Valtyra slashes at the man in front of her, knowing that she needs to put him down quickly to save the innocents.
The thunder crack of Sam's pistol retorts as she positions themselves for a shot against the one attacking Mordin, aiming true to avoid the paladin.
With fiendish quickness, Haroon retrieves the mad dwarven wizard's scroll with his tail, and reading it aloud, moves forward to touch the false crusader.
The man drops his mace, stunned by the powerful blow from Radiance.
"Stop! Please I surrender!" He grasps at the large wound in his arm staunching the flow of blood.
The Tieflings try to bolt
Despite his blindness he manages to make it to a window, but stumbles blindly away.
The other moves more quickly and escapes easily.
Treasure
potions of cure light wounds (2,)banded mail, light steel shield, +1 heavy mace, 29 gp.
Oliver spots one of the books stacked in the ring surrounding the librarians is a damaged wizard's spellbook. The few legible remaining pages contain the following spells: alarm, dismissal, dispel magic, magic circle against chaos, resist energy, and versatile weapon. The spellbook is worth 700 gp. While looking through the book a parchment scroll of dimensional lock is found folded up and tucked into the book's pages.
While looking through the rubble turns up a half-dozen leathery gray strips of what appears at first to be flesh, but that, upon closer examination, looks to be dried worms of some sort, about as long as a human finger.
Fenna, the librarian who was forced to stack the books,and the other librarians thank you profusely for saving them; they point out the spellbook and give it to you as a reward for the rescue.
The librarians relate a sad tale, Blackwing was destroyed by a horrific abomination-a man made of worms who used magic and enslaved demons to smash the structure down. They suspect that the worm took several treasures from the ruins before he left, but are unsure what specifically he took. They such see no reason to keep the secret that this location was a Riftwarden stronghold, since they know that all the Riftwardens who were stationed here are dead. They do know that the head librarian, a man named Quednys Orlun, was up near the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell at the time of the disaster. They haven't heard from him since, but there's a chance he may still be alive.
The librarians would rather remain here for now to guard the remaining books-the main hall is a strong and safe place as long as they don't open the doors for anyone else.
Recognizing Aravashnial, the librarians cling to Kenabres's last Riftwarden and beg him to stay with them to protect them.
He does so, thanking you all for helping him reach this location and promising to aid them in the future as best he can.
Seeing the tieflings trying to escape Oliver smiles predatory and suggests: "Perhaps we should hunt them down?" He waits while gifts and pleasantries are exchanged but watches the tieflings' movements.
On his way to the window, he picks up one of the grey stripes, examining it he is puzzled by the origin. "Not of this world," he mumbles.
Haroon frowns as the tieflings flee. Give us all a bad name... he grumbles to himself. He also has a look at the dessicated worm, and even tucks a small sample into his belt pouch.
This does not resemble anything I've encountered in my studies of the natural world. It may be something else entirely.
Haroon helps himself to the spellbook and scroll with a thankful bow. He also takes one of the crossbows plundered from the beastmen below and a score of bolts.
This seems as safe a place as any. Aravashnial, I hope that we will meet again. If we encounter any healers in the city capable of restoring your sight, we will find a way to bring you together. And speaking of healers, Fenna do you know of anyone who might be capable of restoring Hargus here? We've brought his body up from the depths in hopes of seeing him returned to life, but I don't know much of the city, especially as it is now. Can you think of any place we might try to bring him? Also, if it's not too much trouble, do you have any spare inks for arcane writing? I can pay you fair coin for them.
He looks over at the false crusader. What should we do with this one?
"Heavens preserve us, that is the noble Hargus Gwerm! I heard that his manor was abandoned shortly after the attack, I fear that any provisions he may have set aside have failed him in this dark time.
If anyone would yet have the power to return him I would imagine that they would have joined with the The Eagle Watch and the few other crusading groups that managed to survive the attack. I believe that they have set up a fortified camp at the Defender's Heart."
One of the other Librarians interjects, "The Kite's been destroyed, and along with it the wardstone! The demons are loose. What resistance can we have, nothing can stop the demons now. The Storm Lord killed Terendelev, and then had his minions carry her body away into the Worldwound! We no defenses, nothing left. Even Nerosyan's been completely destroyed by the demons. Lord Hulrun himself was killed during the attack and the demons have his body on display!"
As the man continues his rantings Anevia limps her way over to him. Slapping him hard across the mouth to end his tirade. The librarian looks about shocked by the abrupt blow then bolts to the end of one of the bookshelves sobbing quietly that all is lost.
"The Crusaders," She glares at the traitorous man now captive, "still stand their vigil, as long is there but one of us to staunch the tide of demons the gods will strengthen us. Keep the faith."
Fenna looks back to Haroon now ready to continue her conversation with the arcane inclined man. "As for inks I do believe we have some, and you are welcomed to rest here while you use them at the nominal price. As for him," She spits on the ground. " I would kill the murderous bastard on the spot. He meant to burn my friends here with the books and do worse to me. He deserves no better"
"I will not kill a man who is unarmed and has surrendered to us. I believe we should either tie him up and march him to the inn so that he can face judgement for his crimes."
Valtyra looks from the various party members to the captured man.
"I think we should head straight to the inn, we may be able to get someone to raise Hargus. It also means that we will have a safe place to rest and recuperate without the fear of being attacked by what ever else may be lurking around."
My thanks for your kind offer, Fenna, but I do not believe that my companions are willing to wait that long. I'll buy whatever inks and materials you're willing to spare me and remember the kindness.
Haroon frowns at the still nameless traitor, Bound, gagged, and blindfolded, and led by a halter, I'd say. If we're going to transport him, let there be no chance of him betraying us to others of his ilk, or the foul creatures that yet remain in this city, although I truly do not see the need. The punishment of his crimes is death, and whether we administer it here, or wait for some authority to do it makes no difference. It would be quicker to end his miserable life here, and a kinder death than he had planned for these goodfolk.
"Or, and this is probably the best option - we don't weigh ourselves down dragging along a prisoner and give him a tiny chance," Sam comments, reloading their pistol. "In that we let him try to avoid the dire rats, demons, and anyone else that would want to murder him and get out of the city with his skin intact. His incentive being that he's unarmed with his hands tied together and with no weapons, sticking around here is a very, very poor choice."
They level the pistol at the guy's head. "Or if nobody else has the stomach for it I can just put one in his skull and we can be on our merry way. Let Pharasma be his judge."
Fenna looks at the man, a cold fury behind her eyes. "Or just leave him here. Why, we might just light our own fire."
Haroon shakes his head at Fenna. Do not stoop to their level. Our decency is what separates us from the demons and their pawns. Turning to the crusader, Haroon hefts his crossbow. Well, do you have anything to say in your own defense? Any reason that we should not condemn you to death for breaking your vows, betraying the city, and seeking to burn these people alive?
"I'm no 'sworn' protector. I joined up when the fighting was light and the pay was good. No use sticking around on the loosing side. You wont kill me, your too 'good' for that. Go ahead drag me of to the other crusaders are. Like as not they'll all be dead before you get there."
"Is he worth our time?" Oliver asks. "I am not suggesting we should burn him, but a quick death is a much more than he would have given these" he continues gesturing towards the librarians. Adressing Valtyra he asks: "Is this not the most likely punishment for his crimes?"
A clean death is better than he deserves, but that's what I'd give him. There will be plenty of fire where he's going.
Valtyra grabs the human male and drags him to the entrance of the library and shoves him out the door with his hands still bound and weaponless.
"If you wish to try and save your miserable life, you want to run." she says to him in a dark voice and an unfriendly gleam in her eyes.
He spits back a vile cure at throwing him out unarmed and bound. He darts off into the darkening streets.
As the wretch runs off, Haroon turn to the others. The Defender's Heart then?
"It's getting dark - we seriously don't want to be out in the open during the dark," Sam comments to Haroon. "So yeah, if we can get there in under an hour I'd say let's go for it, or else we ought to camp here for the night."
I wouldn't mind spending the night here. We might be able to make it to the inn before night-fall, but with all the chaos in the city, all it would take would be a bit of bad luck and we could find ourselves in a bad way. Haroon gazes at the sturdy walls of the library and then a bit longingly at the stacks of books. We should be safe here, although it probably wouldn't hurt to set a watch. And, after a full night's sleep and some time to prepare new magic, I'll be much more useful to the rest of you.
Haroon studies Millorn's Spellbook, the Blackwing Spellbook, and the scroll of identify.
Millorn's Spellbook
"Agreed. This is a fine place to weather the night. Is anyone wounded?"
Greylocke will look after the librarians, as well as offer prayers and healing for those in need.
I'll take the first watch, Haroon volunteers. Well, really, it will be Obregon. He strokes the raven's head as it pops out of the hood of his cloak. [b]He's better at spotting things anyway, and he can tell me if he sees any trouble.
"Then I'll be on crap watch," Sam states - it was the crap watch because you had to wake up in the middle of the night to take it.
I will take the last shift of the night," Valtyra says as she bunks down against a bookshelf so that she can get her sleep in now.
"Lets hope he doesn't come back," Oliver says as the prisoner is released.
With the general consensus being sleeping here Oliver adds: "Haroon, if you or Sam wakes me when it's time I'll take one of the middle watches."
During the third watch a lone cultist tries to enter the library... I'll leave it to your imagination to what his fate was....
Moonday, 19th of Arodus, 4713 Aprox. 8:00 a.m.
Some sort of demonic sounding bird crows before it lets out a death cry. Dawn seems to come late on the city. The thick haze keeps it dark even though you can see the corona of the sun now raising over the buildings.
The librarians have little food but offer to share some with you if needed before you start your trek through the city.
The newly risen sun casts long shadows through the rubble. A loud grating howl echoes down the streets sending a chill down your spines. A fearsome pale cat like creature the size of a lion pounces down from a ruined wall nearly landing on top of you!
Surrounded and injured it lets out another howl. This one seems to penetrate to your very soul...
Outcome
The Howler is slain, Oliver and Mordan take 3 damage each. Haroon suffers 1 Wis Damage and used Acid Dart twice.
Three dire rats get in your way as you reach about the half way mark on your trek to the Inn. They don't slow you down much...
A pair of fiendish looking Vultures are picking at the corpses of a crusader as the roof of the Inn gets in sight. The fearsome beasts attack but are quickly put down.
The largest inn in Kenabres is Defender's Heart-a stout stone structure that survived the fall of Kenabres with ease.
Built to last and largely ignored by the initial demonic attack (which focused much more on Old Kenabres and the riverfront), Defender's Heart was a perfect choice as a place for surviving crusaders and veterans of the war to gather and form a sort of defensive line.
Alert guards are posted at every third window in the large structure. The guards recognize Anevia as their commander's wife and immediately grant the party entrance. Anevia lets out a joyful cry as Irabeth appears, quickly coming to greet her once word of her return spreads. The women embrace tenderly before Anevia introduces her wife, Irabeth. Irabeth thanks you for keeping Anevia safe and swears to assist you in whatever way she can.
"Praise the Inheritor your alive! Please introduce me to these valiant warriors who have returned you to me!"
Still embracing her wife she lets out a sigh of relief. "Lets get inside and we can tell you all about what happened to us. I'll let these worth heroes introduce themselves. "
Valtyra follows the two women inside and begins to look for her friend the Kimroth the keeper of this inn. I am Valtyra Beltain she introduces herself to Irabeth before going to look for her long time friend.
"Valtyra, Haroon, Mordan, It is good to see you survived the attack. There weren't many who made it off the Plaza. You must tell us how you've survived these last few days."
He gives a nod to Sam "Good to see you made it back here too squire. There's a man upstairs who would have words with you as soon as your able. "
Hey eyes Oliver with interest. "Now I rarely forget a face but with everything that's happened I must have missed you. I'm Kimroth, owner of this establishment, or at least whats left of it. You're traveling with good people so I'll offer my roof for the time being. Like as not I'd let you in anyways."
He clasps hands with Anevia and pulls her into a rough hug. "Cayden's been watching out for ya girl. Gods it good to see you alive."
He steps back looking at the assembled group. "'nough chatting I've got some food nearly ready. You all look like you could use a good home cooked meal."
"Real food would be appreciated, we haven't had a decent hot meal for days," Oliver replies picking up on the last offer. Shaking the mans hand he adds: "I am Oliver Cross, I stayed at another inn before all this happened."
"Well I'm not sure I can forgive you for that.' Kimroth gives him a knowing wink as he goes to get a table ready. Several members of the Eagle's watch give up their seats to allow them you to all sit together.
Few refugees are visible on the first floor, though the sound of woman and children echos down from the upper floors.
Sam is more than a little disheartened as they continue their trek through the ruined city - at the very least they didn't encounter anything particularly nasty. Still, the gunslinger was taking stock of their available ammunition and realizing they were down to less than ten shots remaining - they'd have to prepare some more when they had the time.
Of a more pressing concern to the ex-squire is what one man had to say - the only person Sam really knew in the city had to be - a swelling of hope lurched in their chest, as they spoke rapidly. "If anyone here knows Hargas, please attend to his body - a man that rich probably has some kind of contingency against unexpected death," They state, before rushing upstairs.
Mordan heaves a sigh of relief upon seeing the state of the Defender's Heart. "A ray of light in these dreary days. A reminder that Iomedae blesses us with hope, and a will to enact it." He finds a spot to rest, and divests himself of his cumbersome armor. Once freed from the restrictions of steel, he walks about the makeshift refugee camp offering his services as healer or priest to those in need.
The food is a welcomed respite and while many of the crusaders are curios about what you had gone through below none ask as many questions as Irabeth.
Sir Enoch lies in a bed, the remains of his crushed armor lie in a pile nearby dented badly. His brestplate is no where to be seen. His chest is wrapped tightly in several layers of linen bandages and his face is thinner than you remember, but he looks little worse for wear.
A young boy, a squire for one of the other crusaders perhaps, is sitting by him helping Sir Enoch with a bowl of broth. When you enter he looks up and the worn face breaks into a smile.
When the first pint is placed in front of him Oliver almost gulps a quarter of it down. Once the initial thirst is quenched he shares some of their experiences from below. "You all saw the cave in, well we and some others fell down, most of the others didn't make it..."
Haroon breathes a sigh of relief at the sight of the inn, and is even more heartened by the warm welcome. Despite a slight scrambling of his wits, he still keeps his cloak clutched tight, and Obregon hops out to perch on his shoulder, keeping watch behind the slight young man. Haroon bows to Irabeth, Haroon Falstaff, at your service. Your wife is a brave woman. You two look very happy together. Has there been much fighting here? What news of the city?
Glad to be back, Kimroth he says with a tired grin, that lights up to a genuine smile at the sight of hot food, A feast! The young wizard tucks in, filling a plate nearly as large as his head and cramming food into his mouth before he is even seated. Obregon hops down and begins pecking at a stray breadcrust.
In between bites, Haroon fills out Oliver's story a bit. The caverns were dark, and deadly, beasts and beast-men and cultist crusaders dogged our every step, but we managed to make it out together. We found some disturbing news as well, but also a bit of hope in the darkness.
"I thought I saw you die," They sob. "H-How?"
Everyone listens eagerly to your harrowing adventures beneath the city.
Irabeth explains, "After the death of many of the commanders up at the Catherdral I am now in charge of the Eagle Watch, at least, until the Mendevian army arrives to help reclaim the city. I knows that word got out about the attack, but Nerosyan and other cities along the border are facing their own plights-so far."
"I cannot tell you how much it pleases me to hear that the "First Decendents will aid us agianst the onslought of demons, I'll dispatch a group of knights to finnalize the arrangements in the morning."
"Fear not, for none of the other border cities have suffered as great a defeat as Kenabres, and while our city's wardstone has been destroyed and that as a result, the remaining network of wardstones remains though has diminished in power to a shadow of its former strength."
"I thank lomedae daily for the our enemy's selfdestrutive trechery. Had the demons made as focused an attack on Nerosyan as they did on Kenabres, things would be dire indeed."
At the mention the Templars and their safe houses, Irabeth becomes very interested. The Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth are, in her opinion, one of the most dangerous elements of the
enemy. " They have spies everywhere," she says, " and have apparently been among us for decades. Only recently has proof of their presence been manifesting. I personally managed to root out one oft heir more powerful members the leader of a group called the Hammers of Heaven. We all thought of Staunton 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 may have been the one to betray Drezen 75 years ago. They knighted me for that discovery, but I'm still not sure why, since he slipped through my fingers and is out there still, causing who knows how much more damage ... " Irabeth trails off here for a moment before she shakes her head to clear her thoughts. "If you can rot them out from these safe-houses I'll find some way to reward such service to our cause. "
Haroon shrugs and stifles a belch, eyes opening in alarm at his lack of manners. I c..c..c...can't speak for the others he stammers, but I will lend what aid I can to driving these demon scum from the city. He makes sure to show Irabeth the tabards, unholy symbols and prayer book of Baphomet recovered from under the city, but retains the letter from Staunton Vhane to Hosilla, unsure whether to reveal that the group had recovered Radiance as well. He avails himself to any magical healing available, grateful that it does not require that he disrobe and reveal the fiendish taint of his blood.