Hellscarred and War-torn (Inactive)

Game Master Zedth

It has been more than a century since Mylosis fell to the disgraces of hell. The events that followed unleashed a tide of hellspawn and other disgraces upon the Western Realm. The land is in a time of crucial flux, and the reigns of freedom are being seized by our intrepid heroes.

Map of the Realm
Map of the Realm (2)
Current Tactical Map

Party Treasure

Party Health
Catcher........111/111
Gromff.........109/123
Roland.........132/144, 0/18 Bonus HP, Fire Resist: 2, DR 4/-, Lesser Celestial Totem,
Crystallius....92/92
Chiro..........117/117

Party Passive Perception scores
Catcher......9 (-1)
Gromff.......12 (+2)
Roland.......23 (+13)
Crystallius..28 (+18)
Chiro...........27 (+17)

Initiative rolls:

Initiative Rolls
[dice=Gromff]1d20+5[/dice]
[dice=Roland]1d20+1[/dice]
[dice=Catcher]1d20+12[/dice]
[dice=Crystallius]1d20+5[/dice]
[dice=Chiro]1d20+5[/dice]


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M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Aye. Why aren't ye? Sides, we let them go ye really think the whole town'd fight us. Some here don't like it. But she protects them so they don't say nothin. This ain't right. How can ye not see that?"


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

"I cannot see any dragonfolk's children in there, and I can see a large part of the city is not human. Do you think they are going to join our side? Don't bet so. You got in there to see if they wanted our help. They don't. I'm ready to fight Asariel, but that means we will have to use the gem, and the time might not be right. We'd better return another day."


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Ain't that large and with the blue gone ain't much reason for them ta stay. Them or the drakes. That is going to cause problems either way. Best wait for the not-dragon to come back. I don't want ta fight her anymore than ye because it will mean we have to scour the globe again for the angel, but I ain't lettin this go. Childurn shouldn't be forced to leave their families let alone fight for us. I ain't dead yet. They can wait their turn. Whose ta say those powers remain when they leave." Gromff walks to a corner and plops down on the cold hard stone. "Best ta just wait. Or at least tell the b&#%$ we kilt her watch dog. Might bring her back."


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

As he works, Adakos listens to the conversion, finding himself agreeing with both sides of the brewing argument. He couldn't deny that he'd like to see the children returned to their homes, but part of him felt that there was something much bigger brewing and that they were all caught up in its boil. The one thing he did know was that there was a decision to be made, and right now the group was not able to make it as a whole, their motivations and morals divided.

"One thing might be able to be proven. Has anyone asked one of the little cherubs to come through the portal with them? See what happens when they reach the other side perhaps?" he said, having no other thought worth pitting himself against the dwarf or barbarian on. "Of course, there's a risk involved, but maybe one of them who wants to return home would be willing to try?"


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

"A good idea, I think." He sighs and addresses the dwarf again. "I'm not overly happy with the kids staying here, Gromff, but I have the feeling she's not our enemy. Let her temper cool for some weeks, and then we return and try to talk her out of it, cause right now I bet she's gonna go insane when she realizes we killed her dragon and got her gem."


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"And let more o them die in there? Nope." He folds his arms unwilling to give.


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

"I tend to think Roland is right. Perhaps after a bit of cooling off, we can convince Asariel that her actions here are not morally correct. Being here with hostile intent when she returns will not do anything but cause another fight, and I also agree that she might not be our enemy. Our true enemy, at least."

He turns his gaze to Gromff, giving him a level look, "And if she refuses to back down when next we meet and does not relinquish the children, then she can meet the fate of her lackey."


Tactical Map

Some really good banter here. I'm enjoying everyone's perspectives and analysis.

The raised voices of the companions against the backdrop of the distant roar of the falls is the only sign of life in this wet cavern. With the weight of the world on their shoulders, knowing every possible action will affect the future in unforeseen ways, the heroes debate their next move.

A sudden vision comes into the mind of the young wizard --

Catcher,
You feel a thrum in your pouch from the blue gem, followed by a blurry mental image of what can only be the world through Asariel's eyes. You see a countryside far below you, dotted with clusters of gray leafless trees and rolling snow-covered hills. Farms and small villages look like mere toys from this altitude. Leaving the hilly terrain behind, the scenery changes abruptly to steep, sheer mountains that towered above the land below. Snow-capped peak after snow-capped peak rushed below you as your powerful wings propel you through the frigid air, deeper into the range of mountains.

Catching your eye down below is a long snake-like formation of soldiers, showing shades of red, green and icy white. Flying down to get a closer look, your excellent draconic eyes show these to be hundreds of devils marching along in a line, slithering up and down mountain paths and scaling difficult cliffs with relative ease. These devils are on the march. Legions of barbazus, hamatulas, and insect-like ice-devils move steadily forward in military-like efficiency.

A downward swoop and a gout of green poison-breath later sent a huge swathe of devilkind to the ground -- some in death, others in severe pain, all steaming profusely with acidic acrid smoke. The dragon apparently then decided to take to the air again and to follow the advancement of this line of hellish soldiers.

It took little time to discover their goal. Hundreds congregated at the base of a staggeringly tall sheer mountain, standing around on a massive circular patio of cobbled stone. The patio was ringed by 50' statues of grand dwarves, spaced far apart, each standing in poses of bravado and wielding hammers and axes. Flying over their heads were dozens of large wicked winged devils and monsters of unknown origin. These flyers regularly landed to take on as many soldiers as could be carried, then lifted high into the air laden with friendly burden. These then flew in labored circles ever higher, finally arriving at a large balcony near the mountain's peak, formed both of natural stone and dwarven masonry. Some of these flying troop-transports were shot out of the sky by ballistae and net-throwers, while others managed to deliver their bloodthirsty kin to the balcony. Upon this balcony was an active scene of furious battle -- dwarf vs devil, devil vs dwarf, battling for tenuous supremacy. Several griffon-riding dwarves battled mid-air with this enemy, pitting claw, beak and spear against the airborne threat.

The dragon took the opportunity to swat several flyers out of the sky, sending handfuls of hell's soldiers to their deaths several thousand feet below with a powerful swipe of her claw. This was followed by a similar blow to a griffon-knight, sending dwarf and griffon into a death spiral, tumbling down to meet their makers. Apparently she grew tired of the game and turned back from whence she came.

The visual image wanes in Catcher's mind, quickly replaced by the certainty that the dragon was returning home. The connection between wizard and dragon then ceased... for the moment.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Roland nods at Miro. It was good having people that agreed with you, sometimes. "This is not our battle right now, dwarf."

Silver Crusade

Female Human White Haired Runt | 5% SFC HP 111 | AC:25 | T:13 | FF:23 | CMB +11 | CMD:23 | Fort:+10 | Ref:+8 | Will:+5 | Init:+12 | K:Arc + 18 | K:Hist + 13 | K:Planes +18 | Linguistic + 12| Spellcraft +18 | Pers -1 | Stl + 0 | Surv -1

K:Geography: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 ... Nope! No idea where that is!

It all happened too fast. Taking a step back, the mage tries in vain to find something to steady herself, and the closest thing was the ground, which she ungracefully meets with a pained and undignified sound.
She does not even bother to get up, for now as the words pour out. ”Some dwarven stronghold is about to fall. Staggeringly tall sheer mountain, standing around on a massive circular patio of cobbled stone. The patio ringed by 50' statues of grand dwarves, spaced far apart, each standing in poses of bravado and wielding hammers and axes. But that is only bravado. The devil army surrounds the place, and they keep arriving in troves.” she takes a deep breath before continuing ”That, and the Asariel is returning…”


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

Knowledge, Geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Not sure if that gives me any clues of the location based on Catcher's description. I'll wait to comment to her statement until I know that much.

The half-elf looks up from the nearly finished corpse, the pile of skin and scale beside him ready to be bundled and stored. He gives a thoughtful look to the wizard as he searches his memory for any recollection of such a place as she describes as the scene of a great battle.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Roland looks at the remains of the blue dragon and thinks about something really fast. "Is there any way for us to burn the rest of the body?" He then pays more attention to Catcher, and he doesn't understand exactly what happened. He thought she was making it up to convince the dwarf. "Yeah, imagine that, if a dwarven city was falling to the devil hoard, wouldn't you rather be there helping them?"


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

Adakos raises an eyebrow to Roland, "Just how hungry are you? Burning it will not remove the bones, nor the remaining charred flesh and ash. If that dragon is on its way back we need to become very scarce, very fast."


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

He looks at Catcher. "What's that now? Are you serious about She coming back?" Turning to Adakos he explain it. "If I were to find a body of someone I knew, I would rather find it burned than skinned, definitely. I mean, look at that" He points to the corpse.


Tactical Map

Hilarious link Roland...lol

Adakos based on your roll, and Gromff,
The imagery Catcher is describing can only be Khaurak-Khozil, mountain home of several cooperative dwarf clans, including Clan Hammerhand. The patio circled in dwarf statues lies at the foot of the mountain fortress and acts as a place to exchange cargo that can be transported up and down the cliff via griffon or crane-lift.


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

Gromff seems unperturbed. "Khaurak-Khozil is a fortress and they been assaultin it long as I been alive. Ain't got through yet. Ain't gettin through any time soon. And me first duty is ta Moradin and by his rules this ain't right what's goin on here. Ye don't through the children into battle first. Sides, where are we gonna go? Ye got a lead on the next gem that I don't know about? Only lead is apparently at me homeland and with Xavius. Up to you ta explain this though," he says pointing at the skinned dragon.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

"We have a lead on how not to fight a huge green dragon with a temper, and that's good enough in my opinion. Getting out of here would be nice, and maybe we can go help this city, after all. If it's a gem, the chances of dwarfs having it is good. Plus, having two of the gems perhaps the wizard can track the next one."


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Fine. Leave. Ask around. See if the people will revolt when they get their kids back. Start with Delmont. Me thinks he's level headed. I'll wait for her. If I die, ye can do things yer way."


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

Miro brows knit together in anger. "Aye, that's a fine take on things, Gromff. Arrgggg...it be me way or bugger off. I thought we were a team? So when the majority of the team thinks it wise to move on, you plant your feet and scowl because you didn't get your way." The halfling stamps his foot.

"I don't like this any more than you do. But I think coming back later would be prudent."


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Roland raises an eyebrow to Gromff that clearly says now what wise guy?


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Have ye met a dwarf? Might not be wise but when is right ever the wise thing ta do?" he fires right back. "After what we fought in there can ye really just walk away?"

Silver Crusade

Female Human White Haired Runt | 5% SFC HP 111 | AC:25 | T:13 | FF:23 | CMB +11 | CMD:23 | Fort:+10 | Ref:+8 | Will:+5 | Init:+12 | K:Arc + 18 | K:Hist + 13 | K:Planes +18 | Linguistic + 12| Spellcraft +18 | Pers -1 | Stl + 0 | Surv -1
Roland, just Roland wrote:
"What's that now? Are you serious about She coming back?"

"Believe in what you will. I'm done explaining myself to the lot of you."

Roland, just Roland wrote:
"Yeah, imagine that, if a dwarven city was falling to the devil hoard, wouldn't you rather be there helping them?"

”Actually, no. I rather not, the five of us will do no difference at all. If they are to fall, they’ll fall with our without our help.”


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

Torn between getting the hell out of the path of a likely very angry dragon-demon-angel-thing and staying by his companion's side, Adakos frets visibly with the current dilemma. The dwarf had obviously chosen to make a stand here, the rest of them be damned. Putting the lives of the group at risk didn't sit well with the half-elf, especially since there seemed little to gain in staying. The cherubs weren't going anywhere, they were surrounded by a town of brainwashed followers, and the dragon was obviously beyond their abilities. This wasn't even the stuff of heroes, it was the stuff of fools. However, there were few other options save running with their tails between their legs. Finally mustering the courage to state his peace, the ranger says, "While I don't know everything you all have went through, and I can barely begin to comprehend this whole fallen angel and and colorful gem thing you have going, I do know one thing; the devils are our enemies. Not the dragon, not the people of this city, and not the multitude of drakes and other creatures creeping around here. Our goal, or at least my own, is to do whatever is needed to end this Hellish scourge laid upon these lands." He turns to the dwarf and says, "We can't do that if we are dead. And if we fall, who will search for the last gem? And the other angels? Who will carry on if our corpses, along with the two gems we have, rot in this cave? There is too much at stake to simply make a stand out of sheer stubbornness. I once heard my father say, the lives of the many outweigh the needs of the few. There are far more lives at stake in this than those beyond that portal, or in this town. And the way I see it, there aren't that many out there fighting to preserve those lives."

Speaking only to Gromff, Adakos says, "No one can make you leave, but these gems need to be as far away from that returning beast as possible. We need to get them out of here. That is the only sure thing I know right now."

Silver Crusade

Female Human White Haired Runt | 5% SFC HP 111 | AC:25 | T:13 | FF:23 | CMB +11 | CMD:23 | Fort:+10 | Ref:+8 | Will:+5 | Init:+12 | K:Arc + 18 | K:Hist + 13 | K:Planes +18 | Linguistic + 12| Spellcraft +18 | Pers -1 | Stl + 0 | Surv -1

Catcher was surprised... Even if had taken him some days and some fights and some not so pleasant circumstances... Adakos said what she had to fight everyone about since the beginning: “Do we save a few and sacrifice all the rest?”

Not that she would acknowledge or act smug, but it was good to know, that somehow, someone else had the same ideas as she had.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Roland raises the other eyebrow to the dwarf too. "I agree. If I were someone powerful, and someone could control me if I came close, I wouldn't certainly stay away from the key holder. Even better, had I a dragon, I would send it to take it back on my behalf. If the dragon was dead, I would send my army." He gives them some time do absorb this information, if they didn't already know did.

"Stop the drama, dwarf. The kids are gonna be fine for a while longer."


Tactical Map

Some heated debates here. I am here, watching and observing. When I have some more time (probably tonight when I get home) I'll do a recap post of some of the untouched leads the party has open to them. A handful have already been discussed in the recent posts. For now please continue to debate and discuss. The ball is in your court.


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Fine," he says tossing the gem to Catcher. "Wait here," he says just before walking back through the fog. Thankful none of the so called cherubs are present on the bluff when he walks out and kicks a stone off into the mist of breaking waves below. He takes a deep breadth and says. "So what do I do?" he asks of no one in particular. "You," holding the holy symbol, "or you," looking at the ring, "got a bright idea. Ain't the thinkin type. More the punishing the evil type. Can't let this," he waves at the pillars of stone and the children, "go. Children fightin ain't right. Her stealin kids ain't right. Forcin her ain't right either. I know that now. So what do I do? Can't think o a compromise. I want nothin more than to run back home and smash some devil's in the face or continue this mission ye gave me. But I cannea walk away without doing something. But I can't think o nothin ta do either but wait and set that fool angel-dragon thing right." He looks up at the changing clouds hoping for some inspiration. He knows this place is closer to heaven and therefore the gods. It is because of this that he entered, hoping for something. A sign maybe, as he had been given before. He would have to leave to continue the mission. Sacrifice the few to save the many. Bah. Had to be better way. He wished Catcher wasn't so cynical. Maybe she could think of something.


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

"Friends, what do you think?" He asks the others as Gromff walks back into the mist. "Do we stay and confront Asariel when she inevitably returns, hoping it won't be at the head of her army? Do we leave and travel to where these visions of Catcher are taking place?"

"I think talking to Asariel at some future point would behoove us. After all, it seems we're fighting the same enemy, we just disagree about what she is doing with the children. Perhaps we can convince her of that folly."


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

"Sure, later we can either convince her or try the harder option of killing her. You know, we could leave her a message, so at least some of our arguments would sink in by the time we meet again."


Tactical Map

Asariel's bluff rattled beneath the dwarf's feet. The tremor grew rapidly until the very stone began to split and shatter. Cracked lines in the ground shot out in all directions, splitting into shapes like lightning bolts. The dwarf was tossed to the uneven floor with a thud -- even his axiomatic dwarven sturdiness couldn't maintain his balance. Large chunks of earth began to rock and roll, and some began to fall away from the island and into the sea. So violent were the eruptive tremors that the warpriest couldn't manage to stand again no matter how he tried.

The deterioration of the bluff grew ever more rapid, and without warning the dwarf fell into growing fissure, his armor clanging against the sheer stone walls as he tumbled down.

After what felt like much too far of a fall, the priest of Moradin landed -- on his feet -- in a land far removed from the warm paradise from moments ago. Strong wind gusts carried snowflakes and the scent of dragonapple blossoms. Gromff looked around at his new surroundings and found himself about an hour out of his home, Khaurak-Khozil, next to a small dragonapple orchard.

A blinding light of the purest radiance suddenly rained down on the dwarf, straight from the cloudy heaven above.

Gromff of Clan Hammerhand, warrior of light, both fierce and loyal... your pleading has not gone unnoticed. Your voice was as an echo, and yet it cut through the din, and you have been heard.

You are now in a distant corner of heaven; this plane of existence is unique. You also stand on the cusp of hell itself, but this is known to you.

The innocent youth you defend, who's cause you champion, they have free will as do all mortalkind. Your judgment is sound. You are right to fear for them, but fear not, for they now are armed with the swords of heaven; their loins are girded with the armor of purity; their bodies protected by shields of faith. The creature known as Asariel hath plucked them from even greater danger -- the danger of life under the oppression of hell. If in the end this proves for better or for worse, one cannot predict. As a mortal your position is both powerful and precarious -- every decision you make can affect the world for good or for ill.

Know this -- Moradin watches over these children. Whilst they remain young, they remain innocent, and therefore immune to the blistering judgments of eternity. If they fall their pure souls will be shepherded to the light. If they yet live, they will live in the world that you will help usher in.

Go. Go forth, Gromff -- Hammer of Moradin. Let not your heart be troubled.

Several images flash through the dwarf's mind --
-the inner halls of Khaurak-Khozil, under attack by devilkind...
-A spear glowing with the light of heaven, protruding from a massive demonic skull, sitting in a grove of green grass, vines, and flowers...
-a trio of heinous hags, clustered around a pool of water, surrounded by gaunt gray trees and grayer skies...
-The Greenshingles inn of Archdale, its muddy street lanes filled with conflict, melee between goodly races and devils, and melee between men and other men...

Directly behind the dwarf is a familiar stationary cloud of foggy mist.

Gromff, you feel that you have been blessed. You have been given a Wind Walk spell that can be cast upon you and your friends, one time of your choosing in the next 48 hours, with unlimited duration.


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

Nodding to Miro, Adakos says, "No doubt from what I understand that she is connected to all this. I don't really get what these gems are supposed to do, nor what to expect from those they are linked to, but somehow its all a part of a bigger puzzle. Tossing out one of the pieces would leave the whole unfulfilled." As he speaks he gathers the bundles of blue scale and hide into his pack, it all somehow fitting into the smaller container. "I think the death of her lackey here will either send her into a fit, or cause her to rethink things. But either way, we don't want to be here when she gets back."

"As to where to go, you likely know best. I'll bend my bow in service to your cause, but I cannot determine what step is next."


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

Well...that was direct, he thought. This place really was very close to heaven. But it was also close to the hells. Could very well have been a devil's illusion. No, the light was too pure to be anything other than heavenly. But know where to go. The blessing wouldn't last long enough to get to all the places he saw. Seems all the stories brought forth at the Greenshingles inn. The spear. The hags. Wait, Archdale was under attack. Arsensai was there.

Gromff rushed through the mist and towards his companions. "Archdale's under attack. We need ta get back there for Arsensai." He then kneels and pulse of force hits the others. It seems to knock the substance right out of them and turn them gaseous. "Don't fight the flow, go with it. Common." He then lifts off the ground and floats towards the waterfall. His form seems to break up as he meets the turbulent wind from the falls but soon his is shooting across the surface of the river and then up into the sky, off towards Archdale. On the way he explains. "Saw a vision. All the stories are true. The gems, the spear, the hags. Also saw fighting in the inner halls of Khaurak-Khozil...and Archdale."


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Tired of everyone keeping Adakos in the dark, Roland makes a promise to tell him as soon as they are out of earshot from the dragonkind. "As soon as we get away from here I'll tell you about the gems and the keys Adakos."

When Gromff comes back decided to get the hell out of here he thinks they have been cheated, and someone gave back the wrong dwarf. "Is that really Gromff? I mean, has he been brainwashed?"


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

Miro gives Gromff a long look, then breaks into a wide grin as he claps the dwarf on the shoulder. "To Archdale, then, and with all haste!"


Tactical Map

The dwarf's sudden reappearance doesn't arrive with any explanation for his change in attitude, but with the casting of divine magic upon the group of heroes. As if the stalwart warpriest were made of smoke, his form suddenly blew away in wisps of dwarf essence. All of the heroes then feel a gentle magical tug upon their...cohesiveness. Trusting in their friend, they each underwent a similar transformation into wisps of wind.

Finding perfect maneuverability and profound speed, the party flew out of the dragon's lair, out from the waterfall, and into the bright skies. The busy folk of the budding town Kingscrown are left behind followed by the snowy hills, farmlands and mountains of the north Western Realm.

Not even the wondrous sensation of riding griffonback could match the experience of becoming air itself. With the fear of falling nullified one could enjoy the weightlessness...the pure, unfettered freedom... it was liberating to the soul. This liberation was seasoned with the worry of unknown -- the worry about Aersensi and her well-being. If the child-harbinger was lost, their quest would be for naught, and the world would be swallowed in darkness.

The party-made-of-wind arrived to the skies over Archdale in under two hours -- a journey that surely would have taken a week and a half or longer had they been on foot, traveling through the heavy snows. What was seen was just as alarming as Gromff's vision promised. Dozens of columns of black smoke rose in the air from burning tents and wood structures, carrying the scent of char and burnt flesh. The number of people present seemed greatly diminished when compared to the previous visit some days past. I think its been about a week and a half, in-game, since the party left Archdale. Does that sound right?

Humans battle other humans, their swords gleaming in the sunlight fall upon polished mail. Halflings, dwarves, and elves also are mixed into the fray. At first glance it is difficult to distinguish factions, but upon further observance you find soldiers wearing tabards of the Silvermane doing battle against the miscellany of other factions gathered in consortium here at Archdale.

A quick flight around the tent city reveals this to be a common theme as several melees ensue. Toward the center of the city is the wood-walled Silvermane complex, under siege by several unorganized groups of combatants. Behind the walls you see gates being fortified, scorpion-ballistae being loaded, and tower sentries raining arrows upon their attackers. Alarmingly, among their ranks are several devilkind, including barbazus, charfiends and lemures.

Closer to the ancient keep against the mountain pass is the Greenshingles inn, where another heavy melee ensues in the muddy lane out front. Half a dozen armored Silvermane cavalry are shearing through a group of militia who dare stand against them. As if they weren't outmatched already, a beautiful human female flies on wings of smoky black feathers, who rains down flaming arrow shafts from the skies above.

Perception DC 15 + Knowledge Planes DC 18:

--------------
The flying woman has a coiled whip upon her belt that seems to writhe with a life of its own. In contrast to her beauty are scars and skin discoloration that decorate her lithe nearly-nude form. This wicked flyer is very likely a Erinyes -- a deviless with a penchant for execution and malice. These devils have spell resistance, typical devil immunities and resistances, fires flaming arrows, has excellent skill in flight, and has several magical abilities to add to her ranged arsenal: fear, summons, unholy blight, and illusions.


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

So is she good or bad? Cause it sounded like she was helping.


Tactical Map

Apologies for clarity. The winged woman is aiding the Silverman cavalry.

Smoking arrow after smoking arrow ripped through the air, felling soldier after soldier. The flying woman cackled with delight at her murderous spree while a Silvermane knight raised a warhammer in salute to her aid.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

Roland actually preferred to be on a griffon. Of course, this speed was awesome, but the lack of danger made the trip boring, even as quick as it was. While they were on that, Roland fulfill his promise to Adakos. "When we were in Sojourn seeking a guy name Walker we stumbled upon him and a little girl, whose name was Aerseni. It turned out this girl was one of the harbingers, which according to the legend are fallen angels, who came to our world to end the war against devilkind. Of course, we're not sure if they came up to end the world or the war, but we're still gathering bits and pieces together. Each harbinger has a key connected to it, a gem, which we already have two, a blue one and the yellow one we got from Blue Wise Guy. Asariel is also a harbinger, which brings us to the point to find out who is the third one. It could be Xavius, the leader of the human camp in Archdale, but that's unlikely. The place where the Harbingers are supposed to release their full power is also there in Archdale. I think that's what I know."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Roland is pissed off by what he sees. "Let's kill the Silvermane leader, right now!" He clearly wants to cut the head of the snake at once, even if the flying devil had to wait some more time. "We wouldn't be lucky enough to have that black-winged woman as the third harbinger and controlled by the yellow gem, would we?"


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

Miro nods in affirmation to Roland's statement. He was an amiable sort of fellow...but this was treachery, and all the goodly races would be set back with a Silvermane victory here.

"Aye, Roland, you speak truly. Let us give these traitors battle."


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

"Lad bout covered it," Gromff comments on Roland's cliffnotes.

"Catcher would know. If it ain't then let's hit the flying one first, then we'll take on the cavalry." Gromff gathers up the wind, ready to fly off after the flying demon.


Male Half-Elf - HP 70/70 | AC 21 | T 15 | FF 17 | CMD 22 | Fort +10 | Ref +10 | Will +9 | Init +4 | Perc +17 (+20 vs. traps) | Sense Motive +2 | Low-Light Vision | Ranger Tricks: 4/4

Taking in everything the man said, Adakos nodded and began to put together some of the pieces of what he had been missing. So they were looking for harbingers, and with them, the gem associated to them. He felt even more so now that the gems needed to be protected. It was starting to make at least a little bit of sense, but how they were drafted into this quest was still a bit of a mystery. The rings? Were they a part of this somehow?

Arriving and seeing human against human, the ranger turns to the group as if unsure of what has transpired. Who were they to side with? His heart told him that those in silver who seemed to be allied with the devils were the cause of this, and they should be wiped out, but he was unsure of where the alliances lie.

"This is chaos! And things are looking bad down there. We need to find a defensible position and lend these people aid." he says to the others, ready to put his bow to work.


Tactical Map

Everyone is in a gaseous form from the wind walk spell. I have placed your tokens on the side of the tactical map, so please place yourself wherever you desire on your first turn. I chose the Greenshingles melee based on your above posts.

Everyone please post their desired actions, stealth rolls, or any other pre-combat party discussion now. Please make stealth rolls if you are trying to remain hidden and/or going for a surprise round attack. When you're ready (or when my bad guys roll a better perception than your stealth) we'll start the melee. Keep in mind that it is a clear day, so you cannot roll stealth in midair. You must choose a spot with concealment, such as behind a tree or tent.

I put some block militia troops on the map, they're basically just groups of militia. The individuals are more of the same. The apparent enemies are the mounted Silvermane knights and the deviless who flies 100' above the battlefield.


Tactical Map

The ball is in your court, team.


Male Halfling Bard 6 HP 31/37 | AC 24/16/21 | F +7 R +10 W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +12 | Bardic Perform 24/24 | Spells 1st 3/5, 2nd 2/4

Miro swoops down, then casts a spell of invisibility on himself. He prepares to start singing to inspire his allies once they coalesce and start bringing the fight to the traitorous bastards on the ground.

Just when things had been looking up, too! What a severe blow to the alliance against the hordes of devil-kin.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

I'm gonna take some liberties to move us forward guys.

Roland points to the northeast of the Inn, where only two soldiers gather. They could easily take down those two, and from that favored spot maybe Adakos would have a chance against that flying angeldemon. They come from behind the inn, trying to finish the soldiers at once, either with silent arrows or with a precise strike!

I have a longbow, if you feel inclined to start the battle from a distance...


Tactical Map

I need stealth rolls from everyone. This will determine who acts in the surprise round. Since it is broad daylight, either you will be seen flying down to the ground, coalescing, or you will not. Hopefully you will not!


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

The spell states that there is an 80% chance you will be mistaken as cloud or mist, you could just roll for that. My stealth is +0 though I doubt armor would play a factor. And considering the 10ft movement it might be better to engage the horses and leave the flying enemy to the ranged people.


Unstopably fabulous owner of a cloak 9 | AC 23, Touch 12, FF 22 | HP 144/144 | DR 4/- | Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9 | Init +1 | Perception +13 | Rage 23/23 | Move

We cannot attack in cloud form Gromff. We need to be material when we do so, and then we have full speed.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15


Tactical Map

80% chance to go unnoticed if you're "fully clothed in white", which you folks are not. I'd still rather handwave chance at being noticed during the 5 rounds, giving the enemy having little-to-no preparation for you as combatants. This way their only chance is a surprise round *if* they see you attempting to surreptitiously reform. (IE stealth)


M Warpriest 9 | AC 27, Touch 13, FF 27 | HP 109/123| CMB +11 | CMD 21 (25 vs BR and T) | Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +5 | Senses Darkvision 60ft | Perception +4 Spells: 1st 4/6 2nd 4/5 3rd 4/4 | Fervor: 7/8 | Blessings: 5/7 | Sacred Weapon: 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9

I got things a little confused. I thought we had flight outside of gaseous form. I wasn't suggesting we fight in it though. Since we don't that makes things easier. How about we all go around the west side behind the bushes and hit the cavalry from the side. Catcher and Adakos fire at the erinyes as soon as they have a shot. I assume the Silvermane are the bad guys since the devil is helping and the shifty things they did before.

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