Wrath of the Righteous - The Worldwound Incursion IC

[Diachronos]

For several weeks, excitement has been building in Kenabres-Armasse is coming! Traditionally an opportunity for scholars and priests to come together to study the lessons of history from wars past, since Aroden's death, this holy day has become more about training commoners in weaponry, choosing squires, and ordaining new priests. Over time, Armasse has grown to encompass jousting competitions, mock duels, battle reenactments, and other festival events. In Kenabres, the festival (which takes place on 16 Arodus) is eagerly anticipated, for it provides distractions from the horrors of being on the front line of the war. Smiles on faces normally marred by downcast eyes and furrowed brows do wonders for city morale in the weeks leading up to the event.

Armasse is a citywide celebration, but the majority of the event, including its jousting matches and other entertainments, takes place at Clydwell Plaza, just west of the cathedral.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arios Heartshield awakens, his head throbbing with a thunderous headache. His ears are ringing, and each breath is a labor all of its own. After a few moments, the sounds of rocks clattering, coughing, and moans of pain, as well as the choking smell of dust, become apparent as his senses seem to return, but it remains pitch black. Feeling around in the darkness, Arios feels rubble all around himself, and realize that his body is covered in dirt and filth. Despite the general aches and pains, however, he appears to be unharmed.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stands up and looks around, confused. What has happened to him? He feels so strange, so beaten and broken, but he is unharmed? The knight checks himself for any missing equipment. He examines his location, to see if he has been moved by some outside force.

[Diachronos]

As he looks around, Arios' head begins to clear... and he recalls the events leading up to now.

Armasse officially began at noon, with the blessing of the festival by Lord Huirun himself, ruler of Kenabres. The crowd gathered in Clydewell Plaza quieted as the aged inquisitor took the stage, clad in shining, resplendent armor. He cleared his throat, but just as he was about to speak, a bright light shone from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Hulrun's shadow fell huge and distorted across the cathedral's facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion ripped through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor.

To the west, the fortress known as the Kite - the location of Kenabres' wardstone - had vanished. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupted into the heavens.

A moment later, a powerful roar acompanied a welcome sight rising from the crowd - Kenabres' greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who had until that moment been attending the opening ceremony disguised as a human. Above, another form appeared, as nightmarish as the dragon was breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripped a flaming sword and whip. The creature's identity was immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, had come to Kenabres~

As the ground continued to shake and disgorge demons into the streets, the dragon and the balor lord clashed above. The fight was over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cut deep into Terendelev's body, swooping down to strike the dragon and arresting her charge. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spiraled downward toward the crowd.

The sight of the dragon smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one no witness would ever forget. At that moment, a titanic demon erupted at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruuins as it smashed into this world. The rift it created shot across the plaza, and this time there was no escape - it opened below Arios' feet, angling away into darkness. Even as he fell, the dragon noticed his plight. Though she saw death standing over her, she seized this final chance to save a few more souls. After she uttered a few arcane words and stretched out a bleeding talon, Arios had felt her magic take hold of him, slowing his plummet into the darkness as if he were feathers falling into a pit. Yet the fall remained as inexorable, and as he drifted downard into the depths, the last thing he saw was the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragon, his sword slashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head fell, the rift above him slammed shut, and the light of the world above was gone.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stands up slowly. "The wardstone...what could have happened? For a demon that powerful to escape even though just one wardstone collapsed...that doesn't make any sense! This is bad. I have to get back to Kenabres. There may be other survivors! I can..."

He grabs at his sword and shakes his head solemnly. "I can...do nothing. Not against a creature that powerful. But at the very least, I am alive. I will return to the city, with caution. If there is no more danger, hopefully I can at least protect those who are still alive from lesser demons. Terendelev...thank you."

He touches his holy symbol with one steel gauntlet and whispers a soft prayer. His weapon emits a light from its blade and he raises it in both hands. Whatever creatures may lurk underground, they are no match for the will of the goddess. If he had lived, it was only by Iomedae's grace that he had been so close to Terendelev when the rift had opened. Though the dragon had saved him, her actions were a tool used to craft the fate granted him by the goddess of honor. And now it was up to him to follow Her will, as he has always done.

Arios begins moving forward, looking for a path to follow.

[Diachronos]

As his light illuminates the surrounding area, Arios realizes just how lucky he was. Numerous broken and twisted bodies of the citizens of Kenabres lie among the rubble that had fallen in during the collapse, all victims that Terendelev couldn't save...

However, he isn't the only survivor. Five others stir among the debris, and are in the process of picking themselves up as the light of his orison shines upon them. Among them are two young women, one with short black hair and one with long auburn hair, and three men: a tiefling, an elf, and a human.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios helps the elf to his feet. "Hello. My name is Arios. Are you alright? Can you all move? I can pass a blessing on to anyone who is injured. By the grace of Iomedae, your pain will end with my touch."

[Diachronos]

The elf nods, groping about for something to steady himself. "I've been in better shape, but at the very least I am still breathing. Young man, do you by any chance have a source of light?" Before Arios can comment on the fact that he already has a magical light, he sees the issue: the elf's face is a mass of horrific burns, and whatever had caused the injuries had not spared his eyes.

The tiefling is quick to get back on his feet, twirling a starknife in one hand. "Ugh... nice to see my luck's as sterling as ever..."

[NeoSeraphi]

"My apologies, serah, but I fear the light will not reach your eyes ever again," Arios says solemnly. He turns to the tiefling. "Hm. You seem rather capable with that blade. Good. Would you mind lending a hand to help me defend the weaker among us from any demons as we make our way back?"

[Diachronos]

"I suppose..."

The auburn-haired girl rises unsteadily to her feet, clutching a small tome to her chest. "I-is anybody else hurt?"

The remaining man rolls into a sitting position. "Of course we're injured, you daft girl! We just fell how far after demons attacked the city!"

"You don't have to be so hostile to her. We don't know what state everybody's in, and it's better to make sure nobody's left untreated if we're going to survive down here." The remaining woman's voice is strained, but level, and she seems able to sit up on her own at least.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios frowns and walks over to the woman who has sat up. He places a hand on her shoulder. "I need to take a look at this. Please stay still, it'll be over quickly."

He places one hand on her leg and begins to check her for any serious injury.

Heal: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The woman yelps loudly as he touches her leg; it seems that it was broken rather badly during the fall. However, with Arios' knowledge of first aid and a few minutes of work, he's able to salvage enough wood and rope to make an effective splint for her.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios points to the human man and the auburn-haired girl. "Alright, if we're going to make it out of this alive, we're making it out together, as one group. So I don't want to hear anything selfish from anyone. Now you, sir. Please help this woman walk. If you support her weight she shouldn't injure herself anymore. And to the young lady with the tome, please escort this man through the cave. He will need your help to avoid any obstacles or pitfalls that may be down here."

Arios transfers his light spell to the splint on the woman's leg so that he can lead the group without those in the back being unable to see. "And you, hellspawn. You're with me," Arios says to the tiefling. Of course, in Westcrown 'hellspawn' is just another word they use to describe tieflings. Arios hasn't met many tieflings outside of Cheliax so he has no way of knowing the word is actually offensive.

[Diachronos]

The woman with the broken leg shakes her head and grabs a long piece of timber, using it to get to her feet. "I can manage on my own, don't worry. Just take it slow so I can keep up."

The elf frowns. "Before anything else, I believe introductions are in order, and I'd like to know just what experience each of you have in combat."

The tiefling fixes Arios in a hard stare. "Call me 'hellspawn' again, and it's not the blind man who'll be having to worry about pitfalls."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios raises his hands. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to offend. Well then, hurry up and tell me what your name is already!"

He turns to the elf. "Introductions. Sounds good. Like I said before, my name is Arios. Arios Heartshield. I was a member of the Magnimar City Guard for six years, captain for the last one. I've seen my share of fights, enough to put plenty of dents in this old sword. And uh...not trying to pick any fights here, but looking around this group, I'd say that I'm the one who would bring the most brute strength to the table. For whatever good that will do us against a monster like the one up in the city."

[Diachronos]

The elf nods. "None of us are a match for the likes of Khorramzadeh, but his presence does not change the fact that we can not remain here indefinitely." He nods. "I am Aravashnial, a conjurer."

The splinted woman winces lightly as she moves to join them. "Anevia Tirabade. I used to be an adventurer, but I'm still a decent shot with a bow, and I can open any locks that we might run into."

The finely-dressed portly man scowls. "Horgus Gwerm, of House Gwerm. You've no doubt heard of my investments in Truestone Quarry, I ass-"

"Nope, never heard of you." Ignoring Horgus' indignant glare, the tielfling resumes the twirling of his starknife. "Name's Voren. I'm not the strongest around, but I know how to hit someone where it hurts."

[NeoSeraphi]

Gabriel looks to the girl with the tome. "And you?" he asks with a smile.

[Diachronos]

"R-Rachel. I'm a... a mage..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios gives Voren a look and smiles at Horgus. "Lord Gwerm, it is truly a blessing that such an important man as you has survived this terrible attack. Please, allow me the honor of escorting you from this place unharmed. No payment is necessary, but I will request that you stay close and do as I say. I assure you, whatever commands I issue will be for your safety." Arios bows politely. He's very used to kowtowing to lords and ladies.

As the group walks, Arios glances over at Aravashnial, which means his eyes pass over Rachel since she's walking next to him. "Aravashnial, you said you were a conjurer. Do you know what happened to the wardstone?"

Arios will detect evil as he walks, checking each member of the group for an aura. His gaze lingers on the elf specifically and he will scrutinize the slightest bit of evil.

[Diachronos]

Horgus' ego seems to be soothed by Arios' kowtowing. "I shall hold you to that, then, Sir Heartshield. However, I will not let this service go unrewarded, and I am willing to award you and your companions 2000gp as compensation for seeing me safely back to the surface."

"I'm afraid I do not know. That is something we shall have to investigate when we get out of here."

Arios doesn't detect any of them as evil.

As they move onward, Anevia calls up to the front of the group. "Wait, I think I've found something back here!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares at Horgus. "Two thousand gold pieces? Even divided five ways that's still more money than I have made in my entire lifetime. My lord, are you certain you can spare such generosity?"

Arios turns back to glance at the pickpocket. "Alright, well, let's see what it is."

He walks back towards her and glances at what she's found.

[Diachronos]

"Yes, I am certain. I may be a businessman, but I am not a cheapskate."

On the ground are a small collection of silvery scales. Judging by the color and sheen, they may have come off from Terendelev herself.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios uses his power to detect magic on them, and picks one of them up carefully.

Appraise: [roll0]
Can't identify any magical properties because Spellcraft is trained only, but I'm sure Rachel will help with that.

[Diachronos]

The nature of the scales reveals their powers automatically to their carrier.
Each scale has one of four abilities from the following list:
Cloudwalking: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast levitate. A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target's altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target's size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within.
Disguise: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures.
Resistance: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast resist elements-but only against electricity or cold.
Sacred Weaponry: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell, this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios picks up the Sacred Weaponry scale. "Terendelev...I won't let your sacrifice be in vain!"

He hands the Levitate scale to Rachel, the Disguise scale to Aneiva, and the Resistance scale to Voren.

[Diachronos]

The three of them tuck their scales away where they'll be safe. "It looks like there's no getting out of here other than that passage over there." Voren points toward a tunnel opposite from where they'd found the scales.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "Well then. That's where we're going. Let's move everyone!" He heads towards the tunnel with Voren next to him.

[Diachronos]

As the group makes their way toward the only visible exit, they spy a large black spider twitching in the pathway.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares at the giant spider for a moment, not believing it's actually real. What kind of sick god would make an insect abomination so huge, and still so gross? Wait, no, that's not right. An arachnid abomination.

Arios holds his greatsword in both hands. "Alright. Aneiva, cover Rachel and Lord Gwerm. Voren, let's get to work."

He charges forward and smashes the spider into pieces.

[roll0] Charge, Power Attack
Damage: [roll1]

Arios's AC drops to 15 for this round.

[Diachronos]

As Arios' sword cuts into the spider, a horrid stench hits his nose. It seems that the creature has actually been dead for some time; the twitching was from the pair of enormous maggots feasting on its innards, which burst out as the spider's flesh parts beneath the blade.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios covers his nose and grunts angrily. He steps on a few of the maggots and walks past the creature. Iomedae will forgive him for the senseless killing of living creatures if it is in revenge for his ruined palate. He continues on with his sword hand ready.

[Diachronos]

The larger maggots lunge in to attack Arios!

Voren steps in to assist the paladin.

Maggot 1:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]

Maggot 2:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

Voren: Attacking Maggot 1
Attack: [roll8]/[roll9]
Damage: [roll10]/[roll11]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares in disbelief. "What the...I'm not dead! Do you really think you can prey on me? Scavenging larval insect!" He sweeps his sword forward and cuts down the creature that Voren had not attacked.

[roll0] Power Attack
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios splits the maggot in half easily. The other maggot continues attacking him, while Voren tries to finish it off.


Maggot:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Voren:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios beats the maggot back with an uppercut slash.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack catches the spider's carapace, causing the blow to glance away.


Maggot:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Voren:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs in a bit of frustration as Voren's weak attacks barely pierce the insect's soft skin. He lifts his blade above his head and brings it crashing down.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

The maggot has the reflexes of a rabbit, it seems.

Maggot:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Voren:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios takes a hit from the creature and sighs. He wipes some saliva off his armor and slices the maggot's head from its neck.

[roll0]
[roll1]

He sheathes his weapon. "Disgusting. Now then. Let's get going again."

[Diachronos]

With the maggots slain, the group is able to progress.

The next small cavern appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire, and a pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios searches the campsite for any sort of identification for the bones, or any equipment or valuables that can still be used or sold.

[Diachronos]

Voren stops Arois as he approaches the pile. "More insects, looks like roaches this time." He points, and Arios can see the pair of giant roaches crawling through the pile of garbage.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs and heals himself in case the creatures try to fight back. Then he slams his weapon down onto the first roach.

Cure Light Wounds: [roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack easily crushes the first roach. Voren moves in to attack, prompting the remaining cockroach to retaliate.

Voren:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Roach:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios carefully aims his weapon and lets it fly.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

The roach nimbly dodges Arios' attack.

Voren:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Roach:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios maneuvers behind the roach and squashes it.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Once again, the roach takes shelter in the garbage pile to defend itself.

Voren:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Roach:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios attacks from behind again.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios succeeds in finishing off the roach.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs and turns to Voren. "Are you alright?" he asks, before resuming his search in the equipment for any sign of identification or useful items.

[Diachronos]

He nods. "Yes, just a scratch."

There isn't much in the campsite aside from a torn bedroll, three partially-used candles, a bent fishhook, and ten feet of badly frayed hemp rope, but in the garbage pile Arios does locate a copper brooch depicting a bat sitting on a mushroom, with its eyes being tiny amethysts.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares at the strange image. This has to be some kind of religious symbol, he decides.

Know (Religion): [roll0]
Know (Planes) [roll1]

[Diachronos]

If the brooch is meant to be a symbol of some kind, it isn't one that Arios recognizes.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios shrugs and walks over to Rachel. "What do you make of this?" he asks.

[Diachronos]

Rachel examines the brooch, but shakes her head. "It looks valuable, but it's not any sort of symbol I recognize."

[NeoSeraphi]

"No, I was asking if you like it. If you want it, it's yours," Arios says with a polite smile.

[Diachronos]

Rachel blushes and shakes her head. "N-no, it's okay. You keep it."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios shrugs and puts the brooch in his pocket. The group moves past the campsite and towards the exit.

[Diachronos]

The cavern continues on, before coming to a fork. They can go left, or right.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios thinks for a moment. He looks down at the ground to see if he can tell which way the wind has blown the dust over the rocks. If the dust on the rocks is mostly collected on the left side, he can go left. If it's mostly collected on the right side, he can go right.

Survival: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The dust has settled evenly; if either of these paths lead out, it's too far away for the wind to reach here.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs. "Alright then. We're going to go...that way!" he declares, and marches to the left.

[Diachronos]

As they head down the left path, Voren stops. "Should I run and check that other path to see if it goes anywhere?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Okay then. Go ahead, I'll stay here and look after the others," Arios replies.

[Diachronos]

Voren leaves, and returns a few minutes later with a well-crafted backpack. "It's a dead end, but I found some supplies."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios looks down at the backpack, before looking back up at Voren with a raised eyebrow. "Wow. It's true. Hells- er...tieflings...can see in the dark. What's it like? Is it any different than walking around in the sun?"

[Diachronos]

Voren shakes his head. "Not in the light, at least. In the dark, everything's black and white."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "Wow. That's cool. That will definitely come in handy if we get separated then."

He checks the bag for its contents.

[Diachronos]

Inside the backpack are 10 days' worth of trail rations, a set of flint and steel, a bag of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, a potion of cure light wounds, and a potion of lesser restoration.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios whistles. "This is quite a haul. Right, well, if you could hold on to this, I'll let you know if we need anything from it." He hands the backpack back to Voren and they continue on the left path.

[Diachronos]

They return to the fork and head down the remaining path, passing through a room with mounds upon mounds of rubbled from the tremors. Among one of the piles is a small snake, which hisses at them as they enter.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios looks at the snake to see if he needs to fight the creature or if they can avoid it by walking around the pile.

[Diachronos]

It would be a little difficult to pass without getting within range of the snake, but they may be able to just squeeze or run past and leave the snake behind.

[NeoSeraphi]

That's not the type of maneuver Arios thinks the elf can make, and Rachel may not be able to move fast enough while guiding him either. He draws his sword and attacks the snake.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

With one swift strike, Arios decapitates the snake.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods and gestures for everyone to walk through the room and move on.

[Diachronos]

The group continues on, with their travel taking close to half an hour due to a combination of the rough ground, Aravashniel's blindness, and Anevia's broken leg. They finally come upon a fork in the tunnel. To the north lies a 5-foot wide gap in the wall, leading to a cavern filled with soft but nasty-looking green light. To the south, the tunnel continues for some distance before curving out of sight.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Voren, can you check out that path to the north?" Arios asks.

[Diachronos]

The tiefling nods and heads into the passage. A few minutes later he comes back. "I think this is a temple of Torag."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios crosses his arms. "A temple? Buried underground? Hmmm...well, perhaps we should rest here for the night. Is anyone tired?" He looks back at the group.

[Diachronos]

After a moment, everyone nods. "I'd rather be above ground, but we should take this chance to rest and recover while we can."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios leads everyone through the passage to the north. When they arrive in the temple, Arios lets everyone else sleeps while he takes the first watch.

[Diachronos]

The temple door is stuck, and seems like it will need to be forced open.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios slams his entire weight against the door.

[roll0]

[Diachronos]

The door creaks open, and they enter a dusty chamber with a small shrine at the far end. Kneeling motionless on a bench before the shrine is a cloaked figure, its back to them.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios frowns. "I'm terribly sorry, serah. We don't mean to intrude on your prayer, but if you don't mind, we'll just be taking up a bit of space on our own on this end of the temple..." He motions for everyone to gather far away from the figure and closes the door behind them.

[Diachronos]

The figure does not respond to Arios' words. Everyone gathers on the other end of the room. Anevia seems depressed now that they're inside.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sits down next to her. "Is something wrong?" he asks the injured woman.

[Diachronos]

"Oh, it's just... my leg's bothering me more than before."

Horgus huffs and sinks into a bench himself. "Just slowing the rest of us down... probably be better if we split up and left her here..."

Aneiva growls and slams her fist on the bench. "I'm not surprised that a man afraid to acknowledge his own faith wouldn't be moved by a forgotten temple like this! Being ashamed of one's faith is as bad as worshiping demons!"

Horgus sputters for a moment, as if processing just what she'd said to him. "Oh, the irony, to be chided by someone known to consort with thieves!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios steps between them. "Hey now. That's enough. Lord Gwerm, with all due respect, Aneiva's limited mobility is not slowing us down nearly as much as our limited vision is. Even if we left her here, we would still need to traipse along cautiously because we can barely see thirty feet in front of us even with my spells. I understand your frustrations and concerns, but we would gain nothing from splitting up now and Aneiva has skills that may yet prove useful to our escape."

He looks at Aneiva. "And your pain is no reason to get angry at others. Pride or no, you are incapable of matching anyone else's speed at the moment. That was all Lord Gwerm was noting with his comment. You did not have to go and make it personal. I will not have any infighting here. That kind of talk won't solve anything and will only make us more vulnerable to a surprise attack."

Arios opens his bag and removes a blanket and a bedroll. He sets up the bedroll and hands Aneiva a blanket. "Get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning."

[Diachronos]

The two of them back down after Arios speaks up, and everyone settles in to sleep.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs as everyone else falls asleep. He walks over to one of the pews and smiles. "Do you mind if I sit next to you?" he asks the cloaked figure with a friendly voice.

[Diachronos]

The figure does not answer. From his new position, Arios can see that it appears to be a dwarf, and that he has a layer of dust just as thick as the one covering the rest of the room.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios looks at the figure curiously to see if he can see anything wrong with him.

Heal: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]
Detect magic, detect evil

[Diachronos]

Arios doesn't detect any sort of spell, but the man appears emaciated... and detects as evil.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios swears and staggers back.

Knowledge (Religion): [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The creature shrieks as it rises from its seat. Arios doesn't know what the creature is, but he knows enough: it's hostile and evil.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios grabs his sword from his belt. "In the name of Iomedae, I shall not allow you to bring harm to these innocent souls that I have sworn to protect! Have at you!"

He bathes the creature in a holy glow, then swings his blade forward.

Smiting Evil.
The dwarf's damage reduction no longer applies against Arios's attacks.

Attack: (Power Attack, Smite Evil) [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack glances off of the creature's leathery hide. Voren is up in seconds, moving in with his starknife, while Rachel begins a few gestures to cast a spell.


Creature:
Claw 1:
Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Claw 2:
Attack: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

For each claw that hits, Arios has to make a DC 12 Fortitude save or catch filth fever.

Voren:
Attack: [roll8]/[roll9]
Damage: [roll10]/[roll11]

Rachel:
Magic Missile: [roll12]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios deflects the creature's attacks and responds with a vicious swing of his blade.

Power Attack, Smite Evil [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Diachronos]

With Voren's assistance, Arios is able to cleave through the creature, and it drops to the floor in a heap.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios pants and leans down. He frowns as he examines it closer and searches the body.

[Diachronos]

The corpse has little of value aside from two potions of cure light wounds in its belt pouch and a knotted gold ring on one of its withered fingers. Below the bench it had been sitting on is a masterwork warhammer, covered in a layer of dust.

Rachel looks over the corpse, then the temple. "A huecuva..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios picks up the warhammer and closes his eyes, saying a prayer for the fallen. He turns to Rachel. "What is a huecuva?"

[Diachronos]

"They form from priests who renounce their deity before dying." She nods toward the body. "He was likely a priest of Torag long ago."

[NeoSeraphi]

"How sad...and yet he stayed here for so long...maybe he regretted his decision after his death." Arios sighs. "Sorry for the ruckus everyone. Go back to sleep."

[Diachronos]

Everyone heads back to bed, and they don't have any more disturbances throughout the night.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios gets some sleep after a few hours and rises with everyone else. He leads the group back to the tunnel and they head south from the fork.

[Diachronos]

After everyone rests up for the night, the group heads south in the other direction of the fork. The trek takes close to 40 minutes, after which they arrive in a room whose walls are carved with the likeness of crusaders from Kenabres, with saddened expressions on their faces.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios formally salutes the statues in the wall and gives them a moment of silence, before trekking on. He crosses the room and heads forward, looking to find a way out of this place already.

[Diachronos]

As the group starts to cross the passage, a shrieking sound comes from above. They look up, and a pair of conical octopus-like creatures swoops down on the party!

[NeoSeraphi]

"For the love of...Rachel! What are these things?"

[Diachronos]

"Th-they're darkmantles!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios draws his sword. "Alright, so how do I fight them?" he asks, before attempting to slice one up.

[roll0] (Power Attack)
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack knocks the darkmantle out of the air, and the creature doesn't get back up. Voren draws his starknife and stabs the other one.


Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2][roll3]


"J-just hit them, and don't let them grab you!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios slashes at the second darkmantle.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack misses. Voren moves in to strike again, and Rachel lets a spell fly as the darkmantle attacks the tiefling again.

Voren:
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2][roll3]

Darkmantle:
Hit: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]
Grab attempt if it hits: [roll8]

Rachel: Casting Magic Missile for [roll9]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios takes aim to finish off the creature.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

The other Darkmantle goes down.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Alright I don't know about any of you, but I've had just about enough of all the nasty creatures in this cave. Who knows how many demons are on the surface now that the wardstone is gone, and we're stuck here squashing bugs and dodging fangs. Let's pick up the pace, everyone. We're nearly there, I can feel it!"

He strides forward with sword in hand, ready to face the outside world.

[Diachronos]

The group passes into the next chamber, where a dwarf stands beside a small fire. He shrieks when he sees the group, and raises a crossbow before uttering some words of arcane power.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios raises his hands defensively. "Peace, friend! We only seek a way out of the underground. We have no qualm to pick a fight with you. If you could just tell us which way to go to reach the surface, we will be on our way."

Diplomacy [roll0]

[Diachronos]

"Lies! You're with the crusaders and you've come to arrest me!" He launches a spell at Arios.


Magic Missile: [roll0]


Rachel sends a spell of her own at the dwarf, while Voren charges in to strike with his starknife.

Rachel's casting snowball, spending an arcane reservoir point to increase the caster level by 1
Hit: [roll1]/[roll2]
Damage: [roll3]/[roll4]

Voren:
Hit: [roll5]/[roll6]
Damage: [roll7]/[roll8]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios grunts as the attack strikes him in the chest. "Why you little - Rachel, stop it. We'll handle this."

Arios moves forward, drawing his blade as he walks. He turns the weapon to its side and clocks the dwarf on the side of the head.

Non-lethal: [roll0]
[roll1]

[Diachronos]

The dwarf crumples under Arios' blow. Voren looks down at the unconscious man. "What do you plan to do now?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios removes a set of trail rations from his pack and places them in the dwarf's pocket, covering it up enough so the smell won't draw any animals or vermin. Then he casts a cure spell to restore some of the damage that Rachel's spell had dealt. "He'll wake up in a few hours. We keep moving."

Cure light wounds [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The group heads onward, coming to a steep tunnel leading up about 60 feet. A number of cracks, pitons, and other makeshift handholds make it easy to navigate up the shaft. At the top, they travel through the tunnel for about half an hour before reaching a large cavern, about 70 feet across. Cylindrical rock formations along the walls arch up to make a domelike chamber, but the walls and floor are riddled with cracks. At the center of the cave, a stone tower that may once have reached the fifty-foot-high ceiling has collapsed onto its side.

Among the rubble are two monstrous-looking people, who appear to be methodically searching through the debris. One of them calls out, and a faint, muffled cry answers them.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios gasps. "Is someone trapped in the rubble? Don't worry, I'll help you!" he declares, rushing forward and beginning to search through the rocks as he tosses them into a pile beside him.

[Diachronos]

The two figures raise their weapons upon noticing Arios, but they hesitantly lower them once it's apparent that he's not going to attack them. One of them, who appears to be an elven man with a a single goat's horn on his head and a partially reptilian face, approaches and speaks in a raspy voice. "My friend Crel was trapped in the last tremor. If you could help us get him free, we would greatly appreciate the assistance."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "Leave it to me. I'll pull every stone from this room if I have to."

He dutifully lifts or drags every piece of debris away, demonstrating his near giantlike strength.

[Diachronos]

After some digging, it appears that Crel is stuck under one of the larger boulders. Arios is going to need some help to move it.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios considers his options. Some kid with a knife, a shy girl who needs both hands to hold up a book, a woman with a broken leg, a fat old man who's never done a hard day's work in his life, and a blind elf.

He sighs. What he wouldn't give for a snarky half-elf with a deinonychus right now.

He points to Crel's two companions. "You two! Help me move this stone, and we can free him!"

Strength check as they assist: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

Rachel and Voren move in to help as well, but between the group of them it's not enough to move the boulder.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios grunts and kneels down, really putting his back into it.

[roll0]

[Diachronos]

With the others' help, they shift the boulder enough to get Crel out of the rubble.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios kneels down to help him up. "Are you alright? Are you injured? I can heal you if you need it."

[Diachronos]

Crel shakes his head. "I'm fine."

The man who'd spoken to them bows. "We can't thank you enough for your help, travelers. Is there any way we can repay you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "If you could tell us how to return to the surface, I would appreciate it."

[Diachronos]

The man shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't know the way, but our chieftain might."

[NeoSeraphi]

Interesting. This elf isn't from the surface? That might explain his somewhat odd appearance. "Please take us to meet your chieftain in person then."

[Diachronos]

He nods. "I'd be happy to. However... the tremors have also closed off the direct passage back to Neathholm, so we'll have to take the long path around."

The walk takes close to half an hour, before the group comes to a ravine. The sight of the dust settling visibly distresses the group of three monstrous people. "It looks like the quake destroyed the bridge as well... oh, gods, what has happened to Neathholm?

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios looks at Voren. "Do you think you can get across with some rope?"

[Diachronos]

"Hm..." He looks down into the ravine, which is 70 feet wide, 10 feet across, and 30ft deep. "Not directly, but we can try climbing down and then back up the other side.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios frowns. "A climb is going to be really difficult for someone with only one leg...Alright, Rachel, stay here with Lord Gwerm, Aneiva and Aravashnial. Voren and I will find a way to make a bridge on the other side."

He tosses some rope over the side and secures it to a rock, then begins climbing down into the ravine.

[Diachronos]

Voren starts climbing down with Arios. "Couldn't we lower everyone down here and then pull them up the other side?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"I'm the only one with enough strength to lower anyone else down. And if we do that, I'm up here and you all are down there. Then there's no one to protect you if there's something in this pit. It's a good idea, and we'll try it. But it's better that I get a personal glimpse of the ravine myself before we start then," Arios says.

[Diachronos]

"Fair enough." In the ravine, they find nothing but rubble.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios climbs back up the rope. "Rachel, stand still while I tie you up," he says to the young mage.

[Diachronos]

"W-what?" Voren facepalms. "He meant to say 'tie a rope around you so we can lower you into the chasm."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios glances at Voren. "What? How is that any different than what I said?"

He wraps a rope around Rachel's waist and slowly lowers her into the pit. Then he does the same with everyone else in the party, before climbing down himself.

Arios pulls his arm back and pitches the rope with a grappling hook up to the top of the opposite wall.

Thrown weapon attack roll: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

His throw successfully catches at the top of the ravine.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios climbs up to the top and then starts hauling everyone up, one at a time. Once they're all on the other side, Arios motions for the underground folk to continue leading the way to their chieftain.

[Diachronos]

About 20 minutes down the next tunnel, the leader of the band holds his hand up to stop them. "I should warn you, we rarely use this cavern because of the spore-cougher. Hopefully it isn't present, but if it is... well, perhaps with all of us together we'll be able to eliminate the beast."

[NeoSeraphi]

"If it can bleed, then I can kill it," Arios replies. Sounds like a plant creature of some kind, so not something Arios would feel bad about killing. He heads into the next room with confidence and his sword drawn.

[Diachronos]

What appears to be two dead bodies rest on the stone floor of the cavern, next to a mass of ropy green fungus. Their guides are visibly relieved at the sight of the fungal mass lying dead on the floor; it seems that the two people here had killed the beast before succumbing to their wounds.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios scans the room with a detect evil spell to make sure there are no undead or any other surprises lurking around before he moves.

[Diachronos]

Arios doesn't detect anything. Voren moves to see if there is anything salvageable on the bodies while the others wait by the exit.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios crosses the room with everyone and when Voren has finished his investigation they press onward.

[Diachronos]

Voren returns with a scroll, a potion, two masterwork chain shirts, a bag of coins, and a small brass symbol of a bull's head with red gems for eyes. "They're dressed like crusaders of Iomedae, but one of them was carrying this."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios hands the scroll and potion to Rachel for identification. He examines the amulet himself.

Know Religion: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The symbol is actually an unholy symbol of the demon lord Baphomet.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Ack!" He gasps and glances at the bodies. "...Here." He tosses the unholy symbol to Aneiva. "You might be able to use it for a disguise later. I want nothing to do with it."

[Diachronos]

Rachel looks at the amulet curiously. "Why, what's... wait, what's a symbol of Baphomet doing here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Good question. I guess those two were clerics of Baphomet, or antipaladins. Either way, they're dead now, so they can't hurt anyone else," Arios replies.

[Diachronos]

Aneiva and Aravashnial both react to hearing that. The woman looks disgusted, while the elf actually seems delighted. "Aha! I knew there were worshipers of Baphomet infiltrating the local mercenaries, but hearing that they've infiltrated the Iomedaen crusaders is something else completely! We should bring them with us so we have evidence of-"

Voren scowls. "We are not dragging a pair of corpses with us out of here."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios shakes his head. "The unholy symbol alone is enough evidence, I'd say. No one is going to doubt the eyewitness testimony of an important man like Lord Gwerm. Isn't that right, milord?" he asks, with a bow to Horgus. "Surely you wouldn't mind sharing what you've seen with a few people of Aravashnial's choosing?"

[Diachronos]

Horgus frowns. "For someone else, I might. Regardless, it's dependent on us getting out of here alive to begin with."

[NeoSeraphi]

"You wound me, milord. You've got the best protection money can buy," Arios replies with a smile. "Rachel, what about that scroll and potion?"

[Diachronos]

"A scroll of cause fear, and another healing potion."

[NeoSeraphi]

"A healing potion?" Arios repeats, stunned. "Ridiculous! These men were bleeding out, there's no way they wouldn't have consumed all the healing potions they had with them. They had enough strength left to slay the beast before their deaths, why wouldn't they try to save themselves?"

[Diachronos]

Lann, the leader of the monstrous group, speaks up. "If I had to guess, I'd say the spore-cougher's poisons did them in just after they'd killed the creature."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs and adds the healing potion to his bag without further comment. They continue on towards the village so they can meet this chieftain and escape soon.

[Diachronos]

Within 15 minutes, they come to a small circular cavern with four other mongrelmen guards. They greet Lann and the others warmly, and lower their weapons when told that the group can be trusted.

A small, dark lake ripples in the center of this two-hundred-foot-wide cavern, the walls and ceiling aglow with thick sheets of luminescent fungi. In the center of the lake, over two dozen low stone buildings cluster on a rocky one-hundred-foot-wide island. Lights glow in the windows of the buildings, giving the settlement an almost welcoming look. Rafts made of mismatched planks of timber bob along the length of a crooked pier at the lake's closest shore. As they enter, a small group of guards approaches to escort them.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios relaxes. "We're here, and it's beautiful," he tells Aravashnial. "Right then. We ask the chieftain how to get out of here, he tells us how to get out, and we get out. Easy. Then, I go back to Kenabres and purge it of demons entirely."

[Diachronos]

The guards lead them to the chieftain, a bloated and unpleasant-looking man with a clouded white eye. Lann explains what had happened with Crel and Arios' group, before Chief Sull addresses Arios and the others directly. "What is your purpose in the caverns below Kenabres?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Honestly, we have no purpose serah. A demon tore a Rift open in the ground and we fell through. We just want to get out."

[Diachronos]

"A demon, you say? Hrm... so that explains the source of the tremors. My kind are outcasts and freaks to the uplanders on the surface, but our ancestors were among those who fought back against the demons in the First Crusade. While the energies of the Abyss have twisted our bodies, they have done nothing to dampen our hatred of demons and our desire to drive them out of our lands." He leans forward in his chair. "In exchange for showing you the way to the surface, would you please tell those in Kenabres that my people want to see the demons driven out just as much as they do?"

[NeoSeraphi]

'In exchange? I saved one of your peoples' lives already for the chance!

Arios smiles. "Your message shall be delivered, of course. And we thank you for your help."

[Diachronos]

Chief Sull nods. "Thank you. The nearest route to the surface lies to the south. However, it is guarded by a tribe of mongrels who do not share our sentiment, and a number of these traitors have been known to consort with cultists themselves. I have ignored them thus far, but that time has passed. If you are willing to eliminate these traitors as you leave Neathholm, I can provide you with a small collection of restorative potions to aid you on your journey."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios grimaces. Killing people who haven't done anything wrong? That's not something he wants to do, ever.

They may decide to attack his group, but they only need escape or knock them unconscious, they don't need to go out of their way to kill these people.

"I appreciate your offer, serah, but a difference of opinion and consorting with questionable individuals are neither crimes that warrant a death sentence. We shall be on our way." He bows.

[Diachronos]

The chieftain looks disappointed, but he nods. "Very well. I will not force you into helping our cause. If you wish to rest before leaving, you are welcome to do so. We don't have much, but I'm sure that some of our citizens will be willing to barter for any supplies that you may need."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios shakes his head. "We're fine, but thank you for the offer. Come on, Voren. Looks like we have one more fight on our hands before we're free."

He heads to the south and prepares himself for trouble.

[Diachronos]

The group proceeds down the trail that Sull had directed them to. It takes close to half an hour, but they arrive at a section where the tunnel is bisected by barricades made up of heaped loose rocks and wooden boards. Past the barricades, a wooden screen covers the lower half of a tunnel mouth.

Voren crosses his arms as they look at the barricade. "How likely do you think it is that we'll be able to sneak through?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"About as likely as me ever seeing her again," Arios mutters. Before Voren can ask what he means, Arios walks forward and swings his greatsword to chop the barricade to pieces.

[Diachronos]

As Arios tears into the barricade, the sound draws a couple of mongrelmen. Upon seeing the group, one of them turns and starts shouting back into the keep, while the other readies his club. Voren draws his starknife. "I don't know who 'she' is, but I hope you're luckier finding her than we've been since we fell down here."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios chuckles. "That's kind of you, but unfortunately, no such luck. She's dead." He walks past the barricade. "Attention all natives! Calm yourselves, please. I have only torn down your barricade because it obstructed the path to the surface. My companions and I are happy to make our way on through the tunnel without disturbing you any further. Please lower your weapons and we will be on our way."

Casting enhanced diplomacy. Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

The mongrelmen lower their clubs, but don't put them away just yet. "Why are you here? Are you allied with the filth in Neathholm?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"We are citizens of Kenabres. We have no allies beneath the ground."

[Diachronos]

The two mongrels look at each other, and one of them walks inside. The remaining one stands in the doorway. "Our leader will want to see you if you're passing through."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios follows the two of them. "Well, we're happy to meet with your leader. I'll pay for the barricade. Sorry about that, really."

[Diachronos]

After a few minutes, the mongrelman returns, as well as two others. "Come with us."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios dutifully follows behind the mongrelfolk to meet their leader.

[Diachronos]

The mongrelmen lead the group inside, and take them into a room on the right where two others are sitting. After a minute, their leader comes in... a human woman, carrying a glaive. "Who are you?! Who sent you?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs. "No one sent us anywhere. By The Inheritor, you all are just so suspicious of one another's factions, aren't you? Look, we're not part of your little war with Neantholm. We are just a few civilians from Kenabres who were knocked down underground by a demon's attack. We want to return to our city above ground and your tunnel is the only way out we've found. That's all."

Enhanced Diplomacy, Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

"Hm... yes, I understand perfectly. Very well, then." She climbs back down the rope ladder that she'd come up. "Kill them."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios's eyes widen and he grabs his sword. "(Abyssal) Damnit! We've got too many injured to fight on their turf, but we can't make a hasty retreat either...argh! Voren, lead everyone outside! I'll fight to buy you as much time as I can!"

He swings his blade at the closest mongrelfolk.

[roll0] (Power Attack)
Damage: [roll1]

[Diachronos]

Voren steps between the injured and one of the mongrelmen, attacking with his starknife. (Abyssal) "Kinda hard to do when they're blocking the door!"


Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]


Rachel squeaks and casts a spell as one of the men starts to approach her.

Casting daze, he's dazed for 1 round unless he succeeds on a DC 14 Will save. Save: [roll4]


Aneiva lashes out at the closest mongrelman with her shortsword.

Hit: [roll5]/[roll6]
Damage: [roll7]/[roll8]


The mongrelmen move in to attack!

[NeoSeraphi]

"(Abyssal) You speak Abyssal? Why do you speak Abyssal, you're a hell- I mean, you're a diluted half-devil, aren't you? And more importantly I don't think the middle of combat is the time for you to be trying to disguise our plans, just speak in Common like I am so everyone else can understand you."

Arios steps in front of Rachel. "(Abyssal) Don't even think about it, trash!" he yells, slashing the mongrelfolk down. Glancing back at Rachel, he frowns. "(Abyssal) Are you alright?" he asks her.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

Voren stabs to finish off the mongrelman. (Abyssal) "Daemon, actually. And you're the one who started speaking Abyssal mid-fight, not me."

Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]


Rachel blinks and stares at Arios for a moment. She's visibly shaken, and she starts singing softly in Draconic. Arios feels his spirits lifting.

Inspire Courage! +1 to attack and damage rolls until she stops!


Anevia stabs with her shortsword again.

Hit: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[NeoSeraphi]

"(Abyssal) Nonsense, I haven't spoken the language in years. Only reason I know it is because I used to be a student of conjuration."

Arios moves towards the mongrelfolk bothering Aravashnial and strikes him down.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "So you weren't always a holier-than-thou swordsman?"

Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]


Rachel continues her song, and slashes at the man in front of her with her.... hands?
/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]
Claw 2:


Aneiva stabs into the next mongrelman with her sword.

Hit: [roll8]/[roll9]
Damage: [roll10]/[roll11]

[NeoSeraphi]

"(Abyssal) Look, I don't want to sound racist or anything but I think a halfling who hasn't been to church a day in his life would be holier than you. And there's nothing wrong with that, you know. Unholiness is, by definition, a necessary evil."

He smashes his blade into the mongrelfolk bothering Aravashnial again.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

The last mongrelman goes down, and Voren quickly slams the door shut to bar anyone else from coming in. "We can argue semantics another time, I get the feeling that those weren't the last of them. Plus we've got their leader down below."

Rachel casts a healing spell on Arios, then on Voren.

Arios heals for [roll0]
Voren heals for [roll1]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios drinks a healing potion and then another. He rubs his shoulder and speaks to Rachel. "(Common) Alright. Voren and I will go downstairs and deal with that woman. You stay here and protect everyone else." He nods to Voren and they chase after the leader.

Cure Light Wounds: [roll0], [roll1]

[Diachronos]

Voren nods. "Keep that singing up, though, I felt like I was fighting better while you were singing."

Rachel nods and begins singing again as Voren and Arios descend the ladder. The woman is down there waiting for them, as well as a tiefling man. "You're persistent, aren't you? I should have known..."

[NeoSeraphi]

"It takes a pretty sick person to order the deaths of people she's just met, but even sicker when you're attacking someone who can't fight, someone who's blind, and someone with a broken leg," Arios declares, narrowing his eyes. "Whatever. You started this fight, so now we're going to end it. Voren, with me!"

Arios draws his sword. "I am the white void. I am the cold steel. I am the just sword. With blade in hand, shall I reap the sins of this world, and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Arios! The end has come!"

Smiting the leader and casting divine favor on Arios for the first round.

[Diachronos]

"Damned paladins..." She charges in and slashes at him with her glaive, while her companion moves in to attack Voren.


Inquisitor:
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll]1d10+4]/[roll2]

Tiefling:
Hit: [roll3]/[roll4]
Damage: [roll5]/[roll]2d6+2


Voren retaliates, focusing on the tiefling so he can finish the man quickly and assist Arios.

Hit: [roll6]/[roll][roll7]
Damage: [roll8]/[roll9]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios chuckles as he smacks her glaive away with his gauntlet and raises his sword in both hands. "(Abyssal) No...no of the two of us I think you shall find that it is you who is damned, child of the demon king. In fact, why do you even think of the word as an insult? Is damnation not your paradise, your fate? Let me send you there myself!"

Attack: [roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

Arios' attack knocks the woman out in one blow, and Voren quickly finishes her companion off.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios closes his eyes. "May you find peace in the next world..."

He stabs his greatsword down into the woman's heart.

Coup de grace: [roll0]

After that's done with, he searches their bodies.

[Diachronos]

Voren searches the room while Arios looks at their equipment.

The woman has a masterwork glaive, a chain shirt, a bottle of antitoxin, a bejeweled book of prayers devoted to Baphomet, a key, a piece of paper with orders written on it, two potions, a wand, 2 flasks of alchemist's fire, and a tanglefoot bag. The tiefling has a suit of studded leather armor, a shortsword, and a light crossbow with 20 bolts.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios reads the note with the orders.

[Diachronos]

The orders say:
"Hosilla,
You will remain, for the time being, in Kenabres. But know this, the city's days are numbered. Seek a place of safety - the underground den of your mongrel lackeys should suffice to keep you safe ffrom the devastation to come. I shall assume command of Drezen shortly, and once Vorlesh has finished with the wardstone and Kenabres is no longer of interest to us, you are to return to my side. Excellent news regarding the salvage of Yaniel's sword from the museum as well - bring it with you, for I believe this weapon could be quite useful once we corrupt it. Before you leave for Drezen, stop by the three safe houses (Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod - the passphrase remains "I've new material for the archives," for now) to ensure no evidence remains behind.
May Lord Deskari and Lord Baphomet watch over you!
S.V."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sighs and puts the note carefully in his pack. He picks up the key. "There's a sword here somewhere. We need to find it."

[Diachronos]

Voren slides a long lockbox out from under the desk room's. "Well, it might be in here. Did you find a key?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios tries the key in the lockbox.

[Diachronos]

The key fits perfectly, and the box opens. Inside is a small leather pouch filled with semiprecious gems, two scrolls, and a long, thin darkwood sword case.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios opens the sword case, calling Rachel down to identify the other items. He hands her the two scrolls, and then the scroll and two potions from the bodies.

[Diachronos]

It takes her some time, but Rachel identifies them as a potion of cure moderate wounds, a potion of invisibility, a scroll of bear's endurance, a scroll of remove disease, and a wand of spiritual weapon.

Inside the sword case is a beautifully made longsword that looks as though it is made of gold.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios lifts the sword out and holds it in his hand. He tries to sense if it is particularly special.

Appraise: [roll0]
Detect Magic, Detect Evil

[Diachronos]

The sword isn't evil, but he does detect a lingering magic aura; it seems the gold coloration is a magical effect, while the sword's blade is made of cold iron.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "A sword made for slaying demons...surely it will come in handy. Right then. Let's get out of here already. We should stop at these safe houses houses and collect whatever 'evidence' he wants destroyed."

[Diachronos]

"Agreed." After they pack up their loot, Voren and Arios head back upstairs. They find two other dead mongrelmen at the room's door; it seems that they'd forced their way in while they were dealing with the inquisitor.

Rachel turns to them. "Are you too okay?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "Never better. Sorry for the delay everyone. Should be a pretty quick exit from here on out." He leads the way to the tunnel and enters, shining his light around to get a better look.

[Diachronos]

Everyone stands up and gets ready to head out. "At this rate we might as well run back to Chief Sull and ask if he's still willing to give us those supplies, seeing as we're likely going to have to fight our way through no matter what."

Voren shakes his head. "No. We've been down here long enough, he can keep his potions if it means getting out of here faster."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods. "Voren is right. We have plenty of healing supplies, our main concern is leaving before we run out of spells and stamina." He guides everyone into the tunnel and they start their journey.

[Diachronos]

The group begins making their way through the other section of the fortress. Voren sneaks ahead to scout out the place.


[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios keeps the rest of the group's pace slow to give Voren a chance to go deeper in and then report back.

[Diachronos]

The tiefling creeps back after a couple minutes. "There's two humans standing guard further in. I didn't see any other passages, though, so it looks like we'll have to go through them. I spotted a storage room up ahead too, but I haven't checked it yet."

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods and charges forward through the darkness, waiting for the moment when he spots the guards.

When he encounters them he leaps onto one and brings him down with his weapon.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

The cultist is swiftly defeated by Arios' attack. Aneiva fires an arrow at the other, while Voren sprints in to strike with his starknife.


Aneiva:
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]
Sneak Attack: [roll4]

Voren:
Hit: [roll5]/[roll6]
Damage: [roll7]/[roll8]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios sweeps his sword in a wide arc and smashes into the other guard.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

Voren and Anevia strike again, and Rachel launches a magic missile at the cultist.


Voren: Studied Target
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]

Anevia:
Hit: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

Rachel:
Damage: [roll8]


The cultists goes down under the hail of fire.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios searches the guards for keys and whispers to Voren to check the storage room.

[Diachronos]

The cultists don't have any keys on them. They each have a masterwork chain shirt, a scroll of cause fear, a scroll of comprehend languages, a potion of cure light wounds, an unholy symbol, a flask of holy water, a spell component pouch, and 10g. One cultist has a masterwork glaive, while the other has a masterwork scythe.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios hands everything to Rachel and goes to check the storage room.

[Diachronos]

Voren finishes popping open the lock on a beaten wooden chest, and opens it up to reveal a small cache of valuables. Inside are a magic shield, a magic ring, two scrolls, two potions, and 250g.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares at the shield. He looks down at his own greatsword. His entire career as a city guard, he was only fighting to stay alive, and to defeat enemies of the church. But now...he glances back at Aneiva and Aravashnial...now he has someone to protect.

Arios puts his greatsword away. He picks up the shield and hefts it, then draws the longsword he found earlier. "Rachel, take a look at these other items and tell me what you see."

[Diachronos]

Rachel identifies the shield as a +1 light wooden shield, the ring as a ring of climbing, the potions as potions of darkvision, and a scroll of identify and scroll of magic fang.

The sword feels... right in Arios' hand, somehow.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios nods to the door the cultists were guarding. "No time to waste. We move out." He leads the way onward.

[Diachronos]

The group progresses onward, passing through a few more rooms before finding themselves standing in front of a small makeshift maze.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Alright...this looks problematic. Voren, take the lead. See if you can find us a path forward."

[Diachronos]

Voren nods and draws his starknife, leading the way. As they pass through, Arios thinks he hears the sound of Abyssal whispers in his head, telling him he's going to die soon...

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios closes his eyes and raises his sword higher. He turns to Aneiva as they walk. "Is your leg feeling better today?"

[Diachronos]

"A little. It's going to take a while before I can walk right again, though."

As they pass by one of the maze tunnels, a figure leaps out of the shadows to attack!


Attacking Arios

Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2]/[roll3]

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios is surprised by the attack, but thankfully his shield is raised and he deflects the incoming blow easily. Arios narrows his eyes and raises the borrowed sword. "(Abyssal) Good bye." He slashes the creature across the chest.

[roll0]/[roll1]
[roll2]/[roll3]

[Diachronos]

The sword bites into the creature's flesh, causing it to howl in pain as Radiance begins to glow with a golden light. Voren darts in to finish the creature off, as does Aneiva.


Voren:
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2][roll3]

Aneiva:
Hit: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

[Diachronos]

Arios winces as the creature attacks him with its claws. He frowns and slashes the creature once more, but his attack goes wide. Voren and Aneiva strike again!


Voren:
Hit: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage: [roll2][roll3]

Aneiva:
Hit: [roll4]/[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]/[roll7]

Voren's blade stabs the creature in the throat, and it goes down.

[NeoSeraphi]

Arios stares at the sword glowing in his hand and nods after a moment. "...I think I need to do some research on this Yaniel person when we get back to town." He leans down to take a closer look at the figure who had attacked him.

[Diachronos]

"Well, she was among the most famous heroines of the First Crusade..."

The creature is a bloated, muscular humanoid with jagged fangs.


It's a dretch, one of the weakest kinds of demon