DM-Camris' WRATH of the RIGHTEOUS Part 1: The Worldwound Gambit (table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Camris

@Dakota
Voren shows interest as Dakota explains her company. When the halfling winks at him, Voren tilts his head in confusion. But, he gives a smile and says, "I would be delighted to see one of your performances. I don't think I've ever seen a play before." When walks into the inn and starts to greet the residents, the witch gives a smile and a slight chuckle. "Energetic, isn't she? It'll be a nice thing to have."

@Iavdi
When Iavdi apologizes, Voren stops his fidgeting. He lets go of his tail, smiles at the crusader, and says, "It's okay. You didn't frighten. I'm still a tad uneasy around crusaders after spending a good deal of my life avoiding them. And I don't blame you for being suspicious. Tieflings do have a tendency to become evil sometimes. But I wouldn't call them "my people". I haven't really been around other tieflings before." He bows to her, a smile on his face. "I hope we find common ground and can become friends as well, Lady Iavdi."

When she asks if he's a native to Sarkoris, Voren thinks for a moment. 'No. It's not time to tell them yet.' Eventually, he says cryptically, "In a matter of speaking." When everyone heads back into the inn, Voren follows.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 If my Beguiling Liar racial trait counts, then it's 13.

"I understand your reluctance to trust me, but I must not take any chances in this new world I find myself in. It isn't ever personal, just part of the job. Becoming friends would be ideal."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Whatever lie you just told, Iavdi saw through all of it xD

Sorry, Easter weekend family stuff kept me away from my computer the last day or so... kinda feel like I missed the PbP introduction bus here though in that time; can't think of a natural way to re-inject myself into the conversation, but here goes.

"It's always nice to meet a fellow healer Voren." Sensing his discomfort, Lisandra does her best to Voren at ease as she takes his attention of her, and nods towards his companions "Friends of yours? Looking at Voren's friends, Lisandra tried to place whether she had seen any of them before. She recognized the bubbly young human girl, she was hard to miss in a room.

Glancing back at Voren quickly, Lisandra motioned towards the Inn "Why don't we get a drink, you can introduce me to your friends." Without waiting an answer, Lisandra starts towards their destination.

@Lisandra
Voren nods at Lisandra's question as to his friends. At her question, Voren stands there, brow raised, before quickly following. "A drink does sound nice, Lady Lisandra. Thank you."

When the team is all settled in and have their drinks (Voren preferring a nice cup of tea), Voren looks at Lisandra. "As you know, I'm Voren. These are my friends: Arthas, paladin dedicated to Ragathiel, Jokum of the Breakbones Tribe, and Karthak, member of the church of Torag." He then gives a shy smile. "I apologize for staring earlier. It's just that no one hardly comes up to me willingly. Especially someone like you. No offense. I realize that I've been changing some minds. But the suspicions are still there sometimes." He takes a sip. He then feels a pinch at his shoulder under his robes. 'Boy... You've forgotten about me.' He looks at his shoulder. "Oh, silly me. I've forgotten." He then holds up his arm. From the sleeve, a small scorpion crawls onto his hand. "This is my familiar, Ayne."

@Iavdi
Voren stiffens when Iavdi calls him out. He looks at everyone gathered and sighs. 'It's time.' Ayne's voice rings in his head. 'Seems like it, boy.' He stares at each of them, ending at Iavdi. "The real answer is... complicated. Some of you may say it's farfetched. But, I'll tell you all in the inn, over the drinks."

"I'll have water, myself." Iavdi says without explanation.

"A paladin! And of the General of Vengeance, nonetheless! Your skills must be invaluable here."
Her voice carries a hint of admiration, if only for Arthas' obvious combat skills.

"I have heard much about the dwarf clergy of Torag. They fight alongside Iomadae's crusaders, which makes us brothers in arms."

"You never identified yourself, Voren. What group do you belong to? You mentioned tribes and churches, and then failed to introduce yourself." she asks very pointedly.

"Ah, a familiar. You must be a spellcaster of some sort. A wizard, perhaps? No story you could tell me would shock me, mage."

Jokum chuckles darkly into a horn of mead at Iavdi's last comment. "The Worldwound is a place for strange occurrences, indeed. Though I imagine we've been witness to a few things that would throw even you for a loop..." He drains the horn resolutely. "Well-met, Lisandra."

During the post-Tower of Estrod debriefing…

"Do I to stay here and fight on with the faithful, or am I meant to carry the message of the evil growing within to the other cities?
"… Does that mean I am to sacrifice myself, as she did, for this place? Or did she save our fellowship now assembled for some greater purpose? There must be others like us. Some have disappeared already. What does that mean? Where have they gone?"
"Is there anything we can do to stop what seems to be inevitable here?”
"However, if there are targets we can move against that are worth risking ourselves for then I step forward resolutely, but hope that you have a way to get what we have found safely away from here."
"Finally, I am not from this place. I do not know who this Vorlesh and the others are, though I do know the purpose of the stones, what can they do with them if they fall into the hands of evil? I am trying to understand the scope of what has been done."
"Commander. Do we have a clear and vital enemy target, a plan to get this intelligence out of the city, or some possible way to retake the city?"

Irabeth waved her hands at Arthas.

Later, when Voren meets Aravashnial…

When Karthak and Dakota meet…
As they converse, they both hear a high sweet musical tone. They both feel the silver scale they both hold vibrate in tune with each other.
When Voren, Lisandra and Iavdi join them…
They each hear a high sweet musical tone. They feel the silver scale they hold vibrate against their skin.

The tone holds for a full minute before fading; all the npc's about you stand still and look at you in astonishment before shaking off the spell and hustling the newest refugees out of sight and into the ancient inn. Carefully they erase any sign that the refugees were ever there from the eyes of passing demons.

"What...what does this mean?"

Iavdi pulls the scale out, and holds it out for the others to see.

Dakota goes wide-eyed at Voren's introductions.
"Ooooh.... a PALADIN! I've told and been told so many heroic tales about brave paladins, but I've never seen one so up close, nor I've ever had the chance to speak to one!" She gets closer to Arthas and tentatively lifts a hand to touch his arm. She looks excited and in awe at the same time. "And a blessed son of Torag, as well, and fighters, and magic familiars... I feel like I stepped into one of my plays. This is the stuff of legends!"

When Iavdi shows her scale, Dakota jumps up and down where she stands: "Me too, me too! I have one too! It's from the dragon, right?" she takes the scale out of a pocket and shows it for everyone to see "It has strange, magical qualities. Do you think it's kind of a sign? That whoever gets one is perhaps... destined for greatness and glory and heroic deeds?"

During Debriefing...
As Irabeth lists off the accomplishments of his allies, Voren looks at them in awe. 'They've accomplished all of that?! That's amazing!' His ears do tilt downwards and his tail hangs listlessly, a forlorn expression on his face. 'And since joining them, I haven't done much of anything.' Ayne's voice chimes in. 'Don't sulk, boy. Nor should you sell yourself short. You did an amicable job during the last mission. What with your summoning eagles, causing darkness, and healing the dwarf. So, cheer up, boy.' That bit of encouragement causes Voren to smile at his familiar and friend. With Irabeth's determination and comforting aura, Voren smiles, comforted by the fact that she believes in them.

When Irabeth explains their situation, Voren sighs. "So we wait and try not to draw attention to ourselves. What ideas did you have in mind, Lady Irabeth?"

The Scales. This will cover the musical tones and the questions on the scales.
When all of them are gathered, the scales begin to vibrate and make music. Voren feels his scale in his pocket, radiating warmth and giving him confidence.

To Iadvi and Dakota's questions, Voren simply pulls out his scale. Turning to the two (Dakota specifically), he says, "I believe so. From what I understand, these scales are magical in nature and seem to mark its bearer for some destiny. I was on the outskirts of the city when the demons attacked, but the scale seemed to find me all the same. Iavdi, this means that we're going to be working together."

@Dakota
Voren smiles and gives a chuckle, watching Dakota's excitable disposition and her bouncing around. Voren then has a thought. Turning to the 3 other men, Voren says, "Lady Irabeth said to spread the story of our recent success to the soldiers and refugees." Looking back at Dakota, he says with a small smile, "Maybe we can tell Dakota that story and about your previous successes so that she can help spread them."

@Iavdi
When Iavdi brings up his profession, Voren nervously chuckles. "That's not... entirely true. Wizards can't heal, to my knowledge. I'm a... a witch. But I'm a good witch! I'm primarily a healer."

@Iavdi/Everyone else
Voren looks at each of his friends. Arthas, the noble paladin who acts as their leader, sword, and shield. Karthak, who's sense of justice and determination is as strong as his waraxe. Jokum, a member of a tribe from the old lands of Sarkoris with his own prowess and strength. Then, he looks at the newcomers. Lisandra, a fellow healer. Dakota, an excitable halfling witha penchant for acting. And Iadvi, stern and appearing ready for combat. Voren once more sighs and says, "To answer your question, Iadvi, yes. I'm a native to Sarkoris. As for groups, the closest I can say is that I was raised by the Druids who helped run my tribe. And I may have some connection to the Riftwardens, due to this." He rolls up his sleeve to show the blue glowing Riftwarden sigil on his arm. Those gathered can also see some glowing green markings that appear to go on under his robes. He continues, "Lady Iadvi, I remember Sarkoris. Before the chaos. Before the death. Before the demons. Before the Worldwound ever existed. You see..." With that start, Voren explains his life. His childhood, his being raised and taught by the druids, meeting Ayne, the Worldwound opening on his birthday, his flight to the Shudderwood, becoming unconscious, waking up a century later, his upbringing with the fey, his discoveries about his witch status and the Riftwarden sigil. Everything. When he finishes his tale, he merely sits back, eyes closed and sipping his tea, waiting for the anticipated outrage and accusations of insanity to fly at him.

You can read Voren's backstory for more details.

Her attention drawn to the scale, Lisandra studies it closely a moment as she listens to Voren respond to the Dakota; it had come into her possession at a most tragic moment, but she couldn't deny now that there may have been some design to that.

"It would appear we were all meant to have these, and perhaps are bound to one another in some fashion as such." Glancing up from the scale, Lisandra smiles whimsically and adds "What that might mean, well that remains to be seen."

Looking over towards Arthas, Karthak and Jokum, Lisandra suddenly appears somewhat more sombre yet confident "If this be fate, then allow me to make myself useful to your cause; I don't have the strength of arm you gentlemen have, but my restorative powers are unmatched." Suddenly growing uncharacteristically sheepish, Lisandra blushes "I-I should warn you though, I tend to, well, when I get stressed that is, my tongue runs away on me, and I start speaking... um, celestial," pausing after blurting it out, Lisandra straightens herself in her seat and adds clearly and more confidentially "celestial, I speak celestial when I get stressed, or at least, that's what a linguist told me it was once. Hope that won't be an issue. I'll understand if it is though, demons don't tend to like hearing that dialect, and I'm guessing we'll be seeing a few of them in the future."

Voren looks to Lisandra and, with a small smile, says, "Pas de soucis, Lady Lisandra. Contrairement à ces démons, je ne ai aucun scrupule à parler la langue des Cieux." Still smiling, Voren switches back to Common. "So, there should be no problem and I look forward to working with you." He takes another sip of his tea.

Karthak looks atonished when the scales begin to resonate. After a moment he speaks with a tone of great reverence:"I believe great Terendelev is entrusting her will upon us. She's calling us to do what she could not. Defend Kenabres and push the darkness back!It's true what Irabeth said: we did accomplish great things. What's left to do now is cut out the enemy heart and cleanse the city. I take this as a sign we should work togheter to accomplish that goal!"

"Well, Voren, I am glad to be working together. May our friendship be long lasting and prosperous!"

Her tone changes from friendly to slightly suspicious at the word witch.
"You're a witch...? I guess they can't be that bad! Still, best not to mention that again in this city."

"....that definitely sounds hard to believe. I guess I have to take your word for it. What was Sarkoris like, before all of this? I've heard stories, but never from someone who was there."

"That is strange, Lisandra, for I have been gifted the same ability to speak an unnatural language...but mine is of a fouler type. I speak Abyssal in combat, the language of our enemies. I view this as a gift, however, for I can understand their foul speech anytime."

"मी तुम्हाला तसेच या भाषा बोलू शकतात गृहित धरू, Voren?

@Karthak
[b]"I wish I had arrived earlier, in order to join you in battle! But, alas, I did not. I will be glad to join you from here on out., however."

@Karthak
When Karthak makes his speech, Voren busts out in a grin, his confidence and enthusiasm growing. "That's right! Down with the demons!" However, he looks around the room and sees that the crusaders are looking at him oddly. He smiles sheepishly, his face turning a darker shade of red in embarrassment.

@Iavdi
Voren smiles at Iavdi's approval of friendship. "Thank you, Iavdi. It means a lot to me."

However, at her wariness of his profession and warning not to mention it, Voren quickly nods his head. "Noted. I won't bring that up while in Kenabres."

When Iavdi accepts his story, Voren's eyes shoot wide and his jaw drops, clearly not expecting that reaction. He shakes off the shock and looks to the pale woman. With a grateful smile, he says, "Thank you. You have no idea how good it feels to have someone believe me."

When she asks about Sarkoris, Voren smile nostalgically and says, "Sarkoris was a land that was divided into tribes. A land of tribal warrior clans, high druids, and very diverse religions. These religions were polytheistic, including druidism, empyreal lords, summoners, demigods, archdevils, etc, etc. A good deal of things were considered worthy of worship. Specifically, I worshipped Immonhiel, the empyreal lord of herbs, medicine, and... toads." He smiles sheepishly. He continues, "Things such as wizards were met with distrust. While witches weren't met with distrust, my heritage made things different, considering at the time, there were rumors of demonic cults emerging. The land was full of rolling hills, blue flowing rivers, and impressive highlands. Me, I was raised in Undarin, a large farming town. The center for livestock in the Kingdom of Sarkoris." A tear comes to his eye in memory of his home.

I did some quick research on Sarkoris. I assume that Voren would know at least this much about the land that Sarkoris used to be. Also, I added in that Voren worships Immonhiel. Thought it would fit.

When Iavdi asks the question in Abyssal, Voren simply smiles and says, "अर्थात. मी बोलतो शकतो प्रथम भाषा एक आहे."

Arthas listens to Commander Irabeth's admonishment and grips her shoulder in return.

"Thank you for trusting me with the truth of our current position Commander. It helps make our path clear. If we are besieged, magically blockaded and currently incapable of getting this information out, then we are going hold fast until our allies can break through to us or we can break free."

"As soon as you find a way to strike back at the enemy you let us know. Let the enemy watch all their doors with fear of us, not just the one barring the way to our sanctuary."

"I shall go amongst the faithful as you suggest. I am but a man, but the gods have favored me. All of those here have been favored as well. Together we will keep the flame of hope burning as we hold it to our enemies feet."

"Let the demons and traitors know they are trapped in here with us, not the other way around. Let them pray for deliverance from this prison."

"These are glorious times, for even if no bard sings our praises for the ears of men, the gods look upon us with their own eyes!"

"As the last of my chapter in this place one might think I am in morning, but I am not."

"The final destination of my Warrior Pilgrimage was the Necropolis of the Torn Wing. Upon that blasted knoll are found near a hundred hand-carved stones dedicated to a fallen Brother of the Sword. Each stone is engraved with the battle honours of a hero whose mortal remains will never be recovered, his sacrifice an example to us all. I lingered at that bleak place for a day and a night, standing vigil and meditating upon the foes I had defeated and the terrible battles I had fought to return here and atone for my weaknesses. Come dawn, I was struck by a revelation."

"Though they had died, each of my brethren had prevailed in the face of adversity. I would strive to emulate their example and prove myself worthy of the trust placed in me by my Chapter and Holy General Ragathiel."

"Now, I will strive to become his will made manifest in this place. My new brothers and sisters will ride at my side, each of them chosen by higher powers or The Martyred Dragon to do so. I no longer question. Thank you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

The heroes have ample opportunity to rest, relax, spread the story of their exploits, buy, sell and heal to their hearts content.
The next day, messengers are sent to all who hold a silver scale to meet at Irabeth’s office.

When you arrive, you see she is not alone. Also present is an aged and angular human with an eagle’s talon tattoo on his cheek. Irabeth introduces him as Quednys Orlun, Founder and former head librarian of Blackwing. He nods at you all from his seated position.

Irabeth began by standing up and introducing Dakota, Iavdi and Lisandra to Arthas, Jokum, Karthak and Voren.
”You may not have met before now, but you have all distinguished yourselves against the demon forces, aided the survivors and, I think I am not alone in thinking this, you are all touched by fate in that you all have one of the scales of Teredelev, the ancient guardian of Kenabres.
“I promised you that if there was a chance to strike back that I would make you a part of it. I believe it is time.”
She leaned forward and looked you all in the eyes.

“As horrific as recent events have been, we’ve come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite citadel, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev’s murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits.
“The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we’ve seen since the fall of Drezen. It’s fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to US to ensure victory!

“While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres.
“What we’ve heard from within the barricade they’ve erected is ominous.
“The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you’ve managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we’ve determined what she intends to do.”
She motioned to Quednys, who stood up.

Quednys spoke in a quavering voice.
“When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite citadel. The network along the border, here;” He pointed along a line on one of the maps pinned to the wall in the office. ”Failed, but did not fade completely.
“I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres,”
He pointed to another point on a crudely drawn city map.
MAP of KENABRES CURRENTLY
”Here. From what we’ve learned, they’re hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones—essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon.
“The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven’t attacked in stronger numbers.
“I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all by detonating them all. In effect, we’ve lined up for the slaughter.
“Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare.”
Quednys shook his head and sat down.

Irabeth spoke again.
”We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border—I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned.
"But we can still stop this from happening—we just need to have SOMEONE infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it.”

Karthak bristles with barely supressed anger as he hears Quednys Orlun and Irabeth explain the foul demon's scheme. When they are finished he speaks:"I believe you have found the people you need to infiltrate the citadel and recover the wardstone. With any luck we may even be able to restore it and the border defeses. When and where do we start?"

Voren listens intently to Irabeth and Quednys explain what's going on. He is in shock. "All of this... was merely the beginning?" When Vorelsh's plans are revealed (along with the fact that she'll be coming to Kenabres), Voren's jaw sets in anger, his lips curl back revealing the fanged teeth, and begins to growl. "Vorlesh... That witch will be coming here? She must pay... She destroyed my home... She must pay!"

However, his growling stops when Quedyns lets out the fact that the cultists hope to detonate the wardstones and Vorlesh is looking for some powerful Abyssal object. Voren closes his eyes and thinks for a moment. 'So much information on the arcane and the planes here. Let's see if I can add anything else.'

Voren's looking for any additional information that could help them in regards the Abyss, the magic involved in this plan, this Nahyndrian Crystal, and the wardstones and if they can be detonated like this.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Iavdi will spend the rest of the day resting, and using what spells she has left to heal those who need it

Anyone need healing in the group? Not sure if there's any damage left.

When she arrives at the meeting, she is in full gear, weapons and all.

After listening to Irabeth and Quednys talk about the cultists' plans, she spoke out.

"We have no option but to breach this barricade, enter this Gray Garrison, and destroy the fragment. I have not yet prepared my spells for the day, what do you expect to find at the garrison?"

"And when do we start?"

"Perhaps Radiance can sunder the Wardstone as it did the Idol of Baphomet. To be clear we are to destroy it, not try to recapture it?"

"Arthas brings up a fair point. Why not try to recapture it?"

Sorry for using the wrong alias, I'll remember one of these days!

Previously...
Voren spends his free time healing the wounded.

Mission...
Voren looks to Irabeth. "They're right. What can we expect in the Garrison and should we not recapture the wardstone?"

I can change my prepared spells based on the answer.

Earlier...

Jokum's eyes widen as Voren tells his tale. "Ha! So you were telling the truth--you really are older than I!" Taking another swig of ale, his eyes narrow. "Though it sounds like I've seen more years, in the end..."

At the meeting:

Jokum listens carefully to what the others have to say, shaking his head slowly. The chance to make a real difference in this war... He feels a strange surge of warmth in his chest. It seems I have something to live for after all. When he speaks, his bass voice is strong and confident, more commanding than it's been before.

"I'm sure Master Quednys knows more about this than I, but if this 'wardstone' has been in the fiends' hands since the fall of Kenabres, it must be warped beyond hope, no?" He scowls. "I have no desire to see the twisted magic of Kenabres wreak havoc on my homeland. Let us go and eliminate the threat!"

Irabeth nods with clear gratitude that you all seem to have accepted the mission.
She is puzzled however, when Voren seemed to rave about Vorlesh for a moment.

"...what do you expect to find at the garrison?"

Irabeth said "Demons. How many and what kind I cannot say. We cannot scry the building due to preexisting protections against that. The cultists have thrown up rubble barriers around it. The area has some heavy patrols that my scouts have yet to breach. Nonetheless, we must attempt it, as Vorlesh may show up at any minute; we simply have no idea when."

"And when do we start?"

Irabeth said "For you? Tomorrow. Noon. I need to have time to recruit forces to stage hit and run diversionary attacks earlier that morning. That should draw off a number of the forces that you would otherwise be facing."

"Perhaps Radiance can sunder the Wardstone as it did the Idol of Baphomet. To be clear we are to destroy it, not try to recapture it?"

"Why not try to recapture it?"

"should we not recapture the wardstone?"

Quednys sadly shook his head.

"...if this 'wardstone' has been in the fiends' hands since the fall of Kenabres, it must be warped beyond hope, no?"

Quednys smiled ruefully.

Karthak scoffs:"So? If you are absolutely certain we need to get rid of the wardstone I trust you have got an idea on how to accomplish the deed. Dispatching the demons will be done but it will be all for nothing if we can't do anything to restore the stone or... destroy it" finishes the dwarf pronouncing the last phrase with visible distaste.

Quednys traded glances briefly with Irabeth, then he turned to Karthak and nodded.
"Yes. We do." He said briefly.
Turning to the corner, he pulls his staff out, unscrews the top and reached in to pull out a heavy looking five foot long metallic rod with a chisel tip. It is a matte black, and its very presence seems to drink the color from the room.
"With this, a Rod of Cancellation." He said quietly.
The room seems to chill.

"With this, you should be able to drain the last vestige of power from the fragment; in so doing, it will completely sever the wardstone’s connection remaining connection to the field.
"Doing so will rob Vorlesh of a crucial chink in the wardstone field’s armor and prevent her from using it against the crusaders; unless the demons can manage to destroy another wardstone—“Something I don’t think is possible in the short term, for the Kenabres stone has suffered numerous attacks over the past several years that made this final destruction possible. Almost,” he adds wryly, “as if the demons have been planning for this day from the start.”

"A powerful item indeed."

"I shall go and tend to the wounded and diseased, before taking my rest. I look forward to taking the battle to the enemy with you all."

For a moment the dwarf seems uncertain, then he regains his usual determination:"Very well. If that's the only way then we'll do our duty and destroy the wardstone before the foul creatures can turn it against the crusade. It will be a painful sacrifice, but at least it will give us a fighting chance!"

"A... fighting... chance", said the... heroic... dwarf, an unyielding... determination... in his eyes.
In the back, Dakota is furiously scribbling on a piece of paper. She's been quiet all along, listening intently to the conversation and taking quick notes of the events unfolding before her very eyes.

Crossing her arms, Lisandra looks to the window that faces the general direction of the wardstone. "Tragic that something that was once so indispensable to Kenabres is now it's greatest weakness." Shaking her head, Lisandra looks resolute as she addresses Quednys and Irabeth "So be it; as we healers sometimes you have to sever a gangrenous appendage to save the patient, so too must the wardstone go for the safety of Kenabres. Tomorrow at noon then."

Glancing over at Arthas as he heads out the door, Lisandra nods her head before taking off after him "Right then; Arthas wait! I'll join you; many hands makes light work of even the most difficult of tasks." Once beside him, she grins mischievously and adds with a wink "Besides, tending the wounded was exactly what I was doing up until about, oh, I'd say about twenty minutes ago, before I met you and your company, and was summarily recruited into some grand scheme or another."

"Waiting, waiting. Always waiting. It's agonizing, waiting for things to happen."

Iavdi starts to walk towards the door, then turns back.

"Is there a training room? Or a room for prayer? Because I haven't had much time for either."

Arthas slows to walk beside Lisandra.

"Light work of an all too often heavy hearted task."

"While it will be good to finally be on the offensive in this battle, I worry for the men we leave behind in the infirmary. Though I can't heal as well as Voren or you, I can work with the diseased without fear of contracting their malaise. I wish there were more among us that were so blessed."

"Being a knight it becomes easy to forget the power of a gentle touch when you are struck low, until you find yourself among the injured. Healing others for me is an act of humility. It reminds me of our vulnerabilities."

". . . I brought our standard bearer to the hospital on the first day of this siege. . . He did not survive, but I believe you eased his passing. He said he had met an angel with eyes like fire. Men say strange things when they are dying, but I think in this case the description is appropriate."

Arthas smiles at Lisandra.

Jokum shutters slightly when the rod of cancellation is revealed. "That gives off a vile witchlight. I like it not, but if we must use it, so be it. We shall destroy the ward stone with this rod, whether we survive the assault or no. I'll see you all tomorrow; I, too, would pray, but my prayers are rather different than your own." His lips quirk at the last statement and, nodding curtly to the others, he turns and leaves the room.

There's a few things I need to do before we set out; I'm posting from mobile at the moment, though, so it's not conducive to long posts. Camris, if you need to move us forward, just let me know and I'll type it up sans flavor.

Looking up at the stars, Lisandra smiles serenely as Arthas describes his experiences with healing "Reminds us of our vulnerabilities, yes, that is a good way to look at it." Holding her own hand towards the sky, it almost seems to shimmer with positive energy as she adds "Healing has been my life's work, but it's times like this that we are tested; it can be hard to witness such horrors, because whether the highest lord, a simple smith or a child, war and death seem to make little differentiation."

Growing reflective, Lisandra looks to Arthas "I remember your standard bearer, he faced death bravely you should know," pausing, Lisandra seemed to amused by something she was reminiscing "but an angel with eyes like fire? Actually, he did say something to that effect now that you mention it."

@Jokum
Voren smiles at Jokum's exclamation. "Yep, I'm technically 122 years old. Though most of that was spent asleep."

@Meeting
Voren looks at Karthak. "Ah, it seems like we have no choice. If it's to save the crusaders and keep them safe, then we will get rid of the wardstone." He feels more confident as he continues, "Let this be the first step! With this, we will come to the end of the war! We will heal the Worldwound and remove the curse of the demons!"

Seeing Arthas and Lisandra leaving to the infirmary, Voren runs to catch up. "Arthas! Lisandra! I hope you don't mind if I join you. There are still so many patients to attend to. And besides, I would like to get to know you better, Lisandra." He smiles gently before realizing how that sounded. His face turns redder. "S-Sorry! I didn't realize how that might have sounded!" When Arthas says his ending statement, Voren raises his brow in curiosity, looking between the two. 'Ayne? Is Arthas doing this... flirting that I've heard about?' 'I do not know, boy. I do not know if the Knight is attempting to woo the Angelic Medic. Now, let me rest boy. You have work to do and we will confer on spells for this mission tomorrow.'

When Lisandra talks about healing being her work, Voren gives a sad smile and looks at his own hands. "I know. For most of my life, I've been learning on healing. It seems to be my only role in life. One of the few things I'm good at, aside for potions and alchemy. However, with my... appearance, most are reluctant to let me aid them."

Karthak shoots Voren a sceptical look:"Closing the Wound... that is a lofty goal indeed, Voren, but for the moment I think we've better be content with saving Kenabres.."

Voren looks at Karthak and smiles sheepishly. "Right. Sorry. Just got a tad excited there. Kenabres first, and we'll go from there."

Also, Camris, I did ask Aravashnial a question.

Arthas laughs.

"Heh heh heh! Voren, it simply sounded like you wanted to get to know her better. Confidence Voren, you are among friends."

"Just remember appearance is only what's on the outside. People may recoil from you at first, but you are making friends and building relationships through your work. All those that observe you in the infirmary day in and day out will come to know you by your good works and your associations."

With a light smile and a gentle laugh, Lisandra quickly responds "Arthas is right Voren, actions are so much more important than appearances," pausing, Lisandra seems to grow more reflective as she adds "and no need to apologize, remember it is I that sought you out after watching seeing your work in the infirmary these past few days."

Running a few paces ahead, Lisandra spins around and points at her escorts with a sly grin and a wink "Speaking of the infirmary, you two lollygaggers are slowing me down, so... pick up the pace will you? Folks in this town need our help after all." Turning on her heals, Lisandra takes off in the direction of the infirmary.

Voren smiles at the two. "Thank you." Voren takes a deep breath. "Confidence. Must be confident." When Arthas gives his words about Voren's actions and with Lisandra's agreement, Voren gains a huge grin, his fanged teeth showing.

When Lisandra beckons for the two to move faster to the infirmary with a grin and wink, Voren feels his face growing warmer. Shaking it off, he quickly follows, breaking into a light jog behind her, hooves clopping on the wooden floors. "Yes, Lady Lisandra! We must get to work!"

Arthas watches the angel blooded woman take off jogging.

"Wow she's . . . Athletic looking---lets keep the language clean. Even in my head. . . Still. Hate to see you go, love to watch you leave."

Voren takes off in hot pursuit clipity cloping through the hallway. Arthas laughs.

"There you go Voren. It's good to see you comfortable in your own skin for once."

"You two run on ahead. I've got to meet with a few people along the way. Radience needs to be seen."

After listening to her companions talk, basically uninterested in the conversation, the last sentence from Arthas catches her attention.

"What was that, Arthas? Who are you going to see, a weapons master? Maybe a trainer, perhaps?"