Dejik nods. I think we need to get this information back to Defender's Heart as soon as possible. Irabeth may know more about these people named in the note.
As the group assesses what they've found, Sarkast turns back to the Stairs.
"We should check the remainder of the building first. There is the door downstairs that has not been opened."
He waits for the group to join him, then goes down to open the doors in the basement.
Wait, Ayesha, you're hurt. Dejik touches Ayesha's arm and transfers the wound to herself.
Ronan and Jinxx follow Sarkast
This semicircular room has been outfitted with numerous demonic decorations. The green glass lanterns hanging on the walls give the room an eerie glow. A brazen minotaur head hangs from one wall above an altar covered with wavy-bladed knives and curved bulls' horns, while star-shaped symbols in red decorate other walls. A large wooden chest sits near the west wall.
Confident there is nothing else left unseen here, Sarkast turns to the others. "I agree, Irabeth should see the letter, and the gear here should be taken back to the defenders. Shall we carry it back, and decide our next goal from there?"
That would be my preference. I'd like to find out more about these other locations before we take them on, if we can.
As everyone is discussing what to do next, Jinxx seems to be out of sorts for a moment and he lets out a soft growl and to everyone's amazement they see two very nasty and pointy horns have formed on his head.
After cleaning out what you can of the shrine, you leave it behind to make your return to Defender's Heart. The journey back to Defender's Heart is as dangerous and slow as it was previously, but miraculously nothing attacks you as you return. It is late afternoon by the time you return. Upon spying you a call goes up to open the main doors of the fortified inn, and you are soon in the crowded, yet orderly interior of Defender's Heart. A cheer goes up from the crowd, but Irabeth is there to take you to the back room almost immediately. You are seated at a table with beer and stew, and she begins speaking as she pours over your documents.
Irabeth settles down at the table, her bulky plate mail creaking.
"The Inheritor is with us today, these documents are incredible! Everything we needed, and that safe house was so close to Defender's Heart as well. More encouraging, there are no cultists in our number. Although the eyes of a paladin can see evil in a man's soul.. well, sometimes evil is clever."
Her tusks show as she grins at you.
"For clearing out the safe house, and for returning these documents you'll be rewarded 1,500 gold. Each. But our time for celebration is not yet. SOMEONE GET QUEDNYS!"
After a moment an aged and angular man with an eagle's tattoo on his cheek walks into the room. You remember Aravashnial speaking often and well of this man. Quednys Orlun is the head of Blackwing, and one of the only two Riftwardens left in the city. His voice is deep and sonorous as he speaks.
"I have heard tell of what befell Blackwing. I thank you sincerely. I was critically wounded in the fall of the city and was convinced all within Blackwing had perished. Aravashnial and the librarians are now safely here. I'm certain he wants to speak with you."
Irabeth lightly kicks him.
"Quednys is modest. He saved dozens of lives and the Cathedral itself. But we must get to further business." She inhales deeply, and begins to speak at length.
"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 out completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the 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 a small, elite group infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it."
Irabeth finishes, and looks expectantly at the group.
I believe that we can do this. The Blessed Rose has been with us thus far.
When you say "infiltrate"...] Dejik frowns. Disguise and subterfuge are not my strengths, and Nilus and I both have fairly distinct auras. We barely bluffed our way past two guards. A whole garrison will be much more difficult.
If we can find a way to sneak in--a raiding party rather than spies--I think that strategy will be better suited to our talents.
Sarkast nods at Nilus. "My tribe's shaman had a vision, and I was sent here by my people to help with a great task. I can think of none greater. I am in until it is done, or I am."
To Dejik's concern, he says, "I agree, and that is my training. As you say, we managed to briefly fool a few guards, but beyond that we should probably rely on stealth more than guile."
We will find a way. We have not failed yet. Nilus says, determined to finish this task and end the immediate threat to Kenebres his adopted home.
Any information we can get about the Gray Garrison will help. If they take prisoners there, for instance, that might give us a way in--if Nilus and I can pose as your prisoners.
Irabeth smiles at the enthusiasm from the group.
"Infiltrate is the wrong word. This place will be crawling with demons who will see through any subterfuge. I speak more of a coordinated attack at a precise time and location to strike into the heart of the place whilst drawing minimal attention from the horde."
She unfurls a map, and lays it out on the table.
"My plan is to be a distraction. I can take my troops, slim as our numbers are, and go on the offensive at some known locations the demons hold. This will allow for a small team - lead by you - to strike for the Garrison. It may take a few attempts to assault the Garrison, so to not be afraid to retreat and regroup. Discretion and all that."
Quednys produces a long rod with a green ball at the top. He speaks out in his booming, gravelly voice.
"Your purpose in this mission is to destroy the wardstone. Our greatest protection is now out greatest threat. This is a rod of cancellation, a magical item of great power that can annihilate anything magical. Permanently. Our magical barrier will retreat, but this 'chink' in our armour will no longer be exploitable."
Irabeth moves over to the door and calls out.
"Some people who wanted to see you. This is crucial, it will require they destroy another wardstone to repeat their victory, and I do not think that is possible in the short term. For the Kenabres wardstone suffered many attacks over decades that made this final destruction possible. Almost," she adds wryly. "As if the demons were planning this from the start. Destroy the wardstone, and we can cut our losses and regroup. If we do not, we all die."
Ayesha, who had been mostly silent to this point, interjected, "I am sure that we can act as a small strike force. I think each of us has learned a lot about themselves in the last few days, and honed our skills to the point of being much more effective together than we were separately a few days ago. We would definitely be a better raiding force than an infiltration one. Our talents seem better suited to mayhem than subtlety, I think." She smiled grimly.
Suddenly the door swings open to show a familiar face. Aravashnial has been cleaned up and although his eyes are still lost, the elf has an easy smile on his face. Anevia appears at his side, helping him make his way in. Both drop a large sack on the floor.
"You've been busy! Thank you for locating Quednys, the librarians are safely here with me and we've rescued a great many books on demonology. Anevia and I were eavesdropping and knew you'd go for the mission. As you can imagine we can't accompany you, but I can offer this." He pokes at the bag with his staff.
"A cache of Riftwarden supplies for such an occasion. Please make the best possible use of it."
The sack contains the following:
- 8 potions of cure serious wounds
- 4 potions of lesser restoration
- 10 +1 evil outsider bane arrows
- A chime of opening
- Two cold iron shortspears
- A wand of protection from evil (31 charges)
- A wand of daylight (24 charges)
Anevia limps in on some far better crutches. Irabeth is up almost immediately to help her into a chair.
"I unfortunately don't have a bag of magic goodies, but you brought me home to Ira. I fully intend to go along with yo--"
Anevia trails off as she sees a glare from Irabeth.
"You will do no such thing. You will stay here and heal." Irabeth nods over at Ayesha, a smile playing on her lips. "You're right. You are more suited to mayhem. So am I. My subordinates are talented. I will go with you on this mission."
Anevia sighs and nods sadly at her wife. "I hate that you're right. I'll slow everyone down. And somebody needs to run things here with all the crusaders out. Oh! Tell them about the First People."
Irabeth grins widely at the group. "You brokered one hell of a deal. You destroyed the lair of the traitors and showed Chief Sull great respect. A crew of the finest rangers from Neathholm have arrived. They will accompany us on the mission."
"At any rate, I'm happy to answer what questions you have about the Gray Garrison. I want this plan to be executed first thing tomorrow but if you need to delay I will hear you out. You'll receive your reward for the services to us thus far. We will be fighting demons so supply yourself accordingly."
Before they left on their latest mission, Ayesha took the time to recall a spell into her pearl, then set off to look at the vendors' wares. In one rather bedraggled display case, she saw a silver ring with what looked to be a small shield with a sapphire set into it. She recognized it immediately as a ring of protection of the lowest order. Still, she had been beat upon enough over the last couple of days that a little extra protection couldn't hurt. Ayesha negotiated the purchase with the vendor and tried the ring on her right hand. It fit perfectly, and she smiled to herself.
Ayesha: down 0 hp
Nilus: down 0 hp
Jinxx: down 0 hp
Ronan: down 0 hp
Dejik: down 5 hp
Sarkast: down 0 hp
Bellis: down 0 hp
Sarkast returns the money Irabeth offered for their work, asking, "By chance has anyone found any magic that might improve my ability to maneuver while fighting?" She is able to find him a set of boots enchanted to make it easier to avoid the attacks of others while he dances around them. In addition, he is able to acquire another potion to improve his vision as well as one to help him move more quietly.
When Aravashnial arrives, he smiles and greets the elf as an old friend. He helps pass out the potions, and hefts the two spears. "It is as if you had these made especially for me, good man. I shall carry them with pride, and each demon I strike will fall in your name."
As everyone makes their own preparations, he takes some time to sharpen his weapons, as well as those of his friends.
He finally takes some time to reflect and pray, seeking Desna's continued guidance for the group.
Everyone finishes their shopping, making both themselves and some of the local merchants at Defender's Heart extremely happy. By the evening the company finds themselves seated at a huge table in the centre of the inn while everyone engages in some brief revelry before the certainly great battle tomorrow. In the corner of the inn, Bellis provides music for the gathered crowd as people dance and sing, having decided to remain at Defender's Heart and provide morale. Although supplies are meager, some recovered pigs have been slaughtered for the occasion and fresh meat cooked on a spit is available to all.
At the table, Aravashnial shouts over the noise of the crowd to you while Anevia and Irabeth laugh with each other, sharing some private joke.
"Most of the demons that would kill us all in an instant aren't in Kenabres anymore! So you're not likely to meet up with a balor or glabrezu or something awful like that. From the intelligence I've gathered most of their troops here are dretches, howlers, and vermleks. Maybe a babau if you're unlucky." The blinded Riftwarden takes a very careful sip of his beer.
"This is a race against time. If Areelu Vorlesh shows up, then we're dead. As the foremost expert on demons in Kenabres, if you want to know ANYTHING about these creatures, now's the time!"
"What can you tell us about their strengths and weaknesses? We've noted that many of them are harmed by cold-forged iron. What else can we do to ensure we get through their defenses? And similarly, how can we best defend against them? Will they have particular magic we should be ready for? Do they fly? Anything of that nature that you can offer would be of great use."
"Well, first rule is that all demons summon more demons like them. They sometimes fail, but you have to interrupt those spells. Not all demons are resistant to normal weapons, but if you use cold iron you'll never have to worry."
Aravashnial drops his staff and takes a moment to retrieve it.
"The worst thing we've seen is a babau. Look like slimy, horned skeletons. They are best when attacking from stealth, and have nasty spells like darkness or teleportation at their disposal. A way to dispel magical darkness like a daylight spell would be very handy.
"Now vermleks aren't as dangerous as babaus, but far more sinister." Aravashnial holds up a glove. "This is you." He wiggles his hand. "This is a vermlek." He puts his hand in the glove. "They're huge worms that turn people into meat puppets and then try to pass in society. Honestly, just hit them until they're dead but watch for them. They only inhabit dead bodies; it can be easy to tell.
"You've probably met the rest by now - abrikandilus, dretches, and howlers. Abrikandilus like to smash things, dretch have darkness spells and stinking clouds. Neither should be a challenge, but kill them quickly. Howlers are those big dog-things that let out a horrid shriek that makes you go mad but they don't have any special defenses beyond some quills like a porcupine."
With that, Aravashnial leans heavily on his staff and stands to his feet.
"Take care, I will take my rest. Good luck tomorrow. I trust you won't need it."
Dejik helps Aravashnial to his feet and walks with him back to his quarters. My friend, it seems that my "sight"--such as it is--comes from some innate magic awakened by the attack. I seem to just "know" how to cast spells, without having to study or prepare them. She rubs at her white eye. It's possible my parents were sorcerers, I suppose--I wouldn't know. But I feel the Inheritor's presence in my magic, maybe even more than I did before.
She shakes her head sadly. I'm sorry I don't have any way to help you recover your sight, but I promise I will keep looking.
On the way back, Dejik finds a merchant selling a magic sack. When the merchant tells her that anything you put into the sack is stored in a magic space between the planes, Dejik thinks This would have been nice to have when we found that jar containing the "chaotic mess of spells"...
She spends the remainder of the evening and the rest of her magic tending the injured and ill, then returns to the group to sleep.
The following morning you are awoken at dawn by a vigorous banging on your doors. A page instructs that you're to meet Irabeth and the rangers in the war room immediately.
After all of you are awakened you convene in the war room. Irabeth stands there with four mongrelmen, or 'First People' as she politely calls them.
"Meet your volunteers from Neathholm. Samra, Danis, Lam, and Doron. All four are skilled rangers and can imitate any sound you wish. I am assigned one to each of you to follow your orders personally. Ronan, since we have four and you have Jinxx to take care of, you can go without."
"I am not your commander and will not give orders in battle, however I may make suggestions," says Irabeth quite seriously. "Our distraction has already left, so let us make haste for the Gray Garrison."
---
Your journey through the city is long and difficult, but you are unmolested as it appears most of the demons and cultists have been drawn elsewhere by the military assault. The sun is high in the sky when you approach the Gray Garrison from the south.
A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the Gray Garrison, an aptly named structure 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.
The company now stand huddled beneath a south wall. One of the rangers has spotted two guards standing outside the south door to the Garrison. They appear as hideously obese, naked men armed with scythes.
Sarkast scans the area, checking the ground for hazards and looking carefully at the guards.
He motions to the others, indicating he will take Lam and move quietly around the wall they are hiding behind, to take up a sniping position from which he can try to get into their flank once the fighting starts.
Nilus isn't really used to giving orders so he lets his follower stick with Sarkast. He nods in their direction so that Doron will follow.
Nilus raises Radiance, ready to move forward to deal swift death to these demons.
Nilus, do you and Ayesha want to come at them from the front? If you can draw them away from the building, Sarkast and I can try to get behind them. At any rate, I will need to get closer before I can do any good.
With expert guidance from her new comrade, Dejik sneaks inside the ruined building. She and Samra wait beside a small gap directly in front of the odd-looking naked guards.
Yes. He says in a short whisper, his eyes not leaving the creatures on the steps.
He prepares to move into the open and charge the creatures as soon as his friends move into their position.
The group are able to identify the two naked men as very likely to be infected by Vermleks. More horrifyingly, Irabeth is barely able to contain her gasp of horror as she recognizes them!
Sarkast and Nilus are able to recognize what were once men. The man on the left is none other than Kandro Nyserian, whose manor you found as rubble and also somehow entangled with Irabeth and Ayesha regarding a sword he bought from Irabeth. On the right, Nilus in particular is dismayed to see Lord Hulrun, who was once leader of Kenabres! Their bloated corpses are now but meat puppets for the demonic worms that infest them.
The two mongrelmen move along with Nilus and Dejik as silent as mice. Soon, they are in position.
Irabeth's green face is now a strange shade of purple in her fury.
"This desecration of their bodies will not go unpunished. Say the word and we attack."
Ronan and Jinxx are ready and waiting.
Sarkast waves to Nilus through a break in the rubble to indicate that he and Dejik are ready.
Nodding at the plan, Ayesha waited for Sarkast and crew to get in position in the ruined building, then gestured for Danis to join her as she slid up the side of the wall, preparing for a frontal assault. Once everyone was in place, she took a deep breath, stepped out of the shadows and laid down a thin layer of slippery grease beneath the feet of the vermlek guards.
Nilus takes that opportunity to move forward as fast as he can with Radiance held aloft.
Ayesha's grease spell fires off without a hitch, appearing beneath the two vermleks! One of them goes up into the air and crashes on the ground while the other keeps its feet.
Irabeth lets out a war cry and starts clanking her way northwards.
"I like that spell Ayesha! Just don't get it under my feet, I'm no twinkletoes!" She stalks out in front of the vermleks and smacks her longsword against her shield in challenge.
A voice suddenly shoots through all of your heads. Horrible and slithery, it penetrates your thoughts, dominating everything.
Your death has come! We will defile your bodies, destroy that which you loved, and leave empty meat sacks for your families to find. ATTACK!