"I'll need to know the name of the man in charge of the army coming with us as well so that we can start discussing supply lines and tactics."
"Well, I was hoping to find someone filled with the power of good and righteousness, already famous for battling against demons, and possibly bearing a weapon out of legend. Do you happen to know of anyone like that?" She asked impishly.
"But don't worry if you feel unqualified, I have assembled veteran officers to aid you in managing your army."
"Well we would be happy to lead your army my queen, small though it may be." the angelic sorceress says with a stunning smile.
"And if one of your cartographers can get me some maps of Drezen and the surrounding areas i would greatly appreciate it."
"Already collected and stored."
"Also is there someone in your retinue that i can talk to about the procurement of some magical items."
She nodded.
"Of course. Your Battalion Quartermaster will have a selection of such equipment already available."If you don't have them already, your arms and armor should be able for us to forge the basic Enchantment into at the very least.
"If you are independently wealthy you can see the Eagle Watch merchant's bazaar, or even the Black Market before you leave. Healing is especially dear nowadays, with the war you understand."
"We can discuss what is needed after dinner over drinks if her majesty is up for it."
She smiled.
"We can do both, of course. You will find, I think, that it is a valuable time saver."
"On the front lines things are relatively quiet for the moment, but I expect that to change at any time.
"Scouts within the Worldwound tell us that the demons and their minions are massing all along the Sarkora River in Riftshadow, and we expect them to hit Nerosyan, Karcau, and other southern points within the week.
"I need to get Kenabres in order and head back south in a few days as a result, and I hope you’ll be well on your way north by then.”
Seeing the looks in your eyes she nodded.
"Why do I think this plan will work?
"Well, yes it is risky, but the reward is worth it. And the demons won’t expect it.
"In fact, they might not even notice it, what with their attention focused on the southern borders.
"If you can secure Drezen quickly enough and find the Sword of Valor, it will do most of the work of keeping the place safe once you’ve reactivated it.”
What’s stopping demons from teleporting in as reinforcements once we attack?
“Their own nature. Those left behind have been charged with protecting Drezen, and if they abandon that post, even to teleport away for help, they’ll likely be killed. And no demon truly wants to be killed. That and their arrogance about their superiority over mortal life should be more than enough to keep them in Drezen until the very end.
"At that point, when you’ve broken their morale, they’ll teleport away in droves, which should give you several days to complete your mission.”
To give you a basic overview of Citadel Drezen, I can tell you that it was built during the First Mendevian Crusade as a strategic foothold inside the Worldwound.
"Dwarves chiseled it from of a rocky hill near the source of the Sellen River.
"And it held for well over a decade, withstanding almost constant war before a traitor turned the Sword of Valor over to the demons.
"We never found out who it was, but with the Sword of Valor’s protection gone, the demons overwhelmed Drezen in a night.”
She shook her head.
"As for the Sword of Valor, despite the name, it’s not a sword. It’s a battle standard—an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade.
"The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation.
“It is almost certainly still somewhere inside Citadel Drezen. At one point, it was held in a special vault, but our divinations have only revealed that the banner remains in the Citadel somewhere. Alas, the same wards that protect it against demons also hamper divination attempts—but we know it’s still in there, likely kept as a trophy.”
"this a great honor, your majesty, as the others have stated and your faith in us will be rewarded If i... if we can do so. I am not sure how to run an army, but I will put my skill and aide into keeping the faith of the army as strong as I can.
He said once more squeezing Kyra's hand for strength, She was right, they would need enchanted arms and armor and he could do that.
The queen rose from her chair.
"If you are finished, would you like to meet your army?" She asked, with a smile on her lips.
"We definitely would Your Highness." Alorah says standing with a smile.
Thetin smiles at the queens impish statement. He then eats his meal sharing the basic amount of small talk with everyone. However his mind is on other things. I wonder what my parents would think of me right now. Eating dinner with a queen and leading the first assault into demon held lands after saving Kenabres from certain doom. I just hope whatever happened to them i pray that Torag protects their souls.
After the meal he nods at the queen. "We are certainly ready to the meet the soldiers brave enough to follow us into battle."
Kankai sighed softly.
"Questions then, what about the terrain we will be traveling through and route. Other dangers or outposts we should know about that could alert Drezden. Are their any maps of the place to give us insight on how to position troops for the least amount of casualties and the most effective seizing. You say it was created by dwarves. Is the entirety of this city or fortress underground, or simply built out of the hill you mentioned."
Politely putting the fork down after finishing all of her meal.
"Will your crusaders be willing to take orders from a tengu should the need arise. Not that I believe Thetin or the others will fall. But situations may demand others to speak. I already know their opinion about me."
Her head turned looking at the queen. "What about the scout that brought in this information. Can he also provide information on what forces and demons still remain. Every scrap of intel you have will leave us better prepared."
Kyra was nearly overwhelmed by the events up to this point, but she remained dedicated to her position; her Goddess deemed this was to be her destiny and she would follow the Dawnflower into the maw of The Rough Beast if she required. "Your Majesty, I would be honored to meet the men and women following us into battle." She glances to Kelden and mouths silently... 'Army?!'
The queen nodded as she led you through the doors and down the hallway.
"Of course Kankai. Your Battalion Quartermaster is already assembling all maps, documents and intelligence you will need for your mission.
"Drezen itself started with a hill and was built out. You won't have to dig to get into it. Probably.
"As for whether or not they will be willing to take orders from you?"
She turned and grinned at Kankai.
"I don't believe you have to worry on that score.
"As for speaking to the scout, well we didn't use one. It was far too risky and time consuming to send them. Our information was developed through careful scrying and augurys."
Guards snapped to attention and pulled the front doors of the Defender's Heart as you came down the hallway.
What almost stopped your hearts was the blare of the fanfare as you stepped out onto the portico.
THEN you are startled by the sight that met your eyes there.
Heavily armed and armored crusaders were arrayed before you, standing ramrod straight and evenly organized into three blocks of about a hundred each. Every plate and helm shined with oil and polish, every tassel and pennant flew proudly, every blade glinted brightly.
At your appearance, they all stamped their feet, then shouted and drew to salute you at the same time.
Then, they knelt to you; their faces filled with astonished adoration at beholding you.
You feel it in each and every one of the knights here before you. Every last one is a Paladin (or part Paladin), devoted to Law and Good.
Thetin is stopped short by the display. He'd seen such looks before but it had always been directed at someone else, someone great. He just did not feel like he was such a person. These people expect us to lead them into battle. I can only hope we meet their expectations and try our best. Feeling a good amount of anxiety from the attention, Thetin steps forward and addresses the army before him.
"Comrades the demons have struck and the wardstones that protected us for so long are gone. The demons have taken much from us and leave us in dire straits." Thetin pulls Radiance from his belt and holds it before him. He then activates his divine bond with the warhammer causing it to blaze with light. Without thinking he threads some of his new power into his voice . "However the future is still bright. We have struck back against the abyss and reclaimed Radiance. We have reclaimed Kenabres. And soon with your help we shall strike at the demons once more and take back Drezen and reclaim the sword of valor. Get ready for we are now the spear of the gods that will stab into the heart of the worldwound and take back what is ours." Breaking into a nervous sweat under his armor, Thetin finishes his little address with a quick prayer.
Carilain follows the others out to review the troops. He stays unobtrusively at the rear of his companions. A mailed fist. With the subtilty of a mailed fist. Briefly, Carilain wishes for the elven archers of his homeland. Then he shrugs. A strong force, if we can set the battlefield to suit their strengths. Carilain keeps his thoughts to himself, not wishing to insult the queen, or the troops.
Thetin pulls Radiance from his belt and holds it before him. He then activates his divine bond with the warhammer causing it to blaze with light.
The knights became silent, all eyes on Thetin and Radiance.
"...And soon with your help we shall strike at the demons once more and take back Drezen and reclaim the sword of valor. Get ready for we are now the spear of the gods that will stab into the heart of the worldwound and take back what is ours."
At this, the crusaders all leapt to their feet and shouted with great enthusiasm; pounding their feet and clashing their weapons against their shields. Their eyes shone with your reflected glory. Thrice they cheered, even missing Thetin's quick prayer entirely.
The Queen stepped forward and raised her hands. The crusaders quieted down.
"CRUSADERS! YOU HAVE HEARD OF THE HEROES OF KENABRES AND THEIR DEEDS TO LIBERATE THE CITY!"
(The crusaders cheer.)
"THIS HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED BY US!
"IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUCCESS AND IN HONOR OF THEIR TRIUMPH, WE AWARD THEM THE RANK AND HONORS..."
She paused to sweep her sword from her scabbard.
"...OF KNIGHTS OF THE FIFTH CRUSADE!" She proclaimed.
One by one, she directed you all (and Irabeth) to kneel before her.
She took her sword and tapped you on each shoulder and then the top of your head.
Then she draped a silver chain with a jeweled medallion (a shield shape the size of your hand) around your shoulders.
Then she drew you to your feet again, proclaiming; "RISE, SIR _______!" To the wild acclaim of the army.
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Radiant as she rises, Alorah looks out at their army, the soldiers ready to follow them all into battle. She would carry on her parents' legacy. She would give them a reason to be proud, and take the fight to the demons. For everything she had lost, she would take back and more.
Then she calls up Kankai.
"I present to Sir Kankai the Righteous Medal of Agility!
"In recognition of a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon in combat before it gets a chance to act!" She proclaims, pinning on her triangular iron medal that shows a demonic face surrounded by three swords.
Then she calls up all of the Heroes.
"I present to Sir Kelden, Sir Carilain, Dame Kyra, Sir Thetin, and Sir Kankai the Righteous Medal of Clairity!
"In recognition of a hero who recovers vital information of great use against the Worldwound and delivers this intelligence to the crusaders!" She proclaims, pinning a circular blue medal that depicts a pair of feminine gray eyes surrounded by a circular silver lightning bolt.
Then she calls up Carilain, Kelden, Kyra and Thetin.
"I present to Sir Carilain, Sir Kelden, Dame Kyra and Sir Thetin the
Righteous Medal of Command!
"In recognition of a hero who redeems one of the enemy and convinces the redeemed character to join the crusade!" She proclaims, pinning a circular medal that depicts a leering demon head before two crossed swords.
Then she calls up Carilain and Kelden.
"I present to Sir Carilain and Sir Kelden the Righteous Medal of Vigor!
"In recognition of a hero who is reduced to unconsciousness in battle by a demon but survives and rejoins the battle before that demon is defeated!" She proclaims, pinning a medal that looks like a hexagonal medal depicting a white castle on a field of red with gold trim.
Then she again calls up all of the Heroes.
"I present to Dame Kyra, Sir Carilain, Sir Thetin, Sir Kelden, Sir Kankai and Sir Irabeth the Righteous Medal of Valor!
"In recognition of a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon whose power greatly exceeds theirs!" She proclaims, pinning a medal that looks like a demonic skull, the top of which has been pierced by four red-hilted swords.
Stepping back, the queen barks "SALUTE!" and as the queen snaps a salute to you, all the crusaders do the same in near perfect synchronicity.
Carilain returns the salute with Grimstar held high. The black weapon somehow reflects the sun as if it were burnished silver.
"It is an honour."
Alorah looks upon the assembled army with an angelic smile, each soldier for a moment feeling as if she meets his or her eyes directly.
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At the sight of Grimstar and the stirring words of Carilain, the assembled Crusaders go nuts cheering and stomping their feet in approval.
After a minute the more religious among them start a discordant noise of a Iomedaen Hymn versus a Torag battle chant; and the queen stepped forward to break it up and called them back to attention.
"Crusaders! You all know our plan! We march on the Morrow!
"Until then, DISMISSED!" She shouted.
The assembled Crusaders all saluted, which she returned, and they broke up talking excitedly amongst themselves.
She turned to you all.
"Excellent speech Sir Thetin! I approve wholeheartedly! And you Sir Carilain, short, sweet and perfectly timed; Excellent!
"But before you head out tomorrow I think it's time you met the command staff. Come with me." She said, turning to march down one of the alleyways behind Defender's Heart.
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Queen Galfrey and her personal guard escort you to the camps just outside of Kenabres’s northern wall, where her armies wait.
She leads you to a group of crusaders outside a Headquarters Tent at the northern edge of the camps, and as they approach, the knights there quickly fall into line, standing at attention.
She turns to you.
”These knights have all volunteered to aid you in retaking Drezen, and that their loyalty and devotion are true.”
She starts walking along the line, gesturing to each individual crusader in turn.
“First, this is Sir Sosiel Vaenic, Pastor of the church of Shelyn in Kenabres. You Chief of Clerical support and Battalion Hospitaller.” The Queen stated.
Sosiel is a dark skinned male human who projects a sense of calm and serenity. He is tall, impeccable in appearance in his clerical vestments and well-worn gear, and inspires those around him by his very appearance. On the battlefield he is very imposing with his tall frame and spinning glaive. A crystal medallion with the embossed image of Shelyn’s thrush always hangs from his neck against his chest under his armor, taking on an iridescent sheen in the light of the sun.
He bows to you.
”I am honored to make your acquaintance my Lords and Ladies.” He said in a rich speaking voice. ”I hope to be of aid and assistance to everyone in our army on the campaign.”
“Next, we have Lady Nurah Dendiwhar, Master Bard. Your Chief of Inspiration and Communication.” The Queen said, gesturing down this time.
Nurah is a short blond haired Halfling with a brilliant smile and bounces with suppressed energy. She is informally dressed, and while she mostly uses percussion instruments, she also carries around a horn almost as big as she is.
”Hi! Pleased to meet ya!” She waives at you cheerily in a clear and chirpy voice.
“Next we have Sir Mathis, Captain of Company C." The Queen said.
This huge human male looks like a stereotype. Blond, bright white smile, shining plate armor. He gave you a huge smile as he bowed deeply.
"And may I say, you're an inspiration to us all Sir Thetin!" He said, grabbing Thetin's hand in addition to bowing. "With Radiance in your hand and your faithful..." He continued before the Queen without apparent effort cut him off and swept you all along to the next Crusader.
“Next, we have My Lord Horgus, Count Gwerm, your Quartermaster and Chief of Supply.” The Queen stated.
Even the most expensive robes ever made cannot prevent Horgus from looking like a dumpy middle aged clerk. His face fell as he realized who his new commanders would be.
“WHAT?... Oh no.
"Your Majesty! … Them?” He said incredulously, pointing at you.
Irabeth looked at you with a raised eyebrow.
“What exactly did you do to him down in those caverns?” Muttered Irabeth to you under her breath.
The Queen threw her arm around Horgus companionably.
“Now now Horgus, we have discussed this.
"THIS is an important mission! These heroes are the ones for the job, and YOU are going to help make it happen. There is no one else capable of doing this job but you; which is why I am entrusting you with it. Right?” She asked, smiling persuasively.
Reluctantly, painfully, Horgus nodded.
“Yes... Your Majesty.” He said grudgingly.
“Good man!” She said cheerily, then moved to the next soldier.
“This is Sir Freidrich, Captain of Company B.” The Queen stated.
This very distinguished looking human male bows with great piety. He wears very nice formal plate armor with a crest denoting that he is an heir of a very old Sarkoris noble family. He bowed and knelt with great formality.
"YOUR Most Beneficient Majesty!" He intoned in an a florid, almost archaic accent.
“This is Sir Aron Kir, Tactition and Siege warfare engineer." The Queen stated.
This sandy haired human male is barely thirty, but he looks older because of his lined and weathered face. He wears practical and relatively inexpensive plate/mail. He salutes crisply, but makes no other comment.
“This is Sir Arles, Captain of Company A.” The Queen stated.
This human male with graying hair looks like a hard bitten veteran of many conflicts. His armor, though cleaned and polished, has scratches and dents no armorsmith can buff out. He merely bowed at you with no comment, looking skeptical of your abilities.
“Next, we have Master Aravashnial of the Riftwardens, Head of your Arcane magic support." The Queen stated.
The tall male elf smiled down on you before bowing gracefully. He looks very different now that his eyes have been regenerated. He looks much more handsome, self-confident and alert now; holding his staff with less of a death grip.
”We are well acquainted Your Majesty. Well met again!” He said smiling.
“Lastly, we have Madame Anevia Tirabade, Head of your Scouts.” The Queen stated.
Anevia smiled and bowed to you all as Irabeth made a sound like she was choking on her own tongue.
”We’ve met.” She said, smiling and bowing. She blew a kiss at a stunned Irabeth as soon as the Queen turned back to you.
The Queen says; “I’ve never been one for unneeded ceremony, and you’ve a lot of work ahead of you—I wish you luck in your mission, and hope to hear of your triumph soon!” She nodded at you and left you to your own council.
Here are your current army stats using the mass combat rules in Ultimate Campaign.
KNIGHTS OF KENABRES ACR 3
LG Medium army of humans (paladin 4)
hp 16
DV 18; OM +8 ranged
Tactics expert flankers, standard, withdraw
Resources improved armor, improved weapons (mwk cold iron), mounts, ranged weapons (longbows)
Special aura of courage, channel positive energy, divine health,
lay on hands, mercy, smite evil, spellcasting
Speed 3; Morale +1; Consumption 5
As Kyra steps out to see the army of shining paladins before them, her knees buckle a little, but she gracefully recovers and grips Kelden's hand that much tighter. She shares a look with him and allows the locals in their group to deal with the rousing of the troops. Carilain and Thetin were well known here, Kyra was an outsider and a follower of a different Goddess. It was best to remain quiet in this circumstance.
Once back in the command area, she greets each of the commanders with a graceful curtsy and smile, until Horgus and she simply looks at the man without a word, allowing the Queen to handle the contemptuous man. When they reach Anevia and Aravashnial, her reaction is much different. She lets go of Kelden's hand and rushes to embrace them both. "It is good to see you both again! Aravashnial, you look so regal now and Anevia, you look to be ready to dart among a giant's feet!"
"Only got him out alive..." Carilain whispers to Irabeth. "He thinks we are just rabble, or some such."
Alorah smiles, watching the interplay between Anevia and Irabeth, greeting Arashvinal with a warm hug, having recently spent time with him hearing tales of her parent's exploits. In some small way she connected with the last sliver of them, being a part of something that had defined their lives.
"I'm so glad I get to work with you regularly." she says with a smile.
Thetin pins his new medals to his shirt. His eyes watered from emotion, a big grin spreading from ear to ear. For years he and his friends had dreamed about becoming knights. While his friends were dead, it was an unexpected relief to of achieved a dream that they had all shared.
After being introduced to everyone goes to talk with Horgus to try and work out any problems between the man and the party. Seeing at how obstinate he was earlier Thetin lets a bit of his new power into his voice. "Hargus, good to see you got through all the fighting in one piece. I had my doubts about you when we met but if the queen vouches for you then I can honestly say it will be good fighting alongside you again." Thetin extends his hand for shaking. .
After the interaction with Hargus finishes Thetin goes around to each company captain A-C and the army tactician for a better introduction from each and talk to each of them. After that he goes over and joins the others talking with Anevia and Irabeth.
Kankai looked over the army, her own eyes scanning the shining plate mail and chain and couldn't help her own thoughts of they looked like a beacon. In good and bad ways.
Listening to Thetin's little speech and saw the morale increase in the men. Well her tongue was not so glib and she had nothing like Radiance to run with.
All she had were her wits.
When the medals were presented she was sDurprised at her name being called on its own for one of them. The whole ceremony kept her on edge.
She was a Knight now... and yet.... that felt off. She wasn't noble, she was a scout, a thief. Someone, who wasn't worthy of such adulation.
She happily let Thetin and the others take center stage and subconsciously ruffled her white feathers.
When they were introduced to each of the Knights she didn't have a shade of recognition. Having not met them earlier.
Though she still scanned over them watching their reactions trying to find their true intentions. Not that she suspected anything, but it was always wise to know what motivates your commanders. Also the relationships between them.
She can observe and give insights.
Nodding to Anevia Tirabade knowing they would work together.
When they reach Anevia and Aravashnial, her reaction is much different. She lets go of Kelden's hand and rushes to embrace them both.
Aravashnial bowed gracefully to Kyra and smiled.
"Thank you Kyra. I can but do my best for he Knights of Kenabres." He said formally.Anevia giggled as she hugged Kyra back.
"Well yes, but let's not test that if we don't have to. It's so good to see you all again!" She said, squeezing Kyra back.
"Only got him out alive..." Carilain whispers to Irabeth. "He thinks we are just rabble, or some such."
Irabeth raised an eyebrow at Carilain's words.
"Ah, yes. What exactly was it that passed between you in the depths of the earth? She asked curiously.
Thetin lets a bit of his new power into his voice. "Hargus, good to see you got through all the fighting in one piece. I had my doubts about you when we met but if the queen vouches for you then I can honestly say it will be good fighting alongside you again." Thetin extends his hand for shaking.
At first, you think he's going to turn up his nose and walk off in a huff; but after a long pause looking at your hand he took a deep breath, gripped Thetin's hand and pumped it once saying "Sir Thetin" and then left as quickly as decorum allowed.
Kankai: When you look at the crowd assembled, you notice a pattern. The ordinary crowd seems to treat you with some reserve compared to the others; easily chalked up to your relatively alien appearance.
But those who are identified as Paladins seem to treat you and your teammates together as equally adored beyond all others; something beyond hero worship; something almost... religious.
Smiling as she looks out at the assembled soldiers, Alorah rests a hand on Kankai's shoulder.
"You needn't worry about how you'll be received. I've found that the holy warriors here see past the surface. It's the beauty of your soul that matters to them." she says quetly.
Looking at Alorah she said quietly. "Acceptance is strange for me. I am use to being an outcast. It is weird to say but it is more comfortable. If my own people were here they would point out that my Feather's did mark me for greatness just not that of magic."
Shifting and looking out over the others. "I believe it is time we assign our general. I believe Irabeth is the best choice. The heart of the people follow her and she has made a name for herself."
Kyra nods. "I am in agreement, Irabeth gets my vote of confidence as well." She glaces over at Kankai. 'Speaking of Irabeth.' "Kankai, do you have a moment to speak with me?"
Kankai looked over at Kyra and nods. "Certainly. I have just been observing people."
Motions for Kyra to lead where she wanted to speak.