Bhaakon's Sword of Valor IC II: Dual Wielded [Archive]

Bhaakon

2016-07-21, 02:58 AM

Millia opens the next door to find the demonic version of a barbecue pit. A massive pit of glowing coals sit sin the middle of the room, the handles of a score of wrought iron brands sticking out of it like pin cushion, with a hundred more carefully arranged on racks against the wall. Much like the previous room, there's a flat table set with sturdy straps. The room is filled with the sickeningly enticing scent of grilled meat. There's even a barrel of rock salt stationed near the table. There are no exits beside the one Millia entered through.

Seeing the second room is just as fruitless, Lily opens the third to find a nightmarish apothecary's shop. Shelves line the walls, filled with vials of every size and color. Most merely have liquid or powders within, but some hold misshapen creatures in suspension. Or even living creatures, like the leeches circling on one enormous jar, or brightly colored frogs, or the leech-like things that most certainly weren't any leeches that you've ever seen in another. In this room there's no flat oaken table, but an overstuffed chair with padded belts to secure arms and legs. Next to it is a simple end table holding a silver salver loaded with syringes of various sizes, specula, gavage tubes, and gags. Again, the only door is the one Lily opened.

stack

2016-07-21, 11:50 AM

Kord nods to the locked door. "I believe I have the key for this one." He grows as he strains against it, seeking to force it open by sheer strength.
huge, strength check to break the door taking 10 first for 24 (should break a strong wooded door), if not then try rolling the next round [roll0] (stupid negative levels) +10 str +8 size -4 negative levels

does size give a bonus on strength checks?

Bhaakon

2016-07-21, 04:58 PM

The door is sturdy enough, but Kord is sturdier by far. Grown to his full sizes, he hardly even has to strain to make the thick oaken bar on the other side splinter and the iron hinges tear loose of the stone wall with a shrill squeal of protest. When he's done, he casually tosses the door aside, where it lands with a leaden thud that tells anyone listening just how massive it is.

In side is something you weren't entirely expecting: a classic Ustalavan study. There's a bulky mahogany desk with an imposingly high-backed leather chair, a fainting couch embellished with carvings of satyrs and dryads against one wall, a Tien silken changing screen depicting a scene of kitsune frolicking in a pond, plush Vudran rugs in bright geometric patterns, shelves groaning under hundreds of books and curios of every description--statuary, art pieces, a strange mechanical toy that seems to be used to tell time and the motion of the planets, a set of eerie porcelain dolls whose dead eyes seem to follow you about the room (though, upon closer inspection, that's almost certainly just your imagination).

What you don't find is the nosteratu, or a coffin, or another exit to the room.

The books are an well-curated collection on the subject of undeath, providing a +4 to any checks related to that topic when consulted.

The books and curios in the room are worth 2000gp

Clearly the nosferatu must have gone somewhere. You begin tearing thr room apart, moving furniture, testing to see if books are secret switches, checking the marble bust of Zutha in the corner to see if it hides a button. You're nearly forced to give up when Slithaint notices something. Something a normal sized person probably wouldn't have seen at all.

"There...a crack." It hisses, and, indeed, there is a fault in the stone wall between two of the bookshelves. It's not large, just big enough for a plump centipede to scuttle through...or a slim snake. If the vampire fled through there, it must have taken some minutes for all its constituents parts to slip through. Fortunately, you were distracted searching the other chambers.

Desril

2016-07-21, 06:12 PM

Lily

"That's probably where he fled to...Slithaint, do you think you can fit through? Just see what's on the other side and come back," she says as the snake slithers around and down her. Glancing toward Kord, "If it's just the vampire we can come back later, but if there's a passage do you think you can break down the wall?"

Slithaint perception [roll0] good hope expired

Bhaakon

2016-07-21, 06:18 PM

"Fine." The snake rolls its eyes, which is a rather disturbing image from a creature with slit pupils. "Don't get any ideasss from ssseeing me squeeze into thissss cervice"

A minute later it returns.

"The wall isss several feet thick. Beyond is a sssmall room with a coffin. There's a small ssshrine to Blood Marquisss."

Desril

2016-07-21, 06:35 PM

Lily

Pursing her lip at the snake's parting comment she calls after it, "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Crossing her arms, she waits for her familiar to return, not having expected a different answer than the one it gives, she still sighs. "Damnit...there has to be a passageway somewhere!" Shaking her head she leaves the room and tries the door to the north, "I doubt there's a path up here, but we have to check...Slithaint, do me a favor? Check the rest of the this hall, see if there's another hidden door somewhere? Just don't go too far away."

Lily heads for the north door. Slithaint Perception looking for secret doors in the dungeon in general [roll0] +1 Guidance for 30

Bhaakon

2016-07-21, 11:43 PM

The snake dutifully slithers off to search the rest of the dungeon--mumbling only a token number of threats and complaints--as Lily fits Staunton's key into the last remaining untested door. It fits in perfectly, and turns the lock without issue. She pushs the heavy portal open and strides bravely inside. There's not much to see, though. Just a big room with plenty of iron loops laced with shackles and two more side doors, one left and one right.

From behind, you see the trollop's clothes evaporate as she strides across the threshold, revealing her lack of shame for all to see. She doesn't seem to notice at all, though its hard for any of you to miss the mark emblazoned between her vestigial wings.

Desril

2016-07-21, 11:54 PM

Lily

Ignorant of the fact that her outfit vanished into ether the moment she set foot in the room, a quick scan doesn't point to anything obvious and Lily doesn't bother to reaffirm Horgus' location as she strides further in. "Another set of cells? Isolation or high security, I guess?" Thinking, she realizes something, "This is probably where Arueshalae was kept! One of these has to be her's!" Figuring she might find something useful, the now nude tiefling makes for the cell on the right, trying the key if it's locked.

Frosty

2016-07-22, 12:15 AM

Bhaakon

2016-07-22, 03:27 AM

The door Lily chooses is heavy iron construction, with a slider at eye level for peering in and another at the base for sliding in food. She uses the top slider and find the cell empty, but hardly barren. Thousands and thousands of butterflies have been etched into the stone wall, from realistically detailed carvings to no less stunning impressionistic scribbles. Whoever was held in her was clearly an artist of some talent, and with a surfeit of time on their hands.

She opens the door and steps in, and as she does the dress she'd been "wearing" reappears to cover her skin. A sudden flash of concern and relief flits across the surface of her awareness--so sudden that she almost misses it--followed by annoyance. The sign of the usually moribund connection to Slithaint re-establishing itself. The oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon falls from her shoulders like water off an oiled cloak, and the incessant whispering falls silent.

Sileniy, wisely hanging back, spot catches a glimpse of the cell through the open doors. The designs are unmistakably dedicated to Desna. One butterfly in particular catches his eye, an abstracted swallowtail with tattered wings, brings back a memory. He saw a similar symbol once, hanging around the neck of a person he'd met in the wastes...

stack

2016-07-22, 09:16 AM

Kord simply shakes his head at Lily's tattoo. He's seen more impressive ones during his decades. "If there is no passage onward, then let us begin breaking down the wall. Perhaps there is another way in that chamber."

Frosty

2016-07-22, 03:06 PM

Bhaakon

2016-07-22, 03:29 PM

Millia scans the butterflies, they seem to swim in her vision, twisting and dancing, the patterns on their wings rearranging. At first the effect is pretty, then intoxicating, then nauseating. Fords form in the designs, first just gibberish, then resolving into something more legible, though it's hard to concentrate on them with her stomach turning inside out. Finally she manages to decipher a line: "Half measures turn my gut. Pick a side and swallow your pride, but don't choke on the price, you ignorant...nut."

It's difficult to tell whether the source of her distress is magical or merely the bad poetry, but the sudden compulsion to down a gold coin is undeniable.

Frosty

2016-07-22, 03:37 PM

Millia

"Hey...what the?" as her visions turn from pleasant drug trip to 'oh god why can't I get off this ride?!' Millia panics just a little bit. Then, the desire to swallow grows, and her stomach turns PAINFULLY with each moment she delays! Crap, she had left her gold coins in the other pouch!

"Quick! I have a sudden urge to swallow! Someone give me a gold coin!"

Vhaidara

2016-07-22, 07:24 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin notices the change in Lily's appearance as she enters the cell, and turns to check the other cell, watching to see if Radiance's glow returns as he enters.

Sileniy

2016-07-22, 08:54 PM

Sileniy

Outwardly, it is obvious that Sileniy recognises one of those butterflies. Inwardly, he almost has a heart attack at the sight of it appearing here of all places. He makes a beeline for it, ignoring Lily and Millia unless he has to move them aside so he can see one of them in particular up close. "Arueshalae… and someone else," he corrects Lily as he hesitantly reaches out to touch it.

Desril

2016-07-22, 09:29 PM

Lily

As soon as she stepped into the room, Slithaint felt a brief moment of confusion, Lily's obliviousness to their temporarily silenced connection not realizing anything happened until both Millia's warning and Slithaint's relief hit her. Even knowing that Horgus is in danger though, something about the cell, either the simple calming quiet of the incessant noise of the dungeon being silenced or the knowledge of its former inhabitant and what the carvings must mean, keeps the tiefling from agreeing with Kord and she simply ignores him.

Unlike Millia and Sileniy, however, Lily is hesitant to touch the myriad of butterflies etched into the wall lest she do something to inadvertently dirty or damage them, though in the end she can't resist the impulse to touch something made by something as precious as what a redeemed succubus is to her. She was here...she made this... The tiefling busies herself briefly forming ideas before Sileniy's words register and she looks at him curiously, "Someone else?"

Bhaakon

2016-07-22, 09:51 PM

Nalin's arm strains as the field robs the Radiance of the magic preventing it from weighing as much as a ten foot long bar of pure gold ought to. It's nothing he can't lift, of course, but the chage is sudden, and it's easy to underestimate just how much the heavier the precious metal is than a normal weapon of wood and steel. He manages to make across without a stumble or stutter step to betray the added burden. The door open on a cell identical in proportion to the other, but without the intricate carvings. Radiance remains inert and burdensome, a sure sign that this cell is still proof against magic.

Across the room, Sileniy approaches the inscribes butterflies and focuses on one in particular. His vision swims as his fingers brush the tatter-winged swallowtail, but not unpleasantly. It's beautiful, the whorls and lines danging across the wall, making the entire flight of butterlfies appear to circle about around him. Though they move in chaotic confusion they always seem to manage to form certain symbols. Letters, he sure, though in a language he's never seen before. But somehow he can read it.

Hear my prayer, Lady Luck, For it is luck I need in escaping this cell. Not just the life behind these bars, but an eternity spent shackled to the abyss by chains of vapid sensuality. If you truly are the Tender of Dreams, then tender me unto a new existence. Let me sing the song of the spheres, see the stars with new eyes, and eascape the pit into which I cast my soul. Bring me good fortune, Lady. Bring me a new spirit made pure, and I will keep it so with unwavering faith. I am ready. Finally ready.

As the young man reads the final word, the great cloud of butterflies flutter past him and out the door, scattering beyond to find freedom. Then he blinks, and all the carvings are right back on the wall where they had been before, still and lifeless.

Sileniy

2016-07-23, 06:50 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy steps backwards until he leans against the opposite wall, rubbing his eyes and taking and holding a deep breath. That - she wasn't - can' - must have met... "I knew someone who had a holy symbol that looked just like this drawing... but there's a million butterflies in here, of course one of them is going to look familiar."

Desril

2016-07-23, 06:55 PM

Lily

Seeing the apparent surprise on Sileniy's face as he backs away, Lily is a lot less suspicious of the possibility than he is, though for no reason more than she wants to believe in it. "You mean...you've met her before?!" The tieflings eyes go wide in surprise and she eagerly assaults him with questions, "When? Where? What was she like?"

Frosty

2016-07-23, 07:27 PM

Millia

The oracle is finally able to scrounge up a small gold coin from one of her smaller pouches. She quickly puts it in her mouth, and takes a swig of water to swallow it whole. "Ahhhh....finally! What the heck is wrong with this room? Weird magic and messages that jump out at you and then disappear! Tells me I gotta pick a side, whatever that means."

She sees Lily's enthusiasm, and understands it. "Lily, I want to know too, but let's focus on the VOLCANA RITUAL OF DOOM first ok? This room will still be here, and we can ask Merjana to draw a sketch later. I say we go back to the two rooms we skipped at the beginning and search there too."

Sileniy

2016-07-23, 07:33 PM

Sileniy

"I literally just said it wasn't Arueshalae," Sileniy replies, irritated. "If you want to know what she's like now, I just heard her pledge her eternal self to Desna. But yes, this is less important than the volcano about to erupt... Where's that missive stone, I'm going to let the army know what's happening."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-07-23, 09:54 PM

Merjana

Merjana looks around the room and scans the cell within, seeing the curiosity on everyone else's face and deciding to focus her attention in that direction - even if it doesn't bare fruit. Listening to the conversation unfold in front og her, Merjana shrugs. "I don't see any harm in entertaining Lily's curiosity as we continue on, after making the necessary missives," Merjana finally replied after another bout of silence from the woman. "Either you're in debt to a butterfly loving demon or we get to know somewhat more about you, since you seem to be the quietest member of this group by a fair few feet."

Sileniy

2016-07-23, 11:12 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy squirms a little at the 'butterfly loving demon' line - even if there isn't any harm in entertaining the notion, right now he obviously doesn't want to. Taking the conversation out of the room, he speaks softly at it, "Uh, hello? Aravashnial, do you still have the stone?"

Desril

2016-07-23, 11:15 PM

Lily

Sighing at Sileniy's avoidance of her question, Lily takes one last look around the room, a plan forming in her head as she looks for even the slightest trace of a nail that might've been filed off by Arueshalae carving the mural into the wall, a stray hair, or even a dried droplet of blood, before she heedlessly walks back out into the antimagic field and then out of the cells entirely to fill Slithaint in on what happened while Sileniy talks to Aravashniel. "What about you, did you find anything?"

Bhaakon

2016-07-23, 11:32 PM

It takes a moment, and Sileniy is relatively certain that he hears a thud of something (a stone?) hitting the earth, and a rather uncouth oath in elvish, but Aravashnial does answer.

"Er...Master Isgeriz?" He asks, then catches himself. "No, not likely. Now listen, you conniving jezebel, I'll not be fooled by your parlor tricks. I know very well that it's a succubus is in possession of the other stone. So if you've anything to say, it should start with an offer of unconditional surrender. It's really quite obvious that your forced are outmatched and doomed. Perhaps we can arrange something other than an ugly end for you and your compatriots."

"Not bloody likely." He mutters through a bit of a muffle, rampantly thinking the stone doesn't work if he puts his hand over it.

*********************

As Lily walks back through the dead magic zone to communicate with her familiar, the floor jolts out from under her, pinching her tail between the stone and her buttocks as she falls hard. The rest of you, fair somewhat better, merely choking on the billow of dust that the earthquake raises from every stone surface. A number of worrying cracks web out through the ceiling--non bigger enough to slip more than a few sheets of parchment through, but enough to loose a few flakes of granite to pelt your heads.

Slithaint shoots back down the hall. "Found it! Found! The wall cracked! A door! Back the way we came!" He hisses triumphantly. As Lily finally emerges back into the hall, the snake loops up her leg and torso onto her shoulders with surprising alacrity, hugging her neck almost uncomfortably tight. "Not again, misssstresss." He hisses, loud enough for Nalin to hear. "I will not be abandoned again."

Desril

2016-07-23, 11:43 PM

Lily

Unable to suppress a light cry at the pain and shock of suddenly landing on her own tail, Lily winces and stands up, dusting off her ass and tail as she does. "The ritual must be nearly finished...we need to hurry."

Once she's recovered and stabilized she meets Slithaint, petting the snake as he slithers up around her, "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere...but if you're going to cling this tightly to me you might see things you're not interested in," she teases quietly in an effort to sound confident and reassuring. "Slithaint found the passage, let's hurry!" Without waiting for the others, the tiefling let's the snake lead her to the passage and looks for a way to open it.

Onward!

Vhaidara

2016-07-23, 11:47 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin shrugs.
"Nothing of interest, though that cell is still warded. So it looks like the Tender of Dreams took mercy on the prisoner and allowed her to escape. Truly a marvel that her jailor's didn't notice."
He glowers at the snake.
"As I recall, we were parted last on the point of a sword."
However, in response to the snake's words, he moves towards the newly opened passage, his starmetal clad fist providing the key to any less conventional barriers.

Sileniy

2016-07-24, 06:09 AM

Sileniy

Sileniy closes his eyes and sighs. "You're not going to believe me until I prove it, do we have to bring another marid in to get you to see?" He finishes the sentence just as the floor jolts.
"I don't suppose you felt a tremor just then? Someone is trying to finish a ritual to flood Drezen with lava and I was trying to let you all know that we'd lost the trail. But, it looks like we've just found it again."

Frosty

2016-07-24, 03:17 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7, HP 66/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6, Ref 9, Will 15, CMB 4, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +12 (1d6+5, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 4/7, Channel 3/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 35 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (35 MINS), Archon's Aura (8 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia barely was able to keep on her feet during the brief quake as she was distracted by whether the coin would pass through her digestive tract safely and quickly. "Whoa! Yes, let's leave matters of abandonment and escaped prisoners until later. We probably don't have more than a few minutes! After we get through all this, Nalin, you'll need to tell us what happened in detail. It seems too much of a coincidence that the familiar Lily calls just happened to be yours before."

Once the group is at the hidden door, Millia decides to re-introduce the imposing aura that had benefitted them so much on the upper levels. She also starts concentrating to see magical auras.
Cast Archon's Aura.
Cast detect magic.

Bhaakon

2016-07-24, 05:30 PM

Slithaint wasn't kidding about the wall being cracked. Wall of the southern of the two guard barracks is a spiderweb of shattered granite--all except one solid rectangle about five feet by ten. You spend a moment searching fro a switch to activate the portal, but it turns out that all you have to do is touch Staunton's key to the stone and its slide open (albeit with a loud grinding of stone on stone that you suspect is a result of the damage from the tremor).

The heat hits you like a blow as the door moves aside, pouring across the threshold as if you were stepping into an active forge. Because, as it turns out, you are. A short passage deposits you on a caged balcony 20 feet over a sunken work-floor crowded with anvils, hammers, and tongs, as well as a plethora of less familiar tools. The space is dominated by a vat of roiling molten metal above a furnace so hot that its thermal bricks incandesce nearly white. Even the stone floor around the forge glows a cherry red out nearly to the walls. The magic reducing the temperature of the balcony you're standing on must be formidable indeed to lower the temperature to something a normal person could survive--though in distinct discomfort.

The magic does nothing for the stomach-turning sense of wrongness in the room. The air is corrupted above and beyond the rest of the dungeon. Even the torture chambers themselves. You react to it like a disease: eyes watering, gut tightening, bowels loosening, nose somehow clogged and running freely at the same time, brain assaulted by the ice pick sensation of a nascent migraine.

There's a lift of sorts on the edge of the balcony, a giant steel birdcage cage that would be a cramped to fit for four people--or one of the larger sorts of demons. A system of tracks and pulleys allows the lift to either move down to the work-floor or across the ceiling to a door on the far side of the room--which is also roughly twenty feet up the wall. The device is powered by muscle--large cranks at each of the potential destinations. If you want to use it, someone will have to stay behind and put their back into it. There's no other obvious way down or across.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/corruptionforge2.jpg

Desril

2016-07-24, 05:51 PM

Lily

Looking from the cage to the device that lowers it and then down below them, Lily decides that they don't have time for this and turns her attention to the bars preventing them from simply climbing down with a rope or letting gravity take its course and focuses the destructive nature of her heritage at them.

Shatter SLA on the bars on the balcony so we can just jump down.

Sileniy

2016-07-24, 06:34 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy re-applies the magical aids that had just expired. While Lily breaks the bars he has a look around the room

Cast Good Hope again.
Perception: [roll0]

Bhaakon

2016-07-24, 07:38 PM

The forge itself might be awash in magic, but the wrist-thick bars caging the balcony were nothing more than simple iron. It's no match for Lily's shattering magics, though the sheer bulk of the barrier limits how big a hole she can make. Just enough for Nalin to squeeze through with much squeezing and squealing of metal on metal. Now it's just a matter of deciding who will go first.

DC 15 acrobatics check. Success: [roll0] non-lethal. Fail: aditional [roll1] lethal damage and prone.

Vhaidara

2016-07-24, 08:05 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin sticks an arm through the gap Lily had created, and begins to widen the opening.

Adamantine gauntlet, strength medal to accelerate.

Desril

2016-07-24, 08:17 PM

Lily
HP 63/63 2 nonlethal

Once Nalin is finished fisting the hole she'd made, Lily climbs through and drops down, landing with an unfortunately hard slap and falling on her ass for the second time in as many minutes. Luckily the heat doesn't bother her overly much, but she still groans as she picks herself up off the floor.

"The Corruption Forge...I have to admit, I didn't think the forge would be quite as...mundane looking...Oh well, there's no time for that now." Looking around, she shrugs and motions for the double doors straight ahead unless someone has a better idea.

Bhaakon

2016-07-24, 09:20 PM

With the hole widened, it's relatively easy for Kord to climb through and grow tall enough to turn the perilous leap into little more than a small hop. He helps those who weren't hasty in their own descent reach the floor safely, where the oppressive heat rises to dizzying heights. Without the protective magics, treading on the floor would be akin to walking across a hot frying pan. As it is, every drop of sweat sizzles away into steam before it's even within a foot of hitting the ground.

Millia scans the room more thoroughly, finding the forget to be awash in overwhelming auras of conjuration and transmutation. Many of the anvils and tool scattered about have magics of their own, though weak enough that they're nearly drowned out by the beaming dweomers of the forge.

Perhaps because his vision isn't swamped by divination, Sileniy notices that the flicker of fire in the forge isn't as random as one would expect from a typical flame. It's a constant, blazing sheet of pure-white plasma marred only by two distinct streaks of crimson that someone with too much imagination might thing were eyes. Or maybe not too much imagination. As the man moves across the room, the crimson stains seem to follow him. They seem enraged...and hungry.

Obviously these are no simple flames--or even a mere magical fire. It appears that a fire elemental is harnessed to the forge. Judging by the amount of heat being generated, perhaps even an elder one.

Vhaidara

2016-07-24, 10:22 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin stares into the flames, mesmerized.
"They're...suffering. I think the forge is drawing from their life force, making them hunger for something to sustain them. It's only fitting that a forge like this would be powered by suffering, and corrupt even what powered it."
Considering, he lets his mind wander.
Radiance, you seem to have direction of a sort. Justice demands that this abomination be destroyed. Are you strong enough for the task?

Desril

2016-07-24, 11:01 PM

Lily

Looking toward Nalin for a moment before turning her attention to the forge after Sileniy explains what he sees, Lily tries to avoid the feeling in the pit of her stomach. This place may be akin to the Abyss, but it isn't a part of it that is hospitable to her. "You may be right...but there's no need to destroy it. It might end its suffering, but simply dismissing it or severing its link to the forge would do the same. Better that it endures for a few more days until we can restore it than simply murder it. As long as they're bound to the forge, they shouldn't be a threat...let's just move on. Quickly."

Stopping as Sileniy has the rather clever idea of asking the elemental itself, Lily turns on her heel and makes her way closer to the forge and the glowing eyes of its flames, speaking in Ignan. "Lalk ad druno, vo'lo kookavk daovkk vha ulo koldalnavk dho ladiur dhud duikok dho dlonal u nanovd uka uvk uv avxakauk dhud nuav ko kakkokkavk uv axolvoakhd hinuv. Da avai kvav vholo dhoav vovd?" After a short pause, she continues, "Avk vhov vo ulo kavo vadh dhon, ka avai kvav hav vo nakhd dloo avai? Wo'lo holo da rakoludo dhak krudo dlan dho konavk, uvk ad avai vakh da ko dloo ad dhak dalko vo varr hork avai."

Lord of flame, we're seeking fiends who are performing the ritual that caused the tremor a moment ago and an invidiak that may be possessing an overweight human. Do you know where they went?

And when we are done with them, do you know how we might free you? We're here to liberate this place from the demons, and if you wish to be free of this forge we will help you.

Bhaakon

2016-07-25, 03:20 AM

Elementals generally aren't know for their loquacious nature, and the one trapped within the forge is no exception to his rule. It pears out through the iron grate at Lily as she speak, its red eyes flaring. It considers her words for a long moment before responding in the crackling cadence of a natural speaker of Ignan--sounds which Lily's throat can only manage in the abstract.

Okov dho kludo uvk vo varr kkouk ad dhak.

Open the grate and we will speak further.

stack

2016-07-25, 08:34 AM

Kord shakes his head. "Don't know what it said, but I think it is best not to trust it if we don't have to. Stop the ritual, deal with the forge when we aren't worried about sudden, lava filled death."

Frosty

2016-07-25, 03:15 PM

Millia

The oracle wishes she could understand the conversation. "Well, it's a being a fire right? If it were to betray us, now is probsbly the best time, while we are still warded against fire. I say we help it and potentially gain an ally."

Bhaakon

2016-07-25, 05:15 PM

Radiance remains as silent as ever in response to Nalin's question. Not terribly surprising. Though, it's odd. He swears the weapon grows heavier when he moves close to the forge. Not much, an ounce or two...maybe it's just his imagination, but the weapon seems to not want to be taken near the thing.

That the vat of molten metal seems to roil more strongly when Radiance in near is probably also just a trick of his imagination. Probably.

Vhaidara

2016-07-25, 05:38 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin shrugs.
If you don't think you can handle it.
He turns away from the forge and towards the southeast door.

Bhaakon

2016-07-25, 10:59 PM

The heat diminishes appreciably as you move down the narrow hall to the south-east. Still hot enough to slow-roast a suckling pig in a few hours, mind you, but it drops below the range of face-melting in the literal sense. The big rion handle on the door is merely as hot as a pan prepped to fry eggs when you yank it open to reveal a store room for yet more tools. In fact, just about EVERY tool. It's hard to think of a piece of equipment you'd need for working metal, wood, or leather that isn't hanging from a hook on the wall and sitting in its own spot on an array of shelves, from the tiniest set to tweezers on up to a set of scorched adamantine tongs that even Kord might struggle to heft at his full size.

There's nothing else particularly interesting, though. Certainly no Gwerm, though Lily is certain his location is directly to the east from here.

One of the humbler hammers looks like it hasn't been touched in weeks, what with the dust and tiny flakes of rust. In fact, on closer inspection, it isn't hanging from the wall but affixed to it--some sort of lever or switch, perhaps?

Sileniy

2016-07-25, 11:36 PM

Sileniy

As the room is searched, Sileniy mutters to himself, "Now if I were a shadow demon, where would I hide my secret lair..." Slithaint takes an interest in one hammer in particular so Sileniy looks as well, and pulls it when he realises it's attached to the wall.

Bhaakon

2016-07-26, 12:37 AM

There's a mechanical "click" as Sileniy pulls the hammer from the wall. It comes out all of a hand-span then stops. A section of tool rack swings aside, opening onto a long, alcoved hall carved out of the living stone. The vaults are aglow with crimson--the result a a luminous lichen splattered about the ceiling like blood. The walls are plastered, a necessary medium for the many frescoes.

They're all rather realistic, if embellished. Clearly there's an artistic soul among the demon worshipers--or, perhaps a bit disturbingly--among the demons. Whoever it was took great relish in depicting the Demon Lord's chitinous claws disemboweling Iomedae, Sarenrae, Torag, Desna, and Shelyn; the primary patron deities of the Crusade.

There's a statue on the southern end, a bronze Deskari absolutely crawling with hideous insect, wickedly barbed scythe held high as though preparing to sweep off your head. It's perched on a blackmarble altar crowded with offerings--obviously humanoid body parts left out to be devoured by maggots. A cloud of carrion flies orbits the shrine. Doors heading east and west flank the statue.

But the artwork and altar are sidelines at best. On the northern wall of the odd vault hangs a simple, sun-bleached banner. A frayed crimson field emblazoned with a longsword in front of a golden sunburst. It's not a silken show piece, but stout canvas that was obviously meant to be carried into battle. Probably at the head of the charge, judging by the dark stains that must be blood.

Nalin immediately recognizes the form. It's a sight imprinted on his soul, even if the memories of where he last glimpsed it are fuzzy. The rest of you know the Sword of Valor by its description.

Frosty

2016-07-26, 12:55 AM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7, HP 66/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6, Ref 9, Will 15, CMB 4, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +12 (1d6+5, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 4/7, Channel 3/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 35 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (35 MINS), Archon's Aura (8 MINS), Good Hope (8 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia didn't see the hammer until it was pointed out. Then she sees Sileny begin to pull on the hammer. "Wait! should we see where it connects to..." When the result is just a secret corridor opening up, she sighs in relief. In the new room, she makes a face at the décor, and then sucks her breath in at the apparent sight of the Sword of Valor..undefended...for the taking. Well, that is, if one was born yesterday. "Wait. This is a trap one way or another." She looks around with her mage-sight. "Illusionary auras all-around. I bet it's all fake, and they're actually hiding some danger behind them. We should just move on and not fall for their obvious ruse. Seriously, I feel insulted that the enemy thinks so little of us."
Cast Detect magic.

Desril

2016-07-26, 01:57 AM

Lily

Petting Slithaint on the head for his keen eye, Lily makes a mental note to try and figure out what sort of vermin he likes best to start getting him for treats as they make their way into the next room. Once there, she's more than a little distracted by the paintings. While they aren't done in quite her style, the paintings being more Merjana's area of expertise, she can't help but be impressed by the quality and detail of the viscera. She's significantly more concerned, in fact, by the craftsmanship than she is at the depictions themselves, with the sole exception of Shelyn's which catches her by surprise. I'd heard that even Rovagug is unable to bring itself to harm The Eternal Rose...I guess this painter thinks Deskari is even crueler than the Rough Beast.

Desna's portrayal doesn't garner the same reaction, but she does avert her eyes from it briefly, offended on others' behalf. Though no follower of The Great Dreamer, their findings in Arueshalae's cell greatly increased the tiefling's respect for Desna. Simply destroying this art, however, seemed almost disrespectful somehow, so she finally turned her gaze onto the truly important thing in the room. Before she can get even halfway there, however, Millia shouts her warning and the presence of illusions brings even Lily to pause. "Two secret doors, a locked dungeon guarded by a vampire, and a key only held by the commander of the citadel...you'd think they'd have considered this adequate protection..." Sighing, she shakes her head, "Well, whether its the real Sword of Valor but protected or just a fake doesn't matter. Horgus is still to the east, we can figure this out after we save him and stop the ritual."

Marching down the hall, Lily takes the door on her left.

No map, but there were two doors to the south according to B. Horgus is still east, so east door!

stack

2016-07-26, 05:45 AM

"Indeed, let us press on. Even if it was real it would be little use to save it now to burn in minutes."

Frosty

2016-07-26, 09:15 AM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 66/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 4/7, Channel 3/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 35 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (35 MINS), Archon's Aura (8 MINS), Good Hope (8 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

"Yeah Gwerm isn't here, so onward!"
Continue to use detect magic.

Vhaidara

2016-07-26, 05:48 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin stares at the banner for a moment, then shrugs, trying to ignore the shiver the sight sent down his spine.
"Lock the door behind us. Might as well leave it secure. Besides, I doubt any of us could properly channel Iomedae's power."

Bhaakon

2016-07-26, 06:20 PM

You lock the door behind you and advance down the hall. Just as it makes a right-angle turn to the north, Slithaint hisses loudly as a call to stop. "Sssee that?" He explains. "Jussst in front of your feet...the dussst is moving."

He's right. the dust still hanging in the air from the earlier tremor is moving oddly at the bend in the hall. Something is propelling it northwards towards a set of doors at the far end, but the air is perfectly still as far as you can tell.

Vhaidara

2016-07-26, 06:55 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin steps towards the disturbance, Radiance held high.
"Reveal yourself!"

Bhaakon

2016-07-26, 07:03 PM

The instant Nalin brush the strange disturbance, he's spun and hurled savagely towards the doors at the end of the hall. It's all he can do to keep his feet as the magic--for what else could it be?--pushes him ten feet down the hall before the first violent thrust is played out. The floor where he initially steped hums and begins to glow a sickly mauve as the magical energies build for another assault.

Vhaidara

2016-07-26, 07:36 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin stops as he is pulled in, then backs up to the wall this time, bracing himself for another pull.

Bhaakon

2016-07-26, 08:25 PM

A second pulse of buffeting force strike Nalin, but he's ready this time. The magic washes over him and stands strong.

The floor begins glowing again as it recharges.

Desril

2016-07-26, 08:26 PM

Lily

"I'm not sure what this trap is trying to do, but I don't think we should wait around to find out. Let's just move, quickly," she says as she moves toward Nalin, hopefully getting through the doors past the turn before the trap fires again.

Vhaidara

2016-07-26, 08:49 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin shrugs, stepping towards the door and attempting to open it. Making sure to keep himself between Lily and the door.
"Don't want you getting thrown past me, lightweight."

Frosty

2016-07-27, 01:30 AM

Millia

Millia rushes in with Lily. "Come on! Cross before the trap resets!"

stack

2016-07-27, 08:16 AM

Kord heeds Milia's words and rushes ahead through the space.

Ilorin Lorati

2016-07-28, 05:59 PM

Merjana

The magus tucks herself down and rushes across the trap with most everyone else.

Bhaakon

2016-07-28, 07:03 PM

You time the run, using the briefing opening while the magic recharges itself to push through the pair of free-swinging doors into the room beyond...and nearly right into the yawning pit that fills most of the chamber. There's only a narrow, split-level walkway around to the other exit on the eastern end of the hall, and you'll have to walk most of the perimeter of the chasm to reach it.

Behind you, the trap is nearly ready to spring again.

OK, where you're all standing now only took one move action to reach, so all of you have one move action left before the trap triggers.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Deskaripit2.jpg

Desril

2016-07-28, 08:38 PM

Lily

Seeing the pit, Lily figures it must've been what the point of the trap was and shrugs, "Not much of a danger...oh well, we should hurry, Horgus is still ahead." That said, the tiefling advances.

Move to...F9, I guess?

If nothing happens to anyone she's just going to keep going

Sileniy

2016-07-28, 08:52 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy was hanging back to see if Millia or Lily got thrown back, but nobody else seemed to have the same plan. Feeling a little guilty that he was the only one still back there, he runs through the doors as well, for some reason he deciding to take the outside path.

Move: to F11.

Vhaidara

2016-07-28, 08:57 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"Kind of a ****ty trap."
Nalin advances into the room, the glowing spear raised.

F7

Frosty

2016-07-28, 09:26 PM

Millia rushes into the next room and flattens herself against the nearby wall, hoping to avoid the blast from behind yet not rush in too fast to see next trap.

move to G12

stack

2016-07-29, 10:35 AM

Kord grows in size to reach back and help Sileney. "Give a jump, I will catch you before you hit the floor and trigger the trap."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-07-29, 09:50 PM

Merjana

Merjana skids to a stop on the other side of the trap, using the wall to keep her balance as she struggles to stop short of where the GIANT GAPING HOLE is. With her momentum finished, Merjana starts taking cautious steps around the room, following behind Lily. "Hey look, someone made a scale model of your backsides," she quipped, preparing to dodge a swing from the Tiefling or Aasimar from that terrible joke.

Staying behind Lily for now, so F10 or earlier.

Bhaakon

2016-07-30, 01:59 AM

The last of you clears the hall as the trap triggers again, sending another few motes of dust shooting out over the gaping chasm. Looming over the yawning cavity is another statue--not Deskari, this time, but a six-armed, snake-legged woman decked out in spiked plate armor. You don't know for certain, but it's easy to guess that you're seeing Aponovicius's form standing above the fetid hole.

And it is fetid. The air is rank in here, redolent of rot and sewage. The stone floor of the pit is marred by stains--some blood, others less identifiable. Either something was sacrificed here, or, perhaps, there were gladiatorial combats. The tiered outer ring certainly suggests that there were accommodations for an audience. Whether this room was original to the fort or added by the demons, you couldn't say.

Fortunately, you don't set off any more traps as you venture around, though Millia's refreshed divination find no shortage of magic in the air. She's interrupted before she can concentrate on finding out the source and nature of all the auras.

The shacking starts again without warning. Just one, massive jolt that enough even to make Kord stumble perilously close to the ledge. But it doesn't stop there. The stone rolls like a ship caught in the Eye, and you are barely more adept at holding your footing than a crew of drunken cabinboys. The fact that the lower stone walkways begins to crack and give way beneath your feet doesn't help matters. Nor the does the sudden rain of jagged boulders broken loose from the ceiling.

Perhaps more disturbing, though, is the sulfurous reek that suddenly overpowers the room's previous stench of offal, and the wave of heat blooming up from the pit that's hot enough to curl your hair.

[roll0] Bludgeoning damage. DC 15 Ref Save or be Pinned in Rubble as per the Earthquake spell

[roll1] bludgeoning damage. DC 15 Ref save or fall into the pit and be Pinned in Rubble as per the Earthquake spell.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Deskaripit3.jpg

Posting this to explain the divide. Basically, if you're standing in a square close to the lip, you're in danger of tumbling in.

stack

2016-07-30, 08:14 PM

reflex [roll0]

Stupid non magic reflex saves.Kord is buried under the rock and knocked into the pit. He groans and fights to grown and dig himself out.

Bhaakon

2016-07-30, 10:28 PM

The stone batter exposed skin and rattle armor as they fall, but somehow, miraculously, you manage to avoid being trapped in the rubble or falling into the pit in the chaos of the temblor. The temperature in the room rises steadily, enough to raise beads of sweat in the few seconds you take to take stock of the situation. The few seconds it takes to notice that Kord is gone.

You peer over the lip of the pit, looking for him, but there's nothing there. Even the stone floor is, somehow, clear of debris. The only thing that greets you as you peer down is a scalding blast of heat with no obvious source.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/deskaripit4floor.jpg

Why the world stops shaking, you try and catch your breath...but you can't. You pant, expecting it to come back, but it doesn't. Then you realize that you aren't overexerted, but the air is being crushed right out of you. You're buried in rubble, perhaps a literal ton of stone, and with no leverage to properly dig yourself out.

At least your head is clear. You look up to see a stone ceiling twenty feet overhead, and no walkway. Vague you remember falling onto, then through the floor of the pit. It doesn't take a magical genius to figure out that it was an illusion. There's no time to ponder on it, though, nor can Kord spare the time to study the dozen of bodies lining the floor of the pit, all in various stages of decomposition, because something far more important is happening on the other side of the circular space.

The floor has cracked open entirely, and lava--or is it magma still? You're still underground, technically--is bubbling up through the breach. Its it rolls over itself as the leading edge cools, but the constant flow is more than enough to maintain is inexorable charge across the stone, sweeping up the dead bodies ahead of it in a wave of putrid, flaming debris. You can feel the heat from here, curling your beard, blistering your face. Or at least it would if you didn't have magical protection.

Something tells you that the magic will only prolong your suffering if it actually reaches you.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Deskaripit4Kord.jpg

DC 25 strength check to burst free of the rubble. Growing doesn't automatically free you, but it lets you use the strength bonus of the larger size to make the check. You judge the magma will reach you in 1 round, and be dangerously deep in two.

Desril

2016-07-30, 11:30 PM

Lily

Lily pauses long enough to turn back to Merjana and smirk at her joke, "Now that's hardly fair, I haven't played with anything but the knights, and trust me, none of them are that big!"

The levity is cut short though, as rocks begin to fall and the floor starts to shake violently beneath them. Having learned from the recent past, this time Lily was ready for the quake and reacted quickly, using her tail to help brace herself rather than fall on it again in spite of the falling rubble. By the time she's steadied herself and cleared the dust from her eyes, she glances back and notices the dwarf is missing. It doesn't take a genius of her intellect to realize what must've happened, the only alternative was negated by the aura of the dungeon after all, and she looks toward the floor of the pit. "Dwarf! Are you still alive!?"

When it looks as if Nalin is already about to jump down the tiefling gives a warning, "Make sure you know what you're doing! That heat, it's magma welling up and I can't see through the illusion! The abjuration won't protect you if it's already filled with magma!"

I don't have any spells that can help with this and I'm not carrying anything to help Kord out of the hole, so I'll just be commenting from above...

....Lily steps away from the ledge.

Ilorin Lorati

2016-07-31, 09:58 AM

Merjana

The magus yelps in pain as the rubble comes down against her, jumping out of the way before it can knock her into the pit. Looking around, she catches her bearings and counts the people, curling her brow as she looks down into the empty pit - at which point Lily shouts about illusions, and Merjana alarmedly jumps down to where Kord must have fallen.

Acrobatics: [roll0]

When she gets down there, if Kord is visible, she casts Grease on him.

Vhaidara

2016-07-31, 12:23 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin, seeing the the dwarf has vanished and watching Merjana leap in, swears loudly in abyssal as he follows them into the darkness. As he lands, he begins pummeling the stone with his armored fists, seeking to reduce it to rubble.

Aiming to end up at around H9, doesn't really matter if I'm prone but why not
Acro: [roll0]

Then start adamantine punching the rubble, combat form -3 AC +6 damage. And Swift for my medal
[roll1]

Desril

2016-07-31, 04:45 PM

Lily

Sighing as Nalin and Merjana jump down, Lily takes one long look at the fake floor below and does the same, hoping she manages to stay on her feet. Curse this place and the anchoring effect, getting out of this would be easy if I could teleport!

Still, she jumps down and luckily manages to maintain her balance as she spots Kord lying among the rubble and the real threat bubbling up in the opposite side of the pit. "Get him out! I'll buy you some time!" Holding out her hands, the tiefling starts to conjure a fast moving wall of water, not enough to cool the lava in its entirety, but the current should serve to delay its progression, but pauses when she sees the others free Kord. "Do any of you have a way out of here or should I give you time to think?"

Readied Action if Lava gets within 5 feet of us:
Wild Arcana: Wall of Brine making a wall splitting the pit down the middle and pushing the lava back towards itself.

Frosty

2016-07-31, 05:25 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 4/7, Channel 3/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 35 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (35 MINS), Archon's Aura (8 MINS), Good Hope (8 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia barely keeps her own footing, and thanks Noticula as she is able to get out of the way of falling debris, at least enough to not get buried. "Where...where's Kord?" As her companions jump down the hole and then disappear, she figures that it must be a fake floor, an illusion to hide the probably magma below. Knowing she wont be of much help down there, Millia instead refocuses on her magical sight, to perhaps see more magical traps ahead and be able to warn her allies.

Cast Detect Magic. Start looking around and look for any suspicious auras. Don't want a cleverly hidden second Telekinesis trap to push them back in after they get out.

Bhaakon

2016-07-31, 05:54 PM

Kord struggles mightily against the stone, but it's just too much for him to move himself without any leverage--and there's none of that to be found with everything below his shoulders tightly pinned.

Fortunately, the three who jump down act quickly--no small task after faking a battering from the unexpectedly long drop through the illusory floor. Merjana's grease lets Kord slip an arm free, and Nalin crushes the rock holding down the other to powder. From there it's a relatively easy task for the dwarf to heave clear of the pile pinning his legs, especially as the legs expand out as thick as tree-trunks and push the debris off themselves.

It's a good thing he does, but the lava oozes across the floor at a steady rate, leading edge cooling, cracking, and breaking apart like a burst waterskin to spill fresh molten stone forward another few feet. If you don't do something in the next few seconds, Lily will be forced to wall it off magically, however long that might last.

I'm not going to bother with a map here. You have one round to GTFO before you start taking escalating lava damage

Ilorin Lorati

2016-07-31, 06:12 PM

Merjana

"Lilith, what possessed you to jump down here?!" the Magus shouted as she finished helping Kord get free, starting to shuffle around in her pack as she absolutely failed to wait for any sort of response from the tiefling. Quickly finding the scale (yay handy haversack!) that Terendelev granted to her the prior month, she took the time to focus on the silver object and stepped up onto the cloud that formed in front of her, reaching out to help any of the other members of the group that were now down below.

"Everyone on, we don't have any time to waste!"

Vhaidara

2016-07-31, 06:38 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods, clambering onto the summoned cloud.

Desril

2016-07-31, 07:05 PM

Lily

Not wasting a second, Lily climbs onto the cloud as well as she rolls her eyes at Merjana's little joke, "Because I know you're magic isn't equipped to handle this sort of thing, if you two had taken any longer to free him you'd have needed me to keep the lava contained. I couldn't just let you all burn to death because I hesitated, could I?"

stack

2016-07-31, 08:15 PM

"Bollocks." Kord grumbles at the universe in general as he shrinks back down. He takes to proffered transport with a nod of thanks, suddenly acquired bruises encouraging him to keep his motions minimal.

Desril

2016-07-31, 10:16 PM

Lily

Once Merjana's cloud lifts them into the air, Lily stops anyone on their magical escape route from stepping back onto solid ground, "Wait. There might be another tremor or something, and this time there won't be a chance to dig anyone who falls out before they burn to death. Stay on the cloud, just use the wall of the pit to move us over to the door. Sileniy, Millia, watch your step!"

I think technically Merjana has to be the one that does this, but yeah, using the walls to move over to M9 and then moving to the door.

Bhaakon

2016-08-01, 06:01 AM

As Millia suspected, two more sections of the double-level walkway are ensorcelled with magic designed to push anyone walking past into the pit. Once they're highlighted in her vision, it's a relatively simple task to skirt the traps and show Sileniy were to step to do the same. Meanwhile, those aboard the floating platform summoned by the scale make it safely back up to the upper edge of the hole as the lava engulfs the entirety of the pit's floor and begins to rise. Fortunately it's a lot of volume to fill. It could be hours before that slow seep spills over and begins encroaching on the dungeons.

Or sooner, if the ritual continues uninterrupted.

The passengers haul along the ledge at Lily's direction, making it over to the eastern doors about the same time that Millia and Sileniy do.

Frosty

2016-08-01, 03:59 PM

Millia breathes a sigh of relief as everyone regroups, alive. "This is the last of my best healing. Tell me if you are still injured after this."

She channels her last 3 gifts of healing for the day.

channeling 3 times:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Desril

2016-08-01, 04:06 PM

Lily

Her vitality restored and hidden bruises rapidly vanishing, Lily breathes out a sigh of relief. In all the excitement I didn't realize how banged up I was getting. She keeps the thought to herself though and moves to open the door, "Horgus is this way, and this place can't be that much larger. And if Horgus is here, I suspect Eustoyriax is as well...I'm more prepared to deal with him this time, but once he's finished I'm not going to be of much use in stopping the ritual," she admits.

If no one speaks up about needing more healing, open the door and continue on

Bhaakon

2016-08-02, 02:06 AM

Staunton's key turns the lock with a loud "click" of the mechanism disengaging and Lily easily pushes the door open on well oiled hinges to reveal a blank wall of nothing. A sheet of pure blackness that bends outwards just enough to suggest that it's the very edge of a enormous hemisphere of impenetrable murk.

"Oh, hello." Flow the familiar voice of Horgus Gwerm from somewhere in the dark. "Was that you making all the noise a moment ago?" The words echo noticeably. The darkness must hide a massive chamber.

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-02, 11:13 AM

Merjana

Merjana casts Daylight on one of her bullets and tosses it into the room.

Bhaakon

2016-08-03, 02:02 AM

The darkness melts away as the bullet rolls across the threshold, replaced by the cold glow of a seven jagged purple crystals set into alcoves around the cavernous chamber. Gwerm stands at the far end of the room, still in his pajamas. In front of him is a waist-high marbled plinth draped with a faded crimson sheet, like a crumpled table cloth. Having seen the illusion only moments ago, it's easy to recognize the Sword of Valor. Two his left and right tower a pair of statues. A goat-headed winged man--Baphomet--and a human-insectoid horror bearing a jagged scythe--Deskari.

"Oh dear, how rude!" Gwerm cinches shut the silk shirt over his protruding gut as the glow washes over him. "Illuminating a man in his nightclothes. Didn't your mother teach any manners?"

It doesn't take Sileniy's impeccable powers of intuition to realize that the demon isn't taking you very seriously.

Nalin, Sileniy, Merjana, Lily and Kord won initiative and may act in the first round.
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/eustice1.jpg

stack

2016-08-03, 10:17 AM

"Those crystals mean anything to you lot?" Kord queries as he closes with the demon's host. thi is going to be conditional.

If Lily or Merjana or someone else says 'break the crystals, he grows and breaks the crystals.

If nothing is said about the crystals, he grows as a swift (1 sp) then moves to O-P 10-11and takes a nonlethal swing ad gwerm to start a grab. Figure getting grappled will encourage the demon to pop out

attack [roll0] (+1 wraps, +2 good hope -4 negative levels)
damage [roll1] nonlethal (+1 wraps +2 good hope) NEEDS to be 5 lower, no dragon style active
grapple [roll2]

Vhaidara

2016-08-04, 07:56 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin stays silent, quickly moving up towards Horgus' possessed body, calling on the power within the badge once again to enhance his strength as he prepares to strike against the demon.

Move to R12 (50ft + triple time). Swift for badge, ready to stab the demon with enraging strike if it gets knocked out. -3 AC, +3 to hit
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+[roll3]
Crit: [roll4]

DC 17 will save or be forced to attack me (and eat a -2 penalty to hit)

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-04, 11:39 AM

Merjana

The Magus moves into the room, drawing Penn and, hearing Kord's comments on the crystals, casts Detect Magic, sharing anything she can learn about them in a short time.

Move to M8
Arcana [roll0]
Spellcraft [roll1]

Bhaakon

2016-08-04, 05:18 PM

Merjana slips forward in the wake of her bullet, casting a simple divination to try help figure out what is so very obviously a trap. But it doesn't take any kind of fancy arcane vision to see the first set of crystals take on a sickly green cast as they passes between them. Of the ugly blue-black bruise shade the second set takes on. The irregularly faceted minerals spend a second focusing their energies before firing bolts out at the half-elf with a buzz of energies that sets your hairs on end.

Merjana deftly avoids the first--a ray designed to induce cramps and dizziness--but the second catches her in the small of the back. Immediately her muscles and joints ache like she'd spent the last two days on a forced march. It's all she can do to keep on her feet.

DC 17 Fort save or exhausted for 5 minutes. You're merely Fatigued if you make it.

So, Merjana got to act first and triggered a pair of traps. Kord, Nalin, Lily, and Sileniy may amend/retcon their previous round actions to reflect this new information. If you decide to attack still (whether gwerm or something else), you can keep your rolls.

Desril

2016-08-04, 05:39 PM

Lily
HP 63/63
AC 21

As Merjana lights the bullet and tosses it into the room, Lily frowns and answers the shadow demon just as Horgus comes into view. "You're not fooling anyone, Eustoryiax, and you can't win, you already know that we can defeat you even when exhausted and we've got plenty of power left this time. And even if you can escape us, I know your name now, it's over for you. Just give up, free him, and you'll at least have the chance to continue existing, bound to my service."

Despite the generous offer, the tiefling doesn't expect the invidiak to comply, however. Marching forward, she holds out her hand, "Or will we have to force you out and put an end to you forever? You won't be able to harm us in Horgus' body, you know," she says with a smile. "Even if you can control it, it has limits, and I control forces that he can't overpower."

Move to G13, and Black Tentacles centered at R-S 11-12

Grapple [roll0]
Damage [roll1] (...can I specify nonlethal?) and does this damage the large crystal?

Sileniy

2016-08-04, 08:13 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy doesn't know any of the spells to force the shadow demon out of Gwerm (and Lily already has him under control) so he works on smashing one of the crystals with Nalin. He weaves two types of magic into his words and calls upon his other, more precious magical reserve to step across the room and take care of the crystal before you can even blink.

Free: MP for extra standard action.
Move: start IC +2.
Standard: Cast Allegro.
Standard: Move to H14 (or J10 if Nalin went for the north crystal)
Swift: surprise strike at the crystal.
Attack: [roll0] (+14, +1 allegro, +1 PBS, +2 IC, +2 good hope, +2 surprise strike, -2 DA)
Damage: [roll1] (+3, +1 PBS, +2 IC, +2 good hope, +4 DA)

Bhaakon

2016-08-04, 09:42 PM

Kord, suddenly hulking, takes two long steps towards the nearest crystal and grips it in both hands, squeezing until purple shards rain out from between his fingers. Its twin across the room stops glowing, whatever magic was invested in it drains away to nothing without its match.

Naline and Sileniy batter one of the second set, but the crystal eas easily half again as thick. It cracks loudly, crazing as faults spread through its facets, but holds together. Fortunately it is not a thinking thing, and no one since Merjana was fool enough to cross its boundary, so it remains inert. Seeing how close the thing is to breaking, Nalin digs deep for a second blow. The crystal shatters with a murky flash of energy.

Gwerm does not seem concerned.

"You know, those are just the appetizers. The real trap springs when you pick up this tired old rag." He reaches down and takes the Sword of valor in his hands, using it to dab his lips like a napkin. As he does, the massive crystal behind the altar flashes, and the flanking statues of Baphomet and Deskari lurch to life, spreading marble dust across the floor as they rip loose of their pedestals.

"Oh...oops." This time it's the invidiak himself, a shadowy miasm drifting free of Gwerm's body and reforming into a wingered, horned, vaguely humanoid cloud of darkness. "You really ought to run, Darian." He adds, addressing Gwerm.

The wide-eyed merchant prince doesn't need to be told twice. Gripping Iomedae's banner like a toddler clutches his blankey, Gwerm veritably vaults the altar as the contructs limber their stone limbs, giving their their adamantine weapons--scythe and greataxe--a few test swings before turning their full attention on their target. Thinking quickly, Lily attempts to summon up a field of tentacles from the aether to slow their pursuit.

Nothing happens. And the reason why become obvious as Gwerm plows face-first into an immovable transparent wall. A pane of glass strong enough to storp the obese man dead in his tracks. A wall of force spreading between the third pair of gems.

Caryatid Golems. The can cast a slow effect every few rounds, and weapons used against them take damage.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Eustice2a.jpg

Vhaidara

2016-08-04, 09:55 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Seeing Horgus freed but trapped by a wall of energy, Nalin darts forward to destroy the final line of crystals.

move to N15, attack the crystal, then swift for sudden attack if needed and, if still needed, amazing initiative for a third attack. -3 attack, +6 damage
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Sileniy

2016-08-05, 05:33 AM

Sileniy

Finally, Sileniy's got Eustoyriax right where he wants him. Apart from the wall of force between them, but if he digs deep that's easily taken care of. When the crystal shatters he makes the uncommon (for him) move of using his magic offensively.

Free: MP for extra standard.
Swift: arcane strike +2.
Standard: Attack crystal.
Damage: [roll0] (+3, +2 AS, +2 IC, +2 good hope, +4 DA)
Standard: Cast blindness at E. Fort 17 or blinded.

Desril

2016-08-05, 05:51 AM

Lily
HP 63/63 +15 Temp
AC 21

Lily's eyes go wide as the possessed-Gwerm triggers the trap and she recognizes the statues for what they really are, too late to stop them from coming to live, "Nalin, dwarf! Deal with the golems! Don't use anything softer than adamantine if you don't want it destroyed!"

And as she finishes shouting, Sileniy and Nalin destroy the barrier between the golems, the demon, the hostage, and them. As soon as that falls, she cries out again, "Horgus! Get over here, now! Stay behind us, but don't leave this room, we'll deal with them!" She doesn't waste any more words on Eustoyriax himself though, with the invidiak exposed the tiefling simply begins to channel as much power as she can into a pink sphere of energy, firing it off with all the force she can muster.

Empowered Mythic Magic Missile w/Arcane Reservoir [roll0]
Spell Pen [roll1]

AR 0/13
MP 2/7

stack

2016-08-05, 12:05 PM

Kord strengthens his already vice-like grip and rushes toward the likeness of Baphomet.mythic for extra standard - shapeshift to get constrict, 1 sp to last 4 minutes
swift for dragon style
move to R-T 7-9
attack statue [roll]1d20+15[roll] (+1 wraps, +2 good hope, -4 neg levels) 33 rolled OOC
damage [roll0] (+1 wraps, +2 good hope)
grapple [roll1] (+1 wraps, +2 good hope, -4 neg levels)
constrict [roll2] (+1 wraps, +2 good hope)

Desril

2016-08-05, 07:12 PM

Merjana
HP 55/62
AC 20 (Fatigued)

Moving forward, Merjana draws Penn and with a surge of hastened arcane power mends the damaged gun even as she brings the invidiak into range and opens fire.

Arcane Surge (3/7 MP remaining) Mending as Swift Action [roll0] (irrelevant, it's at exactly half so even 1 more HP puts it over half and thus no longer Broken)

Move to P10 (revolver is range increment 20 right?)

Shoot Eustoyriax w/Daybreak 'Arrow' [roll1] (+2 Good Hope, -1 Fatigue)
Damage [roll2] + [roll3] (does this ignore half of his incorporeal half damage? Daybreak Arrow is worded weirdly)

Frosty

2016-08-05, 08:40 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 32 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (32 MINS), Archon's Aura (5 MINS), Good Hope (5 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia moves forward, glad that the wall was taken down so quickly. She weighs her options, and decides that Sileny's choice is a good one. Reaching down into her reserves, she also tries to blind the shadow demon for good!

"Horgus, dont stand in front if the doorway! The demon can telekinetic ally push you into a lava pit!"

Move to L12.
Spend an MP to cast Blindness (fort DC 21) on the shadow demon. Use misfortune on the Invidiak if it rolls a 13 or better.

Spell pen roll: [roll0] [roll1]
Surged for+6 for a total of 25

Bhaakon

2016-08-05, 10:00 PM

The crystal powering the wall of force shatters under the combined assault of Nalin and Sileny, allowing Kord to barrel across the chamber and latch on to the nearest of the animated statues--goat-headed Baphomet. He pins its adamantine axe to its size as he squeezes, and marble dust pours onto the floor as the golem's limbs and weapon rub against its body, eating away at the stone. It answers back with magic, a pulse of numbing energies that sap the vigor from Kord's limbs

The invidiak watches for a moment and grins darkly--not that it can grin otherwise--thenfloats over, casually ripping into the enormous dwarf's back. Sileniy and Millia try to blind it, but their spells just wash over the deamon, useless. Lily's magic proves more potent, as doesn't Merjana's enchanted bullet, but not potent enough to prevent the fiend from tearing bloody gouges into Kord.

DC 17 Will save or be Slowed for 7 rounds

13 damage + 15 cold damage (28 total)

Gwerm, still holding the Sword of Valor tightly, scurries across the chamber. He's about to run out the door and into the jaws of the waiting traps beyond when Lily's warning hits him, then Millia's. He stop short of the door, instead pressing himself tightly against the nearby wall. Quite tightly, in fact, as the statue of Deskari continue his persuit, weaving between Merjana and Millia to bear down on the beleaguered noblemen in silk pajamas.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Eustice3a.jpg

Sileniy

2016-08-05, 11:14 PM

Sileniy

Oh for - to hell with it, just bury everything in arrows. That solves everything.
And he tries to bury the golem bearing down on Gwerm, although he can't resist trying to do something against that tough bastard of a demon.

Free: five-foot step to I13, continue IC.
Swift: surprise strike.
Full-round: full attack with rapid shot.

Attack: +17 (+14, +1 allegro, +2 IC, +2 good hope, -2 deadly aim)

Attack 1 (surprise strike): [roll0] vs. FFAC, bypassing DR.
Damage: [roll1] (+3, +2 IC, +2 GH, +4 DA)

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Attack 3 (rapid shot): [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Attack 4 (iterative): [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Attack 5 (allegro): [roll8] (+2 bane) at E.
Damage: [roll9] + [roll10] (+2 bane).

Desril

2016-08-05, 11:40 PM

Lily
HP 63/63 +15 Temp
AC 21

While Eustoyriax turns his fiendish claws on Kord, Lily continues her barrage, summoning another sphere of magical energy, though it's noticeably less impressive than the last.

Empowered Mythic Magic Missile #2 (no AR) [roll0]

Spell Pen failed

stack

2016-08-06, 09:37 AM

Kord shakes of the lethargy, then grits his teeth as the ghostly claws rake him, but he stays focused on his quarry, squeezing the stone until it shatters. standard to grapple to deal damage [roll0]
damage [roll1] (also forgot IC)
constrict damage [roll2] (also forgot IC)

move to grapple to deal damage [roll3]
damage [roll4] (also forgot IC)
constrict damage [roll5] (also forgot IC)

if that doesn't break it, mythic to get another standard
standard to grapple to deal damage [roll6]
damage [roll7] (also forgot IC)
constrict damage [roll8] - 2, should only be +12 (also forgot IC)

Otherwise mythic to punch shadow-face
attack [roll9]
damage [roll10]

Vhaidara

2016-08-06, 03:02 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Shifting his grip, Nalin closes in on the statue of Deskari after a rapid thrust from Radiance, knowing the common weaknesses of golems and bringing a plated fist around to strike in rapid succession at the creature, trusting to the hardness of his armor to protect it.

Swift for Sudden Attack, 5ft to O13, Full attack with gauntlet, amazing initiative for Enraging Strike if it's still standing.Combat Form +6 damage, -3 AC

Attack 1: [roll0]
Attack 2: [roll1]
Crit 1: [roll2]
Crit 2: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] ignores DR
Crit: [roll5]

Attack: [roll6]
Crit: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8] adamantine
Crit: [roll9]

Attack:[roll10]
Crit: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12] adamantine
Crit: [roll13]

Enraging Strike
Attack: [roll14]
Crit: [roll15]
Damage: [roll16] adamantine
Crit: [roll17]

Frosty

2016-08-06, 05:44 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +15 (1d6+9|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 32 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (32 MINS), Archon's Aura (5 MINS), Good Hope (5 MINS), IC +2

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

"Forget this. Eat force bolts!" says Millia as she moves even closer to the action to affect the shadow demon with her Archon's Aura before she weaves a spell pattern to produce a floating hand crossbow composed to blue-white shimmering force. The crossbow shoots a bolt at the Invidiak!

Move to Q10. Cast Spiritual Weapon.

Spell pen roll: [roll0][roll1]
Attack roll: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-06, 06:54 PM

Merjana Witchbrood (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=628743)
F CN Half-Elf Magus (Eldritch Archer) 8 [Archmage 1], Level 6, Init 12, HP 17/62, Speed 30
AC 21, Touch 15, Flat-footed 16, CMD 20, Fort 7, Ref 7, Will 5, CMB +5/0, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Bonded Weapon +1 Revolver (5/6 (49/20)) +12 / +7 (1d8+1, x4)
0 ACP for Climb / Jump Mithral Agile Breastplate (+6 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 8, Cha 10
Condition Good Hope
Wasp Familiar (Valet), Arcane Pool (5/12), Mythic Power (3/7), Intensify Rod (0/3)

"Why didn't you tell me you could do that?!" Penn shouted at the top of his lungs after he realized what just happened, with the Magus repairing him from his earlier damage with but a moment and a whisper.

"I didn't KNOW, how shut up and help me kill that thing!"

5-ft step to Q9
Recover, Cast Snowball (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/s/snowball) at the remaining Golem next to Kord. Deliver with Spellstrike... just in case.

PBS, Good Hope, Deadly Aim, Dex penalty applying.

Hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] Cold
Fort 19 or staggered.

Bhaakon

2016-08-07, 05:03 PM

With just a few seconds of explosive effort, the two golems crumble into dust.

"Oh, dear. It would appear you've won." The demon proclaims, sarcasm dripping from its voice like blood from a pig carcass hung up to drain. A fresh tremor rumbles through the chamber, as if to accentuate his assessment of the hollowness of your accomplishment. "You've rescued the hostage and retrieved the banner. Bravo"

The demon sinks into the floor, slow and smooth, baiting Kord to take a swing. Almost immediately thereafter a cloak of impenetrable darkness descends on the pit room. "Well, then, come along. Time is wasting. You'll never make it out alive if you dawdle. Dying in a volcanic eruption would be height of ignominy"

You can take an AoO on the shadow demon as it sinks into the floor.

Gwerm shrieks and sprints away from the darkness, nearly colliding with Millia in the process. "What...I don't understand?" He bawls. "Just....get me out of here. This adventure was the worst mistake of my life! From this day forth, I will never leave my house. Maybe even my vault!"

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Eustice4.jpg

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-07, 06:55 PM

Merjana

"Gwerm, calm the hells down! Everyone else, move with me!" Merjana rushes over to the location that the bullet fell, pinching it between her fingers and holding it up in the direction of the newly formed darkness as she moved over to the doorway.

Not quite sure how far I can move after spending the time to pick up the bullet, so... just head towards the door as far as I can!

Bhaakon

2016-08-07, 07:07 PM

The darkness melts away as Merjana advances, though it fills in again behind her as the magic of the bullet looses its grip on the banner room. Once in the pit room, she begins working around the ledge, careful to avoid the spots where Millia had earlier indicated the presence of a trap.

The shadow demon is nowhere to be seen.

The shadow demon is crouched in a shadowed corner, space D14.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Eustice4.5.jpg

Yellow border = telekinesis trap

Sileniy

2016-08-07, 08:37 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy falls silent, except for some non-magical muttering under his breath. Glancing in Gwerm and Millia's direction, he decides to let her handle him and follows Merjana out the door.

Move to M8.
And if anyone tries to make the perception, aid another one it: [roll0]

Desril

2016-08-07, 10:20 PM

Lily

Swearing under her breath, the tiefling waits just long enough for Merjana to light up the next room. "Horgus, you're okay now, just stick with us. There's one more person in this dungeon we have to stop, and as soon as we do we can get you back to camp and I promise we'll make this up to you, so please, just give us a chance!"

She doesn't give him much of a choice to protest though as she makes her way around the pit and up the ledge to the higher platform, careful to avoid where Millia said the traps were,

Think I can make it to F4

Perception [roll0]
Slithaint [roll1]

Frosty

2016-08-07, 10:39 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +15 (1d6+9|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 32 MINS), Resist Fire (5 MINS), Triple Time (32 MINS), Archon's Aura (5 MINS), Good Hope (5 MINS), IC +2

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia takes Gwerm's hand, trying to calm him. "Just stick by me, Gwerm. We'll get you out of here safe and sound. Follow me and don't let go!" With that, she leads Gwerm into the pit room, and she starts scanning the room.

Move to M7. Gwerm should be at M8.
Perception check to aid: [roll0]

Vhaidara

2016-08-08, 07:31 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin rushes past Milia, calling back over his shoulder.
"He'll burn up in the forge room if you don't protect him."

move to F5

Frosty

2016-08-08, 10:26 PM

Bhaakon

2016-08-08, 11:02 PM

As Millia takes the banner, she can feel the energy crackling in her hands, jabbing into her fingers painfully, like a thousand pins or biting fleas. The magic of the thing is clearly still active...and not particularly pleased with the person holding it at the moment. The longer she grips it, the more it stings her.

Frosty

2016-08-08, 11:56 PM

Millia

"Ow ow OW! Merjana, here you take this! It doesn't like me for some reason...". She goes to hand the banner off to the rightful ruler of Drezen.

Bhaakon

2016-08-09, 02:56 PM

The banner brushes up again Merjana's arm as Millia shoves in the half-elf's direction. It's not much contact, but it's enough for the artifacts purposes. Merjana is suddenly aware that the banner, which has been preventing teleportation and similar magics in the dungeon by its mere presence, can easily be shut down by folding and storing it.

Millia, judged unworthy by the Sword for reasons that can only be guessed at, remains utterly ignorant.

Desril

2016-08-09, 05:10 PM

Lily

As Merjana explains the effects of the Sword of Valor, and signals that they aren't exactly alone, Lily stops in her tracks and turns around, already having a plan and ushers everyone back into the previous chamber. "Horgus, we have one more fight and we'll have to go through a room that isn't exactly safe for anyone not resistant to flames...it probably won't be very comfortable, but please, hold onto the Sword of Valor and hide out inside there," she says pointing toward the bag of holding that they'd looted from Soltengrebbe's lair. It wasn't fully cleaned yet, but it was the most spacious of their extradimensional storages. "And the rest of you gather around, I have an idea."

Glancing toward the still small Sileniy, she turns her attention toward Kord and Millia, "You two need to shrink down again and the three of you join Horgus or keep an eye on Staunton, and hurry, we don't have time to waste." Assuming there aren't any objections, once everyone is safely contained within the proper extradimensional containers with the Sword of Valor, and Merjana and Nalin are holding onto her, Lily uses the same trick that got them into Drezen in the first place, this time aiming just past the unexplored door to the west.

Get everyone into bags of holding, wand of D-Door to move to just past the door that we didn't use in the fake Sword of Valor room.

Or, to be more exact;

From Square P11, teleport 250 feet west and 45 feet south which should put us just past those doors on the opposite side of the hall in the Fake SoV room.

Frosty

2016-08-09, 10:19 PM

Millia hisses as Merjana points out where the demon is hiding. "Yeah...safer this way. Let's go!" With that she shrinks down and climbs in.

stack

2016-08-10, 12:21 AM

Kord bites back any complain of being treated as cargo and does as requested.

Bhaakon

2016-08-10, 06:37 PM

Lillith manages to summon up the dimension door before the invidiak can figure out what you're doing. Unfortunately, he sense of direction isn't nearly as impressive as her wand-jockeying. The portal opens deep inside the stone walls of the dungeon, more than a dozen paces from the passage. The way you're shunted back towards your destination is uncomfortable to say the least--somewhere between having a rasp run over your skin and being squeezed through a clothes wringer. Those who braved the passage with out the benefit of extradimensional space emerge bruised and scraped, but alive. Those wise enough to take refuse are unharmed, save the indignity of being squished together inside bags and chests.

[roll0] damage from bad aim. DR applies, since I don't see an exception in the spell text.

You find yourself at the elbow of an L-shaped. At one end is the set of double doors Lily was aiming for--you think. You can't really be sure how badly she missed. At the other end is another set of double doors, and the loud, rhythmic chanting in Abyssal suggests that your destination lies beyond it.

Desril

2016-08-10, 07:18 PM

Lily

Wincing as she pops into location, the tiefling rubs her arm as if she'd just been hit and quickly shakes it off. "Guess I might've misaimed...but it's the right place," she says looking toward the door where the chanting is coming from and, with the help of Nalin and Merjana, starts helping the others out of their safer transports, except Horgus who, should he protest, she warns, "We still have one last fight, you'll be safer if you stay in here. We'll have you back at the camp safe soon, just hold out a little longer."

Once Millia, Sileniy, and Kord are ready, she looks at them and moves to open the door where their foe obviously waits if none of them stop her.

Opening door to the chanting after party is ready unless someone else wants to do it

Frosty

2016-08-11, 12:57 AM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 29 MINS), Resist Fire (2 MINS), Triple Time (29 MINS), Archon's Aura (2 MINS), Good Hope (2 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

After climbing out of the magical sack with Lily's aid, she brushes herself. "You lot look like you've been through the wringer. What happened?" Seeing Kord still so hurt, she takes a quick moment and cures him of some of his wounds. After that, she is ready to move into the room! If the party does not immediately move on, the oracle establishes a life link between herself and Kord.

Cast Cure Moderate on Kord: [roll0]

Vhaidara

2016-08-11, 06:38 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods and steps towards the door, Radiance at the ready as he pushes it open.

stack

2016-08-11, 11:43 AM

Kord gives Milia a nod of appreciation, then assumes the largest size he recons can fit through the door. if shapeshift to get constrict has ended, renew that. Had a 3 minute duration.

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-12, 01:29 PM

Merjana Witchbrood (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=628743)
F CN Half-Elf Magus (Eldritch Archer) 8 [Archmage 1], Level 6, Init 12, HP 55/62, Speed 30
AC 21, Touch 15, Flat-footed 16, CMD 20, Fort 7, Ref 7, Will 5, CMB +5/0, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Bonded Weapon +1 Revolver (5/6 (49/20)) +12 / +7 (1d8+1, x4)
0 ACP for Climb / Jump Mithral Agile Breastplate (+6 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 8, Cha 10
Condition Good Hope
Wasp Familiar (Valet), Arcane Pool (4/12), Mythic Power (3/7), Intensify Rod (0/3)

"Lilith would not do well as a male," Penn replies to Millia's question, as Merjana fights to stand up straight after the Wizard's poor excuse for a teleportation. As everyone else prepares to enter, Merjana casts a spell, focusing it and the leftover power into Penn, who starts giggling madly.

"Oh stop, it's not like you haven't fe-PHENOMENAL COS--" The remainder of his words are muffled as he's shoved back into his living space of a holster. "That's quite enough out of you."

Arcane Pool use, +2 to Penn, cast Longshot. Total of 45' range on my first increment.

Desril

2016-08-12, 01:59 PM

Lily

Pursing her lips, Lily turns toward Penn, "I'd do just fine, thank you, but it's really not my thing and it would take too much effort to keep the form long enough to have any fun. Besides, why should I downgrade," she asks with a smirk.

Bhaakon

2016-08-12, 03:12 PM

The door slams open on a massive ritual chamber. A gravid, blood-red crystal dangles ponderously from a iron chain anchored in the ceiling 40 feet above, pulsing with light in an irregular rhythm. Directly below is a complex circle traced out in blood--the same design Sileniy saw sketches of in the seneschal's room. Four forms surround the design, a insect-winged tiefling in a seafoam-green gown, a pinch-faced half-elf in ichor-splattered leathers, and a pair of bat-winged demons whose impossibly radiant visages per them as incubi. Behind them, on the western wall, is an empty stone arch inscribed with runes. Even a layman could deduce that it's a portal of some sort, but it's currently inactive.

Off to the side is a lone guard, a kellid woman caked in full war paint. She's glowering directly at you as you burst in, mouth opening to shout a warning to those too entranced in the ritual to notice your entrance.

SURPRISE ROUND!

Everyone can take their surprise round actions right now except for Kord. The Barbarian heard you making preparations in that hallway, so she can also act in the surprise round.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Ritualcombat1.jpg

Vhaidara

2016-08-12, 03:49 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin quickly moves into the room, shield at the ready to intercept a blow from the Kellid as he blocks the path to his allies.

Move to P23. Threaten out to 10, come at me bitch.
Swift to refresh the medal
Iron Shell to counter her first attack that would hit me
Attack: [roll0]

If the counter is successful, Vanguard's Shield triggers giving me a shield bash against them (assuming they're adjacent)
Attack: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Crit: [roll4]

HP: 78/81

Desril

2016-08-12, 05:02 PM

Lily
HP 63/63 Temp 9
AC 21

As Nalin kicks in the door and gives them a view into the room and the ritual, Lily makes a snap decision to get a better position and whips out her wand, quickly instructing some of the others to hold on to her as she warps further into the room, getting a clear view of the ritual. "It's over! Drezen has fallen, Staunton is captured, and the Sword of Valor recovered! You can't even finish the ritual now, just surrender and we'll spare your lives!"

Wand of Dimension Door to move to F21, which is 90 ft. west and 50 ft. north.

Taking Millia and either Sileniy or Merjana (Sil said he's waiting for Ilorin to decide).

....K: Arcana? on the crystal [roll0]

K: Planes? on the portal [roll1]

Frosty

2016-08-13, 04:14 AM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 29 MINS), Resist Fire (2 MINS), Triple Time (29 MINS), Archon's Aura (2 MINS), Good Hope (2 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil, Ill Omen
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon, Cure Moderate
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer

Millia goes along for the ride, and as she arrives close to the enemy, she is glad that this time, Lily's aim isn't off. Seeing just HOW close she is to the enemy, she decides to try to cripple the insect-winged tiegling with a one-two punch, magically speaking. She starts with cursing the tiefling with some bad luck!

Archon's Aura takes effect on both Incubi and the Seneschal unless they make Will Save DC21
Spell pen roll against Incubi: [roll0] [roll1]
Cast Ill Omen on the Seneschal.
5ft step to G21[roll0]

Sileniy

2016-08-13, 04:37 AM

Sileniy

Sileniy can see even less of the room than Lily, so he grabs on to her shoulder as she uses the wand. And immediately regrets it when he sees just how close he is to the front line. Taking a step back in surprise and highly doubting a demon is going to surrender to the crusades, he summons a burst of magic and puts one of his good arrows to work.

Step to F22.
MP for extra standard.
Swift: arcane strike +2.
Standard: Cast Sense vitals.
Standard: Ranged attack at I1 with a +1 holy arrow.
Attack: [roll0] (+16, +1 PBS, +2 good hope, -2 DA)
Damage: [roll1] (bane+holy) + [roll2] (SA) + [roll3] (+5, +1 PBS, +2 good hope, +2 arcane strike, +4 DA)

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-13, 10:48 PM

Merjana

The magus steps in, drawing Penn and preparing for COOOOMBAAAAAT before casting an empowered slow effect towards the demons.

Move to R26, Arcane Surge Mythic Slow to hit I2, C, and B. Deny B dex bonus to AC.

Should have 1 MP left. DC 21 Will.

SR1: [roll0] (+4 against any that are demons. The incubus, probably?)
SR2: [roll1] (see above)

Bhaakon

2016-08-13, 11:42 PM

Nalin rushes the stairs, cutting off the choke point and denying the enemy the benefit of the high ground (however modest). Merjana follows, weaving magics to dull the movements of the enemy. The Kellid woman roars and hefts her massive greatsword as easily as if it were made of balsa instead of dull grey starmetal, but she stumbles mid-charge as the half-elf's spell does its work, leaving her all the more open open to Nalin's response.

AoO on B

Lily, ever the risk taker, bears Sileniy and Millia behind enemy lines. The ritualists are too focused on the circle to respond in time, and the archer makes good on the opportunity, planting a a shaft deep in the veiny neck of the nearest of the incubi. Millia's efforts aren't quite as bloody, but the subtle curses of her enchantments take root.

Between shouted spells and the wheezing roar of the injured demon, you catch the clatter of something heavy and metallic hitting stone from beyond the double doors in the NE wall. The room where the corruption forge is, if your sense of direction is working properly

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/Ritualcombat2.jpg

Desril

2016-08-13, 11:52 PM

Lily
HP 63/63 Temp 10
AC 21

Moving into stand where Millia had been, Lily draws the rod looted from the decrepit church and with a flourish channels raw arcane energies into it before pointing it straight toward the Kellid woman battling Nalin. A moment later, an arc of lightning blasts forth, the thunderous sound reverberating off the walls even as Slithaint perks up his head and hisses out a warning of something coming from beyond the doorway.

"I told you, it's over, just surrender now and you'll live to see the sunrise! You'll get a better deal from us than Deskari will give your souls for your failure!"

Draw Merciful MM Rod
5ft Step to G21
Spending my last MP for a LIGHTNING BOLT! Hits S, I2 (immune), and B for [roll0] nonlethal electric damage (Ref 21 half)

Vhaidara

2016-08-13, 11:59 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin grimaces beneath his helmet.
"Sit down and put that toy away before you hurt yourself."
As he speaks, radiance darts out, grazing her thigh and his shield rapidly follows with two powerful strokes.

damage reroll for AoO with Radiance: [roll0]+[roll1]
Swift: Aggravated Wounds. For every hit I land this turn, they take -4 to hit against anyone but me. This stacks, and will apply if she provokes an AoO moving away (though obviously not last round's AoO)

Combat Form, -3 AC, +6 Damage
Enraging Strike vs the Kellid, using my shield
Attack: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Crit: [roll5]
DC 19 Will save or be forced to attack me next turn at a -2 penalty

Vanguard's shield triggers when I initiate the strike, regardless of hit or miss
Attack: [roll6]
Crit: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
Crit: [roll9]

Iron Shell if attacks and if she hits my AC (currently 25)
Counter: [roll10]

EDIT: Damage is nonlethal, i don't take a penalty for it

stack

2016-08-14, 12:33 AM

Kord rushes in just a moment slower than Nalin, sharing the target that came obligingly closer.
swift for dragon style
standard action charge to Q23
perception [roll0]

attack [roll1] (charge and good hope cancel negative levels, +1 for body wraps)
damage [roll2]
-2 AC from charge
grapple [roll3]
constrict damage [roll4]

Frosty

2016-08-14, 02:22 AM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 29 MINS), Resist Fire (2 MINS), Triple Time (29 MINS), Archon's Aura (2 MINS), Good Hope (2 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil, Ill Omen
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon, Cure Moderate
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer, Bestow Curse

The oracle steps out of the way for Lily, and then quickly casts a more potent curse on the seneschal. "Last chance! Surrender or else we'll let everyone know your TRUE feelings about Deskari!"

5 ft step to H22
Cast Bestow curse on the Seneschal. DC21 Will save or lose 50% of actions (because she would be spending the round insulting Deskari).

The Seneschal has to roll twice on this roll and take lower on this and one other roll this round, probably the Reflex save vs Lightning bolt.

If the Seneschal rolls 12 or better, use Misfortune on her to force re-roll.

Sileniy

2016-08-14, 04:56 PM

Sileniy

Again, except for the demons. Maybe if they're not here the others might be a bit more willing to surrender...

Swift: arcane strike +2.
Full-round: rapid shot attack with penalty. Start with I1, move to I2 when he's dead.
Attack 1: [roll0] (+16, +1 PBS, +2 GH, -2 DA, -2 rapid shot)
Damage 1: [roll1] (bane, SA) + [roll2] (+5, +1 PBS, +2 GH, +2 arcane strike, +4 deadly aim)

Attack 2: [roll3]
Damage 2: [roll4] + [roll5]

Attack 3: [roll6]
Damage 3: [roll7] + [roll8]

Attack 4: [roll9]
Damage 4: [roll10] + [roll11]

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-14, 11:30 PM

Merjana Witchbrood (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=628743)
F CN Half-Elf Magus (Eldritch Archer) 8 [Archmage 1], Level 6, Init 12, HP 49/62, Speed 30
AC 21, Touch 15, Flat-footed 16, CMD 20, Fort 7, Ref 7, Will 5, CMB +5/0, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Bonded Weapon +1 Revolver (5/6 (49/20)) +12 / +7 (1d8+1, x4)
0 ACP for Climb / Jump Mithral Agile Breastplate (+6 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 8, Cha 10
Condition Good Hope, Longshot, Arcane Pool (+2)
Wasp Familiar (Valet), Arcane Pool (3/12), Mythic Power (1/7), Intensify Rod (0/3)

With space created, Merjana moves up and starts making her attacks against the demons.

Swift to recover snowball.
Move to N24, Attack the incubi (if either of them still live), or the barbarian (if she's still up)

Deadly Aim. Not applying PBS to my roll since I'm not sure what each attack will be against. Note Penn is +3, so it should bypass dr/cold iron.

Hit:[roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]

Bhaakon

2016-08-15, 03:57 AM

Battered, bloodied, and wrapped up and several stone of dwarf, the kellid grinds to a halt. With her sword pinned to her side, it's all she can do to bounce her fist off Nalin's armor in response to his blows. Probably a rather painful thing to do, if she can even feel pain through the raging lather she's built up. You've seen more sanity in the eyes of rabid beasts.

Lily's lightning bolt hardly helps the Kellid's mad sputtering, though it does scorch her matted furs and the Seneschal's fine silks--and raise the hairs on Kord's arms as the current goes to ground. Thankfully the magic doesn't hit the dwarf directly. Just a bit of uncomfortable tingling, and a slight twitch that will probably go away in a few minutes. Probably.

Between that blow and Millia's cursing enchantment, the Senechal convulses and nearly falls over backwards. She has to fight mightily to keep her feet under her, but she's no novice when it comes to magic or combat--even if she's wearing gaudy finery. She calls up her own spell, dropping an invisible barrier across the wing of the room where Lily had conjured herself and two allies but a moment before. Sileniy laces a flight of arrows across the barrier just before it snaps into place, dropping one of the incubi and severely wounding the other before the wall seals him away from the battle.

The surviving incubus snarls and turns towards the nearest thing it can hit...just in time to catch a gut full of lead from Penn. It snarls and steps closer, raising a darkness-limned hand to summon up a wave of despair that washes over Merjana, Nalin, and Kord.

Crushing Despair, which doesn't do anything but dispel Good Hope.

The pinch-faced half-elven cultist ululates out a prayer in abyssal and points at Merjana. Darkness dances at the edge of her vision as the magic threatens to take hold.

DC 16 Fort save versus Blindness

Behind the half-elf, you can't help but notice a troubling change in the big set of iron double doors. You're fairly certain that they were ensorcelled against the extreme heat of the corruption forge chamber, but they're beginning to turn a dull shade of red...and orage towards the middle. The molten innards of the lock, you're fairly certain, is flowing out through the keyhole.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/ritualcombat3.jpg

White line is a Wall of Force. It's only 10' high (the room has 40' ceilings)

stack

2016-08-15, 08:06 AM

Kord rapidly grows, pushing Nalin aside as he holds the barbarian in one hand and pummels her with the other. swift +1 sp to grow huge, flurry of blows
att [roll0]
damage [roll1]
grapple [roll2]
constrict [roll3]

att [roll4]
damage [roll5]
grapple [roll6]
constrict [roll7]

att [roll8]
damage [roll9]
grapple [roll10]
constrict [roll11]

Vhaidara

2016-08-15, 10:20 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin raises his shield, hearing the sounds from the other side of the door. No time to waste, he needed to get ready for a real fight. With a mighty bellow, he rushes the cultist, keeping Radiance at the ready to fend off whatever may approach from the north.
"WHOL L'SSUSSUN!"

Abyssal: FOR THE LIGHT!
Combat Form -3 AC +6 damage
Swift action: Guardian's Gambit (make a charging shield bash, add Cha to hit), charging the cultist (L19)
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]

On hit, recover all maneuvers and all allies within 30ft of me get a free 5ft step (even if they already took one). On miss, recover Enraging Strike.

Desril

2016-08-15, 11:21 AM

Lily
HP 63/63 Temp 10
AC 21

Frowning as the seneschal erects the barrier, Lily glances up, roughly able to tell where the top of it is but knowing that it's too high up for her to have a hope of getting over. Glancing toward Sileniy and Millia she makes a snap decision, I might be better off back here since I can't do much to this lot and I'm practically worthless against the elemental, but they need to be able to rejoin the fight!

Not bothering to give them a choice in the matter, the tiefling quickly reaches out to grab Sileniy and wrap her tail around Millia's wrist as she once more reaches for her wand and teleports them both to the other side of the nearly invisible barrier.

D-Door again (4 charges left) to H18

Frosty

2016-08-15, 04:32 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 39/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 29 MINS), Resist Fire (2 MINS), Triple Time (29 MINS), Archon's Aura (2 MINS), Good Hope (2 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil, Ill Omen
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon, Cure Moderate
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer, Bestow Curse

As Millia steps into position to bash the cultist nonlethally, she asks, Hey guys, why is fire and molten stuff coming from that door?"

5 ft step to J18 from Nalin's Maneuver.
5ft step to J17.

Attack cultist with light mace (base 11, +2 Good hope, +2 Flanking): [roll0]
Nonlethal Damage: (+2 Good Hope): [roll1]

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-15, 08:45 PM

Merjana Witchbrood (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=628743)
F CN Half-Elf Magus (Eldritch Archer) 8 [Archmage 2], Level 6, Init 12, HP 49/62, Speed 30
AC 21, Touch 15, Flat-footed 16, CMD 20, Fort 7, Ref 7, Will 5, CMB +5/0, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Bonded Weapon +1 Revolver (5/6 (49/20)) +12 / +7 (1d8+1, x4)
0 ACP for Climb / Jump Mithral Agile Breastplate (+6 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 8, Cha 10
Condition Longshot, Arcane Pool (+2)
Wasp Familiar (Valet), Arcane Pool (2/12), Mythic Power (1/7), Intensify Rod (0/3)

"I would put money on something melting it, if there's something melted coming out of it, Miss Millia. Merjana squints her eyes, shaking off the darkness enveloping her vision before leveling Penn at the Incubus heading her way. "Oh put a cap in it."

"A cork."

Merjana fires at the Incubus, trying to bring the demon down in a series of shots. "No, a cap."

Spell Combat against the incubus, using Acid Splash to trigger a bonus attack (I know it won't affect the incubus personally)

Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, SC (-6 to hit), Point Black Shot, Arcane Pool (+3 to hit); Total +7 damage over sheet

Hit SS: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Hit RS: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Hit 1: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Hit 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Sileniy

2016-08-16, 05:40 AM

Sileniy

Alarmed not only at the thing melting its way through the doors, but also at that he managed to miss the signs of it, he mutters, ****, how the hell did I miss that?! They need to give that thing their undivided attention, so these two need to go down for a little while. More urgently than before, that is.

Swift: surprise strike.
Full-round: rapid shot with no penalty, DA. Aim at the seneschal until she's unconscious, then the other cultist.

Attack 1: [roll0] (+14, +1 PBS, +2 GH, -2 DA)
Damage 1: [roll1] (+3, +1 PBS, +2 GH, +4 DA)

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Attack 3: [roll4] (iterative)
Damage 3: [roll5]

Attack 4: [roll6] (+2 surprise strike) vs FFAC
Damage 4: [roll7] + [roll8] (SA)

Bhaakon

2016-08-16, 04:01 PM

The second incubus succumbs to Penn's persuasive argument, and barbarian faints away in Kord's grip. Sileniy's arrows aren't quit as on-target as they were before, probably because Lily jolting him halfway across the room again without any warning, but the seneschal is at least bloodied. The eleven cutlist is little more than just bloodied, being sandwiched between Nalin and Millia.

The fight seems well in hand, really, until the big set of double doors slams open. You'd expect something of a 'crash' as the heavy sheets of iron hit the stone wall, but they're been heated to the consistency of warm butter, and just sort of squelch against the wall and drip molten metal.

Beyond the door is a sheet of white-hot flame, the barest hint of flickering ruby eyes within. The elemental, freed. It coughs out a seed of flame, a flickering ball that makes it to the missile of the room before blossoming into a sphere of incandescence hot enough to burn through your magical protections like they don't exist.

When your vision clears, the blackened form of the Seneschal is gasping on the floor, and the pinch-faced half-elf looks like a charcoal statue--at least for the few seconds his body remains upright before crumbling under its own weight.

35 damage, DC 18 Ref for half. Bypasses fire Res/Immunity

You know that this thing is a fire elemental, but clearly not a typical one. In fact, it looks to be a particularly destructive elemental, no doubt imbued to all kind of fire-based magical talents. You wouldn't be surprised if it even explodes when it's slain.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee498/Bhaakon/ritualcombat4.jpg

Seneschal is unconscious, hence the outline.

Desril

2016-08-16, 04:24 PM

Lily
HP 56/63
AC 21

As the elemental bursts into the room, Lily can't help but squint to try and focus on the heat-blurred figure even as the slagged door melts into the wall and immediately regrets not having taken the time to work things out with the elemental previously. Still, better late than never and she cries out in its tongue, "I dark avai vo vairk lodilv da dloo avai, avai vookok avrav vuad u raddro ravkol vav dhud Dokkula'k daldok ulo koudov! Tholo'k va vook dal dhak!"

I told you we would return to free you, you needed only wait a little longer now that Deskari's forces are beaten! There's no need for this!

Not trusting that the enraged flame will settle for that explanation, the tiefling concentrates for a brief moment and imbues her next words with her Lady's magic, "Lakdov da nav addol! Tholo'k va vook dal ik da dakhd, vo'rr duko avai da u krudo nalo kiadok dal avai dhuv holo, u ruko ad ruxu, al lodilv avai da dho Pruvo ad Falo ad avai vakh ad, al dano da kano adhol ulluvkonovd dhud avai davk uklooukro."

Listen to my offer! There's no need for us to fight, we'll take you to a place more suited for you than here, a lake of lava, or return you to the Plane of Fire if you wish it, or come to some other arrangement that you find agreeable.

Once her offer is made, she motions for the others to stop, "Wait, it was a prisoner here, we don't have to fight, let me try and reason with it first."

Suggestion SLA to get him to work with us and let us come to a deal/find somewhere he wants to stay, Will DC 17

Bhaakon

2016-08-16, 05:06 PM

Whether it's the words or the magic, the elemental holds for a moment, flicker of calming blue shooting across its white-hot form.

"A vuln krudo da lokd...avok." It boom, its voice the crackling roar of a firestorm. "Blavk dho konavaud, ka dhud I nuav dankrodo nav kikavokk vadh hol. It's referring to the Seneschal, clearly.

"A warm place to rest...yes. Bring the demoniac, so that I may complete my business with her."

Desril

2016-08-16, 05:22 PM

Lily

Glancing back toward the Seneschal, Lily frowns and translates for the others, "It's agreed to not fight, though we need to find some place warm for it to rest, I'm sure there's a lava filled lake around somewhere given this ritual...the pit in the other room should suffice while we look, but...he wants her too. I think she's the one who bound him to the Forge..." Glancing toward Merjana, Lily bites her lip. The crusaders will simply execute her if no one intervenes...is that any better than sating the elemental's need for revenge?

Torn by indecision, she shakes her head and turns her attention back to the elemental, "Tho ladiur dhud dho dirdakdk volo koldalnavk draakok u voulkav dhunkol vadh ruxu. Id ak knurr, kid ad nakhd ko nalo dandaldukro dal avai dhuv holo ivdar vo duv davk u radudaav valdhav ad avai. Ak dal hol...Gaxo no u nanovd da davdol vadh nav urraok."

"The ritual that the cultists were performing flooded a nearby chamber with lava. It is small, but it might be more comfortable for you than here until we can find a location worthy of you. As for her...Give me a moment to confer with my allies."

Frosty

2016-08-16, 10:45 PM

Millia (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=652434)
F CN Aasimar (Azata-Blooded, Elf base) Oracle 5 / Nocticulan Aspirant 3, Level 8, Init 7+2, HP 49/66, Speed 40
AC 31, Touch 23, Flat-footed 26, CMD 27, Fort 6+2, Ref 9+2, Will 15+2, CMB 4+2, Base Attack Bonus 5
MW Cold Iron Light Mace +13 (1d6+7|, x2)
Mage armor, Heavy Mithral shield +1 (+4 Armor, +3 Shield, +5 Dex, +8 Deflection, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 26
Condition Mythic Power 2/7, Channel 0/9 (4d6), LoH 6/9 (1d6)
Mage Armor (7 HRS 29 MINS), Resist Fire (2 MINS), Triple Time (29 MINS), Archon's Aura (2 MINS), Good Hope (2 MINS)

Spells used:
Lv 1: Bless, Command, 2x Protection from Evil, Ill Omen
Lv 2: 4x Burst of Radiance, Spiritual Weapon, Cure Moderate
Lv 3: 2x Archon's Aura (DC 21), Prayer, Bestow Curse

The oracle cries out in pain as she is seared by this UNIMAGINABLY hot flame! It ripped through her wards like they were nothing, and she quickly lays a palm in herself to restore some of the burnt skin. After hearing what Loly has to say, Millia frowns. "Do we know if the elemental will give the tiefling a swift death? I...can understand a slave's desire for revenge, but I won't condone torture."

stack

2016-08-17, 11:11 AM

"With the heat coming off of it, I doubt a swift death will be an issue. I am also not particularly keen on fighting something that was imprisoned in such a way for such a purpose and just as soon we all depart peacefully. The Seneschal is already ashes and I dout we could keep the other from it if we tried." Kord keeps out of the painful heat, but stays ready to act when one of his companions inevitably brought matters to blows.

Vhaidara

2016-08-17, 11:23 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin chuckles as Milia raises her objection before turning to Lily.
"Lilith, let it know that killing her slowly will be merciful. The longer she's here, the longer before Deskari gets his claws into her."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-17, 11:40 AM

Merjana Witchbrood (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=628743)
F CN Half-Elf Magus (Eldritch Archer) 8 [Archmage 2], Level 6, Init 12, HP 49/62, Speed 30
AC 21, Touch 15, Flat-footed 16, CMD 20, Fort 7, Ref 7, Will 5, CMB +5/0, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
Bonded Weapon +1 Revolver (5/6 (49/20)) +12 / +7 (1d8+1, x4)
0 ACP for Climb / Jump Mithral Agile Breastplate (+6 Armor, +5 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 8, Cha 10
Condition Longshot, Arcane Pool (+2)
Wasp Familiar (Valet), Arcane Pool (2/12), Mythic Power (1/7), Intensify Rod (0/3)

Merjana looks between Lily and the elemental, furrowing her brow and giving a moment thought. It was, in the end, her decision to make when dealing with matters of her keep, as much as it pained her to admit it, and her voice would have weight. A quick death would be merciful, but she doubted the elemental would be giving the Seneschal that once it got its fiery appendages on her.

Then Nalin had to go and make things more complicated all over again, with his comment. And damnit, he was right. No matter what she answered, there would be a lot of pain involved and she would end up as the plaything of Deskari. There was only one answer; the elemental was a thing, the seneschal was still a person, and there were no Calistrians here to complain about her choice.

Looking over at Lilith and Millia, she shouted, from the edges of the heat "Is there any chance we can keep her soul from Deskari?"

Desril

2016-08-17, 11:47 AM

Lily

After a moment's thought, Lily nods, "Yes, but...not easily. If we turn her against Deskari in some way...Demonaics receive a portion of their power from their patron, and like most divine casters if they go against their patron's wishes then that power can be revoked. With it would be the certainty of her damnation...although Pharasma may still Judge her the same way unless she makes an effort to redeem herself. Or..." she pauses and looks uncomfortable, "Her soul could be bound in some way, trapped in a gem or an undead body...or petrified rather than slain."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-17, 11:51 AM

Merjana

"Tell the truth, do you think it's worth the effort to try?"

Vhaidara

2016-08-17, 11:54 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin shakes his head.
"Some people are past that point. She was willing to burn to see her master. Give her what she wanted. Give justice to the wronged party, Merjana."

Desril

2016-08-17, 12:01 PM

Lily

Glaring at Nalin, "Everyone is worth the effort, General, Arueshalae's existence is proof of that. But..." She frowns, "It will not be easy unless she embraces her second chance. If she does not, keeping her prisoner will be dangerous unless we can strip her of her magic."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-17, 12:01 PM

Merjana

The soon-to-be Lady of Drezen grits her teeth at Nalin's response, but nods and steels herself for her reply as her stomach churns. "The elemenal is the wronged party here, and I will not risk losing my people to its flames for such a slim chance. If you can convince it to let us have her, do so; otherwise, let it have her."

Vhaidara

2016-08-17, 12:05 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin turns his attention to Lily.
"So you're saying you value the life of someone who would destroy herself and numerous other in the destruction of this city just to spite us over the life of that elemental, that has been tortured and forced to serve as an agent of corruption and evil. Because if we try to stop it, it will fight us. And she'll probably die anyways when it explodes."
His voice drops.
"So try using that damn brain of yours for something other than insulting your allies."

Desril

2016-08-17, 12:18 PM

Lily

Still glaring at Nalin, "Yes, the elemental is the wronged party, but simple revenge solves nothing, it's a temporary way to assuage your own anger and all it does is make you more likely to give into that anger later. The elemental deserves justice and compensation, but how does empowering Deskari with a new demon, quite possibly one with powerful innate spellcasting, do that?"

Turning her attention back to Merjana she nods, "I'll see what it has to say."

Finally, she looks back at the elemental itself and takes a breath before speaking. "Yai kokolxo dankovkudaav dal vhud dho konavuad huk kavo da avai, uvk vo vairk vad kovav avai dhud. Havoxol, vo vairk rako da dlav da kurxuko hol kair uvk kirr hol kudk dlan Dokkula'k driddhok. Id avai vairk daloka avail lakhddir xovkouvdo vo vairk davk kiadukro dankovkudaav dal avai, dho koduark ad vhadh vo varr valk aid da avail kudakduddaav. Id loxovko ak urr avai kokalo, avai nuav huxo hol, kid karr hol tiadkrav uvk ko kavo vadh ad uvk dhov vo varr davk avai u krudo kiadok dal avai. Id avai vairk ludhol duko kanodhavk uvuav dlan dhak dhud nakhd vadhkduvk dho dokd ad dano uvk avail druno, havoxol, rouxo dho konavuad da ik uvk rod ik dano da uv ukloonovd av vhud kikd dankovkudaav ak. Id avai vakhok, avai dairk oxov urrav vadh dho dlikukok uvk dakhd hol nukdol'k daldok uravkkako ik."

"You deserve compensation for what the demonaic has done to you, and we would not deny you that. However, we would like to try to salvage her soul and pull her back from Deskari's clutches. If you would forego your rightful vengeance we would find suitable compensation for you, the details of which we will work out to your satisfaction. If revenge is all you desire, you may have her, but kill her quickly and be done with it and then we will find you a place suited for you. If you would rather take something away from this that might withstand the test of time and your flame, however, leave the demonaic to us and let us come to an agreement on what just compensation is. If you wished, you could even ally with the crusades and fight her master's forces alongside us."

Diplomacy [roll0] (...+4?)

Bhaakon

2016-08-17, 02:30 PM

Before Lily's words even have a chance to echo around the chamber, a pseudopod of pure fire stretches out from the elemental to engulf the Seneschal. He gasps turn into ragged screams--you think. You can't actually hear them over the roar of the flame as it sears her flesh to ash over the course of half a minute.

When its done, the elemental's body fades from the white incandescence that's nearly too bright to look at to a satisfied cherry red.

"Wholo ak dhak kiadukro krudo?"

Where is this suitable place?

Desril

2016-08-17, 02:48 PM

Lily

Frowning, the tiefling does her best not to gag at the smell and looks away before scowling at the elemental. "Wholo vairk avai klodol? Sano krudo vadh dalo uvk ruxu, al vairk avai ludhol vo kovk avai kudk da dho Pruvo ad Falo?"

"Where would you prefer? Some place with fire and lava, or would you rather we send you back to the Plane of Fire?"

Bhaakon

2016-08-17, 05:01 PM

Krorr rakoem um srek vroma. Trara ora kura vru maad kae ossamseum. Tra dvorqak, sra koreresr." The elemental responds, flaring up a bit as it mentions the other targets of its ire. "Verr radica sra dakdorek su okr

"I shall remain on this plane. There are more who need my attention. The dwarves, the marilith."

"Then I will reduce all Deskarim to ash"

Vhaidara

2016-08-17, 05:17 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods as Lily translates.
"Kord, let's go. We should signal the troops to come on in."
He heads towards the exit, going through the hallway where they left Horgus. Assuming the merchant is still there, he claps him on the shoulder.
"Congratulations Horgus, you just helped retake the Citadel of Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor. I'd recommend against going in there, things are a little hot. In the meantime, I'm going to go let our troops know they can move in to secure the fortress, so I'd appreciate that banner."
He holds out a hand.

Desril

2016-08-17, 05:44 PM

Lily

Looking at the elemental she glances toward the hall where Horgus is still waiting and recalls that he isn't protected from the elemental's flames like everyone else. "Cano vadh no dhov. Ak I kuak, dholo ak u laan dhud dho ladiur kduldok da darr vadh ruxu, ad ak daa knurr da ko klakolrav dandaldukro, kid dhak dadukor ak ukkulovdrav kadiudok udak u ruko ad nuknu. Yai nakhd ko ukro da davk u kudh dhlaikh dho duird da loudh ad, kid ad vad dhov I varr kovk kdaidk da davk u laido dhud avai duv duko. Tho nularadh vuk rilok uvuav dlan holo kodalo dho ukkuird kokuv uvk kho'k ivrakorav da lodilv, kid ad avai vakh da uxovko availkord av Dokkula'k navaavk dhov rovk avail drunok da dho Clikuko. Yai vairk ko kaivk kav dhoal lirok, kid ka ravk uk avai ukloo da dhako dolnk dhoav varr ko ukro da kaxo lokaldk ad Dokkula'k navaavk' naxonovdk."

"Come with me then. As I said, there is a room that the ritual started to fill with lava, it is too small to be properly comfortable, but this citadel is apparently situated atop a lake of magma. You might be able to find a path through the fault to reach it, but if not then I will send scouts to find a route that you can take. The marilith was lured away from here before the assault began and she's unlikely to return, but if you wish to avenge yourself on Deskari's minions then lend your flames to the Crusade. You would be bound by their rules, but so long as you agree to those terms they will be able to give reports of Deskari's minions' movements."

Assuming the elemental doesn't object, Lily leads it back to the lava-filled pit, taking the living flame through the Corruption Forge's room rather than the hallway that they came from to spare Horgus the burns, "I'll be back in a minute. Once this one is content I'll use the wand again to take us all out of the citadel. Millia's magic can let Merjana declare that Drezen has fallen and that any remaining in the upper level can surrender or be slain when the army moves in. Or does someone have a better idea?"

Frosty

2016-08-18, 01:32 AM

Unless Lily needs help, Millia will go with Nalin. She still has some reserves left in her, and she will be able to announce the defeat of the local demonic host. "Well, we did it, Nalin, Kord. We worked together and prevented another tragedy from happening. One was enough this mission. I'm so glad you all are safe." She smiles at her teammates.

"And you too, Horgus. You've been very brave, and now think of the book deals you can have! Is this isn't a golden egg goose I don't know what is!" Millia tries some levity to bring some laughter to Gwerm.

Bhaakon

2016-08-18, 05:00 PM

With Staunton and his most powerful minions dead or scattered, the rest of the capture of Drezen is pitifully simple. Kord and Nalin make it up to the top of the tower and signal with the Sword of Valor, only to find that the army has quick-marched across the city and seized the gates. With the defenders in disarray, they've already seized half of the upper level. Later you find out that a rather drunken dwarven officer relieved the gate guards of their duties--much to their relief, as fleeing into the wilderness was a far better alternative than fighting to the last tiefling--and threw open the defenses.

Irabeth is no fool. She took advantage of the situation once she was certain it wasn't a trap, and Joran's guidance allows the crusaders to flank and subdue those stupid or fanatical enough to stand and fight. There are many injuries, but the only death proves to be a poor, greedy fool who stumbled on what he thought was the citadel's treasury and tried to wet his beak before reporting the discovery. Sadly, the chests he found proved to be a pair of fiendish mimics. Fortunately, the secret door behind the monstrous chest lead to a storehouse of captured crusader items, some mundane valuables, other magic items awaiting the corruption forge. Between that and the various other items you recover from throughout the keep, you have quite a nest egg available to fund the rebuilding.

It's just unfortunate that you never found a sign of the shadow-demon. You can only assume that it teleported away while you negotiated with the fire elemental--who likes the lava pools very much, by the way. It's hard to say whether the pool is fed by heat from below or if the elemental's presence keeps it liquid, but at least it stopped rising once it neared the lip of the pit.

Barbarian:
+1 adamantine greatsword
+2 hide armor
2x CSW potions
Barkskin +5 potion

Cultist's ashes:
+1 scythe, AS
+1 banded mail

Seneschal's ashes:
Cloak of Resistance +2
+2 Int heaband (Sense Motive)
Ring of Force Fangs
Ring of Prot +2

Joran:
Wand of Silence (8 charges)
+2 Fire Resistance Breastplate
+1 heavy steel sheild
+1 spell storing light hammer

Loot from the keep:
16 units of provisions
10 units of goods
50x +1 arrows
1x Arrow of Human Slaying
+2 Breastplate
+1 Keen Longsword
MW composite longbow, +2 str
MW flail
Mithral heavy shield
+2 elven chain

Vhaidara

2016-08-18, 09:51 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

The battle was won. The city saved, and they had barely lost any men. He should be happy. But he isn't. Roland had died. Roderick tortured. Arles dead. And he'd as good as condemned a woman to the Abyss. He, of all people, who knew the horrors that awaited there. He needed to be alone. As soon as he had a chance, he fled to the top of Soltengrebbe's tower and sat, looking out across the citadel. Radiance rested on his lap, his helmet beside him.
"You know, Roland was just a few rooms away. If you'd waited another minute or two, you might have had someone who deserved you. Instead, your stuck with me. And with my luck, I'll end up dragging you down with me."
Suddenly, the spear twitches, jerking out of his hand and turning to point directly at him.
"I've had about enough of that."
And the spear darts towards his head, striking the center of his brand. But the holy weapon stopped as it pierced his skin and begin to glow, then slowly pulled back and settled again on Nalin's lap. Nalin simply sat there, shocked.
"You're...you're alive?"
"Not in every sense, but close enough. And I think it's about time you considered that I chose you, not the other way around. You seem to think you're damned even as you lead the war against the Abyss. It's the mark of Abraxus on you. Well, I'll show you that you're not past redemption. Check your wound."
Nalin reaches up, and his hand comes away bloody. Then the blood on his hand begins to flow into his palm, coalescing into a blood red stone that hovers above his palm.
"Meet the doubt that has been plaguing you. This is the essence of what that mark did you your psyche, and the toll has resounded through you, mind and body."
A subtle voice emits from the stone.
"You're already damned. What does it matter what the fancy paperweight has to say? You have nothing and no one to live for. Everyone you ever cared about died centuries ago. Mostly at your hands, I should add."
Nalin is silent for a moment.
"Nothing it says is wrong."
"Isn't it? I seem to recall a woman's voice calling out for you some night ago, her voice resounding across existence, telling you that she will find you. She wasn't wrong. Even this corrupted portion of you can be redeemed. Watch."
The spear begins to glow again, and the light spreads to encapsulate the stone. A small wail escapes it as the light washes over it. When the light fades, the stone is no longer the dull sludge of blood, but a gleaming ruby.
"I name you Moxt Seian, in honor of the dragon who called to you. You are the little hero who shall guide our friend."
"You sure? That's a pretty hard task for a little guy like me."
"I think you can handle it. Especially if you share the knowledge you contained."
"Oh, right! Gimme a moment."
Suddenly, Nalin's vision goes white. He sees flashes of symbols, blood, rituals he had once known, knowledge gained from his pacts.
"This knowledge was yours, acquired fairly. Take it back, and use it as you could not before."
He sees the patterns that had eluded him before, how his blood could serve as a conduit to connect him to others, how he could draw their injuries to himself, how he could negate the harm with the magic that still coursed under his skin.
"But...this power came from Abraxus..."
"You gained knowledge of it from the demon, but it was not his power originally. Use it to protect the innocent. Use it to bring justice. Use it to undo the curse that has been laid upon this plane."
"Come on! We're gonna save the world! Who knows, might even find Nadia on the way!"
The little stone hovers over his palm and shoots towards the stairs, but Nalin snatches it first.
"Calm down. We need to rest and secure the Citadel before we go anywhere."
"But what about Arueshalae? We can't abandon her! She's proof that we can be saved!"
Nalin's eyes widen.
"I...hadn't even thought of that."
A grin emerges on his face and he sweeps up his helmet, releasing the little crystal.
"We're going to have to get you somewhere to stay. And talk to Lily about finding Arueshalae."
"By the way, you missed a trick. Try marking the back of your armor with some of the blood."
Nalin reaches to the wound on his forehead, still bleeding freely, and then marks the back of his armor between the shoulder blades. The blood begins to bubble, and then two shadowy wings emerge, spanning over a dozen feet, stretching out from his back.
"Wanna give them a try? Flying might help you feel closer to her."
So he leaps from the tower, gliding back down to earth in the courtyard of the citadel.

Desril

2016-08-19, 12:08 AM

Lily

The tiefling kicked herself for forgetting to finish off the nosferatu, remembering too late and finding its hidden chamber empty. It never left her mind even while fighting Eustoyriax and the seneschal, but the fire elemental's horrid execution of her shook the tiefling enough that it slipped out of thought. By the time she'd received the reports up top and went to thank Joran for his assistance it was already too late.

But there was nothing to be done for it now. The creature was a threat to the men that would need to be dealt with but there was no reliable way of tracking him down and there were other matters to discuss. But it had been a very, very long day. I haven't exhausted my power this completely since the day I got to Kenabres...I've gained a lot of power sense then, haven't I? Mother would be proud. Blinking for a moment, Lily's eyes go wide and her expletive can be heard from quite a distance away, How could I forget to write her?! News of what happened to Kenabres must have reached Magnimar by now, she probably thinks I'm dead!

Her weariness pushed aside by panic, the tiefling quickly dashes to find a place to write, finding Merjana along the way. In a rush, but knowing that there are still important matters to tend to, the heretic slows down and pulls the new Lady of Drezen aside for a moment. "We need to talk, when you have time. Rebuilding your lands might hold your attention for a few days, but come find me when you can. There are a few things we need to discuss," she says, giving the half-elf a moment to respond before hurrying onwards to pen her letter.

Full of apologies, Lily does her best to explain everything significant that happened and why she'd neglected to write while downplaying the danger she was in and keeping certain sensitive information hidden behind innocent words and phrases. She does explain that she was part of the group that saved the city, however, and that since then she'd become much more powerful. She does her best to explain about the shrine beneath the city, though she never names their goddess lest the note be intercepted. One of the most detailed sections of the overly long missive, however, is about Arueshalae. Knowing that her mother would be just as eager to learn about the succubus as she is, Lily explains as much as she knows, noting that sadly they've only just begun to look for her and it may be several weeks until they have any success but remaining hopeful and occasionally slipping into writing about the demonic anomaly in the same style that a school girl would her crush. The letter ends with one final apology and a promise to write more often once Drezen isn't in immediate need of her attention and Arueshalae is found.

Once that's done, the tiefling sighs in relief and goes to find a messenger who can get the letter to Magnimar, or at least to someone that will and leaves directions on how to get it to Ayavah's house, though she's careful not to name her mother to anyone with the directions. She's far too fond of her privacy. With that matter dealt with, Lily finds herself absentmindedly wandering into the dungeons. The mental assault of the Abyssal influence is still strong, but by the time it hits her she realizes where she was heading and curls up against the wall beneath Arueshalae's prayer to sleep.

A few hours later, rested, recovered, and her spells prepared once more, Lily finds herself roaming around well after dark, though there's still more than enough work to be done that the new inhabitants of Drezen are still toiling away. But now wasn't the time to help with the manual labor. There was someone else who she needed to see, "Horgus...do you have a moment? I know the last twenty four have been...difficult. And I'm sorry that I wasn't able to protect you. But I know what it's like to have that demon inside of you. If there's anything I can do...?"

Frosty

2016-08-19, 02:06 AM

Millia

The aasimar sees that things are basically under control. Now is the time to get a few important details sorted out. Namely, the prisoners. She informs Irabeth of some of the more important prisoners. "We're in luck. In the dungeons below the keep are some antimagic cells. We can keep dangerous prisoners there...such as your old pal Staunton. Do you have anything you'd like to say to him? Well, actually he's unconscious right now, but if you wish to confront him, let me know. I want to be there. Oh yeah, there's also Joran, the friendly but drunk dwarf who opened all the gates and stuff. Go easy on him; I don't think he wanted to be there. He's also Kord's other brother."

After the keep has been taken and everything is a bit more organized, Millia leads the Halfling Nurah into a side room, and closes the door. She leaves Nurah un-restrained. "Pull up a chair. Let's have a chat." She wants o Nurag to be as comfortable as she can. "Have a drink if you want. I've got some of the better wine from the Calistrians." She takes a sip herself, and thinks how she wants to approach this. She sees so much of herself in Nurah, it's uncanny. What she could have been...or perhaps what she can potentially become. "You know, there was a time when I could easily picture myself in the future, after having gained great power, marching on Cheliax with an army of freedom fighters behind me. I imagined myself killing every slaver and destroying all who opposed me and my quest of slave-freeing. Hell, I think I last had that dream...just a few days ago. But you know, after thinking on your previous actions, I got a perspective on how I might seem to an outside observer as well. Tell me, what do you expect to happen now that we've taken Drezen? And what do you hope to would happen to you?"

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-19, 02:59 AM

Merjana

The magus wasn't terribly hard to find. Exhausted from the exceptionally long day, and utterly spent of the energy that she had, the magus magus began to climb; first, to the lair of the chimera that had taken the life of Roland - only to find Nalin already there - and then, much more silently, to whatever entrance to a roof level could be found. And there, she sat, looking out over the city and what had suddenly gone from the city that needed to be freed to her dominion, her land.

It didn't take long for her to fall sound asleep, though it wasn't a restful one: the days of stress, the looks in her prisoners' eyes as she snuffed the light out from them and damned them to the abyss, the screams of the demonaic that she had so willingly given to the fire elemental earlier. These decisions didn't sit well with her, even as she thought of them in a waking state; her sleeping mind was no more gracious.

She was woken up by a coppery voice, pressed up under her arm. Something intimately familiar, as new as it was to her, like her own child's voice pleading for attention. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Merjana knew that Penn couldn't see anything beyond a limited area, but the thing she had created... the life, for lack of a better word, that her hands had born into this world, was such a foil to her. She had never been curious, she had been driven. Never silly, always serious. What had guided her towards her companion, she couldn't know, but she would be thankful.

But she couldn't lie for his sake. "No, it's not. The land is blighted, the buildings are in ruins. The stench of death and decay fills the air, and the very essence of where we sit means danger. But... it will be. You're proof that the broken can be made beautiful, that even a killer's hands can make something more than just memories for others. I don't know how we'll do it, but one day I'll be able to sit here with you and describe to you all the beauty of our home."

Teacher had brought her so far, back in Kenabres; he'd taught her how to protect herself, how to produce magic and take the fight to the demons. Her foster parents had tried to teach her the value of life, but raising so many children of lost crusaders the message had been lost... when the time came, she would need to thank them for trying, and apologize for all the pain she knew she had caused them.

She had taught herself how to use a crossbow, and eventually fashioned the weapon that would become her partner. She was on the path now, but the road she was following... there had to be a better one, hidden in the thicket she had grown for herself in her rage and agony over what had been robbed from her.

Finding the right direction was bound to be painful, but she could think of a good starting place. Just had to figure out where that was.

Bhaakon

2016-08-19, 09:12 PM

Lily has no trouble finding Gwerm, holed up in his private carriage, now safely ensconsed within the citadel's curtain wall. Not as a safe as within the keep itself, perhaps, but with fewer bad memories and no stench of blood or ruptured guts. She finds him in the queen-sized bed he'd somehow crammed into the vehicle, rolled up in blankets and behind a pillow fortification.

"Yes...you have the magic to erase memories, do you not?" He mewls. "I've heard of such a thing. I believe you offered it to the Hulrun girl. I'd like to forget the entire encounter. That...thing, leafing through my memories like a book, leaving its oily prints behind." He shudders. "It's one things to hear the tales of how demons think, it's another to experience it. It let me see, you know, what it was thinking. Nothing of importance. Just its plans for me, for all of us, once it had us alive." He turns a sickly shade, and for a few awkward moments seems like he might throw up. Judging by the sour smell of the room, it wouldn't be the first time.

"Irredeemable. All of them." He mutters. "The things it imagined doing to me, to you. I feel them crawling around my mind like spiders, corrupting every thought with their venom."

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

Nurah's eyes narrow suspiciously at Millia's politeness. Allowing her lose of her bonds, offering a chair, a beverage. She takes the seat, but shakes negative to the drink, obviously unsure what is going on. Whether it's because she thinks it's drugged or simply because she wants to keep her wits, you can't say for certain.

"I expect I'll be tried by the crusade." She says. "I'm a traitor, you know? Queen Galfrey's law is pretty clear on that. Half-hung, drawn, and quartered. The executioner will probably make a joke about it being eighthed, since I'm a halfling. Doesn't really matter that they deserved to be stabbed in the back. What I saw of the Bloody Lady of Drezen dealing with those prisoners...well, maybe I'll die quicker."

Desril

2016-08-19, 09:58 PM

Lily

Realizing that he certainly doesn't want to get up, Lily does the only thing she can think of to comfort him and moves to sit down on the bed beside him, careful not to disturb his pillowy fortifications too much. Keeping her voice soft, she tries to sound reassuring and comforting, "I'm sorry, Horgus. What you went through was horrible, no one should be forced to endure that, and if you truly want it we can destroy the memory from your mind, but...do so will not be easy. Holly was tortured for only about an hour, the spell has limits, and I am not certain that Sileniy is yet able to perform it himself, though I suspect he'll have the power soon...To erase every moment of your possession would take a fortune in scrolls. Though I might be able to research a better solution given time..."

Shaking her head, she reaches out to hold his hand knowing that physical contact can be more than a little calming and that he's not in a good state of mind for more intimate things. "But...you need to understand that as terrible as the invidiak was to you, it's over. You're safe now. The Sword of Valor will keep it from appearing unannounced, and the next time I see him I'll be able to tear him apart. And you're hurting, but you've survived with your mind intact, which is more than we can say for Holly. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Biting her lip she debates with herself whether or not to say what's on her mind. Knowing that he's hurt and afraid, speaking of the redemption of a demon might only drive him further away. But the only other topic is equally likely to be dangerous. "As for demons being irredeemable...well, we can discuss that later. I imagine you don't really want to talk about fiends right now, so I'd rather we discuss something more pleasant for you. But first, if you're willing, something has been bothering me. I wanted to give you a chance to rest before we spoke though, after all you've been through. When we found you, the demon called you 'Darian,' but it seemed to be more than simply you having changed your name...will you tell me about it?"

....diplomacy to reassure Horgus? [roll0] (Not asking, the +4 totally applies here! (And yes, my diplomacy went up a fair bit this level))

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 12:17 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Shortly after landing, Nalin decides to seek out Lily. She had seemed concerned about Horgus, so he makes his way there. Besides, he had something he wanted to discuss with the merchant. He knocks on the side of the carriage.
"Lord Gwerm? Do you have a moment?"

Bhaakon

2016-08-20, 01:03 AM

Gwerm winces at the mention of the expense of such an endeavor. You know he's a wealthy man, but the events since Armasse have drained his coffers considerably. "...I can endure, but some comfort would be appreciated" He murmurs, and Lily gets the sense that, for once, he doesn't mean physical comfort.

But then she steps too far. At mention of the name "Darian", Gwerm recoils, horror flashing upon his face. He gawps like a landed fish, struggling to respond, searching for a lifeline.

Then Nalin knocks.

"YES! COME IN!" The nobleman bellows, glad for the interruption.

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 08:03 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin enters, smiling. It's kind of disconcerting to see an actual, happy smile on his face.
"Ah, Lily, I was hoping to see you as well. Can we talk later?I just wanted to ask Horgus for a small favor."
He turns his attention to Gwerm.
"First, I wanted to apologize for how I treated you in the caves under Kenabres. It was unreasonable for me to expect a civilian to fall in line like a perfect soldier. You've proven yourself both resourceful and brave since then."
He coughs, clearing his throat.
"In any case, I was hoping you could help me with another project, similar to my armor. Much smaller in scale this time. Perhaps, half a pound? And I was hoping for something a bit...brighter? Mithral, perhaps?"
He holds out a hand and opens it, revealing the ruby.
"I'm hoping to make a necklace to set this in."

stack

2016-08-20, 09:00 AM

Kord gives a full report to Irabeth, then spends a moment watching over the scribes to make sure everything is filed properly. Anything to put off his next task.

He seeks out his younger brother first.

Desril

2016-08-20, 11:17 AM

Lily

Even she couldn't miss Horgus' reaction to that name and she mentally kicks herself even as Slithaint smacks her with his tail for not seeing the obvious result of what would happen. The tiefling doesn't need to suppress a sigh, however, as Nalin's unusually cheerful mood is more than enough of a distraction on its own. "You seem to be in good spirits. Sure, we can talk, I'll be around...somewhere, just come find me when you're free. Although, where did you get that ruby? And," she squints, "Are you bleeding?"

Once any buisness with Nalin's mithral is taken care of, Lily takes the opportunity to change to a topic that Horgus might feel more comfortable dealing with, intending to ask about the name Darian again later. "Speaking of business proposals, it's been a hectic for a while now, but I think now that things are calming down I can finish my next book within a few days. Distribution isn't really my area though. Do you think we could work out a deal?"

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 02:17 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"I suppose I probably still am. But don't worry about that, it's nothing, really. Well, it might be something. Actually part of why I wanted to talk to you. I won't need Horgus for long, I don't envision this being a complicated order."

*****

Later, after Lily and Horgus have finished their discussion

Nalin finds Lilly in Staunton's office.
"Looking for leads about Arueshalae? Excellent. The sooner we find her, the better."

Desril

2016-08-20, 02:22 PM

Lily - With Nalin

Nodding absent-mindedly as she pours through text, scroll, and journal one after the other looking for any mention of the succubus, "Indeed, although to be honest unless I can find a drawing of her or reference to a blood sample being stored somewhere this isn't going to be of much help. Sileniy and I are going to spend time trying to scry for her, but if she's warded then it may require some effort, and anything that we can use to simplify the process will be a huge help."

Sighing in disappointment she closes the book she'd been looking through and turns to face Nalin, still a little concerned by his smile. "Eustoyriax didn't possess you did he? You're not acting like your usual self."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 02:27 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin shakes his head.
"Quite the opposite actually. Got a demon out of me, not in."
He indicates the wound on his forehead.
"Radiance...it's not just a weapon. It did something. Said it was drawing out the doubts Abraxus had placed in me. And purifying them."
He holds up the gem again, which now floats off of his palm and zips around Lily, examining her. A voice, small but bold, sounds in Lily's mind.
"So, you're Lilith! I can see why Nalin likes you, you're pretty!"

Desril

2016-08-20, 02:42 PM

Lily - With Nalin

Surprised by the gem's sudden burst of energy and buzzing around her, she does her best to keep up with it, but is more shocked than embarrassed at its compliment, "T-thank you, but please, just Lily is fine. And it's nice to meet you too...?"

Once its introduction is out of the way, she looks at Nalin and Radiance with concern, Penn awakened too, and Radiance seemed to be empathic even before now, so I guess he's telling the truth. And Radiance's has been rather picky about who wields it and who it hurts so we can probably trust it...but there's also the chance the invidiak possessed the holy relic. Still, I don't think I've ever seen him...happy...so I guess I'll just keep an eye on them for now.

Hiding her worries, she smiles, "If something this energetic was made from your own doubts I'm surprised you managed to drag yourself up to your feet every morning. But it's nice to see you in good spirits for once. I think the only other time I've seen anything even close to a smile on your face was that night in Kenabres," she starts to say before trailing off. That was one night and since then the two had developed a...complicated and frustrating relationship, and it was only his sudden change in demeanor that distracted her from that.

Have we even spoken to each other in private since Slithaint joined me, she ponders while reaching up to pet the ghostly serpent who has remained uncharacteristically quiet, its gaze steadfastly following the buzzing ruby, only looking away from it for brief moments to glare at Nalin. A hint of jealousy at being replaced, perhaps.

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 02:49 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Moxt hovers near Slithaint, inspecting the serpent.
"You look a little wispy. Been eating enough lately?"

Nalin smiles at the little crystal's antics, though it falters a little when Lily mentions Kenabres.
"Indeed, I've been...troubled. I've treated you badly since then, and honestly, it fed further into my own doubts that I deserved a second chance. What kind of monster would have done that to a friend?"
He lets out a long sigh.
"But I'm ready to forgive myself, if you're willing to forgive me. And I need your help, in any case."

Desril

2016-08-20, 03:20 PM

Lily

To be honest, with everything that had happened, Lily had already mostly set aside her anger, but she hadn't quite forgiven Nalin. But with his recent change and his admitting fault, she nods. "Then let's put it behind us. I don't really have the time to waste being angry anyway," she says with a glance toward the pile of journals she still has to look through for information on Arueshalae.

"So what do you need?"

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 03:27 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"The powers I use. They're dangerous, and so far I've been letting them use me. All I've really done is aim them. Usually. I was hoping you could help me learn to control them."
He taps his fingers together.
"Also...when Radiance purified Moxt Seian, it was able to restore some of my memories. Secrets from my previous life revealed to me by my dealings with Abraxus. They're connected to blood magic, but I think I can use them to further our cause."

Desril

2016-08-20, 03:38 PM

Lily - With Nalin

Slithaint is slow to respond to the gem, flicking his tongue out, "No...perhapsss I sssshould try to add gemssss to my diet...helps digessstion..."

Lily, for her part, ignores the banter between the familiars, "Little Hero? Charming name. As for your blood magic...yes, I can help you with it. To be honest I've had some ideas on that front myself but I haven't had the time or excuse to delve into it yet. After seeing what Staunton could do though, I've been curious to see what power I might be able to unlock. After all, if a dwarf's blood gave him that much strength, what could I do with the blood of demons?" Looking lost in thought, "Regardless, Abraxus' knowledge of magic is nearly unrivaled, he's comparable to Nethys himself. Any secrets you might have gleamed from him would be powerful indeed, I'd be happy to work through the details and help you learn how to use it without being controlled by it. I might even be able to expand on it and adapt them to suit my abilities."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 03:53 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods.
"I do have something in mind that I want to try. A basic ritual of joining, that can expand to include protection, memory transference, or even limited transference of skills."
Drawing his sword and removing one gauntlet, he makes a quick shallow cut across his palm, then holds his hand out to Lily.

Moxt backs up a little and seems to bob, almost as if he were a boxer getting ready to dodge an opponent.
"Big words from a little slitherer like you! I am no meal! I am Moxt Seian, charged by the holiest blade to guide this noble hero on the path of right and justice! who are you, knave!"

Desril

2016-08-20, 04:25 PM

Lily - With Nalin

The sane thing to do would be to have Nalin explain the details of the ritual first, in case this is all some ploy by a possessing demon to bind her under its control, but as usual, Lily ignores the potential dangers and nods her head, quickly following Nalin's instructions to help perform the ritual.

Slithaint, meanwhile, hisses back, "If you are a hero, I am a dragon, and you are a crunchy morsel, yesss..."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 04:35 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

As Lily takes his hand, Nalin's voice sounds in her mind.
"Can you hear me?"

The little red ruby darts around the snake.
"Big talk from a toothless reptile! Reveal unto me thine name, and we shall engage in honorable combat!"

Sileniy

2016-08-20, 04:41 PM

Sileniy

By the end of it all, Sileniy still had a surprising amount left in the tank - enough for to do his part about the burns that elemental managed to inflict; even with his relatively minor healing spells. He was outside, wondering what to do next, when he heard Lily's distant expletive. "Oh, right... I mentioned that I can scry; Lily's going to be pestering me to help find Arueshalae, isn't she? Better get an idea of who I'm actually looking for, and before there's a line outside the tents." Luckily he had an idea of how to do it: a spell to share memories between two people. He'd come across it before and he knew it was had its uses, but he'd hadn't spent the time and effort to actually learn it. It would be useful as a scroll, and there's only one person around who has them.

Thankfully she does, and thankfully he gets in and out without anything of interest happening. Joran might be sleeping off that dwarven liquor so he tries Barrid first. "Afternoon, Barrid. Good news all round: we won, and that bit of advice you gave us about Soltengrebbe's tower really helped. A couple of us were disappointed that Arueshalae had vanished into thin air though."

Desril

2016-08-20, 05:00 PM

Lily - With Nalin

Blinking, she nods her head. "Does this work both ways? How many people can you link? For how long, and how far away?"

The snake, meanwhile, coils itself and looks ready to pounce though he refrains from striking first, "Sssslithaint."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 05:09 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin smiles as Lily confirms it is working.
"I'm not sure. I have a few memories of magic that can expand the number of people I can link, and I think I can absorb wounds for you while we're linked like this."

The crystal freezes in that moment.
"Slithaint? The same Slithaint who once rode alongside the hero?"

Desril

2016-08-20, 06:00 PM

Lily - With Nalin

"Absorb wounds? Haven't you learned your lesson about blowing yourself up yet? Don't worry about that sort of thing. I've got the spare power to give myself a sort of...pseudo healing now anyway, and Millia can tend to the other's wounds."

Slithaint glares at the gem with a careful eye before giving a short nod, "Yessss, I've known him for longer than you ever will..."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 06:34 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"Don't worry, I'm not going to throw my life away. But I will stand between my allies and those who would harm them."

The gem flits behind Nalin
"Lady Lily! Why are you keeping company with a fiendish scoundrel such as this! His heart is as black as the smoke that forms him! His nature is revealed in his form, the spineless worm cloaked in darkness, an honorless cowardly backstabbing meanie!"

Desril

2016-08-20, 06:58 PM

Lily

Nodding, "Just be careful with it then...and tell me about these rituals, they clearly work and the more I know about how the more I can use them to augment my own magic."

Turning her attention to the gem, Lily simply smiles and holds out her hand for Slithaint to slither up and take his usual resting place on her shoulders. "He's no more black hearted than his master, former or present. He just has better taste these days," she teases.

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 07:10 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"It might be easier if I show you. Magical terminologies have changed somewhat in the past eight hundred years. You have a spell that allows you to share memories, don't you?"
Nalin withdraws his hand and resheathes his blade.

"Lady Lily, how could you speak so of your champion? He is truly the noblest soul currently astride this realm!"
Nalin actually blushes.
"He's young. And biased."

Desril

2016-08-20, 07:34 PM

Lily - With Nalin

The tiefling nods again, "I don't exactly know the spell, but ever since She blessed me back in Kenabres that hasn't stopped me from casting magics I don't know. Come here, this will only take a moment."

Before she can do that, however, she chuckles at the Little Hero, "He's so innocent, I'm almost tempted to try and make a body for him to teach him a few things. But there's no time for that now I suppose...oh well," turning her attention to the gem rather than its master, "I think he might have competition for the title of 'most noble' but if you stay with our little group you'll see some of the challengers soon enough."

Assuming Nalin doesn't change his mind, Lily quickly performs the spell, sifting through the more immediately relevant parts of Nalin's memories of the blood magic. When the connection breaks, Lily smiles, "I...I can use this. I need to spend some time to make the proper diagrams for the ritual and I'll need to adjust a few key components...probably sacrifice a small portion of my magical reservoir to unlock the potential...but yes, I'm sure I can use this. My bloodline being what it is, the only immediate effects will be far more devastating destructive abilities, but given some time I'll be able to do so much more!"

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 07:38 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin slides the gauntlet back onto his hand.
"You do enjoy your explosions, don't you? I'm glad I was able to help. And thank you for helping me test my own ideas. I was worried you might think I'd gone mad."

Desril

2016-08-20, 07:40 PM

Lily - With Nalin

"Oh, don't worry about that. I realized you'd gone made before we made it out of those caves," she says with a grin.

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 07:42 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin smiles.
"Fair enough. In any case, I thought I'd go check on the Kellid we captured. I'm interested in what brought her here. See you at dinner?"

Desril

2016-08-20, 07:50 PM

Lily - With Nalin

She bites her lip, looking uncertain, holding up her ringed hand, "Maybe. I don't need to eat now after all, and there's a lot to do. I might skip dinner so there's more time to deal with more important affairs...Between my ritual, searching for information on Arueshalae, trying to scry her, attending officer meetings, this ritual, making sure our fiery friend doesn't get too aggressive, and the simple fact that I haven't eliminated all my need to sleep...if I skip dinner I might be able to write in my book some, or sculpt something."

She sighs, "I'll barely have time to try and speak with all of our captives. I should be trying to turn them away from Baphomet and Deskari but Arueshalae is more important...I'll just have to trust you and Millia on that front. Sileniy as well, if he has the time between attempts at scrying. In fact, I should see him as soon as I complete my ritual, it'll be late enough that there won't be much left we can do. Assuming he's still awake it'll be the perfect time to begin."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 08:23 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin chuckles.
"Alright. But do me a favor and try not to overwork yourself. You may no need to sleep, but working yourself ragged won't help anyone. You may not need to eat, but enjoying a meal with friends is about more than fueling your body."
He heads for the door to go to the dungeon and check on the Kellid. Lilt can still feel the touch of his mind for a fair length of time after he leaves, though eventually it does cut off.

Bhaakon

2016-08-20, 09:44 PM

Gwerm's Trailer------------------------

"Yes...yes to both your questions. I just need time. Messages to send, connections to reestablish. I have sources all over Avistan" Gwerm babbles, more than happy to go off on a completely different line of conversation. "I though be able to do both those things as soon as there's a sucure passage back to civilization. Surely you'll be sending a runner with news of your success back to Kenabres. If you'll let me tuck in a few personal missives, I can get the ball rolling on bother porjects."

"But...*Yawn* it really has been a trying day, and the laudanum I took is starting to kick in, so if you wouldn't mind leaving me to a hopefully dreamless sleep."

The man does an admirable job hiding his vulnerability, and even someone as oblivious as Lily can tell that there will be no secret pried from him this night. Not without magical means, anyway.

Nurah----------------------------------

"What do you mean another chance? You say that like I made some kind of mistake." Nurah bristles at the notion, obviously angry. "Look. I helped you. YOU. Because you're good people. I didn't help Old Queen High-and-Mighty, and I'm not gonna. Her rotten crusade deserved everything I did to it and more. Just like Kiranda and Staunton deserved whatever you gave 'em. As far as I'm concerned, both sides can grind each other down to dust." She harrumphs.

With her emotions riled, Sil can read her like a book. She really seems to think that destroying the crusade is just as righteous as destroying demons.

Joran-----------------------------------

"Bruvver." Joran slurs at Kord's approach. The younger dwarf is under guard, but the conditions aren't nearly as bad as you'd expect. He's still incredibly intoxicated, an apparently continued access to liquor was part of the arrangement he made when he threw open the gates, because he's been given a fresh supply.

"You going to end me wiff your own hand, then? The way it otter be, eh?"

Barrid----------------------------------

The hunchback sorcerer bobs his head slavishly at the news. "Told you it would work. Everything I said was true as I knew it. I didn't know about the succubus escaping, but that would explain Kiranda's mood. Wasn't my department, and you learn not to ask questions."

He looks up, expectantly. "So I get a pardon then, right? Cooperated and everything. Told you all I knew. Didn't even fight the crusade directly. I just trained some beasts is all. That's not a capital offense, any more than a horsetrainer can be charged for selling mounts to bandits."

Kellid-----------------------------------

Nalin finds the Kellid woman chaind like a beast---quite literally. The shackles she's weighed down with were almost certainly scrounged from Barrid's menagerie, and you wouldn't be surprised to find they were used to restrain the drakes you fought during your march on Drezen. Yet still, somehow, the woman managed to stalk back and forth across her tiny cell, dragging links of iron thick enough to anchor a Chellish man-o-war against a hurricane.

The snarl that erupts from her throat upon seeing Nalin completes the image. This isn't a woman in a prison. More like a starving grizzly about to be set against as bull in a baiting ring. "Couldn't even kill me clean, you coward." The woman growls, then spits through the bars.

Desril

2016-08-20, 09:58 PM

Lily - With Horgus

"I actually needed to send a letter myself, with everything that's happened I...sort of neglected to tell my mother that I'm still alive. The last she'd heard from me, I was on my way to Kenabres," the tiefling admits sheepishly. "I'm sure we can send your missives with the same runner."

When Horgus yawns, however, the tiefling suppresses a disappointed sigh. It was understandable though, and she didn't hold it against him. "Before you go to bed, let me go find Millia. Our magic is good at different things, and the two of us together can make sure your dreams are restful."

Once that is taken care of, unless Gwerm asks her to stay, Lily makes her way to Staunton's, No, Merjana's, study and starts searching for any trace of information on Arueshalae until Nalin arrives.

Assuming he doesn't object, Lily gets Millia to help.
Polypurpose Panacea + Dream Feast = Very pleasant, lucid dreams

Guess I could go talk to the elemental, but I think I'll wait for Ilorin or Sileniy and just wait until those interactions happen

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 10:15 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Gwerm's Carriage

"Thank you Horgus. And if you need anyone to talk to about what happened, just remember: my door is open."
Nalin bows and departs.

The Cell of the Kellid

"I didn't see any reason to kill you. Unlike the others, you still seem to be human."
He takes a seat in front of her, removing his helmet.
"So tell me, why are you so eager to die?"

Bhaakon

2016-08-20, 10:32 PM

"I'm oath-pledged to serve here by my clan-liege. To fight to the death in the service of the demons so that my kin could keep their ancestral lands." The Kellid barks. "You've stolen this honor from me, fool. If word of my survival reaches the wrong ears, the Wintersun clan will be slaughtered. You should have killed me."

Vhaidara

2016-08-20, 10:35 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin ***** his head at her, intrigued.
"If you think your people would have been left in peace, then you don't know demons. Tell me of your clan. Why do you choose to serve a master that will inevitably destroy you?"

Sileniy

2016-08-20, 10:52 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy opens his mouth to speak, but closes it a second later. "Maybe. Business first, we'll talk about a pardon in a minute. Last thing we need is to know what Arueshalae looks like. We'll - well, I'll - be trying to find her with scrying, and for that I need to know what she looks like, and the solution I came up with was to see her through either a memory, hopefully yours or Joran's. Did you ever see her close up?"

sense motive on his reply: [roll0]

With Nurah and Millia, Sileniy nods to confirm that yes, she really does feel like that.

Bhaakon

2016-08-21, 12:16 AM

Kellid-------------------------------------

"Choice? Marhevok won the position by combat, so I serve." The Kellid answers, her tone exactly what you would expect from a disgusted adult lecturing a stupid child. "I was defeated, and may not challenge again until another loses. I am no oathbreaker."

Barrid-------------------------------------

"I, uh." Barrid squirms a bit, obviously uncomfortable with the idea of anyone leafing through his memories. "Just once, at a distance. She wasn't my responsibility."

Vhaidara

2016-08-21, 12:44 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

"Interesting. So because you were beaten by a demon worshiper, your clan now follows the demons. Where are your lands? What are the rules of the challenge for leadership? Who can challenge? Do you think you could win, given another chance?"
He seems very interested in the procedure.
"If there is no true loyalty binding you to the demons, and since you in fact seem to desire your people be free of them, we may have common interest here."

stack

2016-08-21, 12:53 AM

"Keeping you pickled, I see? I fear the garrison will be short on booze, hope your thirst doesn't lead to a riot."

He sits down next to his brother. "We have Staunton also, as you probably heard. He was...resistant."

Kord shrugs. "You are out. Clean break; you can't go back there, obviously. I hear the demon's and their ilk are terribly unforgiving. Suppose some of the crusaders can be too, but they are people. Some better, some worse, some better or worse in some ways. And they have something worth fighting for."

"But what do you want? Bottom of a bottle might work for a bit, but we both know your liver is too strong for that to be a solution for long enough to help. Especially with the small beer we are going to be on out here once the keep stock runs out, which you have had a good start on accomplishing."

Frosty

2016-08-21, 12:58 AM

Millia

The aasimar nods in an understanding way. "Yes, you helped us greatly. For that we are grateful. And you're right, there are many things rotten about the crusade. But not all of it. After all, I'm a part of it. And the Eagle Watch too. They're from Andoran and they very much oppose Cheliax and Isger, but they spare time and effort here because the worldwound is an important fight too. And it's not just that some I the crusades are good people. You want to talk about deserving? Look at the prisoners we have. Joran. Many of the tieflings. That kellid woman. They have done many bad things that have hurts others, and perhaps many of them are *deserving* of death. But guess what? We likely will offer *them* a second a chance. Do you know why?"

Millia takes a deep breath. "While Kiranda died fighting, Staunton we've taken alive. Even someone as vile as he, we are offering a second chance. It's because sometimes, just sometimes, if you give someone undeserving a second chance, there is great potential for good to be done. Yes this crusade has problems...lots of them. But look, I'm working with it and helping the world. And perhaps if you can give the crusades a second chance...as *underserving* as they are of one in your view...you can help bring forth its potential for good and for change. Think of this as taking the high road. The crusade won't crumble, not with me protecting it. But if YOU can help change it for the better from within, you will be saving OTHERS from suffering the same way you did. Isn't this worth putting away your vengeance for now? We might find a better solution."

Bhaakon

2016-08-21, 04:33 AM

Kellid-----------------

"You'd challenge? Heh. You'd have to get a clan-member to sponsor you, first." She grins, no doubt imagining her clan-liege smashing Nalin's skull in. "Or just rile Marhevok until he challenges you himself. If you're fool enough to try, the clanhold is two day's ride south. I should warn you, though the blood of my clan doesn't run true. Many are touched by the Abyss, and Marhevok especially so. He looks normal enough when he's calm, but when his blood gets up he's hardly recognizable as a man."

Joran------------------

"Bah. Finding the bottom o' the jug is easier than finding answers." Joran whines, and takes another long pull. "It's funny, you know. Staunton lured me out here with news of Jormurdun, the Sky Citadel. Strung me along for years before he admitted he knew exactly where it was, all full of duergar and demons. Well, half full, anyway."

Joran grins. "I kept digging, of course, because Droskar teaches nothing if not stubbornness. See, the duergar only hold the deep reaches. Most of the sky citadel is held secure by the ancient defenses. Guardians and traps that can't be disable without the Crown...and I found out where the crown might be."

"You asked what I want, and if you're not going to kill me, then I want to finish what I really came here to do. What Staunton came here to do, at first."

Nurah-------------------

"Yer here offering up second chances, but only, I think, because I already helped you. Well tell me, why I should give the Crusade a second chance, eh? They're still full o' rot, even now. If they want a second chance from me, I'd see 'em start living up to the height of their horses, you understand? Turn away slave-holders and their rotten gold." She says, obviously not expecting it to come to fruition.

"But that ain't going to happen, 'cause they're more desperate now then ever. Why, the Hell Knights could march up here in force and Galfrey would bend over and lick their boots to get 'em on the front lines."

stack

2016-08-21, 04:53 AM

Kord gives his brother a huge, genuine smile. "So he really did find it? And you know much of it as well. All that was meant for evil may still be turned to good brother! Imagine the brothers Vhane reclaiming our ancient home. Of course, there are many foes between there and here."

"Hmm. You have seen this city, the state it is in. The crusaders risked much to take it. Imagine taking Jormurdun? Driving the duerger out and claiming our citadel... And you know of the crown? Let me tell you, they are naming one of my companions ruler of this city. Who would have better claim to Jormurdun than us? The three of us, united, finishing what we came here to start decades ago. No, no one will kill you, or Staunton, despite his best efforts. There is mercy here, with plenty of chances ahead to prove sincerity. The crown, is it far? That could prove to be a good first step, if you are willing to walk to path. Seeking acceptance from another deity might be good too, just as a side note. Redemption and all that. Besides, you are too good in a fight to waste here, right?"

Sileniy

2016-08-21, 05:19 AM

Sileniy

"Yeah... I know how you feel," Sileniy replies with empathy as Barrid squirms. "If it helps, I'm going to be on the receiving end of it later, and I'm not looking forward to it either. I get that it's strange, so if you don't want to do it just say so."

Vhaidara

2016-08-21, 08:30 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin chuckles.
"You're a member of the clan, aren't you? And you can't challenge him again until someone else does, right? So you sponsor me, and if I lose, you can take a second shot at him. Or, if you're unwilling, or unable due to some rule I don't know, I'm very good at being offensive when I want to be. I assume if I insult him, it would be seen as cowardly for him to simply have the tribe attack me, rather than fighting me himself?"
He smiles.
"In any case, I think we would make strong allies for each other. That is why I didn't kill you. Why waste your strength?"

Bhaakon

2016-08-21, 01:42 PM

Joran--------------------

The twinkle in Joran's eye is more than just the ill-focus of the inebriated as Kord responds. "I haven't seen it, nay. Staunton had some report on it, but there wasn't much there. Just that the place still stands, and that the deep ones and the demons haven't taken it fully."

"The crown, though...that took some extra work. Records I pieces together from a dozen places. The refugees retreated from the city to the east, taking their wounded king with them. They could heal his injuries well enough, but losing the citadel broke him. He died on the road, and they build him a hasty crypt, expected to return for a proper burial In Jormurdun once they'd re-taken it with the help of their brethren."

He sets the jug of rotgut down as he continues. "But they never got the help, and no one returned for the crown. As far as the histories state, it's still buried in that crypt, overlooking a river somewhere to the west o' Drezen. I got a few ideas where it might be, but I never got out to look. They'd started watching me by that point and I couldnay leave."

He sighs. "You think Staunts has it in him to care? He's...not the man you remember. Not even close."

Barrid--------------------

"Eurgh...just get it over with" The tiefling sighs at Sileniy, resigned to the indignity.

The memory is a brief one, a woman in an indigo and cold-iron fetters being dragged into the keep. There's no wind, but the cloak flutters as the wings and tail beneath writh against their bindings. Barrid is busy with his duties, but he stops to look for a moment. After all, he'd hardly be alive if a succubus passing nearby didn't gain his attention. The prison looks up briefly just as she's hauled through the gate--one last look at the sky, perhaps. It'a ll Sileniy needs to recognize the cheekbones, the line of the jaw, the button nose. He didn't recall the petite horns erupting from her brow, but her facial features were unmistakably those of the woman who had helped him.

Then Barrid's attention turns back towards training his beasts. The bulettes from the canyon, you note. One of them follows a command, and the tiefling tosses it a treat. An arm severed at the shoulder, probably human or elf. The memory fades.

When it's over, Barrid looks queasy. "You get what you wanted?" He wheezes.

Nalin-----------------------

"Aye, I could sponsor you, but could you win?" The Barbarian asks. There's a gleam in her eye. "Fight me, one-on-one. No magic tricks, and no groping dwarf to hold me still. Give me my armor and weapon and beat me in a contest of strength, and I'll walk right up to Marhevok and declare the challenge myself. None of the clan will bother you with me at your side."

"But when I beat you, you let me walk out of here a free woman." She seems to be serious, but surely she can't expect such a simple ploy to work.

stack

2016-08-21, 02:10 PM

Kord furrows his brow. Harmmph, Hmm. I think we could mount an expedition, find the crypt. Out in the worldwound so long I have no doubt it will be filled with nasties, but this lot seems good about dealing with such things. Far enough west that routine patrols won't stumble on it, I reckon. We may have the start of something here."

"As for Staunton, there is still a Vhane in there. Lot o' slag to knock off before finding the steel I reckon, but its there somewhere. I am to speak to him soon enough."

He holds out his hand, "So, you ready to give it a try? I am sure I can talk this lot into seeking the crypt and I want you with us, if you are willing. Gesture of good faith to show the others, though opening the gates was likely a fair start. First step towards the brothers Vhane routing the demons out of the way and finishing what we started a lifetime ago, finishing it together like we should have been all along?"

Frosty

2016-08-21, 02:36 PM

Millia

Millia shakes her head. "Listen to what I've said. I'm not offering second chances to just you. I mean, what has Staunton ever done for us? Or the barbarian woman? Or any of the tiefling soldiers? But there is *potential* for good in them, and if it won't pose an immediate dangers to others to give that second chance, I want to try to actuate that potential. You giving the crusades a second chance doesn't make things any worse than they already are. In fact by working within, there is *only* upward potential. Also, let me let you in on a little secret..."

She leans in a bit. "You know that Merjana worships Calistria of course. But...in reality she is quite the horrible Calistrian. Yes she executed some prisoners, but those were the worse ones that already *refused* our offer to second chances, AND she executed them in a quick and painless fashion. Back in Kenabres, we found someone who was defiling her paintings, and trust Merjana has a lot of pride as a painter. And the worst punishment he got was some tattoos on his head! I'm just counting the days when she switches to worshipping another deity. Merjana is truly bad at everything that Calistria cares about...both the revenge AND the prostituting, honestly. Look, the point is, you want reform? You're going to see it. First, Merjana now LEADS a city under the aegis of the crusades. She is very much a part of it, and you can bet she will tolerate no slavery within Drezen. Secondly, I have clout too, and I *will* bring up your very legitimate points with the queen herself. She might not be able to disband every Cheliax soldier from the war effort immediately, but I bet she can clamp down on slave-owning practices within the crusades. As in, stop the kinds of abuse you suffered. And you know, if my successes continue, we won't need those soldiers anymore because we'll have enough tiefling converts from the other side. Thanks to our efforts here, the crusades is actually DESS desperate than before. Morale has gone up everywhere."

Vhaidara

2016-08-21, 02:52 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin frowns. He didn't like the idea of fighting someone who he wanted an alliance with. But, if there was no other way to earn her respect, he would do it.
"I have no objections to your conditions. Are you fit to fight, or do you want a day or two to rest?"

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-21, 09:26 PM

Merjana the Questioner

Merjana sat on the roof of the keep -her keep, she corrected herself - and watched the sun trail across the abyss-touched sky for what seemed like an eternity, turning away the small handful of visitors that would come around until she was ready to receive them. This moment had been a long time coming, as unexpected as it was, and everything else could wait. When she finally grew tired, or perhaps bored of simply watching nothing, the half-elf stood and make her way down into her newly liberated, still ruined home.

She had work to do and a dream to realize.

Merjana the Gracious Host

Later that day, Merjana found her way to Lily's side, following through with the Wizard's request to speak with her. It was obvious that she seemed to be in especially high, driven spirits compared to her attitude in the days prior, though the specific cause couldn't be immediately obvious the tiefling - at least from where Merjana got her attention. "You wanted to speak with me," she queried as made her stride across the way, surveying just what her friend and ally was doing.

Sileniy

2016-08-21, 10:03 PM

Sileniy

Sileniy sits down heavily. For a while he is absent in thought and memory, eyes down and hands clasped. He stands up and leaves the tent without saying a word and heads back to the castle. There must be something he could use there; time, company, time alone, or a bottle of something.

Desril

2016-08-21, 10:11 PM

Lily - With Merjana

Frustrated with her lack of success on the Arueshalae front, Sileniy still had yet to speak with her and one can only read so many reports of torture and defilement in a row before needing a distraction, Lily was in the middle of reworking the rituals she'd gleamed from Nalin's mind when Merjana arrives. Looking up from her work, she smiles at the half-elf, "Been enjoying yourself now that you're a Lord," she asks teasingly.

"I'm glad you came. You know why we need to talk. To be honest, I didn't think you'd come find me so quickly, but," even Lily can't fail to notice Merjana's unusually high spirits, "It seems whatever Nalin caught is contagious, you look almost as happy as he was. Anyway, the last time we spoke, really, you needed time to think and we didn't finish our conversation. I'm worried about you. You serve Calistria, but you're not a spy, you're not cold enough to carry out the kind of revenge she encourages, and you apparently don't get any enjoyment out of a good night in bed. Why? Why do you serve her, that is, that last thing I'm curious about too, but I have some ideas on that end for later. I'm worried that your faith and soul at are odds, and I want to understand so I can help you."

Bhaakon

2016-08-22, 01:39 AM

Joran----------------------

"That an oath, brother?" Joran replies, obviously surprised and pleased. He takes another swig and shoves the jar of moonshine into Kord's calloused mitt. "Then, yes. Seal it with a drink, like Da used to in the old clanhold."

Nurah----------------------

"Well...maybe. Maybe." She says, backing down a bit. "Change has to start somewhere, I guess, and it can't be the top if the top is what's rotten."

"But You can't expect to keep my loyalties if you don't follow through. Maybe I made some mistakes...maybe...but I'm done being a pawn. Done being lied to." Her brow furrows. "So don't be lying about this."

Kellid-----------------------

"I made the challenge, you set the terms. That's how it works. Time and a place of your choice." The woman answers, obviously pleased at getting one over on the big man.

stack

2016-08-22, 01:52 AM

Kord takes the jug and quaffs it down. "An oath. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to tak to Staunton."

He exits, then find a couple steins and a cask of liquor, taking them to the anti magic cells in the prison.

Frosty

2016-08-22, 02:06 AM

Millia

Millia smiles. "I want more than just your loyalty, Nurah. I want your friendship, and you don't keep those by lying. I mean in, when we next have opportunity to speak to the queen face to face, I think I'll bring you along for the meeting. Your first hand accounts will be crucial in informing her exactly know bad things are, if she doesn't already know the details. I think she won't be able to ignore you if you make a personal plea. Just...try to be civil when this happens alright? I'll be there to back you up. The crusades NEED me and my friends, not the other way around. Now, of course Merjana will need to officially decree your punishment, but like I said, given your material aid, she will treat you fairly. I'll recommend that you be released into my custody and act under my guidance, but in terms of actual aid, how do you think you can best help Drezen and also the war effort at this point in time?"

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

Beforehand, asking to talk with Sileny...

Millia finds Sileny in a private spot. She knows that the bard had gotten an important memory from Barrid, but she isn't quite sure of how significant the memory is to him. She does know that it's important to her though. "Hey Sileny...how're you doing? I wanted to ask you for a favor. I'm about to talk to Nuah and try to convinc her to start down the path of redemption, and I could use,your expertise on figuring people out. You've been better it than I, and I can learn a thing or two from this I'm sure. Also...I heard you had memory from Barrid regarding the Succubus. I don't know if she is important to you, but...she's really important to both me and Lily. She represents the ultimate hope. The ultimate proof that anything can turn for the better. Would you mind sharing what you learned? And of course if you have any questions, I'll be happy to list and then answer as best I can."

Vhaidara

2016-08-22, 05:17 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods.
"Unfortunately, I'll need to bring this up with Lady Merjana first. As a descendant of Sarkoris, General Galfrey bequeathed Drezen to her, so you are her prisoner, not mine. So your fate rests with her, not with me."
He rises.
"In the meantime, if you will give me your word of honor that you will not attempt to escape, I can see about finding you better accommodations until our duel."
Regardless of her response to that, he begins to leave, before turning back.
"Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. I am called Nalin. And what do your people call you?"

Later that day (or possibly tomorrow)

Nalin approaches Merjana when she has a moment to spare.
"Hail friend. It seems rulership agrees with you."
Hoping that worked as introductory small talk, he gets to business, the story tumbling out as if he doesn't know how to stop.
"I was speaking to our Kellid prisoner. She's concerned that the demons will wipe out her tribe for her failure. If I can beat her in single combat, then she will take me to the tribe and challenge the current chief for me. I could save them, Merjana. And besides, we need allies who know the land."

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-22, 12:51 PM

Merjana The Host

About halfway through Lily's speech, the magus loses patience with the wizard, bringing her hand up and putting a finger on her friend's lips as it nears its close. Once she's sure her friend has actually stopped talking, she removes it and replies, "Calistria gave me strength when I had nothing but rage in my heart, her people treated me as kin when those who raised me were too busy caring for the less independent children in Kenabres. She's not the cold-blooded killer she has the reputation for, and her place among the fields of Elysium should be enough to prove that. For these reasons I will always have a place in my heart for her and hers, though I know I need to find a place for my own strength now."

Merjana shifts where she stands, her pose and posture turning from the self-assured one she had earlier to one much less so, more concerned and worried about her future. She didn't know where this path was taking her, and already the thorns were starting to hurt. "...What this means, I'm not sure yet. You will very likely be the first to know."

Merjana the Commander

Merjana furrowed her brow at the tiefling's poor attempt at small talk, giving the man a dark chuckle. In truth, she was tired more than anything, but at least so far she was tired and satisfied with how things were going. She could hear the concern, perhaps, on the man's voice. She was never quite sure about his emotions, and she doubted she ever would be - Nalin always had arcane sensibilities. "The one we fought in the ritual chamber?" After pausing to let Nalin confirm or correct her, she continues, "Two questions: What's the catch and do you believe she's telling the truth? We can't just go granting all our prisoners the right to duel the commanders, that will end poorly for basically all parties."

Desril

2016-08-22, 01:00 PM

Lily - With Merjana

Finding herself silenced by Merjana, the tiefling listens and flounders when the half-elf makes her path clear, or at least as clear as it can be to anyone when she's obviously still looking for it herself, and nods her head.

Clearly she'd been expecting a long, drawn out debate for trying to reason with the magus and pull her from the Savored Sting's clutches, but seeing Merjana break free on her own isn't something she'd planned for, and it takes her a moment to recollect her thoughts. "I see...I'm glad you came to the realization on your own though, and I'm sorry if I overstepped...I'll always be here if you want to talk or need help finding your path though. Wherever it takes you though, I'm sure the journey will be worth it," she says with much more certainty than Merjana's face shows at the moment.

After a brief pause, debating what to say next, "Well, it'd be a shame if you came all the way to see me and I didn't help you somehow, so I guess we can talk about that other issue you had. I can understand if you're just not interested in sex, but if I've learned anything in the last month it's how it should be enjoyable, and it wasn't a big issue compared to your spiritual well-being, but since you seem to be on top of that..."

Vhaidara

2016-08-22, 01:23 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin nods.
"If she wins, she goes free. It would hopefully be enough to save her tribe. And I do believe her. She didn't want to be here. From her comments, I think she tried to fight the current chief and lost. My guess is the fight was closer than the chief was happy with, so he sent her here to get rid of a rival."
He lets out a sigh.
"She seems honorable to me. I can beat her, and with her help, I can save her tribe."

Bhaakon

2016-08-22, 10:27 PM

Kellid--------------------------

"I have accepted your challenge, Nalin. Jestak Wintersun is no coward who would flee a fight." The Kellid replies, a hint of anger at the implication sneaking into her tone.

Nurah--------------------------

She probably should have been expecting the question, but the stupid gap on Nurah's face proves that she hadn't even considered it.

"Um...I don't really know. Well...I guess I know some of the land around Drezen pretty well. Better than anyone in the crusade, anyway. I can cook pretty well, I guess. I did all kind of things for the troops when I was still under cover, listening to problems and lifting spirits, but I don't expect anyone to trust me enough to do that anymore."

She sighs, sadly. "I ran my old master's household, too. I guess this keep is turning into a palace for Merjana, and you killed the old Seneschal."

Staunton--------------------------

It's strange. It's only been a couple hours since you were down in the dungeons fighting for your life, yet the place feels completely different. The vile susurrus is gone, and while the stink of rot and mold remain--now augmented by a hint of sulfur from the new lava pit--the bodies have been disposed of.

Staunton is locked in the magic-proof cell opposite of nascent shrine to Desna. He huddles in the back, away from the door, as Kord slide open the eye slot to look in. Unarmed and armors, stripped of his power, Staunton looks as limp and pathetic as a battered rag doll. His muscles are slack, his eye sunken, his half-healed wound angry red. If you didn't know any better, you'd think he'd been sitting here a week without a meal.

He just stares back, sullen, eyes dead to the light.

Desril

2016-08-22, 10:49 PM

Lily - Two Days Later

The last couple of days had been nearly as exciting as the siege itself, but Lilith hadn't forgotten Horgus. He seemed like he needed time, and she had other concerns, so she tried to give him the time he needed. But after the fifth time he found an excuse to duck out of the room right after she entered it, Lily made up her mind to confront him again.

Tracking him down was easy enough, Horgus was shrewd, cunning, and clever, but stealthy wasn't one of his traits. No, the real trick was catching him alone and then silently erecting an illusory wall over the door to the room so no one disturbed them. After that it was easy to open the door behind her own fake wall and greet the merchant prince. "I'm glad that you're up and about again," she starts without hesitation when she sees him, "I have to admit I was a little worried after...everything that happened. But ever since that night it feels like you've been avoiding me, Horgus, and I think it's time we talked."

Frosty

2016-08-22, 11:57 PM

Millia the gambler of seconds

Millia smiles at Nurah. "No, you will not be treated as a slave. And while imagine you would do a great job at being a majordomo and cook, I'm sure you wouldn't feel happy. I want you to feel proud of your contributions. Things that other crusaders can look at and say, 'Hey Nurah is sticking her neck out for us. Maybe we should listen to what she says.' I would like you to work with Anevia and help make sure that any threats that come are detected early. She likes scouting and you know the lands...you can keep her safe"

She thinks about things for a moment. "Oh, and I actually do want you to cook, but only to teach Anevia how. Her skills in cooking are...lacking.". She relates the funny incident with the soup and the ghost pepper.

Ilorin Lorati

2016-08-23, 01:42 AM

Merjana the Annoyed (w/ Lily)

"You didn't overstep at all; without your help, the help of the rest of our group, and the help of every single man and woman that marched their way here with us, I wouldn't have been able to come to this realization. The people of Drezen deserve the best of their leaders; to do that I need to find a god I can believe in and draw strength from without reservations. My desire for vengeance was not petty, and I can't guarantee that I'll ever truly be over it, but I simply cannot let is consume me like it tried to in the depths of Kenabres and on the way here. I never felt so bad as when I performed those executions; never again." The magi's face is still quite nervous, but she lets the wizard continue on, right up until the sex thing pops up again.

Almost immediately, Merjana's tone changes. Instead of getting the wizard to be quiet, she simply talks over the woman to make her point clear. Apparently overstepping isn't outside of the realm of possibility for the wizard yet. "It's not that it's not enjoyable, it's that I don't crave that kind of connection with others. It's a nice change of pace, and can be fun, but it's not... well, it's not like the feeling of finishing a painting. Can we move on, please?"

Merjana the Concerned

The magus furrows her brow at her ally, looking at him with a critical eye. If it weren't for her timely magics earlier, the woman would have taken a sizable chunk out of Nalin, she was sure of it; now he wanted to go toe to toe with her? She knew how important these battles were to her distant brothers and sisters... and she knew it would be dangerous for both of them. "And if we just go up there to liberate them, we'll probably be attacked on sight." The magus mutters, nodding in approval at the man. "Our first priority here is saving these people from the clutches of demons, and we can't do that if they're dead. I'll grant you permission for this duel."

Vhaidara

2016-08-23, 05:43 AM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin bows to Merjana.
"You guessed it exactly. Without a member of the tribe to initiate the challenge, I have no right to do so. Thank you Milady."
He grins at her.
"Don't worry, Merjana. This time, I'm in control of my powers. I'll beat her."

stack

2016-08-23, 12:30 PM

Kord has the door opened, then nods to the guard to close it behind him. He sits down, setting the two steins out then filling them. "Everything you fought for destroyed, and army conquering your home, locked in a cell, only to be visited by your brother who is keeping you there. As you know, I have been there. Which tells me you need a drink."

Vhaidara

2016-08-23, 03:23 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Later that night, the duel is joined. Standing apart from each other, Nalin salutes Jestak. Then he settles into a fighting stance. Gone is his shield. He now wields the holy spear with both hands. A quiet smile touches his lips beneath his helmet as shadows around him withdraw into the sigil burning on his forehead. He steps forward and strikes.

Starting off in Black Seraph's Glare. AC 21, intimidate on hit.

Combat Form -3 Damage, +3 to hit. 5ft step forward.

Full Attack
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+[roll3]
Crit: [roll4]

Attack: [roll5]
Crit: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7] + [roll8]
Crit: [roll9]

Demoralize on hit: [roll10]

Immediate Action: Spend a MP to activate Cage Enemy
As an immediate action, you can expend one use of mythic power to hinder opponents until the end of your next turn. When this ability is active, any creature moving out of one of your threatened squares, even when making a 5-foot step or using a form of movement that doesn't usually provoke attacks of opportunity, provokes an attack of opportunity from you. If your attack of opportunity hits and deals damage, the creature remains in its current space and its movement ends.

AoO if she moves
Attack: [roll11]
Crit: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]+[roll14]
Crit: [roll15]

Bhaakon

2016-08-23, 03:31 PM

The blow lands true, smacking Jestak square on the sternum, blowing the air from her lungs and leaving her gasping. She shouts--or tries to, at least. It comes out more like an aggressive wheeze--and charges. She makes it about half a step before Nalin jabs again at a knee, stopping her cold.

Yeah, she can't do anything. Go again.

Vhaidara

2016-08-23, 03:43 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

Nalin keeps up the pressure, Radiance dancing in his hands as he assaults Jestak's paltry defenses. As he does, the sigil fades and the shadows seep out from it, forming again into the spectral black wings

Okay, swift action Razor Wings of the Black Seraph, AC back up to 23.

Combat form stays at -3 damage, +3 hit

Full attack
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+[roll3]
Crit: [roll4]

Attack: [roll5]
Crit: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]+[roll8]
Crit: [roll9]

Turn ends, Immediate action, Cage Enemy

AoO
Attack: [roll10]
Crit: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]+[roll13]
Crit: [roll14]

Bhaakon

2016-08-23, 03:57 PM

Radiance strikes from every angle, snaking around the barbarian's greatsword to batter her brow, her elbow, her gut...everywhere there's an opening and even a few spots that seemed properly defended. Try as she might, Jestak can't even take a step towards Nalin through the barrage.

Vhaidara

2016-08-23, 04:03 PM

Nalin of the Blackened Soul

As his onslaught continues, Nalin addresses Jestak.
"Do you believe me yet when I say I can free your people?"

Combat form stays at -3 damage, +3 hit

Full attack
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+[roll3]
Crit: [roll4]

Attack: [roll5]
Crit: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]+[roll8]
Crit: [roll9]

Turn ends, Immediate action, Cage Enemy

AoO
Attack: [roll10]
Crit: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]+[roll13]
Crit: [roll14]

Bhaakon

2016-08-23, 04:17 PM

"Duel"-------------------------

Nalin's blows might have been aimed to disable, but painlessness is another matter. Jestak's greatsword clatters against the cobbles as it falls from nerveless fingers--a few of which are already swelling and turning an ugly shade of purple. Blood flows freely from a cut above one eye, and she pants through the pain of several bruised ribs.

"Aye..." She murmers, exhausted despite the briefness of the...well, 'exchange' isn't exactly the right word. Nor "duel". Dismantling, perhaps. "I'll make your challenge, then. I should warn you, though. He dropped me in one blow."

Staunton-----------------------

The beaten dwarf stares at the proffered liquor for a long moment, almost as if he didn't know what 'a drink' was. But he surely does, since he grabs the stein and drains it in one long pull.

"What I need is a small mercy." He whispers, his voice flat and dead. "Kill me here, now. Spare yourself the humiliation of your brother's execution. Or spare me an even worse fate, when Aponivicius comes back here and finds me alive."