DM Pendin Fust Wrath of the Righteous - Group B (Inactive)

Game Master theheadkase

The walls quake as Åkon's suddenly ear-drum shatteringly loud voice slams against them: "Take heed my voice, foul demons! Your heinous plan is thwarted, and before you stand but we: your end manifest!" His rosewood bow radiates a strange rosy glow as he nocks an arrow, "Show me, then, Lirrathan, that your bite is as bad as your bark!"

Standard: Raging Song—Inspired Rage (Lesser Celestial Blood, +2 morale Str & Con, +1 morale Will, -1 penalty AC)
Free: Coupled Arcana (Wild Arcana—Clarion Call)
Swift: Arcane Strike—Bane(Demon)

Do we all get the rage benefits?

Do we all get the rage benefits?

Raging Song ...Allies must decide at the start of each of their turns if they wish to receive the benefits of Ragins Song. ... Quoted from the ability.

Then count me in! It won't upset MY spellcasting!

Yeah, Arc basically knows all about babaus.

The so-called blood demons shriek out a hideous laugh as they raise their claws and open their slavering jaws, taking bites and swipes at each of you. The golden nimbus around suddenly glows angrily, and the demons cry out. A voice in your head tells you of your new found powers.

One by one they point in a wide circle and an unnatural and unholy darkness coils out from their palms, but the glow on your body pulsates in response and flashes once, twice, thrice, and the darkness retreats back into their grotesque appendages.

The demons chitter in confusion.

Arc must decline the rage Åkon. :)

Using a his first arcane point Arcessentes hits the group with a quickened glitter dust. Mythic power - No SR. Each creature must save twice and take the worst role. Will save DC 17 He follows that up with a Mirror Image spell on himself.

Images: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I know you demons and name you Babau. We fight with Cold Iron or good weapons and do not fear you. We know of your protective slime and do not fear you. We stand as a team and will not let you flank us. Flee from us or die here on the prime material plane.

Arc is telling you that these guys have DR cold iron or good, they have a protective acidic slime, and they can sneak attack. Also they carry long spears so you should expect reach.

I forgot to mention that anyone under the effect of my raging song also gains the following as a rage power: Lesser Celestial Blood: Melee attacks are considered good-aligned weapons for the purpose of bypassing damage reduction. Furthermore, you deal an additional 1d6 points of damage when you damage an evil outsider with a melee attack.

I forgot to mention that anyone under the effect of my raging song also gains the following as a rage power: Lesser Celestial Blood: Melee attacks are considered good-aligned weapons for the purpose of bypassing damage reduction. Furthermore, you deal an additional 1d6 points of damage when you damage an evil outsider with a melee attack.

So that won't suck!

Babau Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

The demons chitter in Abyssal and start pawing at their eyes. The sparkling dust is even more reflective, the power of the Wardstone surrounding each of you scintillates fiercely in their eyes.

Everyone go ahead :)

Alright, so I’ll try out some of this new goodness!

I will Power Attack, Challenge, Skald-rage and attack with my cold iron (and apparently Good) scimitar against one that I'm hoping is blind!

Scimitar Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 20
Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + (3) = 18

Round 1

Sir Bastion holds out his holy symbol and calls out to the heavens, "Iomedea, Bless these champions to dive back these foul demons before us."

Bless on the group. (a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects, for 1 min)

-----------------------------
On Going Effect: Life Link (Paritosh); Sanctify Corpse on 4 corpes, 24hrs; -1 Chr checks; Bless, 10 rds;

I understand Abyssal, have they said anything specific?

@Aakon - Something along the lines of "What in the name of Deskari is happening. What is that light? It burns! Why can't we kill them and gnaw on their souls?!"

So what is next?

Oops, I think I still need to post my actions. Since raging song is morale, like my rage, I can't stack them, so I will take the song and save my rages for now.

Liking the tune that Akon sings, primarily showing how hard he can bite back against some nasty demons. He swings readily and gleefully with both weapons, hoping to catch any of the beings in his onslaught. He is still unaccustomed to extended use of the magical mornigstar, being a blade man, but his sword sinks in to demonflesh. When it does, the added effects of the man's song shows itself some more.

Morningstar 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12
Short sword 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26, confirm 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
Damage 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (6) = 16

The holy light and rousing song bolster your actions. The demons actually become afraid as Lirrathan's short sword bites deeply into one of them. They angrily chitter at you and make odd gestures. A slit in the fabric of the universe seems to open up, with difficulty, and another demonic foot begins to step through.

The light pulsing around you spews forth a torrent of brightness and the rift closes abruptly, severing the foot and half of the leg coming with it.

The babaus look, insofar as a look can be determined, terrified of what this signifies.

Everyone go again! Remember, you're awesomely powerful now!

With new found energy, Sir Bastion step to Lirrathan and calls upon his goddess once more, "Iomedea, hear my prayer! Grant your healing power to Lirrathan! Let his strength and sword form the wall to stop the rip of reality!"

Using a Mythic Power point to cast a Mythic version of Cure Light Wounds.

2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 7) + 2 = 11

Reminder there is a Bless spell in effect atm.

-----------------------------
On Going Effect: Life Link (Paritosh); Sanctify Corpse on 4 corpse, 24hrs; -1 Chr checks; Bless, 10 rds;

Paritosh drops his shield to the ground and two-hands his scimitar, continuing to wail in the babau that he challenged.

Power Attack, Challenge, Skald-rage and attack with my cold iron (and apparently Good) scimitar

Scimitar Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 18
Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 6 + 3 + (3) = 19

Unable to harm the creatures will his spells, Arcessentes begins to summon creatures that can.

Åkon fires a single, devastating arrow at the Babau closest to him and Arcessentes. His rosewood bow singing with him, "That's right putrid beasts, leave now or death will be upon you in mere moments"

Cold Iron Arrow Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
Cold Iron Arrow Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 1 + (4, 6) = 19

Standard: Point-Blank Attack Babau

Aakon's arrow finishes off the babau Lirrathan struck previously. Paritosh's scimitar screams into another and knocks it back somewhat, the creature hurt and dazed. Bastion's healing refreshes Lirrathan and the demons being to mill about. A second or two goes by and they try to strike at you. The vivid light surrounding each of you causes their claws to skate away, leaving no damage.

Mop 'em up!

Number of eagles: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Two celestial eagles appear in flanking positions and attack the demons each smiting.

Eagle 1
Claw 1: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 251d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Claw 1 confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 231d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Claw 2: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 121d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 211d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Eagle 2

Claw 1: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Claw 2: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 181d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 181d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Paritosh steps up to finish his opponent.

Power Attack, Challenge, Skald-rage and attack with my cold iron (and apparently Good) scimitar

Scimitar Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 8
Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 6 + 3 + (2) = 22

Back to my old ways!

Arc, give the bard song benefits to the eagles!

Sir Bastion lets the rage of his goddess engulf his spirit as he steps up to the fray, swinging Radiance over his head in a downward chop.

"I Smite thee in the name of Iomedae! Back to the dark reaches of the Abyss from hence you came!"

Radiance, Smite Evil, Bless, Rage Song: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage, Radiance, Smite Evil, Rage Song: 1d8 + 3 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 6 + (3) + 1 = 21

Current AC vs Smite Target: 21/14/20
Current AC vs non-Smite Targets: 17/10/16

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On Going Effect: Life Link (Paritosh); Sanctify Corpse on 4 corpse, 24hrs; -1 Chr checks; Bless, 8 rds; Rage Song, +4hp, -1 AC, +1 Will, 1 rd;

Arc, give the bard song benefits to the eagles!

Good point Paritosh. That will add +1 damage to each hit and make those two 18s hit! With Smite that bypasses all DR that should be 28 points of angry eagle damage to something. :)

The wizard, after completing his summoning spell seems to be holding back, ready to cast a spell if needed.

Inspired rage adds +1 to hit and damage in Str, and +1d6 damage futher against evil creatures with melee attacks. Not only +1 damage ;) Also, how do you compile your rolls that way Arc?

Envigorated, Aakon tests the limits of his newfound powers. Caught in the rhythm of his own performance, he fires two arrows in rapid succesion at any still standing Babau. In Shelyn's name I vanquish thee, vile grotesques!

Cold Iron Arrow Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 30
Cold Iron Arrow Attack 2: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 27
Cold Iron Arrow Damage 1: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 + (4, 5) = 16
Cold Iron Arrow Damage 2: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 1 + (4, 1) = 16

Swift: Wild Arcana—Allegro
Full-Round: Point Blank Full Attack a standing Babau

Also, how do you compile your rolls that way Arc?

It's a semicolon between the two. You can "Reply" to his message and when it quotes, it will show you the code.

yea, what Paritosh said. I'll use curly brackets instead of square to show you. {dice=Claw}1d20+3+2;1d4+2{/dice}.

The eagles are coming! The eagles are coming!

The celestial birds tear shimmer into existence and tear apart one of the demons.

Bastion, Radiance singing, slashes another to fresh demise.

Aakon with an impressive display of marksmanship manages to kill the last of the babaus, causing Paritosh's swing to falter as he realizes there is no target left to slay.

After you have your appropriate responses.

The group searches the rest of the Garrison, finding the corpses of the demons and their affiliates. Various magical items I'll compose loot., weapons, and armors are found. Keeping in line with the horror of the situation, crusader bodies are also found in terrible poses, and shrines or remembrances to good gods, especially those of Iomedae, are torn or vandalized.

Making your way back to Defender's Heart, the front of the building seems odd. There isn't any sense of guarding. The guards posted at the front seem somewhat lax (although that could only be in comparison to the days prior). As soon as you go to the front entrance, the door is opened and an air of celebration greets you.

Anevia greets you with a smile and a large mug in her hand. "We know you succeeded! Come in and tell me and Ira!"

She brings you in and takes you to the same meeting room where Irabeth launched your mission to the Garrison. She is still busy, commanding the remnants of the city still weighing on her, but she greets you warmly and waves away her fluttering spies and aides. She motions you to sit and says "The wardstone's destructive wave of energy forced back much of the demon forces...for now. While I would like the full report of what happened in there, it is sufficient for the day (and night). Queen Galfrey is still on her way and is probably a few days out still. Rest. Recuperate. Revel. We will talk more later."

You've got at least a week and a half and probably 2 in game time to do what you do. The Queen will arrive at some point and I'll continue a post after we get some of the other out of game stuff out of the way.

Ah, time. Arc has two crafting feats. We need to compile all our wealth and see what can be done.

OK Loot!

6 Wardstone shards, each containing a fragment of the wardstone's power. You can use these by rubbing them on armor and weapons. Rubbing on weapons grants the evil outsider bane quality for 1 day. Rubbing on armor gains spell resistance (13) for 1 day, against demons that increases to 17.

3 scrolls of dispel magic.

+1 scythe

6 short swords

amulet of natural armor + 1

cloak of resistance +2

350 gp in onyx gems (used for animate dead)

2 potions CLW

potion of CMW

potion of barkskin

potion of invisibility

potion of spider climb

+1 leather armor

dagger

ring of protection +1

I was starting to consider having Paritosh morph into a two handed weapon fighting style to up his damage dealing potential. With that in mind, I could use the scythe. Not the greatest up front damage, but x4 crits is nothing to sneeze at.

And using a shard consumes it?

I support you moving to a two handed weapon Paritosh, but the scythe is not an optimum choice imho. Carry it for now if you do not have a magic weapon, but her a great sword soon.

This loot does not add up to much for crafting.

Here are sell prices for what I recommend we sell.

2 scrolls of dispel magic - 375 (I need one to put into my book)
+1 scythe - 1154.5
6 short swords - 30
350 gp in onyx gems
+1 leather armor 580
dagger - 1

Total = 2115 gold before we split it. And that is if we sell that Scythe, which us the most valuable item we have to sell. What are your thoughts on what we sell and keep?

Don't sell the second scroll. You never know when it will be needed.

You can sell the scythe.

Using the shard does NOT consume it. Can only use it once per day.

Sir Bastion with spend the next couple of weeks assisting in the recovery of the city, researching his new blade, and making an effort to clean temples to Iomedae.

[ooc]If others need Sir Bastion's assistance or spells to anything let me know.[ooc]

Doing a bit of a retcon with DM permission to make a character meeting easier before y'all scatter to the winds on individual character tasks.

[Irabeth] is still busy, commanding the remnants of the city still weighing on her, but she greets you warmly and waves away her fluttering spies and aides. She motions you to sit...

As her retinue leaves, a lightly armored soldier enters the hall and approaches in long quick strides. At first blush, the figure appears to be a thin man but it becomes clear that it is a slender, overly-tanned (and relatively nondescript) Tian woman in her 20s. She looks more like a peasant than a warrior, save for her distinctly martial carriage. Her face is smeared with dirt, soot, and sweat. Her eastern-styled armor is an elaborate set of woven leaf-like fabrics banding together layers of hardened leather plates, lacquered to a high sheen. The armor is cleaner than the woman, having only a thin coat of stone dust and grit as well as a few scratches. In comparison to either the woman or her armor, the set of lacquered sword sheaths tucked at a rakish angle through the woven red cord wrapped around her waist, are immaculate.

She halts near the table, offers Irabeth a half-bow, and outlines a battle-line on the map with the swish of a ruddy finger. "We're secure on the north end, my lady. Before the ward-wave struck, I lost three warriors and five citizens... but our defenses were holding. We've redeployed in light of the demons' retreat. My scouts are in forward hides and the rest of the men are at the main redoubt, ready to react depending on what is signaled. Would you care to amend those orders, my lady?"

Sell what you have listed with the exception of the second dispel magic scroll, as Paritosh commented.

On a side note, do we have a total of what we have acquired? I still show Sir Bastion at the same gear as when he started with the exception of Radiance.

Irabeth considers what Reiko tells her and she responds after a few seconds. "How much do you actually know about the Wardstone, Reiko?" Not waiting for an answer she continues, "The Wardstone is...was...incredibly powerful. Just a half day ago I sent a group in to destroy the Wardstone."

Reiko's gasp is unable to be contained.

Irabeth smiles, "I know. It was a measure of last resort and forces all of us to push the demons back, and even attempt to close the 'Wound. When that group succeeded, the Wardstone's power was released out of its crystalline form and out as a wave of energy that blasted the demons, giving us much needed time to regroup and take the fight to them. It wasn't without its casualties, as you know, and one of the group came back in a disturbed mind. As much as I need you here and in the city, I need you with them. They've been blessed by the gods. I've been in contact with the Queen and she agrees, she has a mission for them and I want you to go with them."

Irabeth looks at the Tian, "Whatever doubts you may have, say them now. But once you are done, I am sorry to say, this IS an order. You can probably find them, Sir Bastion, Paritosh, Arcessentes, and Aakon about the Heart. "

OK folks, the queen's coming in about a day so you can retcon whatever you did crafting/purchasing/selling/etc. and we'll move on tomorrow.

I haven't seen a total list of what we've acquired...I can post a list of ALL the treasure available, but I'm also not opposed to you all just following WBL if you want for your loadout.

[ooc]Hmm. First of all Arc has a gear value of about 1300 gp, not counting his dragon scale and this most recent find. WBL table says he should be at 6K now. So I am fine taking the delta to have 6K. But then that cheapens crafting, unless we can count crafting at a discount in the wealth calculations. Crafting is normally at 50%. Here is what I propose: Let us re-equip to that 6K value, but let me craft a wondrous item or two for everyone who wants one to, say a total of 2k crafting value. That means that we could have up to 8K worth of stuff. Caveats are that the scale, and those shards do not count and that the special sword is valued only as a +1 sword for now. I'd like that reset to be a one time thing to take advantage of crafting. Alternatively I could drop my crafting feat and take another feat. Thoughts?

Oh, I thought the other characters were still in the conference room. No worries.

Irabeth looks at the Tian, "Whatever doubts you may have, say them now. But once you are done, I am sorry to say, this IS an order. You can probably find them, Sir Bastion, Paritosh, Arcessentes, and Aakon about the Heart."

Reiko gives Irabeth a puzzled look. "My duty is to serve. Here or elsewhere, it is all the same... and not something I would object to, even if I had reason." She offers a small bow, pivots, and heads for the door to find the band of warriors.

Who? 1-B, 2-P, 3-Arc, 4-Aak: 1d4 ⇒ 3

After some searching and asking around, Reiko manages to track down one of the warband - an improbably thin elf. She stops abruptly at a prescribed 8' distance from Arcessentes, just outside of threat range, and offers a curt military half-bow - somewhere between a nod and offering her head for severing. Her dark eyes never leave the man in front of her as her slender hand rests lightly near the scabbard's mouth of the large killing blade at her side. Her thumb sits on the sword's small tsuba, ready to push the blade clear in short order. Despite the martial bearing, Reiko's voice is pleasant and serene.

"You are Arcessentes, yes? Good day. I am Reiko of Wanshou. The Lady Irabeth has said that I am to accompany you and your warband on your next mission."

Huzzah, happy to get a move on. WBL is it? Ok, I'll equip and get my equipped self posted.

The wizard looks up from his work and his strange pale eyes take in the woman. He holds her in his gaze too long to be polite before responding simply. Indeed. Why do you think she would have done so?

If Arc's overlong gaze bothers Reiko, it doesn't show as she mulls his question, "Without knowing the mission's specifics, my guesses will be poor. Perhaps Lady Irabeth believes another sword or a scout will be needed?"

As if remembering something from a dream the wizard offers Oh yes. The elf, Lirrathan. He has been reassigned. Turning back to his work for a moment Arcessentes reaches some stopping point and then offers. Come. I believe I am now expected to serve as a bridge between you and the rest of our party. You may make small talk as we walk if you wish.

Finding the other more martial members of the team Arcessentes makes a sort of introduction. Greetings my companions. I introduce to you one Reiko of Wanshou. It seems that Lady Irabeth in her wisdom has assigned her to work with us. Perhaps it would be wise to tell her about ourselves and learn of her skills so that we may better operate as a team. I believe her reassignment means we will be deployed soon.

You may make small talk as we walk if you wish.

Reiko merely nods and accompanies the lanky wizard, occasionally glancing over at the man as they walk. Small talk, it seems, is not her way as she maintains a comfortable silence.

Greetings my companions. I introduce to you one Reiko of Wanshou. It seems that Lady Irabeth in her wisdom has assigned her to work with us. Perhaps it would be wise to tell her about ourselves and learn of her skills so that we may better operate as a team. I believe her reassignment means we will be deployed soon.

"It is an honor." The swordswoman offers a deferential bow. "It is my understanding that the Queen herself has a task for you and agrees with Lady Irabeth that I may be of service to you in that effort. I don't know the nature of the mission but I am skilled with the daisho," she taps a slender finger lightly on the two swords at her hip, "...as well as the bow. Since the fall of Great Terendelev, I have served as a scout, skirmisher, slayer, and squad leader along the northern line of the defense. In your terms, I am a Knight-Errant." The last seems an explanation and, curiously, something of an apology.

Sir Bastion stand, "Greetings and welcome, Reiko of Wanshou. I am Sir Bastion, Paladin of Iomedea, Member of the Order of the Land, Scion of the Blackwolves of Sarkoris."

He reaches out with his hand in welcome in the direction of Reiko.
As he does so you can see that his eyes are clouded over, but he doesn't seem to be affected by it.

He continues, "The Inheritor has blessed me by hiding the devastation of my ancestral lands, and as such I have vowed to rid the lands of the demons that plague them. I provide the spiritual guidance for our group as we send demon upon demon back to the chaos of their making."

He takes a knee as if by queue as a terrier in leather barding comes forward, "And this is Jokum, my faithful companion. But if the Sword of Iomedae, Queen Galfrey, has a task for us, I am concerned that I may not be able to bring my friend with me. I and Jokum will hold vigil tonight and seek the goddess' answer."

Yes, go ahead and re-equip to WBL. I'm fine with allowing you to craft 2 wondrous items (within reason).

Queen Galfrey's arrival is all that is talked about in the few days following the events at the garrison. Even around the city, the demonic forces obliterated and their supporters being routed, the word has spread and has changed the atmosphere of the devastated populace.

Queen Galfrey's forces are road weary, and battle weary from the look of it, but stalwart nonetheless. After quarters are established for the forces and the celebratory meal is enjoyed, an emissary from the queen herself finds each of you and says that she has heard of the events that transpired and would like to meet you somewhere you are comfortable.

Once that location is agreed upon, the group comes to the location and is greeted by the queen's honor guard and promptly allowed inside...with all your weapons.

As the queen looks up, bags under her eyes and lines creasing her weary face, she brightens momentarily and motions for you to sit. Food and drink are brought and she starts to speak.

"While there are some narrow-minded souls among the crusade who blame you for the destruction of the wardstone border, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved entire legions of crusaders from a most vile fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of energy gave us the time we needed to regroup and prepare for what will certainly come next. But you understand the implications of what you’ve done, I’m sure—the wardstones are gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn’t merely fade into the ether. In time, the demons will regroup and reorganize—we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it otherwise would take, but we shouldn’t underestimate them. They’ll be back soon enough. Already I’ve had reports from along the front lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border.

But what intrigues me most is news from several reliable sources that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. In particular, the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond. The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade. If Drezen could be retaken—if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade... well, I trust I don’t need to explain how well that would affect morale. But with the imminent attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place. The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well-trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I’ve sought you out. If you can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with your heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get!"

Reiko considers the logistics of the task. "Your Grace, how quickly can this small army be assembled and do you know where in Drezen we will find the Sword of Valor?"