the bark on his leg blackens. Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target then fires...but once again, the bark catches the arrow as the alchemist sneers from behind it. The tiefing moves back 5 feet and throws a bomb at Vendric, who dodges, but it lands just between him, Tomas, and Sara, flames washing over them.
Altruis Heavensward steps in, attacking from a right angle from the protean on the wall. "We need to flank him."
Skinnareth: "Then why didn't you, ingrate?"
Sarathel Tirabade takes a moment to pray for her own healing, and stands up...carefully against the wall.
Vendric brushes off a bit of flame from his shoulder then looks at Sara."Are you alright?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Much better, thank you."
Skinnareth: "Stay back, weaklings! This is my quarry!" Skinnareth gets back behind the alchemist and prepares for Altruis to strike
Tomas Castonello rushes around the statue and grants Altruis a bull's strength for his trouble. "Here, now get rid of him!"
Vendric steps up and once again showers the evil alchemist. More smoke rises, this time from his shoulder. Nightwolf's arrow, Radiance and Skinnareth's fangs all bounce off the tiefling's armor and bark. The tiefling moves again, throwing another bomb at Vendric, recognizing who is most dangerous to him, and this time managing a solid hit setting the half-elf on fire and flames wash over Tomas. Sarathel Tirabade determines that one of the cultists has bled out, and selectively channels to heal. Tomas enlarges Altruis and takes cover once more. Vendric ignores being on fire as he throws another vial of holy water at the tiefling. More smoke leaks through the bark. Nightwolf conjures water to douse Vendric's flames.
Vendric: "Thanks. Its been awhile since i was last on fire. Still just as unpleasant now as it was then."
Altruis Heavensward swings his giant sword low, sweeping the tiefling's legs from under him. Skinnareth pounces on the lowly alchemist, managing to slash a nasty gash down the tiefling's arm. The tiefling pulls out a potion and tries to drink it, but Radiance takes his head before it reaches his mouth. The potion vial rolls from the tiefling's hand as he lies still.
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Skinnareth puts a talon over the dead alchemist.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Is anyone in need of more healing?"
Skinnareth: "Disgusting wretch... way more trouble than it was worth..."
Nightwolf "Your last wave of energy left but a scratch. Best save your energies. No telling what other dangers await us."
Sarathel Tirabade nods. "As you wish it."
Skinnareth crawls over and puts his annoyed maw in Sarathiel's face
Skinnareth: "You fool! Weaklings should stay in the back where they're useful!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "If I stayed farther back, Altruis might've been burnt to a crisp."
Nightwolf "Step back fool, least you become the next victim of my arrows."
Skinnareth: "And where would you be if you were burned to ash? I can't crush my enemies if I'm distracted by your flaming corpse!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "I do appreciate your concern, Sknnareth. I really do. But you may have noticed that I stopped him from crisping any of us...worst we suffered was a mild scalding."
Vendric: "Nothing I haven't done to myself before."
As Nightwolf and Vendric search the room, a glowing outline, as of a door, catches their eyes just south of the tiefling alchemist's corpse.
Nightwolf points. "There do you see that? The outline of a secret doorway, just south of the alchemist's corpse."
Vendric investigates. It does not open to a casual push. Vendric puts his shoulder into it, but it doesn't budge.
Nightwolf detects magic.... "It is enchanted. Iomedaen worshipers often hide caches of weapons behind doors such as these. It seems it needs the proper trigger to open."
Nightwolf "What was that prayer from the altar?"
Sarathel Tirabade: ,'" she answers from across the room.
"'Let us inherit thine arms, Iomedae,'" Vendric repeats.
The wall silently slides inward, coming to rest agaist the eastern wall of a small chamber free of dust. A holy symbol of Iomedae hangs unmolested on the wall above a weapon rack filled with swords, crossbows, and spears. Three wooden dummies wear pristine suits of armor. A shelf holds several leather quivers, each stamped with a golden sun. Two silver shields hang from pegs on the wall, each also bearing Iomedae's sun & sword.
The weapon racks hold 3 cold iron longswords, 2 cold iron shortswords, 2 heavy crossbows, a composite longbow (+2 Str), a masterwork cold iron heavy mace, 2 cold iron longspears, 50 cold iron crossbow bolts, 100 cold iron arrows, a magic longsword, and 6 magic arrows. The dummies wear 2 sets of masterwork chainmail, and a magic breastplate emblazoned with Iomedae's sun and sword. One of the 2 heavy steel shields is masterwork, and the other is magic.
Nightwolf "Tomas can you identify these magic items? I will do my best to aid you."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, but of course. I'm glad this stash was never found."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Odd thing... you'd think they'd notice the glow... unless it didn't glow for them."
Nightwolf "Perhaps it is masked from evil"
Tomas Castonello is brushed aside by Vendric, who takes the initiative.
Vendric: "It might have only glowed to those who aren't allied to demons. or maybe its a little help from the goddess that we saw the glow and they didn't."
Tomas Castonello: "It could be they just were too busy... redecorating."
Tomas Castonello: "This one... is interesting," he taps the magic shield. "It's magic, to be sure, but it possesses an extra enchantment. Seemingly meant to blind enemies in the throes of combat."
Nightwolf "This is far too much to carry. We should take only what is useful now and return for the rest once the way is clear. This cache has gone unnoticed so far. It should be safe once the door is closed again."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, some of this may aid us now. Perhaps you would make use of this shield, Altruis?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "And we should at least do something about that... abomination... on the altar before we move on."
Nightwolf strips the alchemist and his minions of useful gear and stashes the rest in the room as well.
Tomas Castonello collects the crossbow bolts from the room, but after a bit of thought, he takes a longspear and holds it in his hands, feeling the odd weight wobble back and forth
The alchemist has 5 potion vials, magic leather armor, a dagger, a magic ring, a portable alchemist's lab, a silver butterfly, 2 silver sun & swords, and a silver bird with a long tail growing in a circle.
Tomas Castonello: "This ring provides protection to the wearer... not a lot, but it could be the difference of a glaive to the face."
Nightwolf "A sight defensive magic on this armor and the potion he was about to drink before being killed is potion of of invisibility."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm glad you didn't give him a chance to disappear, Altruis."
Vendric: "indeed it would have been troubling."
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Vendric goes to the unopended door on the far side of the chapel and opens it. A long table and 6 chairs have been pushed against the western wall. On the opposite wall, a tapestry depicting a map of Mendev hangs from a silver rod—the tapestry has been slashed several times and splashed with filth. A bedroll sits on the floor, and on the nearby table is an array of alchemical devices and a long wooden sword case wrapped with cords, as if ready for travel.
Vendric: "Well I found the alchemist's lab."
Nightwolf "And had there been a hoard of demons waiting?"
Vendric examines the devices and alchemical items. "I had faith that should such a thing happen you all would have my back." The alchemical equipment on the table consists of a masterwork alchemy lab.
Tomas Castonello: "He's right though, it doesn't do us any good to separate now. We don't know the layout of this place."
Tomas Castonello peeks over Vendric's shoulder at the book.
Vendric: "Well, I may be able to repurpose some of this for my own use."
Tomas Castonello: "You know, it's odd that he didn't use more of these spells when he came under fire. Imagine how annoying it would have been then."
Vendric opens the sword case, finding a note and a longsword.
Sarathel Tirabade: "I guess he didn't take us seriously enough."
Vendric: "Perhaps he didn't have the time to drink them before we showed up."
Vendric: "Huh, this is a curious thing for a evil outsider to have. I guess it would give him an edge against his kin."
Tomas Castonello: "Irabeth's sword could serve as a token of status, or like you said, secure one of them a higher position in the abyssal ranks."
Sarathel Tirabade: "But... what was that bit about 'taking to Staunton's brother's touch'?"
Vendric: "I am not sure but I don't like the sound of it."
Tomas Castonello: "There are spells that can empower or repurpose items and equipment... or he may be a skilled smith."
Vendric: "Whatever the case maybe I'd rather have this back in Irabeth's hands than the demons and their allies."
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Nightwolf "I agree with Sarathel, we should at least do something about that abomination before moving on. If not do something about the worst of the mess."
Tomas Castonello: "How would you propose to dispose of the... effluvia? This is a bit more than a simple conjuration."
Vendric: "Its the least we can do for now. Once this place is cleared and reclaimed we can do more."
Nightwolf "It seems we need only guard one doorway from attack while we work."
Sarathel Tirabade: "That of the stairwell, and Zullion's happy to do that. As to the... twisted remains. Shouldn't they be buried with the other victims used as... husks? We can at least get it out of here quickly."
Tomas Castonello: "That's the practical thing to do, to be sure. Would it be respectful to the dead?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "It would be more so if we could tell which parts belonged to the same person... but I can at least cut them apart and wrap them in one of these cultist's cloaks..."
Nightwolf assists with the distasteful task of separating the sewn body parts.
Vendric assists as well.
Sarathel Tirabade would conjure water to respectfully wash the parts as they're separated and wrap them in cultist cloaks. Not ideal... but it's what they can do. "Thank you for helping. This would have been worse alone."
With the remains dealt with, they proceed to right the altar, and clean the chapel as best they can.
((And thus ends the 17th session))
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Sarathel Tirabade: "That's much better, at least. Thank you for watching the stairwell door, Zullion."
Zullion: "My honor to do so."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Seems like we took care of everything on the ground floor."
Zullion: "Then we should proceed to the next level, be it, down or up."
Nightwolf "Time to kick in the the stairwell."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Who will do the honors?"
Zullion: "I shall take up point." He taps his new armour.
Vendric: "Hopefully this goes better now that we may not have to worry about being flanked."
Zullion: "We are in the right, we are fighting for the good of all, our defenses will hold" With that he tries to open the door, but finds it locked.
Altruis Heavensward: "It should pose no problem to us."
Nightwolf "And justice for all.. or something."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm sure the rest of these servants evil will be no more proof against your blades, arrows, and claws than those you have already dispatched."
Zullion: "Unless we have someone who can open locked doors, i will have to, as was mentioned, kick it in."
Nightwolf "Call the 'battering ram.'"
Vendric: "That is certainly what we hope for. May Desna bless us with luck."
Zullion sheathes his scimitar in favor of the magic longsword from the armory. He motions for Altruis to open the door
Altruis Heavensward readies the adamantine 'battering ram' and swings.
Vendric: "I may have a less destructive approach we can try first."
Altruis Heavensward freezes mid-swing.
Sarathel Tirabade: "And what might that be?"
Zullion: "Cutting it close are we, Vendric?" he grins.
Vendric pulls out tools and fiddles with the lock.The lock jams.
Vendric: "Well seems that lock was harder than I expected."
Altruis Heavensward begins smashing the lock till it ceases to function. One hit does it... but the door is also barred. Altruis Heavensward rams the door at bar-level. The door bends inward, a crack is heard, but the stone holds fast. Altruis swings again, and the door bursts inward. Along one wall of this long room stands a smashed sideboard. A stone staircase leads upstairs. And dretches are just inside.
Altruis Heavensward: "I'm going to have to apologize for that later when the city is secure."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I think the survivors will all understand."
Zullion: "Good thing we didnt opt to stealth into the building I shall take point again."
Altruis Heavensward: "You can have point after we deal with these dretches."
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Vendric tosses a flask of holy water at the demon in the door, which burns. A chorus of screams is heard from the other room. Following up on the attack by Vendric, Zullion tries to finish the abomination off, and the dretch is cleft in twain. As Altruis passes between the pair of waiting dretches one's teeth and the other's claws skitter across his armor before he turns to strike the southern from behind, Radiance biting deeply into its bloated flesh. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession, his arrows biting deeply into the chest of the northern dretch, though it manages to remain standing. Tomas Castonello begins by reaching around the doorway and tapping Skinnareth, reciting the incantation of magic fang. Skinnareth slinks around the door frame, roaring and attacking the dretches. Skinnareth's tail sends the northern dretch flying, while its claws shred the southern.
Skinnareth: "Ah, sweet vindication."
Altruis Heavensward: "After you, Zullian, if you still wish to take point."
Zullion: "Good job so far, let us not tarry."
Zullion heads upstairs. A tiefling stands at the top of the stairs, holding a light crossbow leveled down them. He fires as Zullion starts up the stairs, then steps around the corner. Another tiefling stands at behind the railing at the far end of the stairs, who also fires down. Zullion easily deflects the incoming bolts with his shield. Sara steps up behind Zullion and onto the foot of the stair, and Nightwolf steps just behind her, holding an arrow nocked. A third tiefling steps over to the landing, and the Shoanti looses, his arrow taking the tiefling through the eye. Four more tieflings step up to fire down from the side railing. One gets a lucky shot, scratching Zullion's blade-arm. He wipes the blood on the opposite shoulder.
Skinnareth slithers up the wall to the stair level, his long head snaking around the banister to bite the unsuspecting tiefling nearest the landing. "You've entered a den of snakes... creature." Skinnareth bares his teeth smugly.
Seeing that Skinnerath has the one well handled, Zullion dares to go up, and take on the first tiefling who'd attacked him, where he'd stepped back. The longsword sweeps deep into the tiefling's ribcage.
"Des-kar-i...." is the tiefling's dying gurgle.
A tiefling shoots at Skinnareth from the end of the staircase, who hisses as the bolt twangs close by his head. Vendric moves up to get on a more even playing field and tosses a flask of holy water at a tiefling near the corner of the railing, which sizzles and falls, screaming as its three neighbors are singed by splashes of holy water.
"Insects-" "Maggot-food--" "--ari's wings" The tieflings curse over each other as they're singed.
Nightwolf fires up at the tiefling near the landing, slicing its throat with his arrow. It falls looking confused. The tiefling just next to it drops his crossbow, and stabs at skinnareth through the rails, his short sword stopping an inch short of the eidolon.
A cultist comes out waving a scythe and points at Zullion. "Drop your sword."
There's a slight hesitation from Zullion as his hand relaxes and he drops his sword. A second cultist swings a scythe at the disarmed cavalier. Then a third darts past him before striking as well. Even without a sword, Zullion was military trained, as the cultist tries to rush by, he lashes out with his shield, and though surprised, she manages to jump aside. The tiefling by the rail's corner reloads and shoots down at Nightwolf, who groans in pain as the bolt pierces deeply into his shoulder. Skinnareth crawls up the banister, getting within range of the nearest foes and lunging to claw apart the nearest tiefling even as he bites the cultist who's passed Zullion and his tail pounds her back against the wall.
Stricken cultist: "But... fiends are supposed to be on our side..." She stares at the scaled, serpentine figure that has so wounded her.
Skinnareth: "I am beyond fiends, you impotent whelp!"
The tiefling at the far end shoots at Vendric, the bolt flying past the alchemist's face.
Vendric: "Obviously these cultist aren't well versed in other types of outsiders."
"Hey! How's it going up there?" Tomas Castonello shouts from the bottom stairwell.
"Half their current numbers have been dealt with!" Zullion calls back.
Vendric throws a bomb at the southeast cultist, the flames wondrously parting for the cavalier. The neighboring cultists receive no such consideration.
Zullion lifts his shield for the incoming attacks as he picks up his fallen sword, and while he catches both scythes, the aim of his upward swing is thrown off.
Sarathel Tirabade: "I trust you'll accept some healing now?" She asks Nightwolf.
Nightwolf "Please."
Sarathel Tirabade whispers a prayer for Sarenrae's healing flames, touching Nightwolf's wounded shoulder and pulling free the arrow as it's dislodged by healing flesh.
Nightwolf "Much thanks. You'll regret that tiefling." He takes a moment to study the target of his vengeance. Who does not, in fact, have much time to regret it, at least as a mortal, since the Shoanti's arrow finds his hear.
Sarathel Tirabade: "You're quite welcome."
The cultist in back steps back, While the least injured cultist attacks. Skinnareth's confused prey staggers over to a door. The cultist who was struck directly by Vendric's flames steps over so that Zullion will be between her and the mad bomber, and strikes... nearly getting around Zullion's shield. The remaining tiefling's bolt hits the wall a foot to the north of Zullion's head. Vendric tosses another bomb, this time at the northern cultist. Both cultists attempting to threaten Zullion fall screaming in flames.
Vendric: "You should all surrender unless you want to share the same fate as the others."
Zullion sees the two cultist go up in smoke and charges the one backing off to the east, cleanly beheading him.
Nightwolf "Please take the second option. I'm not in the mood for prisoners today."
"And I've no mind to be one." The last tiefling growls.
"Deskari take you!" is the remaining cultist's answer.
Nightwolf takes a moment to study the last tiefling, and fires an arrow into his shoulder. The last tiefling reloads and aims down at his tormentor, only to have his crossbow's cord snap.
Vendric looks at the tiefling. "Well I tried." He tosses a flask of holy water at him.
"Why... burning?" are the tiefling's last scream.
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Zullion, knowing they need to regroup, simply stands by the southeast door, readying an attack should someone open it from the other side.
Vendric: "We should check out the northern door."
Zullion: "We have many doors to check."
Nightwolf "I'd not say no to another of your healing touches if you've the energies for it Lady Sarathel."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I believe Sarenrae's grace yet flows through me." Sarathel prays, and heals Nightwolf with a tap on the head.
Nightwolf "My that is much better. Thank you again m'lady."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm glad to be of help, but sorry my help is needed."
Zullion: "Rather have your help, and not need it, than need your help, and not have it"
Vendric chuckles. "It is weird being able to aid people with healing when they need it but then again hoping no one needs it.
Sarathel Tirabade chuckles. "One gets used to it, in time."
Vendric: "I sort of get the feeling, though your prowess at it far exceeds my own. All I can do is offer a potion or two when I have them.
Sarathel Tirabade: "And that's just slightly slower than what I can offer."
Nightwolf "Well the northeastern door is open, I say we investigate that room first."
Stacks of scrolls, books, maps, and more sit atop a large hexagonal table in this room. The walls are painted with detailed maps of Sarkoris, over which features of the Worldwound have been painted.
Nightwolf "Battle plans and troop movements it seems."
Zullion keeps his ears on the conversations, but his eye on the door
Nightwolf: "This may prove valuable to our allies... when we have opportunity to get it to them."
Sarathel Tirabade helps Nightwolf gather the documents. "So they might. It never hurts to know what the enemy is thinking."
Nightwolf: "Hold up... there is a magical aura among on of these sheets."
No one spot it right off, but Nightwolf detects the magic somewhere near the northwestern edge. Nightwolf riffles through the papers carefully. As Nightwolf does so and maintains his magic detection, a sheet with magical notation practically jumps out at him.
Nightwolf passes the sheet to Sarathel, "Can you make this out?"
Sarathel Tirabade casts read magic and looks it over "This could come in handy. It's a scroll of restoration."
Nightwolf "Perhaps it is best kept in your care then."
Sarathel Tirabade nods. "I can hold onto it until it's needed."
Vendric: "That would probably be the best idea for now."
((Thus ends the 18th session))
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Vendric checks the door at the northwest end of the upper landing. Within, a long table engraved with a relief map of Mendev and a dozen bodies lie scattered about the room, each bearing a gaping empty hole in the chest. A creature with a stag's body, a hawk's wings and talons, and the head of a slavering wolf with a rack of sharp antlers on its brow turns towards the opening door.
Vendric: "This thing is a Peryton. Its horns can be pretty nasty and is known to tear out its victims hearts out to scare its foes. it also has a strange shadow attack it can use by flying above us causing fear to anyone it hits after using it on them." He then pulls out some holy water and tosses it at the creature then goes and takes cover behind the paladin. The creature is slightly dampened, but unharmed.
Tomas Castonello: "What's wrong, Ven? You look distracted."
The peryton charges out at Altruis, horns lowered to nick the knight. Altruis Heavensward swings his mighty blade. The peryton just barely ducks under the swing.
Skinnareth: "The drinker's swill is impotent against this one. Only fangs and iron will best it!" He slinks over the rail and stalks toward the beast as Tomas trails up the stairs behind him. The peryton takes a bite to its left wing-joint.
The peryton turns, snarling at Skinnareth. "You'll pay for that."
Skinnareth: "Human, your magic wanes! You shall empower me!"
Tomas Castonello: "I only have so many spells, okay? Wait until the final fight!"
Skinnareth: "RAAAAGH! Come at me, slug!"
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, it can talk."
Tomas Castonello: "It might be a hybrid creature of some kind. Beware any strange attacks it might have!"
Zullion makes his way from the other end of the hall. The peryton attempts to gore Zullion as he passes that he might flank with the paladin, but only succeeds in chipping its horn against the cavalier's armor. Vendric throws a bomb this time. Using his precision to avoid getting his allies in the blast. The peryton takes a blast as it's struck on the right wing.
The peryton considers the foes arrayed against it, and thinks it best to hide around the corner from the alchemist whilst attacking the half-elf's defender. "I was just getting hungry for another heart." Once more its horns nick the paladin.
Altruis Heavensward brushes off the pathetic attack and swings again, "You'll not feast again."
The peryton roars as the blade bites deep into its shoulder. Zullion moves forward, shield and blade ready as he weathers another attack from the creature. He strikes but the peryton dodges his blade. Tomas Castonello rushes up and casts guidance so Skinnareth can better hit with his first attack. Skinnareth responds in kind by opening up all his limbs and striking the enemy. "Feel my power erupt upon your flesh and despair! DESPAIR, WHELP!" Skinnareth 's teeth shoot underneath the beast's horns and grab its neck, whilst his tail slaps its right leg. Finally, his claw buries into the peryton's chest, digging in until it stops heaving.
Zullion: "Well done Skinnerath, very well done. But let us not tarry, I saw bodies in the other room."
Skinnareth: "There. Not a demon, but I'll prove my might yet in this chamber!"
Altruis Heavensward: "At least we put their killer to the sword, as it were, or should I say tooth and claw?"
Tomas Castonello: "You're doing a good job, Skin. Thanks for your help."
Skinnareth: "Hmph... you... helped too."
Tomas Castonello raises his eyebrow, surprised. Altruis Heavensward says nothing, but a small smile flashes on his face. Vendric looks over the corpses in the map room. The bodies were not brought here with any arms or armor. Most likely they were townsfolk who were captured by the demons and cultists.
Skinnareth: "Healer, don't fall behind!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm here... but I'm afraid it's a bit late to do anything for these poor souls save arranging a burial... which, as with the others will have to wait."
Zullion: "There is nothing for us here, we should move to the other rooms. Till we are sure this place is clean, we do not have time for... grieving for the lost"
Tomas Castonello: "Urgh... if only I wasn't so obsessed with my projects!"
Skinnareth: "Then what, mortal? Would you have stormed the citadel with your stick and your magic fang?"
Vendric: "It's unfortunate but your right we don't have time to give these folks a proper send off."
Altruis Heavensward: "Your projects are what help Skinny here fight the demons, Tomas, they're just as important as those on the front lines."
Zullion: "Gather up, we are opening the next door."
Tomas Castonello: "I got it. Let's do this." He punches his hand into his open palm.
Altruis Heavensward: "Which, might I mention, is where you are right now."
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Zullion opens the next door. Bookshelves line the walls of this small library. Many of the tomes have been torn to shreds, and smoldering piles of ashes fill the room with an acrid stench. One small stack of books on a circular table seem to have escaped destruction. In the middle of the room stands a goat-headed humanoid covered in a mangy gray hide that only partly covers its gaunt but muscled frame. The creature is 6' 8" with a stooped posture, and appears to weigh around 300 lbs.
Skinnareth peeks his serpentine head around the door frame and checks the inside, then describes the creature to Tomas so he can identify it.
Vendric: "Be careful of this one's halberd. its covered in diseased spittle that can give you grey pox. And we need to take it down before it can summon more of it friends. Also regular weapons aren't gonna be fully effective on this thing."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Not one of the classiest demons, then."
Vendric moves five feet and stands over the dead creature from before as he pulls out another vial of holy water and tosses it at the demon. The schir 's exposed flesh reddens as steam rises where the holy water struck it. Tomas Castonello puzzles over whether to cast a spell, knowing his limited supply.
Skinnareth: "Human... Guidance. Now."
Tomas Castonello: "But you might-"
Skinnareth: "Just do it."
Tomas Castonello sighs and casts the spell. Skinnareth growls and races across the wall into the room. The schir flinches away from the cold iron sheathing the eidolon's claws.
Tomas Castonello: "Be careful!"
The schir swings his halberd at the paladin as he moves past. Altruis Heavensward blocks the blow with his new shield and swings his blade. The schir isn't able to interpose the haft of the halberd between Radiance and its side. schir attacks Altruis with halberd and horns, then steps back to the corner so it can't be flanked. As it tries to step back, it trips itself with the butt of its halberd, landing on its back. With that Zullion steps up, and lifts his sword up, arcane energy envelopes the blade as the favourite enemy is close, even as the creature lifts its claws to shield itself he drives it through them and into its skull.
Skinnareth: "How humiliating. Laid low by its own foot."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Shame what they did to the library... but what can one expect from that sort's ilk?" she tilts her head at the demonic corpse.
Zullion: "Can someone perhaps see if the weapon is magical or not? we could use all the help we can get."
Tomas Castonello: "Sure thing. That was quick." He detects magic... a moderate aura, from one of the books.
Tomas Castonello: "Looks like it's powerful stuff. That book over there, that is."
Tomas Castonello points to the heavy tome, bound in bloodstained leather, and scarred like the flesh of a seasoned warrior. The 6 mundane books are history texts, tomes on geography, and tactical manuals.
Vendric: "The halberd isnt magical but it is well made. though not so much as well maintained." He looks at the gnaw marks on the blade.
Tomas Castonello: "I wouldn't try to sell it though. All the gnawing that creature did has made it diseased and in disrepair."
Vendric: "These other books could fetch a good price. good thing the demons didn't destroy all of them. I'm sure a compentent smith can restore it to proper form easily. and all it needs is a good cleaning."
Tomas Castonello: "Is it worth it, even?"
Zullion: "Magic could do that too I believe"
Skinnareth: "Not when we have these..." Skinnareth extends his talon and makes a toothy grin.
Zullion: "I am ready when you are." He moves down to the other door along that wall.
Vendric: "From what i see all it needs is a cleaning and a good sharpening and it should be in good enough condition to use. you could use it as it is now though you'd risk contracting the disease if you accidentally nick yourself with the blade. and grey pox is a pretty nasty disease."
Tomas Castonello: "Do you think this will be their leader?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Only one way to find out."
Skinnareth: "If it is, I must have all the magic you possess. Be at the ready, human."
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Zullion: "Very well..."he opens the door, ready with his sword
Several stacked horizontal shelves hold a number of small, straw-lined bird cages. A stack of parchment, 3 quills, a pot of ink, and a pile of tiny cylindrical objects cover a nearby table, while a small wooden door is in 1 corner of the room. The denizens are 3 man-sized flies... their faces appear humanoid save for their deformed rasping maws Instead of claws, each leg is tipped with tiny, half-formed hands.
Zullion: "Gah! More abominations!"
Tomas Castonello: "Describe them!"
Vendric: "More demons." Vendric says from just behind Zullion.
Tomas Castonello: "Thank you. So helpful."
Zullion: "3 man-sized flies... their faces appear humanoid save for their deformed rasping maws Instead of claws, each leg is tipped with tiny, half-formed hands."
Tomas Castonello: "Could be a couple of things. Definitely a Deskarite thing though."
Tomas Castonello: "They're probably not Vescavors or Hellwasps... maybe just really messed-up flies?"
The demonic giant fly moves towards the door, even as shadows spring out in an aura of darkness, forestalled by the paladin's halo.
Skinnareth: "Ha! Your shadows won't stop me!"
Zullion moves forward and take a swing at the creature, though in the darkness, he mis-guesses its location. A second demonic giant fly breathes acid in a line over Zullion and Vendric. Zullion grunts as he feels the spray burn his skin. The third demonic giant fly attemtps to bite Zullion its mandibles scraping along his armor. As Altruis moves in, the light of his halo swallows the shadows. Altruis Heavensward and then attacks the middle bug. The demonic giant fly feels the gleaming blade bite deep into its chitin. Tomas continues casting guidance as before. Skinnareth crawls his way down the wall into the room to bite the northern bug, finding its chitin oddly resistant to his fangs.
Skinnareth: "Urgh! Filthy vermin!"
The middle demonic giant fly breathes a line of acid across Zullion and Skinnareth. Zullion twists his arm away just in time, but it still singes his skin non the less. In retaliation, he swings his weapon in a downward arc at the one who tried to melt him and splits the creature from his abdomen. The third demonic giant fly moves in over its fallen kin and attempts to avenge it but its fangs only find armor. The northern demonic giant fly turns and attempts to bite Altruis, its fangs meeting good armor. Altruis Heavensward moves in to flank the south bug with Zullion and gashes a long swipe down its side.
Skinnareth moves slightly over the north bug and unloads all of his wrath upon the fly creature. While the bite closes on the wing, it doesn't harm it. His cold iron-sheathed claws remain rather more effective. "What? Even with my fangs...
Sarathel Tirabade waits in the safe corner until her services are called for. Zullion was breathing a bit heavily from his wounds, but he attacks once again the fly he flanks with Altruis. Between them, the heavily armored pair finish the fly off. The last demonic giant fly breathes its acid nearly straight up into Skinnareth. Skinnareth roars in pain as his shadowy flesh singes and melts.
Altruis Heavensward: "Zullion, get back, I'll handle this."
Zullion: "One does not run from a fight when there are people's lives at stake," he breathes out.
Altruis Heavensward stabs forward with his sword, piercing the fly and ramming its body into the wall.
Sarathel Tirabade: "You look like you could use a hand, Zullion?"
Zullion: He shakes his head "Save your healing magic for the others, i still have fight in me yet."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Are you sure? I would not wish to wait too long, only for one of these fiends to make a lucky strike."
Altruis Heavensward: "We've all taken a hit or two, so Sarathel channeling energy wouldn't hurt."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I can do that still, yes." A feeble wave of positive energy washes out from her. Wounds close... slightly.
Skinnareth: ". . . Is that... all you can muster?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Here, allow my aid." The paladin brandishes his shield, marked with Iomedae's sun & sword, and channels positive energy as well.
Sarathel: "I think I might be able to manage a bit more..." She sends forth a brighter wave.
Skinnareth sighs as more energy washes over him, repairing his bleached skin and turning it black once more. Altruis Heavensward listens at the wooden door in the south corner. He hears....nothing.
Zullion was still breathing heavily, but mostly due to the fighting "I thank both of you, most of my wounds have been healed"
Altruis Heavensward opens the door, onto a small room featuring only a small window shuttered with stone. Altruis Heavensward tries the shutters and finds them locked. Altruis Heavensward checks on the cylindrical objects in the main room, and finds them to be tiny scroll cases, as are usually tied to messenger pigeons.
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Vendric listens at the door across from the stairs. He then attempts to pick its lock. The lock doesn't jam... but it doesn't open either.
Vendric: "Care to use the 'Masterkey'"?
Altruis Heavensward steps forward with the adamantine mace and aims his smashing at the lock. The bolt is now permanently holding the door closed.
Skinnareth: "Eh, you obsess over a portal that leads nowhere. There's war to be had and you're busying yourself with minutiae."
Vendric: "Well is locked usually people keep their shiny things behind locked things. I'm surprised your not demanding we looks through them all."
Altruis Heavensward sighs and just smashes the door down with four swift blows.
The southern portion of this room holds a wide alabaster basin filled with bloody entrails. The outside of the basin is carved with images of warriors around a raised sun, holding longswords aloft. A half-ring of zombies stand around the basin, staring mournfully into it with their bellies open and gaping. A flight of stairs ascends to the west.
Altruis Heavensward: "Vendric....we must put these poor souls to rest."
Vendric: "Of course."
Skinnareth: "I cannot covet anything whilst you are holding me captive to your cause. Once we eradicate the demonic presence, then you can have your burials and rites and I can have my well-deserved riches. So, what am I waiting for?"
Tomas Castonello says nothing, but notes a haphazard tone in Skinnareth's words, as if he's speaking half-heartedly. Sarathel Tirabade has moved a bit too far down the hall to pick up on it, as she tries to stay near those still exploring.
Tomas Castonello: "Wait for me, Sara!"
Vendric throws a bomb in to take down half the gathered zombies. Zullion, Altruis and Skinnareth move in, making short work of the others.
Tomas Castonello: "Uh... was that a good idea?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "You... don't think that those are their guts in the basin, do you?" She indicates the destroyed zombies.
Vendric: "I would assume so seeing how they seemed to be missing theirs." Vendric goes in and looks into the basin. "Yep bloody guts are in the basin."
Tomas Castonello: "If that basin was used for scrying normally, it's possible they were using them to track the location and condition of the bodies. Possibly we've just alerted someone that their enemies are here."
Vendric: "I'm pretty sure the others on this floor may have alerted any other remaining."
Altruis Heavensward: "No choice but to trudge along."
Skinnareth: "Then let them know. Let them squeal and cower and cry until we come to end their wretched existence. And I will know their flesh in my maw and their blood on my talons."
Tomas Castonello: "I don't like where this is going. Not at all."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Do you think we have time to clean the font, with Zullion guarding the stairs?"
Tomas Castonello: "Must we, must we really?" He looks over at his scaled eidolon. "You could always take the entrails to that space you came out of, and leave it real quick."
Skinnareth: "No. I refuse to go back to that realm ever again."
Vendric: "We can't let such desecration stay this way when we can at least clean some of it."
((Thus ends the 19th session))
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Nightwolf creates water and our heroes spend about 10 minutes cleaning out the basin, Tomas being careful not to actually touch any of the guts, and Skinnareth only watching, after which Nightwolf creates more water to fill the basin.
When the cleansed basin is filled with clean water, it starts to glow and shimmer. An image coalesces within: a room which is round at one end, and squared near its door. Near the round end of which is a glowing stone under a domed cage. Before it stalks a half-elf with an insectoid arm. The image draws back through a closed door to a hall guarded by a minotaur with glowing red eyes, flanked by alcoves holding broken and battered helmets near the staircase at the far end.
Vendric: "I take it that's the ward stone and those are who stand in our way to it."
Altruis: "Shouldn't pose too much of a threat."
Nightwolf: "our goal it seems?"
Sarathel: "So it would seem... as it would seem that Someone is pleased with our efforts."
Nightwolf: "That minotaur did not look normal, most likely it is from the lower planes. Weapons that are not good aligned will be less effective against it as will fire and cold, and can smite good creatures."
Skinnareth says: “Good weapons? What’s better than talons in its neck?”
Sara: "I think Nightwolf means weapons that are blessed to hold sacred power."
"Talons covered in this." Vendric pulls out a violet dose of holy weapon balm.
Tomas: “You can make good alignment oil?”
Vendric: "Not exactly. It simply makes your weapon a bit more deadly to demons and others like them."
Tomas looks at Skinnareth, then at the salve. “You’ll have to show me how that works sometime.”
Vendric: "Its just a bit of simple alchemy."
Nightwolf:"Should we check the final door in the hallway before journeying upward?"
Tomas says: “After coming this far, let’s take no chances."
Nightwolf: "Let's check the other door first, then prepare our weapons with Vendric's balm."
Skinnareth says: “If we must...”
Altruis: "You can hold off on coating my weapon, I have a strategy of my own."
The final door of the floor opens easily. Within, 6 cots sit in 2 orderly rows. The bedding has been tossed on the ground, and an iron lockbox lies on its side, empty. A lidless box holds scraps of moldering food, while a pair of large barrels nearby look to be filled with water.
Altruis: "No more enemies lie between us and the last two enemies, then we meet our goal."
Nightwolf casts detect magic on the room's contents. "Nothing to see here apparently."
Nightwolf coats a fistful of arrows with weapon balm.
Tomas looks at Skinnareth. “Think we should coat your claws in the stuff? Vendric, how much do you have to go around?”
Vendric: "I have 4 doses."
As Tomas coats Skinnareth's claws, Altruis changes his mind and accepts the last dose of balm for Radiance.
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They start up the stairs, Altruis and Skinnareth in the lead. As Altruis climbs the stairs, there's a pawing at the floor above, as of a hooved creature preparing to charge. As Altruis reaches the top of the stairs, the minotaur charges, impaling the paladin on its horns.
Tomas casts bull's strength on Skinnareth's dangling tail. “I think it’s time, bud! Go get him!”
Skinnareth flows up over the railing, biting the fiendish minotaur's arm, claws opening deep gashes in its back, and tail nearly bludgeoning it to its knees, though it manages to remain standing, and to shake off the balm.
Skinnareth: “You are all that stands between me and my ultimate victory!”
The minotaur steps back, turning its horns to bury them deep in Skinnareth's shadowy flesh whilst slashing through Altruis's left greave with its axe. Sarathel hurries up the steps to bless the stricken Altruis with healing. Nightwolf climbs the wall of the stairwell, and goes over the rail to the alcove farther from the minotaur, from whence his arrow is buried deep in the minotaur's gut. Vendric throws a vial of holy water covered in holy balm, which dampens the minotaur's fur but has no more apparent effect.
Altruis calls upon the aid of Iomadae and strikes forward, piercing the Minotaur's heart with his holy blade. Altruis breathes heavily, and stands up to full height a bit shakily, "No fiend shall best us while Iomadae guides my hand."
Vendric: "Shall we press on?"
Skinnareth: “Yes, while my talons still gleam with the fresh blood of conquest!”
Tomas: “We’ve got a few precious minutes before the spell wears off. Let’s touch ourselves up and finish the job.”
Sarathel Tirabade frowns as she looks over Skinnareth and Altruis. "I only have a few spells left... but this seems like the time to use them, if you'll permit?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Take care of Skinnareth, I'll heal myself."
Sarathel Tirabade nods. Sarathel Tirabade walks around to rest a hand on Skinnareth's neck and pray for his healing, while Altruis lays his hand on his breastplate and receives Iomedae's healing grace.
Vendric: "I have a few extracts I can offer."
Altruis Heavensward: "I have no more healing left, So this will be the final battle if we don't take hold of victory."
Nightwolf "I can offer healing as well if needed."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Blessed indeed.. I have one minor spell left, should it be needed in the battle ahead."
Altruis raises the Master Key and batters down the door.
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With the door down, Altruis drops the Master Key, and draws Radiance as he smites the disfigured half-elf and charges her.
Jeslyn (half-elf cultist): "You shall never retake the wardstone! It's ours now!"
Altruis: "You shall not have your day, vile fiend." He grazes her insectoid arm.
Hoping the paladin to be a good distraction Vendric charges forward pulling out the rod of cancellation and thrusts it at the stone. The rod clangs against the close-set bars as he cringes away from an expected blow of a scythe that does not yet fall.
Jeslyn stares wide-eyed at the rod of cancellation. "NO!!" She turns, swinging her scythe at the other half-elf, laying open his shoulder.
Nightwolf fires two arrows. One hits his mark's side, while the other clanks off Altruis's armor as the bow, now slick with sweat, slips from Nightwolf's grasp. Sarathel Tirabade moves up to where she can help.
Tomas Castonello moves up to the doorway and remains poised, muttering an incantation hastily. "As soon as you get in there, you must protect the old man. Got it?"
"Whatever. MOVE, HUMANS!" Skinnareth rushes toward the open door, fangs bared. As he gets close enough, his long neck snaps forward, but Jeslyn dodges his fangs.
Tomas Castonello: "Vendric, fast and loose! Don't let her touch you!"
Altruis Heavensward strikes again with his sword, whittling the woman down with a slash to her leg.
Vendric dodges to the right as he grits his teeth from his wound. He then positions the rod of cancellation in his hand like a short spear and takes aim. The rod rattles between the bars, finally coming to rest just barely touching the stone...and sits there.
Jeslyn steps over, to swiftly pull the rod of cancellation away and stow it in the loop that normally holds her scythe. Altruis slashes across her back as she's distracted.
Nightwolf retrieves his bow from the ground and shoots Jeslyn in the back.
Tomas Castonello grabs the snake by the tail and makes his monster grow. Skinnareth, now super-sized, tries to snatch the elf-creature up in its talons. Skinnareth roars in the half-elf's face. "DO NOT TEST MY PATIENCE, MORTAL. SUBMIT YOURSELF TO ME."
Tomas Castonello: "What are you waiting for? Grab the rod and do what we came for!"
Skinnareth picks the tainted half-elf up and slams her into the floor, cracking the stone beneath. He puts his full weight upon her, leaving her no room to move. "ARE YOU WAITING FOR AN INVITATION? DO WHAT HE SAYS." ((I allow critical successes with combat maneuvers))
Sarathel Tirabade steps over to heal Vendric.
Altruis Heavensward does as their half-elf did, grabbing the rod of cancellation from her and trying to touch the stone...but managing to hit a bar square on, jarring the rod from his hand.
Skinnareth sighs and shakes his head, knowing that he is surrounded by failures.
Jeslyn: "Hah! Deskari pulls it from your grasp!"
Skinnareth: "STOP. TALKING."
Vendric thanks Sara as his wounds heal up then steps towards the paladin as he drops the rod and picks it up himself. He whispers to himself, "Desna give us luck." And he tosses the rod once more at the stone. His aim is true.
The fragment explodes in a blast of golden light and the sound of an angelic choir. Hundreds of razor-sharp shards of stone spray outward, destroying the cage the fragment was inside, shredding Jeslyn, and outlining, but not hitting, each of our heroes. Instead, the golden light latches onto them, their skin drinking it in until they start to glow. Those who cast, find all their daily spells renewed in their minds, as they are restored to perfect health. They are stunned by the sheer power they feel flowing into them.
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A vision forms in each of their minds. Kenabres lies before them, intact, through a window in the Kite. A golden, winged angel with a halo of small swords round his head is engaged in a ritual. And then, the wardstone appears in the courtyard.
The scene changes. Lord Hulrun, then aged 20 years, leads the burning of dozens of supposed "witches" in the courtyard of the Kite before the wardstone.
The scene changes again. Irabeth chases a burly dwarven man, who wears a tabard featuring a pair of crossed hammers over clouds into the courtyard in front of the wardstone. Both are heavily wounded, and as the dwarf backs against the wardstone, smoke rises, and he screams in pain. He ducks to avoid one of Irabeth's blows, them smashes her knee with a desperate blow from his hammer, dropping her to the ground. The dwarf raises his hammer high, as though to bring it down on her head, but turns his head at the sound of many approaching armored figures. He backs away and summons a giant wasp, glinting black and deep red, with sickly glowing green eyes. He swiftly climbs into its saddle, and flies northward.
The scene changes again, to a beautiful demonic woman with a long thin tail, clawed hands, and curling horns protruding from where her eyes should be, placing the wardstone fragment in this room, the deformed half-elf kneeling before her.
Jeslyn: "I wish for a cage to contain this treasure, impervious to any might less than that of the gods!"
The cage pops into existence around the fragment.
The scene changes against it, and with it, the knowledge that they have just prevented what is being shown. Another horned woman, this one with wings holding a deep purple crystal the size of a human head, touching it to the fragment they've just destroyed while chanting a vile incanatation.
The scope of the vision moves out and up, showing the entire warded border of the Worldwound. From the wardstones flashes a nauseating mauve fire that devastates the border cities and transforms countless crusaders into half-fiend slaves of the Worldwound.
As they regain control of their limbs, the woman from the last vision appears before them.
Areelu Vorlesh regards them with a smoldering fury. "This only delays your kind’s extinction. But at least I can take steps to hasten your own.” Areelu Vorlesh waves her hand, then with a frustrated expression adds "The death throes of your wardstone seem to be protecting you from my magic. No matter. They cannot protect you from my slaves!”
With this, the woman spreads wide her arms and a rift tears open in reality.
A half-dozen babaus tumble through into the room, and beyond them can be glimpsed even greater demons preparing to enter—vrocks, glabrezus, even a marilith—when suddenly the energy infusing them pulses back outward.
A moment later, the woman screams in pain, tears appearing in her wings as her limbs twist unnaturally, and she vanishes.
Vendric: "I don't like her. She's mean."
((Thus ends the 20th session))
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Once they're able to look around, they see that Skinnareth has vanished, and now it is Tomas who is enlarged, and remains statue-esque. Two of the babaus in the back row attempt to cast spells, but nothing happens.
Zullion moves up, the might of the Stone radiating in him, he spends one of the charges to swiftly close in with one of the babaus, opening wide gashes in its side and shoulder. Enraged, the demon drops its spear, retaliating with teeth and claws. While the claws reach past his armor with full intent to stab, Zullion remains unscathed. Another babau thrusts a longspear at Zullion across the pedestal where the wardstone fragment once stood. It hits his face cleanly, but when the weapon is pulled back it remains clean of blood as the cavalier's face is unmarred.
Vendric takes a step back and tosses a vial of holy water at the babau straight ahead of him. Then drawing upon the power surging through him. He pulls out his last bottle of holy water and tosses it at the babau in front of Sara. unfortunately getting her a bit wet in the process.
Sarathel chuckles. "Nice to cool off a bit."
The babau straight ahead of him attempts to stab Vendric with his longspear, but the quick-footed alchemist sidesteps the blow. Altruis takes a step towards Sara and swings Radiance, burying it deep in the demon's thigh.
Nightwolf unleashes a hail of arrows, surprising himself with his own speed. His target looks down at the neat triangle of arrows studding its chest.
Sarathel finding herself on the front line, with everyone in perfect health, attacks for once...and her lack of practice shows as her swing is clumsy and wide.
A pair of babause in the back row simultaneously stab at paladin and Cavalier, spear-tips passing harmlessly over their shoulders.
Zullion swings his blade once more, energized by the holy power of the wardstone. He rams the sword into the babau's chest and slices up and out from its head, then steps inside the reach of the spears in the back row.
One of the back-row babaus stabs at Altruis again, and almost gets apst his full-plate.
Vendric throws bombs at the babau by Sara, using his precise bombs and aim to have the flames miss Sara and the paladin. The first one scorches the babau's forearm. The babau in front of Vendric hops up onto the pedestal, stabbing the alchemist twice... actually managing to scratch his cheek with the second thrust.
Altruis cuts down the demon threatening Sara. Nightwolf unleashes a hail of arrows, and his target on the pedestal stares at its newly-feathered arms. Sarathel puts away her spear and draws a crossbow.
One of Zullion's next targets steps in to his south, directly across from the demon on the pedestal. He takes a bite out of Zullion's arm, which instantly starts to regrow. Zullion cries out in pain.
Another babau circles Altruis, making the demon on the pedestal the linchpin of two flanking efforts.
Zullion, knowing if he strikes back in anger, he will only makes things worse, instead turns to cut down the arrow-studded linchpin. The third remaining babau abandons its spear and tries to jump up over his fallen ally, but is bisected as Zullion's blade intercepts him.
Nightwolf shoots the northern babau twice, and Altruis opens a gash across its ribs. Sarathel steps back from the babau, and seeing injuries, unleashes a wave of positive energy to heal her allies. The southern babau fails to cast a spell, and steps away from the cavalier. The northern steps out of his foes' reach and vanishes.
Zullion: "You are alone and faced with me, you and i are now locked in mortal combat, prepare to face death!"
Babau: "Been there, done that."
He glows with even brighter light as he strikes his foe again. The babau manages to stay on its feet despite being disemboweled. When the alchemist's bombs land in its wounds, it succumbs.
The light emanating from our heroes fades.
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Vendric: "That was a strange sensation."
Zullion: "You are correct, but what ever it was, certainly guided and helped our weapons to rid the world of these creatures, pity one got away."
Nightwolf "If it remains in the city we shall hunt it down."
Sarathel: "And I think... my channeling was more effective...More than I expected."
Vendric: "I don't feel the overwhelming power but I can still feel something of it left over in me."
Nightwolf "I surprised myself with my own swiftness in that battle."
Zullion: "I think we should discuss the happenings at a later stage, we need to get back and let our commanders know what happened, we are still in enemy territory."
Nightwolf notices that while the cultist's flesh was shredded by the explosion, her gear remains intact and recovers it, then detects magic, and inspects the source of one of the auras in the wall. It comes from a shard of the wardstone which has remained intact, unlike so many others which were powdered on impact. Using a dagger, he carefully removes the shards from the walls.
Nightwolf "Some magic remains in these 6 shards."
Zullion: "I do not need such an item for this weapon that was given to me" he holds up his longsword "I would rather have one of you take another stone, and perhaps eventually my lance will be able to have such qualities too."
Vendric: "I would like a shard. Examining a piece could prove useful. We should hurry and finish here and return to the inn. We have a lot to report."
Sarathel: "But... where did Skinnareth go? Was he banished? Do you think he's all right? Tomas doesn't normally enlarge himself..."
Vendric looks to where Tomas is. "How are you feeling?"
Nightwolf "Heh, maybe the wardstone destroyed him. That creature never stuck me as particularly benevolent."
Tomas Castonello writhes in pain and convulses as the symbol on his body pulses, trying to move two bodies where there were only one. Sarathel rushes to his side.
Tomas Castonello: "No, where am I... it hurts... why does it hurt?"
Sarathel: "Tomas? What's wrong?" She examines him. "I... don't see any injuries..."
Zullion: "We should hurry, that does not sound very good, are you well my friend?" he tries to put a hand on his shoulder
Vendric runs to Tomas as well.
Tomas Castonello 's cries grow stifled. Slowly he is covered in a black film, like living shadow engulfing his human form
Vendric drinks an identify extract as he then examines any magic coming from the man. Zullion steps back and holds his sword out.
Sarathel: "Tomas? Are you in there?"
Nightwolf nocks an arrow.
"Stay... BACK, HUMAN!" The voice sounds like Tomas and Skinnareth, speaking in unison.
Zullion: "Explain yourself, or we will put you down."
Sarathel: "...Skinnareth? Is that you?"
Nightwolf "Creature? Is that you?"
Tomas Castonello begins to grow outward, as his humanoid body turns to the form of a serpent. His arms turn to deadly talons, as his legs vanish into a writhing tail. His head is subsumed by a columnous neck, sprouting again as a dragon-like head that gleams with teeth and an empty maw the color of darkest night.
Nightwolf "Creature! What have you done with Tomas? Do I finally get to kill you now?"
Sarathel backs against the wall. "I... don't know what's happening to him....them... if I can help..."
Skinnareth: "Finally, I can feel my claws! Where did you trap me, human?"
Tomas Castonello: "I... I feel stretched... my legs... where are my legs?"
Sarathel: "I think he's as confused as we are, Zullion."
Skinnareth: "Stop this madness, human! Get out of my mind! My body is my own!"
Sarathel: "But.... Tomas's body was back here... yours was in the other room..."
Zullion sheaths his sword, and steps closer "Just take a moment to collect yourself, breathe."
Tomas Castonello: "I don't like it... get it out! Get it OUT!"
Vendric: "This is indeed a strange situation. I imagine even more for them."
Nightwolf "Shame, I really was hoping the wardstone had killed him. Perhaps if we do it it will save Tomas?"
Tomas Castonello tries to move his arm. The monster's talon swipes behind him, smashing into the stone wall with enough force to crack it.
Sarathel: "More likely it would kill them both."
Tomas Castonello: "I don't understand. Where am I? Why can't I feel my legs?"
Skinnareth: "Enough! I am trying to speak, human! This is my arm!"
Sarathel: "They... look like they've turned into Skinnareth's tail."
Tomas Castonello: "I can smell everything... what is this?"
Skinnareth: "Why is it so hard to move? How am I moving now?"
Both voices: "What have I become?"
Vendric: "I've heard of summoners able to summon an eidolon as part of themselves. But never for it to happen like this. But as far as i know that is the closest thing I can think of that may describe what is happening to them. Perhaps the power released caused this somehow. Skinareth was in the room with us when it exploded. There is no telling how it affected their magic bond."
Tomas Castonello: "So I have Skinnareth's body now? What am I?"
Skinnareth: "No you don't! This is MY body! I am not giving up everything I have to some human whelp!"
Sarathel: "It... took time to change. .. I think... you're both stuck..."
Nightwolf "A freak, clearly we should put you down" The humor is much more obvious in his voice now.
Vendric: "I need more time to examine you to be sure. But I think you and Skinnareth are now one being."
Skinnareth lunges forward and puts his snout in Nightwolf's face. "And will you have time to draw before you lose your arm, human?"
Sarathel holds out a hand in front of Skinnareth's snout. "Peace, Skinnareth... Shoanti have an odd sense of humor."
Tomas Castonello pulls his head back, causing the entire body to curl up like a snake. "Watch out! I don't know what I'm doing...."
Nightwolf: "Not all Shoanti, just me."
Sarathel: "Noted."
Vendric pokes the creature as he examines it closer.
Skinnareth growls as the alchemist prods around, but doesn't do anything further
Vendric: "Did you both feel that?"
Tomas Castonello: "I can feel it."
Skinnareth: "Of course, you hack arcanist!"
Tomas Castonello: "Wait, did you mean him or me?"
Skinnareth: "Silence, intruder!"
Sarathel: "Skinnareth... if you're stuck together, expecting Tomas to stay silent and motionless is just going to set you both up for misery, I'm afraid."
Vendric pokes another spot. "What about that?"
Skinnareth: "This is madness! First I am bound and shackled to this one's side, now I am not even entitled to my own body? Do you find glee in my suffering?"
Nightwolf "I do."
Sarathel: "I find no glee... but look at it this way... he doesn't have control of his own body either. But I'm afraid that if you decide to fight each other you'll amass no riches, accomplish no good, and bring only woe to yourselves."
Skinnareth snarls at the Shoanti, but quiets down at the half-orc's words, and uncurls its massive frame.
Vendric: "She is right. If you both keep fighting for no one is going to get anywhere."
Sarathel: "We can look for way to free you both... but I don't think we'll find it here."
Tomas Castonello: "It's my fault... I just wanted to prove that I could stand on my own. Instead I dragged you into my problems... I'm sorry, Skinnareth."
Vendric: "Tomas, your previous bond allowed you some control over skinnareth. Can you still fell that same bond as before?"
Tomas Castonello: "I can see through these eyes... and I can smell and feel everything. But it's like being inside a rusty suit of armor. It fights me every time I move."
Skinnareth: "Rusty? Pheh! You just can't comprehend the intricacy of my perfect form. I move as silent as the shadows, and my reach is beyond measure."
Vendric: "Try moving your arm at the same time as commanding it to like you did to Skinnareth using your bond like before. I want to see if that helps."
Sarathel: "I think he's referring to how it feels to have another in the same body fighting him... or does his 'interference' not feel a bit rusty to you?"
Vendric: "Its my current theory they are indeed like those summoners I mentioned before. though a bit different as it seems they aren't just overlapping each other they are one being."
Sarathel: "That...may be. Do you know of any way to... undo it?"
Vendric: "Not without further research."
Sarathel: "Do you think you can both manage to walk...or slither along? Or will you need to ride in a cart with the dead we're taking to burial?"
Tomas Castonello: "I think I can let him move me for now... move us... but I am not going to like it if I have to sleep like this."
Skinnareth: "That will be fine. I don't sleep."
Nightwolf "Have you tried dispelling him?"
Sarathel: "It's worth a try... if it separates them..."
Skinnareth: "I'm not going anywhere. This is still my body."
Vendric: "It would be good to at least revert him to Tomas' size."
Sarathel: "The idea was to move the body back to the inn, Skinnareth."
Skinnareth: "Hrmm... if you promise me that you won't just push me aside and take what is mine, then I will let you try."
Vendric: "Can you give control to tomas only skinn? It will help expedite things and let us work on the problem much faster back at the inn."
Tomas Castonello: "Okay, okay, wait. I don't want to take anything from him. I just want to have my legs back. Now calm down and let me focus."
Skinnareth: ". . . whatever."
((Thus ends the 21st session))
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Tomas Castonello relaxes and lets the huge body go limp. After a couple of minutes of silence, a sound like rushing air fills the room as the form of Skinnareth shrinks down and shapes into that of a man. The inky black shadow pours into the symbol upon Tomas' skin as he drops to his knees, as his skin regains its pale complexion
Sarathel smiles "Better?"
Nightwolf "Good, lets get back to the Heart then."
Skinnareth: "You'd better fix this, human. I'm only doing this under protest."
When they reach the street, they find it empty, save for the bodies they'd carried out.
Altruis Heavensward: "Sharing is caring, Skinnareth."
Zullion: "I shall carry the lords' bodies back, I will simply lead Lighhoof instead of being in the saddle"
Altruis Heavensward: "I can carry a few, myself, if need be."
It takes a few minutes to balance the loads. In that time, nothing approaches.
Zullion: "A few, Altrius, there are only two, easy for Lighthoof."
Tomas Castonello: "Maybe we should save this for when we have more hands."
Skinnareth: "You have hands."
Zullion: "Very well, perhaps then we should send for reinforcements to come and get the casualties."
Altruis Heavensward: "Huh, it seems oddly peaceful here now, I don't think I can even hear the clatter of steel."
Vendric: "Could the explosion of the wardstone have sent back the demons? I don't see any around."
Irabeth Tirabade comes around from the north, leading a mixed force of knights and mongrels.
Zullion: "Or they fled, either way, if our perception is not deceiving us, this part of the city is ours again."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Congratulations on your success! I trust you are responsible for that great wave of golden light that consumed all the demons?"
Zullion: "I would like to believe so, Sir" he salutes
Nightwolf "Probably."
Altruis Heavensward: "We were able to complete the mission, and I think we've already been rewarded for it."
Sarathel: "When the fragment exploded... it seemed to know who its enemies were."
Vendric: "In a way yes. It was the result of us using that rod on the stone. Seems it had other effects as well." Vendric looks at his hand still able to feel the fragment of power inside himself.
Nightwolf: "Not that we'll turn down any monetary thanks."
Skinnareth: "Monetary compensation does seem fitting given the amount that I have put up with."
Zullion: "And perhaps a chance to clean off," he flicks a piece of... something.. to the side.
Vendric: "Some rest would also be appreciated. That was a lot to go through."
Tomas Castonello: "Yeah... I wouldn't mind a hefty drink and a warm fire right now-"
Irabeth Tirabade: "Such funds have not been our top priority... but I'm sure we'll be able to scrape something together."
Skinnareth: "-Resting can wait until you work on undoing my predicament."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'm just happy to have pushed the threat back, somewhat."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Looks like you found some more of our fallen for the mortuary detail."
Zullion: He nods toward Altruis "Yes, I believe that a hefty blow was struck against the forces of Chaos."
Vendric: "Then resting would be in your best interest. I do some of my best work asleep."
Skinnareth: "And what's wrong with a little chaos, human?"
Zullion looks at the creature "Careful, I may regard you as an ally, but this is no matter to jest at."
Vendric: "Well not all chaos is bad. Though the kind the demons sow certainly is."
Altruis Heavensward: "Chaos in and of itself isn't dangerous, it's the pervading malevolence that makes the demons we face so truly evil."
Sarathel: "You don't plan to go on a rampage at the temples of Desna or Cayden Cailean do you, Zullion?"
Skinnareth: "Your wardstone pushed back the profanity within your demonic foes. Once they realize that there is no barrier, they will surge to reoccupy the space they left vacant. Unless you fill the vaccuum first."
Nightwolf "That Cayden Cailean really knows how to party."
Irabeth Tirabade: "It seems I got a better look at that part than you did, Tomas... they were destroyed, not pushed back."
Zullion: "I said the forces of Chaos, I was very specific."
Skinnareth: "If there's anything you can trust, warrior, it's that the guilty outweigh the innocent. There will be more."
Zullion looks at Iribeth "That is very good to hear Sir, a great blow indeed."
Sarathel: "Desna and Cayden Cailean are both Chaotic deities, Zullion... they also happen to be Good."
Tomas Castonello: "Um... I think this conversation is counter-intuitive to our goals. I think we should go clean up, and then we can get to work on a solution."
Zullion: "I do not wish to discuss this matter further, I had a rough day, spilled a lot of... what ever boils in demons, and im covered in most of it. I do not wish to prolong this day"
Nightwolf "Agreed."
Sarathel: "Right. We'll all be thinking straighter after a good night's sleep."
Skinnareth: "Hrmm... if we must."
Vendric: "Just as long as your not planning any raids on Desna or Cayden I think we will be good."
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Vendric: As they all go off to bed Vendric finds Zullion. "May Desna bless you with good dreams." And walks off with a smile.
Zullion looks in on the new barmaid, after he has cleaned up.
Lerial greets him with a smile "What would you like to drink?"
Zullion: "Nothing right now, thank you, I simply wish to talk and have a conversation with you," He smiles.
Lerial takes another chair at his table. "About anything in particular?"
Zullion: "I simply wish to know how you are faring? Honest work, treating you well? Are the patrons being civil, and lastly, have you been practicing what I explained last time?"
Lerial looks around. "They've treated me surprisingly well, yes... though I do always feel eyes on me. Not that I can blame them. As to practicing... there hasn't really been much time for that."
Zullion: "Then I urge you to make time, when you go to take a bath, or as you get ready for bed, i know work is tiring, but the more you work at it, the less hard it will become. Soon minutes will turn into hours and hours will turn into a constant habit of speaking to him."
Lerial: "I ... will try. I hear you're the conquering heroes and I jumped ship just in time."
Zullion: "We are simply instruments. None of our deeds are just our own. Guidance, mercy and grace." He places a hand on her shoulder. "I prefer to say that you reached out of the water in time, not jumped ship."
Lerial: "Maybe... but that's not really the way I've heard it before."
Zullion laughs and smiles "I know, I just don't like to see that your life till now was a ship. You were drowning, and you reached out for help."
Lerial: "Drowning did not appeal, no. Thank you again, for extending a hand... in addition to the one with the sword in it."
Zullion: He frowns a bit and shakes his head "Please try to wipe that image from your mind. I do not like using force if it can be helped. Some things just, don't want to be helped."
Lerial: "Why should I forget the turning point in my life? I certainly wouldn't want to forget the alternatives waiting in the wings... not yet at least."
Zullion: "No, I meant to try not remember me in such a zealous state."
Lerial smiles. "I do much prefer seeing you as a friend and mentor...a savior?"
Zullion nods "And I prefer to see you happy and not filled with hate and darkness. Your smile is quite the reward."
Lerial blushes slightly. "Thank you. It comes more easily when you're around."
Zullion smiles and touches her shoulder again. "I am content, but now, I must join my comrades and find out what our next steps will be in this war" As he walks away, he looks back "stay safe."
Lerial: "I will, thank you." She sighs, getting up as well. "Back to work, then."
That night, they all dream.
Iomedae: "Hello, my servant. You have done well this day, striking a stern blow against evil and starting to mend one of my houses. Thank you."
Altruis Heavensward kneels before Iomedae, head bowed.
Iomedae: "I may not give you all the aid I might wish... there is a balance in the planes, you see. But the Demon Lords' level of involvement frees my hands, a little." She reaches out, resting a hand on your shoulder. "And you will find that this will help."
As the warmth settles through him and he continues to look down, the dream fades.
In the dream, he is alone, in a vast cathedral of white marble. One other person stands before him. A beautiful but scarred woman, with hair cut at the ear, wearing full plate and a crimson cape. She carries a longsword at her belt, and a shield emblazoned with Her sword and sunburst.
Iomedae: "Hello, my ally. You have done well this day, striking a stern blow against evil and starting to mend one of my houses. Thank you."
Nightwolf kneels low in his dream at the sight of the goddess.
Iomedae: "I may not give you all the aid I might wish... there is a balance in the planes, you see. But the Demon Lords' level of involvement frees my hands, a little." She reaches out, resting a hand on your shoulder. "And you will find that this will help."
He continues to bow as warmth spreads through him, and the dream fades.
In the dream, he is alone, in a vast cathedral of white marble. One other person stands before him. A beautiful but scarred woman, with hair cut at the ear, wearing full plate and a crimson cape. She carries a longsword at her belt, and a shield emblazoned with Her sword and sunburst.
Iomedae: "Hello, my ally. You have done well this day, striking a stern blow against evil and starting to mend one of my houses. Thank you."
Iomedae: "I may not give you all the aid I might wish... there is a balance in the planes, you see. But the Demon Lords' level of involvement frees my hands, a little." She reaches out, resting a hand on your shoulder. "And you will find that this will help."
Tomas Castonello: "I'm confused... are you talking to me? I barely did anything."
Iomedae: "Did it seem so to you? Did you not strengthen your allies, standing beside them and enhancing their ability to battle?”
Tomas Castonello): "Well, not really. I was only letting out what was already there. I'm not much of an abjurer or a conjurer. I don't even know how to make a magic missile!"
Iomedae: "Sorcerers also simply let out what was already within. There are many sorcerers who never manifest that spell. It does not make them any less. Neither does it make you any less. Do not undervalue your contributions simply because they are subtle rather than flashy."
Tomas Castonello): "Alright. I guess I could use your gifts to be more of use in the coming battles. Do you think you could also use your power to give Skinnareth his body back?"
Iomedae: "I am afraid you will have to learn to live with each other... for a time."
Tomas Castonello): "But he hates me. He's never been a nice guy but he's suffering like this. How can I help when I'm stuck with a raging monster inside me?"
Iomedae: "In learning to work with you instead of against you, he may yet become a force of good. Your unique bond gives you that chance to change his nature... if it is what you want."
Tomas Castonello): "Ah... good, evil, those are alien to me. I just want everybody to get what they want. And I want to prove that I have what it takes. To be a wizard, a lord, whatever. Whatever it is, it's my goal. Not the Paralictors', not the Grand High Diabolosts', but mine."
Iomedae: "You must have seen that the goals and desires of many conflict, and you have chosen a side. Admit it to yourself, and you may begin to find peace."
Tomas Castonello): "I dunno. I know I don't want the demons to kill everybody... but I don't know if peace is the best thing either. Some people just like fighting. It's all about doing what you think matters, you know? I just don't like when some guy says that their way is the only way. Everybody wants it their way. But if you gotta do it your way to be happy, then why not, right?"
Iomedae: : "Do you think my paladins normally sit in their barracks meditating? There is always evil to be fought, even if finding it sometimes takes more effort."
Tomas Castonello: "Yeah, it's like we're always striving to make it to the next level. Saving the city means as much to a soldier as finishing a painting means to an artist. I know how to make things, but Skinnareth likes to fight and get cool shiny jewels. I hope I can still help him do that, even if we are stuck together. I want to help you too, if that's okay with you."
Iomedae: "Yes, I accept your aid. And I am sure you have it within you to accomplish your goals."
Tomas Castonello: "Alright, great! I promise I'll do my best and help you out. And I'll help my companions too, cause they'll probably need something along the way that I can do. Thank you for talking to me. It really helped me deal with what I've been keeping inside. Oh, I have one more question, if it's alright with you."
Iomedae: "You may ask. I may not answer, but you may ask."
Tomas Castonello: "Why did you become a goddess? That might be a rude thing to say, but the lore says you had to take a huge test and achieved divinity because of it. I just wanna know, why did you do it?"
Iomedae: "There was no greater way to serve not just one world, but many. To heal not just a few, but thousands. To stand as a bulwark."
Tomas Castonello: "Okay. That was all I wanted to know. Thanks for all your help. I'll do my best from here on out!"
The white marble fades around him, Iomedae's face, last of all.
In the dream, he is alone, in a vast cathedral of white marble. One other person stands before him. A beautiful but scarred woman, with hair cut at the ear, wearing full plate and a crimson cape. She carries a longsword at her belt, and a shield emblazoned with Her sword and sunburst.
Iomedae: "Hello, my ally. You have done well this day, striking a stern blow against evil and starting to mend one of my houses. Thank you."
Vendric: "Well this isn't like my usual dreams."
Iomedae: "I may not give you all the aid I might wish... there is a balance in the planes, you see. But the Demon Lords' level of involvement frees my hands, a little." She reaches out, resting a hand on your shoulder. "And you will find that this will help."
Vendric: "I thank you for your gift. I am sure it will help with out fight against the demons."
A portal opens behind him. The portal opens onto a familiar starscape... the sort he has stood in the midst of many times before.
Iomedae: "And there is another who would speak with you.”
Vendric: "Now this feels more like my usual dreams." He remarks as he gazes at the stars, finding himself among them now.
An elven woman with butterfly wings, wearing a gown fit for a ball awaited him.
Desna: "Do you feel it, Vendric? You are have at last entered the chrysalis."
Vendric feels that power inside him begin to grow for a brief moment as it seems to merge with something else inside him. In that moment his body is wrapped in a cocoon of light as a warm sensation spreads though it. When the light fades he emerges with a new feature. A set of butterfly wings similar to the one the lady has.
She nods. "A fine start. They shall serve you well."
Vendric gives a slight bow. "As I hope I have and hope to continue to."
Desna: "You have served me well. And if you continue to follow this path, you may become one of my greatest servants and allies."
Vendric: "I am happy to hear you say so. And I will try my best to continue down the path I have been. Wherever it may lead. After all the destination isn't so as important as the journey it took to get there."
Desna: "You have learned well, Vendric. And your journey will be a remarkable one. Enjoy it! And watch for unexpected allies."
In the dream, he is alone, in a vast cathedral of white marble. One other person stands before him. A beautiful but scarred woman, with hair cut at the ear, wearing full plate and a crimson cape. She carries a longsword at her belt, and a shield emblazoned with Her sword and sunburst.
Iomedae: "Hello, my ally. You have done well this day, striking a stern blow against evil and starting to mend one of my houses. Thank you."
Zullion bows, his arms across his chest "My lady, it is an honor to stand with a close ally of Apsu."
Iomedae: "I may not give you all the aid I might wish... there is a balance in the planes, you see. But the Demon Lords' level of involvement frees my hands, a little." She reaches out, resting a hand on your shoulder. "And you will find that this will help."
While he sleeps, Vendric is enveloped in starlight, which parts, butterfly wings unfurling in its wake.
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Tomas Castonello awoke from his slumber with a renewed sense of purpose and drive. From then on he would do his utmost to help his friends with whatever they needed... which mostly consisted of enchanting things for them.
Vendric on awakening spends some time getting use to his new limbs. Then heads out to track down a supply of holy water, offering his alchemical skills in trade. There are a number of paladins and clerics who take Vendric up on his offer. He also finds some formulae to add to his book.
Nightwolf gazes at Vendric's brilliant wings reverently. "My what lovely wings you have Vendric. Surely Desna has truly blessed you." He says this with the utmost awe and sincerity.
Vendric: "It seems she has. She appeared to me in a dream after that whole wardstone incident."
Tomas Castonello: "That's not so special though, from what I can tell. The other day I had this dream where the goddess Iomedae, or some aspect of her, appeared and lent me some divine power. It was actually pretty cathartic. Given what we have witnessed, and what I have gathered from my studies, most beings from outer planes are capable of contacting those that believe in them. And with the right spells, even those that don't."
Vendric: "Indeed I too was visited by Iomedae before Desna showed up as well and gave me this gift."
That same morning, Aravashniel comes in with a box of supplies salvaged from the Library.
Aravashnial: "I understand you seek some reward, and these things may aid you in future battles."
The heroes thank him and pleasantly divide the rewards.
Zullion spends the next several days helping rebuild the city walls...and instructing his convert.
Altruis takes time to practice with his mentor, Velora, even though he's gotten quite good at handling a sword now, and lets himself be fitted for the fanciest nightgown the tailor had ever made.
Nightwolf finds a skilled artist to tattoo him with Desna's butterfly, gets fitted for the nobles' outfit previously promised them, and makes a few minor purchases.
Sarathel spends her time with her sister, and helping the other healers with all the wounded.
The Eagle Watch and the First Descendants continue rooting out surviving cultists while rebuilding.
Altruis Heavensward approaches Irabeth during some free time, "So, during our trip to the gray garrison, we found your old sword."
Irabeth Tirabade: "My... old sword?"
Altruis Heavensward: "The one that was enchanted to better slay demons."
Irabeth Tirabade: "That was... You don't mean my father's sword?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, it was used to great effect during our trip, assisting Zullion in dolling out appropriate justice."
Irabeth Tirabade: "I don't know how it ended up in demonic hands, but thank you for recovering it. I gave up all title to it when I sold it, but I'm glad to hear it's back where it will do good."
Altruis Heavensward: "I thought it'd do your heart good to know in whose hands such a treasure laid."
Irabeth Tirabade: "It does, thank you."
Altruis Heavensward: "But I feel I should mention, our small force has caught the eye of our Lady of Valor, she came to me, and I suspect, my allies whilst we slept and shared a boon with us."
Irabeth Tirabade: "You suspect? You haven't asked? That is a great honor... and would mean She has a greater purpose in mind for you."
Altruis Heavensward: "Whatever purpose it may be, I shall accept it gladly. I feel further emboldened by that dream to do even more good than I previously considered possible."
Irabeth Tirabade: "As the Inheritor wills."
Altruis Heavensward: "Now, if I may be excused, I'd like to share with the creator of my full-plate the divine boon it has received."
Irabeth Tirabade: "Of course, Sir Altruis."
Altruis Heavensward bows and makes his way off to the blacksmith.
((Thus ends the 22nd session))
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Over the next week, citizens who had fled the invasion begin making their cautious ways back into Kenabres, but there are many who will never be returning. While the city remains only half-full, hope once more shines in the residents' eyes.
Tomas Castonello emerges from the dark storeroom of the tavern, squinting in the lights. The fruits of his work were many, but the hours of labor were long and hard.
A full week after the wardstone fragment's destruction, an army, dusty from the road approaches from the south. An hour later, the banner of Mendev, and the royal crest can be made out, and eager whispers make their way through the streets. As the army nears the city, divisions peel off to aid in the reconstruction of the city's outer walls.
Bows and curtseys line the streets in advance of a small troop who makes their way to the Defenders' Heart. As the queen, wearing her plate armor, enters the inn, the staff, and other guests, fall to their knees, bowing (or curtseying deeply) in respect.
Tomas Castonello takes a knee and bows his head, slightly embarrassed at the state of his robes and his hair. He tries to wipe the dirty smudges off his face, which succeeds in putting a gray streak down his neck.
Zullion bows, but does not kneel.
Queen Galfrey raises a hand, indicating they may all rise. Three retainers accompany her, a young man in a chain shirt, a Garundi man with a polished breastplate, and a halfling lass, also with a chain shirt.
Sosiel Vaenic pulls out a chair for the queen, and she gracefully sits, setting her helm on the table.
Queen Galfrey: "Nightwolf, Sir Altruis, Zulliion, Tomas Castonello, Sarathel Tirabade, and Vendric, reports have reached me of your deeds and valor, Step forth, and be rewarded."
Nightwolf approaches the Queen and kneels. "Your majesty."
Queen Galfrey rises, drawing her longsword, and gently tapping him on either shoulder with it. "Nightwolf, I name you a Knight of the Fifth Crusade, with all the rights and privileges that pertain thereto. By your deeds, you have earned the righteous medal of clarity." She gestures for him to rise, and accept it.
Vendric approaches the queen as well. Giving her a slight bow as he gets closer.
Tomas Castonello moves to the table closest to the queen. He tries to stand politely, but Skinnareth overshadows him, pulling out a chair and reclining back, tipping it back slightly.
The Garundi man hands the queen medals as she names them.
Nightwolf stands and accepts the medal. "Thank you, my queen."
Queen Galfrey smiles wearily. "You have earned it, Sir Nightwolf."
Queen Galfrey turns to Vendric, Tomas, and Sarathel. "You have also earned knighthoods, but as you seem less formally inclined, we can skip the ceremony."
Skinnareth: "I care not for your rituals, human. If you want to reward me, riches will do."
Tomas Castonello: "Wait, I'm sorry. That wasn't me talking. I will gladly accept anything you think is worthy, your Highness. Please excuse me."
Queen Galfrey: "Report of your condition has reached me, Tomas, and outsiders often have different understandings and cares for such things... particularly the azatas who have lent their aid to the crusades. You have also earned a righteous medal of clarity"
Tomas Castonello: "Really? I... I graciously accept your gift, your Highne--"
Skinnareth: "Don't bow. I will not lower myself to mortals."
Tomas Castonello stands and kneels so as to accept the medal, very shakily so.
Queen Galfrey smiles as she pins it to a relatively clean spot on his robe.
Vendric: "You know I figured you'd act a bit more hospitable Skinny. after all she is the one who could grant you those riches you covet so much."
Queen Galfrey turns to Vendric. "You've also earned a righteous medal of clarity" She adds, with a twinkle in her eye, "Unless you insist on turning it down."
Vendric: "To refuse such a thing would only be rude. And unless the thing would cause me harm in some way I see no reason to refuse a gift. And I highly doubt you would do such a thing."
Queen Galfrey smiles, pinning the medal of clarity to his robe. "You understand aright. And you have also earned this righteous medal of valor."
She turns to Altruis. "Sir Altruis, you have earned the righteous medals of agility, clarity, and valor and I have every confidence you will wear them with honor."
Sir Altruis: "Thank you, my Queen, I shall wear them with pride and mete out the justice required by them."
The queen smiles as she pins the medals to his armor's straps. "Spoken as a true paladin."
She turns to Sarathel, rewarding her with a righteous medal of clarity as well. "You have been a great help to your sister. Now you have the chance to be of as great service to all the world."
Sarathel curtseys again, speechless.
Queen Galfrey turns to Zullion. "Last, but far from least, you have earned the righteous medals of agility, clarity, command" She pauses, nodding to Lerial. "and valor."
Zullion: "Queen Galfrey, it is an honour" he doesnt say much else.
Queen Galfrey steps back, addressing our heroes as a group.
Queen Galfrey: “While there are some narrow-minded souls among the crusade who blame you for the destruction of the wardstone border, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved entire legions of crusaders from a most vile fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of energy gave us the time we needed to regroup and prepare for what will certainly come next. But you understand the implications of what you’ve done, I’m sure—the wardstones are gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn’t merely fade into the ether. In time, the demons will regroup and reorganize—we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it otherwise would take, but we shouldn’t underestimate them. They’ll be back soon enough. Already I’ve had reports from along the front lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border.
"But what intrigues me most is news from several reliable sources that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. In particular, the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond. The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade. If Drezen could be retaken—if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade... well, I trust I don’t need to explain how well that would affect morale. But with the imminent attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place. The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well-trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I’ve sought you out. If you can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with your heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get!"
Nightwolf "You can count on us my queen!"
Zullion: "I know very little of the crusades, my parents merely instructed me on minor details and obviously my training. But if this sword is what is needed to weaken the enemy further, then you have my lance and my sword."
Sarathel curtseys. "As my queen commands. It is an honor to be trusted with this charge."
Skinnareth: "Hmm... so upon having us do your dirty work and drive your enemies out, now you would have us clean out your house. Just like a human, so presumptuous."
Sarathel: "Skinnareth... do you think the demons would keep none of their riches in one of their strongholds?"
Tomas Castonello: "Ahem... he means that he'll do it. And of course you can count on me."
Nightwolf "Then stay here creature, more riches for the rest of us."
Skinnareth: "... in return for a hefty sum of riches."
Vendric: "Sounds like a good plan to me. Retaking a city further into the world wound would give us a better place to prepare future attacks on the demonic forces."
Skinnareth gives the archer a smug look and a toothy grin.
Queen Galfrey: "Have you any questions about your mission?"
Tomas Castonello: "Actually, yes. How well defended can we assume the Citadel is where the Sword of Valor is kept?"
Vendric: "How much of a force is going to come with us? I assume its not gonna be just us?
Queen Galfrey: "Rather more lightly than it was a week ago, as Aponavicius took the bulk of their forces with her. But heavily enough that a division of my army will be accompanying you. Paladins who have volunteered for this assignment, strong against demonic forces.
"They are a hundred strong, so they will be more mobile, and useful, if it comes to fighting in the streets of Drezen. I'm also sending these three specialists."
Queen Galfrey gestures to her retainers. "This is Sosiel Vaenic. He was a cleric of Shelyn here in Kenabres before the temple was destroyed—he can help with healing as needed, but he’s also quite knowledgeable about demons and their tactics."
The Garundi man steps forward, and salutes. "It is an honor to help pave the way for beauty to return to that blighted land."
Queen Galfrey: "Aron Kir is an expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like; he’s where you’ll be getting your map of the Citadel, incidentally."
Tomas Castonello: "That sounds very useful. A stealth approach is often superior to a frontal assault."
The young man steps up, also saluting. "I'll do my best."
Queen Galfrey: "And Nurah Dendiwhar. She’ll be supporting you with her bardic magic, but she’s also an expert on the region and knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point, I’ll wager."
The halfling girl hops up, doing a flip before landing on her feet on the table and taking a bow.
Zullion: "It will be an honour to fight along side you" he gives each a bow as they step forward.
Nightwolf "A pleasure to meet all of you."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Sure is, Sir knights."
Sosiel Vaenic: "And an honor to meet such valiant heroes."
Aron Kir: "A great honor." The man seems a bit tongue-tied.
Tomas Castonello: "So we have an intelligence specialist, a tactician, and a... young prodigy? Maybe?"
Zullion: "Well, at least we wont have to entertain Skinnerath's singing," he chuckles.
Aron Kir: "...siege engineer and infiltrator, Sir."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "And I've accompanied quite a few raids in the area."
Tomas Castonello: "Siege? As in, like, heavy machinery? I've only ever read about arsenals in books. I'd love to take a closer look at the mechanics behind it. Would you mind a little.."
Aron Kir: "Mind? No... not at all..."
Skinnareth: "I am beyond any man-made weapons. Simply give me the opportunity and I shall devour their ranks, one by one."
Aron Kir takes a nervous step back from Tomas.
Skinnareth flexes Tomas' arms and chuckles
Nightwolf "Against hundreds, even thousands, one by one is awfully slow going."
Skinnareth: "Wait until I am set free, then thousands will be as grains of rice before my maw."
Vendric: "Don't mind Skinny. He is mostly all talk."
Tomas Castonello: "But... but I wanna see the ballistae..."
Skinnareth: "I gave you no permission to patronize me, insect."
Nightwolf "Talk, talk, talk."
Zullion: "When do you wish for us to set out highness?"
Queen Galfrey: "If there are no further questions, it would be best if you set off as soon as possible, lest the demons gain enough time to regroup."
Nightwolf "Let's do that then."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh... well before we go, I would like to give you all the projects I was working on."
Vendric: "Perhaps we should prepare to leave in the morning then."
Nightwolf "At first light."
Tomas Castonello fishes the awkwardly-sewn sack from his person and places it on the ground, letting it fall open. He undraws the string and from the opening pulls out a well-worn breastplate and an etched sword. Inside the breastplate hangs a chain with teeth and a shoddily-carved emblem on it.
Zullion: "How far is this place? I wish to make sure we have enough provisions for the venture"
Queen Galfrey: "Drezen is a hundered and sixt-eight miles from here. The army is well enough provisioned for you to reach the city, and have five and a half days to take the city before you run out. You may, of course resupply along the way, the villagers at Valas's Gift should be happy to help. You should be able to water at the river for most of the way."
Zullion: "Thank you again highness, we will do our best to hasten the freedom of the city"
Queen Galfrey: "And I thank you for your diligence. Would you care to meet your troops?"
Nightwolf "Please."
Zullion: "Odd to think that way, but it would be quite an honour."
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As they approach the camp, the hundred Knights of Kenabres form up for inspection.
Nightwolf: "Impressive."
Vendric: "That's a lot of people to be in charge of."
Zullion: "It is with humility, yet honour, I stand before you. Know that we will fight along side each other, and, we will triumph, but victory is not without sacrifice. This may be the last time we go into battle together, but I assure you, every man and woman here is smiled upon by those who have gone before. Let us stand together and take back what is ours."
Knights of Kenabres raise their blades in salute, and cheer.
Skinnareth: "Just remember, any treasure you find along the way is for me!"
The Knights of Kenabres stare at Tomas/Skinnareth.
Zullion restrains himself from smacking his own forehead.
Tomas Castonello: "That's, uh... not the first priority..."
Vendric: "Right. Fighting the demons back and saving the people are first. Loot is maybe 4th or 5th."
Knights of Kenabres have sporadic chuckles burst from the ranks.
Sir Altruis is given command of the force, with Zullion acting as his second.
Nightwolf "I'm more of a scout than commander. Perhaps I could put my skills to use there."
Tomas Castonello: "Right. I'm more of a tactician, but Skinnareth is more skilled. I can ration our resources and provide expertise-"
Skinnareth: "-and I shall take on their commander. Without their head, the others will run like fowl before the axe."
Vendric: "And I'll do whatever I need to do."
Sarathel: "And I'll assist Sosiel with any healing the paladins can't provide themselves."
The heroes select the tents which will serve as their lodgings until this mission's end.
Nightwolf "Its not like we'll be picking out curtains or anything." He lifts the flap of a small tent near the camp's edge.
The next order of business is organizing four watches for the nights, dividing the heroes and officers among them as well as a quarter of the troops.
((Thus ends the 23rd session))
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As could be expected, it takes about an hour in the morning for breakfast and breaking camp. The plan is to cut across the valley to Valas's Gift, and then fallow the river north to the canyon, crossing to the Worldwound side at Vilareth Ford.
The army nears the small farming town of Valas's Gift mid-afternoon, on the first day. As the army approaches, scouts return with reports that no smoke is coming from the chimneys.
Zullion: "That is troublesome. We best be on our guard, a town is a very good place for an ambush"
As they near, further reports come in: many buildings razed, a few intact, no signs of life.
Zullion gets his lance ready, he nods to his fellow officers "I shall take point."
Aron Kir: "It looks like the demons razed the place when the Kenabres wardstone blew up, then any demons stationed there were destroyed by the wave that empowered you... but caution never hurts, with demons."
Zullion: "Caution never hurts. In general"
Nightwolf: "A reasonable conclusion. We should search the rubble for survivors."
Zullion: "Right you are. Fan out, search for survivors, but do not venture alone, always have backup, do not engage threats alone either. Call for aid if you run into any kind of threat"
Knights of Kenabres salute, and as instructed, fan out through the buildings, calling out Iomedae's blessings to any survivors.
Zullion: "We should head into the centre."
Aron Kir: "Shall I circle the perimeter, watching for tracks out?"
Zullion: "Yes, even as we are, an ambush could be from outside, not within"
Aron Kir salutes, and goes to do so.
Vendric: "I'll scout around as well."
Zullion: "Stay with Aron then, even we should not be separate" He cautiously proceeds through the ruins with Nightwolf and Lerial.
Sosiel and Nurah are with different squads that are fanning out.
Nightwolf: "Teleportation. There are no tracks from a force large enough to have done this leading in or out of town. They must have teleported in."
Zullion: "Perhaps they were carried off, or some sort of magic, as you suggested. But demons can fly, so it could have been an aerial assault"
Nightwolf: "Not enough dead... the rest must have fled... or were captured."
Zullion waits in a green space near the town's center as the others continue the search.
Aron Kir: "Sirs... I have found scattered traces of flight. For them to still be here... a significant portion of the population must have escaped. Most likely those who were near the edge of town when the attack started."
Zullion: "That is some sort of a good sign, that not all is lost to the demons"
Vendric: "Can we track them?"
Sosiel Vaenic: "I regret to report no sign of survivors remain in the town. From the wreckage... they did not have much time to take things with them."
Nightwolf "We must also remember our mission."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "On the plus side... I did find a few hidden cellars with more than enough food for us to resupply and gain another day for our mission."
Nightwolf "How far to our next destination?"
Aron Kir: "The tracks... they were really scattered. Going a dozen different directions. And thinning out as they got farther from town."
Zullion: "An extra day of rations will do nicely. even under the circumstances we are in, i am positive our mission will continue"
Nurah Dendiwhar: "You mean Vilareth Ford? About 67 miles... should reach it in two days."
Nightwolf to the others, "Should we press on or camp here for the night? It is a bit early in the day."
Sosiel Vaenic: "We can hope that the survivors will make for Kenabres... if by a less direct route."
Zullion: "If the buildings were more intact, I would consider it, but at the moment, this is more a burden than anything else, I suggest we move on."
Nightwolf "Let's press on once we've finished gathering supplies then."
Vendric: "It would be better to get as much travel as we can in before resting."
Zullion: "Then let us hurry, we have a long way to go still"
Sosiel Vaenic sighs. "With the wardstones down, the demons would likely attack this place again, if only farmers returned... they understand that such supply lines are a mortal weakness."
Zullion: "We will get a defense going eventually, but for now, we have our orders, and our mission. I am sure they will not return any time soon"
It takes an hour to load the supplies onto the pack horses. With the supplies gathered, the army can just reach the river before it's time to set camp.
Zullion: "We will camp here then, a good place to get some water and have the horses rest too."
The night passes peaceably enough, though solemnly. The paladins pray for the people of Valas's Gift as well as their food.
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They break their fast and their camp early the next morning. The day proceeds calmly, with the steady clank of armored, marching feet, the murmur of chit-chat between soldiers, and scouts reporting that all wild beasts are staying well out of the army's way.
Vendric strums on his lute. Nurah Dendiwhar accompanies the half-elf's virtuoso performance by dancing up and down the line, making occasional comments about landmarks they pass. While passable, she's clearly having an off-day, but it is harder to dance along and keep up as a halfling.
That evening, the guard appears to remain effective, as no attack comes.
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The next day, they approach the ford.
Aron Kir reports in, mid-afternoon. "Sirs, there's signal smoke coming from the ford's watchtower! They're under attack!"
Zullion: "To arms!!" he lets the call ring out, they were to be the fort's aid and salvation
Nightwolf: "Tell the troops to hustle! We must render aid."
Aron Kir salutes, and the word is spread. The pace picks up. It's still around 4 by the time they can reach the ford.
Aron Kir: "An army of tieflings has crossed the ford... they've bottled up the defending crusaders inside the watch tower... and it was hard to make out, but there's some sort of small demon in command... they had something stretched out over a low fire in the middle of their camp... it looked like a griffon... in rough shape, but still alive, sirs."
Sosiel Vaenic spits to the side. "Demons... torturing an innocent for pleasure as well as to goad our people into folly."
Zullion: "Can we assault them with our current numbers? would we be able to break them?"
Nightwolf "Lets see if we can get their attention!"
Sosiel Vaenic: "With a hundred and one paladins smiting tieflings? I expect many of them would fall swiftly..."
Zullion: "If the men, and woman, are up for it, we will break their ranks. Ready the charge."
Aron Kir: "They are down in the valley, to keep the tower bottled up...if we came down on them from above... we might take them by surprise."
Zullion secures his banner to Lighthoof's saddle, and inspires the crusaders to rally to their trapped allies below.
Nurah Dendiwhar bolsters morale with a fiery speech throughout the battle.
The tieflings are slightly less than twice the crusaders' number, with officers considered.
Nightwolf "2-to-1 odds... the poor devils don't stand a chance."
Nightwolf takes up position and begins pelting the tiefling army with a hail of arrows.
Zullion charges into and through them in typical cavalry fashion, till his lance becomes useless, then switching to his evil-outsider-bane longsword, cutting his way into their numbers.
Lerial stays back with the main force to aid the dedicated healers in both defending and helping any who fall or are too badly wounded to continue the fight.
Vendric prepares to rain down some holy water as the fight begins.
About half the tieflings in the army are focused on the tortuous spectacle in the middle of their own camp, with the third closest to the tower watching for any attempt to break out.
Nightwolf keeps his aim ahead of the advancing paladins so as to avoid friendly fire while also keeping an eye out for signs of lieutenants, spotting several, spaced regularly throughout the army wear fancier armor than the rest.
Vendric makes aerial strafing runs focusing on those tieflings in fancier armor.
The demon turns from his grisly entertainment at the sound of the crusaders thundering towards his forces. His lip curls as he hurls a fireball into their closely packed ranks.
Sosiel Vaenic and Sara, stationed to be able to cover opposite corners of the army, with some overlap, both channel, returning the scorched paladins to fighting trim.
Being in the thick of things, Zullion has no luxury to target certain enemies, those not of his people and of his battalion, they will fall without mercy.
The front ranks of the tieflings fall before the main force catches up with Zullion. The archers in their midst attempt to shoot down Nightwolf, Vendric, and the two most effective medics. In the chaos a few lucky grazes strike true. A sprinkle of fireballs, small and large emerge from low in the fray as it continues, further keeping the healers busy.
Meanwhile, the briefly surviving tiefling 2nd rank try to close around Zullion and Lighthoof.
Zullion once again bellows a cry of motivation to bolster those in the thick of things with him.
As the paladins' front line nears the center of camp, one of the tiefling lieutenants holds a dagger to the griffon's throat, "Back off, or she's dead."
Zullion: "Touch her, and I will make sure your death will be painful for all the atrocities you have committed so far," he growls.
Vendric tries to fly in and practically dumps an arm full of holy water on the tiefling.
Focused on the ground forces, the tiefling doesn't look up until the sun is blotted out by a cascade of vials. His eyes have time to widen before they hit.
With the distraction Zullion charges the hostage-taker with his sword. The tiefling falls, and Zullion's blade also swipes through the rope holding the griffon's right foreleg. Surrounded by the smell of burning feathers, large patches of them have been cruelly plucked, showing open gashes, but her wounds do not silence her piercing eagle's cry, eager to repay her tormentors.
Zullion reigns in Lighthoof, rounding her, attacking those tieflings foolish enough to attempt to attack the restrained griffon. "We need healing!" he calls out.
Within moments which feel like minutes, Lerial and Sara are there, to tend to the griffon's wounds. As Zullion defends her, the griffon uses her free talon to free her other limbs... save that the ropes binding her wings are attached to hooks, piercing them, and her legs are not long enough to reach them.
Zullion focuses on the restraints, his riding skills come into play as he weaves about, dodging attacks, even taking some in exchange to free her wings.
As the tieflings are driven back, the crusaders pour out of the tower, to aid in the route. The fireballs stop coming. The griffon surges forward as she is freed, claws and beak tearing a swath of death in fiendish flesh, though she retains enough awareness to allow her rescuers' healers to touch her tail and renew her strength.
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As the last tiefling falls, the weary leader of the surviving crusaders turns to salute the rescuers.
Breathing heavily, Zullion dismounts and walks over to greet the commander personally, no salute, just a firm handshake. "No need for this, we have fought together, regulations can wait"
Kamilo Dann nods. "Lost enough of my people to those fiendspawn." She spits on one of the corpses. "Glad you got here when you did, though we had no real hope of rescue. We'd been besieged for 3 days, then they caught that poor griffon..."
Said griffon is tearing into the body of the tiefling who held a knife to her throat rather savagely.
Zullion turns back to look at the one they just rescued "What happened, do you know?" He lets Lerial and the others tend to her first, he didn't want to overwhelm the poor creature.
Kamilo Dann: "They came swarming over the ford in the middle of the night. Outnumbered my people 5 to one, when it started... I had to call the retreat and save who I could."
Vendric lands and removes an arrow from his shoulder. "That was certainly something. Never been in a fight that big before."
With the tieflings dead, Sara and Sosiel start channeling to heal all the survivors.
Lerial: "Zullion... the griffon... she won't let me near those awful hooks in her wings to get them out... I.... don't really know how to talk to beasts..."
If he was bleeding, Zullion didn't really notice, too much adrenaline still flowing in him, and being out of breath. Even if he was sore, he wouldn't know which was his own blood. He turns to look at the creature, and nods "I'm used to horses, not sure about griffons, heck, I've never even seen one 'til now. so I hope this works..."
Zullion turns to the commander "Please excuse me" he then sheaths his sword, even still covered in blood, he reach out to the griffon, palms upward "Sssssh, there now girl, easy. You're safe now..."
The griffon looks Zullion in the eye... first with her right, than her left. Slowly, she lowers her beak and allows him to approach.
Zullion slowly moves towards her, and tries to scratch her behind the neck.
The griffon huffs, rolling her shoulders, then leans into the gentle scratching.
Zullion: He breaths a sigh of relief "Easy now, we wont hurt you, we just wish to make sure you're healed up." He motions with one hand for Lerial to approach.
Lerial steps up carefully.
The griffon eyes the woman warily, watching as she approaches the pain-giving hooks.
Zullion continues to try and keep her calm, stroking her head.
Lerial considers the barbed hooks, and turns to the griffon. "This... might hurt, but if we leave those in you, they'll make flying harder, and might make you sick." Lerial sees that the hooks completely pierce through the wing, and tries to carefully push them the rest of the way through.
The griffon claws the ground impatiently, and in pain.
Zullion: "Easy there girl, will be only a moment."
Lerial gets the first hook out, and heals the wound it left behind.
Zullion: "There, one down, one to go, almost over, just try to relax" he comforts the beast.
The griffon blinks in surprise, and is able to wait through the other more easily. The griffon chirps an inquiry when it's over.
Zullion: "Yes, that's a good girl. all done, now, try and move them." he steps back to give her some room, motioning for Lerial to do the same.
Sosiel Vaenic, seeing Zullion busy, reports to the other officers. "Sirs... thought you should know... our medics have gone through all the bodies, and the demon that was leading them is not among them. It must have teleported out."
Vendric: "Can't say I'm surprised they would abandon their men. Any idea where they could have headed?"
Sosiel Vaenic: "Given that it's a demon, we have even odds that it's reporting the loss to a demon further up the chain of command.. or that it's hiding somewhere far, far away, hoping its superiors never hear of this."
Nightwolf: "Dang, I hate when they teleport. Well no point in searching for him now then."
Vendric: "So we should assume they know were coming now just to be safe."
Sosiel Vaenic nods. "I'm afraid so."
Nightwolf "With luck, he will be too scared to report his failure, but we should not depend on luck."
Vendric: "Luck is a fickle thing. One should hope for it but not plan on it."
Sosiel Vaenic: "Even when on good terms with its Lady?"
Nightwolf: "Even those in her service must make their own opportunities for luck."
Vendric: "It's as Nightwolf said. Even a goddess of luck can only help so much with it."
Lerial steps back as requested.
The griffon stretches her wings wide, then folds them. Then stretches them again. She gives an experimental flap. She starts moving launching into the air, and circling over the battlefield.
Nightwolf: "We should resupply and makes sure all wounds are healed. Then make haste to our next destination."
Kamilo Dann: "Afraid we don't have much in the way of supplies... not for a force your size at least, and I'll need some to lead my people south and report what's happened here, so the position can be reinforced."
Nightwolf "We'd not deprive your forces. We are still well supplied."
The knights not engaged in healing go to where they left the pack beasts, and start setting up camp for the evening. Nightwolf walks among them. Vendric turns back to his alchemical projects.
Nightwolf notices Nurah skulking near the battlefield. Nurah Dendiwhar stands up quite casually and starts to wander off.
Nightwolf "Nurah, what are you up to?"
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Up to? Just double-checking... making sure the corpses aren't faking... if any are we might get some intel."
Nightwolf "Just stab every one you come to twice, any still alive that see you coming are sure to move then."
Nurah Dendiwhar laughs at this suggestion. "Bound to be a bit tedious, but effective."
Nurah Dendiwhar goes about implementing the suggestion. No tieflings start moving.
Vendric curious about whats going on approaches. "What seems to be so interesting here?" A piece of cloth seems attached to his hand.
Nurah Dendiwhar repeats what she'd told Nightwolf.
Vendric: "Hmm. Some intel would be good to have. I think I'll assist you then. If we do find one alive I can at least keep them that way until we can possibly learn something."
All the tieflings are quite dead.
Without looking at Lerial, keeping his eyes on the griffon, Zullion sighs "Must be quite a thing to have your flight back"
Lerial also looks up at the griffon. "Indeed it must."
After several minutes, the griffon lands near Zullion and Lerial, cautiously approaching them.
Zullion puts a hand across Lerial, motioning for her to not move. He then looks at the griffon and smiles, nodding. The griffon takes slow, careful steps towards them, then lower's her head, nuzzling first Zullion, then Lerial. Zullion calmly and reassuringly rubs the griffon's head.
Lerial: "I think... this is her way of thanking us."
Zullion chuckles and ruffles her feathers "It is but a pleasure girl, I could not just stand by and watch them do what they did."
The griffon chirps, wings folded at her sides.
Zullion pats the empty space to his other side, inviting the griffon to lie down or take a seat. The griffon lies down, then scratches at the ground in front of them.The griffon's voice is low, then, turns higher. The wing on his far side reaches up toward the sky. The griffon makes the sound again, looking directly at Zullion. Her wing gives a half-flap.
Zullion slowly gets up "Ah, well then, it would be an honour."
The griffon stays hunched low, holding her wings out of the way. Zullion slowly makes his way to a spot to get onto her, making sure to keep away from the wings. The griffon flaps, once, twice, thrice... and they slowly lift into the air. About 3 feet up, gliding back down to land about 20 feet away. The griffon cries out in frustration, then turns to look over her shoulder apologetically.
Zullion: He shakes his head "No need to apologize, you had quite the ordeal, not to mention what they did to your wings. It will be some time I figure for you to be able to carry anyone into the air. but, if I may be a bit forward, if you let me ride you, at least for a while, perhaps then your wings will grow stronger?"
The griffon considers this for a long moment, head tilting first one way, then another. At length, she slowly nods.
Zullion: He smiles widely and scratches the back of her head "Then it is a deal. It will be my honour to have you at my side."
The griffon nods quite firmly, and gives a low squack. [Translation: "As well you should be honored."]
Zullion ponders a bit, about something, then finally nods, to confirm his thought "Well, I can't keep calling you girl, or it, or creature. I think you need a name, and I think I'm going to call you Pharah, in reverence to the great kings of old."
Pharah tilts her head, considering, then nods acceptance.
Zullion: "Well, at least I got something right," he chuckles.
Lerial smiles over at Zullion. "Far more than one thing, I'd say... but how will you explain this to Lighthoof?"
Zullion: "Actually, I have been thinking about that all the while watching," he looks over to the griffon "Pharah. Why don't you take care of Lighthoof?"
Pharah tilts her head back and forth, studying him with one eye, then the other... all in all, looking quite confused.
Zullion: "No no, I was watching you while i was thinking, so now i want Lerial to take care of my horse."
Lerial chuckles. "I'd be delighted. We have gotten to be on rather good terms over the past couple weeks."
"I am glad to hear that," Zullion dusts himself off a bit "Let's go introduce Pharah to Lighthoof."
((Thus ends the 24th session.))
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Enough supplies were found among the defeated tieflings to restock what has been used.
Vendric performs a strange dance during his shift on watch. That night, everyone rests peacefully, recovering from the exertion of the day's battle. There are several snorers among the ranks.
The next morning, the army crosses the ford, offering prayers for protection as they venture into the Worldwound, looking out over the dark landscape, the red dawn just starting, making the overcast into a a bed of dull coals, despite being a normal, brilliant sun that's been up for an hour on the Mendevian side of the river.
Nightwolf: "Strange"
Nurah Dendiwhar: "It is to be expected, when venturing into the Abyss. The sun will be going down an hour earlier as well... despite it remaining normally bright to the east of the river."
Vendric: "Must be the influence of the Worldwound."
Nightwolf: "I suppose I shouldn't spend too much time trying to wrap my mind around the physics involved when dark magic is afoot."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "I'll leave those debates to the Riftwardens."
Two hours later, a troubled Sosiel comes before the other officers, half dragging Aron by his cloak.
Sarathel frowns, looking at Aron. "What could posses you to try shadowblood? And where would you find such a thing?"
Nightwolf "Drugs? Circulating among an army of Paladins?"
Sosiel Vaenic: "He's had trouble with it before." Sosiel sighs. "I thought he had moved past this... I'm sure he'd been clean the past three years....I don't know where he could have gotten it."
Nightwolf: "What say you Aron? Where did you get these?"
Aron Kir hunches his shoulders defensively. "Told you... there was a bottle in my pack this morning. I don't -know- where it came from! But... I did manage to leave it be for two hours... but then.. the chill of the Worldwound got to me..."
Nightwolf: "Two hours is hardly what I would call noble resolve. Still if you didn't bring it with you. The question remains. Where could it have come from?"
Vendric: "That is a good question. I hate to think one of our company could have supplied it. But I am sure no demon or tiefling got near camp to do it during my shift at least."
Nightwolf "It seems we may have a traitor in our midst. Possibly even someone who knows of your addiction."
Sosiel Vaenic: "I also hate to think one of our own could stoop so low... but even should a cunning fiend turn invisible to creep past our guard, why would they plant their hook instead of cutting throats?"
Nightwolf "Indeed, it seems too much of a coincidence to have targeted Aron specifically for such an 'attack'."
Sosiel Vaenic: "Granted, destroying foes from within is a favored enemy tactic... but how would they know.... perhaps it was planted with others as well, who perhaps have not yet noticed?"
Nightwolf "We should search the camp. Have the men inspect each other's tents. Report anything suspicious."
Vendric: "Seems we should do a troop inspection. Just to make sure."
Zullion: "Yes, an inspection should be carried out. We can not let this get to any others."
Sosiel Vaenic: "The stuff is magic at least. That should make it easier to find without being obvious... if you are so inclined."
Nightwolf "Those who can detect magic with each search party. Myself included. Still we should not limit ourselves to searching for magical threats. There are other dangers, and auras can be hidden."
Vendric catches Nurah trying to slip off and tries to slyly bring attention to it to those next to him.
Nightwolf "Nurah. Stop."
Nurah Dendiwhar stops in the middle of taking a step backward. looking up with wide, innocent eyes. "Stop what?"
Zullion moves in with the rest, at least to make sure to help defend if there comes a squabble.
Vendric: "We saw you trying to slip away. Got somewhere to be or do?"
Nightwolf: "Where were you headed just now. Come to think of it, you've been acting a bit odd as of late. Like skulking around the edge of the battlefield the other day."
Pharah crouches down, her tail lashing back and forth, beak slightly open.
Zullion: "Nurah, we all have secrets, i grant people that, but when secrets seem to be a cause for concern, we have to press the matter"
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Oddly? I told you what I was doing... you and Vendric helped, remember Nightwolf?"
Nightwolf: "And I accepted your explanation then, but now I wonder if that was a mistake."
Vendric eyes the halfling. "I don't know something about you seems a bit suspicious now."
Nurah Dendiwhar laughs. "What would give you that idea?"
Nurah Dendiwhar raises a hand and starts to sing one of her sprightly tunes...and after but two notes, she's cut off as Vendric hurls a bottle of glue at her, which drips down her chest.
Vendric: "Quick someone jump on her before it dries shes quick and nimble so we need to stop her from moving."
Nightwolf charges in a moment after, the large Shoanti grabs the small halfling with both hands and easily restrains her, and incidentally getting glue on his front side as well.
Zullion: "Treason then? Not a good start to your adventure with us. How do you plead?" He sighs.
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Treason? Don't be ridiculous!"
Zullion: "Your actions so far has shown you do not wish to cooperate and you wish to lie to us. This is grounds for treason, considering what we represent and what we are tasked to do."
Vendric: "Can any of these paladins cast detect lies or something? I doubt we should believe anything from her unless passed through that first."
Lerial notes that she can cast a Truth Zone if she is given time to pray for the blessing.
Nightwolf: "That is probably our best option then."
Nightwolf "Nurah, you will remain in custody, restrained and under watch until the zone of truth can be prepared. At which time we will get to the bottom of this. If you are innocent you will be released with our apologies."
Zullion: "As I stated before, I am deeply sorry for this, but your actions have caused concern, and I for one would take being shamed over being dead."
Nightwolf: "We should continue the search regardless."
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The column, which had slowed during the confrontation is ordered to stand ready for inspection, and begin making camp as the inspection of each is finished. Lerial stands aside, sitting to meditate on her prayers. Nightwolf, glued to the suspect remains to supervise her.
Zullion and Vendric inspect the troops, Vendric searching Zullion and Lerial's gear at the cavalier's insistence. Both look through Nurah's gear. None of the paladins carry anything suspicious, and of the officers, only Nurah's gear is suspect. Nurah travels light, all her gear on her person.
Nightwolf casts detect magic "Search her person."
Nightwolf observes, "There is still magic emanating from her," once her pack is empty.
Among Nurah's effects, they find 2 vials of [i]shadowblood, cloaked by magic auras. She also carries a few other magic items: scrolls of cure moderate wounds, dimension door, and a wand of modify memory
Nightwolf: "Dimension door, sending, modify memory... perfect tools for a traitor."
Vendric: "Seems I found our source of shadowblood."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Source? That's absurd! Obviously they were planted on me to make you think that!"
Zullion: "This is still circumstantial. Could be a setup, but yes, this is looking bad for our halfling friend."
Vendric: "why would they glamored them then?"
Nurah Dendiwhar: "So I wouldn't notice them, of course!"
Nightwolf "We shall see. Is Lerial ready with her spell? We shall all go under it's influence and we will not attempt to resist it."
Lerial steps forward and nods at those gathered. "I am ready."
As agreed, the rest of the officers do not resist the holy power of the zone of truth as Lerial invokes Apsu's blessing.
Lerial: "I am sorry to say that she is resisting the guidance and influence of Apsu. So I do not know if her words are affected or not. But her actions, and the way she acts, certainly tells me she is hiding the truth."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "And you only have her word on that. Why are you so sure she's telling the truth?"
Nightwolf: "Your refusal to submit to the zone's influence does not bode well for your innocence Nurah."
Zullion: "So far, she has done nothing for us to question her loyalties or devotion. You, on the other hand, have. I am a patient, and trusting man, but you are reaching a point where i will not be toyed with any longer" He is starting to get angry, and Pharah is mirroring his emotions.
Nurah Dendiwhar replies in a loud voice, "When you've been out here in the Worldwound a bit longer, you'll understand. With shapeshifting demons, how can you let any spell affect you, regardless of what you're told it is, or who it looks like is casting it?"
Nightwolf "My patience grows short as well." He flexes his grip on the halfling.
Nurah Dendiwhar shrinks into cowed silence.
Zullion: "If it wasn't for the fact that we are where we are, I would have you stripped of all your belongings and exiled from the camp, but I will not let anyone, even a traitor, be put to such an extreme cruelty. So you will be gagged, and be held prisoner till we reach a place where we can detain you properly."
Nightwolf: "I'm loath to wait to get to the bottom of this but if you refuse to defend yourself truthfully against these accusations Nurah, I am afraid we have little choice."
Zullion: "By the authority given to me, i hereby strip you of any form of rank and titles you may have had. You will now be gagged and detained. Take her away."
It takes Vendric a half hour to make the solvent needed to separate Shoanti and halfling.
Nightwolf: "I'll take a shift watching over her when not engaged in other duties."
The halfling bard is trussed up, and watched closely during each watch of the night. The next day, she's carried by Lighthoof, along with Lerial. She remains closely bound.
((Thus ends the 25th session))
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The next day they follow along the strip of land between the foot of the cliffs and the riverbank. Daylight being 2 full hours shorter on their side of the river, than that which can be seen on the far bank. The ground is barren and rocky where the far bank is lush. As evening nears the next day, they approach a canyon where a scant trickle of a once mighty river contributes to the Sellen. The ruins of a town stand near the fork.
Aron Kir reports in. "Ruins are occupied, sirs... looks like tieflings and dretches, for the most part."
Zullion: "Hmmm, then we should clear it out ASAP."
Aron Kir: "The tieflings appear to answer to a human... grudgingly. And there's a male demon with bat-wings curved horns and bestial legs towering over the dretches."
Nightwolf moves to where Nurah is restrained and removes her gag. "I offer you a choice. You can continue to stubbornly maintain your innocence, which in case you haven't noticed from your current predicament - no one is buying... or you can tell us what you know of the armies ahead of us. If your information turns our to be true and useful i will consider it a sign that you may yet be redeemed."
Zullion: "And if we can lure said demon out, i could try to ride it down," he looks at Pharah with a nod.
Pharah screeches a challenge.
Zullion smirks at her, they were in the same frame of mind.
Vendric: "That sounds like a Incubus. Be wary of him. No doubt he has ways to mess with our minds."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Armies? ...I expect they have orders to block the chasm. That's the best, most sheltered way to Drezen after all."
Nightwolf "Hardly what I would consider insider intel. If you have nothing more useful to say you can remain gagged..."
Nurah Dendiwhar: "Even if I were a spy.... what makes you think demons like to share?
Nightwolf "You may have a point, but as I said, if you have nothing to useful say all the more reason to leave you gagged."
Nightwolf reties the cloth over her mouth tightly and returns to the front lines.
Vendric: "So whats our plan of action then?"
Nightwolf "You mentioned something about luring the incubus out? Any suggestions how we might do that or do we attack directly?"
Vendric: "I can think of a few ways we may lure him out but nothing I suggest we do. I think a attack before they can notice us is best.
Zullion: "All we need is to be able to reach it, not sure how, but we need to get it out"
Sosiel Vaenic: "What should we do with the prisoner during the battle?"
Nightwolf "She must remain bound and under guard, though I am loath to devote any of our forces to watch her. I wish we had an easy way of knocking her out short of beating her unconscious. I do not wish to inflict that kind of treatment on a prisoner."
Aron Kir looks over at Vendric. "I don't suppose you have any oil of taggit in all that alchemical gear?"
Vendric: "Sadly I do not. I do have some more glue though."
Aron Kir: "So you can glue her to the cliff?" He sounds somewhat vengeful.
Vendric: "With this glue I think I can glue her to anything. Though the removal may be a bit tricky and sticky."
Sarathel: "Of course, if we just leave her, the demons might think to... tie up loose ends."
Vendric: "True a spy exposed is of no use to them. You'd think that would make her a bit more cooperative to us since we are a better option."
Sarathel: "Perhaps she had not thought that aspect through."
Nightwolf "Then she will have to hope none sneak by us until the battle is over. Even if we leave a soldier to guard her I would not have them risk a confrontation with a superior force to save a traitor. She made her bed and has been given ample opportunity to cooperate."
Zullion: "It is sad, but we have no choice."
Sosiel Vaenic: "The demons will likely lurk in the ruined buildings, and attempt to ambush us with stinking clouds as we pass through the streets, while the tieflings will try to lure our knights into smaller side streets, the better to flank them."
Nightwolf "What if we march along the river? Force them to come to us. Keep the bank to our right and make it more difficult for them to flank us?"
Vendric: "Sounds a bit better than running into an ambush."
Sosiel Vaenic: "That would make them scramble to reposition... they would still likely be able to foul the atmosphere over at least portions of the army."
Nightwolf "Too bad we do not have druid or wizard capable of controlling the winds. As is the river sounds like the better option. I have no more suggestions."
Sarathel: "If we pass orders for the troops to wear damp scarves over their mouths and noses, that should at least help them to withstand the effects."
Vendric: "I could try to make a deodorizing agent agent as well but im not sure how effective it would be without testing it first."
Nightwolf "Pass the order on the damp scarves then and let's be on with it."
Sarathel nods, and does so.
Zullion: "The more we wait, the larger the chance we get discovered"
Sarathel, Aron, and Sosiel also prepare themselves thus.
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The knights make it about halfway through the ruins before the sickening green fog envelops them, while their neighbors are still visible, none can see the far side of the column. The sound of retching echoes, but only from a few. Moments later, the ring of steel on steel overwhelms the sound of sickness, accompanied by softer thumps of cold iron on flesh and leather. Moments later, the ring of steel on steel overwhelms the sound of sickness, accompanied by softer thumps of cold iron on flesh and leather, all mingled with war cries and pained screams.
Vendric flies out of the fog and tries to keep an eye out for the enemy commanders.
A voice calls out in Abyssal.
Nightwolf: "Incoming summons! Flyers focus on the southwest."
Many of the paladins protect those in front of them from evil, and so are able to ignore the summoned foes.
Vendric rains down some holy water on the enemy below as he keeps an eye out for the leaders. Near the north edge of the fog he espies an armored human, Baphomet's bull's head on his shield, stabbing into the cloud. Vendric rushes towards him dropping bombs instead of water knowing it to be more effective against him. Tieflings fall around the cultist as he tries to fall back, ordering his troops to train their crossbows on the butterfly wings. From the hail of bolts hurtling through the air at him, Vendric is able to dodge all but two, which pierce each of his wings. As the fifth bomb strikes the human general he falls, at which point the tieflings who see the fall break and run.
A commanding voice comes from the southwest, where there is a trio of ruined buildings that look like they have intact rooms in which someone might hide.
Vendric yells to his troops and allies: "I hear someone giving orders over there. I think it may be the incubus."
As the fog clears, the battlefield is revealed to be littered by dretch and tiefling bodies, though a few more heavily armored bodies lie amidst them. Sara and Sosiel make their way among their fallen, stabilizing those who still live, and getting them back on their feet.
((Thus ends the 26th session.))
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Sosiel Vaenic reports to the officers, "I regret to report that three of the paladins have fallen in this battle." He bows his head respectfully. "We plan to hold the services just before this night's first watch."
Zullion nods solemnly
Nightwolf "Thank you Sosiel."
Sosiel Vaenic: "You're welcome... I regret that we could not find everyone in time, in that foul fog."
Zullion: "Their sacrifice will be remembered."
Vendric: "Losses were something I hoped we could avoid but I knew were to be expected."
Zullion: "I have suggestion, let us get a sword, and engrave the names of the fallen."
Sosiel Vaenic: "Where would you like the memorial?"
Zullion: "Where I am from, the sand takes all, I am unsure of proper rites in less sandy places."
Tomas Castonello: "Where I come from, the names of war heroes and important members of the state are given plaques on a building or a statue in a public place to honor their contribution to the emp... to the cause."
Sarathel: I don't think we have time to erect statues just now, and these ruins hare hardly a fit place for a memorial. Perhaps once we've freed Drezen
Tomas Castonello: "For now, we should collect their names and a keepsake of theirs for their families back home."
Zullion: "I say we engrave their names in a sword, I hate to say it, but that sword will eventually have more names on it, but it will be good to know they will be remembered"
Nightwolf "A memorial in Drezen, to those who gave their lives to free it then. May the list remain short."
Vendric: "What were the fallens' faiths? I think they should be given an appropriate send off fitting that."
Sosiel Vaenic: "They're all Iomedaeans."
Nightwolf busies himself searching the enemy soldiers and ruins for useful supplies until the ceremony.
Tomas Castonello walks among the dead looking for scattered potions and scrolls. He takes pause at some of the paladins' bodies. Sarathel would find Nurah where she had been left, and inform the others of her continued survival.
Tomas Castonello: "...Hmm."
Vendric: "Hmm I wonder if now with the realization she is better off with us than the demons if she will be more co-operative."
Sarathel: "It is possible."
Nightwolf "She will attend the ceremony for the dead. Keep her in the back and gagged. She should see the consequences of her betrayal."
The service is solemn, and simple. Altruis Heavensward commemorating the sacrifice of the fallen, and comrades they had saved stepping forward to share remembrances. As the dirt is returned to the graves, Iomedae is implored to prepare their eternal homes, and Pharasma is asked to send them swiftly Heavenward.
Zullion simply keeps his peace as he watches
Tomas Castonello stood for the procession in silence, his hands clenched and chest taut as he fought not to shed tears. During part of the service, Skinnareth's personality overshadowed the arcanist, remaining quiet except for a barely audible growling.
Sarathel looks over worriedly at the growling, though she remains quiet and solemn for the duration of the service.
Vendric remain silent as well through the ceremonies, giving a prayer to those who fell in battle.
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Tomas Castonello provides water for the congregation, then withdraws from their midst.
Sarathel would seek the fused beings out. "Tomas? Or am I talking to Skinnareth?"
Tomas Castonello looks up at Sarathiel as she approaches and waves meekly. "Both, I guess. Skinnareth's been a bit down since the service, so I can't say how much he will respond."
Sarathel: "Is this his first time, coping with loss?"
Tomas Castonello: "That's a... good question. It's not easy for me, definitely. I knew those guys from bringing water around the camp, but they actually fought beside one another. It's probably a big difference, being in battle. I'm still trying to process it myself. I can't imagine what it's like for an outsider."
Sarathel: "It might help if he remembers that for we mortals, death is not yet the end. They have simply gone on to become something else. Likely archons, or angels."
Skinnareth: "Mortality... it disgusts me."
Sarathel: "Disgusts you? How so? I would have thought you would delight in the inherent mutability."
Tomas Castonello 's eyes turn hard and bestial, his calm face into a glare. His posture goes from a mild slouch to standing at full height.
Skinnareth: "There's no utility in a mortal body. Your immortal soul is sealed in a fragile vessel, susceptible to destruction by disease, famine, or time itself. No amount of endurance will defeat the inherent weakness of the human condition. Why have to endure the suffering of a finite existence, when the prospect of eternity on the higher planes is just beyond your grasp?"
Sarathel: "We know well that how we live in this life will determine on which of the other planes we will spend eternity. You can also think of it as a practice run. As we have seen, outsiders, while not needing to fear old age or starvation, can be killed. And if they are, it is truly the end of them. The longer we manage to live in this life, the better prepared we are to extend our potential immorality, and the better practiced at not dying."
Skinnareth: "An existence tied to foraging and scrounging for shelter is hardly comparable to existence on the outer planes. Why live in a powerless shell, when in my realm I was formed with superior prowess and insurmountable strength? Is there really a point to knowing the pain of death, and being powerless to stop it? That's what angers me."
Sarathel: "Most people may not have the power to stop it, but we do have the power to extend lives, and to enjoy them. If we all died young, there would be no time to fit ourselves to become what we want to be forever."
Skinnareth: "And what of meaningless deaths? Humans are always being crushed by things or falling off things or being cold or being sick... it's ridiculous! What is the point in that?"
Sarathel: "The point is in how we live, even if death does not come as a noble sacrifice in a worthy cause."
Skinnareth: "It's folly, is what it is. Nothing needs to die to live. It's a pointless fate for pointless things!"
Sarathel: "For mortals, it is only a transition, and on the Material Plane, all lives depend on mortality. Either we must kill to eat, or we must die. For if no animals died, the plants would whither, and all harvests would end. Thus we return bodies to the ground, to nourish the plants which will feed their descendants."
Skinnareth: "And you will die too."
Sarathel: "Yes. The body will die. And then I shall move on to another realm."
Skinnareth: "But I won't." His voice is deep and pensive. He sounds distant, contemplative.
Sarathel: "You and Tomas can learn to wander the planes. To find those who have gone on, if you so desire."
Skinnareth: "Maybe. But who's to say what you will be then. Eternal beings are not bound like their mortal forms. This world is nothing compared to the infinite possibilities of space. You may never even see me again. Or care."
Sarathel: "What I become will be the same soul which inhabits this shell. I will remain me, even if I do not remember, I will still care, for as Shelyn teaches, of all things, love is eternal. And what is caring, but another word for love?"
Skinnareth 's glaring eyes give way to a softer expression, and he seems to shrink slightly as Tomas Castonello emerges. "I think I get it. You don't wanna be left behind. You're afraid of being alone."
Skinnareth: “I fear nothing, human. I feel nothing. Not loneliness. And not love.” Yet his tone betrays frustration.
Sarathel: "While I cannot speak to what you feel, I am sure you have the capacity... however you use it."
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As they keep the pre-dawn watch, Sara and Nightwolf hear a strange noise from the center of camp... where a demon has teleported in.
Nightwolf "SOUND THE ALARM!"
Sarathel: "A DEMON AMONG US!"
Zullion: "Wake up, we are under attack!" he calls to those in his tent as he grabs his weapon.
Altruis also awakens, grabbing Radiance as he rolls to his feet and heads out in his elegant noble's nightgown.
The incubus teleports into the alchemist's tent, striking down at the waking half-elf. "Your interference ends here!"
Vendric awakens just in time to see a demon appear and strike at him. Taking a good cut to his off arm, but able to prevent a lethal blow. "Demon's in here now! I could use some assistance!" He yells as he rolls off the bed trying to get to his feet and his coat. The incubus's scimitar slashes into his shoulder as he rises. On reaching his coat he grabs at two bottles on it and throws them at the demon.
Exorius-the-incubus starts sizzling as the holy water hits him squarely in his chest, soaking through his robe.
Nightwolf runs around the tent, and looses arrows at the demon. After hitting the demon twice between the wings, the flap of Vendric's tent blows back over Nightwolf, entangling him.
Zullion grabs his sword and shield and move to Vendric's tent, calling on the gifts that was bestowed on him for a quick blow to the demon, calling out a holy challenge, his blade slicing into the demon's ribs.
Lerial gets up and moves towards the fight, as Sarathel starts running across the camp on her bad leg.
Exorius fails to cast a spell and steps to the side of the alchemist.
Vendric: "So trying to get away now? After interrupting my sleep and dreams?"
Exorius: "I should have interrupted far more..." He glares.
Vendric steps away now holding his coat. He grabs more of the bottles fastened to it. "Well luckily for me, my dreams were rather light tonight. Now I can deal with you myself." He throws more holy water on the demon.
The holy water soaks the demon. As his skin boils, he screams. "I have supped... your pain..." falls, and is still.
Lerial rushes over to mend the wound he took. Sarathel also comes as fast as she can.
Vendric looks at the demons melting corpse... on his bedroll. "I wonder if I can request a new bed."
Zullion calls out to the rest of the guard "Be on the look out, I doubt only one tried to breach our defense! Also, check on the prisoner!"
The prisoner remains bound, if struggling. There is no other sign of an intruder.
((Thus ends the 27th session))
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Around noon, as they head up the gorge, our heroes reach a narrow stair cut into the side of the 90 ft. cliff. A wall is just visible at the top.
Altruis Heavensward: "I have a feeling we should climb the stairs."
Skinnareth grins slyly through Tomas's lips. "Did somebody say... climb?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Radiance seems to want something up there, and i'm not one to deny the desires of such a blade."
Nightwolf "Who am I to argue with a sword?"
Vendric: "If Radiance thinks we should go it might be worth going."
Tomas Castonello: "That's as sound logic as any I've seen from my travels. Does it seem like a good feeling or a bad feeling?"
Sosiel Vaenic: "And it that's a fortified position, it would be best for it to not remain behind us in enemy hands. Is there anyone else you wish to take with you?
Altruis Heavensward counts through his compatriots, "I believe we have a suitable task force."
Skinnareth: "Hmm... sounds like you anticipate combat. I'd rather then I have use of my claws again. Lest we stand idly by once more as demons run amok."
The stairs are steep and narrow, growing steeper and more treacherous at the two switchbacks 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up. While Vendric flies path, and Skinnareth scuttles like a fly on a wall, the others have some difficulty with the turns, and take a few minutes, all told. In due course, they reach the top of the stairs.
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Nightwolf "Does the sword have an opinion on which way we should go now?"
Altruis Heavensward places his hand on Radiance's hilt, seeking direction as they look around.
Nightwolf "The gargoyles on the roof do not fit the rest of the structure... looks like someone has redecorated."
Altruis Heavensward: "So, we'll be fighting gargoyles?"
One gargoyle charges in, and Vendric flies aside. A second flies around to flank.The paladin jumps up, slashing into the gargoyle's stony hide as he does a flip. Sarathel moves under the combatants, in case one of her friends gets hurt. A third gargoyle launches at the airborne alchemist. With Nightwolf's first arrow, his target falls from the air.
Nightwolf "Like shooting butterflies in a barrel." His second two arrows send another gargoyle ground-ward.
Altruis Heavensward: "I think Vendric may take offense to that."
Nightwolf "Seemed more appropriate than fish."
Vendric: "Also doesn't make much sense. Who keeps butterflies in a barrel?"
Skinnareth barrels around the corner and snaps at the remaining gargoyle with his teeth. The gargoyle dodges upward as the croc-like jaws clash.
Skinnareth: "Finally, I can stretch my muscles!"
Altruis jumps towards the last gargoyle with all the grace of an earth elemental. Sarathel shoots wide. the bolt clatters amid the statuary on the roof. Skinnareth coils his body and rears up to present all of his weapons, and attacks the gargoyle with everything at his disposal (teeth, tail, and claws). Skinnareth strikes rather thoroughly. The gargoyle only manages to evade one of its claws. With the last blow, the gargoyle crashes to the ground.
Altruis Heavensward: "I felt divinely inspired on my first swing, not so much for the second."
Skinnareth: "Ah! It's as if a weight is lifted from my shoulders! I missed this feeling!"
Nightwolf "Nice job creature, saved me a few arrows."
Skinnareth twists around and stretches his claws, his mouth opening wide in a terrifying yawn. Tomas Castonello suddenly takes over and slinks down, looking sheepish in his hulking snake-form.