After securing the grounds of the estate Acessentes ponders Why has this opulent address been spared the fate of much of the city? I fear I there is a reason other than random chance and that I will not like it once I discover it.
Later after the group makes its camp the wizard gets as comfortable as he can and begins to scribe a scroll. After two hours of work he has completed a scroll of Mage Armor.
In the morning Arc prepares his spells as he eats a light meal. I am ready for such a foray Sir Bastion.
Where to this fine morning? If we swing close to my old quarters there are a few things I would not mind picking up. How about Lady Anevia's house?
"I think it would be prudent to take the Lady Anevia home first," Mirel says as she helps Anevia prepare for the day. "That way she can rest while we continue on to the Defender's Heart, and the places mentioned in the note."
"I am for Lady Anevia's home or Defender's Heart, whichever is next on the way."
Lirrathan eagerly adds his input, "Indeed, we need to get Hobbles home. Not that I don't like the look of ya," He tells Anevia comfortingly, "It's just one less person we need to worry about in a fight."
As you exit Gwerm's house the street is much the same. No new destruction seems to have occurred and the morning's clean light feels like a lie to the devastation that has occurred here.
The wizard advances down the street oblivious to any danger.
"Iomedae gifts us with a a sign of hope that Kenabres will last and be rebuilt." Sir Bastion says as he holds out his arms and enjoys the morning light.
Suddenly, Jokum stops, ears perking up as he hears something in the distance. Turning in the direction of that he hears, he gives a low growl of warning to the group.
Lirrathan just nods, "You guys hear that buzzing? I thought I heard it before we stepped out the door, but just figured he had a fly in the house." His eyes shine with their common battle fervor, "You guys feel like starting the day with a rousing fight as much as I do?" With that he draws his bow and is ready to move toward the sound once the others agree.
Well, something has the pup riled up. We could just keep moving and maybe bypass this threat. I do not believe we will rid the city of demons ourselves...
"Yes we could Arcessentes, but do you think a threat would just walk past an innocent? What if young Jolin were out again looking for the rare morsel for her family, only to be attacked by this threat. While we may not be able to rid the city of all demons, we are able to rid them one at a time."
"Even Lirrathan knows that possible threats of demons must be dealt with quickly and promptly. You can hear the enthusiasm in his voice and see the spring in his step." Sir Bastion finishes with a smile, as he steps over to Lirrathan and gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder.
"Jokum, come... we hunt demons today."
Looking a little ashamed, the wizard falls in and casts Mage Armor on himself. I, I was not thinking about all that. Of course I will help. After a few steps he ponders. When chooses much be made it is not always easy to discern the greater good.
Sir Bastion says a quick prayer to Iomedae before moving forward.
"Inheritor, Bless us in our endeavour to cleanse the city of this vile infestation."
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On Going Effects, Sir Bastion: Bless (+1 Atk, +1 vs Fear), 10rds;
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On Going Effects, Jokum: Bless (+1 Atk, +1 vs Fear), 10rds;
Lirrathan looks at Bastion like he's gone mad when the man ascribes greater purposes to his reasons beyond what he really wanted. "Yes, that's it exactly. For the greater good and all, the thrill and fun of it merely a bonus."
Lirrathan crouches low, leading at a full-speed sneak, one of his specialties. Seeing one of the giant flies, he draws his bow and lets loose with a clean shot. Despite the intensity, it's fairly weaker than its potential.
Arc moves forward at half speed, but does not seem to have skills to move quietly.
Lirrathan's arrow strikes true and hard knocking the first fly down to the ground where it angrily buzzes for a moment.
Mirel sneaks forward at half speed, drawing her whip and buckler as she does so.
Sir Bastion and Jokum continue forward, just making it to the corner.
"Where is it boy? Down the alley?"
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On Going Effects, Sir Bastion: Bless (+1 Atk, +1 vs Fear), 9rds;
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On Going Effects, Jokum: Bless (+1 Atk, +1 vs Fear), 9rds;
Lirrathan takes aim at the second fly, knowing that shooting things on the ground is hard, and thinking he would leave something that the big guy could take care of on his own.
The wizard will delay to see if the creatures attack.
Lirrathan's second arrow strikes true and the giant fly searches for you.
Lirrathan is having fun thus far, just plinking the flies with arrows, but he's hoping for a real fight soon, or this will just become monotonous. He draws and fires again at the still airborne bug. Dissatisfied with his last shot, he drops his bow as he steps out from the corner and draws his two blades.
Arc moves to the mouth of the ally and fires his crossbow at the closest creature while getting some cover from the building.
Jokum will continue to follow Sir Bastion in defend mode, until give an additional command.
Arc's bolt sticks the fly on the ground, causing it to shudder once then goes still.
The party quickly overwhelms the remaining fly.
As another fly rounds the corner, what looks like a giant ball of beard flies down out of nowhere, "I GOT THIS ONE!" He tackles the fly to the ground and smashes in it's head. "Is everyone alright? I knew I'd find survivors somewhere, where are these monsters coming from?"
The wizard pokes his head around the ally wall as he reloads the crossbow. What was that? he asks his group. Do we have someone helping us?
Mirel looks at the beard, standing threateningly with her whip. "Who are you, bearded one?"
Shaking the guts off his hands the small man speaks in a low voice, "I am Nemris. Nemris Silverclaw. Now please lower your weapon, I mean you no harm. I am here searching for survivors, are you the only ones in the area?"
Sir Bastion moves closer concentrating his focus on the new comer.
Not sensing the aura of a fiendish heart in the dwarf, Sir Bastion say " Greetings Nemris Silverclaw. We are but a few survivors, we have found others and taken efforts to ensure their safety. What news do you have of the city? Have you encountered any other city defenses?
"Unfortunately, no. I fear there may be no other survivors in the area." the young dwarf says as he punches the wall.
The wizard steps out of the ally to fully regard the newcomer. Well met Nemris. I am Arcessentes. My companions and were on an important quest when we were sidetracked by these demon flies. I'f you've no other pressing mater, perhaps you would consider joining us as we try to build resistance to the enemy occupying our city? He looks to the paladin for his assessment of the dwarf.
"My only mission is to restore the balance of the world, and that seems to be your mission as well. If youll have me I'll gladly join you."
"This is the Jokum." Sir Bastion says as he presents the dog at his side.
"Jokum smell the new comer, he is friend."
Lirrathan just scowls at the dwarf as the others conduct niceties, merely mumbling "Pssh, HE means US no harm? Stunty seems a little full of himself." Once the group has offered him to join them, he slumps his shoulders and lets out a groan, before finally speaking to the dwarf. "Look, I can't help every single person we come across getting invited to stick around, but you better not slow me down. I have enough of that already. No offense Hobbles and Blinky." He jerks a thumb back at the blind elf and the limping woman "Oh, and just so you know, I think it's rude to jump right into someone else's fight. Your just lucky it was just a little clean-up work, and not really an exciting tussle." He puts his weapons away and goes to collect his dropped bow, adding after the fact "By the way, my name's Lirrathan."
"Quite sorry for stealing your glory, I'm sure you're able to handle yourself in combat. I hope to see this combat expertise in the coming battles."
"I am Mirel." she introduces herself before turning to continue on their way.
Mirel shows wisdom. We have tarried here long enough. Join us if you will, but we must continue with our mission. the4 wizard falls in with the inquisitor.