Bink's WotR part 2: The Gray Garrison and beyond!

[JWallyR]

Morevek's graceful, almost casual movements that both baited and avoided savage swipes from the Vrocks don't seem to have any impact on the mindless swarm of insect-like demons... but their biting, pinching assault overwhelms the swordsman's defenses, mental and otherwise. With distinctly less grace, the shapeshifted swordsman hesitates for a moment before his leathery wings beat in retreat!

Spoiler: Actions

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Delay until the rest of the party does whatever they're going to do, and then GTFO toward the exit, but not further out than the squishies

Spoiler: Stats

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Morevek Balthissar
M NG Tiefling Magus (Fiend Flayer, Kensai), VMC Rogue, Level 8, Init 13, HP 74/84, Speed 60
AC 35, Touch 24, Flat-footed 22, CMD 30, Fort 10, Ref 14, Will 10, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 6
Deadly, Masterwork, Cold Iron Katana, +1, Keen +14 (1d8+Dex+6, 15-20/x2)
(+4 Armor, +4 Shield, +6 Dex, +1 Natural, +3 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 23, Wis 12, Cha 8
Condition Canny Defense: + 6 Dodge AC while armed with Katana and unarmored
Medal of Valor: +2 CMD
Medal of Agility: +1 Init
Mage Armor: ~8 hrs, +4 armor
Shield: ~8 min, +4 Shield
Monst. Physique: ~8 min, Gargoyle: fly (30, avg)/darkvision/+2str/nat'l arm, nat'l atks
Mirror Image: ~8 min, 6 images
Cat's Grace, ~8 min, +4 Dex
Arcane Pool: +1 and Keen to weapon, 7 rds remaining
Haste: Add'l atk on FRA, +1atk/dodge/ref, +30 mv. 6 rds remaining
Inspire Courage: +2 atk/dmg/saves vs charm/fear, ??? rds remaining
Piranha strike: -2 atk, +4 dmg
Fortell (??): +2 abil/atk/CL/saves/skills
Nauseated: can't do nuffin

Todo: scribe Vanish, memorize Web and Cat's Grace

[BelGareth]

Grace merely nodded at Filburn's command, and readied to support him as needed.

Spoiler

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Power Attack, bane E.outsiders., inspire courage, Crusader (faith) +1 to hit., Haste vs Vrock 1

Attack - (1d20+19)[35] (crits on 36+)
Damage - (1d8+19)[20] & Bane - (2d6)[9]

Then:
Swift: Scale of Grace
Move: to L18 (no AOO's)

Grace
HP's: 49/121
AC: 25
FF: 23 T: 12
CMD: 24 FCMD: 23
Effects: Fly, Haste, Divine Bond ability - Evil Outsider Bane[+1] and Keen [+1]
Powers/day:
Terendelev's Scale of Grace 0/3 day (swift)
MP's 5/5 day
LoH 11/12 day (standard;swift)
Smite Evil 2/3 day (Swift)
Divine Bond 0/1 day (standard)
Hands of Valor 1/1 day (free;when LoH's)
[Int] Medal of Clarity 1/1/day (swift)
[Str] Medal of Valor 1/1/day (swift)
[Cha] Medal of Command 1/1/day (swift)

[Farmerbink]

With the queen slain, the heroes are free to focus their efforts on the remaining demons. Despite their unholy fortitude and resistance, both fiends fall under the combined assaults of the archons, Grace, and Jeagar.

Filburn immediately takes up a defensive position, urging his allies to leave as the swarms take advantage of (many of) the heroes sudden visibility. They pile forward, pouring over the heroes in insane rage.

Spoiler: Nuts & Bolts

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Several bits of swarm damage:
7 to Jeagar
4 to Filburn
12 to Grace
6 to Morevek
Jeagar and Filburn start the next round nauseated!

Elwing loses one round to the swarm's confusion, babbling incoherently is really appreciating the medal of clarity, this fight.

Map updated

[Albinobrow]

Once the two demons fall, he looks around the cavern through the swarm of insects and seeing the others leaving the area he also turns to leave following the rest of the party.

Spoiler: OoC

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Jeagar is nauseated so he will use his whole round to move out of the cavern following the rest of the group.

Spoiler: OoC

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Jeager Cadoret
Male LG Half-Orc Slayer 8 (Mythic Guardian 1), Level 8, Mythic Tier 1, Init 6, HP 29/93, Speed 30ft +30ft hasted
AC 22, Touch 19, Flat-footed 15, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 15, Will 8, CMB +10/+5, Base Attack Bonus +8/+3
(addtl +2 to atk and +2d6 vs Evil Outsider) +1 Evil Outsider Bane Orc Hornbow (Arrows) +16/+11 (2d6+3, 20/x3)
+2 circumstance bonus to Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, +5 to Stealth, Squeeze with out penalty at regular speed. Morlock Hide (+1 shadow leather armor), Ring of protection +2 (+3 Armor, +6 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 10
Condition Mythic points 1/5 used
Invisible
Flying
Haste
Nauseated*
Sudden Shot (Su)
As an immediate action, you can expend one use of mythic power to make a ranged attack to hinder an attack made against an ally within 30 feet. Add your tier to the ally’s AC against this attack. Whether the Guardian's attack hits or misses, the enemy making the attack must make two attack rolls and take the lower result. Once the attack is resolved, your ally can make one melee attack against the creature. The Guardian must be aware of the attack to hinder it.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Filburn Crow Male Neutral Good Half-Elf Bladed Arcanist 6, Eldritch Knight 2, Level 8, Mythic 1, Init 9, HP 70/83, Speed 30 60 ft. AC20 21, Touch 12 13, Flat-footed 18, CMD 22 23, Fort 5, Ref 5 6, Will 6, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 5 "Baerlyon, Demon-Foe" (Black Blade +2 Falcata) +12 +13 (1d8+7, 19-20/x3) +1 Chain Shirt, +1 Blinding Light Steel Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Natural AC) Abilities Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 9 Condition Arcane Reservoir 6/9 Uses Available Black Blade Arcane Pool 2/2 Available Filburn’s Mythic Powers 5/5 Available Baerlyon’s Mythic Powers 2/2 Available Haste round 3 of 7 Nauseated (unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention - can only make a single move action per turn)

"Blech!" vomits the half-elf as the swarms turn his stomach. He invisibly stumbles backwards, continuing to try and keep himself between the demon-bugs and the more vulnerable party members...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Fly: (1d20+9)[28] to continue floating and trail the other PCs out of the chamber...

All PCs are empowered by Haste - an extra attack in a full attack action, +1 to hit, +1 to Dodge (AC), and +1 Reflex, and +30 ft to all movement speeds.

[namo]

Elwing flies close to his allies, and reaches out with his hands to touch the two nearest ones he can see, Grace and Morevek.
"Transportons-nous promptement
Hors de la grotte et vers le firmament !"

They turn into a constellation of luminescent motes, then vanish.
(Spellcasters will likely recognize a short-range teleportation spell.)

They reappear outside, mostly out of the reach of the disoriented, leaderless swarm.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move: move adjacent to Grace and Morevek (he can't see Filburn, I think, since he's still marked as invisible)
Standard: Dimension Door them, himself and his familiar, so that they appear flying some height above the entrance of the cave (I assume it's within 720ft).

The Spiritual Ally keeps on attacking the swarms at his order for its remaining duration, but I assume it does not matter.

Spoiler: Stats

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Elwing
M Chaotic Good Human Cleric 5/Stargazer 3, Level 8, Init 2, HP 74/86, Speed 40ft
AC 18, Touch 12, Flat-footed 16, CMD 16, Fort 9, Ref 7, Will 15, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +5
cold iron blade, singing steel haft Longspear +1, Guided +13 / +8 (1d8+8, x3)
Calamitous Mithral shirt, Darkwood buckler (+5 Armor, +1 Shield, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 14
Condition

Situational bonuses:
+2 sacred on saves against insanity or confusion effects
+3 insight vs spells & SLA

Fly (8 min)
9/9 Travel - ignore difficult terrain, free
80/80ft Dimension Hop: teleport, move
7/7 Freedom of Movement rounds, free
8/8 Aura of Liberation: std, 30ft aura that suppresses confused, grappled, frightened, panicked, paralyzed, pinned, or shaken
3/3 Levitate from Scale of Cloudwalking, including 20% concealment
1/1 +2 Str for 1 min
1/1 +2 Int for 1 min

[Gwynfrid]

"Please come to me, that we may escape this horrible place! Let us hold hands..." Elrembriel calls out to her two remaining friends. Before casting her final spell, she nods politely towards her archon allies, calling out to them.

Spoiler: Celestial

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"Thank you, servants of the heavens. Your help was of great assistance today."

She waits until Jaeger and Filburn come close, takes their hands, and incants, her whole body bathed in the now familiar blue-white light, causing them all to vanish in a manner very similar to Elwing's spell.

"Sachons bien que pour aujourd'hui
De batailles, nous avons notre soûl,
De grâce, ne traînons pas ici,
On n'y peut prendre que des coups!"

Spoiler

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Wait until her companions are adjacent, then use another mythic power point to cast Dimension Door too.

Spoiler: Stats

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Elrembriel Elf Wizard 8 / Archmage Mythic Tier 1
Alignment N
HP 85 / 93
Speed 60 ft (90 flying) including Haste effect
Init +6
AC 18 (Mage Armor +4, Dex +3, Haste +1)
Fort +7 Ref +8 (with Haste) Will +9 (not included: +2 racial bonus vs enchantment, immune to magic sleep, +2 sacred bonus vs insanity, confusion, emotion effects, +2 morale vs fear, +2 luck to all saves)
CMB +3 BAB +4
Acid splash +8 (1d3+1 acid, 20/x2) (with Haste)
Dagger, cold iron +4 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2) (with Haste)
Dex 16 (3) Con 13 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 22 (6) Cha 10 (0)
Powers remaining: Mythic Power 1/5, Prescience 5/8, Foretell 5/8 rounds, Exposed to Awfulness 1/1, Pearl of Power 1/1, Terendelev's Scale of Protection 3/3, Medal of Clarity 1/1, Medal of Command 1/1
Active spells and effects: Fly (some more minutes), Mage Armor (8 hours), Cloak of Winds (DC19) (10 min), Haste, Foretell, Inspire Courage

[Farmerbink]

In a rapid series of arcane gestures and words, the six heroes appear on the surface, far from any immediate danger posed by the alerted swarms. Moving away somewhat less stressfully than a few moments before, you peer into the skies, trying to make sense of the vermins'
movements. It seems, at first, that your efforts may have been in vain, but as you continue to watch it becomes apparent that there was simply such a grand mass of comparatively enormous insects that it will take some time for anything to change.

It's almost an hour later that the swarm has dispersed enough to see cloud cover through them; the soldiers of the army do their best to enjoy well-deserved rest (though many stay on watch, whether commanded or otherwise). Finally, shortly before nightfall, Anevia and Morevek judge that it's probably safe to move through the gorge. Knowing the extensive tunnels exist below the surface, it will take some effort to ensure the footing is sufficient for the weight of the wagons and pack animals, so the question becomes haste versus caution.

Do you move on risking travel at night or wait for the next morning?

[DarkOne-Rob]

Filburn Crow Male Neutral Good Half-Elf Bladed Arcanist 6, Eldritch Knight 2, Level 8, Mythic 1, Init 9, HP 70/83, Speed 30 AC20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 22, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 5 "Baerlyon, Demon-Foe" (Black Blade +2 Falcata) +12 (1d8+7, 19-20/x3) +1 Chain Shirt, +1 Blinding Light Steel Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Natural AC) Abilities Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 9 Condition Arcane Reservoir 6/9 Uses Available Black Blade Arcane Pool 2/2 Available Filburn’s Mythic Powers 5/5 Available Baerlyon’s Mythic Powers 2/2 Available

"We need to rouse the army and move, now. There's no telling how long we have and staying put too long in any place makes us a target. I'll go give the orders," Filburn says after several moments of looking at the morass of abyssal bug-demons. He then turns to make his way back to the army and their middle-leadership to do exactly that.

The priority is safe, steady progress. We are disadvantaged somewhat by the dark and the difficult terrain, but we are too close to Drezen to wait here for another attack, he explains to the assembled paladin soldiers as they get ready to rouse the troops. "We must communicate swiftly and clearly of discovered threats and make every effort to travel carefully. No unnecessary risks, and communicate the risks up the chain of command!"

[Albinobrow]

Jeager nods and makes his way to his squadron to inform them of the new orders to move out.

[Gwynfrid]

Once more, Elrembriel is shocked at the sudden transition from the madness of a fight to the death to calm. It takes her several minutes to regain her breath and composure. Without comment, she prepares to follow the lead of the army's experienced military leaders.

[JWallyR]

Morevek turns his (somewhat more monstrous than usual) visage toward Elwing, giving a curt nod of thanks for the latter's assistance with the hasty retreat. His gaze turns toward Elrembriel, the blank mask of his expression slipping to reveal brows furrowed in concern for the elf maid. Closing his eyes in concentration, the tiefling allows his gargoyle-like features to melt back into his usual, slender form, and he steps quietly toward her before gently placing a pale hand upon her shoulder. Giving it the gentlest of squeezes and its owner a rueful smile, Morevek turns toward Filburn's barked orders, nodding his approval thereof, before striding without hesitation toward the front to scout their advance.

[namo]

Elwing does not feel legitimate commenting on this specific tactical decision, but in his inner heart he feels a premonition - just a mortal one, nothing divine - that speed is of the essence, so he just gives a quiet nod of approval.

To Morevek's silent thanks, he returns a wan smile. He's not as affected as Elembriel, but not as stolid as the warrior-mages and paladin either.
He makes a mental note to go hunt for food later, with the quartermasters, since he emptied his stomach earlier.

He focuses instead on ministering the bodies.
"Who got injured? It was madness down there, so I'm sure I missed some of what happened."

Spoiler: OOC

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Please post in the Discord how many HPs you're down, so Elwing can see how best to heal everyone.

[Gwynfrid]

"I got bit a few times", Elrembriel responds. "But I've known worse." She's surprised at her own reaction. Am I becoming like these hardened warriors? With a hint of shame, she recalls her teary complaints to her mother, barely a year ago, after a spell mishap had cost her a minor cut to the forehead.

Then, she pushes all thoughts of her past firmly out of her mind.

[namo]

Having examined the scratches and wounds on his teammates, Elwing asks them to gather around him, and he incants one of his most powerful healing spells:
"Nous sommes poussiere d'etoile
Et lorsque l'avenir se voile
Ma deesse repare les torts
Et son pouvoir guerit les corps"

Motes of light gather around all of them, their number growing with time. The dancing stars soothe their pain and slowly heal their wounds.
In under a minute, most of the party is healed.
Elwing then lays hands on Grace and Jeager (twice!) to finish making them hale.
"Pour pousser le voyage a son terme
Que tes blessures se referment"

Spoiler: OOC

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Greater Path of Glory so that the party heals 40 HP over 8 rounds.
Then 1 Cure Light Wounds for Grace and 2 for Jeager.

That brings everybody to full.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Filburn Crow Male Neutral Good Half-Elf Bladed Arcanist 6, Eldritch Knight 2, Level 8, Mythic 1, Init 9, HP 83/83, Speed 30 AC20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 22, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 5 "Baerlyon, Demon-Foe" (Black Blade +2 Falcata) +12 (1d8+7, 19-20/x3) +1 Chain Shirt, +1 Blinding Light Steel Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Natural AC) Abilities Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 9 Condition Arcane Reservoir 6/9 Uses Available Black Blade Arcane Pool 2/2 Available Filburn’s Mythic Powers 5/5 Available Baerlyon’s Mythic Powers 2/2 Available

"Wow - those are some powerful blessings," says Filburn in appreciation of the healing magic used by his companion. "Amazing to see in action, no matter how often you do it, Elwing."

[Gwynfrid]

"That is true", Elrembriel concurs. "And I am very glad you joined us, Elwing, for another reason. I lack the power to carry all of us through the dimensions. It takes the two of us, so without you, our escape would have been much riskier."

[Farmerbink]

There's only minor, and brief grumbling as Filburn's command ripples through the ranks. Within a few minutes, the soldiers are breaking camp and Anevia and the scouts have begun to lead the way westward through the gorge. Picking over the surface of the rapidly-emptying demonic hatchery, they identify likely safe routes and a few precarious stretches to avoid.

Shortly after setting out in earnest, you find that the riverbed is quickly rising, forming a broad area of shallows where the banks are easier to manage. Within a few minutes, the scent of smoke rides in on the breeze, heralding your arrival to the ruined city.

About two hours later, you mount a small ridge, and get your first glimpse of the fortress city. Despite the dark, dozens of what must be huge bonfires burn across the city. It's impossible to be sure, but from a distance of perhaps half a mile, you can see a lot of rough shapes of walls and roads criss-crossing a mostly empty city.



As you look on the city, one of the many quartermasters trots up, and pulls Irabeth aside. When she returns with a scowl, she interrupts briefly. "It seems one of our wagons fell into that wretched hive," she reports curtly. "They recovered as much as they could, but it sounds as if the lost stores will cost us about a days worth of rations."

A few minutes later, Anevia comes back from her ranging ahead. "It seems to be about as good as we could have hoped- the city is sparsely inhabited at best, unless they've got a lot of soldiers hiding below ground somewhere." For only a moment, she seems a bit embarrassed. "We had... planned to have Aron lead one group of scouts while I lead the second." She meets Sosiel's stoic gaze only long enough to confirm her suspicions. "It'll be both more dangerous and time consuming if I do it alone, but we have to have a better idea where to start than none."

Spoiler: OOC

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Irabeth's report is the result of one of many hidden "environmental" challenges. You'd have heard a brief clatter followed by some kinda facial expression, were we seated around a table. The stores on this sheet have been updated. Along with removing Nurahs' boon, which though genuine would rapidly have been outshined by her detrimental impact if she was still with the army during the siege.

Anevia's report is actionable. With Aron strung out on shadowblood, he's in no shape to lead a squad of scouts. It'll be little more than a few check behind the screen, but if Morevek wants to help scout, it will improve your odds on those checks.

[Farmerbink]

Morevek's lithe tail whips quickly twice- the only sign that he's spent any effort on debating Anevia's request. "Of course," the wiry swordsman nods. Without another word, he prowls into the darkness at Anevia's heels. The rogue shares a strange glance with her sister before nodding resolutely and guiding Morevek to the other troupe. As she whispers instructions, Irabeth begins to direct the quartermaster nearby.

"We're finally doing what we prepared for," she murmurs. "Set up our base camp here, on the north-west edge of this ridge. We'll be able to see anyone coming for at least a few moments before they're on top of us. Chop chop, I want bulwarks in place before Anevia and Morevek return!"

A few of the soldiers gape openly at the city and its legion fares still burning in the night. Several grimaces and murmurs follow as the dutifully get to work. "how the..." As more and more soldiers mount the ridge, the work accelerates tremendously, packs set neatly nearby.

It's a bit nervous for the next several hours, as earthen fortifications appear before your very eyes. Aravashnial first spends almost an hour poring over his tome, and then assists the efforts with several castings of a simple spell to move a LOT of dirt, very quickly- earning more than a few glances of awe and appreciation from the shovel-bearing paladins. The first wagon to reach the ridge carries hundreds of long spears, which the paladins quickly embed in the walls. Simple, but effective.

It's only half an hour before sunrise when Anevia and Morevek return- the former visibly out of breath, though Morevek is less affected by the long night. "Alright, some good news at last," she blurts out between breaths. "It seems like most of those fires were lit for our benefit. Not only are the inhabitants almost entirely Tieflings and other monstrous- errr. Other foes that can see in the dark, rather." She glances downward, a bit ashamed by the gaffe. "Pardon. At any rate, they can surely see in the dark as well as not, and more importantly, there's not half as many defenders as we feared."

She steps up to a small table, recently delivered for the purpose, and unrolls a small map of the city.
"I'm gonna use historical names for these districts, as backwards as it may seem. Here, Paradise Hill, is occupied by a corps of goat-demons. The natural hill, and fortified guild houses make it a reasonably defensible district- if we can, we should take the hill immediately. The sun at our backs might help us break through their defenses. There's at least 2 Vrocks circling overhead," she adds unhappily.

"On the far side of the gorge is 'Southbank'. It looks like a bunch of Tiefling cultists and slaves mostly, but they appear to be guarding a few of the larger houses. Stores of some kind, no doubt."

"Just west of there, the Ahari bridge still stands. Disregard this nearer one, it's collapsed and won't help us cross the gorge. The bridge is... strangely equipped. Several cultists are obviously guarding it, and six huge aurochs are in the gorge, below the bridge, one each chained to the six support columns of the bridge. I suspect they're positioned to bring it down, but it's impossible to be sure in the dark. This one would probably be a job for just you few- the paladins and their mounts won't be able to fight effectively on the narrow bridge, much less into the gorge and back out...." She eyes the heroes meaningfully before moving on with her report.

"Three of the watchtowers around the citadel were destroyed when the city fell. Unfortunately, the other four appear to have been reinforced. It can't be accidental, so we'll need to address them before long."

"Surprisingly, Northbank appears almost totally deserted. There's a few pockets of cultists guarding small bands of slaves, but nothing else noteworthy, which brings me to"

"The Drezen Cemetery. There's so many ghouls over there it was impossible to even really scout it out. Could well be every poor dead soul since the city fell turned undead. One crypt in particular is literally crawling with them. Whatever's inside, they are so drawn to it that the mausoleum looks more like a rippling black tumor from a distance." She's visibly disturbed by whatever it is that she saw in the cemetery, but dutifully finishes her report before turning to get your response.

Spoiler: OOC

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For clarification, based on Anevia's report there are 3 "skirmish" encounters for you guys to address directly: The bridge, the watchtowers, and the crypt.
Aaaaand there are also 3 "battles" to be fought: Paradise Hill against the Schir demons, Southbank against the Tieflings, and the Cemetery against the ghouls.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Filburn Crow Male Neutral Good Half-Elf Bladed Arcanist 6, Eldritch Knight 2, Level 8, Mythic 1, Init 9, HP 83/83, Speed 30 AC20, Touch 12, Flat-footed 18, CMD 22, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +10, Base Attack Bonus 5 "Baerlyon, Demon-Foe" (Black Blade +2 Falcata) +12 (1d8+7, 19-20/x3) +1 Chain Shirt, +1 Blinding Light Steel Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Natural AC) Abilities Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 9 Condition Arcane Reservoir 6/9 Uses Available Black Blade Arcane Pool 2/2 Available Filburn’s Mythic Powers 5/5 Available Baerlyon’s Mythic Powers 2/2 Available

From the Abyss-stunted trees Filburn peers out at the ruined city, listening to the reports from the scouts and considering options. "None of us came here expecting to live through this, but if we are to have a chance we need the high ground. We attack as soon as the army is ready," he says, first mumbling as he thinks to himself (and his sword) and then directing the order to those around him. "I know they are tired, but we will go throughout the troops and encourage them. Then, when the fighting has begun, we will fight beside them."

Looking to his closest allies around him he continues, more quietly, "We should consider trying to draw out the strongest of the enemies by attacking the watchtowers while the army prepares. If we can distract them, perhaps even trick them into thinking there is an internal fight, we may give the army an advantage when they need it."

[namo]

Elwing, while not the most military-minded, tries to contribute to the conversation:
"Isn't it risky to leave the demons at our back on Paradise Hill? Especially with Vrocks as sentinels and support - we see only two, but there's likely a third nearby.

Separately, just so you know, I am still capable of performing some healing today. I'll keep you updated along the way, so we can manage that resource."

He fully intends to bow to the decision of the more strategical minds present.

[Gwynfrid]

As soon as the army begins digging in, Elrembriel gets her tent set up and retires. "I apologize that I will not be able to help now. I need to rest and prepare my magic for the battle in the morning." While truthful, this excuse only covers the less important reason she has for wanting to remain alone. A much more important thing pushes her away: She feels utterly unable of facing others while keeping the dark, deep well of her emotions hidden.

She knew all along, with an overwhelming sense of dread, that Drenzen was the army's target. Inheritor and all the gods know this is the last place on Golarion I want to be in. She remembers only a fraction of the city's layout: During her brief sojourn there she had not been allowed to visit, even if she had wanted to. She turns and turns on her cot, wondering what may happen if she's recognized, or, worse, if she meets her mo... Tanieal. Let's remember her as Tanieal. It takes all her mental discipline to force herself to sleep. When she wakes up a few short hours later, she gratefully allows her mind to immerse itself in the intricacies of spell preparation - anything to push the awful memories away.

[BelGareth]

Grace was quiet again, as she was want to do between events. Sometimes she was this demure, quiet little thing, wanting her privacy to pray and just be alone.

And then she was the Armies symbol of endurance, glory and divine power.

She knew this, and so as they forced the army to march closer to Drezen, she knew what she had to do.

A top her horse, she made sure she was a sight to behold, she had her armor cleaned by several attendants to several raised eyebrows, but she knew, she knew. It was gleaming by the time the rest of her gear was ready, everything was spotless, she mounted her courser, a filly she had named Pudicitia. She corralled the paladins, urging her mount to the rear of the column, and moving forward as she spoke her call to prayer.

"O valiant warriors of Iomedae's chosen legion,
As we march forth to face the crucible of fate,
Let our hearts be steadfast, our spirits unbroken,
For in our righteous cause, we shall not hesitate.

With every step, let our resolve grow stronger,
As we bear the burden of our sacred quest,
For we are the guardians of righteousness, warriors no longer,
But avatars of Iomedae's divine behest.

Let the clarion call of our battle cry resound,
As we rally beneath her banner unfurled,
Cry 'Havoc!', let chaos and darkness be confound,
For in the name of Iomedae, we shall conquer the world.

Though the path ahead may be fraught with peril,
And the shadows of doubt may cloud our sight,
Let faith be our compass, let courage be our laurel,
As we march towards victory with all our might.

In the footsteps of heroes, we tread this sacred ground,
With valor in our hearts, and righteousness in our hand,
For Iomedae's light guides us, in her grace we are bound,
To triumph over evil, to defend the weak and the land.

So let us march forth, with heads held high,
With the fervor of faith burning bright within,
For in the crucible of battle, our spirits shall never die,
As we fulfill our destiny, and let the dogs of war begin!"

She pauses and then stands in her saddle yelling "Cry Havoc!" she exclaimed as they came upon the city they were here to liberate.

---

Once at the city, she dismounts and assists as she can, but always keeping an ear out for the others, and once she hears of battle plans being laid out she joins the others, "I agree, Paradise Hill would be my primary target, we should take that, establish our base camp, and push our siege from there. It gives us a natural moat from each direction, and height to better defend the position, other than the Citadel, I cannot see a better defensive position."

Spoiler

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Grace
HP's: 121/121
AC: 24
FF: 23 T: 12
CMD: 24 FCMD: 23
Effects: none
Powers/day:
Terendelev's Scale of Grace 0/3 day (swift)
MP's 5/5 day
LoH 11/12 day (standard;swift)
Smite Evil 2/3 day (Swift)
Divine Bond 0/1 day (standard)
Hands of Valor 1/1 day (free;when LoH's)
[Int] Medal of Clarity 1/1/day (swift)
[Str] Medal of Valor 1/1/day (swift)
[Cha] Medal of Command 1/1/day (swift)