As many of the gathered file out of the Cathedral in a state of utter panic once news of not only the breached walls is announced but the shouts in the dark, followed by the snarls heard from a distance, those that do remain hurry to bar the doors closed, deeming the walls of the building to be a haven of sorts from the terrifying sounds outside. The Seraph and the other luminaries remain within, attempting to keep the peace with echoing prayers, a soothing calm that only just belies the fear in their eyes. Some of those within try to peek through the windows, attempting to get a glimpse of what exactly is happening. "Calm my children. Let us not threat for fear is..." Interrupted by a thump against the window. A figure sliding down on the outside, blood streaking down.

The Seraph doesn't finish his words.

Mabelle has never been one to find solace in prayer but there is horror on her face when she sees that figure skating down the outer wall. Rising, she begins to pace, "Do you think... do you... minions?", she looks at Sorrel when she says that, since it seems rather obvious what's assaulting them.

Drake remains to defend the cathedral with a few others, holding the line as things start to ripple inside. He's a little shaken... when the figure outside begins to bleed. "Back to back. We'll hold the line here. If we can keep this place secure, we can bring wounded in..." He's looking for those who are medics, knowing a few were present at the party. He sees Mabelle, and that's a reassurance. "Can we push something to guard any extra doors?" Something heavy, even a candelabra to jam into a handle might work.

Reese is here in her pink armor and carrying her silvery pink sword. Her intention is to guard to the Cathedral and protect those inside. She remains close to Orelia and Drake who she seems to be fighting together with in a kind of trio of blades. The Templar will try to keep a watch on Princess Gwenna as well, hoping to keep the three of them between her and harm's way if at all possible. She looks to the window and sighs. She then turns to Drake, nodding. "Good idea." She then notices Mabelle. "Oh, good you are here, Lady Mabelle, that is good." She seems happy to see a healer here.

Gabriella exhales a slow breath as the tightening in her chest becomes sharp, commanding her attention so that all she can do is take a step backward. In the moment, the princess sweeps her gaze over the immediate area, noting who's present with her and also noting what has thumped against a window, leaving behind it a streak of blood. Whirling around, she moves toward the door to help secure them shut with... anything. /Anything/ to keep whatever's out there from breaking in. "Stay away from the windows." she tells anyone close enough that's listening.

"Make sure there are no non-combatants outside that need to come inside," Sorrel says as she glances around the cathedral for other exits that might also need to be barricaded. It is a large building, after all. "I hesitate to assume what is attacking us just yet. There are too many options, I fear. But let us try to secure this place as we can. Look to the Seraph."

It is better to know what you have rather than to face the unknown, so Jaenelle remains behind in the Cathedral as others run throughout the city to assist in being tourniquets to stem the invasion of whatever it is that has decided to enter through the walls instead of knocking as they should.

Gwenna raises a hand to cover her mouth lest some form of a surprised scream escape. The thump against the window certainly put her on even higher alert and she glances around at the others. "This sounds terribly familiar. And I don't use the word terrible lightly," is noted, her voice quiet. Mabelle's remarks and glance to Sorrel lead the Redrain to do the same, and it appears she's thinking the same thing. When Drake speaks, she looks around for anything heavy. "Maybe something to jam into the door handles. So long as we leave ourselves another way out, if we need it." Then she nods as Reese and Gabriella make suggestions. "This may be a long night. I pray we survive it."

Mabelle worries somewhat, "Barricading could also make it harder for us to escape if need be but... ", she points at the Clavichord at the end of the cathedral, "That will do it". She smiles faintly to Gwenna as they seem to share the same mind and rummages her bag to check her supplies.

Lucita glances at Reese who has a drawn short sword and glances toward Sorrel. Jaenelle would find that Lucita is slipping to a position she can hopefully interrupt an attack on her archduchess should be in danger. She still has not drawn a weapon as yet but any peace ties on it have been loosened so easy to draw if needed. She needs both hands to help barracade the doors with the pews, shoving at them and helping them brace even while maintaining her position. "Stay back from the windows... is there a way to block them, too?" When she hears Gwenna's comment, she somberly nods. "Indeed"

Drake checks strength and athletics at hard. Drake marginally fails.

Gabriella checks strength and athletics at hard. Gabriella is successful.

Lucita checks strength and athletics at hard. Lucita fails.

Gwenna checks strength and athletics at hard. Gwenna fails.

"The pews!" says Orelia. "Turn 'em up on their ends and use them to block the windows."

Orelia checks strength and athletics at hard. Orelia marginally fails.

Jaenelle checks strength and athletics at hard. Jaenelle is successful.

Reese starts to say a pray to Gloria, lifting her voice to carry and yet still trying to keep her tone gentle and calm. "Gloria be with us in the moment. Please aid us in doing what is needed to keep the Sisters and Brothers of the faith safe and protected. Please give us the strength and the bravery and wisdom to do what is needed and.." She says looking to Lucita. "Please forgive me for drawing my drawing my sword."

Mabelle checks strength and athletics at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Reese checks strength and athletics at hard. Reese marginally fails.

Sorrel checks strength and athletics at hard. Sorrel marginally fails.

As it so happens there are ceremonial staffs by the pews to slip through the door handles, which Gabriella notes and wields deftly, as well as a bust near the doors, of the first Seraph of Bastion supposedly, for Jaenelle to push up against the door with all her strength. Mabelle manages to carry the clavichord across the room at a quickened pace to add the extra weight against the entrance. There's a consistent desperate thumping against the door, indicating that it's holding their invaders off. For a little while longer at the very least.

Gwenna snaps her fingers at Orelia's words. "Brilliant," she remarks and moves to try to help push a pew over. She's not the strongest, and while the ledgers of House Redrain might be heavy, there aren't the sort of thing that really builds much muscle. The fact that she still has her blade in one hand certainly doesn't help matters. "Snowballs," is a curse after she's unable to manage much of anything with the pew. Looking up, she lets out a sigh as the others had much more success. "Thank you for offering a prayer, Dame Reese." That said, the doors get a nervous look.

Reese goes to stand close to the door whens he hears the thumping. She does have her sword drawn still. "Everyone as I think Princess Gwenna said? Stay away from doors and windows. Maybe toward the middle of the room. If not fighting that is." She then looks to Gwenna, giving her a smile, one that is quite serious though and doesn't soften her blue eyes. She probably is a bit nervous at the moment.

Mabelle smoothes her gown after the clavichord is in place, "Ah! And they say I eat too many cookies". She moves to the center of the room and positions herself in the middle behind Reese, Drake and Orelia, pulling Gwenna with her, "I have not felt this anxious since that village slaughter", as if there was only one.

Drake didn't immediately succeed in finding the best barricade, but Mabelle has the right idea. He looks impressed with her choice. He takes a step back, getting out of the way as the doors are pushed shut. "Right." He's not totally sure what to do, but he's trying his best, reassured by the progress so far. "So, non combatants find the safest spot. We'll have to open the doors again though if they're bringing wounded in, so let's just watch one entrance. If we can hold this line, then we can do right by the gods and the people."

Gabriella's pulse begins to quicken and her chest tightens even more, almost stealing her breath even as she slides a heavy bust toward one of the doors. "Get out of the way..." she growls through grit teeth at someone oblivious to her efforts. With a scrape against the flooring, she pushes the bust closer for Jaenelle to take. Beneath her breath, though, Gabriella says a prayer and collects a ceremonial staff to slip through the door handles. "And keep watch." she adds to Reese's suggestion.

Reese looks to Drake, nodding. "Holding one entrance would be best if we can. They might find a way in through the windows though too. Although I hope not. And we will allow wounded in." She says, seeming to agree with Lord Drake. She tries to look calmer than she feels.

"I am certain that the Faith will understand," Jaenelle informs the bust itself, as she pushes it with some effort, her entire weight set behind the marble as she strains to slide it to the door. "Gwenna, I think you can say stronger words if you wish to, I wont tell," she then says as she straightens from her door barricade. "Is there anywhere else to go?" she asks the first Godsworn she sees, "is there a place you can take those who can't protect themselves? Perhaps you should. Any cellar?"

Orelia does some quick thinking. "What pews aren't already in use can be stacked up as an inside barrier," she suggests, mostly looking at Gwenna. "In case they break a hole in the door and start firing in arrows."

Though undeniably panicked by the situation at hand, the gathered do heed Reese's words and the noncombatants rush toward the middle, as far from the doors and windows as possible, protected behind those armed and armored.

The Templars have brandished their weapons and stand by the side of the warriors in the room, intent to deal with whatever threats may come murmuring quiet prayers to Gloria to strengthen their blade. The thumping against the door stops after a while and suddenly there are figures outside two of the windows, one by the entrance, one on the right, using whatever means they can to smash through the glass. It is pretty strong glass, thankfully. The Faith didn't skimp out on the cost, so it takes more than a little effort to smash through the stained art as a couple of men try to dive through the smashed glass.

As this happens, they hear a laugh outside. It's feminine but with an echoey quality that suggests many voices are speaking in one. "You fools think you're safe in there." Another laugh, full of malice. "We have a proposition for you." They cannot see her, only what appear to be moving branches on the outside. "If any of you faithful desecrate this... holy place and renounce your gods. We will be merciful. We will offer you our friendship."

This seems to prompt nothing but pure unadulterated shock from the priests in the room, with mumblings of outrage. The (retired) Seraph's voice the loudest. "What is this heresy?!"

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Drake is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Reese is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Orelia is successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Gabriella is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Sorrel is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and manipulation at easy. Mabelle marginally fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Lucita is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and propaganda at easy. Gwenna is successful.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at easy. Jaenelle is spectacularly successful.

Lucita's lips tighten and her brow furrows with the effort she makes toward helping barricade. "It is just too heavy and does not slide well on this floor." She looks toward the clergy remaining. "Are there any other entrances to be blocked?..." Her words are broken off as she hears that voice and claim from without. Closing her eyes briefly she murmurs. "Gods be merciful, I'll not yield!" And with that she wields her dagger and readies herself to fight.

"You can take your 'mercy' and choke on it!" Orelia shouts back at the echoing voice as she raises her sword, ready to swing on any enemy combatant that comes within reach.

Mabelle rounds her eyes at the voices outside, they go even wider to see Lucita brandish a sword. She turns instead to convince the people to stay inside, though something in her approach is not working, likely because she looks so panicked!! Its not working! Where are all those composure lessons? Calm yourself!

Reese has her silvery pink blade drawn. She strikes out one of those invading, whoever is closest. At the woman's words, she sucks in sharp breath, sounding offended. "Gloria be with us! We give you a chance to surrender and drop your blades and surrender to the Faith!" She says. The Templar's words are not very impactful though as she is focusing her efforts on fighting. Her sword strikes true as Reese is well trained.

Gwenna manages not to shiver, but it's obvious her breathing is quicker and her eyes are a bit wider with all that is going on. "We will try to stay back," is agreed quickly enough. "But I doubt any of us will let you fall on our account. I pray it does not come to that." She squeezes one of Mabelle's hands tightly. "For every name, a village," she murmurs, glancing to Sorrel as well as now a shiver does make its way across her shoulders. Jaenelle's remark does draw a small laugh and then she looks to Orelia again. "Brilliant. We will need cover if that happens, for certain." And then things start to get real. She backs up a little as weapons and drawn and seems as outraged at the retired Seraph. "They will not be merciful, I can assure you. Tricky words that no one should believe."

People are trying to rush in, in spite of the barricade. Drake gets his sword ready, and hears a voice... laughing. It makes him shiver; there's a familiarity to it, that sound of many in one. "Your 'friendship' only comes in the form of service and slavery," he retorts... knowing that the voice itself won't yield to words, but steeling his own resolve. The glass shatters. One enemy dives inward, and Drake meets this challenge with his bared blade, slashing upward and gripping tightly with both hands.

Gabriella continues to hold Gluttony, her sword, within her dominant hand as she moves about the cathedral to secure entryways and to help herd non-combatants toward the center of the blessed space. As she passes by a window, it shatters stained glass shards all around her and she wields Gluttony now with both hands. That dark and familiar tightening within her chest thrums and her arms swing the huge sword in immediate response at one of the figures. Fight, cut down, /kill/. She is called the Butcher's Daughter for a reason. "Never. /Never/..." she growls in response.

Drawing her weapon finally, Sorrel stabs at someone trying to get through the stained glass window on the right. "Your friendship is worth nothing," she snarls as loudly as she can. "There is no mercy in your offer. You are bad and you should feel bad!" No one is getting through her window.

All throughout the city of Bastion, the skies are full of swarming locusts. Oddly, the swarm seems to be mostly centered around the castle of Grayhold.

"Now I dont believe that tone has ever gotten anyone more friends, do you?" Jaenelle says to those who might be a bit more on edge and perhaps more likely to do what those outside say to gain some mercy. Her tone is soft, and perhaps she appears a bit more relaxed than she should with people throwing themselves through broken glass. "Stay calm. Trust those who are here to protect us. Trust in the Faith," she motions towards the stalwart priests. Her voice lifts slightly, chin hitching to show that she is clearly taking charge, "now please. Dont destroy anything because some stranger tells you to. You are all so much better than this, aren't you?"

From the direction of the harbor, a full sized boat soars through the air, dropping debris and providing a view of the hull as it soars overhead clear across the city and lands somewhere in the noble district of the city.

"Does desecrating mean urinating because...I definitely smell that." Silvio appears, having come from one of the storage areas where he, no doubt, was taking cover with some others. It seems he has...rallied...however, in the after-effects of the voice and he has a pretty, little dagger barred in one hand. There's no challenge dealt to the voice like the others. He prefers not to yell, but he does make his way towards Lucita to stand with her. "Oh, fear not, Princess. I have a /date/ for later." Babbling is how he keeps himself together.

The invaders manage to smash through the other stained windows around the room, attempting to file in through the opening, blood dripping or no. Though they seem entirely human as they swing their swords, with that individual determination, they bleed like any man or woman. And they die like any.

Whatever the woman's words, and the conflicted look in the people's eyes at her offer, a glance between Jaenelle and Gwenna seem to strengthen their resolve to keep their eggs in the Faith's basket, looking to the Seraph with reverence. As if to say, yes, gods are good.

There's a soft muffled buzzing sound outside the windows, as the locusts plaguing the city make their way in, as soon as there's a break in forces trying to enter the room. The insects seem to vie for the mouths of the victims they harass, intent on meeting their targets, one woman opens her mouth to scream and finds herself choking on the ground, rolling frantically. The screams and howls -outside- only get worse, and there appears to be a flicker of flame in the distance suggesting something outside is on fire.

"We know your voice Bladesong." The woman outside says with that same malice. "We look forward to killing you in particular. We ask you again, dear faithful. Desecrate this place, tear down the statues and holy relics. Renounce the gods and we will let you live." Her voice rises as she speaks and as they glance around the room the branches seem to extend around the building, glimpsed hear and there through the cracked windows. Yet she still doesn't attempt to enter.

The Seraph shouts frantically. "No!! Hold to your FAITH!!" There's fear in his eyes before he glances toward one of the floor boards. A Templar beside him looks down. "Shall we evacuate through that?" He doesn't seem too pleased by the prospect. "What if they've blocked the tunnels?"

Orelia checks composure at hard. Orelia is successful.

Mabelle checks composure at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Drake checks composure at hard. Critical Success! Drake is spectacularly successful.

Gabriella checks composure at hard. Gabriella is successful.

Reese checks composure at hard. Reese marginally fails.

Sorrel checks composure at hard. Sorrel fails.

Lucita checks composure at hard. Lucita fails.

Jaenelle checks composure at hard. Jaenelle is successful.

Silvio checks composure at hard. Silvio fails.

Gwenna checks composure at hard. Gwenna fails.

Drake checks charm and leadership at normal. Drake is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Gwenna is successful.

Mabelle checks command and leadership at normal. Botch! Mabelle fails badly.

Silvio checks charm and manipulation at normal. Silvio is successful.

Orelia checks charm and manipulation at normal. Orelia is successful.

Gabriella checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Gabriella is successful.

Reese checks charm and leadership at normal. Reese is successful.

Lucita checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Lucita is successful.

From the direction of the southern streets of Bastion, an unholy shockwave of tremors emits from the ground. Then a massive centipede, taller than many of the buildings peeks its head up as it tosses several human beings into the sky and screeches before descending again.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at normal. Jaenelle is successful.

Sorrel checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Sorrel is successful.

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Drake is successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Critical Success! Gabriella is spectacularly successful.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Reese is successful.

Increased screaming erupts in the direction of the western gate, as those who have managed to get out are suddenly attempting to get back /in/. Above the screams, wolf howls are suddenly heard, horrible and wrong to the ears.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Botch! Orelia fails badly.

Mabelle checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Mabelle marginally fails.

Jaenelle checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Jaenelle marginally fails.

Mabelle takes a deep breath. Through her nose. She then goes into her healing kit and begins to cut out pieces of bandages, "Tie these over your mouths", she hands them over to her companions in the cathedral, "Less chances of..", she looks at the woman she tried to reach out to and failed, leaning down to close her eyes. Once everyone is covered, literally, she takes a large tome from a nearby pew and starts thumping at them loctuses, "Go. Away. Menaces", but she misses quite a few. She leaves the people to others, she cannot convince anyone in her state.

Gabriella whirls around as more stained glass shatters behind her and hears the locusts before seeing them. The low buzz soon becomes abundantly clear and worthy of sending a shiver down the length of her spine. With a quick flick of her fingertips, she draws down her helm to shield herself from the insects and protect her eyes, mouth and neck. And then? Gluttony, her alaricite sword, swings with a vengeance at a thick swarm of locusts near Orelia to help keep them all at bay. Again. And /again./ Bug guts, oh the bug guts...

Drake stands his ground, even as the buzzing outside gets louder. Insects: they're always dangerous, but he's familiar enough with them by now that they are not, at least, a surprise. Something about the woman's hesitation gives him a little hope, and he stands his ground, unafraid now as the swarm comes flying in. The mask on his helm keeps his mouth free of the bugs that are rushing him down. If that voice, those voices, want to come inside... maybe they CAN'T. "Don't listen to her!" he says, shouting to the people already barricaded in. "If we keep this place holy, they may be weakened here! Trust the gods!" And do, he thinks, trust the gods, but... keep your weapon handy, too. Drake always tries to lead by example. He slashes at the bugs rushing in, twisting his blade to hit with the sharp edge. It's hard to strike a bug with a longsword, but it's not his first time having to try. The cut slips true through a swath of the swarm, severing wings from bodies.

"The sanctity of this place is what protects you!" Orelia bellows at the frightened civilians as she brandishes her red-gold blade and tries to fend off the insects that are swarming in. Sadly even for one as skilled as her, a sword is not the proper weapon against bugs. Sure, some of them get waved away, bumping into each other as they alter course, but she makes no significant dent in their numbers. She gives Gabriella a grateful nod.

After trying to reinforce the idea that people should indeed stick to the Faith and not trust the bugs, Sorrel finds herself angrily and uselessly swatting at the bugs that swarm her, crying out in frustration and pain. She'd like to say nasty things to the Traitor with her recognizable voice, but she's too busy being unhappy about the horrid bugs.

Okay. Gwenna is starting to freak out and there's just no hiding that. The weapon still clutched in her hands is forgotten as the swarming locusts start attacking. She is a diplomat at heart, though, and covers her mouth before managing to speak - after seeing what happens when one doesn't. While the words may be muffled, she tries to yell them so that they are heard despite her hand. "They threaten one of your defenders, after offering friendship, and continue to request you desecrate this place! These are not people who can be trusted. My faith is in the gods and this holy place! Please stay with me."

Lucita is startled when a bugs fly at her face and she flails at them with her free hand, ducking her head and gritting her teeth together. Between clenched jaws she mutters. "Hate the bugs... nasty bugs. Where is Sophie and her song... anyone know that song.. burns just flying stuff up. OW. ow OW!

Silvio is definitely shaken by the events outside, having caught a glimpse of the huge centipede, and the locusts attacking them are making small, red blooms on his clothing and exposed skin. "What is happening in the streets...is not happening in here...and we don't want it to!" he shouts to someone nearby who was teetering, trying to manipulate their fear in the proper direction! Then he clamps a hand over his mouth and nose. Eyes are wide and he angles to better be able to see out the broken window.

Reese seems very unsettled by those locusts so much so that she doesn't manage to do much in the way of fighting those moment. She tries wave her arms to keep bugs away from her and is not exactly looking like the ideal Templar protector at the moment. "Gloria be with us, everyone don't give up, don't surrender though." She says and sounds more convincing than her arm waving visual at least.

Jaenelle takes off her slipper, because really, when one needs a bug squished, a shoe usually words perfectly. She slams it down hard on one of the pews where locusts land, keeping her mouth tightly closed in the process. She makes it no secret she isnt a fond by the loud thwacking noise that comes each time the thick leather sole hits the solid wood. Again, the sound can be heard throughout the rest of the noise in the room, and it may appear that she is just slamming the slipper on other dead bugs to make sure they are really really dead.

The collective efforts do indeed work to stem the locust threat, though not entirely, and they're enough of a pest that they distract more than a few of the armed knights in the room. Which is unfortunate since the - presumably - cultists outside take this opportunity to jump through the windows en masse in an attempt to overwhelm them.

The voices in the room do indeed prevent the faith from faltering, though there is one man who glances briefly at Mabelle who in an utter state of panic lifts a staff and makes for the alter. Thankfully the others catch this in time to hold him back.

"-We- only want wants best for you. You will die in there. Or you will die fleeing. But if you accept our offer, you will live. We will be FRIENDS. We are trying to help you." Her patience seems to be waring thin, the fury unable to be entirely stifled. "If you do not accept our kindness." Vines rise up, visible through the window despite the carnage, wrapped around a shivering woman, her eyes petrified as she feels the coils strengthen around her. "Do not call our bluff. Desecrate this cathedral and those who are unarmed will be safe." One of the women inside screams in absolute horror. "Laurie!!" She shouts, tears in her eyes.

"We have to go." The Seraph shouts suddenly, opening the trapdoor door. "/Slowly/ or you'll trample eachother." There are a -lot- of people in the building.

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Drake is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Sorrel is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and propaganda at hard. Gwenna is successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Gabriella is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and manipulation at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Orelia marginally fails.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at hard. Jaenelle is successful.

Drake checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Botch! Drake fails completely.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Orelia is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Sorrel is marginally successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Botch! Gabriella fails completely.

Silvio checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Silvio is successful.

Silvio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Silvio is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Reese is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Reese is successful.

Gwenna, hand still mostly covering her mouth, shakes her head almost violently. "She lies to you. They do not want what is best for you, and being their friend means losing your name and being enslaved," she calmly tells those around her, though her voice is raised to be heard as far as it can given the circumstances. "Keep your faith and the gods will see you through this." The vines tug her attention and she swallows before looking toward the Seraph with a nod. "One at a time, and listen to the Seraph." She moves to help him convince those to make their way to the trap door carefully.

Silvio checks charm and diplomacy at hard. Silvio is successful.

Mabelle takes a deep breath and calms herself, she straightens her hair and begins to preach about slavery, composure and not angering the gods, she also tells them some vile tales about the woman outside. Mostly made up, maybe. "Please listen to the Seraph and start evacuating", she directs them slowly toward the floor while checking each one of them for damages she can fix before they go. If they should go.. she murmurs to Gwenna, "Is this a good idea?"

"I have outlived far too many people, much better people than you, to die in -Bastion- of all places!" Jaenelle's voice lifts, her own annoyance growing as the outside woman's does too. "How about we talk about all the things that we can do for one another and perhaps we can come up with a compromise." After all, isnt manipulation just the Lyceum's version of negotiation? Then after she speaks to those outside, she turns to the room again and smiles, "yes. Begin going down. Slowly, do not panic. Do not break anything on your way down. Listen to the priests, and priests, remember yours oaths. Hold tightly to the words you promised to live by. No one likes an oath breaker." Maybe she can scare them into being good children.

Years of dodging people Silvio doesn't want to talk to has made him very slippery. He strikes at any cultist that gets too close, and weaves around columns and pews to avoid others. When the priest opens the flood gate of escape, he winces and waits for that rush, that trample of bodies that only panic can provide. "Let them lead, let them move slowly! Let this be a moment we can be proud of!" He calls to them, appealing to those who may be rising to panic. He's not too far off himself, looking behind him and particularly, to those defenders taking the blows for them.

Mabelle checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 51 higher.

Reese is still fighthing and she seems to be getting her groove her back now. She gets recovers a bit from the locust storm and starts swinging with skill once again. She dodges away from a blow intended for her. "I don't know, I don't know what might be in the tunnels." She says.

Steel rings as blades meet armor, except where Orelia's swing misses its mark. In some stroke of luck, the momentum of the failed attack carries her out of danger of being struck herself.

Lucita manages to get herself together when one of her wild flailing swings against the bugs and ducking manages to actually skewer one bug. She keeps her jaws clenched and without pausing to remove that bug, turns her blade on some of the oncoming cultists, trying to slow them down and give others a better chance to get out as she hears a call for evacuation. "Don't know what's in the tunnels but I'm not going to desecrate anything here." She speaks with determination.

Mabelle checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

"There's a reason she wants this place desecrated," Gwenna says to Mabelle. "Which makes me think the people might be safer inside here, even in the tunnels. The Seraph seems to think so and I'm hoping he and the Templars would not have suggested it if they didn't believe in it," is added. "And so I will hope and believe along with them."

Gabriella swings her alaricite sword with both hands gripping its handle, the blade slicing through the air and destroying the locusts it comes into contact with. As she whirls around to strike again, she's hit by something and it knocks her back to the point that she sees bright dots in her vision. There's a gasp as she tries to catch her breath and steady herself.

Of course when people are told to travel through the trap door in single file, about ten people at once try to dive through, causing something of a bottle neck as the Seraph tells them to "WHAT DID I SAY?!! Narrow! Narrow!" They are not listening and the cultists continuing to smash through only increases their desperation.

"We are losing our patience. We will send our best fighters through this window if you do not DESECRATE this Cathedral right now. Renounce the gods. ACCEPT US." And with this even more helpless victims are lifted with her vines from outside the window. It's absolute pandemonium within the Cathedral as the Seraph continues to try to keep them in an orderly line.

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Drake is successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Gabriella is successful.

Mabelle checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Mabelle is successful.

Reese glances over to the tunnels, nodding to Gwenna and Lucita at their words. She keeps her sword drawn.

Gwenna checks charm and diplomacy at daunting. Gwenna is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and manipulation at daunting. Mabelle marginally fails.

Reese checks charm and leadership at daunting. Reese is successful.

Silvio checks charm and manipulation at daunting. Silvio marginally fails.

Mabelle checks composure and leadership at hard. Mabelle marginally fails.

As a devoted Mirrormask, Vanora would not have missed the retirement of the Seraph of Bastion, though it's taken quite an unexpected twist. From where she's been lingering from inside the Cathedral she eventually makes it out to the main room, in time to see friends and acquaintences from Arx battling sentient vines and other strangeness apparently inspired by the Horned God. The only weapon she has are hairpins still affixed to her chignon, but in watching the others she starts to work them out and into her hands.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Orelia is successful.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at daunting. Jaenelle is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and propaganda at hard. Gwenna is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Sorrel is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Lucita is successful.

Wounded though he is, Drake keeps on the attack, concentrating on driving the bugs back as best as he can. He slashes at the insects once more, now holding the weapon one-handed, and then he runs a cultist through, who has broken through the line. The blood from his wound runs into his shirt, but, at least it's black, and that hides it just a bit, even as a stain spreads to his hand with the speed of his slash.

Vanora checks charm and propaganda at hard. Vanora is successful.

Vanora checks charm and propaganda at daunting. Vanora is successful.

Mabelle lets Gwenna handle the panic, because she's in bouts of panic herself. How to deal with it? Aggression! More books to more Loctuses, "Die, die, die!", she declares each one she hits, "Perhaps someone armed should go with them?!!", she calls between her aggression treatment.

Jaenelle checks command and leadership at hard. Jaenelle is successful.

Reese has her sword drawn, but she isn't fighting at the moment. she seems more focused on those going into the tunnel. "Keep steady, Gloria is with us. The Templars and the faithful of Arx are strong and will keep you safe. Her words are lies meant to ensare you." She says, sounding quite confident and calm, maybe even convincing at the moment, like the leader she once was as General.

Orelia whirls about as she dances with her blade, swirling and slashing, flashing in the light. She makes her way to Drake's side, meaning to fight back to back with him as they prepare for more combatants to come their way.

Mabelle checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Mabelle fails.

Gabriella checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Gabriella is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Critical Success! Reese is spectacularly successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Orelia is successful.

Drake checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Drake is successful.

Gwenna's voice is a little strained, but warm and stern as well. "This is a place where vows have been taken for more years than we have full histories of. Where marriages, oaths, and knees have been bent. We are in Grayson lands, lands once ruled by the great Queen Alarice. She did not accept destruction as an option. Nor should we," is said earnestly. "To desecrate this shrine is to leave your oaths when they are needed most. I ask of you not to do this." With that offered to the group, she then gets back to trying to help the Seraph and Templars manage an orderly retreat. "One at a time, it will go much quicker that way."

Gabriella regains her steady footing and swings at a swarm of locusts again, doing her very best to keep them away from those attempting to escape from the cathedral. She moves with agility despite her injury and grits her teeth through the pain to kill even more insects near another group of non-combatants. "One at a time!" she growls for emphasis as they file down to the tunnels.

Reese darts away from a sword swing, evading being hit and getting close to Mabelle in the process. She pushes aside a strike meant for the Lady and while Mabelle is still hit, the blow doesn't land as hard as it would have.

Jaenelle had two very loud brothers. She also had to deal with Talen for more years than anyone possible should. Running the Lyceum? Like herding cats. This is something she can do. "Slowly!" she commands, her voice like steel. "One. At. A. Time" she reminds them, moving to stand beside the trap door to make sure people are following her orders. Lyceum, she has eyes behind her as well, watching those who are waiting and antsy, "and if one of you touches a single candle, a single bust, a single thing that has been prayed over or might have been prayed over, then I will be so disappointed. Not angry, just sad. Do you want to make me sad?"

Silvio's voice is drowned out as a surge of people pass him. He presses back against a support, tucking in his arms as they move past. He grabs for one of the reliquary, trying to keep others from pulling it down or smashing it. His lovely locks try their best, bouncing and being delightful, but really...hair, its not the time.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Lucita is successful.

Mabelle is pushed against the edge of a pew when Reese jumps for her and winces, raising her hand, "I'm fine! Thank you!", and then murmurs, "Owe".

Sorrel checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Sorrel is successful.

Vanora watches the group, giving a half-smile to Jaenelle who is clearly in her element. And thus she follows her example. "No. None of you want to damage this place. You know better. You want to leave here safely, and to do that it is best to follow the directions being given by the Archduchess of Lenosia and others. One at a time, slowly and carefully...and no harming what is sacred and beautiful on your way out." Her words come out convincing, and much more confident than she actually may be.

"-We- have lost our patience but our offer remains." The woman outside shouts, as she gives a battle cry and another wave slip through the windows. These seem to be warriors of greater skill, judging by the deft way they jump through the windows, evading the glass as they make their way toward the combatants with a look of pure discipline.

With the deft commanding presence in the room and the charm with which they address the people attempting to flee, the pandemonium does reduce substantially though with the continuous stream of foes coming into the room, who knows how long that will last? Thankfully nothing has been desecrated, no one has renounced the gods, convinced that it is -not- in their best interests to do so. Despite the doubt they grapple with. Despite the innocents outside held within her vines, held up in a taunting manner.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Reese is successful.

Lucita lines up with Sorrel and Reese and the others trying to defend the Cathedral. Steadfastly she keeps her dagger darting here and there when there is a foe before her. As if to reassure herself, she begins to hum a song of faith before facing yet another cultist.

Vanora checks charm and propaganda at hard. Vanora marginally fails.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Gabriella marginally fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and diplomacy at daunting. Mabelle is successful.

Drake checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Drake fails.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Reese is successful.

Vanora checks charm and propaganda at daunting. Vanora is successful.

Gabriella checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Gabriella is successful.

Silvio checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Silvio fails.

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Drake is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and diplomacy at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and diplomacy at daunting. Gwenna fails.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Orelia fails.

Gwenna checks charm and diplomacy at hard. Gwenna is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Orelia fails.

Jaenelle checks command and leadership at hard. Jaenelle marginally fails.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at daunting. Jaenelle is successful.

Sorrel checks mana and performance at daunting. Sorrel is successful.

With her sword Anthem still in hand, Sorrel breathes in deeply and then starts to sing a song of Hope. Of Courage. Of Faith and Love and Steadfastness. It's the sort of song that's intended to boost the morale of those who can hear her, to help them fight harder, to help them survive. It is a song of inspiration. Sorrel has always been told she has an inspiring voice, and now it rings out through the cathedral.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Sorrel marginally fails.

Sorrel checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Sorrel is successful.

Remaining near the line of evacuees, Gwenna rests a hand on the shoulder of each person as they pass to get to the trap door. "It'll be safer, and doing it one at a time is working well, see? I know it's hard, and we are all afraid, but we must keep as calm as we can," she says and it seems to work well enough for the line-tending. Looking back, she tries once again to keep people from harming the cathedral. Opening her mouth, the words don't seem to come. Queen Alarice might have been her big gun and she doesn't have much of anything to ride on the coattails of that.

Silvio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Silvio fails.

One cracked rib is enough for Mabelle and she places the tome on one of the remaining pews and steps toward the people. One of them runs toward the altar again and Mabelle spreads her arms upon it, "You will have to kill me with it", she meets his eyes, "Please, we will all die here, come with me and we will get you to sanctuary". She gathers his arm and leads him toward the exit in an orderly fashion, organizing the others while at it, "Please, one by one, you do not want to drag around the tunnels with a broken leg, do you? Besides, being in the middle is the best place".

Silvio checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Silvio is successful.

Despite the terrible damage, Silvio does not take a permanent wound.

Silvio checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Silvio is successful.

Silvio remains capable of fighting.

Gabriella loses her footing during a swing of her alaricite sword and by the grace of the gods, she manages to dodge a blow from one of the attackers in the same process. She breathes through her fumble and then gears up for another swing of her huge weapon as Sorrel's song reaches her from across the cathedral. And from the depths of her own lungs comes a battle cry with renewed inspiration to fight and cut down the enemy.

Orelia grunts in pain. Another strike misses the mark, and this time it leaves her wide open for attack. A blow lands on her instead, and she staggers as she pulls her hand away from her own shoulder and sees her fingers stained with blood instead of her blade. No time to worry about that now. She raises her sword again, her expression one of grim determination.

Drake gets back to back with Orelia, which helps with his exposed and wounded back. Now he has enough protection to evade what's coming at him... and he looks over at her with a little smile of relief. Then he joins the attack again, slashing at one other cultist as they rush in. They keep coming. In the back to back formation, his other wound is protected, but one cuts through his defenses and stabs him, cutting another wound into his belly. He grunts, leaning in and giving back as good as he was struck, swinging the diamondplate weapon hard to keep driving them back. He's breathing hard now, bleeding from a few wounds but still standing.

Lucita checks mana and performance at daunting. Lucita is successful.

Silvio wields Small steel hidden blade.

"With all the glass, truly there is nothing left to destroy" Jaenelle points out to those who might still be waivering on if they wish to become friends with the girl group outside. "They are trying to ruin you, to make you question everything. They are trying to get you to destroy yourself!" There is a slow grin, rather Lycene in nature, "I am the only person who can destroy myself, and enjoy doing it during. Dont let them take your bad decisions for you!"

Vanora checks mana and performance at daunting. Vanora is successful.

Reese looks to Drake with concern as the Lord is injured. She sucks in one of her sharp breaths. "Lord Drake..." She says, sounding all worried. She continues to fight on. Reese's blade strikes true and she manages to dodge any in coming attacks, at least so far.

Lucita hears Sorrel singing and her humming becomes vocalized, the same song being sung with Sorrel, the two of them harmonizing with the same intent, holding their ground, courage instead of panic and the words strong in faith and in hope.

As Sorrel breaks out into song Vanora pauses and looks at her, considering. Then Lucita does the same, and after a brief pause she joins in. Her voice is low and slow like honey, but she manages to find her place in the harmony and focus on Hope in particular, attempting to soothe the nerves of those being evacuated and perhaps make the evacuation easier.

From the direction of the docks, thunderous sounds of destruction are heard again along with roars of what sounds very much like pain, loud enough to shake the remaining buildings of the city.

Silvio turns around the column, right into an intimate fight with a cultist. He gasps, flat-footed for a moment before he brings his weapon up in a slashing attack, then tries to dart backwards, both failures, and wild. There are man targets though, and with a solid few blows on him, he drops down behind a pew. The Prince feels sick, with death ringing so close in his ears, and this not at all the way he had planned it. Blood has ruined his clothes and there are several gashes showing through. Its the singing that helps him pull himself together, backing away in the chaos, and heading towards the proposed escape route.

Reese looks over to Silvio as well, her blade still lifted and now stained with blood. The concern lingers in her blue eyes. She seems to be trying to take a mental note of his location. The fight is chaotic though and well Reese seems ready to keep fighting.

The voices rising through the halls of the cathedral have an astounding effect, not only boosting morale but soothing the minds of those frantically running toward holy items. The honeyed words also seem to ease the minds of those within the room, some of them swaying as they take in the music, at ease with the belief that all might just work out in the end. Those who make their way out of the tunnels -do- follow the instructions to travel in single file. There is no bottle neck in the way out of the cathedral and at least a third of the people in the room have made their way in.

The waves don't stop crashing through however, as though there are plenty more where they came from, men and women brandishing their blades. "There are many of us. We will turn your friends against you. There's a dull look in the victims' trapped within the vines and as they are released, they simply begin throwing themselves through the windows, shuffling toward their former friends.

Drake checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Drake marginally fails.

Drake checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Drake fails.

Gabriella checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Gabriella is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Orelia fails.

Gabriella checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Gabriella fails.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Orelia is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Reese is successful.

Mabelle checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Mabelle is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and propaganda at hard. Gwenna marginally fails.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Reese is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Sorrel fails.

Sorrel checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Sorrel is spectacularly successful.

Vanora checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Vanora marginally fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Lucita is spectacularly successful.

Jaenelle checks charm and manipulation at hard. Jaenelle is successful.

Silvio checks charm and manipulation at hard. Silvio is successful.

While the lines begin to form by the singers, Mabelle makes her way toward Silvio to look him over, "You are done for today, if you want to survive. I suggest we find someone to carry you down to the tunnel", she presses a bandages to one of his wounds but has no time to really apply it like a normal situation will allow. Her eyes fall toward Drake as well, and she declares, "Drake, you too!", he's not the boss of them! But she can recommend as she returns to Gwenna's side and starts readying for the descend.

Reese has no plans of going into tunnels at least ot until everyone is inside if she can help it such anyways. She swings, hitting another foe and she darts out of the way of oncoming hits. she looks over to Mabelle, aware of her words and seemingly thankful for them.

Drake has his weapon out, and is still battling against the hoarde, but it's a fighting retreat at this point, trying to push back as people start to scramble for the tunnel. "Stay safe!" he shouts at Mabelle, ever the gallant one, but then another one of the cultists drives for him with his blade. He staggers, his arm faltering as his injuries start to catc up with him. Fortunately, Sorrel has his defense. He hears her before he sees her, and then she's interposing enough to protect him from another strike. Drake looks to Orelia. "I have to pull back with the medics," he says, his breath rattling.

A bit of weariness seems to be seeping into Gwenna and the words don't come as easily as before. Instead of encouraging, insightful words and friendly squeezes on the shoulder, she instead is giving just a quick pat. "Good job," is what she musters, which isn't super profound. Mabelle at her side draws a touch of a smile, though, and maybe she'll get her spirit back! There is a worried look to the fighters. "I have a weapon, though am not terribly good with it. Still, I can go try to help before we are possibly overrun."

"First one out has to buy drinks after," Orelia quips with a smirk as Drake withdraws, masking her own pain. She gives him a nod and turns to face the enemy once more.

Vanora checks mana and performance at daunting. Vanora fails.

Gabriella swings her sword, Gluttony, with focused accuracy and speed that she fails to dodge a blow from a second attacker. Their weapon hits her and causes her to nearly drop to a knee, but she manages to stumble backward instead. She's having a hard time breathing. A hand grips her side and she holds her alaricite sword with the other. "I've got to find a medic--" The princess coughs and helps another woman file into the tunnel as she does the same. She'll help others as she goes in search of medical attention.

Lucita uses her dagger to try to stop the cultists within her reach. Spotting one headed for Grabriella, she twists and quick-steps to block that cultist's passage, trying to help Gabriella.

"I can do it. I can still carry myself." Silvio says to Mabelle, though with gratitude oozing from his tone. "Come /with me/," he says to her, reaching for her hand, trying to save her too, to draw her towards the tunnel. "Drake!" He then cries out, "Please! I can't face Thea without you!" Alarm rising once he's noticed his danger.

Watching those with swords for a moment, Jaenelle can't help but look proud as these people stand and defend those who are unable. "I know you all wish to give up. I know you are scared and there are easier way outs than this. I understand. But watch these people who are standing before you, between you and them. Do not make their efforts become worthless as you give in. You all are so much better than that."

Reese looks over to Gwenna with concern at her words. "Princess, I think we got it." She says then looks over to see how many opponents are remaining. She only hopes that is true! She looks to Orelia, moving close to her as if meaning to fight back to back or something.

With a swirl of dark steelsilk Vanora steps away from the other singers and towards the wave of attackers that continue to approach. Her eyes go silvery and trancelike almost, and she glares at them. "This will not happen again. Not to us...not after..." and her voice rises as if to sing another song, the tune low and deceptively silky. Yet she barely hits the first few notes and the verse she was attempting seems choked into silence before it began. And then the coughing starts, with each gag for breath resulting in a spill of bugs from her mouth, locusts and grubs and everything disgusting.

Sorrel motions to Drake to go, trying to keep from being overrun. She looks concerned. Very concerned. She glances to Jaenelle as the Archduchess directs things, and then she assesses Vanora's situation, trying to figure out if she should grab her as well at this point.

Reese has the intention of seeing everyone inside the tunnel before she leaves herself. Her blade is stilld drawn and she stakes close to Orelia. Sometimes it helps to fight as team and to guard each other. She hopes for that. She looks to Vanora and tries not to cry out. She needs to look like the brave Templar she tries to be!

From the harbor, a shrill, piercing, unearthly scream is heard, "NOOO! MY BABY!"

It's a mass of confusion as now all the windows have shattered and the invaders are just running in, trying to attack as many people as they can. At the same time those listless shuffling Bastionians are just making their way to whatever holy items they can find, in an attempt to (presumably) to carry Poison Ivy's will.

A woman can be seen by through the window by the entrance, entirely shattered now, sitting on the blossoming petals of a giant orchid. Blonde hair with glimmering green eyes and an almost flawless face, were it not for the pure seething malice twisting her visage as ranches extend around her while she summons more listless victims from behind to make their way inside.

Gwenna checks mana and empathy at daunting. Gwenna fails.

Mabelle checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Mabelle is successful.

Gwenna checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Gwenna is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Drake checks charm and leadership at normal. Botch! Drake fails completely.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Sorrel is successful.

Sorrel checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Sorrel fails.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Orelia is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Orelia is successful.

Howls go up again from the west, but they're moving away quickly now. The screaming from that direction is...much diminished, but still so very, very present.

Is apparently being pulled into the tunnels, she tries to grasp Gwenna with her, but then people are starting to loot and Mabelle merely advises them, "There are guards in the tunnels that are stabbing everyone who goes down there with a relic, just saying", Lies, she resorts to lies. Since they are currently feeding on lies. The invasions and the woman on the orchids makes her narrow her eyes, then cries toward Vanora, "Duchess! and tries to scramble in her direction to evacuate her as well. That is if she's done coughing animals".

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at daunting. Reese fails.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Reese is successful.

Drake smiles under his helm. In spite of all the blood streaking down his chest and arms. "She'll probably kill me if I die here tonight." That makes sense. "She'll resurrect me just to kill me again. Leaving her with the baby." Drake really does make an attempt at this point to at least arouse the troops and get people motivated to continue to leave in a more orderly way, but what happens instead is he just starts horribly coughing, the blood boiling up into his throat. It is less than inspiring, especially considering that the blood splatters in the mask of his helmet. He's got to go now, and he limps to try to get to the tunnels.

With the continuing egress of others and with some of those fighting wounded and having to leave through the tunnel, Lucita steps back with the shrinking group of defenders, trying to maintain a circle of safety and a line of those still capable of fighting, not only fending off cultists but those poor deluded people intent on desecration. "Can the relics be saved? Passed down to those of the faith, not looting, saving them, in the tunnel or are they too big or heavy?"

Gwenna is quiet for a moment, even as the din of battle rages around them, threatening to overwhelm them even. Still, she tries, and after what feels like forever, but may be just a minute or so, she squinches her eyes and shakes her head. "You have a name. Laurie. Laurie! Remember your name!" But that's cheating, because Laurie's friend called her name out earlier. That's all the Redrain has, it seems, and she doesn't take the time to watch if that worked or not. Instead, she gets back to the evacuation efforts and there is a bit more heart in her words this time around. Mabelle's warning to the parishioners draws a quirked brow and brief grin. "I will, once more are down into the tunnels, promise," she tells her cousin. "It's better to get to safety than to rush into the tunnels everyone. Some of our people will be waiting to help you down there."

For a moment or two Vanora's ordinarily lovely pale skin seems blueish as she gasps for breath and gets only the remnants of...whatever that was. But after a bit she takes in an inhale that appears to contain only air alone, and after stepping back very very quickly from the oncoming attackers she'd attempted to address, and giving a long and interested look to the strange beautiful woman controlling them, she murmurs, "My gods. That was..." But the sentence is clipped because she's not certain how to finish it anyway. "I think I am able to follow you." This to Mabelle.

Silvio checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Silvio is successful.

Reese leaves Orelia's side to charge at the blonde lady, attacking her with the silvery pink blade she carries. The woman is able to easily brush her attack aside, very easily as if Reese were just a child waving a branch around. Reese is attacked in return, but the Templar manages to dodge aside, driving to the right and behind a pew. The tide of shuffing people coming in stops at least for the moment.

Orelia catches Reese's movements and moves to meet her, fighting off the cultists who seek to engage them. She finds her step and flow, evading and striking as naturally as breathing, until she sees Reese choose her new target. "Reese!" she cries out, stormy blue eyes going wide as she realizes what is happening.

Jaenelle checks composure and empathy at normal. Jaenelle marginally fails.

Between Vanora's appearance and the bugs, Reese chasing after the woman, and all the shuffling from those around them, Jaenelle's composure is tested. She looks almost pained at the look in people's eyes as she does her best to keep getting people out and down into the tunnels. "Please move carefully. Try to watch your step." She takes a deep breath, doing her best to control her emotions with so much pain, anger, and fear around her.

Silvio lets Mabelle go when she rushes towards Vanora. His eyes widen at the sight and he directs his enticements towards the people he knows. "We don't want to face that right now. We're in no condition. Keep the faith...move out of sight." And more specifically towards Drake. "Come! Save your words for her, later." As Lucita mentions saving the relics, he answers, "The people are the faith." And he casts a last look to the evil beyond, then Jaenelle as he passes her, and ducks down into the tunnel, for whatever fate that brings him.

The knights and other defenders do their best at stemming the tide of attackers, keeping them at bay, while taking the odd wound in response. The injured rush to the tunnels, though some Templars hold their line, even till death. Those making their ways to the tunnels, seem incensed when the woman is in full view, and Drake's coughing has them frantically rushing to make their way through the narrow path. Probably leading to another blockade.

With about three quarters of those within the Cathedral out of harm's way, it seems luck doesn't favor the rest as many more file through to finish off whatever attackers they find. Some begin to look toward the tunnels.

Abruptly, all the locusts have flown off, most buzzing off into the sky. Just as sudden as their arrival, they are gone, save for entirely too many bug corpses from swatted bugs lingering anywhere and everywhere.

Reese checks dexterity and medium wpn at daunting. Reese is successful.

Reese checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Reese is successful.

Orelia checks dexterity and medium wpn at daunting. Orelia marginally fails.

Orelia checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Orelia marginally fails.

Mabelle as Silvio dodges into the tunnel, Mabelle does her best to push everyone she can before her, pull at the other ladies with her and casts a guilty gaze toward Reese and Orelia, only to disappear underground.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at daunting. Lucita marginally fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Lucita is successful.

Orelia catches up with Reese once more by the pew were she sought shelter. "Just a few left, then we can follow!" she tells the princess-turned-Godsworn. It would seem that exhaustion and blood loss are starting to catch up with her though, as she first swings to slice only air and an enemy blade finds her. Still, she stays up.

Vanora checks mana and performance at daunting. Vanora is successful.

Gwenna bites her lip as it appears the odds are slipping away from them. She helps a bit longer, trying to keep people calm and orderly, but at some point she moves to fall into the line herself as well. While waiting for the handful of people in front of her, she watches the warriors of their group continue to fend off attackers and bites her lip. "Come as soon as you can, please!"

Drake tries to cry out for Orelia, for Reese, for those behind to make sure they can handle standing their ground. But he can't really speak right now very well. He ends up being pulled into the current and into the tunnels, and finally removes his helm. Pulling it off and taking a sharp breath, he turns and spits out the blood in his throat.

Jaenelle takes another calming breath, eyes closed as she remains at the entrance to the trap door. She does not say anything, though a calm moves over her and she continues to direct those who need assistance towards the tunnels.

It's probably foolish to sing again, but Vanora does. This time her words are aimed at the enemy, an attempt to depress or sadden them to slow them down, as well as to inspire those building the barricade. Something about having one day more and whether or not you hear the people sing.

Reese gets near the door of the tunnel, maybe having learned her lesson about attacking the blonde or maybe she feels they need to guard the retreat. she lines up with Orelia, getting ready to fight side by side with her and trying to make sure that none of the attackers make it into the tunnels. She plans to try and defend until everyone makes it through the tunnel, if she can.

Lucita is doing what is a fighting retreat, trying to give every second of time she can to allow as many to escape as she can even as she obviously is headed for the tunnels herself. "Archduchess, time to leave, before it is too late."

With the collective efforts of the defenders that remain, fighting despite the overwhelming odds, and fighting well for that matter, Vanora's song that seems to demoralize the attackers that rush through the windows, some of them turning to Poison Ivy with desperate looks that seem to say. 'Do we haaaave to keep doing this?' Those who file through the tunnels suddenly, passing Jaenelle, seem to close their eyes as though her own calm is contagious. It definitely helps keep the passage orderly.

And with the attackers seeming to lose their resolve, the warriors holding strong and more and more folk making their way through the tunnels, it becomes easier to hold the line. In fact Poison Ivy seems to just... lose interest and float away with her plants. As though nothing inside interests her anymore. She seems... pleased almost. Triumphant.

Silvio pauses when Drake pauses to nervously pull sliced fabric aside and look at the wounds beneath them, to make sure he's not about to die from the bleeding. His fingers shake and he makes some very tender, soft sounds, thankfully lost in the general noise. He coughs a few times, then looks over at Drake, doing a visual check of the man to make sure there's not still a blade sticking out of him that was missed in the madness. A pained frown creases his face and he can't dredge up his usual witty quips anymore. "Please let them be ok." Likely in reference to those still defending them that he knows.

Once down in the tunnel, Mabelle feels safer to begin to attend to the many many wounded, clearly there will need to be more hands here, but at least no one is dead. That she knows of.

As the last of the innocents disappear into the tunnel, Orelia smacks Reese on the shoulder. "Now! We gotta go!" she tells the Templar, jerking her head toward the entrance. "They're safe, now it's our turn."

Drake is grateful to see all the others pile in to the tunnel, Orelia still alive in spite of her injuries. He manages to clear his throat enough to choke out to her. "Okay. I buy drinks; I backed down first. Now let's get out of here."

Gwenna doesn't like the look of a happy Poison Ivy - not one bit. That, though, will have to wait for another day. Between the heroics of the fighters, some who are bringing up the rear, some who have just made it to the tunnel, the weariness really starts to settle over it. Just a minor injury from the bugs, the songs and efforts of everyone keep her going those final steps to escaping the cathedral. "I could use a drink," she quips.

Reese notices that everyone is safe but only when Orelia points it out to her. She then looks over the other warrior. "You are hurt." She says with concern. "It is our turn now." She says. "I can't believe we lived. You are amazingly brave. I am impressed."

Lucita holds her position as long as she can before glancing around to the defenders left. "Time to go." She has fought long and hard and does not seem to summon the energy to say much more. A concerned glance is given the horrid woman who just left, smiling...

Reese herself is completely uninjured. Her sword is blood stained. Her blonde locks are messy. Her ribbons are out of place, but she doesn't have a scratch.

Orelia grins at Reese. "Makes two of us," she manages to gasp out as the adrenaline starts to ebb in the safety of the tunnel. She lands next to Drake and claps him on the shoulder. "I look forward to it," she tells him.