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All of the enemies gone... or near enough, Ary shakes her head at Klarah. "Far from useless. We'd be much worse without you. This is a war. There will be casualties." She said, before taking a knee, facing Li'an, and raising her shield to hold Iomedae's holy symbol over her limp body. 'Iomedae, please guide her spirit to her lady's side.'
"I will honor a sacrifice freely given." She says with her eyes closed.
As Pipsqueak is healed Ary is right beside her, having cleared Fen'wen from her. "Hey, Pipsqueak. No... no he's not." She says, chewing on her lip. Normally she'd console the person, make a promise... But with one dead friend so close, she couldn't bring herself to make such a promise. "We'll see if we can find him, though. We're going to where all of the Crusaders should be gathered." She says, quietly.
"Everyone, this is Sana. I call her Pipsqueak. Because she is. Her father is a Crusader. All of these people are very good people, Pipsqueak, they'll keep you safe." She proceeds to introduce each person, and sharing her nickname for them. Every once in a while, she glances at Li'an, and feels the hole in her heart threaten to reach her eyes... But she manages to hold herself together. She simply addresses Julania as Captain Julie, not having a nickname yet. Klarah, however, was introduced as Sunshine.
Even as she was going through the motions, internally, she was screaming. At once, it was her fault for making everyone come this way. Her desire to keep her promise had killed her oldest friend. She wasn't sure she'd be able to get over that anytime soon.
But at the same time... had she not, the little girl would be dead. She was fighting to come to terms with the fact that Li'an had chosen this path for herself.
Closing her eyes, she rose, lifting the little girl as she did.
She headed for the basin that had once held the holy water, and using the nearby ladle gathered some to pour upon the unholy symbol.
"Ehren, do you mind filling the basin? We need to get her cleaned up." She said, carrying the little girl back to the basin. "And
.. we should try to reconsecrate the temple while we're here." She swallows hard. "And leave a note."
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Useless. In spite of everything, Ehren did not agree with Klarah, but he could understand why she felt that way. It was the way he felt right now. As the battle winds down in a flash, he slowly approaches the elemental he summoned, reaching down to pat its head. The outsider shudders, and then abruptly crumbles away, leaving only rubble. And then, with a greater amount of effort, he forces himself to look over at Li'an. How long had he known her? A few days, not even a week? And yet, she had become one of his first true friends. And to some of the others, he knew that she had been more than that. Aravashnial... I'm sorry.
As Ary introduces everyone to Sana, Ehren smiles at her weakly, more for her sake than his own. The girl clearly meant a great deal to the crusader... what would have happened to her had they not arrived when they did? He immediately dismisses that line of thinking. They could not afford to contemplate such things - they could only mourn what had been lost.
"Yes," he answers Ary, his voice almost a mumble. He heads over to the basin and quickly conjures up some water, focusing far more on the rote gestures than he usually would. Then, with another expenditure of effort, he lightly taps the little girl's shoulder, infusing her with more positive energy.
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As the last cultist falls, Val sprints across the room to Li'an's side. A choked sob escapes her throat and she drops to her knees, her knives clattering to the floor uselessly. "Damn it Li'an," she whispers. "Why did you have to be you?" Val feels the rage at the cultists still bubbling in her chest, but with them dying around her, she can't bury her feelings underneath anymore. Tears roll down her cheeks and another sob wracks her body. "Damn it. The first time I've trusted someone enough to call them a friend in nearly a decade and they're dead within a week. It not... it's not fair." She cradles Li'an's body, oblivious to the blood staining her clothes and softly kisses her forehead. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." If she'd just been a little faster. If she'd been able to stay with her, she could have tried to protect her, she could have saved her.
Her eyes flare again momentarily as she looks around. They fall on the tattooed cultist. The one who killed her. The one who's still alive. She lowers Li'an gently to the ground and scoops up her starknife again. Pouring the rest of her anger into her blade, she shoves past anyone in her way and slams her knife into his throat with an inarticulate scream.
Ary gives Ehren a small smile and nod as he heals the girl. "Thanks. We'll get cleaned up in here." she says, trying to ignore the outbursts from Valaria; they were deserved, but she wasn't nearly as good at self-expression as Valaria... and far less comfortable with it.
She took her time, using her cloak once more to wash Sana off, and prepare her for the journey to the Crusader's Heart.
The tattooed cultist perishes swiftly at Valaria's hand.
"Bishop. Need a hand with this." says Julania as she and Hrut move to right the fallen statue and brazier of Sarenrae. Meanwhile, Klarah uses Ehren's conjured water to clean off the unholy symbol... and the blood. Anevia does her best to help move the cultists' corpses out of the temple. The cleaning and subsequent prayers take around ninety minutes to complete.
Ary moves out and assists as she can, leaving Pipsqueak to 'be a big girl' and get herself cleaned up, for the first half hour or so.
"Do you have a stretcher here, or something like that," she asked of Klarah, when she had a chance. "We can take her with us to the Heart at least. Surely they'll have casters strong enough to resurrect people there if they have them anywhere. I know it'll be expensive, but we'll get her back." Ary says, quietly. 'And if they don't, then we can at least take her home.'
Once the big things were done, Ary helped to finish cleaning off Sana; kids never cleaned everywhere properly.
Val moves to help Anevia dispose of the cultists' bodies almost mechanically, her eyes still watery and occasionally letting out another sob. She checks each of the bodies, emotionlessly slitting each of their throats to ensure that they're dead before leaving them in the street for the carrion birds.
"We'll find a way to make it work," she says softly at Ary's words. "It's not over yet." She refuses to consider the thought that all of the priests in town strong enough may be dead already. "We should get moving once the temple is clean."
I don't know whether this more reminds me of Arathi Basin or Generic Zombie Shooter™. Running around recapturing points after combat, and assembling ragtag crews of survivors. :) I'm ready once Markus checks in. Ideally, we can get a stretcher or something to carry between Hrut and Ary. Ary will try to get Anevia to leave the note for the other Crusaders, should they come through.
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Markus almost drops to Li'an's side with the rest, gibbering uselessly and pointlessly channeling healing energy into her. Almost. But everyone is being so strong, and dealing with it, and the thought of bringing Li'an back helps him.
But he can see that Valaria is suffering, so he approaches the tiefling woman and gingerly places a hand on her shoulder. His arms glow with that same ghostly, white light as before when he tries to infuse her with calming, relieving magic. "Hey, Valaria. It's not over, alright? You'll be fine, and so will Li'an - we just have to get to that inn."
Val jumps slightly as Markus's hand touches her shoulder. "Right. Right. We... we can't give up yet. It's not over unless we give up." Her voice catches and she still seems shaky, but her face is set and determined. "We can get her back. We will get her back."
As the subject of reviving Li'an arises, Ehren opens his mouth slightly, as though to say something, but quickly shuts it again. It was true, he had suggested towards the start that there was perhaps a priest on the surface powerful enough to regenerate Aravashnial's eyes. It followed that an individual with that kind of power could raise the dead easily enough. But that was before he had seen the surface for himself.
"We should take anything useful the cultists were carrying and leave," he says instead, glancing over at the temple's doors.
Sana giggles as Ehren heals her. "Haha! That tickles, Rocky!" The little girl didn't know Li'an - so she isn't particularly sad - but she is perceptive of the low morale - even Anevia is having difficulty smiling at the prospect of reaching Defender's Heart. "It'll be okay, Ary," she informs the much taller woman as they gear up to leave.
Before leaving, the group checks the cultists' bodies.
They find:
- The four warpriests all have masterwork glaives (12 lb each) and chain shirts (25 lb each)
- Between the psionic woman and Algon, they find 23 pp and 262 gp (6.1 lb total)
- A small bag of gems on the body of Aigon worth... DC 20 Appraise/DC 15 P.Merchant:66 gp
- A potion that is... DC 12 Spellcraft or DC 17 perception:oil of slipstream
- A wand that is... DC 16 Spellcraft:CLW with 23 charges
The heroes finish cleaning up the temple into the night - they work by the illumination of Sarenrae's brazier alone for eerily red-tinted clouds block the stars tonight - tonight it is dark. Klarah pulls some curtains to serve as a makeshift stretcher to carry Li'an's body between Ary and Hrut. Li'an's body is carried through the abandoned city on a blanket of white and gold.
Thankfully, the gate district seems deserted. They come upon Defender's Heart - the largest inn in Kenabres - a stout stone structure that appears to have survived the fall of Kenabres with ease. The windows are lit - and as you approach the construction you can see the lights of people carrying torches.
Val walks close to the stretcher, keeping very quiet. As the lights fo Defender's Heart come into view, she feels a spark of hope bloom in her chest. "What was the password thing again? And how do we get inside?"
Markus is mostly silent on the walk to Defender's Heart. "Anevia? Care to do the honors?" he says when they arrive.
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Anevia nods, fidgeting. She draws her shortsword and focuses, imbuing it with light. She walks towards the closest torch bearer, hands up in the air. She calls out, "Silverstrong?"
"...Anevia? Inheritor be praised, it's you!" As the torchbearer approaches it is quickly apparent that it is a halfling woman in full plate emblazoned with a tabard. She removes her helmet - revealing a thick head of platinum blonde hair and a dazzling smile. At her side - a grim looking elf woman in chainmail.
"Andisy! Vica!"
The halfling woman nods. "Be right back!" she chirps, and heads into the complex.
Anevia hobbles forward as quickly as she can. "I've got company." She is about to follow Andisy when the elven woman halts her.
"...Hold up. Let me do a quick scan. You know protocol." The paladin begins to focus, on the group when little Sana rushes past the crusader and into the complex.
"Sana!" "Daddy! Daddy! Where's mommy?"
Grim embraces his daughter and stares past her to Ary, breaking into a wide smile. "Well, look at that!" he beams, evading the question. "Bishop pulled it through after all!" His face falls as he realizes who is on the cot. "...I'm sorry."
Meanwhile, Vica finishes her scan on the group. "All clear." The heroes are allowed entry into Defender's Heart - a cavernous inn that appears to have been repurposed into a refugee camp. There are far more citizens within than there are crusaders, scattered around the tavern that compromises the first floor.
Anevia's face lights up as Chevalier Irabeth Tirablade rounds the corner. She is an imposingly tall half-orc woman with a short, spiky crop of black hair, in ornate golden plate armor and a flowing red cape. Her eyes well up with tears when she catches sight of Anevia and rushes forwards to embrace her. After a lingering moment, she grabs Irabeth by the hand and drags her forward to the group.
"Irabeth! These are my new friends. I'd like to introduce you to them."
Chevalier Irabeth nods, smiling. "Absolutely. Come, let's talk somewhere a little more private."
Irabeth leads the heroes to another room off to the side - at one point it was a private dining room for events - now repurposed to a meeting room. On the center of the table is a map of Kenabres. Places of interest are marked with crudely carved buildings.
Anevia still lingers with Irabeth, having never let go of her hand. She brings the half-orc woman to each hero in turn.
"...This is Markus. He's a wizard, and scholar from Caliphas - specializing in necromancy. He's a master twiddly fingers! Oh. And he can heal - which is awesome for a wizard, I thought they couldn't do that." "Indeed. That is most uncommon... Markus, is it? Tell me, Markus, what brings a necromancer of Caliphas to Mendev?"
"And... this is Valaria!"
"Isn't she gorgeous?!" - she adds in a loud whisper, with a wink.) "She's been all over the place - she has so many stories. I believe she's Chelish... am I right?" she asks. "She's wicked with those starknives." Irabeth nods. "...Desnan, I see. You are welcome among us, Valaria. We need all the help we can get, if you are willing to work."
"And this is Hrut. I believe he's a new recruit - I remember watching him get inducted within the Empyreal Guardians." "Empyreal Guardians? Impressive company you keep, soldier." Irabeth says, after a salute. "Yeah - his training is top notch. He's freaking strong, too."
"And this is Ehren. He's just a kid but you wouldn't think it seeing the way he works magic - some kind of prodigy. He's saved my ass a couple of times. I'd be dead if he wasn't here." Irabeth nods, respectful. "Thank you so much for saving my wife, Ehren."
"...And this is Ary... you know... I told you about her awhile back when she joined up? Ary Bishop" Chevalier Irabeth salutes her. "Indeed. There are many tales about that shield, of yours. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Anevia nods. "Not just a shield anymore too. Ary, show her that sword!"
Irabeth's eyes widen at Radiance's restored light. "...I thought you told me she wasn't a paladin? That is... intriguing." Irabeth smirks. "Wait til the men hear about this. Radiance relit on the battlefield will be fantastic for morale."
And finally, Anevia gestures to Li'an. "And... you know her, as well."
"Li'an. I see. Elan's daughter. I'm sorry to see that not all of our friends have made it."
Anevia nods, before putting on a brave face and turning to face the rest of the group. "And guys, this is my wife, the infamous Chevalier Irabeth Tirablade!"
"That's Commander Irabeth Tirablade, soldier."
Anevia looks shocked. "You were promoted?! But what happened to-"
"Dead. All dead. I'm the highest ranking Eagle Watch member left so - I'm in charge." She sits down in one of the chairs. Her guard is down from the aggressive demeanor she carried out in the tavern - now she just looks exhausted. Anevia pales. She doesn't know what to say.
Irabeth looks up at the heroes. "Thank you for keeping my wife safe. I swear to you, I will do whatever I can to assist you. Now, do you have anything to report?"
"Of course I pulled through, Grim. What did I tell you about leaving Pipsqueak out in the open?" she said, not mentioning the elf on the cot; Her smile was just barely reaching her eyes at the prospect of at least Grim having made it through.
Ary passingly looks over the battlefield as it's set up, but doesn't particularly gain much from it. Was old Kenabres the target, or was it the location they needed to defend? Given their current location, likely they were the assault points to retake something.
She slowly lets Li'an down on the makeshift stretcher as she watches the exchange quietly, drawing Radiance to show Irabeth when it's requested, but she doesn't put it away. She keeps her eyes on it until she's asked to report, giving a minor salute (she's not a huge fan of saluting 'just because') when Irabeth salutes her.
"There are several things to report. In order of happenstance, we've brought Aravashnial and Horgus Gwerm to the surface, we've secured reinforcements of an unusual sort while we were busy underground as well. We retrieved Radiance and discovered that the enemy seems intent on collecting and altering magical weapons. Unfortunately, we suspect it was the cultists who took your sword from Gwerm's manorhouse. Fortunately, I have a nearly-as-fitting blade for you." she says, proferring it outwards, but continues to speak. "We brought several civilians to Gwerm's manor, which seems to possibly be more secure than this location. A pair of tailors, last name Loumise, the druid Crocris, and a half-dozen children from Blackwing are currently located there, along with Gwerm and Aravashnial. We met up with two groups of Crusaders and sent them this way... though we didn't know the password at the time. We can verify that the Tower of Estrod and Topaz Solutions are enemy hideouts, and have cleared out Topaz Solutions. I'll go into more detail about the reinforcements after I make sure everything else is in order. And I think Rocky has something to say of his own." she says, not mentioning the Kite, but instead moving her eyes to look in his direction.
Ehren is more than a little flustered when Ary directs Irabeth's attention toward him. Merely returning her nod had been simple enough, but he had not prepared himself for the reality that she was in charge of everything now. But Ary was right - if anyone should report on the status of the wardstone, it was him. Still, he could only wonder - and hope - that he was not mistaken.
"I do not know what happened at the Kite, Commander Tirablade, but the wardstone field in still intact," he starts, forcing himself to look the paladin in the eye, "I understand that that may be hard to believe, but my people - or at least, those of my enclave - have an affinity for sensing such things."
"The Tower of Estrod? That's useful information, thank you." She stands and adds a building to the map at its location - then sits back down.
Commander Tirablade looks at Ary, head tilted. ”…Underground? Where were you underground? …Unusual reinforcements? What do you mean by that?”
At the word of her sword, her cheeks flush. ”…Ah. My sword?”
Anevia ruffles her hair and kisses the side of her head. ”It’s okay, love. I forgive you for not telling me.”
Irabeth smiles awkwardly. ”…Well, it is not my sword anymore – I sold it. I am glad that there is word on what has happened to it.” When Ary offers her blade, Irabeth shakes her head. ”No, Bishop, I am fine. There’s more than enough cold iron to go around here – we’ve managed to recover an armory in the past few days, though much of our magical arms and weaponry were lost when the Kite fell.”
She turns to Ehren and frowns. ” …You’re Kellid, correct? Sarkorian? Well… the Kite is gone. Not even the foundation remains. Is it possible the stone has been moved? I really don’t know these things.”
”Sooooo you’re the big boss now, huh?” grins Anevia, trying to lighten the mood.
Irabeth shakes her head. ”Of the Eagle’s Watch, yes. Of the crusaders here… we are a bit disorganized. The highest ranking man remaining was Ser Holton Albright – Hrut you should be pleased to hear he survived the original attack on the festival. However he and a good chunk of his men left for Nerosyan yesterday to secure reinforcements. Then there’s Inquisitor Liotr Hawkblade.” She glances at the non-Crusader members of the group, explaining, ”Liotr was the leader of Prelate Hulrun’s Inquisitorial team. They’re…. efficient at their job." She says a bit strained, but avoids insulting her brother-in-arms. "Because of that business with Staunton Vhane, though, the majority of the crusaders here seem to prefer my leadership. I don’t think Liotr is happy about that, though.”
”Well, naturally… You’re the big hero!” Anevia embraces Irabeth from behind, resting her head on her shoulder.
Irabeth groans. ”Oh, stop it. I don’t deserve any of the praise. He got away.. I let that madman get away,” she says darkly. ”And I get titles for it.”
She sighs, addressing the heroes once more. ”It seems like you’ve been busy. Please, tell me what you have been through these past few days. I need all the information I can get.”
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"...I don't know," Ehren admits, his face turning slightly pink. The idea had not even occurred to him. And how would one even accomplish such a thing?
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"Starting from the top, on Armasse, we were in the square when everything started going to hell. Father Nestrin Alodae was being assailed by Dretches who had knocked him unconscious. We were able to come to his aid, but then the Balor along with other demons began to overwhelm the area. The Stormlord fought with Terendelev, and we witnessed him slay her. A rift opened beneathe us, and with her dying breath she saved us. At the bottom of the cavern, we found many dead, Horgus Gwerm, Aravashnial, and your fair lady. We also found these." she said, digging out the dragonscales. "They've been instrumental in seeing us through safely, and seeing our enemies fall. The powers are all... dragony." she said, reaching for a word. "Transformation, Flight, Protection, and Demonslaying. We found a camp down below, but it had been abandoned, a broach we found turned out to belong to our new allies. Pressing forward, we came upon a temple to Torag. There were... Hue-somethings in there. A type of blasphemous undead. We felled them and Hrut and crew prayed to Torag... the results were... magnificent." she said, once more noting her promise to get Avi down there. "We pressed forward once more and found an area dedicated to Crusaders of old; statues exceptionally well-carved. We also found the insane dwarf Millorn; he killed himself with a nearby trap when we pursued him. Moving still onward, we came upon some Underfolk; Aravashnial used the term Mongrelmen to describe them when we first met; we settled on the term Underfolk, I think. After a small collapse that affected both us and them, we moved onwards. There was a chasm we had to cross that was..." she shook her head. "Mistakes were made. Along the way from that chasm, we found dead bodies of cultists in crusader-wear. They had Baphomet's holy symbols and armaments, they apparently died removing a threat to our allies. The underfolk have a small city down below, connected to the sewers. We cleared out a small bunker for them of cultists, and reunited their tribe, as thanks they're holding onto some cultist bodies for us, and plan to join the war effort as soon as we give them the go-ahead. We also captured Radiance and information... Vhane is apparently the one behind collecting our holy weapons." she says, pausing to frown a little, knowing that wasn't what the half-orc would want to hear. "We also captured the leader and her lieutenant, but unfortunately, we allowed them to escape to Topaz Solutions. Blackwing Library is in shambles and Chaleb Sazomal is being... himself somewhere, Horgus's manor is fully intact, Topaz solutions is in shambles, one of Sarenrae's temples still stands, but was nearly desecrated. We also found a tiny box that plays a celestial song at Topaz Solutions. Gwerm's staff fled. We've been made aware of another threat to Kenabres as well. One Xanthir Vang. His MO is destabilizing the planes... we also found out that the Worldwound Incursion is actually a threat to the planes themselves. The two are likely linked. Finally, a group known as the Riftwardens has a... mutual destruction option should they believe we have failed significantly enough." she said, ending on the more harrowing note of the gathered threats against them, thinking she'd finished with her debriefing, primarily.
"I think the underfolk would be more comfortable if we could find them an underground bunker of some sort; the one that came with us to above ground seemed... particularly unhappy with the sky. Do we have any locations that would fit those needs particularly well?"
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Val can't help a smile as the two lovers finally reunite, though she feels a hint of regret grow larger that Li'an can't see it. She nods as Anevia introduces them, refusing to let her grief weigh her down any more than it already has. "For whatever good it does me, yes I'm from Cheliax. But I like Mendev so much better. You're actually expected to kill the fiends here, not bow and scrape like they're oh so impressive. There's only the inescapable threat of death to worry about here."
She glances over at Ary as she explains their adventures. "I think that hits most of the high points. If you have men to spare, sending a messenger to the people of Neathholm, the Underfolk, could give you some much needed reinforcements. They look strange even by the standards of people touched by the Abyss, but they're good people, whatever they may look like. And they're eager to make contact with the current crusaders and move against the cultists and demons that threaten them. Also, do you have room for another dozen or so refugees? Because leaving them at Horgus's manor without anyone capable of guarding them is more of a risk than I'm willing to take right now."
"Alternately, sending people to defend the manor may be wise; it's unlikely that Gwerm will be willing to leave and it is heavily fortified. I'm guessing you've already gotten a report from Anevia as to how sturdy it is."
When Irabeth asks him why he's here, suddenly Markus feels distinctly uncomfortable. The truth is that he came to be killed by a demon so that he wouldn't have to do it himself, but...with Li'an's corpse right there suddenly that desire seems so much less valid. She hadn't wanted it, and he hadn't wanted it for her, but somehow he remains alive and she is dead.
So he answers her, "Positive energy and negative energy are linked. If one knows how... one can utilize both. As for why I'm here...I feel that this is where I'm supposed to be."
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Irabeth nods at Valaria. ”All are welcome to fight in the crusades. I understand how it doesn’t always appear that way more than most,” says the half-orc paladin. ”As for your civilians at Gwerm Manor, I will send a group to escort them here in the morning. I think with children involved, as sturdy as Gwerm Manor is, I'd feel better with them where we have the best established safe-zone. If Gwerm desires protection for his home, I think I can arrange for that. Not much, mind you. But he shouldn't need much.”
She also smiles at Markus. ”I for one am always glad to gain more spellcasters. Are you planning on enlisting?”
She then listens to Ary’s story.
”…I see. You’ve had quite the perilous journey, it sounds like. I am astonished by your collective resilience in the face of all of this. Inheritor be praised.” Irabeth smiles, though her eyes are weary.
”Thank you for being so thorough, Bishop. Underfolk, hmm? “
”Descendants of the First Crusade, it seems,” Anevia says. ”Like… stuff out of a fairytale. They’re good allies.”
”Indeed. Mongrelmen… I think I like Underfolk better. That shows better respect for their original parents. I will be sure to send some Eagle Watch knights to contact them and work out an alliance. This needs to be handled diplomatically, after all. If Liotr heads their welcoming party, we are more likely to gain enemies, not friends. The same about these… Riftwardens. I will need to communicate their intentions along the chain of command, but if I choose the wrong channel, we will only end up with more enemies than we can handle.” She allows Ary to continue before saying, interested. ”Baphomet. ”
”Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, of course. Rats,” spits Anevia
”Indeed – we are likewise aware of their hand in what happened on Armasse. They are, in my opinion, one the most dangerous elements of the enemy. They have spies everywhere,” says Irabeth. ”and have apparently been in Kenabres for decades. Only recently has proof of their presence been manifesting. Staunton Vhane was one of their number… before I revealed him, he was the leader of a group called the Hammers of Heaven. He was… a model crusader. But as I discovered, he was working for the demons for decades. There’s even evidence he may have been the one to betray Drezen 75 years ago. They knighted me for that discovery, but I’m still not sure why, since he slipped through my fingers and is out there still, causing who knows how much more damage…” Irabeth trails off for a moment, before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. ”You deserve a reward for your efforts against the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth.
”Yes! Speaking of… Horgus Gwerm was rather generous with my friends for escorting him back to his manor. And there is the matter of Li’an – she only died today.I think we could, if we worked quickly, afford a diamond for resurrection? Surely you could ask a favor of Mother Aethais? Or Lady Jana? Or Sister Mary Gelnne of Egede?”
”Dead… dead… and dead,” says Irabeth. Anevia’s face falls. ”There is no one left capable of performing resurrections. The clerics were targeted first – as always.” Irabeth thinks for a moment. ”…I believe there is a scroll of Reincarnate available, in possession of one of the civilians stationed here. Lica, the scribe. But… there are no druids here.”
Anevia grins, hobbling over to Ehren and smacking him on the shoulder playfully. ”Well we’re in luck then, right? This kid is an incredible druid.”
Irabeth looks skeptical. ”Anevia, reincarnate is a powerful spell. I think I’ve only met one druid capable of the feat.”
The name means nothing to Val, but she assumes that it must be the cultists they've been dealing with. "It seems that Vhane was only the first of these... Templars you called them. If the number of cultists we've been meeting is any indication, they've infiltrated just about everything. Nobles, crusaders, ordinary citizens. I hope you've done a sweep through your ranks here, because we really can't afford to have this safe haven compromised."
A look of desperation crosses her face. "Please, it may be her only hope. She died protecting a child from those cultist madmen. She didn't deserve to die like this. Please, who is this druid? Is there any hope that he's alive? We need him." Her last words come out as pleading, her voice catching again.
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Ehren bites his lip as the slain clerics are named off, some of his worst fears confirmed. Their hopes of restoring Aravashnial's eyes, of bringing their friend back to life, were for naught. Irabeth's mention of the scroll does not initially change his opinion on that matter, for indeed, she was correct; he could not hope to cast the spell inscribed on it. Even his own father was not capable of such a feat. Still, hearing Valaria's desperate plea, rubbing the spot where Anevia smacked him, looking yet again at Li'an's motionless body... No, I cannot do it... Not alone, at least.
"No, we don't need him," Ehren says suddenly, looking up at Valaria. For what he says next, the awkwardness of the phrasing escapes him. "We only need me. And Crocris. Neither of us are powerful enough to cast the spell alone, but together..." He trails off, leaving it unsaid that he had never done anything of the sort before. No, there is a slightly more important matter he has to address first. The other reason for his hesitation.
"But everyone here should be warned, reincarnate is a fickle spell. It is a powerful rite for certain, but there is a reason it is lesser than true resurrection. If it works, Li'an will come back... changed."
Val looks over at the druid. "I... Are you sure? If you think you can actually make it work..." She grabs the druid in a rough hug, then lets him go just as fast, blushing slightly. "I... I want her back, but I... I've only known her a few days. Would she want that? I mean, would she be willing to accept that risk?" She laughs, but the sound is hollow. "I guess there's not really a way to answer that question."
Irabeth glances to Valaria and sighs. "Ah... I am sorry, I didn't mean to get your hopes up. I don't know where she is. Druids... they tend to wander. Especially gnome ones."
She looks at Ehren. "All right. I'll arrange for the scroll, then. This is the least I can do in thanks for my wife's life."
"I... I trust Ehren. If he thinks that he and Crocis can work it out, I trust him to know his own limits. And thank you. We've all been through a lot these last few days, but we weren't about to let her get killed while we could help it. But we appreciate the help anyway."
"Alright. Okay. Let's do this!" grins Anevia. "Do you guys want to leave now, or in the morning?"
Commander Irabeth looks from face to face. "Some of you are hurt. We have a number of clerics of Desna here - they pray at night so they are available to medic at night. We can get you patched up, and outfitted with some protection. Crocris is at Gwerm Manor, correct? That's not too far away, and the Gate District is actually relatively clear. The majority of the remaining force is in Old Kenabres so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Though, if you are too tired to journey, I understand. What do you want to do?"
"As much as I want to get back to Crocis and make sure everyone else at the manor is alright, we're tired and injured. At the very least I think it would be wise to see the priests and at the very least have our wounds treated. And if there's a shrine to Desna here, I'd like to pray if we have a few moments. For Li'an safe return and for the safety of everyone here. I can wait a few more hours if people want to rest though and it's not my decision alone obviously."
Ary had been quiet throughout the discussion of resurrection... and the hopes that were being dashed, hopes that weren't even hers. She'd made a promise that was beyond possibility at this time. She looked down to the sword still in hand, and sheathed it quietly as she waited for the decision.
"I think... Fen'wen would at least appreciate the effort. At worst, she'll only be able to be herself for an hour or so each day." she says as she pulls the silver dragonscale out of her own pack.
"I... don't want to push our luck, but I also don't want the others to worry. Do we have any way to send a missive? I know Gwerm has his own messenger birds, so it's possible he'd be expecting mails and missives. I don't think sending them by night would work so well, though.."
Her brow furrowed for a moment. "How do messenger birds get past his alarm spell, I wonder.."
Commander Irabeth nods. "We have ravens."
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"If there's still a crusade to enlist in... I'd be happy to be a formal part of this venture. I'm certainly not leaving yet." says Markus, nodding with definition.
"Mm. The Templars - we're dealing with a deadly foe." muses Markus. "All the same, they die when you stab them and they're not immune to alignment-detection. Paladins like yourself must be invaluable. Though a selfish worldview isn't in and of itself a condemning factor..." says Markus, addressing Irabeth.
"As for messages... I think I have one to send, if you'll allow me. And we'll need to tell the Desnans to prepare at least one inflict spell to heal me."
'I write to you to ask from you a favor. I have traveled to the country of Mendev, to enlist in the Crusades here, and things have turned badly. I have a request for you that's greater than any I've requested from anybody, because I don't believe I know somebody else who can help. I've made a friend here, named Aravashnial. Aravashnial is a powerful wizard but he has lost his sight. By chance I happen to have studied with you and learned of a psionic technique called synesthete, that one can use to make up for disabled or lost senses.'
'I wish to implore you to come to Mendev, so that you might teach Aravashnial the technique and allow him to see again. You will be paid, and your safety will be a priority for as long as you're here.'
'We're currently in the embattled city of Kenabres, sheltering in an inn called Defender's Heart. Send your reply to that location. I await future correspondence with bated breath.'
Sincerely, Markus the Grey
Irabeth's face lights up at Markus. "Ah, thank the gods. We need you. Though, I will be honest, understand the situation is dire. We have about two-hundred people accounted for. Out of the what... five thousand crusaders we had in Kenabres on Armasse?"
Anevia pales.
"Two hundred loyal crusaders are worth ten cowards a-piece though." Chevalier Irabeth grins, suddenly reinvigorated. "We're not letting this city fall without a fight."
Irabeth glances at Markus, confused, before Anevia explains - "He's dhampir so - healing magic works kinda weird with him." Satisfied with that explanation, Irabeth nods. "Right. That shouldn't be a problem. We have shrines set up to Desna outside with the stables. Come on, let's get you patched up."
Irabeth leads them down a hallway, and up the stairs, to what was once a very large suite in the inn that has been repurposed to a healing station. Several open vats bubble with partially brewed potions, and most of the beds are occupied by wounded crusaders and civilians alike. The clerics staffing wear brightly colored garb, adorned with butterfly symbols. Irabeth pulls aside a fellow half-orc - a woman named Soba with ruddy brown skin, blonde hair, and prominent goblinoid ears. Klarah hovers around anxiously as Soba heals the group, and when they're done she runs up to Ary to give her a hug, then addresses the heroes.
"Thank you so much for saving me. I think I need rest. If you ever need my help again, please, seek me out."
Meanwhile, Soba prepares to 'heal' Markus. She looks Markus quizzically before she begins - asking, "You sure about this, honey? ....All right." She ends up astonished to find her negative energy's effects on him a perfect mirror to positive energy on a living person.
Irabeth returns when the clerics have finished their work. "So, are you sending a message to Gwerm manor first, resting, or leaving now?"
Markus nods. "I've understood that the situation was dire since before I came. We're facing an army of demons - how much worse can it get, anywhere?" His voice drops in volume down to a murmur. "At a certain point, though, it gets to be healthier to count the living, rather than the dead. And I'm sure many fled Kenabres. That two hundred Crusaders stand today astonishes me - it's actually more than I hoped."
As they're led through the building, Markus notes with pleasure the preparations that everybody has made. "Apparently dire situations call for very capable reactions." He humms, and nods with relief when his wounds are healed by the Desnan. As minor as they were, they were getting in the way of some of his activities.
"Thank you, Soba. That must have felt uncomfortable for you - positive energy always stings my hands."
"I most definitely will, Sunshine" Ary grins, giving her a hair tousle, despite the fact she's only a year younger. "Stay safe. I'll see about getting you some armor." she says shifting her attention, "Actually, you said you had plenty of cold iron... and not enough men to use them. What are the chances you could pass out a few cold iron options? Daggers for Valaria, at least some shield spikes for Hrut, some alchemically treated ones for Anevia, if possible... not that I suspect she'll be coming with us when we go." she says, looking to her to give her a chance to decide. "And maybe something studded for Ehren. I've got plenty of supplies at Horgus's that might help. Plus some holy symbols we suspect are poisoned... but none of us are skilled with poisons, so someone with that kind of skill may be of use. Speaking of..." she dug out the Mandragora ichor. "This stuff came from a Mandragora... I wouldn't drink it, even though I don't even know if it's poisonous. I do know the poison was pretty nasty, as it made me imagine there was a ghoul crawling on my... nevermind" she said, dropping that line of thought. "An antivenin would be amazing."
She paused for a moment to consider her options.
"I'll feel more comfortable sleeping when we know whether Fen'wen's gonna be with us in the morning. Plus, making sure everyone at the Manor is at least close to guarded. I'll send a quick missive, then we can head that way. From my understanding, Horgus is in need of another Head of Security... so if you've got anyone, probably an Abadaran who hasn't sworn in, that'd likely be best. Preferably one you'd personally vouch for." Ary said to Irabeth, "I'd feel better knowing that I hadn't gotten him home just to leave him there while the war continues; from my understanding he's made a lot of difference around town... and he'll have plenty of stone to help us rebuild when this is all over with. I'll need some paper though to let him know what we decide to do." she looked to the others.
Val finds a quiet spot while everyone is having their wounds treated, closing her eyes and remembering the face of her lady. "Please my lady, hear me. The people here suffer, and we've lost too many already to savagery and cruelty. Grant your protection to them and grant them luck and faith to continue on through these darkest of times. And please, if I can be selfish for a minute, please let Ehren and Crocis succeed and bring my... friend back to me. I beseech you Lady Desna."
She makes her way back to the group, catching most of Ary's speech. That... actually sounds like a very thorough plan. You know, when you actually get talking, you've got a sharp mind and a good head for tactics. I approve."
"Alright. We have the ravens up in the rafters. As for cold iron... We have daggers, scimitars, longswords, maces, waraxes, spears, studded clubs and greatclubs, warhammers, arrows, and bolts available in our armory. We have a handful of merchants hunkering down here with their wares - but you'd need to make a purchase, of course. I'm afraid we don't have the resources here to forge spikes, though."
Irabeth raises an eyebrow at the mandragora poison. "Well, not really my expertise either, but we have an alchemist."
"I can make do with my cold iron starknives for now. If I need more cold iron knives later, I'll deal with it then. Say, do any of those merchants have anything magic available? I've been looking for something kind of specific and Horgus was at least nice enough to pay us for escorting him home."
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Ary shook her head. "Tactics are easy. You just have to think of what you'd do if you were the enemy. And I'm not even always right, then. Debriefing and requisition are... kinda ingrained in me from years of training. Believe me, now that I've told someone, I'll likely forget everything. I've also got a knack for forgetting names." she shrugs a little.
To the Lord of Gwerm Manor - Or any little monkies that intercept it,
We've located the primary Crusader forces, we'll be bringing back some Crusaders with us, at least one of which will remain to keep you safe in the immediately foreseeable future. Irabeth yet lives, and has decided to take in all of the refugees from your home. There is also bad news, but I don't think that letters can fully describe the situation; please inform Crocris that we'll need his aid when we return... and pray everything works out.
At this point, several lines are scribbled and then marked out, apparently, Ary is unable to decide on exactly what to put. After the effective inkblot, she places a comma,
Ary
Irabeth nods. "We have a couple of magical crafters in residence, they have a few of their wares with them. I'm afraid it'd be better to wait until morning, at least, before bothering them, though."
Val nods. "Right. It's not nearly as important as getting Li'an to Crocis and then getting everyone back here. I'm more than happy to wait until morning."
"Um," says Markus. "An odd request. Normally I'd just go ask the traders but...do you think any of you would have any onyxes? I need them for ah...wizard reasons." he says, looking a tad embarrassed.