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Mendev’s Pathfinder lodge in the capital city of Nerosyan is housed within Starrise Spire, a defensive tower in the outer wall whose pinnacle glows with celestial light that shines out like a beacon, simultaneously giving comfort to Nerosyan’s defenders and acting as a warning to any who might wish the city harm. Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury calls a short meeting on a covered balcony overlooking the city. A middle-aged Mwangi man with greying hair, he closes the door to the spire’s interior and takes a seat in one of the set-up camp chairs, gesturing for his guests to do the same.
“We Pathfinders of Mendev,” he states, making a sweeping hand gesture that encompasses everyone present, “have our own agendas, but these must sometimes give way to the greater need: the protection of this land and its people from the horrors that dwell in the Worldwound. We are here by the grace of her majesty, Queen Galfrey of Mendev. Without her support, we would surely be run out of town by Hulrun’s more fervent followers. Our agreement with her states that all Pathfinders are required to volunteer some of their time in the defense of the realm. As relative newcomers, I’ve recommended you to take part in a minor military mission under the command of a veteran crusader named Sir Ilivan of Erages. Although he is not a Pathfinder, you would be wise to follow his advice, as he has been fighting the Abyssal spawn longer than some of you have been alive. I expect you will give him the respect he deserves.”
Venture-Captain Jorsal stands and opens the heavy wooden door leading back into the lodge, revealing a tall half-elven man clad in heavy plate armor, wearing a red tabard typical of the Mendevian Crusaders, and carrying a cavalry helmet in his left hand. He gives a professional nod to Jorsal before striding to the front of the group, surveying everyone with poorly disguised disappointment. “Pathfinders,” he barks in quick staccato without further preamble, “our mission is simple. The recent attacks on the wardstones have compromised our defenses, and the enemy presses its advantage. We have received word of attacks on Fort Portolmaeus to the north, but the crusader leadership suspects that other parts of the line may have been breached as well. We will proceed to Fort Portolmaeus tomorrow morning on horseback to assess the damage, using the passphrase ‘That the Black Prince might be redeemed’ to permit us entry. On the way there, we will scout for enemy movements and other signs of demon activity. Once we have completed our assessment, we are to return to Nerosyan and you will be relieved of your obligations to the Crown. Do you have any questions?”
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A tall figure clad in polished plate armour rises and salutes Jorsal. I am filled with admiration of your post and your actions Venture Captain and am proud that now I have opportunity to serve under you - I am called Arryn Wildblood, Servant of Ragathiel.
While Arryn looks Elvish in some respects, sharing their pointed ears and solidly coloured eyes, he is atypical in others to them - he stands nearly seven feet tall and is very well muscled. His size and his personality radiates a presence of confidence and authority.
I will give honour and respect to this Sir Ilivan, have no fear for my part.
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A short gnome jumps up on his chair with a smile.. He wear's a nicely looking chainshirt and has a buckler strapped to his left hand.. "Well met fellow pathfinders, and to you VC and Sir Ilivan.. I am Floggentop Wizzlebottle III, speaker to truths and teller of tales.." He smiles big at the last part.. "I will rally the troops good sirs.. We will not fail!" He casts a quick spell..
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Even though Sir Ilivan is not a high-ranking officer, you have heard of him. The half-elven soldier was a smuggler on Lake Encarthan before joining the Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit.
Even though Sir Ilivan is not a high-ranking officer, you have heard of him. The half-elven soldier was a smuggler on Lake Encarthan before joining the Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit. Sir Ilivan rose from the ranks of the enlisted to become an officer and was knighted by Queen Galfrey. The knight hails from the half-elven settlement of Erages in Kyonin, where he had to endure prejudice and segregation throughout his youth. He later joined Kyonin’s military, but ultimately left his homeland after being discharged from this military for striking an elven officer. Sir Ilivan has become increasingly distant in the past few years due to the horrors endured by all soldiers who fight in the Mendevian Crusades. His most devastating experience involved killing a number of fellow soldiers while he was demonically possessed.
A dark haired young and cute women Kyra has an easy smile. Yet her gentle disposition do not hide the steel resolve underneath it. She walks in heavy armor with the grace of one used to it. At her neck sits he holy symbol of Sarenrae and at her side is strapped a curved sword. She salutes both the VC and the veteran cruzader.
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"If it means another chance to slay demons, I have no questions."
The words belong to man with the appearance of a savage brute. Like most Ulfen he is big, with corded muscles and wide shoulders. His head is shaven, his beard braided with small metal charms. A fur rimmed cloak drapes his shoulders over a mail shirt in a constant battle with rust. Around his waist a many ringed thick leather weapons belt bears a battered longsword, club, and a couple mismatched daggers. The remainder of his trappings rest on the ground beside him. A half-dozen javelins in a large quiver alongside a worn travel pack and a notched wooden shield. His one possession of any apparent quality or value is a large bastard sword engraved with arcane runes on the hilt.
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Even though Sir Ilivan is not a high-ranking officer, you have heard of him. The half-elven soldier was a smuggler on Lake Encarthan before joining the Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit. Sir Ilivan rose from the ranks of the enlisted to become an officer and was knighted by Queen Galfrey. The knight hails from the half-elven settlement of Erages in Kyonin, where he had to endure prejudice and segregation throughout his youth. He later joined Kyonin’s military, but ultimately left his homeland after being discharged from this military for striking an elven officer. Sir Ilivan has become increasingly distant in the past few years due to the horrors endured by all soldiers who fight in the Mendevian Crusades. His most devastating experience involved killing a number of fellow soldiers while he was demonically possessed.
Even though Sir Ilivan is not a high-ranking officer, you have heard of him. The half-elven soldier was a smuggler on Lake Encarthan before joining the Mendevian Crusades, a fact he is not ashamed to admit. Sir Ilivan rose from the ranks of the enlisted to become an officer and was knighted by Queen Galfrey.
The Venture-Captain appears surprised by your lack of questions, but shakes his head. "Very well. Now go on your mission and make the Society proud. Sir Ilivan, they're all yours."
As you walk down Starrise Spire, you follow the loud clanging noise of Sir Ilivan's armor against the stone steps, accompanied by a silence most ominous. The half-elf seems to have completely shut you off, as if you didn't exist. The first ackowledgement of your presence comes as you arrive in the courtyard. The knight then barks his further orders. "Men, get your mounts and gear, we leave in an hour. If you need to buy supplies, you'll have to find the quartermaster. Mounts have been prepared for you in the stables over there. We'll meet there. Fall out." His words are few, and his steel eyes show very little emotion. Sir Ilivan then leaves for the stables, leaving you alone in the otherwise busy yard.
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"Scouting mission. Understood, sir. Well it just be us or will we have other troops with us? And have we heard any word from the Fort recently?" A short, Andoran man speaks up. His posture and the crispness of his response marks him as a military man, though he wears no uniform. He carries a longbow only a few handspans shorter than himself with a quiver bristling with arrows on his back. A spear is strapped alongside the quiver.
He moves his arms from behind his back and with his sleeves rolled up, you see curious tattoo on the inside of his right arm. It looks like a intricately drawn arrow. The man realizes eyes are on him and he gives a curt nod to the group. "Kargen Hapspring, a Hunter of Erastil, reporting for duty."
Nice to meet you Kargen. I am Kyra of the Sarenrae church.
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As you asked your Venture-Captain earlier about the fort, he simply said "Fort Portolmaeus is an important fort for us, along the banks of the West Sellen river, which marks the boudary with the Worldwound. The commanding officer there is Commander Manaria Wardoxan, a young Taldan noble who has recently arrived from her homeland to aid the crusaders. She's a bit idealistic, but I'd say she has a good heart. As for the fort itself, it hosts one of the wardstones, thus we can't afford losing it."
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"That I can't tell you. I'm not sure there's room to question her loyalty, but you will have to find it for yourself, since you're heading there."
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"You will be patrolling alone, with just Sir Ilivan. Horses will be provided for you if you don't have one already. As for news from the Fort, that's also one of the reasons you're going there."
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Chewing on a sausage purchased from a street, Aod listens to the conversation and considers Sir Ilivan out of the corner of his eye like a jeweler might appraise a uncut gem. Just the kind of person Karela might be interested in.
"You fight in the Siege? He asks, referring to the recent battle for Nerosyan. Aod himself had fought there, and personally cast a few demons back to Abyss. If the smuggler-knight was there, then they might have more in common then appearances would indicate.
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As the others are speaking in the street, Kargen spots a fletcher selling arrows. He peels off from the group to make a few purchases. He also purchase some scrolls from a nearby merchant helping those going into battle. He finds the group again with little trouble.
"I found some magical scrolls that might help me if we have to face off with any demons. Unfortunately, it's outside what Old Deadeye normally sees fit for the hunt. In times of war, however, it seems prudent to use whatever resources we can muster. Would someone be willing to help me if needed?"
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"That surprise you? I'm no stranger to demons. Was fightin 'em before they came here and learned a few tricks to dealin with em along the way." Aod pauses to finish off the sausage. "I'm aware most look at me and see a big thug, but appearances can be deceivin. Wouldn't you agree?"
After wiping his greasy hand on his pants, he thrusts it out in greeting. "Name's Aod. Among my people I'm called the Witchchild."
No problem, I will help you Kargen if the need presents itself. Just ask.
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Sir Ilivan appears surprised and his face seems to relax for a moment, as if a shared burden was lighter than one carried by a single man. He offers his hand in return, resulting in a solid handshake between him and the Witchchild. "You don't meet people who would understand everyday. Apologies if I seemed rude, Aod. Come, walk with me."
With these words, Aod and Sir Ilivan go for a walk, seemingly to exchange war stories.
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"My crusade started years ago, far from here in Irrisen. The enemy were witches, not demons, but the fight took friends and family just the same. We were brave and we fought hard, yet we were outnumbered, overmatched, and we lost. I was young then. Too young to join the last stand. I and others were exiled from our home with not much but the clothes on our backs. To survive, we found work with the Sczarni in Varisia, and were welcomed into their family."
Aod pauses to let that sink in, then continues. "I am 'one of those people', but I'm more than that too. To a demon, there ain't no difference between knights or rogues, and we'll need to work together if we want to win this war."
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After a while, Sir Ilivan and Aod proceed to the stables to ready the horses.
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The patrol takes you along the River Road, a normally well-used thoroughfare that follows the eastern bank of the West Sellen River. It remains within sight of the river throughout most of the journey to Fort Portolmaeus, traveling inland for a few miles past an abandoned village. Apparently because of the recent increase in demon sightings, you are the only travelers along this route today. During the whole first part of your journey, Sir Ilivan has retreated into a complete silence, his face as an iron mask showing no emotion.
Sir Ilivan turns off of the River Road onto a small, overgrown path that cuts through drooping evergreens. The knight's deep voice can suddenly be heard again, giving ample information about where you are: "There is a long-abandoned village ahead. Bedis was a small Mendevian fishing and farming hamlet along the eastern bank of the West Sellen River until the increase in demon attacks forced its inhabitants to relocate 40 years ago. The village has since been used as a rest stop by crusaders on patrol. Hannah here is especially fond of nibbling on the apples and pears still found in its long-abandoned fruit orchards" he adds, patting his dark mare. "However, the enemy has used it many times as a staging ground in the past. We should check it out." He dismounts and ties his horse Hannah to a tree, motioning for you to do the same.
Following the example Kyra dismounts and ties her horse together with Hannah.