"It's too risky to try and steal it," says Orlun, "The fragment still retains its link to the broader wardstone network. If it is not destroyed it could be used again in the future. Destroying it takes it out of the network entirely, and unless the demons can somehow destroy another wardstone they will not be able to turn the wardstones against us. The wardstone barrier is down now as it is. The last thing we need is for the potential for it to be weaponised against us on an ongoing basis."
Orlun brandishes a rod, made of silvery metal with a green gem embedded in one end. "This is a rod of cancellation. If we use this, it will drain all of the magic from the stone and render it useless."
Irabeth nods. "A frontal assault on the Grey Garrison would probably be fruitless. However, we intend to distract the demonic forces in the city with a series of diversionary attacks. This should deplete the defenses there and allow an elite team to strike at the wardstone fragment. Striking at the garrison is the task I would like you to accept."
Jod inhales and lets out a long slow breath. "I'm always up for demon-slaying, but I'd like to have some idea of what we face this time. Going in blind has started getting pretty hairy. What do we know?"
"We don't have much information, nor much time to get it," says Irabeth. "The Grey Garrison was an old barracks converted to a museum to the Crusades. It has two floors and only one entrance. But with the diversionary attacks we hope that the opposition you encounter will be reduced."
"You also will not be going in alone. We will provide two of our best warriors to assist you."
“Well …” Kaygan turns to look in turn at his companions, “this sounds … incredibly difficult and dangerous … and necessary. Having the wardstones not only fail but be used by the demons as a weapon would be catastrophic. I agree that it there is a chance to stop that it should be tried. But to be fair, we are not – most of us – crusaders or members of any army or military. I think getting into this garrison I something that each of us needs to decide for themselves, with no shame in choosing a different path instead. I … don’t really know how much help I’ve been so far; most of the spells I know are not well suited for fighting demons, and my magical reserves are not that great. But … I’m willing to try. So long as I get a chance to rest and prepare spells … and perhaps if there are any wands or scrolls about that I could use, my usefulness could be increased …”
"As Kaygan says. This is a big decision for each of us. I will be there though. In some ways, our skills may be better suited to infiltration than 'proper' crusaders. Mulluq's unspeaking presence allows us some leeway, as much as it pains him to deceive."
Mulluq listens intently to the task, but only really considers the notion of choice when Kaygan suggests it. Realizing he assumed everyone to be for it, and therefore assuming they knew he was, he answers abruptly upon realizing. "Of course, I will do whatever it takes to drive back the accursed foes that soil this righteous domain. I would be once again, albeit reluctantly, willing to maintain my silence whilst lies are heaped on the foe to allow for our greater success. Only... if it is required to accomplish the mission. Regardless of how we drain the remains of the Wardstone, we will still need to remove the enemy from the garrison, before or after our mission is accomplished."
Kira smiles at Mulluq's assent. Thankfull that the argument she expected hasn't happened.
"By one entrance, are limiting the choices to doors? Or are there no windows large enough for us to sneak through?" Thoughtfully, "Or even scale the wall to enter from above... Never mind, childish images of heroes still fill my head. The two warriors you plan to send with us - do we know them? What are their skills - I'm sure they can hold their own in a fight, but do they do more than swing a sword?"
"We don't know the full situation regarding the disposition of their forces. But bear in mind this used to be a fortress - it doesn't have a back window. The diversionary attacks are intended to thin out the resistance so you can get in."
"You should rest tonight. The attack will begin at first light."
"The calm before the storm. We will do what we can."
Kaygan nods, then finds a quiet corner in which to study his spell book.
Kira smiles at Sol's incorruptible optimism and nods. "More beer wouldn't go amiss either."
The group retreat to the main room. There they find Aravashnial morosely dipping some bread in his soup, taking a bite and then grimacing.
Mulluq gets a little stir crazy just sitting and casually eating, let alone the concept of drinking the night before an important task. He quickly finishes his food and works to see what he can to help either the preparation of the soldiers or the townsfolk that have taken up refuge at this last bastion.
Seeing Aravashnial, he asks concerned, "Master Aravashnial, does something weigh heavy on you, beyond the current destruction wrought by the demonkind? Have you had any success in finding some way to restore your vision?"
"No," growls the elf, but to Sol's surprise he adds, "But I'm glad you are here. I've spoken with Quednys and heard about your mission. I might have something that can help.
"Back at the Librarium there was a cache of gear we Riftwardens kept. I wasn't sure it had survived but the librarians found it and we brought it back here. I think it'll be useful. Here, if you can take me to my room I'll get it for you."
Kaygan looks at Aravashnial with sympathy; a wizard who can’t see to study his spellbooks is a sad thing. When the other wizard produces the haul recovered from the Librarium, Kaygan’s eyes widen. “Thankyou Aravashnial,” he says. “These will certainly tip the odds in our favour if Desna smiles.”
"This is a treasure trove for our mission. All we can give in return is thanks. Be sure we will use these well."
As is usual, Mulluq balks at the very idea that he be given anything, but everyone has come to know that he takes it as long as they just buckle down and demand he do so. He thanks Aravashnial graciously for his assistance, before he returns to helping as he can around the inn turned stronghold, in preparation for tomorrow's mission.
"That thing there" - Rhok nods at the chime Aravashnial produced for them - "is the key to this whole plan. Without it, we won't even get the museum doors open. Don't lose or misuse it."
Mulluq rises early, and in his usual melancholy. After donning his armor and grabbing all his gear to go, he goes to meet with the others. As they gather, he asks, "Might I pray for us, in the name of our endaevor?" Waiting for at least allowance from the others, he begins.
Drawing Radiance, he rests the blade point down on the ground, gets down on a single knee, and rests his head on the pommel to close his eyes in prayer. "Blessed Iomedae, The Inheritor, grant us this day the strength and courage to perform our best in your name, and the name of the Gods of good. Look over us this day, that we may strike a blow against the legions of corruption that have intruded upon the lands of good people. Allow us the opportunity to act on your behalf, or that of your allies, and show you that I can be worthy of your notice. These things I beg of you, in all your Righteous glory."
Jod looks a bit uncomfortable, unsure of what to do as the paladin prays. He finally settles on drawing his own blade and resting it point-down between his feet as he stands, head bowed. He whispers, "I hope your Lady's watching over us all this day," as the prayer concludes.
After the incident with the so called crusaders on the way back to Defender's Heart, Hannik has been on edge and brooding. The whole thing reeked of Kenabres unique brand of paranoia and superstition fuelled by the inquisitors and witch hunters for decades. How could she leave Ansell unattended here?
After Aravashnial finishes with the others, Hannik lingers. "I... I want to ask a favor. We rescued one of the children who lived at the Temple of Shelyn while we were out today thank the gods. But people are not at their best right now. We found a group of crusaders trying to bury their blades in a young woman because they had heard virgin blood could kill demons." She pauses to let that sink in. "The boy is a tiefling. I can't leave him in this camp unattended. He is a child and people are not in their right minds. Could you... he is only six, but he is a good boy. He could help you if you just keep him safe with you and the librarians. He was raised by good people with less prejudice in their hearts than the rest of this city and he had to hide while he heard them all killed one by one. He... he needs someone." And so do you she thinks hopefully.
In the morning, "Jod I am serious about the cold iron. You are really good with that blade but we have also been lucky we haven't run into anything tougher yet. Look. Give me the cold iron dagger and you take my morningstar for now. If you don't need it, fine. But if you do, you have it."
"All right, but only until you need it back. There are hides my good old blade can't cut, too. Your 'star will crush them. Thank you."
Aravashnial looks uncomfortable. "I'm not really good with children. Is there no one else?" As Hannik continues to talk with him, he eventually acquiesces. "Very well. Perhaps I can make him my apprentice," he adds as a half-hearted joke.
Kira mirrors Mulluq's stance as he says his prayer. As they move away afterwards, she hangs back with him "That was well said my friend. I feel we will soon face foes that will test us. I'm glad to have you at my side."
To the others she says "I feel our last fight was more difficult than it could have been. We should plan some tactics for such situations, so we work more effectively as a team. Do we have a plan for how we will get inside this place?"
After Mulluq's prayer, the adventurers get ready to move out.
Lann briefly introduces the two mongrelfolk who will accompany them. Booam is a burly figure, his skin a scaly black and with huge bulging muscles. Where his neck joins his shoulder on the left side a second vestigial head emerges, its eyes shut and drooping forwards. Booam's main head is big, round and hairless with tiny features, although his face is split by a jovial grin. "We hunt demons today - good!" he barks, brandishing his axe.
Wendaug's skin is mainly blue with patches of hard chitin, and a number thin insectile limbs sprout uselessly from various parts of her body. She herself twitches with nervous energy, giving a curt, humourless nod in greeting. However, she handles her bow with care and confidence.
Irabeth gives them a final briefing before they set out. "The diversionary attacks have already begun. We've been fortunate that we've received a big donation of supplies from Gwerm Manor. Old Horgus apparently has been building up a big personal cache, and he's handed most of it over - food, drink, healing supplies and so on. He said you had an impression on him, and again I can only thank you. Anyway, morale is high and the tactics are working well. Old Kenabres is normally heavily patrolled by cultists but with these distractions you should have a clear run.
"You should head out now. Keep a low profile. If you hear fighting before you get to the Grey Garrison, do not engage or seek it out - it is our guys doing their job to keep the enemy away from you until you get to the target. Just head for the Grey Garrison, get in and do what you need to do.
"Good luck. May the Inheritor bless you. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that failure is not an option."
Before they head out, Jod leaves the glaive and his old shortbow. "All I ever do is drop one and ignore the other. Maybe someone can get some use out of them here. That polearm is ridiculously long, but it has good balance."
"I don't suppose this will get any easier if we delay," mutters Kaygan, moving out with the others. "Oh, and welcome to our motley crew Booam and Wendaug."
Kira nods a greeting to the mongrelmen. She surprises herself by being glad it is them, and not other humans accompanying them.
Mulluq stands ready, his shield strapped to his arm, as he responds to the discussion. "Master Kaygan, I have no real knowledge of magical workings, so you may be the best choice to operate the rod needed for our overall goal." As the group leaves, he adds, "I too welcome you Booam and Wendaug, on this our righteous task. That said, Lady Valerious is correct, we would do well to discuss plans to operate with more efficiency. My talents are limited, I must say, to taking and delivering hits, in Her name, Glory be to the Inheritor."
"I don't suppose this will get any easier if we delay," mutters Kaygan, moving out with the others. "Oh, and welcome to our motley crew Booam and Wendaug."
Jod looks at Wendaug's bow. "Do you have cold iron arrows? If you need some, let me know. I tend to be bashing more than shooting lately, but I have some ammo you can use."
"Kaygan, take the rod. Wendaug, stay close to him. Losing the rod will doom our mission."