Grunting in pain as the vile creature's claws cut into him, Aeron attacks:
"Come on, everyone! Send these fiends back to the Abyss where they belong!" Adalric presents his holy symbol and radiates a surge of positive energy.
You defeat the remaining demons.
Iomedae calls to you once more appearing this time as a ball of floating light.
"You have won an important battle today but it was also a great lost. The wardstones are all gone. I have sealed the light that remains of them into each of you and it will give you a weapon to use against the coming demon invasion. We have lost a shield but out of the shards I have forged a sword. You will be our new weapon against them"
The light fades and she is gone.
Struggling in a losing fight against the demon, Orlando dropped his cape and flipped a dagger into his off hand right before Tessai clove his demon off of him.
Gasping for breath, he leaned against the wall and stared amazed as the goddess spoke of the wardstones power infused into them all.
Recovered somewhat, he sheathed his sword and reached down to pick up his cape. Spotting one of the wardstone shards embedded into the wall by the explosion, he pinched in between his fingers and wiggled it out as well. It seemed of the proper size; he decided he would keep it around his neck alongside the silver dragon scale as a memento of the event. One day, it might feature in a play he was outlining in his head, of the heroic events he was caught up in.
Indeed looking around the room you do find a few small fragments of the wardstone embedded in the walls and you can each take one.
This time, as the Goddess manifests herself again, Tessai stands fast facing the luminous image and voice of hope.
She remains silent, no words of fervor leaving her mouth as she moves around, making sure her companions are all well - the encouragement and pride she feels are only transparent in the nods she offers each one of them at a time.
There is something different in the tiefling however - even though there is a clear aura of inspiration all about her, now more palpable than ever before, there is also something else... The abyssal characteristics are more accentuated than ever, as if her skin had grew darker as well as the deep orbs of blackness that make her eyes.
When Tessai kneels down to reverently pick up a shard of the Wardstone, you can notice sharp claws protruding from her hands, softly gauging the floor around the fragment as she picks it up.
But before all that, her attention is mostly directed at Irabeth, making sure she is fine after this ordeal.
Irabeth gets up still shaken.
"You were chosen by the goddess! I heard her words...I hereby pledge myself to you! I will serve you till I die!" she says taking a knee.
Adalric gently helps Irabeth back to her feet. The stammering weak healer is gone. In his place stands a faintly-glowing Celestial. "Please, Irabeth, don't kneel. The true heroes are the valient souls who gave their lives to buy us time. We've done no more than anyone else." After making sure nobody's injured, Adalric reverently picks up a Wardstone shard. "We are the Wardstones now. 'Tis a great honor - and a greater responsibility."
After a few moments, the glow fades, and Adalric appears back to normal - save for the newfound confidence in his eyes.
Irabeth nods and you head out. There is a cheer as you leave the building. The battle outside is won and you look out to a battered and bloody few who still stand. The number of survivors in the eagle watch has been reduced by nearly half but the battle is won every demon and cultist is slain.
Adalric gently helps Irabeth back to her feet. The stammering weak healer is gone. In his place stands a faintly-glowing Celestial. "Please, Irabeth, don't kneel. The true heroes are the valient souls who gave their lives to buy us time. We've done no more than anyone else." After making sure nobody's injured, Adalric reverently picks up a Wardstone shard. "We are the Wardstones now. 'Tis a great honor - and a greater responsibility."
After a few moments, the glow fades, and Adalric appears back to normal - save for the newfound confidence in his eyes.
"Adalric speaks wisely" - Tessai smiles - "We pledge ourselves onto each other - that is why we shall prevail"
---
Outside, as the cheer erupts, Tessai raises high, displaying it for all to see, joining in on the cheers - "Thank you friends and companions!" - she shouts - "None of this would have been possible without your valiant commitment! Stand proud as Iomedae herself is with us!"
Aeron looks a little uncomfortable at all the attention. "Don't much feel like cheering, myself, but I guess we did carry the day. I don't mean to dampen the mood, but I've dead to bury. Maybe I'll feel more inclined to cheer once there aren't so many bodies strewn about."
It was unreal.
The assault, the battles through the old fortress, the final desperate fight against the demons. The appearance of the goddess!
It was an adventure straight out of legend; and he had lived through it! He had to find paper and ink to set it down properly. One of those broadsheet 'journalists' would only get it wrong...
Varn let our short cheer as they felled the last demon; however, before he is even able to let out a sigh of relief they were suddenly staring at a floating ball of light. The wizard listens to the words of Iomedae in a daze, unsure of how to absorb all this information... The implications of the goddess' words were staggering. He shares a look with his comrades, not realizing his eyes were filled with an inky darkness the color of pitch, with a silver mist drifting behind the darkness...
He likewise retrieves a shard of the wardstone to not only keep as a memento, but also to study. If he was to be a warrior against, he would sharpen his mind and be prepared for the coming war.
The elation he felt, the surrealism of it all would beyond words. Varn doubted he would ever be able to accurately describe the sensation as the exited the building to the sounds of victorious warriors. He raised his blade, still coated with the thick, black blade of the fallen, into the air with a primal shout; however, Aeron's words cut through the battle-drunkness and returned him to reality.
He quietly sheathed his blade, and placed his hand upon the large man's shoulders. "I would be honored if you allow me to help you, Aeron."
Aeron looks a little uncomfortable at all the attention. "Don't much feel like cheering, myself, but I guess we did carry the day. I don't mean to dampen the mood, but I've dead to bury. Maybe I'll feel more inclined to cheer once there aren't so many bodies strewn about."
"We have suffered hard losses my friend" - Tessai nods at Aeron - "But we have also striked a decisive blow for Kenabres. Those around us are looking for hope as much as they have been resisting the overwhelming forces. They deserve as much respite as we can provide"
As she stares at the bodies of the fallen, her face is hard - "I will join you in this grim task, and send them off to Iomedae's side with a prayer"
You take some time to bury the dead and recovery from the battle. When all is done you return to the heart and recuperate. The eagle watch set up patrols and start to search the city for pockets of cultist and demons but it seems that for now at least the city is more or less secure.
Every other demon and cultist has moved on going south towards the capital of Mendev.
A few days go buy and nobody can decide on a course of action and finally on the third there is a shout
"The army is here! The army is here"
You head to the wall and indeed a large crusader force is coming towards the city.
Irabeth comes up. "That's the queen's banner! Queen Galfrey has come herself. They must have defeated the demon host! Come lets go meet them at the gates." she says
"The Queen?!" - Tessai rises from her seat - "Come friends, let us see what is afoot - this may mean an important turn on the tide of things" - she urges her companions.
"Ain't never seen a Queen before. That might be a sight worth seeing."
Aeron gathers himself to go down to the city gates.
"The Queen?" Orlando dropped his quill and stood up quickly.
"There is not a moment to lose!" He quickly grabbed his best cape and donned a plumed hat. If he could impress the queen; what a patron he could have!
Varn spends the next few days recovering and researching as much as he can about the Riftwardens and all their lost lore. He works on moving the alchemist lab they found back to the Heart and offers up his skills at alchemy to the survivors. Upon the news of the army arriving with the queen he gathers up himself and heads down with his comrades. "Orlando, you look... festive. I propose you be our spokesman here."
"Um, yes of course Varn." Replied Orlando, trying to settle his rapier at the proper rakish angle.
The queen and her escort -several thousand battle weary arrive and spread into the city. The troops get to work fortifying their positions and you can tell they have seen battle recently.
The leaders of the group, the queen and several high-ranking officers of the Mendev army quickly seek out those in charge. She soon arrives to you and Irabeth.
Queen Galfrey appears as a beautiful Taldan woman in her late twenties, but she is actually very old. She was crowned and has ruled Mendev as absolute monarch since over a hundred years ago. She now approaches you with some guards and her advisers. She is in full battle armor and speaks in a tone of command. She is known as the crusader queen after all and many demons and heretics have fallen to her blade. There are many among the crusade who believe the queen is Iomedae in disguise other think her to be her chosen.
"You are the ones who lead the survivors? The heroes of Kenabres as the men call you?" she says.
Orlando approached, took his hat off and bowed before the queen.
"Your Majesty. We here are the Company that had the honor of thwarting the demons designs to turn the Wardstones against us. The survivors have hailed us as heroes, but our victory was made possible by those who did not."
"Let us retreat to somewhere more comfortable I must hear every detail of what has transpired here." says the queen
When Adalric recieves the summons, he's in the hospital tending the wounded. He nods in assent but finishes his rounds before cleaning himself up and joining his companions.
They have you tell them all that has happened in great detail repeating several parts especially the final battle and Iomedae appearance in a manner almost like an interrogation. The queen does little talking letting you answer the questions of her advisers while she listens. They ask you to leave once they are satisfied and later Irabeth is called alone and some time later Aravashial and the librarian.
Much later (2-3 hours) you are called once more. This time the queen is alone. Once you are all seated she begins:
"While there are some narrow-minded souls among my advisers who blame you for the destruction of the wardstone border and would have you punished, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved the entire legions of crusaders on the border from a most horrible fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of holy energy that happened when the wardstones were destroyed destroyed thousands of demons and bought us the time we needed to regroup and push them back. But you understand the implications of what you've done, I'm sure -The wardstones are gone, but Iomedea has seen fit that you are to be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would settle in your bodies rather than just dissipate into the nether. In time the demons will regroup and reorganize - we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than usual. They'll be back soon enough, already I've had reports from all over Mendev of small groups of demons attacking Isolated fortifications and settlements all along the border.
There is also a report of a large fiendish host gathering in mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow whitin the Worlwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. In particular a reliable source tells me the fiend Aponavicious -The Marilith in charge of Drezen. Has taken the bulk of her forces south, leaving it only moderatly protected as she joins with the storm king in Iz to, no doubt plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karceau and beyond. The time is right to strike into their territory.
Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the first crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the inheritor herself during the shining crusade. If Drezen could be retaken- if the sword could be held once again by the crusade...Well I trust I don't need to explain how that would affect morale. But with the imminent attack at the southern border I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen and if I sent a large army north towards Drezen Aponavicious would surely return to defend the place. The obvious tactic is to send in a small but capable group with the mission to retrieve the sword of valor! The inheritor has declared that you are to be a sword and that is how I will use you. We will defend while you attack! I hereby give each of you the tittle of knights of the fifth crusade. This title gives you the rank needed to lead troops into battle. Irabeth and her eagle watch have volunteered as well as a company of paladins called the knights of the rose. They number a hundred and fifty in all, it's not much but it will have to do. If you manage to retake the sword of Valor not only will it silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstones but more importantly it would bolster the entire war effort and I fear we need all the bolstering we can get! You're all to be given medals and your new ranks will be made official at a ceremony in the morning. You will leave shortly after. Any questions?"
Orlando is stunned at the new mission.
"Your Majesty! I... that is we..."
He turns back to the others.
"Do we have any questions?" He said quietly.
Varn bows deeply at the rewards to be presented to their small group, astounded at the trust placed in them... and a little irked at the more simpleminded that dare brand them traitors. He refrains from pointing out the ignorant of the Queen's advisers and remains quiet until Orlando pipes up about questions.
He steps forward. "We do. Your Majesty, firstly, what does this banner look like? Do we know where it might possibly be located, or in whose possession it could be found? Do your 'Advisers' have any intelligence on the Banner? That would greatly assist us in quickly retrieving the banner to assist with the war effort."
"The sword of valor is a battle standard that was loaned to Drezen by the church to boost moral and more importantly to stop demons from teleporting in. Drezen was outside the protection offered by the wardstones and the banner has a similar power, demons cannot teleport into or out of an area for several miles around the banner. Currently it's being held in a special vault in Drezen so it's power is being suppressed but our divination confirm that it is still in the citadel. With the wardstones gone you can imagine why it's important we recover it" replies the queen.
Varn listens to the explanation of the Banner's powers and nods knowingly. "Indeed, milady. Such an item would definitely be indispensable for an army seeking to engage demons on the open battlefield. We will seek out the Sword of Valor and return it to you."
"That you your Majesty. We will do what we can to aid in the war effort."
"Your Majesty is clear; recover the Sword of Valor! We shall not fail!" Declaimed Orlando dramatically.
The queen rises "Get some rest there are difficult days ahead. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 5th crusade."
You leave and get some rest the next as the queen said there is a ceremony and you are all knighted before the 150 men and women you will be leading into the worldwound. They stand at attention and you are each given the medal of clarity*.
You mission is explained to them and you are introduced to the other commanders of the expedition.
Othello Bonmarlo he is also given the rank of Knight. His situation is a little different than your but he was given similar powers.
There are also four specialist and two advisers who will be your sub-commanders.
Irabeth and Anivia will be there acting as a captain in your force and a forward scout. Anivia is fully healed. "This time I wont slow you down!" says Anivia
Aravashial will be going to provide advise on dealing with demons and magical support. His eyes have been restored.
Aron Kir a cleric of Shelyn and sole survivor of a temple of Desna in Kenabres.
Sosiel Vaenic is an expert on siege tactics, infiltration, traps and scouting.
Finally middle-aged halfling woman, Nurah Dendiwar a bard skilled in using her powers to support an entire fighting force and the person who knows more about Drezen than anyone else living.
The ceremony is over and you are all dismissed.
The queen looks to you "You are in command now. You can leave when your ready. We will stay to search Kenabres for any remaining survivors and I will leave a garrison here to guard the city. Soon the bulk of my forces will march south however." she says and her and her entourage leave.
Righteous Medal of Agility: This triangular iron medal shows a demonic face surrounded by three swords. It is awarded to a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon in combat before that demon gets a chance to act in the combat. This medal is associated with Dexterity and grants a +1 sacred bonus on Initiative checks.
Righteous Medal of Clarity: This circular blue medal depicts a pair of feminine gray eyes surrounded by a circular silver lightning bolt. It is awarded to a hero who recovers vital information of great use against the Worldwound and delivers this intelligence to the crusaders. This medal is associated with Intelligence and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against insanity or confusion effects.
Righteous Medal of Command: This circular medal depicts a leering demon head before two crossed swords. It is awarded to a hero who redeems one of the enemy and convinces the redeemed character to join the crusade. This medal is associated with Charisma and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against emotion-based effects (including fear effects).
Righteous Medal of Spirit: This rectangular medal depicts the symbol of Iomedae on a field of red. It is awarded to a hero who becomes possessed or mentally controlled by a demon but escapes from that control before he is forced to do evil. This medal is associated with Wisdom and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against charm and possession effects (including dominate effects).
Righteous Medal of Valor: This medal looks like a demonic skull, the top of which has been pierced by four red-hilted swords. It is awarded to a hero who single-handedly defeats a demon whose CR is at least 1 higher than the hero’s character level. This medal is associated with Strength and grants a +2 sacred bonus to CMD.
Righteous Medal of Vigor: This hexagonal medal depicts a white castle on a field of red with gold trim. It is awarded to a hero who is reduced to negative hit points by a demon but survives (or alternately, is restored to life) and rejoins the battle before that demon is defeated. This medal is associated with Constitution and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against death effects.
A mythic character who wears all six righteous medals gains one additional use of mythic power per day.
Once per day, as a swift action, the wearer can gain a +2 sacred bonus to the medal’s associated ability score for 1 minute.
Orlando smiles with pride at the knighting and the award of the medal. He bows with courteous respect until the queen leaves.
Then sighs with relief as he turns to his companions.
"Do ANY of us know how to REALLY command troops?" He asks seriously. "Because the best I can do is my yearly game of Dragon Chess..."
They have you tell them all that has happened in great detail repeating several parts especially the final battle and Iomedae appearance in a manner almost like an interrogation. The queen does little talking letting you answer the questions of her advisers while she listens. They ask you to leave once they are satisfied and later Irabeth is called alone and some time later Aravashial and the librarian.
Much later (2-3 hours) you are called once more. This time the queen is alone. Once you are all seated she begins:
"While there are some narrow-minded souls among my advisers who blame you for the destruction of the wardstone border and would have you punished, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved the entire legions of crusaders on the border from a most horrible fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of holy energy that happened when the wardstones were destroyed destroyed thousands of demons and bought us the time we needed to regroup and push them back. But you understand the implications of what you've done, I'm sure -The wardstones are gone, but Iomedea has seen fit that you are to be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would settle in your bodies rather than just dissipate into the nether. In time the demons will regroup and reorganize - we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than usual. They'll be back soon enough, already I've had reports from all over Mendev of small groups of demons attacking Isolated fortifications and settlements all along the border.
There is also a report of a large fiendish host gathering in mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow whitin the Worlwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. In particular a reliable source tells me the fiend Aponavicious -The Marilith in charge of Drezen. Has taken the bulk of her forces south, leaving it only moderatly protected as...
Tessai listened in silence and awe at the Queen's words - she mentally noted the details about the war effort, potential advantages and troop placement.
when the words 'knights of the fifth crusade' are uttered, she bows her head in respect - "Having Irabeth and the Knights of The Rose by our side will make all the difference in the world my liege - her valor is unquestionable and her presence, as well as that of the knight, invaluable"
Lifting her eyes, she continues -"I am grateful and proud to be given the opportunity to fight beside my companions and those that will accompany us. I will give my life to prove that your trust in us is deserved, and echo my companions words - we will recover the Sword of Valor!"
-----------------
As they leave and are introduced to the other commanders of the mission, Tessai takes her time to introduce herself to each and every one of them, and not hesitating in inquiring about their capabilities and potential contribution to the small army and their mission.
The queen looks to you "You are in command now. You can leave when your ready. We will stay to search Kenabres for any remaining survivors and I will leave a garrison here to guard the city. Soon the bulk of my forces will march south however." she says and her and her entourage leave.
The tiefling bows low - "We will do so. May Iomedae be with us all"
-----------------
Orlando smiles with pride at the knighting and the award of the medal. He bows with courteous respect until the queen leaves.
Then sighs with relief as he turns to his companions.
"Do ANY of us know how to REALLY command troops?" He asks seriously. "Because the best I can do is my yearly game of Dragon Chess..."
"I have some understanding of commanding troops Orlando - a legacy of my mentor's teachings. But I do think above all it will be a matter of cooperation among us to make sure the task is completed - these men and women will be looking for hope, valor, and solid tactical decisions if we are in combat. I believe we can provide these, and maintain the necessary organization together" - she smiles at her companion - "This has been an unexpected honor, but one I am sure we will live up to my friend"
"I can be of some assistance. I have some experience in the field and I can organize these troops for you. You simply need to give me your commands and I will see them carried out by the troops."
"It would be an honor if you would offer us such assistance Dame Irabeth" - Tessai bows deeply - "Thank you"
Varn knows nothing of leading troops; however, he has a basic understand of battlefield tactics. "I believe for this engagement, we should split our forces when we reach the city. Lady Irabeth and the Knights of the Rose should act as a distraction and attempt to engage the main enemy force, or at least draw them out to provide our group easier access to the site. We can infiltrate and eliminate whatever threat we come across inside." He looks at the others. "What are your thoughts?"
Your preparations are complete and your army marches north. You travel for a day heading north along the river and near nightfall you approach the town of Vala's gift. A small village with a population of around 900 the place seems to have been burned to the ground, few buildings are still standing. Initial scouts report no signs of survivors and no signs of enemies.
"The demons did a number on this village. It is a shame that we did not get here sooner."
Fairly recently around 5 days ago or so. A quick survey of the town reveal that the outside of the village is the most damaged while the buildings in the center of the town including the Inn are undamaged. So far no bodies have been found.
Orlando will go with scouts to look through the buildings at the center of town, then circle the town looking for any obvious tracks.
Searching the Inn you notice a stench of decomposition and you find a dead hafling woman curled up in a cubert.
Her gear would suggest a soldier, a scout you think.
Gear (all sized for small character): masterwork studded leather, masterwork buckler, masterwork shortbow with 20 arrows, short sword, eyes of the eagle, magnifying glass, masterwork thieves' tools, sunrod, 18 gp
Aeron waits with the main host for Orlando's report.
Orlando will return to the command group to report.
"The body was of a scout for the local town I think; only because I refuse to believe a halfling would sign up with the demon forces. No sign of anyone else so far. Here are the effects she had on her."
Tessai listes to Orlando's report calmly, then looks around at the others - "Is there any other way we can make sure? Varn? Adalric? Would you have powers at your behest that would grant us additional information?" - she questions - "Otherwise, we shall simply move forward"