Fantasy A Tide of Flames: a d20 Dungeons & Dragons adventure

Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral, Brindol Keep​

​

Zanaek paled at the sight before them and regretted at deciding that hunting the demon was not a high priority. Had they done so... no had he made an attempt to scry for the demon's location or intent, perhaps they could have been better prepared to prevent the carnage that which was now before them. Blood smeared and spattered all over the ruined cathedral, bodies of clerics mutilated and trussed up in a mockery of their deity, and a veridian shadow permeated throughout the whole chamber that gave the final touch of making the scene seem straight out of a nightmare.​

​

A nightmare.​

​

He closed his eyes. Could they be in one again? He remembered the dream he had prior to being awoken by Lord Jaarmath's grim news. The Tormite quietly spoke to the others, "I don't suppose any of us bothered to check to see if we're awake and not trapped in a dreamscape again? I'm asking, because before Jaarmath woke us, I had a grisly nightmare about a desert of arms. I could just be paranoid." He shrugged a little, his eyes shifting to the others hoping he was wrong.​

​

TAG: ALL

 

Ariel Elandinai
Brindol Cathedral

The door closed behind the company, and Ariel noted that Skadi had latched the door behind them. The air was cold, and there were no sounds, except the few the company made as they stood silent, exploring the area around them. The smell of blood was overpowering within the air, and it was not difficult to see why. As she scanned the dismal scene presented to them, she heard Zanaek voice speak out over the gloom. "I don't suppose any of us bothered to check to see if we're awake and not trapped in a dreamscape again? I'm asking, because before Jaarmath woke us, I had a grisly nightmare about a desert of arms. I could just be paranoid." He shrugged a little. Ariel looked over at him. She had been dreaming as well, same as before. Still, Zanaek's comment was valid. But she remembered how realistic it had been, the last time they had all 'dreamed'.

Ariel calmly walked over to stand a next to Zanaek. The look on his face echoed a similar look that some of the Company held on their faces. She looked at him, giving him a small nod. She then suddenly, reached out and buffed him on the back of his head, not hitting him too hard, but enough for a slight jarring.

"Is THAT what you had in mind?" she asked him softly. "You look awake enough to me." She gave him a gentle smile and wink, before she extended her wings, and took flight. She hoped that her small gesture would relax him. They did not need to give the creature any advantage. Ariel did not go to far up, just enough to see past Zanaek's new glowing nature. She whispered a prayer to the Winged Mother, and she scanned the area, looking around for anything immediately threating, as she kept Sulsalka close at hand. This thing was looking for a fight. But she was sure that it would not fight fair in any case. Ariel used the gift of sight from the Goddess, to try and see if she could see anything else as well. This demon, if like before, liked to use illusion to try and fool them. She would expect it to try and use it against them again. Still, she wondered about it's motives. It had been trapped. They freeded it. It could have gone anywhere. But it didnt. Why? Perhaps it sensed the impending battle, and felt it would have much to gain by sticking around. But something just didnt seem right. No matter. She would just make sure that the clerics would have their chance of getting rid of the cursed thing.




TAG: CmdrMitthrawnuruodo, the Company



Please roll a perception check.

 

Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral, Brindol

"Hey," Zanaek exclaimed quietly and reached up to rub at the back of his head even though it really didn't hurt. "Not exactly, no." Ariel smacking him to ease the tension worked a little, at least for him (though he couldn't say the same for the others), but he still could not shake the feeling that they were walking to their deaths.

Do not think such things, he chided himself. We have faced dragons, a Lich, scores of goblins, greenspawn and defeated this demon once before. This is just one more foe to face and defeat, nothing more.

TAG: ALL


Tapatalk Signature
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Use the light switch, Luke. Trust your feelings!

 

IC: William Marshall

The wizard couldn't even bring himself to be amused by Ariel and Zanaek. He was too stunned by the destruction of the cathedral - and it was destruction; a building might stand here yet, but the place of beauty sacred to Lathander was gone.

He couldn't help but wonder if the god knew - and if so, whether he cared. This was desecration far beyond anything a mere mortal could do, but Lathander had not protected his servants from it. Could he have?

Abruptly he shook his head. Going into battle doubting the gods was a bad idea.

"We're with you, Sa'adi," he said again, quietly. "Lead on."

TAG: All

 

IC: Mazarun Zothyrr

Mazarun snorted, shifted his weight a little, and raised his blade. The wrongness was still there, but outside the cathedral it had been an unknown quantity upon which imagined horrors might be projected. Once inside, it was unpleasant, but a known quantity, and one didn't last long in Menzoberranzan without growing at least a little accustomed to seeing disturbing things.

Having already examined his fears and prioritised the task at hand ahead of them, the drow saw little point to letting his nerves raise any further objections. Their course of action was already set; the objective was what mattered now.

"Let's get to killing this thing. The sooner, the better." He sounded almost bored.

TAG: All

 

OOC: Sorry about the delays, guys, I got caught up with stuff.

The Company of the Crescent Flame

Brindol Cathedral

Skadi did not reply. Speaking would be more noise for an enemy to pinpoint. Moreover, she was stretching out with all her senses, reaching to find the source of the vileness that hung over the Cathedral like an executed criminal. The threat, wherever it was, was closing in, a thunderhead well past the horizon and bearing down on them all. She stepped carefully over another broken pew of heavy wanderwood, Winterfall angled upward. Over her had, Ariel moved forward, wide, white wings beating chill air around the room as she slipped forward, Sulsalka’s blade whirling with the miniature thunderstorm in counterpoint to the one Skadi felt at her heart.

“Let’s get to killing this thing. The sooner, the better,” came Mazarun’s even, calm voice.

INDEED. FOR YOUR TIME IS OVER, DROW.

The voice thundered in all of their heads; a rolling, powerful basso that wrenched at the skull and filled the mind with crawling, oozing things. The voice they had heard from Ulwai’s tortured throat yesterday was nothing to this. A shadow; a figment. This was its true voice.

It moved. To her horror, Ariel realised she’d looked right past it; had thought it part of the perverted destruction, a mixture of shadows. Then it detached itself from those shadows, seeming to grow. Eyes the colour of amethyst lightning opened as the glabrezu glided from the crossway.

I SAW WHAT YOU DID TO MY JAILER. THE PLANES ARE FILLED WITH IRONY.

Skadi felt herself fall.

Not to the floor below her, but up. Her feet left the floor, involuntarily; the world shifted, and with sudden horror she realised the Cathedral’s arched, gabled ceiling, seventy feet above, was reaching up for her as she fell—

Ariel, forward of the remainder of the Company and not caught in the spell, watched in horror. They fell, seventy feet upwards, to land with a bone-shattering crunch on the steeped roof of the Cathedral…followed, a second or two later, by another, sickening crack as several hundred pounds’ worth of wanderwood pews rained on them from below – the debris they had just walked over and which was similarly affected by the reversion of gravity.

Instinct took over; the avariel turned back to the glabrezu—
To find four of them walking confidently, calmly into the centre of the Cathedral. She blinked—one of them had seemed to overlap another of them for a second—
Some sort of spell. There was only one of them. There could be only one, surely.
A MOMENT, AVARIEL. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR CHANCE TO DANCE WITH ME…

…and another noise, again, of falling, as the demon dismissed the same spell it had just cast.
And her seven companions fell from the roof once more, plunging seventy feet through the air to crash into the floor of the Cathedral below, debris raining over them.

TAG: All

Spoiler: For Ragnar only

Ragnar’s got True Seeing on, so he can tell three of those demons are illusions. The only real one is the one on the far right – but he has to tell the others, it’s information only for him.

Spoiler: for William and Mazarun only

By dint of Spellcraft or familiarity with magic, William and Mazarun can certainly identify what just happened to themselves: the party (except Ariel) just got hit with a Reverse Gravity spell, which was then dismissed.

OOC: Surprise round is done, and the demon’s taken its first round of actions, so it’s over to all of you. You’re all prone, obviously, so that needs to be taken into account in providing your actions for this round.

Initiative Order:
Monster: 21
William: 20
Evelios: 20
Mazarun: 19
Ariel: 18
Corrath: 17
Ragnar: 17
Zanaek: 14
Skadi: 10

Battle Stats:

Corrath Marktos
HP: 13/68
AC: 28
Attack: +16/+11/+14/+11 Carduus/Bloodthirst (If two-weapon fighting, in Assassin Stance), +18/+13 if only attacking with rapier)
Damage: Rapier 1d6+9 (15-20/x2 +7d6+10), Kukri 1d4+9 (18-20/x2 +7d6+10) (in Assassin Stance)
Saves: Fort – 21, Ref – 20, Will – 22 (+1 vs. fear)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Kukri is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Ariel Elandinai
HP: 120/108
AC: 28
Attack: +20/+15 Sulsalka (Can use Power Attack to take 10 off this and add to damage)
Damage: Courtblade 1d10+5 (19-20/x2 +1d8 [sonic]) +1d6 electricity, DC 14 Fort or target deafened. 3/day can force DC 16 Reflex or target is stunned. If Power Attacking: 1d10+26 and bonuses apply. Dive Attack doubles damage. Diving Charge adds +2d6 damage.
Saves: Fort – 28, Reflex – 26, Will – 24 (+1 vs. fear)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Courtblade is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
FACE OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to CHA: raises stun attempts from 3/day to 5/day
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Sa’adi Adim
HP: 67/115
AC: 28
Attack: +16/+11 Winterfall
Damage: 1d8+14 (19-20/x2) +1d6 cold damage
Saves: Fort – 26, Ref – 21, Will – 30 (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (At will/7/7/6/6/4) DC (18+Level), CL 10 (11 for [force] spells
0: Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
1: Divine Favor (x2), Protection from Evil, Ray of Resurgence (x2), Shield of Faith*
2: Close Wounds (x2), Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon* (x2)
3: Dispel Magic, Mass Resist Energy
4: Divine Power* (x2), Recitation
5: Flame Strike*, Divine Agility, Righteous Might
EYE OF TYR: See normally in natural and magical darkness (100 minutes)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Longsword is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
ARM OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to STR
FACE OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to CHA: improves Holy Smite
THE PATH OF TYR: Subject can walk on air as if on solid ground
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Zanaek Grahorn
HP: 28/84
AC: 28
Attack: +11/+5 (longsword)
Damage: 1d8+3 (19-20/x2)
Saves: Fort – 24, Ref – 21, Will – 34 (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (At will/7/7/6/6/4) DC 18+Level, CL 10 (CL 12 for [Healing] and [Divination] spells, CL 11 for [Good] spells.)
0: Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Resistance, Light
1: Bless, Detect Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil (D)
2: Spiritual Weapon, Light of Mercuria, Inflict Moderate Wounds x2, Cure Moderate Wounds (D)
3: Demon Dirge x2, Inflict Serious Wounds, Prayer
4: Dismissal, Summon Monster IV, Shield of Faith (Mass), Lesser Holy Transformation, Spell Vulnerability, Holy Smite (D)
5: Triadspell, Summon Monster V, Cure Light Wounds (Mass), Dispel Evil (D)
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
LIGHT OF THE FIRST HEAVEN: Light for 30 feet, dim light to 60 feet. Can expend illumination as ranged touch attack, 2d6 damage to evil outsiders (100 minutes)
LIGHT OF THE SECOND HEAVEN: Light for 30 feet, dim light to 60 feet. Can expend illumination as ranged touch attack, 4d6 damage to evil outsiders (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Sword is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Evelios D’Rtan
HP: 35/80
AC: 27
Attack: +12/+7 (Ligeia) (Snowflake Wardance raises all attacks by +6 if on)
Damage: 1d8+4 +5 [sonic], can force DC 20 Ref save, failure target is stunned
Bardic Music: 10/10
Saves: Fort – 21, Ref – 25, Will – 31 (+1 vs. (Sp) effects, Nymph’s Kiss) (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (Bard 10, Base Save DC 18) At Will/5/5/4
0: Prestidigitation, Summon Instrument, Detect Magic, Songbird, Light, Message
1: Improvisation, Inspirational Boost, Charm Person, Hideous Laughter
2: Tongues, Glitterdust, Detect Thoughts, Resounding Voice
3: Haste, Glibness, Dispel Magic, Confusion
4: Fugue, Sirine's Grace
TYR’S VESTMENTS: +2 enhancement bonus to Psychoactive Skin (10 hours)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Rapier is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Ragnar Ingvarsson
HP: 96/151 (Raging: 117/172)
AC: 21 (Raging: 17)
Attacks: +19/+14 (Adamantine Maul) Raging: +22/+17
Damage: 2d8+9 (20/x3) +1d6 [electricity] Raging: 2d8+12 (20/x3) +1d6 [electricity]
When Power Attacking: -10 to attack rolls, +22 to damage. If charging, -10 to AC instead.
Saves: Fort 31, Ref 21, Will 21 (Raging: 34, 21, 23) (+1 vs. fear)
Rage: 5/5
THE MANY HANDS OF TYR: subject has 2 extra arms, and claw attacks at +16 (+19 when raging) for 1d6+6 damage each. If two claw hits in 1 round, can rend for 2d6+14 extra damage. (100 minutes)
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S LIBERTY OF MOVEMENT: Unaffected by anti-movement magic (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TYR’S OWN SIGHT: See normally in magical/natural darkness, see through invisibility, polymorph, etc.
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
MARSHALL’S MARVELLOUS METRIFICATION: Subject and possessions are now Large size, has ten foot reach, +2 size bonus to STR, -2 size bonus to DEX, -1 to attack rolls and AC

Mazarun Zothyrr
HP: 66/121
AC: 29
Attacks: +15/+10/+15/+7 (R/R/XB/XB)
Damage: 1d6+7 (18-20/x2) (Rapier), 1d4+4 (Hand Crossbow) +4 on top to damage if flatfooted enemy within 30 feet
Saves: Fort 29, Ref 24, Will 25 (27 if enchantment), +2 if spell/spell-like ability; also note Spell Resistance, +1 vs. fear
Spells: (4/3) (CL 6)
0: Detect Poison, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Mending
1: Grease, Ray of Clumsiness
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Hand crossbow is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
DROW SHIELD: +4 shield bonus to AC, negates magic missile

William Marshall
HP: 14/69
AC: 29
Attacks: +5 melee
Damage: Who cares?
Saves: Fort 25, Ref 27, Will 32 (+1 vs fear)
Spells: (4 at-will/7/6/5/5/4)
0th: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Resistance
1st: Endure Elements, Identify, Protection from Evil, Ray of Clumsiness, Ray of Enfeeblement
2nd: Detect Thoughts, Glitterdust, Ray of Stupidity x2, Scorching Ray, Web
3rd: Dispel Magic x2, Slow
4th: Assay Spell Resistance, Dimensional Anchor, Enervation, Polymorph x2
5th: Feeblemind, Hold Monster, Mass Fire Shield, Unfettered Heroism
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGE ARMOUR: +6 armor bonus to AC (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
KHELBEN’S SHIELD: +4 to shield AC, negate magic missile[/quote]

 

Evelios D'Rtan Just Fell 70 Feet And Didn't Die Which Actually Makes Him Like Unto a God, and Poe the Raven
3.5 EVERYBODY!

Well, if there was one thing getting slammed around like an old Buick at a demolition derby did to a man, it was snap his writer out of whatever apathy he had been undergoing with regards to posting.

This is of course a common and universal problem that speaks to the human condition.

"Poe, take a note," Evelios grumbled, getting to his feet.

"That note being?"

"I hate the freaking Eagles, man."

"... What?"

"Sorry, no, not the Eagles, the... um... those things with the strange inhuman geometries and the WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA'AM. Oh god I think I've got a nose bleed!" The bard wiped his nose.

"I do have a nose bleed! DAMN YOU FOUL BEASTS! DAMN YOU BACK TO THE DARK PIT THAT SPAWNED YOU!"

"Actually I think it's a lot more severe than a nose bleed, you seem to be bleeding profusely in several-"

"NOBODY MAKES MY NOSE BLEED MY OWN BLOOD YOU BASTARDS!"

"Oh whatever."

"A-one, a-two, a-skiddely-diddely SERIOUSLY SCREW YOU!"

And so Evelios did basically the only thing Evelios was good for, which was give his author an excuse to link YouTube videos sing, of course.



Really, if you were expecting something else by this point, you're probably reading the wrong update.

TAG: All

OOC: Won't lie, it's been long enough that I'm extremely rusty with regards to all of my... technical dohikkies related to buffing the singing - I know the sword amplifies it, I know I can double it using Words of Creation in exchange for 3d4 nonlethal damage, I know the vest does something... I don't even pretend to remember how all of those stack anymore.

So basically Stand up from prone as my move action and Inspire Courage with as many non-redundant buffs as possible for my standard. I think there's a swift action I also have to do as part of the whole routine?

 

Ragnar Ingvarsson

Ragnar stumbled to his feet. His head hurt from more than the fall - the rise? - to the...ceiling? The demons - things - weren't right. At least, it seemed that way. Three were mere shadows.

"On the right! Leave the others, kill the one on the right!"

His voice was a rumble, and he noted the edge to it as an almost detached afterthought. This would be...unfortunate.

Tag: All

OOC: Not entirely sure what to roll, but Ragnar will get to his feet, and assuming he succeeds, rage and beeline for the rightmost bad guy for an attack.

 

OOC: Okaaaay, um... Base 10th level bard is +2, but Vest of Legends treats you as a 15th level bard for inspire courage purposes, so it's a +3 base. Song of the Heart is passive and raises that to +4. Badge of Valor raises that to +5. Inspirational Boost is a swift-action spell that raises it by +1, so let's slot that in there before your standard action. Words of Creation doesn't seem to have an activation time as such, and it doubles the base inspire courage figure, so that becomes: +3 [base] x2 [Words of Creation] +1 [Song of the Heart] +1 [Badge of Valor] +1 [Inspirational Boost] = +9 inspire courage to attack, damage, etc, graaaaaar. Evelios takes 3d4 = 5 nonlethal damage this round from resorting to Yanni.

 

Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral, Brindol​

​

No sooner had he finished speaking, the demon showed himself. The voice was even more terrible in person than it had been through Urial. He was glad for the protections for he could only imagine how terrified he might have been had he been anything less. Zanaek's thoughts shifted as he felt the floor leave his feet as the demon taunted them. At first he didn't understand what was happening until gravity started pulling him away from the floor.​

​

Horrified at what was happening, he did the only thing he could do and brace himself for an untimely impact against the ceiling. He groaned in pain as he felt something snap inside with a bone jarring crunch and he only had a split second to cover his head with his plated arms before the pews crashed on top and around him. It wasn't over as he felt gravity change once more and he fell this time for the ground.​

​

Zanaek was in pain of the likes he hadn't felt since he fell from a tree at his family's homestead when he had been a boy and broke his leg. Something was broken inside and he didn't know what or which. He was bleeding and he tasted blood in his mouth. A quick glance with his eyes told him his companions fared no better than he. Evelios started singing, adding to the splitting headache he already had from crashing twice, but he still felt the magic weave its way into him.​

​

Unsteadily the cleric climbed to his feet, using a broken pew to steady himself as he spoke a prayer to his god and reached out with a gauntlet covered hand, "O' great Torm, grant us your warmth and strength, your compassion and wrath, and knit close these wounds that a perversion of the Light has wrought upon us so that we may smite thy enemies with your righteous fury!"​

​

His outstretched hand glowed brighter than the heavenly light already emitting from him, a swirl of divine magic encompassing himself and his companions as the healing energies of his god wrapped around them all. Wounds knitted closed, bones mended just enough so as not to hinder them, and it felt like their bodies had been bolstered with the otherworldly presence of Torm.​

​

TAG: Saintheart cassie5squared Rilwen_Shadowflame Ktala DarthXan318 Ramza Penguinator

Swapping out Dispel Evil (D) for Cure Light Wounds (Mass)

Casting Cure Light Wounds (Mass) for 20 HPs, I want to do an Action Point but the rules on it got truncated so I don't know what do with it. Trying to get back as many HPs as possible for everyone with this spell. Also not sure what effect Evelios' singing will have on the spell and I not sure I have all my bonuses added.

Imbued Healing automatically happens and everyone gets +8 Temp HPs for the next hour.

 

Ramza Edit: Scrubbed on request. See lower for the real real update.

 

Evelios D'Rtan is Going to Go Home and Sleep With His Wife, and Poe the Raven
We hate it when our foes become successful

"NOBODY MAKES MY NOSE B- Hold up, time out. Poe, point of clarification."

"Yes?"

"Is my nose bleeding?"

"Um... no? Any particular reason it should be?"

"I just... I... hm... Strange. I could've sworn in the last update that I-"

"The last update?"

"... Never mind. I'm afraid nosebleeds were just a red herring, Poe."

"I'm not sure I fol-"

"Not the time, Poe, nobody cares about what you think was supposed to be happening. This is here, this is now, and there are, like, four demons standing right there. I'll have no more of this nonsense about how my nose should be bleeding."

"But that was y-"

"Ahem.



"Wait, since when do you..."

<<Executive decision.>>

<<We convened the council and it was decided 84-67.>>

Poe flapped his wings in frustration. "You're really not taking this seriously enough."

<<But that's our secret, Poe. We're always serious.>>

"No you bloody well are not!"

<<... Huh, that's true.>>

TAG: All

OOC: Same actions as last time, but since I no longer have to stand up, Evelios will draw his rapier first.

 

OOC: Third edition. Ignore the second and first editions above.

The Company of the Crescent Flame

Brindol Cathedral

Skadi blinked, shaking the thought away. The previous few seconds had simply been a wandering of her mind. No demon had the power to hurl them into the cavernous ceiling above them, not on all the understanding she had.

No, this one had the power to do worse.

She felt it, suddenly. Just as she suspected Zanaek felt it; and she had a fair idea that William and Mazarun probably had a similar wrenching at their innards. The wrenching of the planes themselves being tortured; a sudden intuition of brimstone and the black smoke of flesh bonfires as before them, in the main body of the Cathedral itself, crimson light shone forth, and a glabrezu stepped through, summoned to the Prime Material Plane.

Fifteen feet tall, dog-headed face, amethyst eyes, a body built of the stuff of children’s nightmares, the glabrezu glanced once towards the left hand transept of the Cathedral. Then it turned, imperious, and spoke one word – a word that almost held physical force; a word that tumbled across the cathedral to detonate across Zanaek.

The cleric of Torm staggered, hands opening, sword clattering to the ground. Stunned.

More movement: this time, four glabrezu, moving out from the shadows of the transept – though they were moving identically; there must be some sort of magic at work—

I WILL SHOW YOU SUCH WONDERS.

TAG: All

Spoiler: For Ragnar only

Ragnar’s got True Seeing on, so he can tell three of those demons are illusions. The only real ones are the two on the far right – but he has to tell the others, it’s information only for him.

Spoiler: for William and Mazarun only

By dint of Spellcraft or familiarity with magic, William and Mazarun can certainly identify what just happened: Zanaek and Skadi have been hit with Power Word Stun.

Spoiler: Quick OOC notes for all

Basically, surprise round because the Glabrezu was standing around the corner. Ragnar didn’t have line of sight, and True Seeing doesn’t allow him to see through walls. Zanaek and Ariel failed their Perception checks to spot the creature in any event. So the Glabrezu spent its surprise round summoning, it wins initiative and summoned creatures act on the same round as their summoner.

And before anyone asks: no, Protection from Evil does not keep out Power Word Stun even if it’s an Enchantment (Compulsion) Mind-Affecting spell. That spell affects all (Charm) subschool spells, certainly, but the only (Compulsion) subschool spells it affects are those that “grant the caster ongoing control over the subject.” Power Word Stun does not do so. It stuns. Period.

Map is similar if not the same as before, but photobucket is screwing me around at the moment, so just add one more Glabrezu at R17-T19. Enjoy.


Initiative Order:
Monsters: 21
William: 21
Evelios: 20
Mazarun: 19
Ariel: 18
Corrath: 17
Ragnar: 17
Zanaek: 14
Skadi: 10

Battle Stats:

Corrath Marktos
HP: 80/68
AC: 28
Attack: +16/+11/+14/+11 Carduus/Bloodthirst (If two-weapon fighting, in Assassin Stance), +18/+13 if only attacking with rapier)
Damage: Rapier 1d6+9 (15-20/x2 +7d6+10), Kukri 1d4+9 (18-20/x2 +7d6+10) (in Assassin Stance)
Saves: Fort – 21, Ref – 20, Will – 22 (+1 vs. fear)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Kukri is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Ariel Elandinai
HP: 120/108
AC: 28
Attack: +20/+15 Sulsalka (Can use Power Attack to take 10 off this and add to damage)
Damage: Courtblade 1d10+5 (19-20/x2 +1d8 [sonic]) +1d6 electricity, DC 14 Fort or target deafened. 3/day can force DC 16 Reflex or target is stunned. If Power Attacking: 1d10+26 and bonuses apply. Dive Attack doubles damage. Diving Charge adds +2d6 damage.
Saves: Fort – 28, Reflex – 26, Will – 24 (+1 vs. fear)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Courtblade is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
FACE OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to CHA: raises stun attempts from 3/day to 5/day
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Sa’adi Adim
HP: 127/115
AC: 28
Attack: +16/+11 Winterfall
Damage: 1d8+14 (19-20/x2) +1d6 cold damage
Saves: Fort – 26, Ref – 21, Will – 30 (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (At will/7/7/6/6/4) DC (18+Level), CL 10 (11 for [force] spells
0: Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
1: Divine Favor (x2), Protection from Evil, Ray of Resurgence (x2), Shield of Faith*
2: Close Wounds (x2), Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon* (x2)
3: Dispel Magic, Mass Resist Energy
4: Divine Power* (x2), Recitation
5: Flame Strike*, Divine Agility, Righteous Might
EYE OF TYR: See normally in natural and magical darkness (100 minutes)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Longsword is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
ARM OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to STR
FACE OF TYR: +4 enhancement bonus to CHA: improves Holy Smite
THE PATH OF TYR: Subject can walk on air as if on solid ground
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
THE MANY HANDS OF TYR: subject has 2 extra arms, and claw attacks at +16 for 1d6+6 damage each. If two claw hits in 1 round, can rend for extra damage. (100 minutes)

Zanaek Grahorn
HP: 96/84
AC: 25
Attack: +11/+5 (longsword)
Damage: 1d8+3 (19-20/x2)
Saves: Fort – 24, Ref – 21, Will – 34 (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (At will/7/7/6/6/4) DC 18+Level, CL 10 (CL 12 for [Healing] and [Divination] spells, CL 11 for [Good] spells.)
0: Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Resistance, Light
1: Bless, Detect Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil (D)
2: Spiritual Weapon, Light of Mercuria, Inflict Moderate Wounds x2, Cure Moderate Wounds (D)
3: Demon Dirge x2, Inflict Serious Wounds, Prayer
4: Dismissal, Summon Monster IV, Shield of Faith (Mass), Lesser Holy Transformation, Spell Vulnerability, Holy Smite (D)
5: Triadspell, Summon Monster V, Cure Light Wounds (Mass), Dispel Evil (D)
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
LIGHT OF THE FIRST HEAVEN: Light for 30 feet, dim light to 60 feet. Can expend illumination as ranged touch attack, 2d6 damage to evil outsiders (100 minutes)
LIGHT OF THE SECOND HEAVEN: Light for 30 feet, dim light to 60 feet. Can expend illumination as ranged touch attack, 4d6 damage to evil outsiders (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Sword is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
STUNNED: drops all items, -2 to AC, no DEX bonus to AC, can’t take actions (6 rounds)

Evelios D’Rtan
HP: 92/80
AC: 27
Attack: +12/+7 (Ligeia) (Snowflake Wardance raises all attacks by +6 if on)
Damage: 1d8+4 +5 [sonic], can force DC 20 Ref save, failure target is stunned
Bardic Music: 10/10
Saves: Fort – 21, Ref – 25, Will – 31 (+1 vs. (Sp) effects, Nymph’s Kiss) (+1 vs. fear)
Spells: (Bard 10, Base Save DC 18) At Will/5/5/4
0: Prestidigitation, Summon Instrument, Detect Magic, Songbird, Light, Message
1: Improvisation, Inspirational Boost, Charm Person, Hideous Laughter
2: Tongues, Glitterdust, Detect Thoughts, Resounding Voice
3: Haste, Glibness, Dispel Magic, Confusion
4: Fugue, Sirine's Grace
TYR’S VESTMENTS: +2 enhancement bonus to Psychoactive Skin (10 hours)
TYR’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Rapier is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints

Ragnar Ingvarsson
HP: 163/151 (Raging: 184/172)
AC: 21 (Raging: 17)
Attacks: +19/+14 (Adamantine Maul) Raging: +22/+17
Damage: 2d8+9 (20/x3) +1d6 [electricity] Raging: 2d8+12 (20/x3) +1d6 [electricity]
When Power Attacking: -10 to attack rolls, +22 to damage. If charging, -10 to AC instead.
Saves: Fort 31, Ref 21, Will 21 (Raging: 34, 21, 23) (+1 vs. fear)
Rage: 5/5
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
TYR’S LIBERTY OF MOVEMENT: Unaffected by anti-movement magic (100 minutes)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TYR’S OWN SIGHT: See normally in magical/natural darkness, see through invisibility, polymorph, etc.
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
MARSHALL’S MARVELLOUS METRIFICATION: Subject and possessions are now Large size, has ten foot reach, +2 size bonus to STR, -2 size bonus to DEX, -1 to attack rolls and AC

Mazarun Zothyrr
HP: 133/121
AC: 29
Attacks: +15/+10/+15/+7 (R/R/XB/XB)
Damage: 1d6+7 (18-20/x2) (Rapier), 1d4+4 (Hand Crossbow) +4 on top to damage if flatfooted enemy within 30 feet
Saves: Fort 29, Ref 24, Will 25 (27 if enchantment), +2 if spell/spell-like ability; also note Spell Resistance, +1 vs. fear
Spells: (4/3) (CL 6)
0: Detect Poison, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Mending
1: Grease, Ray of Clumsiness
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGIC WEAPON: Hand crossbow is now a +2 weapon, not a +1 (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
DROW SHIELD: +4 shield bonus to AC, negates magic missile

William Marshall
HP: 81/69
AC: 29
Attacks: +5 melee
Damage: Who cares?
Saves: Fort 25, Ref 27, Will 32 (+1 vs fear)
Spells: (4 at-will/7/6/5/5/4)
0th: Detect Magic, Light, Prestidigitation, Resistance
1st: Endure Elements, Identify, Protection from Evil, Ray of Clumsiness, Ray of Enfeeblement
2nd: Detect Thoughts, Glitterdust, Ray of Stupidity x2, Scorching Ray, Web
3rd: Dispel Magic x2, Slow
4th: Assay Spell Resistance, Dimensional Anchor, Enervation, Polymorph x2
5th: Feeblemind, Hold Monster, Mass Fire Shield, Unfettered Heroism
TORM’S CIRCLE AGAINST EVIL: +2 deflection bonus to AC, +2 resistance bonus to saves (110 minutes)
TYR’S CONVICTION: +3 morale bonus to all saves (100 minutes)
GREATER MAGE ARMOUR: +6 armor bonus to AC (10 hours)
TYR’S SHIELD OF FAITH: +3 deflection bonus to AC (overlaps with Circle Against Evil)
TORM’S PROTECTION: +1 morale bonus to AC and saving throws
TORM’S AID: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and fear saves, 12 temporary hitpoints
KHELBEN’S SHIELD: +4 to shield AC, negate magic missile[/q

Consider your previous actions wiped, so you can respond fresh if you wish.[/quote]

 

Evelios D'Rtan is the Only Possible Explanation, and Poe the Raven
LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN

"But that's my secret, Poe, I'm alway... Wait."

"... Wait, what?"

"Wasn't my nose bleeding just now?"

"Um... no."

"Funny, I could've sworn my nose was..." Evelios wiped his hand across his upper lip. No blood. "Huh. I guess communism was just a red herring."

"You mean nose bleeds. Nose bleeds were just a red herring."

"Yes, I... I thought I... ... Hm."

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing, I just... I have the strangest sensation of deja vu."

"Gesundheit."

"Thank you. But enough of this nonsense, Poe! There are demons. This is no time for us to be prattling about your delusions of demons nearby! Wait, no, nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are the thing that aren't really happening. Demons are there. Yes."

"But that wasn't-"

"Silence my avian compatriot! The time has come to do what I do best. And what I do, isn't very nice." The bard withdrew his rapier.

"And what exactly is it that you do?"

"I snikt, bub."

"You sniktbub."

"Yes, I snikt, bub."

"But you're not sniktbub."

"Third base! Anyway



"... Is that supposed to sound like that?"

<<Well certainly, that's my singing voice you're hearing.>>

"I could have sworn... that..."

<<That's my secret, Poe, I'm always swearing.>>

"Oh for the love of-"

TAG: All

OOC: Same actions as the last post.

 

OOC: Same actions - sorry if this is a total rehash, but I've no idea what to write right now!

Ragnar Ingvarsson

The scent of brimstone filled his nostrils. Ragnar sniffed, suppressed a cough. Not good. Demons weren't good, either.

But he knew something the others didn't.

He knew, for example, that there was illusion at work.

He knew that two of the beasts were real. The ones on the right.

"On the right. Attack those. The others are mere shadows."

TAG: @Saintheart, all

 

IC: William Marshall

A calm that came from being too far beyond fear to panic descended over the wizard. He had arcane power at his fingertips, he was facing two of the more dangerous kind of demon, and his friend had just been hurt.

For a brief moment, the Weave sang to him.

Help first.

In an instant he was moving, stepping out to face the hulking monstrosities. A small rod was pulled from his spellpouch as he ran, and aimed directly at Zanaek. A few sharp words, and the effect on the young healer was instantaneous; the glabrezu's spell was broken.

Now for the demons. Tiny droplets of molasses flew from his fingertips as he rounded on them with another incanted spell, and almost in time with it he heard Evelios break into... well, he supposed it would technically be song.

TAG: All
OOC: Talked this out with Lightwarden, who made all the rolls for me.
William moves straight forward 6 squares while drawing the Metamagic Rod of Quicken, then fires off an Area of Effect Dispel Magic, which should catch Zanaek and only Zanaek, thus dispelling the highest-level spell cast, i.e. what the demon just did.

Dispel Magic Check: 1d20+10 = 26 - William wins, the effect should be cancelled. Then he casts Slow on the demons.

Demon 1: Roll vs. Will: 1d20 + 13 = 32
SR Check: 1d20 + 10 = 26

Demon 2: Roll vs. Will: 1d20 + 13 = 28
SR Check: 1d20 + 10 = 30

William manages to slow them both.

 

IC: Mazarun Zothyrr

The sick ripple of demon magic played itself out across his senses, infuriating him. All the shame or fear or dread accompanying past memories of demons had undergone a swift transmutation into anger. With that anger came... clarity.

The greatest masters of combat in Menzoberranzan were often secretive about their techniques, but if one found some bribe pleasing to them, some could be persuaded to lend their insight. Mazarun had made that trade without regret, even when the secrets his offer bought him were things he'd never quite understood. That swordsmaster had told him things he'd never heard before, once he paid their agreed price. He'd never quite been able to put those insights into practice...

Until now.

Moving forward, he called out to the wizard, clear voice ringing out with the unquestioned authority of a leader. "Now, mage, show them what they truly face! Show them now!"

To the others, he urged, "Hit the nearest!" The sooner they brought that one down, the sooner their original foe would be without an ally. His own tactics, however, were by way of keeping their first foe busy in the meantime. Slim fingers wove the patterns of a spell, one not targeted against the demon itself - who better than a drow to know how to work around spell resistance? - but against the floor upon which it stood. Slippery grease spread itself across the stone, directly beneath the demon Ragnar had pinpointed as being the real one among the illusions.

TAG: All

OOC: Moving up six squares to be in range, using White Raven Tactics to give William another go right after mine, and casting Grease against Big Nasty number one.

 

IC: William Marshall

He heard Mazarun, more commanding than he'd ever been before, and a surge of renewed energy filled him. The threads of power were singing to him again, this time with the voice of a drow, and his body and mind responded at once, the words and gestures flowing freely. It was an awakening to how the Weave worked, an insight he'd never had before.

Dance the steps of Mystra.

The little rod in his hand whipped out, the spell channelling through it, and golden sparkles erupted over the demons like a portent of the combined holy strength of the clerics behind him. Then his gaze hardened, intent on the glabrezu furthest away - one he knew was real - and his hand clenched into a fist.

He could only hope his companions were ready to take advantage of the chance he'd given them.

TAG: All
OOC: Responding to Mazarun's tactics, here's my next turn. Light rolled for me again.
First off, a Quickened Glitterdust, lighting both demons up like a disco ball. It ignores SR, too.
Attack roll 1: 1d20+12 = 27
Attack roll 2: 1d20+12 = 26

Secondly, a Hold Monster on the glabrezu furthest away.
SR Check: 1d20+10 = 23
Will check: 1d20+14 = 32

 

Ariel Elandinai
Brindol Cathedral


Ariel was up in the air above the party, and moving fofward slowly, looking for the creature that done this within the cathedral. She moved slowly, not wanting to get too far ahead of the party as she scanned ahead. Suddenly, there was movement, and the sound of metal hitting the ground. Fifteen feet tall, dog-headed face, amethyst eyes, with a face only a mother could love, the glabrezu glanced once towards the left hand transept of the Cathedral.

Ariel blinked hard. Instead of one of the creatures, she now saw four, all of them moving out of the shandows. They moved as one, each echoing each others movements. Ariel paused, then noticed that something seemed wrong with Zanaek. Then Ragnar's voice seemed to ring out over the party..

"On the right. Attack those. The others are mere shadows." With that bit of information, Ariel focused on the ones that Ragnar had called attention to, her sword held high as she prepared to attck. Mazarun called out again, telling them to hit the nearest one, so with that Ariel focused her attentions on as she moved in a graceful arc. She was glad that she had held a brief pause, as the mage had cast a spell, and as the golden sparkles erupted, into a spell she knew far too well. But at least this time, it was directed towards their eneimies. With that she called upon the Winged Mother to guide her sword, and to let her aim be true as she dove down, holding Sulsalka aloft with both hands firmly clutched around the blade . It was time for her new blade to be tested.



TAG: All

OOC:
Using Dive attack, true strike, and sonic attack

 

The Company of the Crescent Flame

Brindol Cathedral, Elsir Vale
Around four bells, before dawn, Twenty-fourth of Mirtul
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1368 DR)

It took seconds; it took an eternity.

The first thing Skadi was aware of were the sounds: Evelios, singing. But not only singing. Conjuring, a part of her mind whispered. She could almost feel the planes creak around her as they began to give up their magic, give up the stuff of which they were made like steam rising from water. The Words of Creation. She remembered glancing back to see the bard staggering on his feet, the words bursting from his mouth, every syllable a sermon of unimaginable beauty.

The swell of William’s strong, assured voice rose to counterpoint it; magic, bursting in the air itself, tearing away the veil of darkness she’d felt around Zanaek. The mage was striding forward – such courage! – towards the two demons, who were turning …
Turning too slowly. He’d ensorcelled them. And then Mazarun was slipping past her, shouting like a commander on a parade field, incantations flickering from dark fingertips. More magic; a blast of glittering fire across the perverted transept of the Cathedral –
And then a scream as if from the heavens itself, as a white, winged shape sliced through the air; as if Zanaek had already called an angel to the Realms. The foremost demon, summoned, never stood a chance; it tried to get one of its clawed arms up, but Sulsalka had opened its throat. Thunder rolled like a benediction up the Cathedral. The light of hellfire poured from the creature’s neck as it staggered, head almost falling from its shoulders, screaming something incoherent in the aural and telepathic ranges. Corrath, loping in to slam Carduus – and, with a wink of red light, a smell of brimstone, it was gone.

Ragnar leaped past her, ten feet of barbarian howling at the top of his voice, Elias’s hammer making a black arc in the air as it connected and rang, the demon screaming as it tried to regain its footing. Skadi blinked; when had it fallen to the ground?

Then, Zanaek. Light of heavens shining in his grey-streaked hair. He didn’t scream; didn’t charge in. All he did was raise a hand. Drew a breath; drew in light. Then he spoke: one word; a word with a hundred voices behind it, a voice still as the ocean before a storm, soft as a man’s last breath:
“Go.”

And it was. The demon’s screaming abruptly cut off. The planes groaned as they opened—and closed again. Zanaek’s hand dropped. Light danced around him; and with it, she felt her apprehension unclench its fist around her chest, knowing in some way that it was over. Zanaek’s light seemed to reach out, towards the walls – no. Or perhaps only metaphorically. The sickening green glow of the cathedral was fading, dying away; replaced with dim flickers of reflected light, as if emerging from hiding with Zanaek at their centre. She could hear some sort of dim grinding, rumbling sound from the church’s exterior, though the Cathedral remained intact.

But the passing of the verdigris air did not take with it the destruction. Indeed in some ways the things they had seen were rendered more horrifying in godlight; black smears on the floor became the dark red of dried blood; the perverted bodies in the alcoves remained, agonised faces forever staring into death. Broken shards of wood lay everywhere, and the altar—

The high altar. It had been filigreed with gold and platinum, the centre of the Lathanderite Cathedral. Skadi strode up what was once the Cathedral's main aisle, unbuckling her helm’s leather chinstrap, holding it under her shield arm. Her swordarm still bore Winterfall, softly weeping its eternal tears of snow. Ahead, the burden placed on the altar was revealed in the weapon’s light – a long form, trussed, tied; body spattered with blood, dark symbols. But still a breathing form. One that shuddered as she strode towards it, a blonde form who managed to turn frightened, tear-stained eyes to her: Tredora Goldenbrow.

The cleric of Tyr had already noted the round, bloodstained shape at the altar’s base. She did not look at it; moved up to the Lady of the Cathedral’s form. Winterfall snapped out once; twice; a third time at the ankles, and the last of the ropes was freed. Skadi reached and pulled away the gag in the Lathanderite’s mouth. She did not look at the object at the altar’s base. She already knew what it was. Had known it with a sinking heart as she had locked the door behind them. Ulwai Stormsinger’s head, staring forever down the aisle in endless reproach.

TAG: All

 

IC: Mazarun Zothyrr
Cathedral of Lathander

It was over, or so it seemed.

The demons were gone, but the destruction they'd left in their wake could not be denied. Mazarun trailed after Skadi on her path toward the altar, looking around at the ruin that had been made of this place.

Something at the base of the altar caught his eye, and the drow dropped to his knees, reaching out, fingertips brushing against the severed head of Ulwai. They'd left her here thinking she would be safe. He had left her with a promise, that the pain would ease with time.

But Ulwai had run out of time. The demon had returned, and taken it from her forever.

She'd had courage. She'd come back to herself after the attack, where some might have been shattered permanently. She'd found the strength to choose another path. And that strength had been wasted, broken by a monster whose ego could not bear her having escaped it even once.

"You deserved better," he whispered to that mutely staring face, the words falling from his lips as quietly and as unconsciously as a breath.

TAG: Any/all

 

IC: William Marshall and Maeghen

The song faded away, and was replaced with footsteps as the others shifted, taking stock of the situation. With a brief sigh of relief he noted that none of the Company appeared to even be hurt; they were far luckier than the unfortunate clerics strung up along the walls. He watched sadly as Skadi made her way to the altar to free Tredora, and briefly wondered why the high priestess had been left alive. To watch the desecration of her home? Or just because she had been more fun as a living plaything for the glabrezu than -

{William?}

The wizard almost smiled at the familiar note of concern. {Yes?}

There was a pause as Maeghen tried to figure out how to ask everything she wanted to know. Finally she gave up and went with {What's going on?}

{We've won,} he replied, and added enough of an explanation that she could relay it to the people waiting outside. {Give us a few minutes, we'll be out shortly.}

There was a sense of acquiescence, and he turned back to the others. He saw Mazarun kneeling by the altar, and for one bizarre - and offended - moment thought the drow was kneeling to worship the desecrated symbol. A few indignant steps closer, though, he clearly saw the real reason and slowed, grimacing. Ulwai.

William wasn't sure what to say. Mazarun had shown sympathy for the hobgoblin ever since their first encounter with the glabrezu, and to see her butchered after all the encouragement he'd offered had to be hard on him.

Finally deciding that his efforts would be better spent letting Mazarun have a few moments' peace, the wizard looked around again. "We should probably let those waiting outside know what's happened," he said, mostly to Skadi. "I'm sure they'll want to see for themselves."

TAG: All

 

The Company of the Crescent Flame
Brindol Cathedral, Elsir Vale
Around four bells, before dawn, Twenty-fourth of Mirtul
Year of Scattered Lanterns (1368 DR)

Corrath silently wiped the last of the demon's blood from Carduus, then ran the rapier back into its sheath. In the newly-arrived stillness it made a clack that echoed like a coffin's lid closing. Other noises, loud in the silence: she could hear Ragnar's (magically) massive frame shifting as the barbarian rolled his shoulders like he always did after a fight, bringing Elias Kharmantle's hammer back across them. Evelios seemed to be breathing out or staggering on his feet still. Zanaek hadn't yet spoken; seemed to be talking to himself. Soft wingbeats from above as Ariel's white feathers bore her in one more circle around the Cathedral's rafters. And though Mazarun was walking towards the altar, he walked quiet as moonlight. Quieter than her, she had to admit in her most private moments. Overwhelmingly: silence, like a grave.

Mazarun was crouched down by Ulwai's head, and for a second the image came back to her: Celbrandir Silverwind's body, toppling like an ancient tree, a razorfiend having severed his head. Had that only been a week earlier, or less? She shook her head; Ulwai hadn't been any member of their band, merely someone choosing to switch allegiances at the last minute. And odds were on there were more friends and acquaintances who'd pay the final debt in the weeks to come. Celbrandir's silver body, tumbling, flickering in the dark like a falling god--

The half-elf exhaled heavily.
"We should probably let those waiting outside know what's happened," William was saying, breaking the silence. "I'm sure they'll want to see for themselves."
Corrath glanced over at Skadi; the Calishimi cleric was helping Tredora Goldenbrow slide down off the altar, onto her feet. The silence -- what was it about the silence -- ah. The Lady of the Cathedral's silence, that was it. No sobbing; no weeping. No response like that goodwife back at Caldor's Crossing to such wholesale destruction. No, she was quiet; Corrath could pick out Tredora's blue eyes flicking randomly from left to right in the pale luminence of Winterfall. Trembling, yes. Pale as moonlit teeth, even in the light from Skadi's weapon. It occurred to Corrath that not only had Tredora been spectator to the very quick fight that had just passed, but quite possibly she'd been mute witness to all of the slaughter that the Cathedral's state pointed to.
"She going to be all right?" said Corrath, nodding at the priestess of Lathander. "Looks like she--"
"I am sure all will be well. Given time and recuperation." The cleric of Tyr fixed Corrath with a look. A brittle, fragile one like dried-out wood.

It wasn't a look Corrath could hold for long. "Oh. Well. Yeah, I'll -- go and tell them it's all right out there," she said. For a second, the thought of the unattended bodies and the riches of a Cathedral flickered in the back of her mind like a shadow, but something in that look from Skadi drained the thought away.

The half-elf turned on quiet feet, feeling her boots making all too much noise as she headed back down the aisle towards the main doors. Over her shoulder, Skadi's voice: "Zanaek. Is there any further danger from that monstrosity?"

TAG: Mitth, any/all...

 

Ariel Elandinai
Brindol Cathedral


Ariel circled the air above them, after the storm of the battle. Even Ariel would be hard pressed to say what had exactly happened, after her dive. Sulsalka had performed well, she knew that much, and the party had decended upon the demons in force. Her nose had caught the smell of brimstone, and the strange sounds. She knew the one she had attacked was no more, and by the time she rose up into the air, to prepare for another dive, neither did the other one. Zanaek had spoken. Ariel remembered hearing his voice in the middle of all the noise. A clear, single word. And then-

The silence. The all encompassing silence that followed after the battle. It was William who finally spoke first.

"We should probably let those waiting outside know what's happened," William was saying, breaking the silence. "I'm sure they'll want to see for themselves." Ariel looked around. She wasnt too sure about that, but she stayed silent, still on guard. For some reason, it just didnt feel right. Probably because of what had happened the last time they had ran against this demon. But something just felt very strange. Perhaps it was a bit of paranoia. Ariel circled above, looking as Skadi moved up to release Tredora, who was tied, from the altar. Ariel used the gift of the Winged Mother, to scan the area for any magics, or anything else that might seem out of place or unusual. She also scanned the altar area where Skadi was with Tredora, as well. Corrath had followed Skadi, looking at the priestess, who had not uttered a sound.

"She going to be all right?" said Corrath, nodding at the priestess of Lathander. "Looks like she--". Skadi cut off her
comment quickly. "I am sure all will be well. Given time and recuperation." Skadi fixed Corrath with a look. Ariel knew
THAT look. Corrath gave a silght nod, and then turned to open the doors, even as Skadi Skadi's voice called out towards Zanaek, "Zanaek. Is there any further danger from that monstrosity?" A very good question indeed.

Ariel quickly whirled about, scanning the area above, and looking up into the rafters to see if anything could be hidden
there. Clutching Sulsalka, she searched carefully to make all was clear, before they opened the doors. As Ariel had looked below, she had seen the head of the hobgoblin laying there. Mazarun was crouched down near the head. If the woman believed in an afterlife, then perhaps in her last moments, she was able to change the fate of her soul. One could not ask for better. Ariel continued her scanning of the area, using her magical sight for anything out of the ordinary, as Corrath moved towards the doorway. She would not land until she was sure. She clutched Sulsalka tightly. "By the Winged Mother", Ariel said softly to herself, as she looked at the carnage below.


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Zanaek Grahorn

Cathedral, Brindol​

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The demon, no demons, had surprised them. He had blinked at the sight of so many of them, but the rational part of him knew that some were fake. He would have said something of the like had he the ability to do so. There was a crackling of magic, the booming sound of the monster's hate-filled voice, and the clattering of his sword hitting the marble floor at his feet. He couldn't move and fear filled him at the thought of having to stand there the entire fight, helplessly watching his companions become slaughtered by so many of the glabrezus.​

But no, the Gods had been with them, ontop of the quick thinking of Mazarun and William. The stiffness in his limbs eased and he felt mobility return to him just as Ragnar and Skadi and the rest of the Company of the Crescent Flame came down upon the summoned demon with righteous fury. The thing had no chance and screamed its last gurgling cry of agonized fear, no doubt cursing it's summoner for bringing it to the Material Plane.​

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The real demon had no chance either as a calm fury engulfed Zanaek as he strode forward, his very presence seeming to fight back the sick and twisted, green darkness, whispering the prayer on his lips and gesturing at the enchanted-dazed demon as he approached. "Go," he had uttered aloud and with a groan signifying the success of his deity's power, the demon disappeared as he became banished from their realm.​

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Then all was quiet for a few precious moments. He didn't realize he was holding his breath until he heard the clanking sound of Skadi pacing forward toward the ruined altar and the body sprawled across it. His thoughts were elsewhere as his fellow cleric helped Goldenbrow to her feet. He took a brief notice of the severed head of the hobgoblin they had tried to save, a spike of regret spearing him in the chest but quickly faded with the knowledge that she and everyone else in the church had been avenged.​

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His attention was drawn to Skadi when she spoke to him.​

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"Zanaek. Is there any further danger from that monstrosity?" A very good question indeed.​

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The Tormite gave her a knowing, wistful smile and replied, "Lets just say that our demon friend is making a personal acquaintance of the Triad." He left it at that and turned to face Goldenbrow to assess her health. He dismissed the heavenly light he was illuminated with and gave a silent prayer of thanks to Torm for his aid this day.​

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"I offer any assistance of healing if you require any, m'lady?" he asked of the Lathandrite kindly, his gaze searching for the injuries she may have suffered. Although his opinion of her had been low, no one deserved what she had just been through. He would not turn her away because of a difference of opinion or belief. It would go against everything he believed in.​

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