Fomiel waits. He is waiting to see if he gets one.
Well let us head to the Defender's Heart
Fomiel takes a potion with a smile.
"I can get in close with my claws."
The group divies out the potions and continues North until they find Defender's Heart at early evening. Torches and lanterns already light the stark stone wall, and people in armor, who you assume to be knights can be seen in about each third window that lines the building's exterior. A large barricade is built in front of the entrance, and a number of guards stand behind it with crossbows trained in your direction. One of the guards eyes your group, and in a gruff voice demands 'State yer business, before you come closer!"
We are seeking a safe place for ourselves and other refugees. Silverstrong. Godwin says.
Fomiel keeps his hood on, but a pleasant voice comes out.
"We are rallying those we can find aND protecting the weak."
Vardan stands in the saddle, then bows with a flourish,"Defenders of beauty, truth and the innocent."
Drakra opens his mouth to speak, but then realizes that perhaps discretions is the wise choice, and is definitely better if it results in his getting into the fortress where he will be away from all the demons.
The defenders relax visibly when Godwin gives the password, crossbows lowering, but still ready, Alright then, come on fowar... He squints his eyes a bit looking beyond the group, Anevia? issat you? A broad grin spreads his face, I know one commander tha's goin' ta be right happy when she sees you. The guards demeanor changes considerably when they usher you in with Anevia.
The guards take you into the large stone building, which seems to be left mostly intact. The city around it also seems to be largely untouched, as if the demons attack was focused more on Old Kenabres and the riverfront. As you enter, hurried, loud footprints are heard coming towards you. When you look up, you see a large half-orc woman dressed in plate armor rushing up to you. Anevia lets out a half sob half cry of joy when she sees the woman, and embraces the large woman joyfully. After a moment, Anevia seems to remember where she is and turns back to the party with a blush on her face, wiping her eyes slightly, but with a large smile. "Irabeth, I want you to meet the heroes who saved us from the cave in of the city, and who have taken in refugees, seen to their safety and brought me here. If it were not for them, I might have been lost beneath Kenabres, or worse. My friends, this is Irabeth, my wife."
Irabeth shakes each of your hands in turn, I cannot thank you enough. What you have done means more to me than anything in the world. Whatever help you need, the Eagle Watch will help to provide it, at least until the Queen and Mendevian army show, at which point they'll take charge."
It is a mighty relief to see warriors other than ourselves. Thus far we have just seen demons and destruction Godwin nods at Irabeth. Is there any word on when the Queen and army will arrive? I am Godwin, this is Fomiel, Vardan and Thorne, and Drakra. We were at the festivities when the invasion happened. We... saw Terendelev fall. It is only through her grace I feel that we were not killed as we ourselves fell through a pit. We found allies underground however and managed to find our way to the surface. We also uncovered some very disturbing information on a blasted conspiracy in Kenabres that had been building to this attack.
Vardan smiles at the display, "The Eternal Rose would never forgive me for not helping reunite you... nor would I." He sighs, then, at Godwin's declaration, the boost to his spirit washed away by a reminder of the current situation. "I can reaffirm everything Godwin just said... Including the disgusting part of a conspiracy."
Drakra bows his deepest bow, doffing his hat as he does, or at least pretending to doff his hat since he does not have a hat.
The pleasure was all ours. It would not have been honorable to leave the injured and the defenseless without aid.
He pauses before nodding at Anevia:
And the lady was a most accomplished aid in our escape from beneath the earth. Her skill with the bow is unparalleled. You are lucky to have such a noble warrior as your lifelong companion.
Irabeth takes in everything the group is saying, and actually beams a bit at Anevia when Drakra lays on the praise of her talents. Anevia might have even blushed a bit, you think. Irabeth's large brow furrows at the mention of a conspiracy, "What conspiracy are you talking about? We know that the demons must have had some help, but by my guess, I think you mean something deeper than that?"
As Lann steps into the Inn, you sense an almost palpable sense of relief as he looks up at a roof over his head. His sigh seems to let out a mountain of tension as his body relaxes.
Underground. We found fallen cultists of the foul Baphomet. They were defiling armor with the mark of the Inheritor by wearing it. We hit the cult's stronghold as they were controlling a path back to the surface as well as threatening a community of loyal Mongrel people that live underground. Lann and Wendaug here are off those Mongrels. From the debased priestess that led the cultists we found this.. Godwin hands over Hosilla's Orders that they retrieved from the dead priestess so long ago.
We also found Yaniel's blade Radiance
Vardan nods again, "And there seems to be some rather unsavory folk up here on the surface as well... in the Library, for instance... I'll say that they seemed to act quickly in the chaos -- enough so that they likely had advanced warning."
As you point out Lann and Wendaug, Irabeth comes forward with a handshake for each, "It is a pleasure to meet some of the First Descendants. It has been far too long that the crusaders who were your forefathers were remembered correctly." She listens to what the Mongrels have in mind, and agrees, "We will send some of the Eagle Watch down to contact Neatholm, is it? and work out the alliance." She calls a few men over and after a brief discussion they take Lann and Wendaug off to make preparations.
As you show Irabeth the letter, and mention the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, Irabeth leans in closer and pours over the details of the note. "These Templars are one of the most dangerous elements of the enemy. They have spies everywhere, and have for decades, apparently. This attack has been in the making for ages while they stayed in hiding. It's only recently that proof of their existence has been manifesting. I myself managed to take out one of their more powerful members, the leader of the group that called themselves the Hammers of Heaven. We all thought Stauntan Vhane as a model crusader, but as far as I was able to discern, he's been working for the demons for decades. There's even evidence he was the one who betrayed Drezen 75 years ago. They knighted me for that discovery, but I'm still not sure why, since he slipped through our fingers, and is still out there causing who knows what kind of damage..." She shakes her head and takes a deep breath, clearly irritated by her failure to capture Vhane. "I don't have the men to spare at the moment, but I can reward you for each of these safehouses that you clear out. 1000 gold for each Templar lair we can rest assured will never be used again. Does that sound fair?"
Seeing his companions not step forward, and suddenly having the sinking feeling that his more religious friends might actually turn down the offer, Drakra steps forward.
You honor us with your offer. I, and I am sure my companions, would see these Templars removed. The reward you offer will make this much easier. To enable us to increase the quality of our equipment to make the elimination of each successor lair more easily accomplished.
With that, Drakra watches Irabeth, waiting for her answer. [i]And hoping that his foolish companions to not actually turn down the offered reward.[i]
Irabeth nods at Drakra with curt efficiency. "Good then. You'll find that what merchants were left after the attack are here. While I can't let you claim items under martial law rules, I think you'll still find prices fair, and most items you may need on sale. Even my soldiers are being asked to buy their gear. We need to keep the morale of everyone up, at least until the Queen, and the Mendevian army gets here. They have their hands full though, so we don't know when to expect them. She gives the wall a bit of a backhanded punch, For right now, it's up to us to try to protect Kenabres and drive the Templars out. We're a small contingent of soldiers, and one group of adventurers, but we will persevere. We must.
We are not to be provided equipment? Godwin says a little shocked. He had been training all his life to join a regular army where everything required to fight would be provided and the concept of having to buy and arm himself was disconcerting. Iomedae willing the Queen will come soon and we can drive the demon filth out of Kenabres. If you think that our best service will be to clear out these Lairs rather than Defend Defender's Heart then I am ready to head there right away
Fomiel nods:
"We need to be well equipped."
Irabeth shakes her head with a disconsolate look. "Unfortunately we can't just declare martial law on these people. The morale is bad enough, obviously. To do that would remove any hope that they have. They were lucky enough to get away with what goods they had. I'll not take them from them with no recompense. I wish I could offer you the gear you wanted, but I won't do that to the people. The Mendevians are already overdue, but that's not entirely unexpected. Nerosyan was hit hard, and so were other cities on the border. None of them were hit as hard as we were. Our wardstone was destroyed completely, and that weakened the whole network, but the others still stand, although diminished. So we're on our own for the moment and we have to show that things are at least in some way normal. I can offer you healing, and some restoration for free. We have a number of acolytes from both Torag and Iomedae with us. "
There are many refugees that we left at an untouched estate. That of Horgus. Is there space for them here? I am certain that they would be more than willing to help with the defenses here. Godwin shakes his head at how stretched everyone is We used up what few potions of healing that we had to get here. I do not suppose there are some of those we could procure? And where do you think we should go first. This Tower of Estord or Topaz Solutions? We already found nothing in the Manor.
Vardan holds up his hand and shakes his head, "We understand. It would not be fair to those who are already risking the loss of their families and livelihoods to give more than they can... though I certainly hope that they will all treat fairly with those risking their lives to protect, or even reclaim, what they have left. Certainly, the offer of healing will certainly make us that much more effective."
Irabeth sighs wearily, "Thank you for understanding. As for what I can do, there are still a few rooms left in the Inn proper, and those I can offer to you. You're welcome to them to rest and recuperate. Also, anything you leave in your rooms will be unmolested, you have my word on that. She nods listening to the account of the refugees at the Horgus Estate, "There is room, if they don't mind living in somewhat cramped quarters.
Irabeth starts to walk towards the back of the Inn, beckoning you all to follow. When she opens the door, you see a sprawling backyard, that is not nearly as big as the Horgus Estates, but still sizable enough. With the people you've seen inside, and the tents and people outside, you estimate that there are close to 200 people staying here. The mood seems to be solemn, but helpful, although you still get a sense of weariness. Overhearing snippets of conversation, you hear the common refrain of "When the Queen and her army arrive..." but as an undertone you are starting to hear doubts whether that will happen or not. Still, there are people cooking, and children, always undaunted, run playing games of tag, while some wield sticks as swords. You also see that several merchants stand near hastily set up stands, set in front of overladen wagons. It also appears that a local blacksmith has set up in front of the Inns outdoor oven, using it as a makeshift forge.
Amidst the chaos, you see an aged and angular human man with an eagle's talon tattooed to his cheek. He wears a patched and bloodstained tunic that bears the insignia of the Blackwing Library, and makes his way through the crowd talking to people with a stern smile, shaking hands with people as he goes, and kneeling down every so often to talk softly to a child, before sending them on their way.
Irabeth looks over the 'village within the city' and smiles a sad smile, but a content one. "We couldn't save everyone, and I'm sure there are more out there, like at the Horgus Estate, but by the Lady we saved what we could, and we'll reclaim this city yet." She looks back at you and shakes her head with an embarrassed, soft chuckle, "Forgive me my cheerleading. You should be able to find just about anything you need, within limits here. If you need anything enchanted, talk to me, and we'll see if Qeudnys She inclines her chin toward the old man, can help. Now, let's see that letter of yours again, and take a look at the map of the city. I think I recognize those names, and god's damn them if they weren't actually respected people in this town."
Taking you back inside she looks at the map and points to the locations of the Tower of Estrod and Topaz Solutions, "The Tower was an old wizard's that served as a Library and research laboratory owned by the city, but the founder died tragically over two years ago. If that was turned over to the Templars, they have access to a great deal of resources. She points to where Topaz Solutions is on the map, "Aigon Topaz... Her faces flushes with anger, We should have known that pox ridden son of a whore was crooked! Self serving a#*+$@# would have sold his own children's teeth if he thought he could turn a profit. Gods damn it! Chances are he fled as soon as the fighting started though. He always had a yellow streak down his back a mile wide."
Which one is closer? I think we have enough time to investigate at least one of those and still help to move the refugees from the estate to the Heart today.
"Tower first!!"
Fomiel, typically quiet, speaks up quickly and with confidence.
Suddenly realizing that his companions intend to head back out into the demon infested city, and not just to hide here with the other refugees, Drakra opens his mouth, then shuts it. A look of concern and fear suddenly on his face.
Um . . . yeh . . .
It is hard to tell whether the red haired gnome is about to flee, or join in with the others. However, in the end he does stick with the group. Whether it is out of a belief in the noble cause, or perhaps just that he figures the rest of the heroes are in fact safer than staying with the large target that is the refugee encampment, is hard to tell.
Vardan nods at Fomiel's outburst, with a chuckle, "The sorcerer, in his enthusiasm, is likely right, tactically speaking. If there are resources in the Tower that could be turned against us, then claiming them for our own use would be wise... and have a certain elegance, too, if the traitors were counting on them."
The Tower it is then. Would someone here know the way to get there safely through the destruction?
Irabeth finds someone who maps out a course through the wreckage to the Tower of Estrod. You pick your way through the town mostly following the directions given. It seems that even recent information gets stale very quickly. You approach the tower, a sixty foot diameter gray stone tower, which is missing the bulk of its upper floors - some terrific force smashed the upper sections away, creating a huge mound of rubble north of the building and leaving the tower now a mere stump with a jagged top. The approach looks like the tower's lower levels are the only ones still intact.
What is happening? All of these supposed strongholds are targeted for destruction? Let us see what we can find.
Vardan sighs, "Tactically, it's a strong choice... Use your surprise attack to strip away your enemy's ability to defend themselves... And to demoralize them by leaving behind ugliness."
He starts absently rubbing the wolf's ears as he turns to face Godwin, "I worry that the demonic rabble are using good tactics -- that lack of organization has been one of the few positives in all of this... Of course, having human cultists involved changes everything... Though I can't help but wish they were drooling, mindless zealots instead of planners."
He straightens in the saddle, then looks back at the rubble, nodding, "Let's go. If there's anything worth finding, I'd rather it be us that does the finding."
Drakra looks to Vardan:
Chaos is chaos. Even if they have some basic planning, we know that they will eventually turn to fighting among themselves. This is why strong leaders should be hit first, it is only the the strong, human or demonic, that keeps the rest of the horde together.
The group picks its way through the rubble to what remains of the ground floor. The ground floor of the tower is now open to the air-a tangle of wooden supports above being all that remains of the building's upper stories. Two rubble-filled pools flank a central walkway that crosses to an open area with a few shelves, a desk and chair, and a flight of stairs leading down.
Two men stand guard here, one looking at the group expectantly, while the other moves towards the stairs.
Hail good guards. I am Godwin Solace and with my friends we have come to see what is happening here. The demon filth seem to have targeted this tower for destruction.
"I am sure word of our arrival has reached the demons. Our very mission is crucial to the survival of all that is good and holy. You must let us handle this."
The first guard looks behind himself briefly at the other guard, and mutters, briefly "Go" Before he rushes at your frontline. The second guard starts down the stairs.
Initiatives:
They are demon worshipping scum! Godwin shouts.
Round One
Fomiel sends two magic force bolts after the runner.
Vardan holds position, swinging his lance in line with the approaching guards, "You take the close one, and I'll take the far one, Fomiel."
*******Round 1**********
Init: Fomiel, Cultists, Godwin, Drakra, Vardan/Thorne
Fomiel gets his spell off and two bolts of arcane energy dart off, striking the cultists on the shoulder. He jolts at the impact, but continues to dart down the stairs. The other cultist brings his glaive to bear with a sneer at Vardan, "Let's see how good you are without your pet." and takes a swing at Thorne. The Glaive slashes the wolf's chest, leaving a line of blood.
Vardan says, "Don't think today's the day we find out," dropping his lance and nudging Thorne with his knees, directing him to start a familiar tactic. The wolf lunges forward, snapping at the guard and trying to pull him off his feet, then stepping back to give his two-foot room to swing his weapon at the target.
for
Seeing the other cultist attempting to flee down the steps, Drakra waves his hands in a rather chaotic pattern. A moment later, a wall of large granite blocks suddenly appears at the bottom of the steps, a few feet in front of the cultist.
Cast Silent Image - DC14 Will to disbelieve, if the cultist actually interacts with the wall
Hope you can run through stone demon lover. Calls out Drakra in a rather insulting tone.
Godwin slashes his falchion down on the approaching guard carving a deep wound on the man's arm, just before Thorne, snarling, pulls the man off his feet by grabbing ahold of the cultist's ankle, and wrenching backwards with a satisfying crunch. Vardan brings his hammer down on the chest of the man, caving it in.
The man running down the stairs comes to a skidding stop as a wall appears in front of him, and tries to push on it. Drakra stands amused as he watches the man push on the illusion.
***********End round 1**********
Cultist 1 Dead
Cultist 2 0 damage
Drakra: 29/29
Fomiel 20/20
Godwin 19/19
Vardan 28/28
Thorne 19/24
*********Round 2***********
Init: Fomiel, Cultist, Godwin, Drakra, Vardan/Thorne
Fomiel tosses another set of twin force bolts at the one stopped by the wall.