One the way to the Blue Library, King Joseph fills in Lady Jellena about the castle's guest. "So far Lord Wolfe has done me a huge favor by bringing the former Regent to justice and helping in returning Avalon's stolen riches. He may not have a Dark Soul, but radiates power so please be careful."
"Since Lord Wolfe is here, I wonder if Varian is also." Joe wonder aloud to himself.
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"I am sure I will keep my composure." She states and eyes you as if to say, 'really?' "I am sure Ryada's brother is not too far off. Though from what I have gathered not much exchanges he has had with his family."
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She let's Joe introduce her, even though they were just announced. Then she slightly bows and offers her hand to the royal in armor. Watching and waiting to see this new figure.
As you enter the Blue Library, you see Lord Wolfe in his armor. Though no weapons are drawn you see that the gauntlets he wears could easily be used as a weapon. He walks over to the two, of you and bows slightly before offering his hand. Seeing his gauntlet he flaps his hand and the gauntlet retracts up his arm becoming part of the bracer as his hand is now exposed. He wears four rings on this hand, they each hold a massive gem or a collection of smaller gems. Each worth a small kingdom.
"I am glad you came and who is this fine woman beside you?" He states with a bit of mirth and a wink to Jellena.
"Lord Wolfe, greetings. I apologize I was not here sooner, but matters of state had to be addressed. I hope your accommodations were adequate. Is Varian here as well?"
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He taps his helmet and the visor rises to reveal a very handsome face, the scars seem to add to his features rather than distract. The features are angelic, golden discs for eyes, coppery red hair and skin that looks flawless save for the scars. Speaking of the scars, from the side of the nose up to the corresponding temple on either side. Also on the right side of his chin and jawline up to his ear are four ragged scars.
He then kneels and takes Jellena's hand. Giving it a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Releasing it and standing once more he looks to Joe.
"No worries, I have been enjoying your library. Yes very adequate. Varian is with my other subordinates in the adjoining parlor. Now I can produce several dire bats to help with your flying issues. I have six of them now and could summon more. My only requirement of using my mounts is that you take me with you on the Raid of Osirus's Castle." He says nonchalantly. Even the requirement has no emphasis. You can see on the tables are opened books and every 20 seconds all of the books turn a page.
He taps his helmet and the visor rises to reveal a very handsome face, the scars seem to add to his features rather than distract. The features are angelic, golden discs for eyes, coppery red hair and skin that looks flawless save for the scars. Speaking of the scars, from the side of the nose up to the corresponding temple on either side. Also on the right side of his chin and jawline up to his ear are four ragged scars.
He then kneels and takes Jellena's hand. Giving it a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Releasing it and standing once more he looks to Joe.
The ruler of Avalon does his best not to smile at the romantic gesture.
"No worries, I have been enjoying your library. Yes very adequate. Varian is with my other subordinates in the adjoining parlor. Now I can produce several dire bats to help with your flying issues. I have six of them now and could summon more. My only requirement of using my mounts is that you take me with you on the Raid of Osirus's Castle." He says nonchalantly. Even the requirement has no emphasis. You can see on the tables are opened books and every 20 seconds all of the books turn a page.
The paladin turned serious at Lord Wolfe's request. "First, I'll admit that within the castle, I didn't actually make it a secret of my planned assault on the nephilim's fortress, so I have no underlings or nobles to reprimand."
Joe takes a look at the book's actions before continuing. "Last time we spoke, you told me that by sheer will, do you dominate your vampiric court members not to feed in Avalon. How are they reacting to their forced fast?"After Joseph gets his answer, he continues. "Lord Wolfe. You have introduced yourself to me and have done myself and Avalon a great service by bringing the former Regent to confess his crimes. And now again, you offer your services to a king from a hostile religion to your kingdom. There is an expression from Earth. 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth'. Yet I must ask, would you go out of your way to help me a second time? What does Lord Wolfe gain for helping the young rival king of a religion historically opposed to Khorvian?"
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"I would not force my subordinates, let alone my subjects, to fast for so long. I have reserves of blood that I came prepared with. They are doing just fine. " He states with the sound of loop holes.
"Your religion is not hostile to me. I am after all a follower of the Sovereign Host. Though some of my subjects may come into conflict due to their present state of existence. Yes I know that euphemism well. Truth be told I want to learn the secrets of Osirius. Alas he is so prideful I would have to take it by force. Though as you work your way to defeat him, I may have the time to learn. I have learned many ways for the last couple of decades here in Arcanium. Also what I know about Osirius you will need to attack from multiple sides. Though he is one, he is legion. Don't ask me how, for that is part of what I want to learn." He states truthfully and plainly.
King Joseph looks back to Lady Jellena after Lord Wolfe's revelation, then turns back to the ruler of Khorvian. "And your current state of being was achieved due to your decades of knowledge here on Arcanium? Have you hunted Dark Souls as well for wish magic, lo these many years?" The holy warrior surmised.
"I would accept your assistance against Osirius, if you still offer it." The king of Avalon said, extending his hand once more in friendship.
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"Yes, and through my years many of the Dark Souls have been vanquished. The Overlord and his three generals are the only ones able to withstand my might. They always escape." He states with regret.
"Excellent! Do you have a war room setup or shall I finish whipping one up?" He waits for an answer and likely it being the former he states, "Okay bring your forces leaders here in an hour."
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About an hour passes and entering into the Blue Library it looks very different. There are schematics on Osirus himself, pointing out theory. There are maps of a castle of previous deployment and there is a hologram of the castle with new plans. He looks at your group of Night Hawks and asks, "Each of you will be leading a party then, I was expecting more?
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He shakes his head but points to the chairs, "Have a seat and I will explain what I know. I can say it again later if need be. Osirus is Pride, no one else is in his castle. Though through one way or another he has created clones, replication, or doppelganger of himself. The last time, 4 years ago, we attacked and there was nearly a thousand of him. Though with more replications the weaker they become. At the same time as we defeat his replications he will get stronger. This is why we need an army to defeat him. A group of soldiers should be able to tie up and capture one replication easily enough. If we time it correctly, we should be able to kill him with one fell swoop but that requires a lot of man power. His replications have not cast spells in the past, just physical copies of a nephalim. Which is powerful in itself. They resist cold and fire. Everyone needs a magical weapon. If you find one casting magic call myself or one of the Night Hawks to deal with it. Each of them will have a weakness but to Osiruis credit he has changed this with every replication. Find it, use it, and disable them. So my suggestion is you pair off and lead a large squad of soldiers each. That should match my subordinates and our squads. Yes we will be using skeletons as fodder. They travel so much better than any other soldiers. I will attack from the North, my subordinates from the East, which leaves you the West and the South. Any questions?"
"So it sounds like we are going to need a great portion of Avalon's soldiers. How many do we have at hand? I mean we can take most of the castle guards with us. There should be at least a regiment or two in the castle or nearby. Will that be enough?" She asks looking to Joe, Arelius, and Lord Wolfe.
King Joseph's face becomes tense and serious. "It was not my intent on getting Avalon's forces involved with our quest for Dark Souls. Ask a man to defend his home and family. Sure. Ask a man to attack a self-replicating giant army is another thing entirely."
Joe walks away from the table to pace. "Lady Ryada? Lady Jellena? Please advise your king. Please?" The paladin looks around for forgiveness. King Joseph promised himself he'd stop trying to sound so high-and-mighty.
"Night Hawks, to a side room, please?" King Joseph asked.
"So are we going up to some of the king's rooms or what?" She asks in confusion.
"Side room. King's room. Yes, dear." King Joseph explained to his fiancee.
Rachel nods and follows King Joseph into the side room, eager to hear what Niversal has to say.
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After everyone is inside Niversal speaks plainly His forces are undead and are charged by the death of the living. He will have every soldier and leader of this kingdom with him. Should we win we only power him with our losses. Should we lose we only power him with our losses more. He is an enemy pure and simple. His knowledge is fine but his involvement even up to him knowing we do this endangers us in every way. This is tactically poor. Ryada's brother is dead and we stand not with undeath but Death. True Death. I swore to serve Death and any lesser thing with this Lord is complacency at best leaning hard into concession. I cannot do it
King Joseph finds a seat and sits down, quietly taking in the Royal Hunter's words. The paladin waits for others to voice their opinions.
The group moves much further into the castle up to the King's personal rooms well away from Lord Wolfe and any unwanted observation.
"Is it possible to win without Lord Wolfe's forces?" Rachel asks. "I agree that the thought of allying with a lord of undeath is...unsavory. But perhaps the ends will justify the means if it leads to victory and saves the soldiers of Avalon from having to risk their own lives." The elven woman shrugs.
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"If what he says is true we would need him and his forces when the castle flies over Camelot in the next few days. Unless we waited a month to collect our forces. His undead forces should be decimated during the battle, though I won't hold back destroying undead." She says pointing out different things, spitballing ideas and comments.
King Joseph leans forward after hearing arguments. "Despite his association with undead, Lord Wolfe has saved the financial future of Avalon, and is willing to assist us in destroying another Dark Soul, even if they are in his own self-interest. Ryada, we may be working alongside Varian. Would you be able to successfully?"
"I doubt Lord Wolfe or his people are going to work along side us. I won't have a problem with my ex brother and he likely will be even better at it. If we go with Lord Wolfe's plan most of us and his subordinates will be leading a squad of soldiers to disable his replications." She states calmly and collected.
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"We also can use the Order of Merlin, including the White monks and the mage's association since it will be in defense of the city. 23 monks and 45 mages. Using the Royal Giard to support them I can make about 15 strong squads. Merlynn will be helping, she plans on contacting Osirus as the battle begins. Apparently he is one of her apprentices. If you want to use official militia we can gather 30 squads of 5. Our present regimental soldiers number 400, a group of 10 typically is squared together making 40 more squads. We may get another regiment in time adding another 100 soldiers. So with Lord Wolfe's 50 squads. We could have 120 squads to my count with up to 130, and about 1000 men strong. We could also petition the adventurers guild and the merchants guild for support, we have the money to do it and if we pay a nominal fee we should get great support, I estimate another 500 bodies. Should I send a petition or send it as a bounty? My only problem is I don't know how to get them all up there!"
Avalon's current ruler sat back in his chair, in deep thought. For several minutes, those gathered were waiting for Joe to speak. Then the paladin stood up and walked over to Niversal and Ed, giving the dog a quick scratch behind the ears.
"Niversal, your words rang true as any good follower of The Mistress should. But. Ultimately, we were all placed on this planet to destroy The Dark Souls. And if it means I must temporarily align with a demon lord/vampire king to accomplish this monumental task. It is but one of many steps I must take on faith to do it. Niversal, I'm going forward with the attack alongside Lord Wolfe's forces. If you feel you cannot in good faith assist me in this endeavor, I will not hold it against you and no royal record will be kept on this matter."
Turning slowly to meet everyone's gaze, King Joseph stops upon Arelius. "Make it known that those who wish to be involved in the assault do so at the request of The Throne of Avalon; not an official command. Those members of the royal guard, Order of Merlynn, and other associations will receive a 15% 'Danger Fee' bonus upon completion of the mission. Unaligned individuals outside of Lord Wolfe's influence will also be similarly compensated. Please use whatever verbage you think will work best, Arelius."
Ed barks happily at the attention.
"Yep, let's do it!" Rachel says, smiling behind her veil.
As the group seems set on their path now, the next few days whiz by as you do your best to prepare.
Most of the soldiers are 2nd level. Some are 1st others are 3rd.
The White monks are 4th level standard monks as the mages diversify immensely. Ranging from 3rd to 5th level including wizards, sorcerers, witches, and other caster classes. They royal guards are 3rd level fighters focusing on disarming and disabling threats.
Lord Wolfe has his initial six subordinates and another ten. Making it sixteen leaders in his army.
The next two days I put my tutoring on pause. I focus on the team of soldiers that I will be leading. I do my physical training with them to see where they are and their limit of stamina. I soon learn that even though these are professional soldiers they come no where near the power or capabilities of an adventurer. I explain to them about my abilities as a bard and a slayer so that they can be more familiar with them. I talk to the medic of their squad and equip her with a belt of healing and some extra potions of healing that she can use as needed.
When word got back to the Erastilan Border Fort, Sir Lancelot immediately asked for a transfer, so he could stand next to his king, as he was King Joseph's official knight. With Lancelot's clout, the transfer was just a formality. Once reunited with his liege, the elder knight took it upon himself to form The King's assault team. King Joseph was pleased to find Sir Lancelot chose not just able fighters, but also an array of races. Several humans, elves, half-elves, dwarves, a couple gnomes, and one tall female half-orc.
Together Lancelot's team, along with the King, performed morning exercises and training. The goal to make them all a lean fighting force. Attarak, a hobgoblin cleric of Erastil, Lancelot meet back at The Fort, was the group designated healer. King Joseph made sure to equip each member with one potent healing potion before the assault began.
Many other knights that were in Camelot came to the castle at the request of aid. Plenty to have at least a knight for every squad produced.
Also the predicted number of 500 was on the low end as capable adventurers came from all of the large cities of Avalon. Nearly 2000 strong. The courtyards, gardens, and half the castle was transformed into a mass barracks.
Now over 3000 strong the problem of transport was still an issue.
Approaching the Eternal Gardens you see priests of the Mistress working together. A circular pool of black liquid has been formed and they continue to chant around it. Jellena approaches it and sits on a throne on the opposite side.
Several high priests of the Mistress stop anyone from getting within 50 feet of the sight. They say, "Form up squads, you will be using the gate once it is prepared. That is anyone without a means to fly."
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King Joeseph's stable master and other merchants were able to secure Pegasus. dire bats. And griffons. Though they are all stationed in different areas.
5 squads of adventurers have their own resources to fly.
Rachel mounts up on a pegasus, ready to ride out to battle!
Joe mounts up on another pegasus, the one Nevik originally readied for him. As the paladin does this, Gertrude, his divine steed, immediately begins to whine.
"Now, now, Gertie! Enough of that. You can follow by going incorporeal, but I can't ride you up."
King Joseph's Horse Lord godling ability takes immediate effect. The pegasus begins to prance in place, feeling lighter and faster than before. Sir Lancelot takes one of the griffons. The members of Lancelot's Assault Team (LAT) take whatever is offered.
Joe's group including Sir Lancelot take a pegasus each unless they can double up. Rachel joins their group.
Ed whines and then nods his head, stating with surprise, "I almost forgot my other shapes! I can be a sparrow!" With that he transforms into the small bird fluttering around Niversal's head.
She takes one of the dire bats. Her squad takes five more dire bats, as a team member can ride one as the bat holds onto another.
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He pulls out several boxes from the folds of his belt. Tapping each of them they fold out to become coaches. Two hovering or flying coaches. He gets into one of them and his subordinates get into another one. His other subordinates that don't fit into the coach take dire bats that Lord Wolfe had provided from the start. No sign of the vampires.
They head off before the rest of you since they will be taking the far sides, North and East. They plan to fly under the castle and approach that way.
The flight up almost seems carefree. Approaching the floating castle you see that most of the towers have large gems set at their pinnacles. Gold covers many of the walls with fiery glowing runes upon them. The place shines like descriptions of the heavens. Though the outskirts are lush with vegetation, where you had planned to land. Osirus and his replications would most likely be found only in the castle.