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After a short while in the Warm Respite, sampling the fine drink and fare, the trumpets blare, marking the start of the jousting tourney. The starting rounds are to begin, and many of you are not in the lists till some of the later rounds, but certainly scouting out the competition, or just taking in the majesty of the tourney is too tempting and you move towards the Clydwell Plaza, in the shadow of the Cathedral, and too your pleasant surprise are able to get places very near the front of the crowd.
You see the trumpeters with their long silver, banner draped horns blasting out the fanfare. Nearly a dozen of the trumpeters bellowing out a clear clarion sound. The listmaster announces the first two competitors and you watch as Sir Kuranith steadies his charger on one side of the field, readying to meet Sir Yasek Balron on the other. The flag is dropped for them to start...
Everything is dark. You're on your back. You take in a deep breath and find you have trouble breathing. Dust fills your mouth and nose, and your head throbs with a monstrous headache. After a moment, the ringing in your ears subsides and you can hear the sound of clattering rock, along with moans of pain. Feeling around you, you can feel rubble and rocks, along with softer items that you'd rather not identify and realize that your are covered in dirt, but seem otherwise unharmed...
Selindra groans out loud, though pain wracks her body she forces herself to her feet. "Oi! Is anyone there? Is anyone still alive?"
Selindra grunts as she reaches around, feeling her pack and her shield and sword. She then starts to feel through her pack to find a torch, and then to her belt pouch to find her flint and steel so that she can light it, and see whatever it is that is going on around herself.
Godwin struggles to regain consciousness and is rewarded with darkness and a pounding headache. What happened? he manages to grunt out as he sits up and manages to get the most dirt off of himself.
Selindra is frustrated with trying to light her torch, till the lightsource from Godwin's halo gives her enough dim light to aim her flint correctly. She then quickly gets it lighted.
She takes a few moments to strap her shield to the back of her pack, and then stands up, strapping her pack on and securing her weapon. She then looks around again. "By the Inheritor, what in the hells happened down here..., why are we even down here?"
Selindra then takes a few moments to look about trying to get a sense of what happened.
"Uhm..., I don't know. Last i remember was hearing the fanfare from the tourney grounds."
Groan. Dust. Rounded shield painfully digging into his back.
His eyes suddenly opened but he remained silent, biting through his pain and slowly, quietly adjusting his shield. His turban had become unwrapped and covered part of his face. He sensed others, nearby.
Reassured after touching his scimitar and daggers, Ali heard voices...
Feeling for any broken bones and finding none, Ali slowly got up. he whispered, "Lady, lend me your light." A small sphere, glowing like a torch, appeared in his hand. He quickly transferred it to his shoulder and spoke in a thick, heavy accent, "Is everyone OK?"
Seeing the rubble and stones, he dusted himself off, "Where are we?"
Drakra groans. What happened? Who did I offend this time? He tries to recount who he might have offended. The Varisian bard? The strange tavern owner? Drakra was pretty sure he had seen that place before and did not recall it being a tavern last time.
Suddenly he hears the voices around him and realizes that his not alone in a pile of refuse. Feeling the dirt, and not garbage upon him, he brushes some off, and sits up.
Suddenly seeing light flare up in various places, and not wanting to be left out of the party, he speaks a few arcane words, together with a prayer to Shelyn, and a ball of light appears on the tip of his nose. After glaring at it for a moment, and swiping at it once or twice, he manages to get the ball of light to move to the top of his head where it sits, lighting his red hair like fire.
I am here. But, where are we? What happened? I knew those jousters were up to no good. Probably evil demons and not the famous knights. Heck, I think I saw one of them calling on dark powers just before the lights went out.
The diminutive gnome reaches for his pack. I have parchment in here somewhere, I am going to record their malicious acts so that we can report them to the authorities. He pauses for a second. Er, at least as soon as I figure out where we are that is.
" HAck! Grckgh!" Flynn struggles upright, coughing the dirt and dust from his mouth.
What happened Milady? Why so dark...
Flynn starts as light sources seem to appear all around him.
" Who's there? Friend or foe? What have you done to us?"
what did he say about demons?
" What good taking notes, they needs be stopped! There are innocent people at the festival..."
Baraak, Io! oh no, they may be in danger!
" We need to find out where we are and how we can get back!"
He draws his flail as he waits to see better and to hear if they are friendly or not....
As you start to come around and the haze of what happened to you starts to clear, you start to put the pieces together. The two knights lowered lances but neither started their charge when a bright light shone from the west, as if the sun we re rising from the wrong direction. The knight's shadows fell huge and distorted across the cathedral's facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion ripped through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor.
To the west, the fortress known as the Kite-the location of Kenabres's wardstone-had vanished. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupted into the heavens. A moment later, a powerful roar accompanied a welcome sight rising fro m the crowd-Kenabres's greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who had until that moment been attending the opening ceremony disguised as a human. Above, another form appeared, as nightmarish as the dragon was breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripped a flaming sword and whip. The creature's identity was immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, had come to Kenabres.
As the ground continued to shake and disgorge demons into the streets, you all worked as fast as you could to get people out of harms way. Flynn was able to pull two small children away as a crevasse opened almost immediately beneath their feet. Godwin The dragon and the balor lord clashed above. Godwin was able to move people out of the parade grounds back towards the town center. Drakra let loose a string of invective that pulled demons attention to him long enough for the family they were terrorizing to run, and also for the knights to get there before the demons could cause further damage. Selindra caused her holy symbol to blaze, making demons take pause for a moment, and Ali stopped terrified horses from stampeding into the crowd by breaking down a fence through which the frightened horses escaped, and the warhorses were able to join the fray. All the while, the Balor and Dragon began their clash above the city.
The fight was over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cut deep into Terendelev's body, swooping down to strike the dragon and arresting her charge. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spiraled downward toward the crowd .
The sight of the dragon smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one no witness would ever forget. At that moment, an immense demon erupted at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashed into this world. The rift it created shot across the plaza, and this time there was no escape-it opened below your feet, angling away into darkness. Although you were able to toss a few more people away from the opening rift to safety.
Even as you fell, the dragon noticed your plight. Though she saw death standing over her, she seized this final chance to save a few more souls. After she uttered a few arcane words and stretched out a bleeding talon, you felt her magic take hold of you, slowing your plummet into the darkness as if you were feathers falling into a pit. Yet the fall remained as inexorable, and as you drifted downward into the depths, the last thing you saw was the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragon, his sword lashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head fell, the rift above you slammed shut, and the light of the world above was gone.
Goddess protect us, the wardstone is broken... Terendelev is dead... Khorramzadeh himself assaulted Kenabres Godwin groans as the horrifying memories slowly come back. We must get back above ground. Godwin looks around and notices his companions for the first time. He remembers them from the festival. Are you all unhurt? Do you remember what I remember? Did Terendelev really save us with her dying breath?
Godwin struggles to his feet and searches for a way out
Are you all unhurt? Do you remember what I remember? Did Terendelev really save us with her dying breath?
The pit in his stomach threatened to expand and swallow him. Ali hadn't felt this bad since he realized what he had done to shame his family in his 'past' life.
Ali shook his head as the memory crept back to his conscious part of the brain and he realized what his body was telling him. This was bad, very bad. The silver dragon killed! Kenabres in ruins! Being buried alive seemed inconsequential compared to the bigger picture.With tears in his eyes, he nodded at Godwin's assessment, "I remember this as well."
He frantically started looking around for an exit, "But we are still alive. We must get out of here. The people in Kenabres need us."
Drakra, for one of the few times in his life, suddenly finds himself tongue tied as the memories of what took place flood back into him.
The mighty dragon, Terendelev, dead? No, it cannot be. He was here since before time. Such creatures should never die. He was immortal. And that thing? What was it? That demon. We were saved, but why? Why save us and not himself. Is there something that it wishes for us? Something we must do?
Suddenly realizing that he did not know who he was talking to, the small gnome looked about at those with him.
I am sorry. I did not introduce myself. I am Drakra Worpltng. Famed entertainer of the famous. Bard of the Seven Lands. Chronicler of the Third Crusade. And, entertainer of lords and ladies in many lands.
With that, Drakra bows to the others, seemingly having forgotten where they are or the dire straights that they now find themselves in.
Selindra gathered up her gear and strapped it in place, her shield for now on her back rather than in hand so she can carry a torch and her blade. "Selindra Starchild. Though those back at the Temple call me Shieldsister. I'm not certain what we saw, but we have to get out of this place. The Inheritor will guide our path, but Light alive we have to get someplace where we can help."
Selindra takes a moment to inventory her belongings to make sure everything is still there. "Does anyone need a torch? I have a few more. And a few other things. Looks like I made it down here with my travelling pack still intact."
I do not think that we need mundane light just now Selindra Starchild. Three of us seem capable of providing magical illumination. Take up your shield and let us find a way out. I am Godwin Solace, fellow follower of Iomedae.
She nods, sighing and puts aside the torch, and reaches back to unhook and pull on her shield, so that she can be more effective in combat. "Anyone know which way to go?"
Perception:
Using the light from the spells, Drakra looks as far as his gnomish eyes can to see whether he can see anything of note.
"I seem to have my gear as well. though I think it would be wise to look for more resources, as I don't readily see a way out. We can go without food for a while, but water may be a problem."
So saying Flynn, stowing his flail and shield, starts to look around.
"Hey. There might even be other survivors. "
"H-here, over here. I think my leg is broken." calls a voice from Flynn's north.
Drakra hears another voice talking softly from his east, "Oh gods, my eyes, the demon's whip took my eyes."
And still a third voice comes from the south, "Bring the light over here, I need help now!"
"I seem to have my gear as well. though I think it would be wise to look for more resources, as I don't readily see a way out. We can go without food for a while, but water may be a problem."
Ali nodded a curt greeting to Flynn, "No, the Lady blesses all her desert dwellers with clean, pure water so water won't be a problem."
"H-here, over here. I think my leg is broken." calls a voice from Flynn's north.
The inquisitor looked to find out who was talking closest to him. Sarenrae's light on his shoulder and shield at his side, he went to the voice. "Where are you? Stay put; let me look at your leg."
With only basic rudimentary skills in healing, he still worshiped a Goddess of healing, "Lady, I need your aid now."
The horrific images of the demons overrunning Keantes still on his mind Godwin pulls his falchion out and heads towards Ali.
Selindra heads to the south, as someone asks for light, bringing her torch with her to see what the matter is, sheathing her sword for now.
Drakra does not wish to leave the safety of the much taller, and better armed, people he found himself with. But, realizes that there are others who sound to be in far more dire straights than he. Hesitantly moving to the south, he looks for the one complaining about losing his sight.
Where are you? The demon did not take your light. It is merely dark. Open your eyes, I have some light.
Nodding in return, Flynn follows Ali to the voice of the broken leg.
"It is good to hear about water, dying of thirst is harsh.
He says on the way over.
"Now let's see about these wounded.
Ali moves over to the person calling out about her leg where Godwin, and Flynn also arrive, and finds a woman on the ground, dressed in leathers with a bow and some arrows in a quiver. As he starts to look at the leg, he can tell that it is badly broken, and even with some magical healing, the leg will take some time before it's able to support her weight.
Selindra and Drakra both head south and find a portly human dressed in finery. As the light moves he looks down at his clothing "BAH! Ruined. I'll never get this filth out of these clothes. Finest Tian silk and Varisian velvet. You there, you look like you might know some magic, can't you do something about this?" Despite his complaints, his clothing seems to be the only thing damaged about him.
One voice still calls out, "Is there someone there? Please, I - I think that I may have been blinded by the demon's lash. I can't see."
With the archer well taken care of by Ali and Flynn's expert hands and Selindra and Draka taking care of the voice to the south Godwin moves over to the last voice.
Be calm, you are safe now he says in a soothing voice and tries to assess the injuries.
Ali moves over to the person calling out about her leg where Godwin, and Flynn also arrive, and finds a woman on the ground, dressed in leathers with a bow and some arrows in a quiver. As he starts to look at the leg, he can tell that it is badly broken, and even with some magical healing, the leg will take some time before it's able to support her weight.
Ali inspected the leg but shook his head, "Even with my Lady's blessing, the bone will take time to set and you'll have to stay off the leg." He put away his shield and moved closer, offering his shoulder.
"Here, lean on me while we find you something to serve as a brace. My name's Ali, follower of the Dawnflower. Who are you?
Drakra had intended to move over and check on the "blinded" individual. I mistyped south instead of east. Either way, Drakra will hold his tongue and move to check on the whip blinded individual, if he has not already done so.
One voice still calls out, "Is there someone there? Please, I - I think that I may have been blinded by the demon's lash. I can't see."
Selindra ignores the man after seeing that he is well. She moves with Dakra over to the person that is claiming to be blinded calling out to him/her. "Hold fast friend, we are coming to you. You should see our light shortly."
Flynn looks at the injured woman's leg, and realizes that even with magical healing to heal the wounds she's suffered, the leg is injured badly enough that it will take time, or regenerative magic before she can walk on it normally. He is able to splint it easily enough with some of the timbers from the fall, but she is still in pretty bad shape.
Ali, and Godwin, as you're searching for something that can help with the leg, you also find something curious. 5 plate sized silver scales lie amongst the rubble.
Selindra, and Drakra when you move towards the man calling out from the east, the nobleman raises his voice more, "Do not turn away from me. Do you not know who I am? I am Horgus Gwerm, and I demand you help me."
As you reach the man to the East, you can clearly see why he didn't seem to see your lights. Horrific burns cover his face, and it appears that whatever caused the burns also seared away his eyes.
Drakra cringes when he sees the burns.
Oh no. I am afraid that your wounds are far beyond my limited healing ability. We are in some type of a cavern, I think somewhere beneath Kenabres. We all found ourselves here, and, I think, are going to search for a way back to the surface once we take stock of things. We will help to lead you out and hopefully someone in the temple will be able to heal you.
Drakra continues to ignore the nobleman knowing that his words are unlikely to help matters any, especially when trying to soothe this grievously injured man.
Ali, and Godwin, as you're searching for something that can help with the leg, you also find something curious. 5 plate sized silver scales lie amongst the rubble.
Ali inspected the curious scales, definitely out of place in all this rubble.
He turned to Godwin, "Ever see the likes of these before?"
He invoked the Dawnflower's grace and his hand was suddenly filled with golden dust. He sprinkled the dust on the scales and patiently waited and watched.
To Ali No, never.. I... fear it may be some of the remains of Terendelev Godwin shakes away the chill of fear that grips him when he thinks of such an awe inspiring and protective force for good actually dying right in front of them.
Godwin grips the burned man's hand to comfort him and leads him to sit where the archer is being splinted. You're safe now. Try and be calm but I fear that you're right. I don't think you will ever see again.
After the burned man is settled Godwin mutters to Iomedae for the grace and patience to deal with the arrogant nobleman and tries to help calm him down. Lord Gwerm, Kenabres seems to have suffered a massive demonic invasion and our situation is precarious. We are lucky enough to be uninjured but two of us are not and their needs must take precedence. We will have to work together and help each other if we have any hope of getting to safety unharmed. I trust that there will be no problem in doing so?
The golden dust falls onto the scales and glow brightly, each turning a different color as it does, indicating that the scales are indeed highly magical, but of varying schools of magic. 2 scales glow with a blue radiance (Abjuration), and the other 3 glow with a green radiance (Transmutation).
When Godwin talks to Horgus, the man grumps a bit, but seems mollified for the moment, "Hrmph...just see that you get us out quickly, we shouldn't need to bring along anyone that will slow us down."
As the blind man is led to the others, it becomes apparent that he's actually an elf. One pointed ear is cleared of his hair, the other seems to have been claimed in the same burns that also claimed his eyes. "Thank you...I fear Khorramzadeh's lash caught me a glancing blow. The injuries are worse than I had hoped. I am Aravashinial, we really should follow Lord Gwerm's advice and get moving as soon as possible. We should gather what we can while you scout out the cavern."
Lord Gwerm lets out a short snort "Do you have some crackpot conspiracy theory about the demon attack, Elf? It would follow suit for you." He then turns to Godwin, with an almost respectful tone, "If you get us out of here, I will offer you a 1000 gold piece reward."
Not wanting to offend the merchant Godwin merely nods at his suggestion. Iomedae willing we will all find a way out and safely. We should come up with a marching order. Those of us who cannot fight should be in center. I would be fine as either rear-guard or at the front though I admit I am not the best of scouts.
Godwin draws his Falchion from its scabbard on his back and gets ready to move.
Selindra nods to herself, and carefully reaches down to help Aravashinial to his feet. "Are you able to move? I can be your eyes if need be."
Selindra's eyes soften as she sees the extent of the man's wounds. Sweet Inheritor..., those marks, and wounds..., seem so..., familiar. She shivers inside and then steels herself again.
After looking about a moment to assess the situation, she looks to the others. "Flynn and Godwin, my brothers in arms. Flynn, if you could cover our rearguard, and Godwin if you would stay with the wounded? Ali and Drakra, Aravashinial and your friend with the broken leg are going to need assistance in moving. I'll take the vanguard. Lets check to see what all that is useful. Then lets make preperations to leave in a couple moments."
Godwin nods at Selindra's suggestion I will walk the center with the non combatants.
" Be sure to bring those Ali. They may be all we have left of Terendelev. "
A rag tag bunch we are! I hope we can make it out.
After helping with the lady with the broken leg, Flynn pats the elf on the shoulder.
" Fear not wise one. We will get you out of here."
With a dour glance at the Noble he moves to the back.
Donning his shield, Flynn takes a sunrod out of his pack and shoves it unlit through his belt. He then takes up his flail, and nods to Selindra.
" Sound plan Sister. Let us move."
Drakra looks at the others:
Um, er, I can. No. Um. Perhaps. The usually outspoken gnome seems to be at a loss of words for the moment.
I could. . . I um. I really don't like getting hurt, but. Um. Well. Perhaps I should . . . um. Perhaps, it would be best if I helped scout. I, um. People tell me that I see good. At least when they are not yelling at me. And, well. He stretches to his slightly more than three foot height. I tend to be harder to notice than you big clumsy folk.
Selindra nods to the gnome. "Take a light if you need it. Godwin and Ali, please assist the wounded. I think we have spent enough time here. When you are ready Drakra, we will follow you."
Selindra has her shield out, and carries a torch in her sword arm, pack on her back and blade where she can draw it from it's scabbard.
Ali is able to gather enough splinters of wood to create a splint for Anevia's leg, and luckily finds a longer, stouter piece of wood that she can use a crutch. With her wounds the way they are, she is unable to put any weight on the leg.
As you all get ready to move, Aravashinial places a hand on Ali's shoulder, so he can know where everyone is heading.
Drakra heads out in front as your scout, and as you all start to move, you become more aware of your surroundings. Stalagmites rise from the ground here and there, and you hear the echoes of bats squeaking in the distance, beyond the sight of your lights.
The ceiling and far walls of this vast cavern recede into darkness. On the side you are leaving, the wall has collapsed in an enormous mound of rubble-here and there the arms or legs of victims who didn't survive the fall protrude. As Drakra moves forward, he notices that in the back of the cavern, a disturbing shape looms. Nearly the size of a horse, what appears to be an immense black spider crouches silent and still on the ground.
As you all get ready to move, Aravashinial places a hand on Ali's shoulder, so he can know where everyone is heading.
Happy to be of help, Ali slowed down to accommodate for Anevia and Aravashinial. He whispered, "Be at ease, we will all bask in the sun soon again."
When you take up a second scale, the feelings of sorrow, and insight to the nature of the scales fades. (If you put one down and only hold the first scale, they come back.)
As the gold dust changed color, Ali smiled. Magical. The dragon's?
Then the answer overwhelmed him.
He sat down, tears streaming down his face and called the other people over. He whispered in a hoarse voice, broken at every few words.
"Wait, you must all listen to this." When he had everyone's attention, he related the story, or the impressions that he received from the scales. From the sadness of the dragon's death to its last heroic act. He then finished, "We must not let Terendelev's death or Kenabres fall be in vain. For some reason, the dragon chose to save us. In its dying throes, she saved us."
He looked at each in turn. Gnome bard and Iomedae's chosen (human paladins and aasimar warpriest). "You must honor her death and help clean the demonic taint from the land. Do you understand this?"
Selindra nods to him, and reaches over to take the scale in her hand. She looks it over for a moment, feeling its weight and pondering what Ali had said.
Dear Inheritor..., who am I, that Kenebras's greatest defender would sacrifice itself for me? Who are we, that such a great and powerful creature would save us, over defending the rest of the city? Was it so dire that this had to happen?
Flynn will also pick up a scale, A different one, after hearing Ali relate what he feels.
Such a great sacrifice.... Are we worthy? A handful of holy warriors, a blind elf, a crippled ranger and a selfish Noble? Ahhh, Great Dragon I hope you knew what you were doing..
" These are precious artifacts of our benefactor. we should keep them and continue on the dragon's good works..."
As you pick up one scale and then put it down, you feel that same sense of sorrow, and are able to understand which each scale does. At any time that you hold more than one, the scales become dormant.
One of the other scales is also a scale that offers resistance
The third you understand that the scale you hold will imbue your weapon with an aura of positive energy. (Sacred Weaponry: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast align weapon, but only to make a weapon lawful or good. Unlike a normal align weapon spell, this effect can be cast on an unarmed strike or natural weapon
The fourth you understand that the scale you hold will allow you mask your identity. (Disguise: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale
can be used to cast alter self. While disguised, the target gains
a +4 bonus on all Bluff checks made against evil creatures. )
The last you realize that the scale you hold will allow you to walk among the clouds. When you grab a second scale to give to Claylyth, you are no longer able to sense anything from the scales, until you are only holding one scale again.
{Cloudwalking: Three times per day as a standard action, a scale can be used to cast levitate. A pillar of roiling clouds rises below the levitating object or creature, growing and shrinking with the target's altitude. This pillar is 5 feet in diameter (regardless of the target's size) and provides concealment (20% miss chance) to any creature or object wholly contained within.)
Ali related to all what the scales supposedly did. He then kept the first one he touched, "I was probably meant to have this one but I can switch it out if any of you want it."
He slipped the scale in an inner pocket close to his heart. He never would have thought to have been so honored in his short time at Kenabres, whatever was left of the city. He whispered to no one in particular, "I am honored Great One and will do my part in the struggle."
He turned to those injured, "Stay back!" He then nodded to the others and grabbed a piece of rubble while approaching within 20-30 feet of the spider. Seeing the spider still did not move, he threw the rock at it and waited. Muscles tensed yet relaxed. His senses open.
Head bowed and tears welling in his eyes Godwin accepts one of the scales. By the light of the sword. May Iomedae's will be done through us and Telendrev's final purpose be fulfilled by us. Wiping away his tears and gathering himself he nods at Ali's words and prepares to move.
*Spider*
Godwin pulls out his Falchion and affixes a weapon cord to it as Ali scouts the beast. There may be an issue with some local wildlife he murmurs to the non fighters. Let us take care of it before we move on.
When Drakra sees the spider, he moves back to the rest of the group.
Quietly:
There is a REALLY big spider up there. Much bigger than those in the alley behind most taverns.
Flynn shrugs at the selection and takes whatever is left.
"It's just an Honor to carry one..."
Taking his scale he reverently tucks it away in his pack.
" Spider? Hunh."
He grips his flail and shield and moves ahead with Godwin.
I'll stay close to the others, just give me enough space to charge the creature if required to take it down. Hopefully Ali scares it away
Godwin will move to 40 feet away from the spider and halt.