Kingzfalls WotR (IC) [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Mornings

2014-12-10, 04:43 PM

For several weeks, excitement has been building in Kenabres - Armasse is coming! Traditionally an opportunity for scholars and priests to come together to study the lessons of history from wars past, since Aroden's death, this holy day has become more about training commoners in weaponry, choosing squires, and ordaining new priests. Over time, Armasse has grown to encompass jousting competitions, mock duels, battle reenactments, and other festival events. In Kenabres, the festival is eagerly anticipated, for it provides distractions from the horrors of being on the front line of the war. Smiles on faces normally marred by downcast eyes and furrowed brows do wonders for city morale in the weeks leading up to the event.

http://i.imgur.com/J9b7K2Z.jpg

16 Arodus, AR4714 - Kenabres - Festival of Armasse

From the look and sound of Kenabas, you would not believe it was a city existing on the edge of a demon cesspit. People have arrived from all over Golarion and with the festivities about to start, the city carries a hopeful and lively atmosphere. Training, weapons demonstrations, friendly duels, contests of skill and valor, and all sorts of drinks, song, and revelry have overcome the city. Many of todays events are taking place across the city, but the main ceremony is supposed to take place in Clydwell Plaza, the park in Old Kenabres situated between the Cathedral of St. Clydwell and the Temple of Iomedae.

While things had gotten well underway by the time you arrived, Armasse will not to officially begin until Lord Hulrun, leader of Kenabres, had formally given the invocation at high noon. The sun lay nearly directly overhead as you make your way to the Plaza, hoping to find a good spot to take in the opening ceremony.

Mornings
Kwen'tel Hoth- Forgepriest of Ragathiel (Warpriest) (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1068627)

Desril
Eris, the Heretical Arcanist (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1071442)

nolongerchaos
Satarus, Vitalist (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1071568)

Ebon Dragon
Arae, the Paladin (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1072139)

CockroachTeaParty
Vera, Demon Slayer (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=67827)

The grey stone walls were stifling, if nothing else.
It had been long... too long, since the last time he had stood within
a temple to the gods. He had resolved within himself to pay respects
to Blessed Iomedae and the clergy within Her hollowed walls. The dim
light and still air was a far-cry from the world outside, filled with joy
and life from a thousand-thousand souls, well-traveled to be here this
day, in celebration of Armasse.

He opened his eyes. He had spent many hours in quiet mediation yet
the anxiety did not depart. He could find no sanctuary here, not any
more. It was all so alien to him now, all so strange. He knew then,
truly, he was too far gone. He had followed the Sword-Song, since the
day he left the temple and his father. His chapel, his holy sanctuary,
was the blessed 5 foot birth within his crimson blade's dance. Was he
still a man of the faith? Or had he become something else. He had hoped
to find some measure of guidance within these once-familiar grounds, but
instead only found doubt, and that doubt birthed unease within his mind,
within his heart. He placed his hands on his face.

The walls seemed closer. Far too close...
The light seemed to dim. Far too dark...
He meakly whispered, in a voice to quiet for most to hear.
"Oh Lord.... please show me a way. Guide me from this darkness."

The tremor in his heart did not lesson. Nothing changed. But he felt a small fragment of his resolve return to him. It no longer mattered what he had become, all that mattered now was what he could do for others. To aid the ill, to find a way to end this cycle of death and suffering that plagued the people here. That it would enlighten him, that it would bring joy within his own life and those that had been wronged.

He told himself that.
Again... and again, and again...
...But he could feel, nothing.

He lifted his heavy swords from the ground beside him. Their weight was the only thing familiar in this place, and their balance and heft was strangely reassuring. He ran his hand down the blade's heavy steel pommel, with a strange sense of adoration, entranced. He shook the sensation from himself, and fastened both of the blades to his baldric and belt on his right side. They overlapped and made a strange X at his flank that had become somewhat iconic in his mind. He fastened his long crimson scarf around his lower face and mouth to serve as a muffler, and cover the lower half of his face. Something about him seemed to distress others, so he had taken to covering part of his face to alleviate at least a small measure of the problem. It had given him an air of mystery, that was far preferable to some of his previous encounters. He rose to his feet, and rested his right arm across his blade's massive hilts, the long burgundy leather bands fixed upon the ends of the blade hung loosely in front of him. They were identical to Father Sipel's. Long forgotten holy text was embossed in the leather. He could not read it, for it was in some ancient elven script, but Father had told him it's meaning often, using it as context in many of his lessons, and he mentally read them each time when it met his eyes, reminding him of days long past;

'...Beneath Thy Sovereign Light'
'...To Bare Thy Sovereign Wrath'

He never did find out what text Father Sipel had taken that from, or if the text had simply been upon the blade's furnishings when he acquired them. He also never discovered the complete phrase from which both those sayings were derived, perhaps they were part of the same prayer or story? Perhaps they had nothing to even do with one another, however the saying had played a major role within his life from a very early age, and so he had taken to naming his swords after it. Sovereign Light and Sovereign Wrath. He was very proud of his work, it had been the most impressive work he had ever forged, his armor was intricate and well made as well, but to produce such an exact copy of such important artifact's like Father's swords was a major achievement within his life as a Forge Priest.

He turned sharply on his foot, securing his crimson scarf a final time, he nodded once more to the priest who he knew had been tentatively shadowing him, very obviously suspicious of such a strange man of the cloth who venerated another deity. Then he made way for the large temple doors. The doors that would leave this dreadful place, and dispel this painful silence. He placed his hands on the large ornate metal and pushed. The roar of laughter and excitement erupted forth, drowning the stillness in a river of vibrant life and energy. He walked through the portal, pushing the doors shut behind him as he went. He did not look back.

The crowds were colorful and strange. All manner of folk had come from far-off lands, some places he would never know, and other he had only drempt of listening to far-fetched stories of daring-do, and over-practiced, elaborate songs heralded by bards. He felt a calm wash over him. No prayer, no meditation could bring him this inner peace. The quiet unspoken brilliance of life and excitement, of joy shared with friends and strangers. Nothing plagued him now, no walls cornered his mind, no haunting thoughts of his change. His feet seemed to move of their own accord, following the lifesteam of the people, compelled by it as if possessed, bringing him into approach of Clydwell Plaza.
Something about it, felt right.... Something about it, felt wrong.

He knew the High Lord of Kenabres, Lord Hulrun would give the invocation soon initiating the 'official' beginning of Armasse. Perhaps once, not so long ago, he would have not dared miss such an event, but in truth as he was now... He had the very resolute intention to see that he missed this festivity. He felt he had no part in it. No place there, ad-midst the people and their laughter, to share in such an important ceremony.

He tried to stop... and he did, for a half-second.
His body jerked forward awkwardly, as if another man wore the same cloths, or his boots had become animated. A single individual passing by noticed the strange motion, and gazed upon him inquisitively.
He couldn't stop. He wouldn't stop. He couldn't stop him.
It was Kain's doing.

That final thought sent a cold chill down his spine. His mind raced, his eye's darted about to the thousands of innocents that moved, and laughed, and talked all about him. Something wasn't right. Something was wrong. Never had he been compelled so strongly. Never had he lost control, yet heard nothing. Felt nothing. It was an unknown and unique sensation he had never before experienced. A cold sweat began to build upon his brow and run down his neck. His mind cried out desperately.
'What is it dammit! Where are you! Answer me! Why now!? Why!

His only reply was silence.
His body pulled him up upon a small stone pillar in the square, standing above the crowd.
Their movement pushed and swayed, washing against and past him like waves of water.
He could not move, his body locked ridged, like a sentinel.

Forced to watch the invocation.
Forced to bare witness to whatever was to transpire next.

[ Kwen'tel Hoth leaves the Temple of
Iomedae, and moves to Clydwell Plaza
Where he takes a position standing on
a wall/post ]

Desril

2014-12-10, 05:35 PM

Eris

Taking in the sights and sounds, Eris found herself ducking and weaving through the throngs of people gathering in the plaza, wondering silently to herself if everyone was pretending to be so cheerful to hide how they really felt, or if the merriment was all the stronger today because of the city's usual atmosphere. Either way, the dhampir found herself enjoying the general air of the city, politely greeting strangers, smiling at young children to show off her fangs and give them a story to tell later, once they stopped running anyway, and doing her best to ignore the slight headache that she always got when she didn't bother to lurk around in the shadows.

Not knowing anyone in the crowd, Eris kept mostly to herself despite being surrounded, wondering about what the Armasse events were going to be. Is there going to be some sort of arcane competition? Everyone's talking about jousting and swordsmanship, but I bet none of them have seen a good Mage Duel. These people do know that Aroden was a powerful wizard before he was a god, don't they?

It was while thinking about the dead god whose day this was celebrating that she spied a strange man clad in crimson climbing a nearby post and moves closer to investigate. Looking up, squinting to try and keep the sun out of her eyes, she calls out to him with a joking tone, "You know, most people just move closer to the speaker."

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-10, 06:48 PM

Arae watched the crowds slowly trickle in on the plaza. She was quite fascinated with the way the gathering of people slowly lost their individual entity, starting as a number of people each with their own agenda, not quite a group, yet explicitly part of the scenery. Then, as they started halting, congregations appeared. Slowly at first, yet as the sun crept towards noon, there were patterns. Those who were not talking, laughing or caught up in the merriment stuck out like sore thumbs, and those who mingled lost their individuality, reduced to parts of a larger entity. This was a crowd.

The people-watching was a distraction. In truth, Arae was somewhat annoyed. Sir Petrius was late. Her jurney to Mendev might have begun on a whim of sorts, but it had not been ill-prepared. As it became increasingly clear that Aurius was returning home, Arae had done some digging around as to whom might know of his whereabouts. Her search had lead her to sir Petrius, paladin of Iomedae, and a long-time war-comrade of Aurius. She had written to him, and the two of them corresponded for a few months. Arae smiled, despite her annoyance. He had been quite obvious in his attempt to recruit her for the crusade.

She supposed the time of their meeting might well have been part of that plan; Kenabres was certainly impressive on this day. The knights shone like a jewels, the common people laughed merrily; it reminded her of a band-stand she had once seen in Absalom. A bard would recite stories, and his partner would conjure up fantastical illusions to make the story seem real. This day had the same shine to it. Everything was grand, overblown. One had to wonder if this was just as false as the images of the band-stand.

I should not be so acerbic. It is quite healthy for them to release the pressure.

At any rate, the two of them had agreed to meet at the Plaza, two hours 'fore noon, the last time they'd written. She wore a blue cloak and the mark of a red, upturned sword on her shield, quite as they'd agreed upon in their writings. And so it was that Arae leaned against the wall, watching people, and getting ever more testy.

The crowd had become a sea of faces at this point. There were surely interesting people in there, but they had all the individual weight of ants, as they milled about on the Plaza.

And then appeared an interesting fellow.

I wonder why he wears his scarf like that? Perhaps some deformity... or perhaps he simply affects a mysteriously intriguing air. Her lips twitched. Ah, but he has succeeded. And I tire of standing still, regardless.

She got up from her perch against the wall, and started making her way through the crowd.

"You know, most people just move closer to the speaker."

"Neither of you seem alike unto 'most people'."

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-10, 11:47 PM

At the crack of dawn, Vera prayed. It was the first thing she did every morning, as soon as she awoke. Sleep was a time for dark dreams: violent, red, fang-dreams. Vestiges of the filth that tainted her. Upon waking, she had to be pure.

Prayer helped. The priests kept cool, clean water on hand, and she washed the last traces of sleep away. A sober face stared back at her from the water's reflection, the face of a soldier. Then she dressed, and saw to her tools.

The mail shirt was scoured in a barrel of sand, then her blades carefully sharpened. The scraping of the whetstone was oddly soothing. Even on Armasse, her routine would not be altered.

When she asked for orders, she received none; only to enjoy the day. Vera stiffened at first; there could never be rest, not while the Enemy still drew breath upon the soil of Avistan. But she knew better than to protest; she would maintain her vigil, a watcher in the crowd. The enemy could be lurking unseen amongst the populace. Deception was a tool they would stoop to abuse, but stalwart vigilance and faith would be her shield.

Clad in a unremarkable hooded gray coat, Vera lost herself in the throng, veering closer to the square where the noontime announcement was to be made. She kept watch for strange figures, of which there was seemingly no shortage: scarf-clad wanderers, pale-skinned temptresses, well armed and armored figures imposing against the crowd. Vera would watch them and more besides, ever alert for signs of infiltration. There would be no levity for her, a burden she was glad to bear. Someone must be the Watcher for the Inheritor, on this a sacred day. Iomedae beared many burdens when she was mortal, a virtue worth emulating.

nolongerchaos

2014-12-11, 01:11 AM

Satarus was thankful of the joyful distraction Armasse. He knew as well as any how much the celebration was needed in Kenabres. Endless crusades against endless foes, relentless and savage were no great lifters of the souls of mortals. The city was weary, and the celebration was a much needed respite from the constant skirmishes, the unceasing vigilance imposed by necessity.

And so Satarus wandered through the crowds with a smile on his face. He was no fool; he'd read the stories and studied the history, he knew how few rewards the previous crusades had yielded, but he would not allow that to sully the celebration. The people needed this, perhaps more than they knew.

As he wound his way through the crowd, Satarus engaged in the joy of the people, stopping to tell a joke or two, sampling candied fruit from some of the vendors, even failing spectacularly at juggling.

As he partakes in the festivities in the plaza, Satarus cannot help but notice a small but growing group who do not seem to be enjoying themselves like the others, but rather brooding and watching over the crowd.

As he reaches the post around which they seem to be congregating, he wraps his scarf around his face and pulls a cartoonishly surly face, then flashes a quick grin and hastily returns the scarf to how it was.

Come, friends, join in the festivities!

In a lower voice he says

I could feel your tension from across the Plaza. Would you mind at least pretending to enjoy one of the only dependable causes of celebration this city ever gets to see? Morale is a bit thin on the ground, and I fear the little we do have won't last long once Armasse has passed...

Desril

2014-12-11, 01:29 AM

Eris

Looking back down to face Arae, the dhampir quickly gives her a once over before grinning and baring her fangs in a playful smile. Cute, but both of them look too serious, they should lighten up a little, for today anyway.

Not one to pass on being overly dramatic when she can, Eris gives a melodramatic bow of greeting, "Well, I can't speak for our height-loving friend here, but I like to think that I am unique. But you don't seem to fit in so well either. Everyone else is all smiles and cheer, but you look like you've been stood up." Dropping the playful tone, she asks more seriously as she straightens back up, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

I could feel your tension from across the Plaza. Would you mind at least pretending to enjoy one of the only dependable causes of celebration this city ever gets to see? Morale is a bit thin on the ground, and I fear the little we do have won't last long once Armasse has passed...

While oblivious to the cloaked stranger's nearby presence, Eris does turn to Satarus as he makes his way into the conversation. "Oh I'm sure Scarlet and Scowling Beauty here are having plenty of fun," she says with a teasing tone, "they just don't want to admit it. If they really didn't want to be here, they'd be prowling the outskirts of town instead of watching the crowds."

Mornings

2014-12-11, 08:37 AM

He stood quietly upon the stone.
His arms now crossed of their own accord.
His eyes were closed in silent contemplation, that he could not move at all, but perhaps that he may find the will within himself to once again bring his body to bare, wresting control from Kain once more. Perhaps he could distract him, perhaps he could lessen his grip upon his body some how... some way. He half opened his left eye, the golden orb swept about the crowd, he seemed to be drawing some attention, if not for his awkward placement, for the deathly scowl branded across his face. He signed.
'Brother, really must I ask?'
'Are you a fool?'
'Why would you place me here?'
'Am I now to be made as some roadside attraction?'

There was no reply.

"You know, most people just move closer to the speaker."

He couldn't turn his head, so his eye rolled down to the source of the voice below. A light went off in his mind.
'Ah brilliant, at last your choice of locale' has turned against you' He motioned to speak. To.... speak. Both his eyes opened wide in alarm now. If any had been able to look upon his face, they may have noticed the look of wide eyed shock etched into his visage. It was as if steel rods had been run through his jaw, his mouth would not move, his tongue was paralyzed. A knot began to well in his thought.
'No... no. no. no! no! NO! What is this!' What have you done to me you cur!?

There was no reply.
...He began to scream.

'Uha... AHHHHHH!... AHHHHHHHH!!!! Some one hear me! Please, someone...'
The mental screams perhaps touched some nameless, faceless soul, but none that could aid him.
A thought raced through his mind. There was so many people... If only, if only he could push this body off this pillar.

He crashed into himself, within himself. Left. Right. Left.
It was as though his body had become a cage for his soul.
He felt their corporeal walls hold him fast.
It was as if he had been rooted to the stone.
He struck again. Then Again. Over and over at the same point
within his mind like hammering a steel wall with his fist.
He felt his body visibly flinch.

'...Be still priest, and bare vigil this day.
That the call of summons will soon reveal the destined.'
His voice as always, was haunted and deep. Cryptic and unintelligible.
His body slightly jerked, as if electricity had been bolted through his veins.
Every muscle and tendon stood on end, the agony of it was a keen blade
cleaving through his mind. Then.... darkness.

His senses had grown numb, as if held in stasis, but he
knew he was still in control. Rather It was the first time
both of them occupied the same space... Normally he
would be far away. What was happening to him?
He closed his eyes.

"Neither of you seem alike unto 'most people'."

His eyes opened.
His crimson gaze leveled upon the warrior.
He could hear no song of suffering, yet he
felt a distant sensation dance at the edge of
his mind. If only he had been whole... perhaps
the Gods blessed this soul as well. Perhaps she
could sense what he could not.
The thought intrigued him.

"Well, I can't speak for our height-loving friend here, but I like to think that I am unique. But you don't seem to fit in so well either. Everyone else is all smiles and cheer, but you look like you've been stood up."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

I could feel your tension from across the Plaza. Would you mind at least pretending to enjoy one of the only dependable causes of celebration this city ever gets to see? Morale is a bit thin on the ground, and I fear the little we do have won't last long once Armasse has passed...

"Oh I'm sure Scarlet and Scowling Beauty here are having plenty of fun," she says with a teasing tone, "they just don't want to admit it. If they really didn't want to be here, they'd be prowling the outskirts of town instead of watching the crowds."

He listened quietly to the dialogue, smiling under his scarf.
Fair souls to be sure, their words weighed well with there past. There hope's. There scar's.
Perhaps not so un-alike from this careless priest. He could provide no definite answers,
for he had none. He simply followed the call, but he possessed the insight, the ear, to hear
the song of the vile souls that did blend within this ocean.

His haunting voice, was quiet.
Yet the deep still-timber of his voice seemed to pierce the
laughter and roiling chatter of the passing folk of strange lands.

"Thy words ring true...

Thou' once found. Surrounded by a thousand souls, is it best to be as most?
As does all present seem to pay no heed, and forget their place.
Perhaps by the pyre shall I find a toast.
Fore'-and-to seems to bring their case.
To wish-and-let all hear retreat's call, to find suite with haste.

For 'er within this chest. Upon this breast.
Lay the mantle all dark would extinguish.

Thou' late'n hour.
Thine betrayers will scour, the last light 'er-in the eyes of the pure."

Kingzfall

2014-12-11, 09:23 AM

The sun has reached its peak. It’s warm rays showering down upon you and the faces of thousands of war-weary citizens. As you converse with your new acquaintance you notice the loud clamor of the crowd begins to die down to a low murmur. The press of people around you lets up slightly as they all push toward the stage. With the crowd dispersing around you, you now find that you have an excellent view to watch the ceremonies.

The gathering goes dead silent as a tanned, aged inquisitor approaches the stage clad in shining, resplendent armor and a long sword strapped to his side. Lord Hulron Shappok, Ruler of Kenbres, ascends the stage where you see several of the city's leaders have already congregated. Hurlon approaches and shakes hands with each of these individuals before he turns toward the mass of individuals.

Moving to the front of the stage, Lord Hulron surveys the crowd with the steeled eyes of a solider; Taking in the faces of those brave souls before him.

http://i.imgur.com/TfajRcX.png
Lord Hurlon clears his throat and prepares to speak.

“Crusaders! I Welco…….”

Something in his vision seems to steal his attention away. He narrows his eyes as he stares off into the west.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You awaken in absolute darkness, head throbbing, ears ringing and choking dust filling the air. As you stir you can feel a light covering of dirt and gravel rolling off your skin. Bruised and battered but fundamentally unharmed. You can hear the sounds of others moving in the darkness, as well as the occasional clattering of falling rocks striking the ground and at least one set of pained grunts.

The darkness is less of a hindrance to your darkvision, though the dust in the air and the layer of grime covering everything to make it difficult even for you to see. You seem to be in some sort of cave. The ceiling broken and rocky about 25 ft about you. Next to you, a massive pile of debris, broken rocks and chunks of masonry pile to the caves ceiling. Seven other figures begin to stir around you, though also covered are in dust and debris it's hard to identify any sort of details...

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-11, 10:37 AM

I... What?

Arae tries to get to her feet in the darkness. Her shield seems to be stuck underneath something, with her arm attached. She unbuckles herself, and starts digging it out while trying to puzzle together what happened.

You know, I had been just about to turn this day around into something pleasant. Joke's on me, it seems. Let's see... We were in the Plaza, Lord Hulon was just about to make a speech, then... Hmm. So there's rocks everywhere, other people are down here with me. It'd seem something collapsed part of the plaza? Alternatives; Illusion, teleportation, I fell unconscious (Why?) and am dreaming now.

The most reasonable theory is that we're in some sort of cave under the plaza. What caused us to be down here? Earthquake or something really, really big. Earthquake... or a gigantic monster? Oh gods. The city is probably under attack.

With a groan, she manages to wrestle her shield free from the rock. Fumbling a bit, she secures it to her arm.

She stands, slowly, so that she won't bump her head if faced with a low cieling.

"Who's there? Does anyone have some light?"

Mornings

2014-12-11, 11:00 AM

'...That the call of summons will soon reveal the destined '
Those were the last words he could clearly recall.
It was all a blur.
His head was spinning, as if he was falling within himself.
Falling within the terrible dark void.

His body writhed upon the ground, dust and rocks rolled off his body.
His head pounded painfully. A sharp ringing sung a deafening tone in his ear.
He opened his eyes. There was only darkness. He patted himself, making
sure that he controlled his body once more. This was real. He was back.
He rolled over on his side, shaking the weariness from his arms.
'Where am I... Where am I...'
'...Brother. Brother where are you? What happened here?'
A familiar silence greeted him.

He had witnessed whatever it was, that he had intended for him to see.
Yet he could not remember. If he couldn't remember, then what had
been the point? He beat his fist upon the ground in frustration. Now he
was alone... alone in the dark. Perhaps this would be his grave. Perhaps.
However, he would meet whatever fate awaited him as best he could.

His body groaned in protest, jolts of pain ran up his legs, and his arms
felt sluggish and heavy. He pushed himself up to a kneeling position, sliding
out a 1-ft long iron rod from his belt. It was tipped with golden end-caps.
It was then he heard movement somewhere within this chamber. The echo
that carried such sound, made his location somewhat known. Whatever this
place was, it was likely on a subterranean level. Perhaps the plaza had collapsed.
He moved a hand to his sword defensively...

"Who's there? Does anyone have some light?"
The voice was feminine and familiar. His hand eased back off the hilt of his massive blade.
He coughed, and secured his dusty scarf around his face again. It had shielded him from
some of the debris, he'd be a fool not ensure it was maintained in such an environment.
He chuckled gently.

" Fear not my friend, the light of Ragathiel shall guide you from this darkness. "

Rather then a brilliant display of divine magic, somewhat anti-climactically. He struck
the sunrod lazily upon the ground filling the chamber in warm light, then tossed the rod
in the direction of the women's voice.

...This was the Priest he had became.

" Well met. "

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-11, 11:59 AM

As soon as consciousness had fully returned to her, Vera stood. A thousand questions filled her mind, but the most immediate concerns had to come first: was there an exit from this tomb? Drawing her blades, Vera paces the perimeter of the subterranean vault she found herself in. She takes note of the others trapped with her, but does not yet speak; sometimes, you learned more about a group of people merely listening.

Desril

2014-12-11, 01:49 PM

Eris

Quietly groaning, the dhampir tries to open her eyes with limited success. Augh, my head...what happened? The speech was starting and then...

Shaking her head, Eris slowly sits up and looks around while doing a mental check to make sure everything's working. Well, I'm filthy and banged up a little, but everything works. And at least there are others here, maybe one of them can tell me what happened.

"Sorry, I don't carry any torches, never needed them." When Kwen produces the sunrod however, she shields her eyes from the sudden bright light and finally gets a look at the people with her. "Ah, it's you all." Raising a hand to her head as if to physically fight off the throbbing in her skull, Eris takes a moment to try and put things together. After chanting a quick spell to clean herself off after lying in the dirt for gods know how long, she finally asks the obvious question. "Does anyone remember what happened? I remember we were talking and Hulron was starting his speech, but after that it's all just...blank."

Prestidigitation!

nolongerchaos

2014-12-11, 01:57 PM

"Ow. Ow. Oooow."

Blinking in the light of the sunrod, Satarus slowly comes to. With a sudden start, Satarus jerks upright. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Satarus regains control of his mental faculties.

Glancing around and getting to his feet, he notes those present and their new locale, but he has more pressing concerns.

"Is anyone hurt?"

Satarus has gained his psionic focus.

Mornings

2014-12-11, 02:56 PM

He attempted to chuckle jovially. Father Sipel had done it often, and it had always put him at ease. But he could not truly feel the same emotions that had fueled Father. He could only attempt to feign it, and poorly at that. It sounded like a mix of an exhale born of desperation, and the last breath of a weary soul. It was strangely... unsettling. He could not know just how much, though he became acutely aware of just how terrible he was at emulating his father.

"Is anyone hurt?"

"Does anyone remember what happened? I remember we were talking and Hulron was starting his speech, but after that it's all just...blank."

He quickly glanced about the room.

" Ah, it appears no one has suffered greatly.
Though I must apologize my friends, I can
remember nothing save for entering the Clydwell Plaz- "

He quickly took note of the warrior who had
begun to pace the perimeter, weapons drawn
and ready.. ready, for some unseen foe.

His hand instinctively fell to his swords, but he stopped.
That was not the man he needed to be now. That was not
the man these people would require. He needed to serve
as the light against this darkness, and guide these souls
to salvation, to freedom. It was his duty as a priest.

" With caution, arm and ready, that perhaps our friend
can see and know, what I cannot. "

He took pause.
If battle was to find them, if he was to fall here. Let
it be with righteous glory, with prayers upon his lips
and conviction in his heart. He pulled the winged-sword
from under his scarf holding it with both hands. The
silver holy medallion brought a visceral sense of resolve
to his spirit. He lowered his knee, and straightened his back
then began a quiet prayer.

" I waited patiently for my lord.
And he inclined unto me.

He brought me up out of a horrible pit.
...out of the mired clay.
and set my feet upon the rock.
and established my goings. "

He stood from the ground, still bowed in humble prayer.
His spoke now in full, clearly with volume. His resolve
fortified with each word, he could feel his divine magic
begin to well in his palms.

" And he hath put a song in my mouth.
many shall see it, and fear.

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire
Mine ears hast thou opened

I delight to do thy will, my lord.
Thy law is written upon my heart.
Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, my lord.
let thy loving-kindness and truth preserve me. "

The energy had solidified within his hands, building
to a warm radiance. He opened his palms and held
his arms wide, a small golden light floated before him
and dissipated into his chest.

*Kwen'tel Casts Guidance (Time Remaining 1 min)

Kingzfall

2014-12-11, 03:36 PM

Everything rushes back to you in a flash.

“ Lord Hulrun squints into the distance. His eyes go wide as a bright light shines from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Hulrun's shadow falls huge and distorted across the cathedral's facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion rips through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor. The force of this tremor throws Kwen from his perch.

To the west, the fortress known as the Kite- the location of Kenabres's wardstone- vanishes. In it's place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupts into the heavens. The crowd erupts into terrified panic. Sections of ground to fall out from underneath the crowd. Unlucky revelers fall screaming into darkness. A moment later, demons begin to pour out from these newly formed rifts.

http://i.imgur.com/8r3wG8V.jpg

A powerful roar eminates from the crowd. A massive form erupts out of the gathering. Kenabre's greatest guardrian the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who was until a moment ago disguised as a human, takes flight. Above, another form appears, as nightmarish as the dragon is breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripping a flaming sword and whip. You immediately recognize the creature as Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound.

http://i.imgur.com/pfTxw5S.png

As the ground continues to shake and disgorge demons into the streets, the dragon and balor lord clash above. The fight is over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cuts deep into Terendelev's body. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spiral downwards toward the crowd.

The sight of the dragon smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one you will never forget. At that moment, a titanic demons erupts from beneath the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashes into this world. The rifts it creates shoot across the plaza. With you stuck between the fleeing citizens and the attacking demons there is no where to escape – it opens beneath your feet, plunging you into the waiting dark.

Even as you fall, the dragon notices your plight. Through she knows she is at deaths door, she seizes her chance to save a few souls. Uttering a few arcane words and stretching out a bleeding talon toward you. You feel her magic take hold of you, slowing your plummet into the darkness as if you were feathers in the wind. Yet as you fall, the last thing you see is the Storm King standing over the ancient silver dragon, his sword lashing out and cleaving through her neck. As her severed head rolls away, the right above you slams shut, and takes you away from the light of the world above. "

You return to your senses with a flash.

The dust has begun to settle and the light from Kwen's sunrod gives everyone enough light to make out their surroundings. Four of the other individuals you recognize from the square moments before the calamity. Rising through from the wreckage are three other forms.

http://www.enworld.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=58723&d=1377785996&thumb=1
A woman clad in leather armor grunts loudly as she pushes a piece of masonry off her leg. She stands akwardly, favoring right leg.

Where are we? Whats going on!

http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140629121555/wrath-of-the-righteous-celestial-crusaders/images/d/d3/Aravashnial.png
Now my dear, I'm sure everything is fine.
You see an elven man enter into the the light. His own light shining from the tip of his staff. His his face a mass of horrific burns.

Now if someone could produce some form of light so we can see. My magic doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Demonic influence maybe.

He waves his staff in front of his face. Failing to see the light illuminating from it. You can plainly see that nothing remains of his eyes.

http://i.imgur.com/jLIHpJs.png

Off in the corner you you can see a pair of legs attached to a plump posterior kicking out from a grouping of debris.
Muffled, you hear the voice of a man yelling out.
Would you get me the bloody hell out of here!
His legs continue to kick uselessly.

Surveying the room, you can see the ceiling and far walls of this vast cavern recede into darkness. On one side, the wall has collapsed in an enormous mound of rubble- here and there the arms
or legs of victims who didn't survive the fall protrude. In the back of the cavern, a disturbing shape looms . Nearly the size of a horse, what appears to be an immense black spider crouches silent
and still on the ground, making no motion.

Judging from the smell and condition of the corpse, the spider is appears to have been dead for several days. On closer inspection, you notice two disturbing elements-a
muffled chewing sound and a bulge wriggling inside of the spider's abdomen.

The city of Kenabres stands above several layers of underground chambers. Deep below the city, caverns skirting the upper edges of the Darklands realm of NarVoth
have existed for ages, whereas closer to the surface, old catacombs and sewers riddle the rock. The city's explosive growth during the First Crusade saw the construction of more of these tunnels than would ever see use, and today
they're home to outcasts, pariahs, and an unusually large number of mongrelmen

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-11, 05:14 PM

As the memories return unbidden, Vera nearly drops her kukris in shock. By the mercy of Kenabres' greatest defender, they were still alive. And right this very instant, the city above them burned. More than ever before, time was of the essence.

Vera keeps a wary eye on the spider in the shadows as she pulls the struggling aristocrat free of the rubble.
"Do you have the stomach for the plain truth, mage?" she asks the burnt elven man, "This is not the time for soft coddling. This is a hard time, a desperate hour."

A perception check, particularly directed toward the spider: [roll0]

nolongerchaos

2014-12-11, 06:31 PM

Satarus quickly approaches the elf.

"I beg your pardon, master Elf, I am a medic, trained by the church of Sarenrae. If you would permit me, I can tend to your injuries. However, I'm sorry master Elf, but I have not the skill to your mend your eyes. They appear to be damaged to the point that it will take greater magic than I am a capable of to restore to your sight. I can at the very least however bandage your injuries to help prevent infection."

Satarus kneels down and begins rummaging through his backpack for his medical gear. As he does this, he glances at the woman who seems to be somewhat hysterical.

"Please, madam, can you take a seat for a moment? I would be more than willing to tend to your leg once I have seen to the elf, and it would not do to injure your leg further."

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-11, 07:28 PM

Arae released the buttons that kept her sword secure in its scabbard during vigorious motion, drew it halfway, and then sheated it again, leaving an inch of steel bared near the crossguard. Now she could draw it in a hurry.

She turned to face the rest of the group.

"Do you have the stomach for the plain truth, mage?"
"This is not the time for soft coddling. This is a hard time, a desperate hour."

"Kenabres may well have been invaded, but times are never too desperate to seek to take time out to discern the best cause of action. Further, this cause may well involve softening the blow of hard news and offering encouragement to those as need it."
On that tangent, I'm Arae, well met to all of you; things are going to be all right."

She attempts to keep her voice both steady and forcefull. The last thing they needed now was argument or a panic. She should probably be productive. I'm no healer, but I could probably manage to manage to dig out that guy over there. Might lessen his screaming, too.

As she started plying him free from the rubble, she laid plans. Or rather, she tried to get the others to do so.

"We seem safe right now, but when we get out of here we're going to need a plan. Plans take knowledge, and I'm short on that. We obviously can't take down the big guys running around out there, but there must be something else we can do? Get civillians to safety, or maybe there are other things that need to be done in the event of an attack?"
The invaders are demons, so they'll probably be going for the wardstone. I honestly don't know much about it. Do any of you know where it is being kept? Could it be easily moved to a safer location?"

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-11, 07:47 PM

The muscles in Vera's neck slacken slightly as she realizes the giant spider is dead; the unsettling wriggling was enough that she never took her eyes off the corpse, however. She glances briefly at Arae, who spoke of plans and wardstones.

"Did you not see fortress Kite vanish? We must assume Kenabres' wardstone is gone. There is no telling what might await us; the only plans we can lay are in the short-term. We must find our way out of these collapsed tunnels. Who among us can fight?"

Desril

2014-12-12, 01:14 AM

Eris

Clearing her head of the images as the memories flood back into her, Eris stays largely silent for the exchange that follows. Well, I came here to see demons...just didn't think I'd start with something so...big.

While Arae and Satarus tend to the injured, Eris gives everyone assembled a once-over. The blinded elf and the lamed girl might not be able to carry their own weight if we have to fight. We'll have to go slowly if we're going to look for a way out of this, cave, I guess.

When Vera asks if anyone can fight, the dhampir finally decides to speak up. "I'm Eris, and I'm useless with a blade, but I have a few combat viable spells at my disposal today. And you're right, a long-term plan right now is pointless, we can't help anyone until we figure out precisely where we are, how we can get back to Kenabres, and if there is a Kenabres left to get back to. That was the Storm King, in a surprise attack. Whatever happened, it isn't going to be pretty."

Moving to Satarus' side, she continues and asks him, "But it's going to be slow going so we might as well tend to the wounded here first. I don't have any knowledge of the healing arts, but I'll do what I can. How can I help?"

Heal is untrained for me, but I can Aid Another for Satarus' check to tend to the elf and the girl [roll0]

Kingzfall

2014-12-12, 08:37 AM

"I beg your pardon, master Elf, I am a medic, trained by the church of Sarenrae. If you would permit me, I can tend to your injuries. However, I'm sorry master Elf, but I have not the skill to your mend your eyes. They appear to be damaged to the point that it will take greater magic than I am a capable of to restore to your sight. I can at the very least however bandage your injuries to help prevent infection."

My eyes?..... My eyes! Wait..... I remember. The dragon and storm king fell. The balor's whip..... Bloody behemoth took my eyes! He slowly lowers himself to the ground and allows Satarus to begin his work.
Everyone, What are your occupations? How many are alive? Is there clearly a way out?

It is immediately clear that the elf may be a bit insecure about his new disability and has a desire to be in control.

Aravashnial.... Conjurer and Researcher for the Crusade....

"Please, madam, can you take a seat for a moment? I would be more than willing to tend to your leg once I have seen to the elf, and it would not do to injure your leg further."

But it's going to be slow going so we might as well tend to the wounded here first. I don't have any knowledge of the healing arts, but I'll do what I can. How can I help?"

Eris Assists Satarus in treating Aravshnials burns. His eyes are completely destroyed. It seems he was dealt a only a glancing blow. A real hit probably would have taken his head off of his shoulders.

Heal [roll0]
+ 8 for Satarus heal.
+ 2 for Med kit
+ 5 for Crit Aid Another.

Satarus should be thankful for Eriss assistance. It's almost hard to believe that she's not a skilled healer.
Together you are able to clean the wounds, apply ointment to the burns, and bandage his head.
You may be able to magically heal the burns but restoring his sight is beyond you.

I'll be fine. I need to get to the surface an find Ira..
She takes a step forward and collapses as she puts weight on her bad leg. She takes pained breathes until she regains her composer
Or maybe not....
She moves herself into a sitting position.
Anevia.... Border Scout

As she started plying him free from the rubble, she laid plans. Or rather, she tried to get the others to do so.

Moving some rubble, you are able to pull out the pair of squirming legs, along with the rest of the flailing body of a short human.
He flips over onto his back taking ragged breathes. After he catches his breath, he quickly crawls onto his knees over to Arae.

Thank you, Thank you! Wait.... What's going on? where are we?!
His head lurches from side to side trying to establish his location. His breathing becomes panicked.
Please! get me out of here now! I can't be here. I need to get out. I'll pay you!
He grasps at Arae's hand.
Help me! He sobs.
it's then that he notices the spider just on the edge of the light. He screams!

KILL IT. KILL IT!
he scrambles back word on his hands until he hits the pile of rubble. A light dusting on dirt and rubble slides down and covers him again.

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-12, 10:10 AM

Arae sighed. The value of sharing important knowledge and trying to make advance decisions depending on what they might find later was apparently lost on her companions. It seems they'd rather charge in blind than try to think ahead. They'd have to make it up as they went along, then.
She'd better deal with the screaming human. The noise might end up attracting some demon, if they didn't get him to shut up.

Arae reminded herself that the man had just been through a very shocking experience.
His world has been turned upside down, torn to pieces, and he just woke up in a strange place. Screaming is and panic the natural response; it's not him acting strange in doing so. It's the rest of us who're taking it abnormally well. Still, panic has a way of spreading.

She crouched down near him to get closer to eye level.

"Look, sir, that spider is already dead. It's not moving, see? She pointed in its general direction with her sword arm. Please calm down sir, there is no danger here."

She got back up to her feet, and held out a gauntleted hand for him to take.

"Now, up you go. What is your name? I'm Arae." Names were reassuring, everyday things. They let people put other people into neat categories, and that felt like control. The guy looked like he could use a little of that.

Diplomacy to get the human to calm down for the time being:[roll0]
Sense Motive on Aravashnial:[roll1]

Kingzfall

2014-12-12, 10:28 AM

The aristocrat looks between you and the spider. A slight look of confusion across his face.

It's dead?
He narrows his eyes to look closer. Realization dawns and he picks himself up off the floor
Yes.. of course it is. Good work. I assume you defended me while I was...... occupied
He brushes himself off. A look of disgust on his face as he sees the dirty, grimy state his outfit is in.
Horgus Gwerm, of noble house Gwerm He flicks some dirt from his hand and reaches it to you.

A cursory look around the room will show that dust is no longer falling. At the very edge of the light you can multiple small objects glinting in the rubble.

Eris
The spider is still very much dead, and you can still hear the occasional chewing sound and a bulge wriggling inside of the spider's abdomen. Something is definitely moving below its carapace.

Desril

2014-12-12, 12:42 PM

Eris

More concerned with the injured than the frightened, Eris moves to help with the lamed girl, Anevia, while answering the blinded Aravashniel and leaving Horgus to Arae. "As to your questions, Conjurer, there are eight of us here, there seems to be a path further into whatever cave we've fallen into but the ceiling has closed in above us. I cannot speak for everyone else's professions, but I suppose I'm what most would call a Demonologist. I have to admit though, I didn't plan on starting my research so...dramatically. What's more immediately relevant is that I have my supplies with me still, and I have spells readied that can either harm or hinder anything that tries to attack us."

At Horgus' panicked shouts, she sighs and looks in his direction but remains silent until he gives his introduction. "It might be dead, but something is eating it out from the inside, or at least I assume as much from the noises and movements coming from its abdomen. It'd be best if nobody got too close until we finish taking care of the wounded and can get past it together."

Conjurer or no, he likely can't provide much support in a fight. Perhaps if he has prepared sufficient Summoning spells, but he won't be likely to waste them since he knows he can't prepare them again until his sight is restored. The border scout would be a great asset if she could walk, but unless that's just a sprain, and I doubt it, she's just a liability right now. And this Horgus...there's no way he'll pull his own weight. From that scream, he's never seen a fight except perhaps in a tournament.

Shifting her gaze from him to the party one at a time, she continues. "Judging by your weapons, armor, and," when she reaches Satarus, "healing ability, I'm assuming you all know your way around a fight. The smart thing to do is stick together until we all get to the surface, there's no telling how far we fell or what's down here. Can I count on all of you?"

Another Aid Another Heal [roll0]

nolongerchaos

2014-12-12, 02:33 PM

"Well Aravashnial, we've done what we can for the time being. I may be able to provide some magical healing later, but I'd rather not have to consume finite resources until I can be sure there won't be a more pressing need for them.
And thank you, Eris, did you say? I am quite grateful for your help.

"Did you not see fortress Kite vanish? We must assume Kenabres' wardstone is gone. There is no telling what might await us; the only plans we can lay are in the short-term. We must find our way out of these collapsed tunnels. Who among us can fight?"

"Judging by your...healing ability, I'm assuming you all know your way around a fight. The smart thing to do is stick together until we all get to the surface, there's no telling how far we fell or what's down here. Can I count on all of you?""

My name is Satarus, and while I am fairly skilled as a medic, my actual combat capabilities aren't much to speak of, though given what we've seen, I should probably start attending to that..."

Satarus glances up at the surroundings as he gathers his supplies and begins moving to Anevia.

"Well, based on what happened during the battle above, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say we're probably in the old catacombs under Kenabres. I know they were built during the First Crusade, but I don't think they've had any official use for quite some time. I've no idea what we may find down here. However, if that is indeed where we are, there should almost certainly be a way back to the surface. Finding it however may be another matter entirely."

With Eris' stellar assistance, Satarus begins to tend to Anevia's leg.

Heal check: [roll0]

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-12, 03:42 PM

The wounded will slow us down. Hundreds died just moments ago; they live for a reason. I will bear this burden gladly.

Vera nods to Anevia; she vaguely recalled seeing her amongst the scouts before. It was a shame she was wounded.
"I am Vera Castle, of the Border Scouts. While I draw breath, I will defend those of you unable to fight. We must move. Slowly, cautiously, aye, but we must move. The sooner we deal with whatever's chewing that dead spider, the better."

Mornings

2014-12-12, 10:04 PM

There was a stillness that held his mind.
In flashes and fragments, the memories were beginning to
return to him. He lowered his arms and turned away from
the others, he could feel the warm tears run down the side
of his face. He looked to the receding pitch-dark of the ceiling
and closed his eyes...

He was not remembering it. He was reliving it.

Kain spoke his prophetic words and smiled.
Then as quickly as he had come, he was gone.
Gone, leaving him upon the stone to watch hell
flood over.

Lord Hulrun looked to the west, watching the fortress of Kite sundered to ruin, but from
his perch he could see the tremors and fissures of abyssal miasma split the earth before
him. Like some infernal quake. The first quake shook his footing loose, the fall of Kite.
With the second, the earth was rent cloven and scared before him, the massive shock
rippled through him and split the stone from which he stood, casting him to the ground.
From the ground where he lay... the sky burned. The mystic dance of silver and flame
above. The terrible screams about him, below. It held him in place. The battle so short.
The battle... the massacre, so sudden. Khorramzadeh and Terendelev fell to the barren
earth, as the ground gave way beneath him, and his body was plunged into darkness.
Though his consciousness did not follow...

His mind, his soul, was accosted by the voices of the dying and slain. Their terrible
screams piercing through him and ripping through the fabrics of his being, like terrible
bleak talons. He was within a spiraling storm of death. He could feel their pain, and
fear drowning him, stretching his thoughts too thin, flaying his heart. His humanity,
with each terrible fate befallen. Within this maelstrom of agony, this storm of suffering,
he felt every scream. Every wound. Every tear. He screamed out, his spirit and heart
breaking with sorrow, lashed by storm. Forced to live each life that was extinguished...

He fell into darkness.
But he could never forget.
Never again would he forget.
...Of the last breath of the brave, who had fought defiantly.
...Of the innocents butchered beneath cruel blades.
...Of the screams of dying children.

He raised his hands calmly, and whipped the tears from his face.
He lowered his head, and looked out across the dark subterranean recess.
His mind was still. Clear, and focused. He was perhaps more himself now
then he had been in a very long time. He felt.... old. A weight, and sobering
pain that seemed to touch more then just his body coursed through him.
He looked down at his hands. Yet, they seemed so strong and young. It was
as if he had been displaced. How long had it been he wondered. How long
had he wandered? How long had he been down here? How long had he
suffered in that terrible void... He listened to the voices behind him. Six...
no. Seven, now... Perhaps. He looked over his shoulder, they were tending
to the wounded. Perhaps five looked fit for combat. He took a survey of the
room now that his eyes had adjusted, taking note of the condition of the spider's
body and those around him.

He listened to their dialogue.
'A blind Conjurer...
A swordswomen of Kenabres...
A demonologist...
A coward...
A lame scout...
A healer of Sarenrae...
A boarder scout... '

He pulled his scarf from his face... and knew despair.

At the pinnacle of his fore-thought, he knew he could
not save them all. Even if those who could bare arms
defended the helpless for...hours? Days? Ad-mist the
chaos and slaughter that awaited them above, their
was little hope, little hope that any of them would see
a sunrise not mired by a bleeding sky. Let alone lead
a convoy of citizens through siege-and-fire in hope of
finding sanctuary from a demon army.

...But he could not leave them.
He would not leave them, or any man readily,
to die in this dismal bleak hollow-of-a-grave alone...
In darkness and terror.

He smiled. His head once again falling back to
gaze at the darkness. His body slackened, and
his hands fell limp... and he knew an inner peace.
A sense of tranquility overcame him, his spirit
moving towards stillness.

...Then, if he was to die. Let it be well. Defending
the defenseless, following the righteous path.

He would save who he could.
This was his finest hour.

He turned sharply on his heel facing those about him.
He took to each of their names immediately, as if he
always knew them. It had been long, long since the
days he had tended to others or carried concern for
another in combat, yet it all seemed so familiar, as if
he had never forgotten. He looked to them each
individually as they were addressed;

He spoke. His voice calm and well-versed. Yet held
a quiet tone, that was strangely resolute, yet stagnant.
Omitted of haste and betrayed no clear intention.

" Hail, and well met...

Master Aravashnial.
Madam Anevia.
Mistress Eris.
Lady Arae.
Noble Satarus.
Lord Horgus.
Brave Vera. "

He looked into the eyes of each. Their names carried
some unseen weight with their utterance that was plainly
and evidently haunting. As if he read a eulogy, or engraved
each into his heart.

His eyes, were a brilliant gold, yet held the most terrible
gaze. His eye's were not steeled like a warriors', tempered
with conviction in battle. And not the empty eyed, stare of the
numb and broken, who had seen to much, slowly bled of their
humanity. No, his eye's held a haunting, dreadful weight. An
intensity that burned into those before him, until they looked
through them.
Like a man who tended to the dead.
Like a man who tended to the dying.
Like a man that knew the weight of every life he lost as if they were a son.
Like a man who toiled to spare the lives of others, yet could save none.
A man who had felt every scream. Every pain. Every death. As his own.

" I am Father Kwen'tel, a crusading priest-of-the-sword,
trained by the Church of Ragathiel to battle the wicked
forces of the abyss. "

He paused...
'Father Kwen'tel' ...how long had it been since the days he had
used that name. That title. He truly wondered. He was a prodigy,
trained from such a young age, he had left the seminary, ordained
a priest so long ago. Almost a decade. Had had followed the SwordSong
so long? Did it even still exist anymore? Now he heard not the cries
for vengeance, but the suffering of the slain. Something had changed
him here. Perhaps it was Kain's doing, he could not know. But he felt
it. Felt it's weight, felt this clarity.

The fog of doubt was lifted.
The veil of desperation. Parted.
He felt.... renewed.
Reborn.

" Our case is dire.
Though I've no illusions of kind-fates'
finding us standing in-health above
fields of smitten demon-kin. By these
swords. I will defend you, least I be
rent-and-sundered. "

Kingzfall

2014-12-13, 01:54 PM

Sararus is find that Anevia's leg is broken. Using splinters of wood and rope from the rubble, he is able to fashion a splint for her leg.

My thanks. A look of sincere appreciation in her eyes

Anevia grabs a nearby piece of timber and uses it to help herself up. She uses the piece of timber as a makeshift crutch and begins to hobble toward the blinded elf.

Horgus Gwerm, of noble house Gwerm

Aravashnial turns his head toward the voice.

Gwerm? that name sounds..... Oh!..... Oh.......

A scowl appears on Horgus's face as he sees Aravashnial and Anevia's faces. He marches over to both of them

Oh the gods have a sense of humor do they!!! well isn't this just great! JUST GREAT! A conspiracy theorist and a thief and i'm trapped with you. Let me guess elf.... You assume I had my hand in this? You already dragged my name through the mud already! Might as well pin this on me as well, eh?.

A few months back , rumors sprung up that some of Kenabres's nobles were funding demonic agendas, and among these nobles was Horgus Gwerm. The information proved to be false.

He turns to Anevia.

And you. What are you going to steal this time thief! Watch you pockets around this one!Pointing a finger into her face.
Although looks like there's enough around us for you to loot already!

Anevias face goes red and contorts into a mask of anger. She slaps Horgus's face, leaving a large handprint on his face.

Your not a child. Stop acting like one! Look around you and see now is not the time for a temper tantrum.

Horgus is holds a hand up to his face. He opens his mouth to respond but quickly stops as Avenias words finally click. He grits his teeth and turns away.
Horgus moves off to the side and kicks a rock. He's clearly no used to being talked to in such a way.

Anevia takes a deep breath to calm herself. She turns back to the group
It's clear if theres any fighting, we wont be able to help. My bow seems to have survived our fall. Although I seem to have lost most of my arrows.
Aravashnial remains silent at her side, clearly a bit dazed. . Anevia elbows him a bit to get him out of his trance.
He shakes his head and stumbles over his words. His cheeks go red showing his embarrassment

What? oh Yes! I'll help where I can. I have spells prepared that may be of assistance. I will just need some guidance

Anevia knods I can assist with that.

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-13, 02:17 PM

Vera frowns as those she just swore to protect begin squabbling amongst themselves.
I'll allow them one argument, for pity's sake. But any more of that behavior will need to be silenced.

"I would know what spells you have at the ready, Aravashnial. We should inventory the resources at hand. I am best in close-quarters; I can close the distance to the spider corpse and investigate, but someone should have my back."

nolongerchaos

2014-12-13, 03:45 PM

My thanks.
"Of course, madam. As I informed master Aravashnial, I may be able to provide some magical healing later, however as my abilities are limited and our circumstances are dire, I would prefer to hold them in reserve until needed."

Upon witnessing the altercation between the group's new companions, Satarus shakes his head in exasperation.

"I'm not sure what bad blood there is between the three of you, but if we cannot all work together then we are doomed. The demons may have already destroyed all that we hold dear, if we allow discord to settle amongst us we will fall. Our only hope of reaching the surface and finding out what remains of Kenabres is to trust one another and to work together."

"I would know what spells you have at the ready, Aravashnial. We should inventory the resources at hand. I am best in close-quarters; I can close the distance to the spider corpse and investigate, but someone should have my back."

"Thank you, Vera. I appreciate your willingness to take action. If you wish, I can link my mind to yours; I won't be able harm you or read your mind or influence your actions, but with my mind linked to yours, I will be able to provide you with protection that I would otherwise only be able to provide for myself."

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-13, 04:23 PM

She slaps Horgus's face, leaving a large handprint on his face.

You're not a child. Stop acting like one! Look around you and see now is not the time for a temper tantrum.

Horgus holds a hand up to his face.

Arae pondered whether to intervene, but ultimately decided against it. Gwerm seemed to be momentarily silented, which was an improvement, and would come to no significant harm.

"I'm not sure what bad blood there is between the three of you, but if we cannot all work together then we are doomed. The demons may have already destroyed all that we hold dear, if we allow discord to settle amongst us we will fall. Our only hope of reaching the surface and finding out what remains of Kenabres is to trust one another and to work together."

She nodded in approval of Satarus comment. "Well said." He was a levelheaded man it seemed, even if she disagreed with his notions of 'short-term plans.' Hmph.

Still, they had better get moving.

"While 'short-term plans' are all well and good, I dislike the prospect of running around like a headless bird. You did get one thing right; we have to find out where we are. As such I agree that we should get up and take a look at what's going on on the surface. We should decide what to do once we get there, however."
As I see it, we've got two options. We could join the fighting. If there's an organized army or resistance still functioning up there, it might be a good idea. We do, however, have to consider the possibility, nay, likelyhood, that this is not the case. If Kenabres is routed, I suggest we attempt to get out of here, preferably bringing any survivors with us. These underground tunnels could well prove a valid escape route, and I think we should use them to make good our escape, unless it turns out to be impossible."
Now. Time is almost certainly of essence, so I suggest we get moving. Vera, I have your back, if you need me."

She drew her sword and stepped forward to join the other warrior.

Mornings

2014-12-13, 05:42 PM

"I would know what spells you have at the ready, Aravashnial. We should inventory the resources at hand. I am best in close-quarters; I can close the distance to the spider corpse and investigate, but someone should have my back."

"While 'short-term plans' are all well and good, I dislike the prospect of running around like a headless bird. You did get one thing right; we have to find out where we are. As such I agree that we should get up and take a look at what's going on on the surface. We should decide what to do once we get there, however."
As I see it, we've got two options. We could join the fighting. If there's an organized army or resistance still functioning up there, it might be a good idea. We do, however, have to consider the possibility, nay, likelyhood, that this is not the case. If Kenabres is routed, I suggest we attempt to get out of here, preferably bringing any survivors with us. These underground tunnels could well prove a valid escape route, and I think we should use them to make good our escape, unless it turns out to be impossible."
Now. Time is almost certainly of essence, so I suggest we get moving. Vera, I have your back, if you need me."

It was a sound, logical choice. And they had spent more
time in this chamber then he truly might have liked. He
turned and moved towards the sunrod he had cast out
moments before. He grabbed it and fitted it on the left side
of his belt, careful not to damage it's golden ends.

His hand ran along the pommel of his blade. With a quick
turn of his wrist he fitted his hand around the embossed
leather chord. "...Beneath Thy Sovereign Light" he
couldn't help but read it aloud, looking down at the text.

He he stepped back with his right leg, giving him the angle
and leverage required to draw the crimson blade with his
right hand, in a strange reverse-grip. The broad four foot
blade was heavy, and reassuring in hand. He held the sword
firmly and in such a manner, the flat of its red-steel rested
against his forearm, it's excessive length reaching out above
his shoulder by an extra two-feet or so. This was the last
sacred form of combat he had learned, for it had taken many
years of training to maintain the integrity of his movements
while in combat with such an unwieldy weapon.

He looked to Vera and Arae.
"Well then. If you've readied yourselves.
Let us see what awaits us."

He circled wide to the left, walking forward, leaving the
others within the light cast by the Conjurer's staff. He did not
bother looking to see if the others had taken pursuit behind.
He ran his free hand against the wall, keeping as wide a birth
as he was able, as he approached the spider's writhing corpse.
He pressed as far as he could, without letting his hand leave
the wall, letting the light flood father-in the darkened chamber.
He looked about the area the light had barely reached moments
ago, maintaining a defensive ten-feet between himself and the
creature's remains.

Perception on newly illuminated area.
Namely looking for ways around the
spider's corpse, if there is any.

Kingzfall

2014-12-14, 05:33 AM

http://i.imgur.com/CpRoH2Z.png

Walking along the wall you see something in the rubble, Silver glinting off the light from your sunrod.

Giving the spider a wide berth you are able to see that a path leads off to the north east.
South east you can make out another opening on top of a stone ledge. About 14ft up you can see there appears to be something hanging off the edge of this ledge.

Looking back you can see Anevia, Aravashnial have formed up behind the group. Horgus, still pouting, right behind them. Anevia nods that they are read to go.

The crunching sounds in the spider seem to quiet as Kwen gets closer. Movement can still be seen just under the surface of the spider.

Mornings

2014-12-14, 10:15 AM

Taking in the new sights, he paused for a second.
This cavern was larger then he had anticipated. That
was an unsettling thought. For if this simple space had
proven to be this large, there was no guarantee this
subterranean expanse was not so vast labyrinth, a
doorstep to the Darklands, or worse-yet, perhaps an
entrance to the foul demon's pit...
His mind was racing. He he took a deep breath to steady
himself and regain his focus. He couldn't think about that
right now, he needed to find a way to guide these poor
souls out of this vast cavernous hole.

The sliver glinting off his light held a passing interest,
but he had other concerns at the moment, so he pressed
on following the southern wall. He kept his back to the stone
letting his left hand maintain contact with it's surface as he
went, his sword leading the way.

He made no move for the spider. He had no intention of
investigating it's body. They could not afford to provoke
combat when it was possibly unnecessary, not while they
escorted a band of relatively defenseless persons.
He had seen the path leading off to the north-east. It was
wide and would be easily traveled. Which was exactly why
he did not make for it. He gained more distance from the
spider as he followed the wall even further in, waving for
the other's to follow hoping they did not carelessly make for
the creature's corpse. Cautiously,he came into approach of
the three large stones he had seen from a distance. He came
forward and stopped next to them where the wall dipped, and
jutted out, forming a small defensive cove.. He pressed his back
against the cold stone. He knew he was pressing his luck. Somehow
he had turned into the Forward, isolating his position from the
others, though he didn't mind. Better him, then another poor soul.

His free hand dipped into his belt's pouch, producing a fine
steel-whistle. Regardless what was to happen now, in all
likely-hood, he would need to hold out for awhile before the
others would be able to lend any assistance. At a minimum,
he could alert them to the enemy if he came across their path.
He put the whistle in his mouth, holding it firm with his teeth.
He poked his head out from his alcove making sure nothing
was immediately noticeable in the realm-of-hostilities. With a
step and a twist, he sheathed his crimson-sword. He reached
behind his back, and produced a long fine yew-rod. It looked
somewhat golden even in this light. Stepping out, securing one
limb behind his foot and around his leg, and bending it. He fitted
it's fine string to either end, with a quick effortless movement.
It once again took the appearance of an old, yet well maintained
yew longbow. Nothing was special about it per-se, but it held a
great sentimental value.

He drew an arrow, nocking the fine shaft and letting it rest
across the well worn ledge shaped into its riser. He stepped out
from behind the wall at the ready. Taking a look at what the light
reveled hanging from the edge of the south-eastern climb.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/DreadfulMorning/map1_zpsbeb594d4.png

Perception on new location, and on object on the south-eastern edge.
[roll0]

Kingzfall

2014-12-14, 02:18 PM

Mornings

2014-12-14, 03:02 PM

Approaching the edge, you hold your sunrod up to illuminate the object.

At the top of the ledge you can see the body of another victim of the fall. This one does not appear to have been as lucky.
He lies on his back, his head and one arm hanging over the edge. He does not appear to be breathing; His head and arm hang at an odd angle. Most likely broken.
His dead eyes stare blankly back into the darkness.

A well made backpack seems to be tangled up on his arm. Even from below you can see the backpack is not empty. The weight of it pulling at the broken arm puts the limb into a disturbing unnatural position.

He lowers his hand slowly, and fits the sunrod back into his belt.
Bringing both hands together while holding one end of his bow like a stick;
" Rest in peace friend. Your struggles have ended. "

However, those supplies may make all the difference, and they'd need
everything they would find if they hoped to ever make it from this dismal
grave.

He knelt in front of the ledge, his hands working quickly. They had no
safety, and no guarantee attack was not imminent. He set his bow down
beside him on the stone while sliding the rough burgundy leather-bag on his
back around. He quickly removed the long silk rope in his possession, and
reset his bag in place. Reaching into his quiver, he produced a long steel arrow
with large hooked claws at its end. He quickly fitted the rope to a large ring
forged in one of the claw's base completing the arrow's preparation.

He stood, and picked up his bow from the ground. Fitting the large heavy
arrow, he took aim and loosed the shaft at the man's body.

Fire grappling-arrow at corpse to hook/grapple.
[roll0]

(grappling-arrow's function as grappling-hooks
for hook/grappling. Assume AC 5 for ample places
for arrow to catch?)

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/goods-and-services/tools-kits#TOC-Hook-Grappling

Kingzfall

2014-12-14, 04:25 PM

Kwens arrow shoot past backpack and into the darkness beyond.

Drawing the grappling hook back, Kwen feels it snag on something. The mans body jostles abit.
A few good tugs and the body tumbles over the edge and hits the cave floor with a wet thud. The backpack still entangled on his arm.

Removing the pack and examining, Kwen finds it contains contains 10 days of trail rations, a flint and steel, a set of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, two vials of some kind of liquid. The bag itself is also of amazing quality. (masterwork backpack)

Everything else on the mans person seems to have been lost or destroyed in the fall.

Mornings

2014-12-14, 05:26 PM

Completing his appraisal of the contents, he removed the two
strange vials to give them a closer look.

[roll0]

He put the vials back in the pack, and slung the bag over his own.
At the least they now had a sizable store of foodstuffs, counting his
own. Almost two fortnight's worth, give-or-take. He pulled his rope
back, unfitted his arrow and replaced it in his quiver, storing his rope
in the process. He left his bow strung on his back, but put his whistle
back in his belt-pouch. He may have need of it again shortly.

He moved to the corpse of the man before him. A sorry sight.
He couldn't just leave the man's broken body in such a way. He could
at least provide him some dignity, and his final rights.

He laid the corpse out on it's back, and ran his hand over his face, closing
his eyes for the last time. He straightened his limbs as best he was able,
and crossed his hands over his chest. He took his waterskin, wetting the end
of one side of his long scarf and cleaned the dust, grim and gore from
his broken face. " I am sorry I cannot do more for you my friend, but I will
pray for you, and pray your journey goes well."

He unsheathed his sword and knelt before the dead. Holding the blade
in both hands with it's edge to the earth, he bowed his head and spoke a
quiet prayer.

" Blessed is he that considereth the poor.
For thy lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

Thy lord will preserve him, and keep him alive.
and he shall be blessed both upon the earth and upon the heavens.
and thou will not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Thy lord will strengthen him upon the bed of his languishing.
and thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness, and know his blessing.

That thine lord be merciful unto me.
and raise me up, that i may requite them.
that they may find rest, both now and forever.

...Farewell "

Even if he fixed an arrow and scaled the wall, he doubted that
they would be able to figure a method to pull up the wounded.
The north-eastern pass was the only true accessible route in
their current state, and that possessed a dangerous proposition
in his mind. For he liked-not to follow the paths that any may
readily tread, it made him feel vulnerable and ran the greater
risk of encounters with whatever dwelt, or fell in these caverns.

He maintained his reverse grip, moving away from the body, and
placed his back against the wall. Then crouched and waited. Waited
to see the others come back within view, or at least the gleam from
the Conjurer's staff.

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-14, 07:49 PM

The conjurer's offer to 'link minds' struck Vera as too odd a suggestion. She declined with a shake of the head, remembered he was blind, then spoke.
"I simply asked a question; if you choose not to answer with simple words, that is your decision, but I will not waste magic on something so trivial."

The glint of silver in the rubble intrigued Vera, with memories of Kenabres' fallen defender still fresh in her mind: the silver dragon had fought bravely, but could not stop the fury of the Abyss.

Vera took note of the supplies Kwen recovered from the dead man.
"Good. There's no telling if there's any food or water down here. It occurs to me that whatever is scavenging the dead spider might also serve as a meal, however unpalatable. Cover me."

She stalks toward the spider carcass, taking care with her steps.

Perception near the silvery glint: [roll0]
Stealth approaching the spider carcass: [roll1]

Desril

2014-12-14, 10:22 PM

Eris

Still somewhat dazed from the fall itself, it took Eris several minutes to fully collect herself, staying relatively quiet in the meanwhile and lurking near the rear of the group as they started to advance. Distracted as she was, Satarus' offer to "link minds" sailed right past her. Instead, she was quickly running through potential scenarios of what might have happened to rule out her fellow survivors as potential traitors. After all, there's no way the demons simply pushed past the barriers, they must have had minions on this side. It wasn't until Kwen started rifling through the unfortunate corpse's backpack that she'd thought through every possible scenario she could conceive of and decided that everyone here could be trusted that she spoke up again.

"Wait, let me see that pack. You never know what might be hiding in plain sight that can't be seen with the naked eye."

It was a simple spell, so basic that anyone with magical talent was almost certain to know it, so the dhampir was relieved that she had prepared it earlier that morning in case she wanted to try and examine any illusions that might have been used for the celebration. I'd look pretty useless without it. A short incantation and practiced, graceful movements follow as the arcanist peers into the backpack to study its contents for herself.

Casting Detect Magic

If relevant; Spellcraft [roll0]

Regardless of any potential magical properties, Eris recalls what the lamed Anevia said about her bow surviving the fall and offers the arrows to her. "I hope you won't have to use these, but it might be a good idea for you to hold onto them, just in case. There aren't many though, so try to conserve them, and don't over work yourself. It'd be pointless for us to have survived the fall only to get killed now."

It's when handing them over that she finally takes note of the silver gleaming just at the edge of the light, though she only glances in that direction for a moment before Vera starts to move toward the spider's corpse. I'll have to check it out after this.

Not sure what it could be, and certainly sure that she doesn't want to get first hand experience with whatever it is' feeding habits, Eris moves to follow after Vera while staying several meters back and shaking her head. Not sure if she's amused or disgusted by the cloaked woman's comment, she replies in an uncertain tone while rifling through her own pack, "I think I can go a couple days without food if need be. Honestly, I think I'd rather it you than anything that eats giant spiders from the inside out."

Handing all 12 arrows over to Anevia. Diplomacy to improve her attitude? [roll1] (since she said wife, I'm assuming the "those who might be romantically attracted to you" clause is in effect, but if not, -2 to the result)

Perception toward the silver [roll2]

Moving toward the spider with Vera, staying at least 15ft back from her.
Getting out a Flask of Acid (to use as a Focus for Acid Splash if it comes down to a fight)

nolongerchaos

2014-12-14, 11:20 PM

Satarus gives a casual shrug of his shoulders, but does not press the issue of the link. His past experiences had taught him how wary others tended to be in regards to his abilities, and given their circumstances, he would expect nothing less of his new companions. However that would not stop him from trying.

Noting the others gathering near the spider, seemingly in preparation for combat, Satarus positions himself between the spider and the noncombatants and studies the spider himself for a moment before readying himself for action.

Perception check:[roll0]

Kingzfall

2014-12-15, 07:27 AM

The glint of silver in the rubble intrigued Vera, with memories of Kenabres' fallen defender still fresh in her mind: the silver dragon had fought bravely, but could not stop the fury of the Abyss.

Approaching the glinting object, you find it to be a silver dragon scale the about size of your palm. You can see about five scales in total, scattered amid the rubbles. The scale swirl with their own faint light.

As Eris's magic takes hold and reveals what is hidden below the surface. Most of the objects in the bag seem to be mundane except for the two vials. Upon closer inspection, Eris is able to determine that both are potions with restorative properties. (potion of cure light wounds, and a potion of lesser restoration)

Anevia takes the arrows from Eris with a nod. "Th...Thank you." The chuckles "I won't have to be too picky about my shots anymore. Actually, I may have something to help."

Anevia reaches into her pack and draws out a few items. She offers them to the group quietly.

"Lucky these didn't break in the fall. Alchemist fire and smoke sticks. I don't expect to get close enough to use them properly. Maybe you can. " She gives a faint smile.

As Eris glances over at the silver scales, she can see the faint magic wafting off of them.

The crack of a the spiders carapace draws her attention back to the creature.

She stalks toward the spider carcass, taking care with her steps.

Approaching the Spider. you can see a make out the wriggling forms moving beneath the spiders carapace.
with a loud crack, a chunk of carapace falls away and a you can see the toothed maw of a creature eating away at the spider from the inside.

Giant Maggot. Vicious Scavengers, These creatures are the size of small children. They feed constantly after a two period. After engorging themselves, they enter their pupil stage after which they emerge as giant flies.

http://i.imgur.com/aiS4UmZ.png

The creatures seem to be too focused on eating to notice anything else in the room.

Mornings

2014-12-15, 08:34 AM

The sharp crack-and-thud of the carapiece does draw his
attention, but with so many armed warriors surrounding
the creature, he dismisses it for a moment. Instead he moves
to inspect one of the glinting silver pieces mixed amongst the
rubble. He picks one up to examine it.
Kwen casts Detect Magic

Upon completing that, he slides one of the scales into his
belt pouch. Perhaps it may have some use in the futuer.
Drawing his bow, he moves back next to Satarus seeing the
groups hesi
The sharp crack-and-thud of the carapiece does draw his
attention, but with so many armed warriors surrounding
the creature, he dismisses it for a moment. Instead he moves
to inspect one of the glinting silver pieces mixed amongst the
rubble. He picks one up to examine it.

Upon completing that, he slides one of the scales into his
belt pouch. Perhaps it may have some use in the future.
Drawing his bow, he moves back next to Satarus defensivly
seeing the groups hesitance in initiating combat.

" You mentioned... that you possess the ability to form
a mental bond with another? Does that somehow enhance
your healing abilities? "

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-15, 10:35 AM

Vera was not particularly surprised to find the giant maggot, but it was certainly unappetizing. Still, doing her best to be practical, she decided that it was meat in some capacity. Quietly, she studies the creature, the contours of its pallid, mucus-slick body. While there isn't much of an anatomy to speak of, it's enough to guide her blades. She moves up to end the creature's life.

Vera will take a moment to make the maggot her studied target, giving her a +1 on attack and damage rolls among other things.

Assuming the maggot is still unresponsive, Vera will take a surprise round against the creature to attack it: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

If it's still alive, I'll roll initiative: [roll2]
If Vera beats it in initiative, she'll full attack it on her turn:
1: [roll3] Damage: [roll4] -possible crit, confirming on a 22, for +3 damage
2: [roll5] Damage: [roll6]

Kingzfall

2014-12-15, 12:11 PM

Vera's Kukri takes aim and slices into her unexpected prey.
The grub lets out a squeal and starts to thrash.

The spiders corpse starts thrashing about until it rips apart and falls to the ground.
Wriggling their way out, the party can see three maggots. One leaking great amounts of bile out of its side.

Kwen studies the scale. He can not see the magic emanating from the scale. He feels like he is at the edge of understanding it when the sound of Vera's assault steals his attention away. He can see the massive maggots inching their way slowly toward the rest of the survivors.

Kingzfall

2014-12-15, 12:12 PM

Anyone else that prepared an action can take it now.

I'll roll initiative and set up a map when I get home.

Desril

2014-12-15, 12:52 PM

Eris
HP 7
AC 11

Resisting the urge to shiver in disgust at the site of the oversized maggots exploding out from the spider's corpse, Eris speaks in the language arcane and conjures up a small green glob, flinging it at the maggots with the flick of a finger.

Acid Splash! (Yay, offensive cantrips :smallsigh:) Using the Flask of Acid as a Focus.
Ranged Touch Attack [roll0] (-4 if Vera is in melee with all 3. If she isn't, I aim at one that she isn't next to)
Damage [roll1]

Initiative [roll2]

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-15, 01:55 PM

Arae steps up from where she was shadowing Vera, and slashed her longsword at the now exposed and rather hurt maggot. It was quite the unwieldy angle, but she managed to make a clean strike of it.

Hit: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

nolongerchaos

2014-12-15, 02:24 PM

Satarus glances quickly at Kwen, and mutters "Later, now isn't quite the time for conversation."

Satarus' eyes glow suddenly green, and the sound of a fluid being drained can briefly be heard.
Satarus manifests Siphon at the nearest maggot not engaged in melee, or simply the nearest if they are all in melee.
Ranged Touch Attack: [roll0]
If successful, [roll1] damage and Satarus will gain 1 temporary hit point.

Kingzfall

2014-12-15, 04:01 PM

http://i.imgur.com/WEnVkU0.png

As the maggots roll away from the remains of the spider, Eris hits the closest one with a glob of acid.
It writhes in pain as its soft flesh is eaten away.

Following quickly, Satarus unleashes his own mystical assault. Directing his mind toward the grub he delivers a harsh blast of unseen power.
The same maggot screeches under the assault. When Satarus ends his attack, he pulls life energy from the grub back into himself.
The maggot struggles weakly to try and burrow away. Both its vital fluids and energy draining away.

Arae is able to squeeze between Vera and the pillar.
Her long-sword descends into the wounded creature. It thrashes like a worm on a fishing lure, trying to escape its fate. A second later and it lies still, unmoving.

http://i.imgur.com/aaUL9oz.png

Mornings

2014-12-15, 04:18 PM

"Later, now isn't quite the time for conversation."

He glanced at the maggots that begun to spew out from
the creatures corpse and signed, his concentration broken,
placing the scale in his pocket.
"...Hm, I suppose not."

He snaps out an arrow from his quiver and draws.
A small golden fleck of light emanates from it's iron-bodkin point.
He loosens the shaft at one of the nearest creatures

Attack: 2+1(guidance)/Firing into melee -4
[roll0]

[roll1]
[roll2]

Desril

2014-12-15, 04:42 PM

Eris
HP 7
AC 11

Scowling, the dhampir comments in an annoyed tone while she conjures up another acidic orb, "These things aren't worth wasting more powerful magics on, but they're just tough enough for cantrips to be too weak."

Second verse, same as the first. Aiming at the southern maggot if it survives to my turn.

Acid Splash (Ranged Touch) [roll0] (-4 if it's in melee, hard to tell due to the map being 10ft squares)
Damage [roll1]

Kingzfall

2014-12-15, 05:06 PM

Aravashnial, hearing the combat, forms a worried expression on his face. "Whats happening?
Anevia draws an arrow about half way out of her quiver before returning it. She sees the battle is completely under control. No need for her to intervene.Not to worry. Our friends seem to have everything under control

Horgus meanwhile turns greet upon seeing the acid eating away at the closest grub.

Eris's second glob of acid hits its mark, burning into the same maggot.
With no skin to protect them, the acid quickly eats away at the maggots vital insides until it ceases any movement

nolongerchaos

2014-12-15, 05:24 PM

Satarus' eyes glow once again, followed again by the sound of something being drained as he point to the nearest maggot.

Siphon again, though Satarus will move forward if no maggots are within 30ft.
Range touch: [roll0] (-4 if in melee)
Damage: [roll1]
(No one else in the collective, so no one gets temp hp on a successful hit, as Satarus already has one.)

Kingzfall

2014-12-16, 01:29 PM

Focusing on the life energy of the remaining maggot, Satarus forcefully rips said energy from the maggot.

Although having no visible wounds, the maggot thrashes in pain.

Ebon Dragon

2014-12-16, 03:34 PM

Arae attempted to pin the maggot before her in place with her wooden shield, so that she could gut it with relative ease. Her attempt left a blackish-brown smudge across the red sword painstakenly painted on its face, and the blue field beneath it.

Attacking the thing directly to the left (on map) Longsword:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
Confirm:[roll2]
Bonus Damage:[roll3]

Kingzfall

2014-12-16, 04:09 PM

Arae's sword cuts cleanly into the last maggot, spilling its entrails out onto the floor. The maggot flops around in its final moments before going still.

Other than a terrible odor, these corpses are no longer a threat to the party.

Avenia - "See, over before you know it. " tells Aravashnial as she slings her bow and grabs her makeshift crutch.

Aravashnial - "Yes...." Cough Cough No doubt whatsoever
You notice that Aravashnial has a worried look that he's trying to hide. The inability to see the battle and its outcome has probably left him insecure and a bit frightened

Horgus - "Oh my..." (Gagging sounds)' Oh my gods, that's disgusting He glaces over at the maggots trying to keep himself from vomiting.
He moves behind the rest of the group trying to get away from the bodies.

nolongerchaos

2014-12-16, 04:40 PM

Satarus slowly straightens up, though not quite relaxing his guard. Turning to the others he says:

"Well, while not enjoyable, that wasn't nearly as bad as it may have been. Personally, I was expecting some form of parasite... Just a few maggots, Aravashnial, nothing to worry about yet.

In any case, while it is certainly best not to tarry overlong, I would like the opportunity to make sure we are leaving nothing behind that might aid in escaping these caverns. Even tinder we could turn into makeshift torches may be of use. As I have no source of light, Father Kwen'tel, would you mind assisting me?"

Now that the present danger seems to have passed, if granted the opportunity, Satarus will manifest Detect Psionics and take a couple minutes investigating the caverns and rubble for anything of use, taking a 20 on his roll for a total of 28, unless anyone cares to Aid Another.

Desril

2014-12-16, 05:29 PM

Eris

Ignoring her own gag reflex, Eris makes sure to avoid going anywhere near the spider's or the maggots' corpses now that the fighting is done and makes her way to the silvery dragon scales that Kwen was looking at a moment ago.

While examining them she does do her best to calm Aravashniel's and Horgus' nerves. Can't say I blame either of them. The pudgy one probably hasn't seen anything die outside of a hunting trip, and I'm not sure what I'd do if I couldn't see to defend myself.

"Disgusting, yes, but not an issue. Satarus is right, given that we could have fallen into a demon trap or a nest of something really dangerous from the Darklands, we should probably be grateful that it was just some disgusting maggots. We're also lucky that, injuries aside, everyone who survived the fall seems fairly capable. If we take our time and stay together, we should be able to get back to the surface safely." Pausing, she adds as an afterthought, "Though I can't help you all with the lighting issue, I don't even really have anything to burn, even in an emergency, save a deck of cards, so we probably should look around some."

Sense Motive (1d20)[14]

Diplomacy [roll0] (-2 if trait doesn't apply. For future reference, should I calculate it into all rolls and assume you'll subtract it when it doesn't apply, should I ignore it and assume you'll add it when it applies, or should I continue to leave little notes like this reminding you of its existence to add or subtract as relevant?)

Detect Magic + Spellcraft on the Scales [roll1]

Mornings

2014-12-16, 06:10 PM

He stared at the quivering feathered-quarrel he had
fired-and-missed into the remains of the spider's carapiece,
far longer then he realized. It strangely held his attention,
he was enthralled, displaced, from all the events about him.

"Well, while not enjoyable, that wasn't nearly as bad as it may have been. Personally, I was expecting some form of parasite... Just a few maggots, Aravashnial, nothing to worry about yet.

In any case, while it is certainly best not to tarry overlong, I would like the opportunity to make sure we are leaving nothing behind that might aid in escaping these caverns. Even tinder we could turn into makeshift torches may be of use. As I have no source of light, Father Kwen'tel, would you mind assisting me?"

Satarus's words pulled him from his stupor he
briefly shook his head, regaining his senses then responded.

"Ah... y-yes, of course. You've my hands-and-sword. Where shall we begin?"

Kingzfall

2014-12-16, 07:37 PM

It is very easy to find enough material to construct simple torches.

The chamber is well illuminated now.

Those who have picked up the dragon scales can feel the magic emanating from them. There seems to be five scales in total.
Avania picks one up to inspects it. She shrugs and hands it to Arae as she limps past.

She takes a few more steps and then stops and looks back, "Wait, why did i just do that?" A puzzled look on her face.

Horgus seems to have acquired one as well. "Dragon scales huh?, Maybe I can add this to.... AHH!" He fumbles around with it before tossing it to Vera. "Cold... Very Cold"

As the crusaders investigate their individual scales they feel power surge through them as their vision goes white.

Your vision clears to reveal you standing amid a swarm of demons. Their numbers countless. Suddenly you hear a roar from above. Terendelev in all her glory descends from the heavens. With a mighty blast she unleashes her frost breath into the demon horde. You feel the wave of frost pass over you. Instead of freezing you in place, you feel it empower you. The cold steel in your hands more reassuring then every. You descend into the ranks of the demons with her; leaving pools of frozen demon blood in your wake.

You open your eyes to see a small modest chapel. Its doors familiar, yet distant. Pushing open the doors, you enter into a grand cathedral. The ceiling rises out of sight above, and the
walls bear stained-glass windows that move and change to depict the famed acts of angels and gods. Soft light fills the vast space, and choirs sing from unseen reaches of the cathedral. Before you can ponder as to how this small chapel could house a vast cathedral, you notice the prone form of Terendelev. Although unsure, the dragon appears to be kneeling in front of a rising staircase.
Someone seems to be descending the stairs. Their form wavering and unclear you do see five flaming wings erupting from their back. Just past the decending form you faintly notice the outline of something else.... Someone else? You feel a hand on your shoulder. As you turn around you look into the warm eyes of Father Sipel. He seems to have aged a great deal since you've last seen him. With a smile on his face, pulls you into an embrace on final time.

You open your eyes to find yourself back in Kenebras's square. Unfortunately, the dream was real. Behind you, citizens escape into the cathedral of Iomedae. Before you, demons pour from wounds in the earth. The massive form of Terendelev lands beside you. You know immediately what you must do; Protect the innocent from the demon scourge. Side by side with Terendeleve you slay wave after wave of demon. The armies of the fallen unending. A young child trips while running to safety, a demon seizes its opportunity and lunges. You dive in front of the child taking the blow. The child runs to safety as you take the head off the assaulting demon. The wound is deep and you struggle to lift yourself up. Thinking you easy prey, a demon lurches forward and swings a massive claw at you only to be blasted away. A moment later, you can feel strong hands lift you up. You wounds close and strength floods through your body. A woman steps to the frontlines, her cloak blood red. Demons flee from her presence as she charges.

You open your eyes to find your in field hospital, a could wind blowing through the tent flaps. Your mind is immediately assaulted with the feeling of excruciating pain. Crusaders lay on cots, propped up or slumped together. Many of them suffering from sever burns or terrible wounds, some even mission limbs. You can feel the life energy leaving these poor souls fast but no one appears to be treating them. Where are the doctors? the field surgeons?, you ask yourself as the patients moan and scream in pain. The strain on your mind is getting worse; the pain it causes unbearable. You throw your hands to your hand in a useless gesture to stop it all. An just like that you feel it start to lessen. The pain begins to deaden. As you open your eyes you can see a peasent woman with long silver hair going from bedside to bedside, blood dripping from wounds on her wrists. You see her kneel beside a wounded solider and hold her bleeding wrist over the solders wounds.
You can see the life energy from her blood pour into the solider. Stitching sinew and skin back together. He was far from fighting shape, but he will survive.

Without turning she speaks to you, "Come.... We have much work to do. ".
Together you and the mysterious woman go from patient to patient. Ensuring life survives in these dark times

You awaken to find yourself in a blasted wasteland. It takes a moment, but you realized that you've somehow arrived in the Worldwound. You turn around to notice a beautiful woman.
It takes but a moment but you recognize your past savior. She still carries both the holy symbol of Desna and a faint sense of sadness. Before you can reach out to her she runs off.
As if compelled you chase after her. Your running on flat plains, then a moment later up steep hills, followed shortly by massive mountains. Your legs pump effortlessly as your run up this mountaint after your mysterious savior. As you both reach its peak you see her jump to a low hanging cloud. From there she continues to climb into the sky. You follow in suit, surprised to find the cloud as sturdy as the ground you were running on. Higher and higher you both climb into the heavens. For the first time you can feel the sun shine and bear its light without any ill effects. As you climb higher you ask yourself with a smile on your fave, If I can ascend to into the very heavens. Why can't Nocticula?

Your vision goes white again.

You rub your eyes clear to find yourself back in the vast cavern.

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-17, 12:28 AM

Vera took no pleasure in dispatching the maggots; they were not at fault for doing what came naturally. As was the way with demons, they were merely the victim of a chain reaction of violence. She blamed them more than anything.

Just as she was considering how best to dress the maggots as a possible food source, the dragon scale wound up landing in her palm. The vision was breath-taking, no doubt a portent of some kind. She knelt, holding the cool shard of Terendelev to her breast. Silently, she said a prayer of thanks to the fallen guardian.

I do not know why I was chosen, or whether this is the will of Terendelev or Iomedae. I am humbled. Know that I will not rest until vengeance is dispensed to the villains responsible for this travesty.

Vera carefully placed the scale in her pack, before returning to the task at hand: attempting to turn the maggots into something resembling food.

I'll roll a Survival check to see if Vera can carve out some tasty maggot steaks for transport.
[roll0]

Desril

2014-12-17, 03:21 AM

Eris

As the vision fades and the cave returns, Eris instinctively calls out for the woman, "Wait, come back!"

Seeing the others still around and remembering their current predicament, the dhampir quickly wipes the moisture from her eyes and checks to see if any of the others were similarly affected by the scales. Seeing them rub their eyes, Eris suspected that they were, but rather than pondering what they saw, she raises a hand to grasp the amulet hidden beneath her illusion with an elated smile on her face. I knew it. I knew it all along, but I'm sure of it now beyond any doubt. I'll find both answers here, who she is, and how I can aid Our Lady in Shadow's Ascension.

After a brief, silent prayer to the Demon Lord in question, she places the scale in her bag with her other supplies before seeing Vera trying to make food out of their recent victory. Overcome with disgust, her joyous state of mind is short-lived.

Gagging at the very idea, Eris has to actively suppress the urge to vomit as she stares in disbelief, struggling even to put her thoughts into words. "You...you were serious? That's beyond disgusting! How could you even think...they're maggots! Disgusting, filth ridden, carrion devouring, disease carrying maggots! I mean the spider is one thing, I wouldn't have touched it myself, but it'd be better than starving. But maggots?!" Not able to articulate her disgust properly, several syllables that are almost words escape Eris lips before she finally stops talking after one final, colorful swear in the Elven tongue.

nolongerchaos

2014-12-17, 12:14 PM

Satarus makes no effort to wipe the moisture from his eyes. He takes a slow, deep breath to calm his mind. He examines his scale, taking in each contour, each scratch. Softly, he says to himself:

"The suffering and sacrifice of one, for the lives of many. I shall not forget. Thank you, great Terendelev."

Satarus kneels down and rummages through his backpack, and pulls out a small dagger, which he places on his belt, then tucks the scale in firmly beside it. Standing, Satarus says:

"Well, time for us to see what the future hold for us... though hopefully it isn't maggot stew." with a bit of a grin.

Kingzfall

2014-12-17, 04:25 PM

I'll roll a Survival check to see if Vera can carve out some tasty maggot steaks for transport.
[roll0]

Very skillfully, Vera is able to cut the maggot into edible sections. Giant Maggots themselves are known to be very resistant to all forms of diseases. As long as you avoid the maggots stomach contents, although not tasty, they are edible. You can harvest enough "Maggot Steaks" for about 2 days of rations (if cooked).

Horgus witnesses you cutting into the maggot. The thought of eating such a think turns his stomach. He falls down to his knees and "loses his lunch" everywhere. Lucky not on himself.

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-17, 04:52 PM

Vera stows the maggot meat away carefully in her pack, seemingly unfazed by the prospect of a future entomophagous meal. She gestures at the retching Horgus.
"Somebody get him up, and give him a little water. That's a quick way to dehydrate yourself."

Cooly, she meets Eris' scornful eyes.
"Maggots are actually highly resistant to disease. Medics use regular-sized ones to combat gangrene on wounded soldiers. We may not have the luxury of choosing the source of our future meals for the foreseeable future; my concern right now is survival, not palatability."

Vera wipes the ichor off her blades. She seems eager to press on.
"It seems one exit from this cavern is as good as any. I'd pick south, if for no other reason than it takes us further from the Worldwound."

Ready to get going when everyone else is. I believe taking 10 on Survival determines our cardinal directions?

Desril

2014-12-18, 02:07 AM

Eris

Shuddering in disgust once again, Eris shakes her head at Vera "I think I'll pass. I have rations of my own that I'll share, but I'll go a month without food before I eat...that."

Having made her point and agreeing with Vera about someone needing to tend to him, the dhampir moves to Horgus' side. He might be a useless ****, but I can't fault him for vomiting at this. Maybe I can use this though. These three have a history together and it might cause problems. Given that the elf was blinded and the girl lamed in the attack and our fall down here, Horgus is the one most likely to start something. He might be less troublesome later if I comfort him a little now.

After offering the nobleman a canteen of water, she does her best to steady him. "Just...don't look at them or think about it. I'd really rather not, anyway. With the actual food we've found, we can probably last a couple of days without going hungry, and no matter how far down we fell, I don't believe it'll take us more than two days at most to get back to the surface as long as we all work together and ignore...little things like that," she says with a jerk of her head toward where the maggots were becoming something akin to food.

Diplomacy. Maybe. Normally limited once per 24 hours per person, so if GM rules that my last roll was for both Aravashniel and Horgus, this is useless, but...might as well roll something anyway :smallcool: [roll0]

Kingzfall

2014-12-18, 05:37 AM

Looking around Vera see's that there are two possible exits from the cavern. A 5ft wide tunnel seems to lead northeast farther into the cave network. From its entrance you can see it widen about 30 feet down.

There also appears to be an opening above the ledge where Kwen pulled the fallen crusader from.
Anyone wishing to go this way would have to climb up 14ft up a slippery rock surface to reach the opening.
DC 20

Horgus takes the canteen and gladly takes a good mouthful. He goes to take another drink but stops himself.

he wipes his mouth and closes the canteen. My thanks... This.. he waves back toward the maggots and the rubble This was something I never would have expected... This is wrong.

He looks down to the ground and clenches his fist. This is wrong

He looks up and passes the canteen back. Here we will need to conserve supplies.
He turns back away and heads back over to Anevia and the elf. Walking past the rubble he sees a small arm of a child laying beneath the debris. As he looks down he shudders. Horgus looks over his shoulder back to the group, fury in his eyes. I promised you payment if you got me out of here alive..... and I will admit that I have no wish to die in here..... but I have a new offer. 1000g if you can get me out of here .... and another 1000g if you make the (SOB's) who did this pay! He joins Anevia and Aravashnial. His shoulders slink a little as he says something to them that you can't make out.

Aravashnial smile sand Anevia puts a hand on Horgus's shoulder. She looks over him and back to the group. She nods letting them know they are ready to leave this forsaken place.

Mornings

2014-12-18, 06:16 PM

Somewhere in his mind...
That fletched shaft once-guided by his lord's will still stood
quivering in the mutilated remains of that creatures carapiece.
Quivering like his faith.

The vision accosted him so suddenly he dropped his bow to
the cavernous stone floor. A loud echo resounded in his ears
as his consciousness was pulled away to some distant place.

He knew this place. It had been so long.
He knew the familiar doors. It was home.
But stepping through, he was not greeted by the quiet small
serenity of his chapel, but rather the the vision the the Grand
Cathedral. The very grounds he had been ordained. It recalled
painful memories, difficult times, times he'd tried very hard to
forget. He could not remember it ever being so grand... so alien.
He would have stopped, but it all pressed a long, not like he was
inside experiencing the vision, but as if he watched what occurred
from a distance. As if disembodied.

It all played out so quickly. Too quickly.
Yet even in his state, he could feel his fathers' warmth.
This was not a vision.
This was not an illusion.
This was real.
He could not understand, he moved to speak, but then...
Darkness.

The vision had ended, yet only darkness remained as if cast adrift.
It was not the first time such thing had happened, yet, he could not
return. He fell to his knees, the reality slowly beginning to set in. He
felt the blood rush to his face. He was hot. A pressure began to build
in his mind. He felt his eyes begin to run, his thought tightened. He felt
sick, his stomach turned violently. He wanted to cry it, speak it, think it.

'It's not true'.

A figure stood before him.
He had been their the whole time.
He was always present, and always would be.
He had never seen him before, yet he knew who he was.

His cloths were torn, beaten and soiled, yet they were as his own.
His hair was a long dark brown, that partially covered his features, as his might.
Large billowing wings of black-and-shadowy flame spread wide behind him.
His terrible burning gaze, was painted in crimson.

Tears of blood ran from his eyes.
He delicately ran his strong pale hands down the sides of his face.
A terrible and gruesome series of wounds were carved into his visage following
his fingers. The flesh was flayed from him, as if by claw or talon. An eerie and
disquieting glower of anguish was etched into his eye's, his countenance.

"It is well to weep, my brother. For father has passed."
He could not cry. He could not understand why. Yet a strange feeling prodded his heart.
"He has ascended. Passed on to the heavens in the presence of our lord.
I know sorrow, yet I am glad. Glad that at least I may bid him farewell."
Kain did not smile. His image was tragic and haunting.
As if a smile would never find his face again.
"No brother, thou are not. For thou art' broken...
Broken. Crippled. Crushed. Fractured. Damaged... and have forgotten.
Thy very existence in a state of collapse. And thus thou art' fragmented,
as thy have fragmented me. Thine mind-and-heart torn from one another.

But thine mind cannot exist without thine heart,
and so you have stolen my own.
As thine heart has stolen my mind..."
He starkly lifted his hand and pointed out into the darkness sharply.
As if a light dimly, faintly, pressed the darkness away. They were back
in the vast cavern. He pointed to his body, kneeling upon the stone, bowed
over with hands-to-face, and face-to-stone. He was weeping terribly. Tragically.
The other survivors around him seemed to be doing the same, slowly regaining
their senses.

" Hark! For 'er-in this place, 'er-in thine mind's fading-dark, these words shalt not
be spoken again. For hither-dost lay the grave of the man I do address.
A mortal canst only bare so much, 'nd once besought to be made whole, thine suffering wilt
be cruel-and-fullsome. Thy will find thy-self in the throe of agony, grief'n-misery betwixt
nary-thine-own own heart'n-spirit, but by one-made-as-two. Wit a burden naught-a-man
has ever known. Thusly wilt it destroy ye.

I trow not what thy fate will call. What wilt wax-and-tarry
in thine passing. Who wilt die and what shalt be. I but wit
we shall not meet again.

Thusly, I do be ye a fond-farewell, brother. "

He was speechless and stunned.
Confused, and alarmed.
But he found no time to speak in question. The darkness had faded, he felt the room
pull at him, pull and tug. Then he fell. Fell as if the world had turned on its side. As if
gravity had shifted to the right towards his animated body. The body moved by his
heart and Kain's mind... He crashed into himself and knew no more.

There existed no words, none in any tongue he knew or had heard of to
express this wretchedness. This torture. This woe. It was not as a pang
of gilt, the tragedy of loosing a son. The horror of loosing a wife. No, this
was beyond grief. It was beyond suffering. Two souls cried out as one, in
terrible torment, a field of malediction in his heart.

It was bleakness.
It was barren affliction.
The claws of pestilence.

He could feel everything, within and throughout.
The sweat burning his eyes. The fury in his mind.
He felt the palpitations of his heart. It's beat, proverbial
hammers crashing through his existence. His head
cracked into the stone with each beat, cutting into his forehead.
He could feel his wings being broken.
His spirit lacerated and disemboweled.
He was dying, his body and soul killing one another.

" GAH-AAHHHHHHHHH! "
He clawed at his own face. His body a cage of torment and damnation.
His nails rended flesh from his countenance.
Gory trenches of bloody pools were etched into him.
The fleshy carnage of skin and fatty tissue dripped from his fingers.

It was as if two existences were being forced into a single state.
Two men forced into a burning crate.
Two men fit into the cage of a bird.
He screamed, and writhed upon the stone shedding tears of water and blood.
Until finally, something splintered and broke within him. Something writhed,
withered and died. He would never know what.
This was the man he was.
The man he had always been.
The man he was born.
'...and I wish to exist no more.'

He could finally hear the others recover. Movement about him.
The red of his cloths distracting from the blood that drenched him.

"The suffering and sacrifice of one, for the lives of many. I shall not forget. Thank you, great Terendelev."

"You...you were serious? That's beyond disgusting! How could you even think...they're maggots! Disgusting, filth ridden, carrion devouring, disease carrying maggots! I mean the spider is one thing, I wouldn't have touched it myself, but it'd be better than starving. But maggots?!"

"Well, time for us to see what the future hold for us... though hopefully it isn't maggot stew."

"Maggots are actually highly resistant to disease. Medics use regular-sized ones to combat gangrene on wounded soldiers. We may not have the luxury of choosing the source of our future meals for the foreseeable future; my concern right now is survival, not palatability."

"It seems one exit from this cavern is as good as any. I'd pick south, if for no other reason than it takes us further from the Worldwound."

...The Worldwound.
The Worldwound...
At last it came back to him. This hell. The siege of Kenabres... The Worldwound.
Demons dwelt all about, not so far from here, perhaps. Or other such dangers.
Perhaps one strong enough, to set him free...

The eyes that gazed at the cruel and bloodied stone,
were not the eyes of the man that had been.
They were quiet, vicious and steeled.
His voice was eidolic, phantasmal and possessed.
Two, not one spoke, from that body's mouth as if it
housed another, and in equal share. His tone, so quiet,
it was only audible to those immediately about him.
No more then a whisper that carried in the acoustics
of this stone hole.

"...Then let us go to the land of our father, brother."
"...Then let us go to the land of our father, brother."

My assumption, Satarus, Eris, and the survivors are close enough to
hear a spoken whisper without perception.

Someone spoke. He didn't know.
No one was about him now. Not in his mind. Nothing else existed.
He rose to his feet, and hastily marched for the north-eastern tunnel leaving his bow upon the ground.
It was wide, and open he needn't think of searching for battle. It would find him. He quickly covered the
30ft that separated him from the widening birth of the passage.

He pressed forward, the tears, the blood, it did not cease.
His heart burned with a terrible visceral rage, it tore at his mind
and left him wide-eyed and grief-stricken. The suffering had not
deadened, simply some piece of him had died. Succumbing to the
pain, and leaving enough room for the rest of this creature he was
fast becoming, to think and function. Yet he felt it now.
A prickle.
A touch.
A sensation that crept through his chest, and crawled its way up his thought.
It kissed his lips, and forced his mouth to speak. It was a prayer. A prayer
he did not speak, but screamed. Screamed so loud, so hard, he felt his face
flush and tendons in his neck stand on end. Yet his voice was one, once more.

" O LORD, GOD OF MY SALVATION!
I HAVE CRIED DAY AND NIGHT!

LET MY PRAYER COME BEFORE THEE:
INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO MY CRY!
FOR MY SOUL IS FULL OF TROUBLES,
AND MY LIFE DRAWETH NIGH UNTO THE GRAVE! "

He held his hands wide to his sides, screaming to the merciless
and unfeeling stone that hung above him.

" I AM COUNTED WITH THEM THAT GO DOWN INTO THE PIT:
I AM AS A MAN THAT HATH NO STRENGTH!
FREE AMONG THE DEAD,
LIKE THE SLAIN THAT LIE IN THIS GRAVE
WHOM THOU REMEMBEREST NO MORE!
AND THEY ARE ALL CUT OFF FROM THY HAND!

" THOU HAST LAID ME IN THE LOWEST PIT,
IN DARKNESS, IN THE DEEPS.
THY WRATH LIETH HARD UPON ME,
AND THOU HAST AFFLICTED ME WITH ALL THY WAVES! "

He felt his magic begin to surge within him. The magic
he had forged himself, with his years of training and study, and prayer.
The forces he had fortified and ironed unto-himself to bear, with steel and fire.

" THOU HAST PUT AWAY MINE ACQUAINTANCE FAR FROM ME;
THOU HAST MADE ME AN ABOMINATION UNTO THEM!
I AM SHUT-UP, AND CANNOT COME FORTH.
MINE EYE MOURNETH BY REASON OF AFFLICTION:
MY LORD, I HAVE CALLED DAILY UPON THEE!
I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS UNTO THEE!
SHALL THY LOVING-KINDNESS BE DECLARED IN THE GRAVE!?
OR THY FAITHFULNESS IN DESTRUCTION!?
SHALL THY WONDERS BE KNOWN IN THE DARK!?
AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE LAND OF FORGETFULNESS!?
MY LORD, WHY CASTEST THOU OFF MY SOUL!?
WHY HIDEST THOU FACE FROM ME!? "

He tightly embraced himself as he marched forward. He felt the
energy explode within him, violently outward. The invisible force-matter
danced and solidified before him, creating a massive shield of spirit and
energy at his fore, barely visible to the eye.
Kwen casts Shield

He drew both of his crimson-blades,
securing them to his hands with their
familiar leather bands.
The ultimate sacred form.
The form he had never masted.
The pinnacle of his teachings.

He wished to display his martial prowess to his father someday,
he could see the vision of adoration upon his face in his mind's eye
for finally embracing the final-teaching..... a day that would never come.
His voice was horse, and raw. He tasted blood in his mouth, but he
didn't care. He screamed into the pitch-bleakness of the cavern.

" I AM AFFLICTED AND READY TO DIE,
WHILE I SUFFER THY TERRORS AND AM DISTRACTED!
THY FIERCE WRATH GOETH OVER ME:
THY TERRORS HAVE CUT ME OFF!
LOVE AND FRIEND HAST THOU PUT FAR FROM ME,
AND MINE ACQUAINTANCE INTO DARKNESS! "

Sharply he kicked off the stone, breaking into a straight sprint
through the darkness. His swords held high-and-wide, madly.
Only the brief light of the sunrod at his side to guide him.

Kwen Run's forward after completing his spell.
(Medium Armor Run; Speed x4 - Rounds 1/2)

nolongerchaos

2014-12-19, 12:47 AM

Though Satarus had been trying to establish a more lighthearted mood to their sombre circumstances by making light of the maggots and their capacity to nurish, his attempts are cut short by the faint whisper of a voice - Kwen, yet simultaneously somehow not Kwen. Equally shocking were the deep gouges covering Kwen's face, weeping copious amounts of blood as he swiftly rose and ran from the cavern and began to cry out what seemed to be a prayer, his voice echoing strangely in the tunnels and cavern.

"... clearly we did not all share the same vision. Arae does not seem to have recovered yet. We must decide how act, but swiftly. If I may be so bold, Eris, will you please stay to look after Arae and the others, while Vera and I attempt follow him?"

Desril

2014-12-19, 01:15 AM

Eris

Caught completely off-guard by Kwen's sudden seemingly insane outburst, Eris isn't entirely sure how to react. She's saved the trouble of deciding what to do, however, as Kwen dashes out of range of even her furthest reaching spells in a matter of seconds.

Instead, she nods at Satarus. "I don't have a problem watching everyone here, but if you're going after Scarlet, be careful. I don't know what happened, but he might not want to come back. Don't get yourselves killed."

Trusting them to solve that particular issue, Eris moves to Arae's side, alert for any sign that the human might be having a less pleasant vision than her own.

Though, wouldn't it make more sense for the only person with Darkvision to go chasing him into the caves? :smalltongue:

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-19, 03:15 AM

Vera observes Kwen's outburst quietly, although her expression remains calm. She looks to Satarus.
"We will follow. But slowly. Carefully. If there's anything dangerous lurking in these tunnels, that crazy bastard is running straight into it. Stick to the shadows; maybe we can pick up the pieces."

I guess Vera will follow after Kwen with Satarus. She'll move at half-speed, stealthily as possible. If we need a light source, Vera has torches.

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

nolongerchaos

2014-12-19, 04:18 AM

"Very well, let us go, though if we don't find him soon we might need to return without him."

Satarus picks up his makeshift torch and attempts to quietly follow after Kwen.
Stealth [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

Kingzfall

2014-12-19, 07:41 PM

Kwen runs screaming into the tunnel, his eyes struggling to pierce the darkness.
He rebounds off the side of the paths walls a few times, his swords scrapping against the stones as he runs.

After 30 feet the path opens up into another small cavern. Kwen continues to charge on. With the speed he's running and lack of light he fails to see the obstructions in the middle of the room.
As he attempts to run straight through his feet get caught up in something.

He goes falling face first into the cold stone floor, his armor grinding against the stone. Kwen begins to look for what tripped him, but is quickly distracted by the sound of something shuffling and a creature hissing.

Bursting from a heap of refuse are two Giant Cockroaches. They approach the prone Kwen, their mandibles clicking and drooling.

Vera and Satarus arrive in the cavern just in time to see the dog sized creatures approaching Kwen.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p38FTyvgzmGgV1bKJv9VHzT21FxSoaVFmup6bULE8eo/edit?usp=sharing

Mornings

2014-12-19, 08:02 PM

Round 1/3 (cray cray)
(Standing) AC 17 + 4(shield)
Initi: 22 (assuming I'm acting first.)

Kwen attempts to rise from the ground. With flavor~

He lay upon the stone for a brief second unable
to comprehend what halted his charge. The hiss
of the creatures about him drew his attention.
He heaved, and pushed, and clawed his body
from the stone wildly in frustration. Rising to
his feet slowly, the rage pounded through his
heart and body fiercely like a war drum. He spun
his weapons in hand swiftly and howled at the
insects defiantly, ready for battle.

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-19, 11:25 PM

Apparently Kwen did not get very far; a mixed blessing, Vera thought to herself as she beheld the new verminous threat.

Taking a moment to study the nearest giant cockroach, Vera keeps her blades at the ready, keeping a defensive stance. She approached the threat like a surgeon, patiently, precisely, light on the balls of her feet.

Vera will take a move action to study the NE cockroach (G-5). She'll take a 5 ft. step to E-3, and ready an action to attack the first cockroach to get within her reach.
Attack: [roll0] (+1 if it's the studied cockroach)
Damage: [roll1] (+1 if it's the studied cockroach)

Kingzfall

2014-12-20, 06:00 AM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R03CResZn20/UenH9P1F7MI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Xg_F_9MGPWs/s1600/cockroach+swarm.jpg

Both cockroaches swarm the individual who disturbed their nest.

Cockroach 1
Attack [roll0]
Crit? [roll1]
Dmg [roll2]
Crit? [roll3]

Cockroach 2
Attack [roll4]
Crit? [roll5]
Dmg [roll6]
Crit? [roll7]

Both cockroaches try to get past Kwens guard. One is almost successful until it is bounced away by an invisible barrier. It tries to claw it's way though, but it unsuccessful.
Both cockroaches hiss in frustration.

nolongerchaos

2014-12-20, 09:59 AM

Momentarily startled by the size of the cockroaches, Satarus quickly gathers himself. He takes a quick step sideways to position himself better, then points at the roach nearest the camp. Again there is a brief glimmer of light in his eyes, accompanied by the strange sound of draining fluids

Satarus moves to D4 and maifests Siphon on the roach in G7.
Ranged Touch Attack (in melee)[roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Mornings

2014-12-20, 11:05 AM

Round 2/3 - Loopy

Seeing the creatures feeble attacks held at bay by his
spiritual field of force, he screams madly at the insects,
while crossing his arms over himself as if in an embrace.
Then, viciously, he lashed out with his crimson blades, directing
an attack at each skittering creature.

(7-F) Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
[roll2]
Damage:[roll3]

(6-G) Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
[roll6]
Damage:[roll7]

EDIT: messed up spoilers =/

CockroachTeaParty

2014-12-20, 01:42 PM

Seeing Kwen flailing ineffectually with his absurdly-sized swords, Vera moves in to show him what a precision blade can do. She falls on her studied target and attacks with surgical efficiency.

Moving to her studied target; ideally flanking with Kwen if possible.
Attack: [roll0] (+2 if flanking)
Damage: [roll1]

Desril

2014-12-20, 11:02 PM

Eris

Oblivious to the danger currently facing Kwen, Satarus, and Vera, Eris' mind wanders from her task of watching for Arae to make any violent movements. Thinking about how her savior, with her heart racing as it always does when visualizing that beautiful woman's face, and goddess both were a part of the vision she received, the dhampir theorizes that maybe the beautiful Desnan knows something or can help with Nocticula's ascension while her hand moves up to grasp her hidden amulet.

That line of thought is interrupted quickly enough however, as after looking around the cave, she sighs, Well, it's not like I can discuss this with anyone, so I guess there's no point in thinking about it further right now. After finding a comfortable enough looking rock, she sits down, not bothering to hide how her robes pass right through the stone, As dark as it is, I doubt anyone will notice, and even if they do, they have bigger problems than my manner of dress.

Remembering Horgus' offer just before Kwen ran off, Eris finally responds to it with a smile. "I'm not so pure-hearted as to turn down an offer of gold like that, but trust me, I'm going to make sure we all get out of this. Assuming no one else breaks down like he did anyway," she says motioning in the direction Kwen ran off in. "I wonder if he saw something less pleasant than me, or if something else happened though?"

Deciding that maybe silence isn't the best way to keep her companions calm, Eris keeps talking and tries to strike up a longer conversation. "Earlier, it sounds like you all knew each other before we fell down here, and on less than friendly terms. I only got to Kenebres earlier today, so I have no idea what might've happened between you all, but I want to make sure all of us get out of here, and that'll be easier if we trust each other. We've got some time to kill until the others get back, so do you mind filling me in on what went down between you all?"

nolongerchaos

2014-12-22, 01:45 PM

In keeping with his earlier actions, Satarus again manifests Siphon, on the roach that has already felt the sting of Vera's blade.

Ranged Touch [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Kingzfall

2014-12-22, 04:53 PM

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p38FTyvgzmGgV1bKJv9VHzT21FxSoaVFmup6bULE8eo/edit#gid=0

The cockroaches easily dodge Kwens clumsy swings. They click their mandibles hungrily in anticipation of their next meal.

With their bugs focus on Kwen, Vera easily approaches her target. With deft precision she slashes into the side of the NE cockroach It hisses and flails around looking for its attacker.

Spotting Vera, it lunges

Attack
Dmg [roll1d4

It sneaks past Veras guard and sinks it mandibles into her leg
The other cockroach focuses on its current prey and snaps at Kwen
Attack
Dmg [roll1d4

Focusing on the cockroach attacking Vera, Satarus tugs on the life energy flowing through it. With a vicious pull she rips some of it out. The roach hisses in frustration.

.... Elsewhere

"Earlier, it sounds like you all knew each other before we fell down here, and on less than friendly terms. I only got to Kenebres earlier today, so I have no idea what might've happened between you all, but I want to make sure all of us get out of here, and that'll be easier if we trust each other. We've got some time to kill until the others get back, so do you mind filling me in on what went down between you all?"

They all look away alittle embrassed
Aravashnial speaks up first. Clearing his throat. In the case of me on Mr. Gwerm here.... I may have stumbled across some information that indicated a circle of noble houses were funding demonic agendas. I may have pointed fingers at these houses. An investigation has started and it turned out my information was..... less accurate then I thought.

Horgus chuckles,You mean dead wrong!... Your rumors hurt my business during that investigation. No one wants to deal with an alleged demon cultist Horgus scowls.

Aravashnial sighs. I have already apologized publicly and was forced to pay restitution. If you want to hear it again.... I'm sorry, I believed wholeheartedly that my information was accurate. I'm sure you would have done the same in my shoes.

Horgus crosses his arms and looks over from the corner of his eye. He sighs Your probably right... Whats done is done. We're in a much less situation now anyway.

Aravashnial smiles slightly, Thanks. As for our lady friend, I'm unsure of her connection with Mr. Gwerm.

Anevia and Horgus look at each other a little nervously.

ummm.... I was part of the investigation into the rumors Aravashnial spoke of. , Anevia says weakly.

Aravashnial turns his head as if to listen more intently.

Bother Anevia and Horgus look away.

An akward silence follows.