Looking longingly at the blade Bollwerk speaks out."If I may!" before taking the blade out and swinging it once or twice.
The sword looks like brilliant gold, but is as hard as steel. The balance is perfect. If on looks alone, it is a sword of reknown. On a whim, Bollwerk gives some thought to it, and the sword responds with a clear, golden light that shines from deep within its depths.
Fabian comes to take a closer look at the sword. "B...by the gods, Bollwerk! Do you know what you have there??? That's the sword of Yaniel! Radiance it's called, the sword is famous in Kenabres!"
Know that it's known, you recognize the name. Yaniel was a legendary crusader, known for her fiery zeal and insubordinate streak. Radiance was her blade. Banned from the city by the leaders of the Crusade, she disappeared into the Worldwound vowing to fight the Crusade by herself. Thought dead, she returned a year later, an army of crusaders she'd rescued at her back. She and the Crusade leadership, both humbled by the experience, made their peace.
It was not to last.
Yaniel was murdered one night, not a year after her return. Her body was never found. Radiance was discovered on the streets of Kenabres, soaked in demon blood. It was placed on display as a holy relic in the Gray Garrison in Kenabres, the stuff of legend.
Kissing the blade and holding it high Bollwerk says a loud prayer to his Lady. "I hope you do not mind that I take radiance and use it to clean every lackey and every demon stopping in our way. I think it is high time to get the others and lead them back to the city. I think the long night is over because a radiance is coming to shed the light of justice."
Well said paladin, let us return to the others and share what we have learned, and let them know we have cleared the path back to the surface.
She turns and speaks a quiet prayer, hands gesturing out to include everyone in the party.
You have all done well, proven yourselves against the demons and their lackeys, you should be proud of yourselves. Come, let us finish this.
She will lead the way back to Neatholme and the others they left there.
The journey back to Neatholme is uneventful. You are greeted by the mongrels there like heroes, the crowd thronging about you once again. Chief Sull immediately sends off a war party under Lann to secure the lair you just conquered.
All of you gathered, with Serena, Seraphyna, Fabian, and Lucille, blind Aravashnial, crippled Anevia, and the ever-grumpy Horgus, a war-council is called. All are gathered in the Chief's house.
You sit upon the ground in a large circle, the skin of a dozen cave lizards under you.
"S..so. What's n..next?" Chief Sull asks.
We are glad to be of assistance to you and your people Chief Sull, praise Desna that our paths of destiny intertwined and allowed us to achieve something that benefits both of us.
she smiles genuinely.
As for what's next, we need to get these folk back to the surface she gestures at Aravashnial, Anevia and Horgus.
The best thing to do for us I believe would be to make contact with those left in the city and try to determine who or what is left. Assess the forces available, who now leads and how best to begin the process of reclaiming the city.
she looks st the Chief
Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated, you would be very welcome to join us in the crusade to eradicate the demonspawn.
Nodding at Farashas words the Paladin nods. Absently stroking the hilt of the sword to feel it is still there he starts to speak."I think it is time that you leave the darkness and join the light. I know I will go upstairs and I will kick every demon so hard that it flies back to hell! This is our city, our country our HOME and its high time we take it back!"
Horgus leans over to Bollwerk and whispers in his ear. "Erm...don't demons get kicked back to the Abyss? Just asking."
Chief Sull nods appreciatively. "Rest h..here tonite. Then you m..may head back through those warrens and r..reach the surface. I will send sc..scouts out to make c..contact with you on the surface."
Farasha would argue that sharing the information would be the most beneficial to everyone, after all the more people know the more chance the information will reach the right people.
Also, sharing information builds trust.
Kazul is also in a hurry to rush back to the surface. He trusts the Chief so he does not mind sharing.
"They have been of great help to us, and I see no reason to withhold information now." Dieter is likewise very eager to return to the surface.
Anevia reads, and re-reads the letter from 'SV' aloud. "Irabeth needs to know about these safe houses," she says, "we must get to her as soon as possible."
Aravashnial chips in. "The Tower of Estrod is known to me. That it is one of these safe houses is a cause for concern. We should go there first."
Horgus is silent, but he can't quite conceal his surprise to hear that the Nyserian house is mentioned in the letter.
Well without further ado, I suggest we move on in all haste. We need to get this information to our side as quickly as we can.
To Chief Sull she warmly thanks
I appreciate the hospitality you have shown me in what could otherwise have been a challenging time for me, you and your people will always be welcome in both my church and my company
she bows deeply.
After saying goodbye to the family she was staying with, and the others she has made acquaintances of, she grabs her gear and is ready to leave.
With falchion in hand, Kazul is ready to go as well. He thanks the Chief again for his guidance.
Chief Sull nods in agreement. "I th..thank you. And m..my people than you. We will contact you in a f..few days."
The way is clear through the mongel's lair. A ladder in the lair leads upwards...
...to a scene from the Abyss. Kenabres has become an apocalyptic ruin, the once-familiar skyline changed forever. The tower of the Kite and the cathedral of St. Clydwell completely destroyed. Plumes of dark smoke bollow from the rubble of buildings, and fat buzzards circle in the skies above. The dark red and black clouds above tell you one thing:
The Worldwound has expanded its borders, and Kenbares is enveloped in it.
One by one, as they emerge into the grim reality that is the new Kenabres, the enormity of what has befallen the city strikes home. All fall silent. Aravashnial is the first to break it.
"This is very wrong. I do not need my eyes to tell me that."
Quietly, Anevia describes the scene to him, and at each word, the blind elf shakes his head. "It has come to pass. That which we feared most." He says. "We must make for the Librarium of the Blackwing." He turns to face you. "I tell you this now, taking you in the strictest confidence, because now we must pool all of our resources. The Librarium, as you know, is the cities greatest repository of demon-hunting lore. More importantly, it is the secret headquarters of my order: the Riftwardens. If any of my brethren survived, they will be there."
"No!' Anevia retorts sharply. "We must find Irabeth! She will have rallied the defenders to her! We must...we must..." She breaks down in tears as the full weight of the disaster overcomes her. "No one can have survived this... no one..."
Horgus clears his throat. "Ahem. My personal opinion is that we find my estate. It was...fortified against such an event. We can ensure that we have the proper resources to continue our efforts."
All turn to you. Now what?
"MY personal opinion," Dieter turns to Horgus, "Is that any group that allows you to continue in their company is doomed. Continue with your petulant little nobleman. I'm going to find some soldiers and fall in." He gives the group a bow and touches his forehead. "You have my thanks, band of heroes, for helping each other escape that darkened hell. May you find what you seek, and may it bring peace and happiness to you and your loved ones. If I find remnants of our crusaders, I will let them know where you are." With a bounce, he kips across the ruined courtyard and jogs easily down a blasted road.
Looking at the leaving Aasimar Bollwerk just shakes his head. Looking at each of the three noncombattants he finally nods at Horgus."You are right. We will follow you to your mansion. Walking blindly around is tactical unsound and the mansion, if Sir Horgus allows it, will become our base to find Irabeth as fast as possible and also contact the Riftwardens. Anevia, I know you want to find her, and it is very high on my agenda, but walking around without knowledge will just invite disaster. Sir Horgus, please lead us." Hoping his speach has given the nobleman back his honor Bollwerk will again try to keep everyone safe.
The others: Serena, Seraphyna, Lucille, and Fabian, all nod as Dieter speaks. They agree to stick together, and say their farewells. Now it is down to you.
"Wait, are any of these places near New Kenabres? I need to check on friends there right away."
Just before she leaves, Seren stops in front of Farasha. Taking something from her pack, she presses it into your hand.
"I don't think this is for me," she says ruefully, "I won't be staying her much longer. I think...I think she would want you to have it." Tears well up in her eyes as she speaks.
Looking down you see a silver dragonscale about the size of your fist. Contemplating it, you hear a voice in your mind. The voice is deep, and resonates with great power and kindness.
"Avenge me. Avenge Kenabres." It says. You are struck by this vision.
Farasha is suprised by Seren's gift, and thanks her, sharing a prayer with her. As she contemplates the scale i nher hand and hears Terendelev's voice, experiencing the accompanying vision, she is almost overcome. Eyes burning with renewed purpose, she turns to the group.
I agree, we must first tend to those we have shepherded back to the light. Master Horgus would be the best to do first as he has a strong building he can fortify, we can be sure he will prevail when left in charge of his household guard and we can be assured of a valued ally in the days to come. From there we should travel to the Librarium as it is closest to the manor. The Riftwardens would be best able to make use of the little intelligence we have uncovered, in adition to telling us the current state of things
she turns to Anevia
I'm sure the quickest way to find Irabeth would be to speak to the wardens, they are likely to have kept tabs on all the players in the war to this point, they have the best chance of being able to successfully direct our search for your wife
she reaches out an arm to comfort the woman.
Now what say you all, are we agreed?
"I can't say for sure, of course," Anevia says, "but I think that Irabeth would go to our house, or at least leave me a message there."
"Anevia is right. The Librarium is closest. Let's head there first." Kazul takes lead, looking out for dangers.
I imagine they can confirm for us which areas of the city have been overrun, it may be pertinent to head there first Hargus as they can advise whether your estate is still standing.
Farasha makes sure everyone is agreeable then heads off after Kazul, arrow already nocked to her bow.
You pick your way through the ruined streets of Kenabres, every step a reminder of the calamity that has befallen the city. Blood stains mar the walls in places, and every once in a while, a scream can be heard somewhere in the distance. All the while the dark red clouds of the Worldwound hang overhead.
After ten minutes or so, you are passing a shop - a tailor by the look of it - named 'Fine Fittings'. Form inside there is crash, and the cackle of a demonic voice.
We can't single-handedly take back the city, so getting to the Librarium is important, but likewise we cannot stand by and let the demons rampage around us. I think we should go in and destroy it, there may be innocents trapped in there...
She'll move towards the door and go in as long as at least one other person looks to be going with her.
She nocks an arrow and moves through the doorway, ready for trouble.
Kazul moves up to the entrance with cleric and peers in, javelin in hand.
Bollwerk slowly follows Kazul, sword drawn.
The interior of the store has been torn apart. Shelves smashed, fine clothing in shreds, and glass shattered. This creature stands in the middle of the shop floor, chewing on a fine dress. It's demonic features are obvious. From deep inside the store, a voice calls out:
"Someone help us!"
Hearing the cry for help Bollwerk charges into the Demon.
Kazul's javelin sinks deep into the rat-faced demon's back, causing it to spin about and snarl in rage. Then Radiance flashes out of its scabbard and cuts the demon in two.
The two pieces of the abyssal spawn barely hit the floor before a voice calls out from the back room: ""Hello? Anyone? Who's out there?"
Kazul steps in the room, yells "We are here to help you", and looks for other dangers/treasure, while he allows the paladin room to calm the people down.
Despite being ready with her bow, Farasha doesn't even get a chance to use it. Kazul and Bollwerk's quick actions in cutting down the foe leave her speechless with her mouth hanging open.
My word gentlemen, I am glad we find ourselves on the same side!
She follows Bollwerk looking for those who were crying for help.
We're crusaders, come out the demon has been vanquished!
An older man and his wife come out the back room, taking down the makeshift wooden barricades they had set set up.
"Thank you so much!" The man says. "I am Dargo, and this is my wife Anna - you saved our lives! We've been hiding here for three days, ever since...well, you know...and we've been lucky until just now. Glad you came along when you did!"
The man waves his arm about the store. The demon did not have time to tear into the clothing on display behind the counter, and he points to these items.
"We don't have much to offer you in thanks," he says, "but please take some clothing for yourselves, it may come in use later...after things are better."
Bollwerk will pick a courtiers outfit, but impress the importance of hurry.
Good deed of the day done, Kazul picks up his javelin. He looks perplexed at the outfits and graciously asks to Farasha to pick one out for him, since he trusts her judgment on these matters. Then we move on.
Farasha smiles at the couple reassuringly.
Three days? You've done well! Listen we're on our way to establish a stronghold, if you can hold out just a little longer we'll send someone to collect you and take you to safety.
Nodding at Bollwerk's desire to get moving, she still takes a moment to heave the pack from her shoulder and pull out two trail rations, setting them down on the counter for the couple.
She grins at Kazul's request, quickly glancing over the wares and pulling out an outfit that would cut a handsome figure, good enough for court but casual enough for him to hang out in a tavern without drawing comment. She hesitates for a moment, before selecting a simple black and white evening dress with butterfly embroidery for herself.
Beautiful! she smiles thank you for your kindness, and don't forget to bar the door when we leave. We'll send word as soon as we can.
She follows the gents out the door and onwards.
The man places a hand on Bollwerk's arm, stopping him from leaving. "I think you should know. We heard some rumors from others passing through. The word is that Lord Hulrun was killed in the attack, and now the demons have his body on display!" He backs away, nodding at you, and thanking Farasha for her words.
You continue through the nightmarish streets, your route heading north-northeast. Soon you arrive in front of the Librarium, know as "Blackwing" to the locals. Long known as one the greatest collections of knowledge regarding the demons and the Worldwound, now it lies in ruins. All that remains is the facade, and the reinforced great hall. Curiously, the surrounding buildings are practically untouched. It's as if some great force focused its destructive power in this area on Blackwing alone.
Anevia whispers to Aravashnial the news. The blind elf cries in despair and falls to his knees, tears soaking the bandage over his face. Anevia places a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. Horgus looks on grimly.
The heavy wooden front doors lay open, intact but ajar.
Kazul feels sympathy for the blind elf and his grief. The half-orc is sure his friends in Old Kenabres probably didn't survive either, but he can't think of this now. He looks at his companions, points at the door that is ajar and slinks in, javelin in hand as usual.
Farasha follows Kazul to the door, staying outside for now as she doesn't want to give the stealthy half-orc away, but ready to push through the doors at a moment's notice if there's trouble.
The man immediately struck down one of the librarians with his fist and laughed. He demanded they give him all of their 'damned secrets'. When they refused, he struck another. You were just about to defend them when a voice whispered in your ear, "nice try", and a blow to your head made everything go black. Waking with a severe headache, bound and gagged, you find yourself covered in oil and in a circle of piled books. The crusader is giving orders, and two tieflings stand near the pile with lit torches.