Alikia cannot help the large grin that crosses her face as they are presented with horses. She allows the others to chose their steeds first, content with the old nag that is left. As Quinn begins his speech to rouse the army, she mounts her animal with some minor difficulty before moving her horse up to the front. "Aladir, I didn't realize that you knew how to create songs! That was a fine marching tune."
Aladir grins slightly at the compliment, and though he doesn't blush, he does rub the back of his neck with his hand in a somewhat bashful gesture. "Better than I expected to come up with off the cuff, but I'm hardly a bard of legend or anything. More to tease Quinn than anything else." he answers.
Quinn watches as the assembled knights fall into regular columns. The vanguard of the first column quickly begins heading north. "Farewell, Your Majesty," Quinn half bows from the saddle. "May the Lady grant you victory in your battles to the south."
"We should travel north directly to Valas’s Gift..."
Quinn watches from the rear of the column as Aladir and Anevia overtake the vanguard and head further north to scout the army's path. "Time may be our greatest ally. The demons will not expect us to have recovered enough to attack a fortified city like Drezen. The straightest path would be best. But, if there are elements of the terrain that can mask our approach, then we should use every advantage."
Quinn spurs his steed into motion, positioning himself near to some of the aides the Queen had provided. "My greetings," Quinn introduces himself to the dark-skinned soldier. "Sosiel, if I recall correctly? And it's Nurah, yes?" he asks the bard. "I'm honored you have volunteered to join us on this journey. And I'll be indebted to you for any information you could provide on the current state of Drezen, its surrounding lands, its fortifications, and your best judgement of what our approach to the city should be."
"That is the shortest route Sir." and she sketches a map on a piece of parchment and hands it to Quinn.
"Well, Aron is the tactics expert and he knows the most about Drezen, so you should talk to him about that. I am a simple priest of Shelyn and will help the sick and wounded during our journey."
"As Sosiel says, Aron is the best one to ask about that. I will help lift the spirits of everyone and boost morale as I can."
During the day, Aladir and Anevia stay about a mile or so ahead of the column, scouting, checking the terrain and leaving rock messages that Aron especially is able to decode on which way to go and that it is safe ahead.
Just before you should be reaching Valas' Gift, the small village, both of them come riding back hard to the column.
We’re sending three specialists with you. Aron Kir was a cleric of Shelyn here in Kenabres before the temple was destroyed—he can help with healing as needed, but he’s also quite knowledgeable about demons and their tactics. Sosiel Vaenic is an expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like; he’s where you’ll be getting your map of the Citadel, incidentally. And lastly, there’s Nurah Dendiwhar. She’ll be supporting you with her bardic magic, but she’s also an expert on the region and knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point, I’ll wager.
When he makes it back to the others after the forward bit of scouting, Aladir explains to them the history of the area that Anevia discussed with him.
"The town we approach, called Valas's Gift, is a small place, likely placed here because the lands surrounding it are excellent for crops. In days past it was one of the primary sources of food and grain for Kenabres. You will find no such thing there now, though; the town has been utterly destroyed by the demons, the people who once lived here scattered to the surroundings lands, forced to flee their homes and holdings."
Ezro nods to Hyram, "Of course, perhaps it could relieve some nervousness of marching into the Worldwound."
As the journey continues he will recite various prayers, and stories of Iomedea, not just the Acts, but various other legends, he will talk about her rise to become Arodens herald, and her crusade against the Whispering Tyrant.
As the column moves, Ezro will be sure to travel along its length, checking on the Paladins marching in case any appear to need water, food, or rest. If any are overtly nervous, he will be sure to assuage their fears as best he can.
As Aladir and Anevia return to the column, he will spur himself back to the front to hear what news or information they bring back. Hearing that the town was formerly a farming village, he speaks up, "I wonder if there are any stores of food remaining, or supplies. I can't imagine any of it lasted this long, but if the demons have no use for grain, or care about it, perhaps they ignored it."
Quinn bows from the saddle. "Please excuse me," he says to the pair. "This has been an absolute whirlwind of activity, and our introductions were so brief. I hope to make better acquaintances soon. If you'll excuse me, I would like to be briefed on our expected approach to the city as soon as possible."
Quinn spurs his horse forward, cantering up beside Aron Kir. But, before the conversation can progress Aladir returns with news of their imminent arrival to Valas' Gift.
With Irabeth's map in hand, Quinn prods his horse towards the front of the main column.
"I wonder if there are any stores of food remaining, or supplies."
"If this was a farming community, then there should at least be proper irrigation," Quinn agrees. He turns to Irabeth, "Set up camp to the north of the town, so we can make a faster start in the morning. Let's make sure we draw from the wells, and keep our own water supply full and fresh. Once we cross the Sellen, there's no telling where we may find fresh water."
"Should we take a quick ride through the town, before they bivouac? Just to check for squatters or refugees?" Quinn asks his gathered friends.
"Or demons that might seek to make mischief once things settle down. Yes, I think a good reconnoiter is in order."
Yes, it couldn't hurt. Hyram says agreeing with both Quinn and Aladir.
With orders to move just north of the town, Lady Irabeth gets with Captain Hendrick and the two of them bring the column around the village of Vala's Gift. As they do, they see columns of smoke dieing down.
Quinn and the group, along with Anevia, Aron and Nurah ride up to the town. Looking around, you see nothing standing. Every home, every store, every structure down to even walls and corrals for animals has been flattened or burned down. You find no animals or bodies, although from all the blood that you see, it is obvious that the town was decimated. The few who escaped into the surrounding farmlands and hills must be deep in hiding.
Continuing on, you catch up as Irabeth and the paladin army are setting up camp. They do it quickly and efficiently as only trained troops can, especially those who want a hot meal and a good nights rest. Watches are set, and Irabeth reports back to Quinn that all is prepared and that when they leave tomorrow it will take about a day and a half to get to Vilareth Ford.
The sight of the obvious slaughter leaves Aladir shaking his head mournfully, a slow breath released from his lungs.
"They bring nothing but death and destruction in their wake. If there is any more motivation needed to be sure we see our quest to its completion, then surely this is it." the elf muses.
The destruction of such a small, strategically insignificant town assaulted all of Quinn's sensibilities. "Destruction without purpose, heedless of tactical value or risk. I'll remember this if we should encounter them in force. We may be able to bait them into folly."
"But, for now, there is little more to do than mourn the deaths of the peaceful and the innocent, and pray for peace in their afterlife."
Hyram looks at the devastation. Unfortunately this type of devastation will most likely be the norm and not the exception. Hyram states evenly.
Looking mournfully at the destruction, Ezro nods to Hyrma, "That is probably true. Demons are not known for their restraint, nor mercy. I only hope at least some escaped the destruction and are finding themselves on the way to another city, or town."
As they pass through, Ezro bows his head and murmurs some prayers for the deceased.
Looking sadly at the ruins, Alikia bows her head and helps everyone set up camp when they stop for the night. Ensuring that everything is safely secured, she takes a seat between Aravashnial and Nurah. "Hello, I don't believe we've had much time to talk," turning to the halfing woman, Alikia grins as she digs into her meal. "I'm Alikia. It is a pleasure to meet you." Chewing slowly, the half-elf listens quietly to the others talk about the destruction that the demons have sowed in this small town.
"Aron Kir," Quinn grasps the soldier's hand. "Our departure was too rapid for a proper introduction. But, I am very glad to make your acquaintance," Quinn smiles as he finally greets the man. "Before we continue with the niceties, though, I would appreciate your insight on our best method of approach to Drezen."
Quinn calls over Irabeth and Captain Hedrick. The four of them stand in a semi-circle around Irabeth's drawing quietly discussing the route to be traveled. "Could we swing around and approach from the north? How exposed will be in the canyon pass? Is there another river crossing north of the ford?" Quinn listens patiently to objections before agreeing with Irabeth on the proposed path. "A day and a half to the ford?" Quinn finishes. "We need to make sure it is well scouted on both sides before we begin our crossing."
As you come to the camp that has been setup on the north side of the town, Irabeth shows Quinn how she has set things up, "Does this meet with your approval sir?"
"I am Nurah. A Bard of some renown, and an expert on the early Mendevian Crusades and the lore of ancient Sarkoris."
The next day you head north along the trail that Irabeth had marked, and you get perhaps two thirds of the way to Vilareth Ford, where the column stops again for the night.
"Sir Quinn. Vilareth Ford is the northernmost crossing point on the West Sellen — few settlements and no fords or bridges exist farther north from here on the Mendev side of the river. Named for the crusader general who first held the ford against a host of tiefling cultists eager to use it as an invasion point, Vilareth Ford has long been watched over by a small contingent of crusaders. We should reach it about noon tomorrow." and she sets up to get the camp ready for the night. Posting sentries and guards as usual, and setting up the commanders tent for Quinn and the group.
Hyram, although glad that the army's march has been uneventful, nevertheless keeps his mind sharp. He offers to take sentry duty to prove that point.
As you come to the camp that has been setup on the north side of the town, Irabeth shows Quinn how she has set things up, "Does this meet with your approval sir?"
Quinn looks up and down the organized lines of tents, then scans the outer watchfires and the ring of sentries patrolling the edges of the camp. "Very satisfactory," Quinn nods. "But, with the Wardstones gone, our enemies can fly and teleport within our midst. Make sure the sentries make regular passes through the camp as well as along the perimeter."
"Sir Quinn. Vilareth Ford is the northernmost crossing point on the West Sellen — few settlements and no fords or bridges exist farther north from here on the Mendev side of the river. Named for the crusader general who first held the ford against a host of tiefling cultists eager to use it as an invasion point, Vilareth Ford has long been watched over by a small contingent of crusaders. We should reach it about noon tomorrow." and she sets up to get the camp ready for the night. Posting sentries and guards as usual, and setting up the commanders tent for Quinn and the group.
Quinn winces slightly at the word 'tiefling', but nods soberly at the geographical description. "I wish there was a less predictable path to follow. But, hopefully speed will see us through the dangers. Have we had any word from the crusaders that guard the ford? I hope they were not caught in the onslaught that befell Valas' Gift."
After setting up camp with the others, Aladir joins the others, breathing out a deep sigh; the last week still seemed some sort of strange dream that he'd been sent. His present position was not something easy to believe. But one day he'd certainly have quite the story to tell!
"It seems like we are also likely aided by mounting such a quick counter-assault. I doubt such outright aggression on our part is going to be a tactic the demons are seriously considering."
Quinn batted aside the two attacks and allowed a third the bounce off of the padded shoulder piece where a pauldron would lie. "That's a hit!" someone shouted from the side. "No!" "It never was!" "That's a block, you dunderhead," came the replies from all around him.
Quinn was enjoying the sport, but he feared he had taken on more than he could handle. Two of his soldiers were skilled enough to put him in a dire situation, but three was well past his abilities. He had let pride push him into this sparring session. He wanted to appear superhuman to his men. Now, he was in danger of appearing foolish. He needed to take one of them out of the fight quickly.
Before the others could act, Quinn stepped inside the reach of the knight that had smacked his pauldron, making several quick stabs and being rewarded on the third. "That's a wound!" an older knight shouted from behind him.
Quinn's attack routine, successful though it was, left him vulnerable from the other knights flanking him. One quickly stepped forward, and almost immediately crumpled to the ground. Neither the knights watching, nor even Quinn himself registered the attack that had leveled the knight. But, everyone on the field could see the bright flash of gold from Quinn's eyes. "What was that?" "He felled 'em with a training blade!" "Is he okay?"
Quinn threw away the padded pole he was sparring with, and knelt by the recumbent knight. Two more of Quinn's soldiers rushed in from the crowd. The fallen knight was taking great gasps, "It's okay... It's okay... Just... got... the wind... knocked out of me." They helped him to his feet. "That's one demon of a riposte you've got there, Commander."
Quinn nodded. "You had me dead to rights, if I hadn't been able to level the playing field quickly." He looked towards the last soldier standing and stated loudly enough for the group to hear, "I think that's enough sparring for today. We'll call it a draw, shall we." The soldier nodded readily enough, glad to escape the powerful blows of his Commander.
Quinn walked away from the training circle wondering how he had managed such an attack...
Aladir, having been watching Quinn sparring with the other soldiers, gives a lone round of applause after witnessing the man's sudden, unexpected turnabout maneuver, flipping his opponents' clear advantage on its head in the space of an eye-blink.
As his companion left the training circle, Aladir waved him over. "What you did there was impressive, Quinn. Something that I've never seen anyone else perform...but if I may be so bold, I don't believe we're done yet. We were all blessed with power beyond our ken when the wardstone shattered. I haven't said anything to anyone else yet, but I think now's a good time to change that." he said in a voice low enough that no one else would've heard. As he went through the camp, he gathered all of their companions together, telling them much the same thing that he'd told Quinn.
As he walked with the group, leading them slightly away from the camp and away from prying eyes, the cadre came upon a straw-stuffed training dummy, apparently set up in the middle of nowhere, as far as anyone could see.
"Ever since we rescued those people in Kenabres from the collapsing building and I jumped up that wall and through a hole that I honestly only barely even knew was there, I've been trying to figure out what other abilities we may've been granted by the wardstone...away from prying eyes. I've discovered not just the one, but another ability, and am well on my way to mastering them. I only ever practice with them when I'm alone but I think it's time that someone else know what arts I have been endowed with. They seem to augment my natural inclinations; I suspect that any abilities you all may have would do the same." he said, removing his bow from his back and pulling free a mundane arrow stuck in the dummy, only one of several embedded in it.
"Stay here." the elf requested simply, positioning everyone near to the practice dummy, about ten or fifteen feet to one side of it. He, himself, moved away a short distance, about fifteen feet to the practice dummy's front. Nocking an arrow to the string of his bow, he drew the weapon and raised it, aiming for the target's center of mass, and released. There was a split-second afterward when that same golden glow that was in Quinn's eyes came to Aladir's own, and then...
A rush of wind, a blur of motion were all that they could see; it was clear that something had passed them traveling impossibly fast. In front of them, the arrow that Aladir had fired hit the front of the target...and at the exact same time, the elf's weapon was driven into the target's back, arrow and rapier piercing the target from opposite sides at the exact same moment.
Looking to the others, he grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Not bad, eh? Seems to be a limit to it, though...I can't do it again, immediately...it's like it takes a moment, a few seconds, for my body to re-center itself from an expenditure of such energy. The use of it seems limited as well...I haven't been able to do it more than a few times, but a night's rest seems to restore those mystic wells within me. It may be that as we move forward and get more experience in the use of these powers, we can use them more efficiently." he explained, drawing his rapier from the dummy's back and retrieving the practice arrow from its torso.
"Quinn, what you did in the training circle...with practice, you can control that. Invoke it at your will..though I suspect it would have the same limit to its energies as mine does. The rest of you, as well. I think we should all try and figure out these incredible powers we have been given. There's no telling when they might be enormously useful to us."
Alikia immediatly says her farewells to Nurah and Aravashnial as Aladir approaches with a strange look in his eyes. "Aladir, is everything okay?" Alikia asks quietly, wonder what would cause the scout to gather the five of them up so suddenly. A look of relief crosses over her face as Aladir explains his hypothesis about the gifts that the Inheritor bestowed upon them. "Oh, well done!" Glancing at a few paladins that seem to be sizing up the new commanders, Alikia makes a waving motion to have them move along.
When the full elf expresses interest in hearing about any new abilities that they might possess, Alikia has to take a moment. "Now that you mention it, I don't seem to need to consult my spellbook in the mornings like I used to. I also feel more in-tune with arcane magic, much like I've heard sorceresses explain their magical abilities. However, I still have to prepare my spells by mediating on my..." Cutting herself off mid-sentence, Alikia blushes red as she realizes she was beginning to ramble on about her arcane studies. "Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, I think that these abilities should come in useful against our foes." Fiddling with her hair, Alikia tries to gauge the others response.
+1 vs traps
Quinn and Aladir practice their new abilities from the wardstones powers that now are part of them. Irabeth, and many of the paladins watch and participate, and acknowledge the new abilities of the group.
After the practice, the night passes peacefully, and in the morning, Aladir and Anevia head out about half a mile ahead of the column to scout out the terrain.
About thirty minutes before you figure you would arrive at the Ford, Aladir and Anevia come racing back to the head of the column, horses in a lather.
"Quinn, the Ford has been taken by the enemy! There is an encampment on the east side of the Sellen River. There look to be about two hundred cultists, mostly tieflings. Many of the Ford defenders have had their heads cut off and entrails removed and they put them on poles in the ground outside the encampment. The surrounding terrain can provide some concealment if you wish to ambush them."
Aladir arrived a few minutes after Anevia, having tarried behind a low ridge that made an excellent vantage point for scouting after giving Anevia instructions to return and report the discovery. Despite having made the ride mounted, there is sweat beaded on his brow. His face, normally tanned from long hours hunting outdoors, is almost white, his expression one of utter horror.
"By the spheres, Quinn...I instructed Anevia to ride back and report the position of the enemy. As I'm sure you've already been informed, we estimated about two hundred of them. The things we saw back in Kenabres were bad enough. All the death, all the blood. Every time we came to a new room, my stomach turned anew."
"But this, Quinn...Desna's mercy...I saw the living. The men who were not killed by the initial assault at the Ford. The screams..." he said, a visible shudder passing through him before he drew in a deep breath, clearly steeling himself.
"I stayed to watch them execute one man, in particular, the nearest I could see. It was clear that he'd been tortured for a long time. Sport for the cultists. He was tied to two beams of wood lashed together into an X shape by his wrists and ankles. It was difficult to tell from the distance, but it looked to me as if the man had no eyes...as if they'd been gouged out. When he screamed, it came out muffled, and his mouth remained closed. I believe they'd sewn it shut. His body looked red from what I can only assume was dried blood...his hands and feet were missing, but he wasn't bleeding...I can only assume they'd sealed the wounds with heat to keep him from dying of blood loss."
"As I watched, it seemed they had finally tired of their...whatever it was...and slit his throat. Quinn, I...I would swear that I saw the man smile as it was done. He...he smiled..." he trailed off, releasing a breath and gulping audibly. His head bowed, his lips moving slightly in a silent prayer that Desna would guide the man to a joyous existence in the hereafter.
Quinn listens to Aladir's recounting with rapidly diminishing stoicism. "By the Lady! And all the goodly gods alike! No more! Show us the path you have found." He turns to Irabeth. "Go with Aladir and the vanguard. Prepare them to attack the flank of the enemy's main body when our host attacks. Once we have broken their lines, drive towards the center."
Quinn spurs his mount forward, "Captain Hedrick, take the main body along the route Anevia shows you. You will assault their main force. Drive a wedge through their center, and be ready to capitalize on Irabeth's flanking assault."
During the previous day and night, Ezro makes his way through the camp, seeing to any of the men and women spiritual needs, or to simply provide a friendly ear to any worries the troopers have. His presence seemingly much more subdued than the others as they train the men, and accidentally taking down the men they are helping to train.
"I do not feel too differently. More connected to Iomedea perhaps, but do we not all feel that way after such an experience? I am happy though simply aiding where I can to help succeed in this final crusade." Ezro muses.
The next day Ezro watches with interest as the army of paladins maneuvers to catch the enemy on the flank. He had little worry for the encounter. The enemy outnumbered them two to one. But from the sounds of the report, their equipment, and more than likely their moral would be poor compared to the well equipped, armed, and led Paladins.
Quinn's horse grunted as it fought to pull its hooves free of the mud. Aladir's path went through the low lying land in a dry creek bed. Though, it was not so dry that the going was easy.
Quinn honestly didn't know whether to be thankful or resentful about the situation. On the one hand, his force's movement would not kick up an enormous cloud of dust that would alert the enemy to their presence. But, on the other hand, every man and beast was fighting a torturous battle through ankle deep muck... and while the men were keeping good order, the horses were protesting with every step. The whinnies and wickers, champing and stamping were making a racket he feared might carry over to the enemy, giving away their position.
As they approached the end of their cover, Quinn finally gave up worrying. The die was cast. He tried to channel the frustrations of the last leg of the journey back into the sharp edge of righteous fury with which he had started.
Tactics Phase:
Knights - Forgo ranged combat, flank and attack.
Tiefling - Does not know you are coming, so no tactics.
Ranged Phase:
Both sides - none
Melee Phase:
Knights OM 17 vs Tiefling DV 12 therefore Tiefling army takes 5 damage.
vs Knights DV 16 (18-2 Expert Flankers) therefore Knights take 0 damage.
Quinn leads the army around the surrounding low hills to where they can make a surprise run at the enemy and hit them from the flank as well as head on. The tiefling army was in the middle of their debauchery so they were completely surprised, quite disorganized and unable to mount an effective counter-attack to the paladin army charge.
In the middle of the open field encampment, you see standing just over three feet tall, this bestial humanoid wears filthy, tattered robes and has blue-gray skin decorated with strange, coiling stripes. Dark fur grows on its head and arms, and its feet end in burning hooves. Its eyes glow as red as the flaming sword it wields in one hand, and its breath fills the surrounding air with noxious gray smoke.
CE Large army of tieflings (rogue 1)
hp 4 of 9 left
DV 12; OM +4
Tactics standard, withdraw
Special darkvision, sneak attack, spellcasting
Speed 2; Morale +2; Consumption 1
Commander Umestil (Cha +2; no boons)
Ambush: In order to attempt to ambush an army, the entire ambushing army must have concealment. The ambusher attempts an Offense check against the target army's DV. If successful, the battle begins but the target army doesn't get to act during the Tactics phase. Otherwise, the battle proceeds normally.
To Quinn's great relief, the army of tieflings was taken entirely by surprise. Despite his allies great fury over the treatment of their brothers, Quinn was happy to see his army maintain good order, making a measured attack from the main and the flank.
I was too timid this time, Quinn thinks to himself. Too slow to order the attack, too cautious to use the army properly. I must trust them... before my reluctance kills them.
Despite his shortcomings as commander, his small army of Paladins easily outmatches the opponent. As the initial strike takes hold, Quinn elects not to change any tactics mid-battle. But, he knows his army is capable of much more devastating blows against the evil creatures.
When the enemy commander takes the field, Quinn's righteous fury reaches a boiling point. He waves his golden blade furiously to get Hyram's and Ezro's attention. "Do you think it would be beneath our station as knights and leaders... to kill that thing?" he calls across the field.
EDIT: This looks like sort of a "practice battle" they give you to work out the kinks. Those Paizo AP devs are smart cookies!
That is exactly correct.
This encounter gives the PCs (and players) a chance to try out the mass combat rules in a situation that favors them. The tieflings were a potent force against the surprised crusaders originally stationed here, but against a highly trained army of paladins who may well have the advantage of surprise, they should be easy prey.
Ambush - Ah, missed that, thanks. That means, as far as I can tell they get no Tactics phase, but the rest Ranged & Melee proceed normally. Also, you would have had to roll another Attack roll, as the one you rolled was for Ambush only, and not part of the Melee attack. Right? or am I reading this wrong?
We outclass them enough that it probably won't make any difference, and my next roll looks like it would have been enough to wipe them out in the opening salvo. (And in narrative, I would rather this battle end in melee, than with a ranged attack, anyway. Plus, I can think of some fun RP with Quinn making a few mistakes as commander, like neglecting to order an opening ranged salvo!)
Tactics Phase:
Knights - Standard.
Tiefling - Standard.
Ranged Phase:
Both sides - none
Melee Phase:
Knights OM 29 vs Tiefling DV 12 therefore Tiefling army takes 17
vs Knights DV 16 (18-2 Expert Flankers)
The Knights press their attack, continuing to flank the Enemy and using their Smite Evil to destroy the Enemy, however in their exuberance for the first fight under the new commander, they were a bit careless and took casualties. In the end however, the Enemy army is routed and the few stragglers run off the field of combat and into the hills, and the creature in the middle of the field disappears.
Aladir, seemingly recovered from his earlier horror, returns to his horse, mounting the animal and drawing back on the reins. "I'm going to make a quick perimeter of the camp; see if there are any approaching forces." he declares. Without waiting for anyone to answer, he rides off, knowing that catching any scouts immediately is paramount to keeping the army safe.
The Knights press their attack, continuing to flank the Enemy and using their Smite Evil to destroy the Enemy which is routed and the few stragglers run off the field of combat and into the hills, and the creature in the middle of the field disappears.
So the battle is joined! Hyram thinks as he leads his horse into the fray. He barely has time to think as his he swings his longsword down on a tiefling that rose up in front of him, lopping off its arm. He swings to the right of him. He swings to the left of him. He swings wherever he sees a demon. As the enemy army begins to flee the battleground, Hyram vaguely remembers Quinn asking that the creature in the middle be taken care of. He guides his horse to where the creature was, but sees nothing. He looks around and still sees no sign of the creature. I bet we see that one again! Hyram thinks grimly. He then slows the pace of his horse to a trot as he watches the fleeing demons being pursued by Paladins.
Bound the less severely wounded demons for questioning Hyram says to some Paladins that are searching the battlefield for survivors from the army - and finishing off the more wounded demons, Hyram notices with approval. Looking around the battlefield, Hyram sees many dead and wounded demons and he only feels contempt for the foul creatures.
I must speak with Quinn to determine what information he wants from the wounded. It is then that Hyram notices that his armor, horse, and sword are covered in blood. After I clean myself up!
+1 vs traps
As Aladir takes off to look around the camp perimeter, Anevia and Aron also slip into the surrounding regions to scout out the place and ensure no other enemies lie in wait. At the same time Irabeth, Sosiel, and Nurah set out separately to seek survivors to heal and rescue from the aftermath
Alikia was prepared for most things when the skirmish started, what she wasn't prepared for was the noise. When the two armies clashed, it had taken all of her willpower not to lose control of her steed and even more control not to flee. She had almost lost her head to a particularly grisly looking tiefling that had broken through the ranks, had Aravashnial not been beside her when combat had broken out. Offering the taller elf a weary smile, she had quickly returned the favor by landing a head shot at another cultist that had tried to back-stab the Riftwarden. After the enemy army broke, Alikia had quietly fallen in line with Quinn, wanting to do something but unsure where her talents best lie.
Ezro moves among the paladins healing and tending to their wounds fromt he battle. In the last few moments of fighting, many of them seemed to throw caution to the wind in their excitement for the crusade. Ezro makes sure to impart upon them the importance of following their training and not to be carried away on the field of battle.
He also sees to the dead, imparting prayers and rites to the fallen, and making sure to help Horgus with inventory of any usable equipment they had at their end for the rest of the crusaders.
As Irabeth, Sosiel, and Nurah move off to triage the wounded and search for survivors, Quinn joins Aron Kir and Captain Hedrick to debrief after the battle. It was a humbling experience to realize how badly he had managed the first encounter, even as his small army had completely outclassed their opponents.
"We are fortunate that the cost was not higher..." Quinn admits reluctantly.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Aladir, Anevia and Aron all come back from their scouting. Aladir is leading a handful of men with him. Anevia and Aron report that they saw some tracks of a few tiefling survivors but are sure that the beasts of the Worldwound would make short work of those few that ran away.
"Sir Quinn, I suggest you have your men scavenge the defeated army for supplies, both food and water and gear. We could use the replenishment and the gear will be helpful for when we retake Drezen. You will need more goods, and also influence, labor, magic, and of course gold to help get the city up and running again. " Some of the paladins grumble about stealing from the dead when they hear this suggestion, but await their commanders orders.
Irabeth, Sosiel and Ezro come back from helping the wounded and report that the Knights are in good shape, even with a few loses, but it could have been worse.
Captain Hendrik and Aron, as well as Irabeth and the other Knights leaders come together after the battle to review the tactical plan from the battle and what could be done to improve the next time the army has to fight, and you are all sure that before Drezen is retaken there will be a few more battles.
After the review is done, Captain Hendrik asks, "Orders Sir?"
Hyram watches as Nurah walks away. What are you hiding? He muses. As she disappears, Hyram makes a mental note that he will have to keep an eye on her.
After he is finished cleaning himself off, Hyram seeks at Quinn. Not a bad start, Commander. Hyram says with a smile when he says 'Commander'. I would like to question the prisoners. Anything in particular you would like to know?
Aladir rides back into the camp, bringing with him a pocket of other survivors he ran across on his sweep. As soon as he sees Quinn, he rides up to the commander, dismounting his horse and speaking to him privately, relaying to him the information he was able to glean from the apparent leader of those he brought with him.
Quinn listens to Aron Kir's advice, but he can feel the sense of disapproval among the men. Nevertheless, he takes the siege-master's advice to heart. "The fight to retake Drezen will be for nothing if we cannot hold it." Quinn speaks loudly enough for the soldiers around him to hear clearly. "Distasteful as it may be, we need every advantage we can get. Have the men search the fallen, please," he asks Captain Hedrick.
"Nurah," Quinn calls, as he spies the bard making her way through the battlefield with Hyram following in her wake. "Perfect timing. Kindly give us a tale or a song to keep the mens' spirits up. This is a grisly task."
"I would like to question the prisoners. Anything in particular you would like to know?"
Quinn glances back towards Aron Kir and a nod of understanding passes between them. "Supplies," he calls back to Hyram. "Even an army of demon-blooded cultists could not brave the wilds and an invasion without a solid supply line. If we could capture some of their baggage train on the way to the city..."
Quinn trailed off as Aladir crested the hill with a small platoon of demoralized and severely wounded soldiers in tow. "Ezro! Sosiel!" he shouted. "You men, set up a triage station quickly. Captain Hedrick, food and water for these men. Whatever is required."
Ezro nods to Quinn, and turns to Alikia, "Care to join? You seem to have some time on your hands, perhaps you could learn something not found in a book?"
Turning he heads towards the wounded and begins working on bandaging their wounds.