As most of you stand guard, Ezro spends time with the woman, helping her and providing enough healing that she regains consciousness and for a moment looks scared, till she realizes that you are not the ones who attacked her. "Thank you. I am Klarah, and I was out looking for food for my aged parents who are in a nearby building. Do you know why those knights attacked me?"
Supporting the woman, he smiles and says, loud enough to address the others as well, "I do not know. A great tragedy has befallen everyone here. Fear, failure, remorse, loss, these are all reasons that may drive even normally good mannered people to do unspeakable things. We cannot know unless we were there or heard it from them. Fear is very powerful. All feel its grasp in their own time."
Looking around a bit more somberly, he says to the party, "Let us not jump to judgement without first understanding."
Looking back to the woman he says, "Could you lead us to this home. It may be safer there, and we may be able to help you kin."
Quinn lets out an incredulous huff, and a billowing cloud of sulfurous smoke as he does so. "Fear is one thing. Murder is another." He looks to Hyram for support. "But, turning back the demon incursion takes precedence. Justice for those three must wait."
"The most important thing is that you yet live, Klarah." Quinn avoids smiling, knowing how menacing that can appear. "Can you tell us anything of what has happened in the city, young one?"
Aladir scowls bitterly when the memory comes to him.
"It is an old fiction. What humans would call an 'old wives' tale.' Some in Kenabres whisper that if you sheath a blade in the blood of a virgin, it temporarily transforms it into a weapon capable of slaying even a demon. Clearly those knights had gone mad to have bought into so obvious a lie. Desna be praised that our travels allowed us to save that poor woman..."
Aladir scowls bitterly when the memory comes to him.
"It is an old fiction. What humans would call an 'old wives' tale.' Some in Kenabres whisper that if you sheath a blade in the blood of a virgin, it temporarily transforms it into a weapon capable of slaying even a demon. Clearly those knights had gone mad to have bought into so obvious a lie. Desna be praised that our travels allowed us to save that poor woman..."
"A lie most likely created by our enemies. Then they laugh as we multiply their depravities with our own!" Quinn tenses, glancing along the trail of the fleeing knights. He even takes a half-step in that direction before putting aside his anger and focusing back on priorities.
"Let's get Klarah's parents and find the Eagle Watch."
Those three will be brought to justice for their crimes. Hyram says in response to Quinn as he etches their faces in his memory. It might not be today, but their day will come!
"Indeed. Priorities. Getting Karah to her parents and our injured companions to safety takes precedence right now. Are we ready to move on?"
Ezro stands up and offers his hand to the woman to help her stand.
"I am ready."
Alikia takes the sword from Quinn, only to almost drop it immediately. Hanging the blade on her back, Alikia frowns at the conversation taking place about the three guards. Not wanting to get into a deep philosophical debate, she brushes her hands off before nodding at what Ezro says. "I'm good to go. Please lead the way."
Helping Klarah to her feet, she leads slowly and unsteadily leads you about a block away, to where her parents are hiding. During the walk, she responds to Quinn question, "There are many rumors floating around the city, some I do not think are true, but I am fairly sure that these are. There seem to be multiple types of demon cultists at large in the city—they’re not all worshipers of Deskari. The Kite’s been destroyed, and along with it the wardstone! The demons are loose! The Mendevian army is heading to Kenabres to save us, but who knows when they’ll get here?" Once there, Klarah thanks you, and says, "we do not want to be a burden. Now that I have found food, we can hide out here for a few days then come out."
"I would like us to stop by my and Irabeth house perhaps. To see if I still have a home and find out where Irabeth might be."
"I also, have a request, that we stop by the Blackwing. It is a library that is important to me, and perhaps us."
"I also would like to request that you just drop me off at my home, if it is still standing."
"If the Blackwing is just north of here, then that could be our first stop. But, only if can truly aid our cause. What is it you believe you will find there of importance?" Quinn asks the blind elf.
"Irabeth is doubtlessly working with whatever remains of Kenabres defense forces. I would like to find her as quickly as possible, and if your house stands, and holds any clues as to her and the Eagle Watch's whereabouts, then that should be our next priority."
Quinn turns to the group. "I never was much of a scout. In dark caves, where I alone can see, I was apt to lead. But, this is a city under siege. I'm as likely to blunder into a troupe of demons as I am to find the Eagle Watch's redoubt. What's more, they would hear me coming a mile off."
"You're nimbler and keener of sight than I am," Quinn says to Aladir. "Going forward, will you take the vanguard? I will follow as close as practicable."
"It would be my honor to take point for the group, assuming everyone else is alright with it, as well. Regarding the plans of where to go, the simplest thing to do would be take the closest location in turn. That would eliminate unneeded backtracking and, in turn, reduce the chance of us running into unwanted attention."
"To that end, I do believe we should start with Blackwing. It's the closest to where we are. After that, Horgus' manner is not a terrible walk, then finally to Irabeth's house. Aravashnial, Horgus, how long a stopover will you require? We should be quick as we may in hitting each of these stops."
Hyram listens to Quinn and Aladir and nods in agreement. I agree. With demon cultist wandering the city, it is best not to backtrack. We have a lot to do and little time to do it in. A cruel smile appears on Hyram's face. Then we can go in search of these cultists and remove them from this city for the death and destruction they have wrought. Hyram does not elaborate on what he means by remove, but as he said it, he slowly twisted his longsword so that the light of the fires still burning was reflected in the blade.
"Blackwing sounds like a smart decision." Ezro says with a nod, looking towards Alikia.
"I would imagine a student to know the library well, yes?"
"I have many friends and colleagues that would have been in Blackwing when the demons struck. Many of the books there are priceless and irreplaceable." he says. "I believe that the knowledge will help fight off the demon invasion, and as a member, I can get you the access that you need, and I need to know if the library is still there."
"A very short time. If my home is still standing and not in demon hands, then just drop me off."
"Also, just a short time for me. I just want to see our home and Irabeth and I have a secret stash place where she would have left me a note if she is all right. Then we can move towards the central city, and find where, if any place the Eagle Watch headquarters has moved to, and inform them about the cultist hide outs."
Now that Klarah and her parents have food for several days due to her savaging, they insist that you have done enough, and wish to remain in their home, and they promise to stay well hidden.
Move along the chasm, you come to where the Blackwing should be, and instead of a great library, all you see is a facade and what looks to be perhaps one room still standing. The rest of it has been destroyed.
"Aravashnial, hold on, but only a small bit of the library remains. It looks like the demons destroyed most of it."
The elf falls to his knees, the pain and suffering visible on his face. "If any of it is standing, please see if my friends are alive." he almost wails.
From where you are, you can see that although the library, except for perhaps the entrance area, has been completely destroyed, but none of the surrounding buildings have been damaged at all. Almost as if the library itself was the target.
"Many of the books there are priceless and irreplaceable." he says. "I believe that the knowledge will help fight off the demon invasion...."
"Only a small bit of the library remains. It looks like the demons destroyed most of it."
"This was no wanton destruction, either," Quinn adds. "They targeted this place."
"There were records here dating back to the very onset of the demon scourge. The demons obviously placed a high priority on depriving us of this knowledge." Quinn draws Radiance, and moves towards the entrance. "Let us secure whatever may remain."
Hyram almost tells the Elf that it is good that he is blind so as not to see the destruction of the library but then he thinks how callous and insensitive that would sound and holds his tongue. Instead he asks Aravashnial, The surronding buildings still stand, is there a chance your friends would have sought shelter in them to escape the attack?
Hyram will join Quinn in looking for survivors - or demons.
Agreeing with Quinn, Aladir quickly moves to the remaining room, searching for a way that he may be able to see inside from, or at the very least a door to listen through.
Moving to help Aravashniel onto the ground, Alikia tries to be comforting. "Of course, Aravashniel. I'm sure that they must have survived. They may be hiding in other places in the city, or fighting the demons as we speak. Just wait here with Lamm, Anevia, and Horgus. I will try to be quick."
Hoisting the found longsword so that it hangs across her back, the tall half-elf slugs through the debris, careful not to get too close to the edge of the chasm. Falling in line behind Hyram, Alikia quietly casts detect magic, to see if there are any remaining magical defenses.
"By the gods..." Ezro mutters, seeing the libraries devastation.
Ezro agrees with the rest on their assumptions. Knowledge is power.
The cleric quickly joins the rest looking for survivors.
Quinn pushes aside the hanging door, taking a moment to observe the whole scene of the interior before speaking.
"Greetings, friends. Please don't be alarmed. I am Quinn Inktooth of the Kenabres Guard. I come with allies, including one Aravashniel, a scholar of this library. Are you in distress? May we be of service?"
When Quinn simply saunters into the building, Aladir's mouth nearly hits the floor. What in the world was he thinking?! There could be enemies in there! In fact it seemed a great deal more likely to him that there WERE enemies in side! Aladir quickly readies an arrow to the string of his bow, though he doesn't enter quite yet, but hides himself against the wall next to the entryway.
Hyram sees Aladir's shocked expression, shrugs helplessly and follows Quinn through the door. He will be paying close attention to who he thinks is the owner of the harsh sounding voice especially in response to Quinn's questions. We don't want a repeat with the knights. the Inquisitor thinks to himself.
Craning her neck to try and see inside the building, Alikia holds her breath as Quinn calls out to the occupants of the library. With any luck, the person or persons insides would be the actual librarians and not looking for a fight.
Quinn pushes open the door, and sees four people, laying on the floor, all dressed in robes and bound hand and foot. They are surrounded by a low ring of books that have been stacked one on top of another. A weeping woman, dressed in the same attire, is adding another book to the stack and is being yelled at by a man in mail armor. LINK. Hyram follows Quinn thru the doorway, while Aladir nocks an arrow and he and the others wait outside.
As Quinn and Hyram enter the building, a tiefling on either side of the door, take a step and sneak attack the two men., damaging them both.
The man in armor, challenges Quinn. "You will die by my blade, follower of the blasphemous Iomedae." and he steps up and swings his mace, damaging the Paladin badly.
Ezro UP
You dare defile The Inheritor's name!? Feel the steel of her humble servent!
Hyram says as he attempts to stab the tiefling.
Quinn takes the blows stoically, eyeing the sword and sunburst sigil on the man's shield. Almost calmly, he places a hand on the worst of his wounds, letting a surge of healing flow through.
Then suddenly, in an explosion of golden light, Radiance flares to life, and Quinn screams,
"More likely enemy in disguise!"
Aladir shouts back as he turns to step through the doorway, loosing an arrow at the armored man. His aim seems more steady now, his eyes more keen, and to himself he is glad for all the experience shooting into a fight beneath the city...it seems to have given him a better eye for picking out the proper target.
"Well this appears to be uncouth!" Ezro yells, stepping forward.
Raising his Holy Symbol, he yells out, "Iomedea aid us in killing these traitors!"
------------------------------------------------
Looking very confused at the man calliing Quinn a blasphemer for worshiping Iomedae, while he is very clearing wielding a shield with her symbol on it, Alikia pulls out her sturdy crossbow and shoots at the only one she has a clear shot to, however due to her confusion and her want to not harm her friends, her bolt embeds itself into the door frame of the library. "I don't understand what's going on?" She half-says, half-shouts in clear confusion.
"I do not understand as well. I believe we are fighting a heretic of Iomedea!"
Ezro channels Iomedea blessing to the group, which helps Quinn and Hyram. Alikia shoots a crossbow and the bolt lands in the door frame. Hyram attacks the tiefling standing to his right, damaging him. Quinn and Aladir both attack the knight and damage him.
The two tiefling once again, attack Hyram and Quinn, however only Hyram is wounded. The knight continues to attack Quinn, but misses.
As the fight continues, the one librarian that is free moves quietly around back and you can see her untieing the others that are inside the circle of books.
Ezro UP
Ezro tries to put more energy into his deities benefices this time.
----------------------------
Hyram, seeing that Quinn is hard pressed by the knight and tiefling, continues to attack his tiefling foe in the hope of finishing him off.
Without the surprise, Quinn is able to take greater care to turn the pair's attacks aside. As another wave of Ezro's healing energy washes over him, he steps into another strike against the enemy knight. "I don't know if you are an apostate or a spy. But, you doomed yourself the moment you defiled that symbol!"
Alikia watches as Hyram lunges at the enemy teifling, failing to connect with the rouge, followed quickly by Aldair attempting to shoot at another one of the enemies. Holding her breath as Quinn shouts at the apostate, a look of desperation flashes across her features. As Ezro's divine healing flows over the party, Alikia comes up with a plan. "Oh? OH! He doesn't worship Iomadea at all!" she states, as all of the comments make sense.
"No matter. You've became my number one target the second you held these people hostage!" Conjuring up a bright green dart, she chucks it at the leader. However, in her excitement she spikes the acid to the ground near her feet. "Or, maybe we can let bygones be bygones?" she says sheepishly, feeling embarrassed at her incompetence.
Seeing what looks to be a fallen knight of Iomedae affects everyone as this should not be happening, and everyone is so shaken that their attacks miss. Ezro however calls upon Iomedae blessings to heal the warriors and allow everyone to overcome this heretic. However, as he can only exclude two of the enemy combatants, he chooses the knight and the tiefling on the left, so he also heals the rogue to the right of Hyram.
While both the tiefling rogues miss, the knight continues to pound on Quinn, "I will be noticed when I kill you all, you minions of Iomedae!"
The librarian finishes untieing the first prisoner, and the two of them quietly work on freeing two more of the prisoners.
Anevia limps over next to Alikia, drawing her bow and prepares to shoot at the knight.
Ezro UP
Shuffling backwards to allow Anevia more room to maneuver, Alikia frowns. "Oi, I'm not a minion! I merely associate with her associates." Conjuring another bright green acidic dart, Alikia chucks it at the main knight. Surprising herself as the dart hits the man in the face, Alikia lets out a whoop in triumph.
"Alright! That was totally worth years hiding in a library!" Doing a slight jig at her success, Alikia reloads her crossbow.
Hyram is surprised when the Tiefling in front of him is healed of his wounds but not as surprised as the Tiefling who misses him. Hyram tries to take advantage of the Tiefling's distraction to stab him,
but try as he might, Hyram just cannot angle the blade propery to get past the Tiefling's defenses.
"Iomedea! I beseech thee to BLESS us!" Ezro yells, holding his symbol aloft.
"I have very little holy energy left for the day my friends! We should dispatch these heretics as fast as we can!"
---------------------------------
Quinn can only guess at the knight's desire to be "noticed", but does not hesitate to try to infuriate the knight into overextending himself. "Noticed?! Hah!" Quinn scoffs. "You will be forgotten even before these bruises have healed."
Aladir, ignoring any risk to himself in favor of letting those behind him get a better chance at being in on the action, moves forward into the library chamber, moving to the other side of one of the tieflings before drawing another arrow against the same foe.