Noticing Porto take interest in the armor and weaponry left behind, but is unable to carry it Hennesey lends a hand and carries the armor and one of the swords for him. After Doug his best to secure the items, he indicates he ready to begin the siege.

Porto retrieves his healing wand from his pack and activates it twice, once on Hennessey and once more on himself.  The magic closes their wounds, leaving the halfling looking whole again, while Hennessey carries only a minor cut—which has thusly scabbed over.
Stan stops over the rapidly decaying body of one of the devils and adds its sword to his pack, feeling the blade might be magical.  As he picks it up, he cannot deny its masterwork quality; however it does not seem to carry an enchantment.  The armor, on the other hand, aside from it appearing on the devil's body following it being slain, radiates the expected magical impression.
And, as Porto touches the armor as he considers picking it up, the suit shrinks down to fit one of his size.  When Hennessey picks it up for him, it grows to fit someone of medium size.
"A common trait among magical armor," Demios says when he notices the three of you watching.  "I believe it was a dwarven master who figured it out, maybe a millennia ago?  In any case, are we ready?"  With that, Hennessey collects the suit of armor and other masterwork sword and packs them away in his pack.

Climbing the stairs to the entrance hall, the ring of battle echoes down from the upper levels of the tower above.  With the din comes faint traces of some odd, pungent odor—one Stan quickly recognizes as alchemical.
"Your mother-in-law uses this tower as a research facility," Demios says before any of you ask.  He twirls his double-bladed sword a couple of times and leads you into the hall.
Rows of pillars support the vaulted ceiling in this chamber, which is an impressive 20 or 25-feet high.  A large stair case adorns the northern section of this area, a flight leading up and a flight leading down.  The way down appears to be sealed by some ancient cave-in.
The pillars are worn and impossibly old, their decorative carvings having been rubbed smooth by ages of exposure to the harsh Abyssal elements (there isn't a door leading outside, just a wide passageway).  Although infernal, the architecture holds some kind of Material undertone, leaving you all the feeling that this tower was not originally constructed on here in the Abyss.
You are not allowed enough time to ponder these perceptions, however, because as you enter you find the floor littered with slain demons.  If it weren't for the droning battle-cries above, you might have thought the battle had ended; but to whose favor?

Map Update updated!

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:14, Tue 01 Feb 2011.

Porto looks around quickly trying to find anything useful, preferably magical. Otherwise Porto waits for Demios to tell them what to do.

15:52, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 20 using 1d20+2. search.

Stan is half relieved, half disappointed that the sword carries no magic.

He takes in the architecture of the tower at a glance. Although the whole place is absolutely interesting, the wizard's current study of its architecture is limited to considerations more tactical than aesthetic.

Demios' description of the tower explains the smell, but it is only half an answer. "Research for what?"

"We don't really know for sure," Demios replies without looking back at Stan.  "Creatures like Morothâ tend to keep things like that to themselves.  But we do have a theory or two.  Remember the devils outside?  Well—"
Before he can finish his sentence, three massive demons step out from behind pillars in the northern section of the hall, just in front of the staircase.  The nightmarish amalgamation of bony spikes and talons leap at you from behind a support column!  Its lithe form is covered by thick, glistening chitin, and it glares at you balefully from a cluster of eyes in the center of its body.

Initiative plus Round 1 action(s)
Battle map forthcoming...


Map has been updated above
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Tue 01 Feb 2011.

Porto once again activates his shield and sword and begins to pick up from where he left off with his singing. Attempting to boost the spirits of his comrades and enabling them to fight at their best.

11:44, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck, rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Init.
Inspire Courage
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Tue 01 Feb 2011.

Stan takes cover behind a pillar and hopes to avoid the first onslaught. These demons look tough, but he's not sure they warrant they demand the last of his offensive spells.

22:51, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Init.
Move: Hide/take cover behind pillar.

Hennesy takes advantage of the distance between them and the devils in the other side of the room. He takes a small step down into a crouched position behind a pillar for cover.  He fired a line test shot at the closest devil, but its horrific appearance must have been just enough to make the rangers shot ring false. His horrible shot wizzes wide of the devil he had intended to hit.

Move: 5ft step to pillar
Attack: shot vs closest devil
16:19, Today: Hennesey Rydell rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  Shot vs Devil 1.

Round One

The second demon to appear reacts to the party's presence first.  The Nashrou, for that is what species this demon is, charges directly at Demios.  The reckless charge is powerful! and tears a terrible-looking wound into the young man.
The first Nashrou follows suit with a wild charge, but is too enticed by the presence of Material Plane mortals and hones in on Hennessey!  Although surprised by the large creature's sudden appearance and horrible make-up, the ranger attempts to slink away around a nearby pillar.  He is caught while trying to avoid the beast's scythe-like fore-claw, but his efforts dampen much of the damage.  He suffers only a light wound.
The third Nashrou follows the charge of the demon now engaged with Demios, and also delivers an awful blow against the party's Abyssal guide.
Of the party members, it is Hennessey who acts first, shifting further behind the pillar and firing an arrow at his assailant.  Their strange, wiry bodies don't make for very good targets where archery is concerned, and the missile misses.
Demios activates a ring on his finger, which surrounds him with a magical energy not unlike the mage armor Stan also commonly employs.  He then launches himself into a dazzling and skillful combat maneuver with his double-bladed sword, administering a powerful blow of his own against the third Nashrou.  His attack cuts through the demon's bone-like body, and causes it to fall apart.  "They're tough, don't you doubt," he shouts to the others, "but if you hit them just right, and very hard, they fall down just like everything else!"
Stan ducks behind a pillar and watches the battle unfold.
Chubbs follows Stan's example, but also picks up his song; again infusing the melody with magic.  The song fills you all with courage and passion for battle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:18, Wed 02 Feb 2011.

Stan draws his quarterstaff and begins to stalk among the pillars, hoping to get close to one of the demons. With any luck, the creature will pass and offer up an easy target for a rear assault.

Move: draw staff
Move2: Move near the closest Nashrou, but stay behind cover for the moment.
18:00, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Hide. (If necessary)

Porto figures to give a little more melee help as he summons forth a celestial dog to attack and hopefully flank one of the demons.

Summon Monster I: Celestial Dog

Nashrou 2 continues to assail Demios, despite the fact that the swordsman so easily killed its companion; but then again these demons were used to such violence.  It launches itself into a sloppy barrage of attacks, employing all four of its clawed appendages; but Demios easily evades them all.
Nashrou 1 attempts the same tactics against Hennessey, whom uses the cover of the pillar to great effect.  Two of the attacks miss due the ranger's dodging, while two more are blocked by the pillar.
Hennessey quickly changes tactics, returning his bow to his back and retrieving his axe.  He decides to attack the beast cautiously at first, to better gain an understanding of its ability to defend itself.  His attack is true, and he scores a solid blow; but the wound seems to push the head of his axe back out, minimizing the damage he should have caused.
"They are resistant to natural metals," Demios shouts back at Hennessey after seeing his efforts minimized.  "Most of us demons are."  To further demonstrate his point, he launches himself into another dazzling attack maneuver.  His blade fails to connect with his first attack, and scores only a glancing blow with the second.
Stan turns around and slowly makes his way towards the demon fighting Hennessey.  As he nears, he retrieves his quarterstaff.
Chubbs ceases his song and casts a different spell.  He calls forth a noble-looking dog from the realms of Celestia.  It doesn't take the animal long to figure out what it was called to do.  It rushes toward the demon now flanked by Hennessey and Stan, and leaps to bite.  As it lunges, its back paws slip on some loose sand that had been blown in from outside, making the attack awkward and ultimately causing the little beast to miss.  However, the presence of the celestical creature has won over the demon's attention…

Active Effects:

• Inspire Courage (+1 bonus to hit & damage; 5 rounds)
• mage armor (Stan only; 4 hours)
• summon monster I - celestial dog (4 rounds)

Being a woodsman, for the most part, Hennesey was fAmiliar with creatures being susceptIble to certain types of metals. Such as the Fey and cold iron. But knowing that doesn't help out the current situation. All he could do was attack as hard as he could to try an cause the most damage he could with his man made weapon. Now that there was a flank, he laid all his cards on the table and swung with everything he had.

A rage wells up within Stan. These things were going to hurt his family! Focusing the anger into a mighty blow, he screams as he swings the quarterstaff into the Nashrou.

14:28, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Attack.

Not feeling that he can do much more Porto stands ready to dodge any unexpected attacks.

Full Defense

Nashrou 2 thrashes about dangerously, swiping its clawed, scythe-like appendages at Demios and thrusting its sharp protrutions like razor-sharpened spikes!  The monster's forceful attacks break Demios' defenses, both martial and magical, and the demon is gored quite nastily.
Nashrou 1 shifts and focuses on Chubb's summoned celestial canine.  As fierce and powerful as its attacks are, and as vulnerable as the puppy seems after its reckless charge, the Nashrou miraculously misses on each of its grizzly attacks!
Hennessey reels back, preparing to really lay into the demon now that Stan had moved into a better tactical position.  He swings with all his might and scores a decent hit; but the very nature of the demon seems to turn much of the damage, denying the ranger the fair drive.
Demios continues to hold the second Nashrou at the back of the hall, and even scores a minor hit in his near constant barrage of expert swordplay.
Stan creeps ever-closer to the Nashrou engaged with the celestial dog.  Something comes over him, just then, and he summons up a strength even he didn't know he had.  He hits the demon as hard as he can from behind—shattering it!  Hennessey stand opposite him and the two share a quick glance as the dog rushes off to face the last Nashrou with Demios.  "Excellent maneuver, m'lord."
Chubbs freezes where he is, focusing on directing the dog and taking care that it does not mistake Demios for its next foe.
  The summoned dog charges into battle, leaping at the last Nashrou with fervor only natural enemies can display.  Despite this, the dog misses.

Active Effects:

• Inspire Courage (+1 bonus to hit & damage; 4 rounds)
• mage armor (Stan only; 4 hours)
• summon monster I - celestial dog (3 rounds)

......




12:21, Today: Hennesey Rydell rolled 19 using 1d12+7,with rolls of 12.  Damage.
12:20, Today: Hennesey Rydell rolled 23 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 10.  Charge.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Thu 10 Feb 2011.

Porto runs closer to the battle but remains at a safe distance(10ft.) and continues to direct the dog.

Stan stares at his staff in disbelief. Even in the Abyss, conviction seems to have some power.

Despite that, he does not dare to try to replicate his feat. Demios is a much better fighter and rather than get in the creature's way, Stan tries to help with a series of feints and blocks.

18:08, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 21 using 1d20+3. Aid another - Demios.
(+2 bonus to his next attack)

The last remaining Nashrou turns suddenly to fight Chubbs' summoned dog.  It gores the puppy terribly, which cause it to fade away in bursts of light as it returns to its' home plane.  After it eliminates the dog, it refocuses on Demios; however it fails to best is defenses this time.
Hennessey charges in next to Demios, and delivers a strong chop to the Nashrou demon.  It suffers a fair wound despite the creature's natural resistances.
Demios presses his attacks, continuing to thrust and parry, spin and swipe.  The nimble fighter seems to be holding his own, despite the numerous wounds he has received from the Nashrou.  His latest maneuver is executed perfectly, both ends of his double-bladed sword scoring minor hits.  If it weren't for the demon's resistance to metals, it surly would be no match for him.
Stan slinks his way up to the battle taking place in the back of the hall.  He stands strong next to Demios and performs a series of feints intended to confuse the monstrous demon and allowing their guide to better attack.
Chubbs follows the others, but now that his dog has been slain, he stands further back and watches.
Active Effects:

• Inspire Courage (+1 bonus to hit & damage; 3 rounds)
• mage armor (Stan only; 4 hours)

Seeing the others fighting so bravely, and that his dog is now gone. Porto once again shows his courageous side as he charges at the demon and tries to get it with his magic blade.

15:31, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 6 using 1d10+1. damage.
15:31, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 15 using 1d20+6. to hit.

Stan switches his aim slightly, to help Porto rather than Demios.

15:49, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Aid another - Porto.
That makes his attack a 17.

The Nashrou turns its attention to the moral, Hennessey.  Fighting mortals in the Abyss is a rare thing, and the monster can hardly contain itself.  Despite the ranger's risky charge, the demon is unable to beat his defenses and misses in both his goring and claw attacks.
Hennessey shifts slightly, attempting to foot his way around the large demon for a better combat advantage.  He doesn't quite make it all the way around, but is well on his way if this fight continues much longer.  Hoping that it doesn't, he reels back, setting himself up for a massing swing into the monster's midsection.  He swings and delivers a powerful chop, his aim true.  Despite the demon's natural resistance, his axe cleaves through it, chopping it in half.

XP awarded

"Brilliant!" Demios congratulates Hennessey a moment later.  "Follow me," he says as he rushes up the spiral staircase, leading up, up, up the tower.

Porto follows Demios.

Stan rushes up the stairs. He imagines Clementine's golden curls and the face they frame. The thought of running his hand through that hair fills him with speed. The thought that she might be injured or damaged fills him with an alchemy of rage and dread.