After splitting the treasure the group escorts some of the clerics to the site where they set to perform the ritual to destroy the unhallowed ground. It takes a number of hours, during which things are almost preternaturally quiet, but things go smoothly.
Vardan lets out a sigh as they finish, releasing the tension he'd been feeling, then nods in satisfaction. "That's one less bit of ugliness."
And we will pay them back in kind, cleanse them all the way to the WorldWound
When the party returns, Irabeth calls them into a meeting, with Quednys also in the room. The letter to Faxon is on the table as well as the map of Kenabres, and reports from other forays by Eagle Watch troops. Irabeth motions them to the table, "While you were seeing to the temple of Baphomet, Quentys and I tried to unravel what the Templars and Demons may be up to. As horrific as recent events have been, we've come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev's murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault
than we've seen since the fall of Drezen. It's fair to say the Lord
of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory. While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we've heard from within the barricade they've erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you've managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we've determined what she intends to do.
When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we've learned, they're hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones-essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon.
The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven't attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we've lined up for the slaughter.
Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border-I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening-we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it."
With a grave expression Godwin asks We are to retrieve the damaged wardstone then? Can we tell where it has been taken?
Vardan's smile fades, and he nods gravely, "This sounds like the nightmare tales they told us when we were bad as children. However, we simply cannot allow that to happen, the ugliness of the Abyss must be contained and driven back -- not expand across the face of Golarion."
He looks to Godrin, then back to Irabeth, "As dangerous as this sounds, you can count on my lance, and Thorne's fang."
Godwin nods and claps Vardan on the shoulder and bends to pet Thorne Keanbres is fortunate to have you both. We will rebuild the city. But first we must foil the foul demons and their plans
Drakra looks out toward the east longingly. He opens his mouth several times as though he is considering offering a different plan, one that would get him and his colorful clothes the heck out of Kenabres.
Finally, he, without a lot of self certainty, looks to the others.
How would we destroy a wardstone? What can we do? We are few. We are not arch mages. We are not shiny paladins. How do we fight these demonic monstrosities, let alone this witch Areelu?
Vardan says, "If it's just a shard, I would imagine it's less resilient than an intact stone... But, you're right, Drakra, we should learn everything we can about our foes and their weaknesses. It's only good tactics."
Godwin continues kneeling to address Drakra. With your crack shot and your magics and knowledge at our side there is nothing that we cannot accomplish!
Irabeth lets out a breath she'd been unconsciously holding at the realization that the group is going to help, "Thank you all." She looks at Drakra, "I share your concerns as well. Most of the elite defenders were either killed, captured, or fled, so this final task is going to fall on those that remain, and you are the best situated to complete the task. A small, elite force like you can strike at the Grey Garrison, where the shard still remains, infiltrate it and deal with the situation, especially if I rally the Eagles and we go on the offensive throughout the city. We'll force the defenders to abandon their posts long enough for you to slip in. I suspect that it will take more than one foray, so we'll need to coordinate efforts between raids.
We must make some haste though. We don't know for sure when Vorlesh returns. Quednys has the information that will tell you how you can accomplish this."
She turns to Quednys and the elderly librarian produces a twisted bright metal rod with a green gem held in one pronged end. "I believe this is the answer we need. A Rod of Cancellation that we salvaged from a wizard's shop. The damaged wardstone cannot hold much of a charge, and this should drain the rest of its power, severing its link to the rest of the barrier. This will rob Vorlesh of her victory unless they can destroy another wardstone, which seems unlikely, as it appears the demons have been planning this from the start. As long as the fragment exists it will continue to be a liability, and as you can see, it is useless to Kenabres now. It must be destroyed."
Irabeth thanks Quednys, and turns to the others, "If you have any aid in the city, now would be the time to seek it out. Any friends help would be welcome."
The Mongrel Men, Lord Horgus, and Aravashnial perhaps? Godwin muses.
Drakra looks about, unsure whether he should be gloating over the apparent compliments, or turning tail and fleeing at the thought that his newfound companions would actually contemplate going after these evil doers. After all, they are demons, not men. Gnomes don't fight demons.
Vardan nods at Godwin's suggestion, "Let's hope we can convince them to help us...."
It seems like it is getting safer to travel. I believe Lord Horgus' estate is closest, let us go there and see if he would be willing to help.
The group makes its way back to Horgus' estate, and the silence of the city is palpable. Where once the background noise of bodies pressed in the streets provided a hum taken for granted, its absence now is unnerving. Aside from the occasional crack and fall of a timber in a broken building, the city is almost devoid of sound. This makes the sound of footfalls and hoof falls sound thunderous. Smoke from the burning of the city reeks of smoke and brimstone, and is almost so thick you can taste it on your tongue. Eventually you arrive at the Horgus estate, and after stowing mounts and entering the estate house proper, Horgus greets you.
"Come to gather these refugees and take their freeloading hands and mouths away from my home?" His eyes crinkle a bit at the corner, and his mouth twitches in a brief semblance of a smile, at odds with the waspish greeting.
Godwin nods and makes a short bow towards the Lord. I will be sure to relay your generosity to the leaders of the defenders of Kenabres. Your contribution to the city in its hour of greatest need shall not go unnoticed, May the Light of the Sword shine ever on you.
We have some good news. The rumours of a defense force at the Defender's Heart are true and they have even started to rebuild a bit. They agreed to take in the refugees we have found. I think we would be willing to escort them there now.
As you come further into the home, you notice that the signs of looting that were evident on your first trip are gone, and indeed many of the people that you left there are busy cleaning and repairing things. Many of the people look fairly skilled at what they're doing. Horgus looks back at the work being done and turns back to your group, "Oh...Well, I mean if you're sure the way is clear. It was a trial climbing through the rubble on our way out of the undercity and the ruined parts. It would be a shame to see them hurt on the last leg." He stops and lets out a heavy breath, and says quietly, almost conspiratorially, "Seems a lot of them have trades that are useful, and are getting the manor set up proper. I'd like to keep them here." Seeing mild disapproval, he blusters a bit, "They are all being paid well!
A somewhat burly man with a tool belt on, covered in either sawdust or stonedust, maybe both, comes walking up, "Lord Gwent, The northwest section of wall is repaired, and should hold up to most anything, and the damage to the west wing is being repaired nicely." Gwent nods curtly in the affirmative and the man dusts his hands on a leather builder's apron, "It's good te see ye again. We all'd just like ta thank ye for gettin' us here. We seem safe, an' there's a bunch of work that needs ta be done, and we're bein' paid just as Lord Gwent says. Might be some of the folk'll go, but it's a big estate, and needs hands ta tend to it." Gwent turns to the group with an overly pleased look on his face, with a definite 'I told you so' harumph.
Two areas of the city being rebuilt is certainly pleasing to see and will lessen the burden on the Defender's Heart. Hopeful signs after so much recent disaster. Lord Horgus, may we have a moment of your time in private?
Vardan nods in agreement with Godwin, "Restoring the city is a fine cause, as it will help inspire the survivors everywhere, to realize that Kentabares will not fall so easily, and that it endures."
The fact that he's paying them rather than treating them like serfs or indentured servants makes that far less painful...
Horgus nods to the worker, sending him back to work before leading the group into a side parlor, "Of course, what is it you wished to talk about?"
Fomiel follows the worker.
He is ready, having learned more arcane talents.
Godwin sighs There is a greater threat to Kenabres as the demons and demon worshipers have plans for the city that would chill you to know of them. The warriors of Defender's Heart are preparing to move against it and before they do we thought that we would ask if there is any assistance you could provide to the effort. If we pull together then we will see this through. If we do not then... the threat is dire enough that we might all perish if the demons and their blasphemous plans come to fruition.
Horgus paces a bit, hands clasped behind his back, and you can almost see figures and numbers racing in his vision. "What kind of numbers do the warrior's boast? How well trained? and in what manner of weaponry?" He stops, looking at the group and puts his hand to his chin, finger tapping lightly on his lips, "Details matter, but despite everything, Kenabres is my home. I have some merchandise here that was to be shipped out before all of this" He motions with an arm expansively, indicating, well, everything, "happened. Crossbows, short blades, some longswords, and armor. It's a very small shipment, exploratory for a new market, but there's little sense holding onto it if things are as dire as you say." He nods grimly, as if sealing the deal with himself, and turns towards one of the workers that seems to be more of a supervisor, "Caleb, gather as many of the others as you need, and see to the storage house. You'll find two large wagons of goods covered in oilskins. See to them and follow these folk back to Defender's Heart." He turns back to the group, "The goods are yours for the defense of Kenabres." He gives a small smirk, and in a tone that you think is meant to be a jest he says, "I'll send a bill later."
Godwin gives Horgus a heartfelt salute. I swear by the Light of the Sword that Kenabres will surivive this, rebuild, and pay your bill back and with gratitude to boot! and starts getting ready to escort the weapon convoy back.
After helping to escort the weapons to Defender's Heart if they need it Godwin suggests that they move on to consulting with Aravashnial.
Vardan raises his lance and bows his head, "That is music to my ears, good Horgus. I will add my own vow to the Eternal Rose to Godwin's -- Kenabres will be restored to her full glory, for as long as she is peopled by men like you, and my companions, her soul is as incorruptible as Shelyn herself."
He joins in planning with Godwin to ensure the safety of the convoy.
After dropping off the supplies from Horgus, met with an astonished Anevia and Irabeth, the group travels to the library to find Aravashnial. The library is getting some needed repairs, although still in a state of demolition. Quednys is also there, reuniting with the librarians who he thought dead. Aravashnial's wounds are now far less serious, apparently from the liberal use of healing magics. He is still, however, blinded from the demon's lash. One of the other librarians leans down to whisper to him, at which time he stands straighter and his face breaks into a wide smile.
"My friends, it is good to find you in our company again. What brings you back to this place?
To report some good news Honoured Scholar. Godwin says formally. The Defender's Heart has become the center of a rebuilding Kenabres, the Horgus estate is being rebuilt as well, and it is good to see that the same is true for the Library. Truly the forces of good cannot be defeated by the foul hoardes of evil. We were hoping to have a private word with you if it is possible.
Aravashnial dusts his hands on his robes, and motions for you to gather round, "I'm afraid that this is about as private as we'll get. The Library is really only this main room at the moment." He gestures and you do indeed see some cots and beds in one corner, with a potbelly stove near. In other areas you see desks and books, you imagine for re-cataloging the books that remain in the library. The other librarians are busy fixing shelves and setting books on them. In another area two librarians argue softly about which books actually belong on which shelves, but otherwise seem to be ignoring your conversation. "So, my friends, what is it you wished to talk about?
Godwin sighs and repeats to Aravashinal what they had said to Horgus.
Defender's Heart is going to move against these plans. Any assistance that could be provided, through knowledge or other resources, would be useful at this time.
Aravashnial smiles at the question, and nods. "I have been reclaiming caches from known Riftwarden drops. He sighs a bit at this "Most were already cleared out. It seems not even the Riftwardens are free from greed. I only hope that they were grabbed by Riftwardens that needed the equipment for the fight." He smiles back in your direction, the obviously magically healed face almost looking as if Aravashnial is focusing on you, although the orbs of his eyes are still clouded over, "I do have some equipment, and I can think of nobody more worthy of using it."
He leads you to an area of the floor and runs fingers along the grout of some flagstones in an odd pattern, and it slides out of the way, revealing a very well hidden cache. He starts pulling equipment out of the hole; a small box with 12 potions "Eight of these will cure serious wounds, and the other four will restore magically drained abilities." He reaches back in and pulls out a small quiver that holds 10 ornate bolts in it "These are enchanted to home in on and destroy evil beings not of our realm." He then reaches in and pulls out what looks like a small windchime with a hammer in a holder on the side of the chime, "A magical chime that will open any kind of locked or otherwise fastened closure." He then pulls out two slender wands, laying them alongside the other items, "Wands of Magic Missile and Daylight"
He steps back from the hole and pushes a few areas of the grout again, and the stone slides back in place, hiding the stash expertly. I wish I could have given you more, but that is all we could recover. Should you run into anything on your adventures, come back here. I would love to hear the stories and may be able to help you with identifying any items you find."
These are true treasures indeed, you do yourself a disservice by disparaging them good friend. We will make good use of them indeed. I can think of no one better to wield these bolts then Drakra. His marksmanship has felled many evil beings already. Godwin takes a deep breath. On to the Mongrelmen then. After which Let us make ready for our assault on the evil strongholds
Vardan's eyes widen at the cache being offered, "By the Rose Herself, man, do not apologize for offering us so much assistance. This cache is truly a beautiful sight, one that gives me hope that we may yet return from the mission we've agreed to... and when we do, I'll be more than pleased to tell you the tale, though I'd likely not do it the justice that Drakra would."
Vardan nods at Godwin's words, "Agreed... Though I want to ensure we don't ask too much of a group that was tearing itself apart a few days ago...." He then sighs before adding, "Though, gods know we can use all the help we can get."
Drake's mouth stands agape at the value of what is being offered.
Um. Sure. Yup.
He realizes that the others are speaking of him.
I . . . I can use the bolts. And should be able . . I mean . . . Yeh, I can definitely use those. I can also use the wands, although Fomiel would probably be better with them.
Returning to Defender's Heart, you sense a nervous energy and there seems to be quite a bit of action in the main floor of the place. Entering, you see Lann there with several other Mongrelmen, causing quite a buzz and stir. Irabeth is the stone amidst the storm, talking to Lann. When they see you, Lann smiles and Irabeth beckons you over.
"The First Descendents have arrived, and Lann has something for you."
Lann brings himself to his full height, just slightly taller than Drakra, and speaks in the unusually cultured voice, "We of Neathholm have pledged to this fight. For our ancestral home, and in a show of our solidarity, several of ours have come to pledge our service to you heroes." His voice in itself causes others in the Inn to stop what they are doing, surprised by the eloquence of Lann's manner. Lann turns back with a sweep of his arm at several other Mongrelmen, all armed with bows standing in the shadows of the Inn. They step forward and you recognize Wendaug among them. "Our rangers have come to serve at your word."
Wendaug comes to stand in front of Godwin, with that small smile you remember from underground and kneels, "My bow is yours to command." After that display the others stand in front of each of you and do the same.
Godwin kneels and graps Wendaug on both shoulders. Then come. We have no time to waste. The Rangers of the First Descendants will be at the forefront of the struggle to sever Kenabres! Standing up Godwin says Are there any other preparations to be made?
Fomiel's preparations are minimal. He was eager to help in any way.
Vardan shakes his head at Godwin's question, "I think we're likely as ready as we can get. Unless we've got more details to help us plan."
The group approaches the walls surrounding Old Kenabres, the heart of the city, and can see that there are cultists and tieflings in the livery of Baphomet, and Deskari patrolling the walls, their presence a grim reminder that the city you enjoyed is no longer its own. Waiting for a while, the crusaders attack, drawing some of the guards away from the wall, making it easy for your group to enter Old Kenabres, and make your way to the Gray Garrison.
The Gray Garrison has two full floors and a partial third floor, and sits squat, in the town, it's plain gray walls well kept and imposing. A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before
the Gray Garrison, that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more-nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. Two hideously obese, naked men armed with scythes guard the Gray Garrison's entrance.
Godwin grunts Demon worshipping filth. Let them come to us. Godwin casts Bless from the wand. Rangers, Drakra, let fly!, Vardran, get ready for the clash, I will take the one on the left, you take the one on the right when they come. Fomiel, if you can stop one of them somehow than the rest of us can focus on bringing down the other down faster!
Fomiel summons a small, but powerful, elemental of earth.
Vardan raises his lance, tracking the naked cultist and mentally counting down the distance as he approaches, "I can run one down and try to keep it harried, and at a distance, or I can hold the line."
The rangers let fly with a volley of arrows, but only one strikes home. You watch in odd fascination as the bloated figure pulls the arrow out of it's corpulent hide, and the wound seals itself.
The two people start to lurch their way towards you, and a horrific voice that sounds almost like someone gargling vomit rings in your heads, "Despair mortals, you are no match for Baphomet. Bow down and he may show some form of mercy."
************Round 1************
Init: Godwin, Wendaug, Vardan/Thorne,Kando, Ilarn, Heroth, Fomiel, Julian, Drakra, Hulrun
Wendaug lets fly with another arrow which flies wide of the mark.
Godwin uses some of his fervour to cast Shield of Faith on himself as a swift action and then charges.
Charge! The arrows are not doing enough!
Used Wand of Bless down to 18 charges
Round 1
Used Fervor down to 3/4
Used Shield of Faith on self
Active effects
Bless on everyone for 1 minute/10 rounds
+1 morale on attack rolls and saves against fear
Shield of Faith on Godwin
+2 deflection AC for 3 minutes/30 rounds
Charge Godwin
-2 AC for one round
AC 17+2-2=17
Vardan winces, [b]"That can't be