Orlando flicks the blood off his blade before sheathing it.
"Yes well done all! I should like however to urge all of us to get out of the open. There are demons about yet surely; and I hear tales of flight and invisibility amongst their talents."
He glances skyward, just in case.
Raven feels the healing warmth surge through her where the last cultist had done her in.
"Thanks you for sharing the Inheritor's blessings, Mother Cleric. Let's see what was going on here, and what these cultists might have on them."
Raven begins searching the cultists segregating coins, and valuable treasure from mundane items.
Aeron turn to the surviving citizens,
"Sorry we couldn't get to you sooner. You are more than welcome to join up with us. We're trying to link up with the remnants of the city's defenders. We're a bit out of the loop, so any information you might have regarding what's been going on in the city would be extremely useful."
The citizens are happy to share what they know most of it they overheard from the cultist.
"Lord Hulrun* was killed during the attack and the demons have his body on display!"
"The eagle watch and a few other surviving crusader groups have survived the attack and are holding out in the defenders heart."
"Demon cultist have been hiding out in the city all along and they have several safe-houses in town! There are also multiple types of cultist in town they aren't all worshipers of deskari."
"Nerosyan’s is also being attacked by demons soon the capital will be lost as well!"
"The witch Areelu Vorlesh is planning on coming to the city soon to claim it as a trophy!"
*Prelate Hulrun Shappok is the aging leader of all inquisitors in Mendev, and the ruler of the northern city of Kenabres. He is second in power in Mendev only to Queen Galfrey He has held the post for 30 years and never before has the city been breached. He even held off and attack by the storm king once before in 4692. It is currently 4714.
Varn listens to all the information the villagers are able to provide. He strokes his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "This bodes ill, yet there is fortuitous news embedded within. We must indeed seek out the Defender's Heart, if we could help liberate them... retaking the city may yet be possible. Or at the least we can get these folks to a safe haven. Clearly dangers lurk around every corner, now, in Kenabres..."
He then helps Raven look for any salvageable weapons, armor, or other valuables that may assist the villagers in staying alive. "I say we leave these bodies to rot... but we should not leave the fallen villagers for carrion."
"If a resistance is being organized, then we should seek out Defender's Heart as soon as possible" - Selka nods gravely, deep in thought - "There is still too much we don't know about the situation we're in, and the crusaders at Defender's Heart might have some answers!"
Turning to take a quick look at the mauled bodies of the cultists, the young cleric frowns visibly, before averting her gaze - "Let's salvage what we can, then move out. We are too exposed out in the open like this..."
After the cultists have been checked for any useful gear, Tessai speaks to her companions in private - "I was taking another look at the note we found underground - while I believe our best option to be going to Defender's Heart, perhaps one of these safe houses can be found along our route - if so, I would like to investigate them"
Tessai looks around, trying to get her bearings and understand which way they should head to Defender's Heart, and if such route would have them passing close to any of the referred safe houses.
edited map that shows your path and current location
The cultist carry scythes, wear chainshirts and have holy symbols of deskari and among them you find 260 gold. They are equipped for battle and carry little other than their gear.
"Defender's Heart remains our best bet, so we continue on with our original plan."
Leading the group to Defender's Heart, Raven keeps out front scouting for trouble.
Approaching Varn, Selka rummages for a moment through her backpack, before taking out a dusty glass vial with a clear liquid inside - "Here, drink this. Give it a moment to take effect, It should cleanse you from the poison. If the torpor isn't gone or you feel ill tell me right away. We need to be at our best for..." - Selka takes a look around at the demonic devastation - "This..."
"Defender's Heart remains our best bet, so we continue on with our original plan."
"Agreed Aeron - it is close enough to the Tower of Estrod that it makes perfect sense to check it first, then proceed to the tower" - Tessain nods.
"Say, when we approach the safe-houses, would it be useful to don one of the cultist-crusader uniforms we found belowground? I wager I could fool them long enough to get the door open!"
You travel into the city and reach the area of Aeron's home. The house is burned to the ground and no signs of survivors remain.
Nearby you see a group of three knights.
In front of a ruined shrine to Sarenrae kneels a young woman weeping. Surrounding the woman are three human knights in battered, scarred armor. Their faces are sooty and grim and their eyes burn with feverish light. One of the knights, a young human man with fresh scars on his face, says to the kneeling woman "Your sacrifice aids the cause of good. With the power of your virgin blood we will defeat the demons!"
Aeron recognizes the young woman she lives nearby, alone with her grandfather.
Aeron gives a shout and moves to approach the knights,
"Ho crusaders!! What goes on here? I can assure you that this lass is no demon worshiper. She's a neighbour and as goodly a person as one could hope to find."
Orlando eyes the knights warily, knowing of the network of traitors they had found evidence of.
As they notice your approach they get into combat stance immediately.
"Oh look more "survivors"...What is it now demons? Illusions, shape-shifting or did you possess these poor souls?"
Varn gladly accepts the potion and drinks down the semi-sweet contents, allowing the magic to partially cure the poison from the demon. He feels mostly himself again as they continue on! "Thank you, Selka. I feel much better now."
He takes in the scene with the "crusaders" speaking of spilling innocent blood. "Beware, these are no true crusaders of Kenabres! And if they are.... then I want no part of these champions amidst my resistance! Put away your weapons, soldiers, and stand down."
Aeron stops short and tightens his grip on his own weapon,
"Gods man, use your eyes. We're citizens, as are you. Now let the lass up and let's all go find some real evil to smite."
Someone can consider a diplomacy check to make him see sense, I will give you +4 on the check.
knowledge the planes: dc 10 you have heard the stories that dipping a weapon in a virgin's blood can make it more effective against demons. This is only a story and not actually true.
Orlando steps forward.
"Heroes of Kenabres! Can you not see we are your brothers in arms?"
He pulls out the silver scale and shows it to them.
"In the name of Terendelev! Remember yourselves!"
Selka is appalled and enraged at the sight of what the three men seem about to do. Her hands clenched into fists and shaking with barely repressed anger, it takes all the young cleric's self-control not to leap forward and knock some sense into the foolish knights' heads, but before taking more drastic measures she decides to give diplomacy a try and back Orlando up in his diplomatic approach.
"In the name of the Inheritor, stop your actions immediately! Take a look at yourselves... Are you men, or beasts, that you would take the life of an innocent woman, instead of defending hers with your very own? In this hour of need, have you forgotten your honor? Have you forgotten your duty? Your blades should be used to repel the demons, not to harm innocents!"
The knights hesitate and one of them raises his sword and cuts the girl free.
"Take her with you...We will stay here and continue to fight until we fall. I imagine it wont be long now and that magic weapons wouldn't have made much difference."
The other two grimly nod.
"Don't be foolish. There is no point in throwing your lives away. Rumour has it that the city's defenders are rallying at the Defender's Heart and we're escorting these folks there. Your blades would be better served in helping us to reach the Heart safely. If we stay in little groups, we can't help but fall, but united together, we stand a chance of victory."
Whatever the knights' response, Aeron begins to pick through the remnants of his burnt out house, looking for any sign of his mother.
Raven stands jaw clenched as the knights agree to free the young lady. Once it looks like hostilities will not break out, she comes to the girl's side, and helps her up.
"I am Raven. What is your name? How came you in the company of these "men"?"
When the knights release the young woman, Selka nods solemnly and lets her tension fade away, then joins Raven and to make sure the girl is not hurt.
"Don't be afraid, you are safe now... Are you injured? Do you need healing?" - while she waits for the woman to say something, Selka turns her head and shoots the trio of knights a somewhat hard look, even though devoid of the harshness and anger she displayed before - "You too, since you regained your senses. If you need treatment then speak up, and I'll see what I can do."
The young woman sobs "Klarah, my name is Klarah. I was out looking for food or help for my grandfather, he's hiding out in the basement of our home and he's hurt. These men found me and asked if I was a virgin.... They were very insistent so I said yes and they said my blood would help them defeat the demons...I was so scared..."
Aeron looks trough the rubble but finds no corpses.
One of the knights notices and calls out. "If your looking for someone, those that survived the attack on this district were capture by cultist and taken towards the gray garrison. As for your offer of healing we till accept. Do what you can for our wounds, it will allow us to continue fighting longer but we wont be joining you on going to the heart. That place is for those that still want to live. Yesterday our order was over a hundred strong and today what you see is what remains, we merely want to join our brother and sisters while inflicting as much damage as possible to the demons."
Varn eyes the injured knights skeptically. "Surely you realize three knights alone, no matter your skill in battle, will do little. If you truly desire to bring the fight to your enemies, as do we, then join us. Your sacrifice, while noble, would better serve our enemies than harm them. We seek the destruction of our foes too. Aeron seeks after his mother, that was his home. I urge you to join us, we will not stay long at the Heart, but look only to get these folks to safety."
Aeron's face goes grey and the realization that his mother is most likely in the hands of the demon worshippers. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he turns his mind back to the matters at hand and frowns in anger.
"Fine, lay down and die, but we'll not waste our healing on the dead. You're only kidding yourself if you think you'll see your companions again. They died in honour as warriors, they have no place at their table for cowards that would kill a young woman. We offer a chance to come back from the brink. Take it and redeem yourselves in the eyes of Gods and men both, or scurry off to die like the vermin you are. Choose quickly, for we leave at once for the Heart."
Orlando holds up the Wand of Cure Light Wounds to his companions gaze, with an arch of an eyebrow he silently asks if he should expend a charge on the knights.
The knights pause for a moment and discuss it among themselves.
"Your planning to attack the gray garrison? That place is the center of all demon and cultist activity that remains in the city...Very well, we will join you and go to the heart and when you go we will lead the assault on the gray garrison."
"Very well - you are welcome to join us. Make sure you remember why we are here - there is still hope for Kenabres and for us all - all we need is to believe in it" - Tessai nods gravely at the knights.
Turning to the others, she adds - "To Defender's Heart then?"
Tessai nudges Orlando in an affirmative way, expecting him to at least recover some of the wounds the knights may have.
Orlando applies one charge of the Wand of Cure Light Wounds to each of the knights, curing 9 points each.
You carry on and finally reach the defenders heart.
The defenders heart is a stout 3 story stone building that serves as a sort of headquarters for the local crusader groups and mercenaries.
As you approach a crossbow bolt is fired above your heads.
"Who goes there?" come the shout.
You identify yourselves and crusaders come out to see you.
They are cautious and battle weary but they recognize Anivia and let you in right away.
As you enter the camp there is a shout of delight and a half-orc woman comes running and Anevia let's out a cry of delight as she sees her.
The two share a long and tenderly embrace and a kiss before realizing everyone is watching them.
Anevia is a bit embrassed and turns to you.
"My friends this is Irabeth Tirabade, captain of the eagle watch and my wife."
"I cannot thank you enough for bringing Anivia back to me safe. If there is anything you need, I am at your service." says Irabeth taking a bow.
Raven is secretly pleased at the rejoining of the two lovers, but is unable to articulate it in any meaningful way. Instead she just stands gawking and waiting for someone else to make the next move.
Awkwardly, Orlando harrumphs.
"Apologies for interrupting, but we have discovered secret messages from a secret sect of corrupted crusaders who help the demons. They mention safe houses throughout the city.
"With your help, we can deal with them once and for all."
Aeron blushes at the public display of affection.
"We are happy to have been able to help. We've brought in a number of folks that we rounded up on our trek here. I hope there will be room for them all." He pauses and frowns, "I guess I should mention that we dropped off one Lord Gwerm at his estate. The man seems prepare to sit out a siege, if you could ferret him out, he might prove useful."
At Orlando's mention of the cultists, Aeron nods, "The Grey Garrison as well. We hear that the cultists have been rounding up survivors and taking them there. Though I dare say, we are in no condition to assault anything at the moment. As such, I hope there is someplace that we might rest and recuperate near at hand."
Irabeth nods listening to your explanations and seems very interested when you mention the templars and their safehouses.
"They have spies everywhere," she says "and they have apprently been among us for decades and only recently has proof of their presence been manifesting. I personally managed to root out one of their more powerfull members - the leader of a group called the hammers of heaven. We all thought Staunton Vhane was a model crusader, but as far as I was able to discern, he's been working for the demons for decades. There is even evidence he may have been the one to betray Drezen all those years ago causing the fortress to fall to the demons. They knighted me for that discovery, but I'm still not sure why, since he slipped trought my fingers and escaped. He is still out there causing who knows how much more damage..." Irabeth trails off for a moment before she shakes her head to clear her thoughts.
"We will tend to the wounded if you need any healing we will provide it. Resources are scarce but we have several skilled healers here and plenty of food and drink. Take some time to rest while I consider this."
"There is also a matter of some folk we met underground. Descendants of the first crusaders who while physically deformed are pure of heart and willing to join in our fight if we will have them."
"That is very interesting, I will send some men to make contact with them. We will gladly take any help we can get. We have a period of rest at the moment but it's only a matter of time until the demons make another push to take the heart. We have around two-hundred survivors here but currently less than half of these can fight."
While times are tough, the Eagle Watch doesn't have the authority to impose martial law over the survivors, and for purposes of keeping up morale among the merchants and other citizens here, they've done their best to avoid wholesale requisitioning of gear. There are enough merchants in the place that you can sell off your unwanted items and purchase new gear and supplies—you can assume that anything costing 100 gp or less is readily available for purchase, and that anything beyond that up to a maximum of 2,500 gp has a 75% chance of being available for sale.
Most of the folk in hearts seem to believe that the army is on it's way to help and that it's only a matter of time until they arrive.
You also hear that a group of wizards at the blackwing library are most likely the only reason the heart held out as they put up such a fierce resistance that most of the demons were drawn that way. It's said that the explosions of magic coming from the south could be seen and heard even from here. However it seems that the combat to the south has stopped and that most believe that the library was totally destroyed.
At this news Aravashial is clearly distraught he becomes despondent, collapsing to his knees in despair.
"...Excuse me, I need to find a healer that can restore my eyes." he says slowly rising.
Varn looks elsewhere during the display of affection from the two women, feeling slightly uncomfortable. The elven wizard had always put his arcane research before all other aspects of his life, including romance, and such things put him ill at ease. "Well met, Lady Tirabade. I am glad we were able to return your loved one safely."
Upon hear the news about the library and the lose of so many mages staggers Varn, though not quite nearly as much as Aravashial. "Such a loss..." he murmurs. "Aravashial, let me help you. There is much we must discuss... for it seems we are now two of the last magi left in Kenabres...." Assuming Aravashial will allow him, Varn will take him by the shoulder and help him find a healer to restore his sight.
Arasvashial supports himself on Varn.
"Indeed we have much to discuss...It seems I may now be the last of my order. As such it has become necessary for me to try and pass on my knowledge...I belong to a special order of mages called Riftwardens, we specialize in magic that can control and manipulate portals and our duty is to close portals that are dangerous to the material plane. We were stationed here in Kenabres as we were undertaking a mission to close the worldwound once and for all...Would you consider becoming my apprentice?"
Tessai greets Irabeth, bowing to their ally - "My heart rises at seeing there are still those offering resistance amidst all the chaos - I thank you for your aid and hospitality, and congratulate you on what you have accomplished here" - she looks around at the makeshift base, then turns back to her with a serious look - "And also for having uncovered such treachery... I find no words to describe my feelings at such foul plotting, and how I wish I could strike a blow against it" - after these words, the tiefling seems to ease the tension somehow.
"But I guess now it is time for a well deserved respite, and I will take you up on your offer" - she adds, then looking at Anevia - "I am happy that you have been able to be rejoined with the one you love - few things are as strong as hope, and you have been rewarded for not losing yours" - she smiles.
------
At the news of the library, and Aravashial's reaction, Tessai wears an heavy semblant - "I am sorry to hear these dire news my friend... Tell us how we can be of assistance to your duties, and perhaps in relieving your suffering somewhat?"
Varn stops a moment after hearing Aravashial's revelation. 'At last, I've found them.'
"Long have I searched for you and yours, Aravashial. I know of the Riftwardens, but I do not know about them. My parents were Riftwardens... But they disappeared when I was very young and I do not remember them. I carry the Sign of the Seekers Spiral upon my body... Though I do not understand the full extent of its significance. I will gladly become your apprentice; I would learn all your knowledge."
"That is very interesting...We will speak about this at length later but for now let's see if we can find a healer. I need to be at full strength so I can make my way to the library."
Unfortunately for Aravashial there is no healer at the heart capable of the magic required to restore his eyes. The clerics capable of such a feat were all at the cathedral this morning and it doesn't look like any survived.
"Damn it all! Without my eyes more than half my spells are useless! I need to rethink what I have prepared...Listen Varn that library contains all the knowledge on portal manipulation that Riftwardens have accumulated over generations. Knowledge that could be the key to closing the worldwound or in the wrong hands could be used to open another...We must go to the library and see if anything or anyone survived. I will prepare and I wish to leave in the morning to go. I would appreciate if you and our new friends would come along."
Take care of your shopping.
It is currently mid-day so you have time for another trip before the sun goes down.