"We can escort you to safety if you wish. These are dangerous times and we should be safer together."
"Yes, we can see you all to safety." Iona said. "Grab what books you feel must be saved above all others. We can help carry some of them. But we must move quickly to get back to the others and head for safety. Aravashnial is among those we'll return to, so if there is anything you wish to bring him grab it as well. But I should warn you... He was blinded by battle wounds before entering the cave below. It's a long story but in short he won't be able to read." Iona stopped for a moment before asking "Wait, do you know where his spellbook is? He said he left it at home. I'd like to hring it to him if we could."
"If you have any weapons or ammunition, right now a sling or crossbow may prove more useful than a scroll so keep that in mind when choosing what to take. The city is in ruins so rope and things like it might still be of use."
Bakji stands up slowly "If there is anything capable of healing in the building, it should take priority." he offered.
"His spellbook?" She looks back at the ruins, then back at the group. "There is nothing left of his room back there, but I think there is one of his older ones in the library." She looks at Nicholas while the rest of them start collecting books. "We don't have much in term of weapons, just some daggers. If we could rest, we would be able to use some basic spells." After a few minutes, the group is ready to leave.
"Take up the weapons of the dead tieflings. It is better than nothing. When next you have the chance to rest ensure you prepare at least one cantrip that can directly be used to harm an enemy." Nicholas sets out to find Aravashniel's spellbook and anything else of use.
Viktor nods at the advice of Nicholas. Once they are prepared he leads the group onwards. "Am entire group of mages. Even without magic prepared we should look very intimidating."
Bakji pauses the group "If at all possible, some healing would be nice." he says.
"Bakji! You have to speak up sooner lad!" Viktor places a hand on Bakji's wounds, healing up the worst of them.
"I'm out of my healing..." Iona said a bit shamefully. "I used everything up, but we do still have the wand." She said as she got that out and gave Bakji a few pokes with it.
"How does that feel?" She asked.
Bakji stays deadpan at them and replies "I thought my pale skin and the large gash in my side gave it away." he says attempting to be serious while portraying a joking demeanor at the same time.
He raises his hand after the curative wand is used three times and nods his head. "Like I have more blood in me than out of me." he says in all seriousness.
He turns back to the mages "We should move somewhere safe, do you have anywhere in particular? If not, then we know a dwelling that will suffice for now."
The mages quickly grab some book each and set them up on special carrying pack that they wear as backpack. The leader of the group grabs one last book that she gives to Iona. "That's for Aravashniel." Looking inside, Ionan reorganize some arcane writing and can only guess that this is the spellbook for the blind wizard. Nicholas looks through the damaged bookcase and find books that might be interesting to study, but nothing of higher value.
The way back to the vault is a quick and easy one. Has Viktor mentioned, the high number of people itself probably scared any potential enemy off. When you enter the vault, you are greeted by Horgus. "I see you found some more people. I know you want to save everyone, but the food supply isn't unlimited. Scavenging for some might be a good thing when you go out there." He doesn't look upset, just worried about running out.
"Thank you." Iona told the woman with a smile as she took the book and put it away.
When they returned Iona listened to Horgus's statement and nodded. "I was actually hoping for us to make it to the area they have set up with everyone here. Though we need to rest... It had been a long day for us." She explained.
Though she did take a moment to find Aravashniel. "I have something for you." Iona said softly as she took out his spellbook. Taking both of his hand she settled the book in his hands. "This was what we where able to recover with help. We brought back all those who where still there. I know you can't read it but... I could try reading the spells to you if you like..." She offered.
Viktor nods in understanding to Horgus. "I know all too well the burden of rescuing people in dire conditions. I will take responsibility for this." He turns to their new group of rescued mages. "You will find shelter and safety here, but all must pull their weight! We must maintain a well supplied haven so we may rescue more."
Viktor turns back to Horgus. "We will keep an eye out for food and other supplies as we travel." The paladin assures him. "But for tonight, we must rest. Our wounds were great and our healing was stretched thin."
"Perhaps I can help you with the preparations Aravashniel. It might work. If you focus on spells that do not require you perceiving a target it could be of greater use. Summoning spells for example. If we can verbally call out targets and you direct the summoned creatures.."
Bakji doesn't balk from his duties as "scout" even after the near death event. He nods to Horgus as they reach the vault and he stands there at the entrance with him as they shuffle people inside.
He nods in agreement "It would be best to move forwards when we can. I'm not sure about creating a caravan to move us all as it would make a lot of noise but we were unbothered on our way here perhaps due to numbers. Though, I imagine there is great safety in the accompaniment of so many mages and a few fighters to defend them. Still, it is quite agreeable that we should be foraging as best we can. It is hopeful that this situation will not last more than a few days before the city is able to recover and take over." he said stoically.
The night passes quietly enough, everyone being too exhausted for much conversation. In the morning, Horgus passes some of the food from the reserve. Aravashnial finally gets to study some new spells with the help of Nicholas and Iona. Anevia gathers some arrows for Bakji. After the breakfast and all the preparation, Anevia signal the group over before they head out. "I read the note from Irabeth. She is in the Defender’s Heart. It is a large inn north of here. She mentions to use the password Silverstrong . There are others over there with her. If we can unite with them, maybe we would stand a better chance."
"That is our hope." Iona said as she ensured all where ready to head out. "It is likely others who have survived might have made their way there too. We might even have a small force... if we're lucky." She said hoping for the best.
"Horgus, are you going to remain here? Or just us at Defender's Heart?" She asked.
Viktor takes the morning to go through their gathered survivors, checking on moral and trying to be a beacon of hope for the others. As Anevia gives them a heading he nods. "Excellent. I think that is our best heading than."
Horgus looks up at Iona. "For now, I'd rather stay here than risk it out there. This way, it will also give you two safe places to rest if need be." He pauses for a second and then continue. "Beside, I'm not much of a fighter and I would probably just get in the way over there."
Bakji raised a brow "I might worry about your safety by yourself but it is your decision. We will take everyone that is interested in moving to the Defender's Heart then."
He turned and moved out and bowed and thanked Anevia for taking care of his munitions and gear.
"It may not be safe for anyone. We don't know yet." Iona said with a shrug. "We cannot say what is best for him. Allow him to remain. He knows the risk." She said.
Iona however did step up and offer Horgus a hand to shake. "Stay safe."
Horgus nods as he shakes Iona's hand and walks away. The rest of the refugees are gathering their stuff and getting ready to move the moment the group is ready. They know they wouldn't survive by themselves out there and no one wants to be the dead weight that drags the group.
Your little group make its way north to the Defender’s Heart. On the way there, Bakji notices some cultist sneaking around. They look similar to the one you've seen in the caves under the city. You could probably catch them off guard, but not with everyone following you.
Viktor stays still, deathly still, allowing the others to make the decision of stealth if they so choose.
Bakji pauses. He scratches his chin for a moment and whispers a small incantation. Provided he still sees one of them, he quickly knocks an arrow and fires at them.
Nicholas casts a defensive spell infusing it with arcane energy.
Once they are ready to strike Nicholas hurls a snowball of pure magical energy at a cultist while holding a loaded crossbow in his offhand.
Iona muttered a soft prayer to her goddess and suddenly her armor felt like it weighed nothing at all. Then, like Viktor, she remained still. Waiting for her friends to possibly bring their son to be attackers into the light.
You manage to catch up to the group of cultist and while still some distance away, Bakji sends an arrow flying. For a moment, everyone looks at the arrow, wondering if it will reach the target or not. Then, as it gets closer to the ground, the cultist takes one step in the wrong direction and the arrow dig itself into his arm. He let go a surprised cry and then turn toward the group. The rest of his companions stop in their tracks at the sound, and you know that this will be quite the fight.
With her armor less of a burden Iona rushes foreword, blade of Radiance and shield in hand. "Defilers of our home! You will be brought to justice!" She called.
Bakji lets another arrow fly as he moves forwards.
Viktor begins moving towards the enemy as quickly as his armor allows. "Make sure to stay behind us!" He shouts to their backline, knowing they can move faster without the encumbrance of armor.
While Aravashnial starts casting a summoning spell, the rest of the group follows you up to get closer to the cultist ahead. The cultists regroup and try to find some shelter from further ranged attack. Once out of sight, they start invoking magic energy to protect themselves.
Viktor continues charging forward, ending past the building and turning to face the cultists with a raised shield. "Attack me if you dare!" He roars at them.
Iona swiftly followed Viktor into battle and thankfully catching up to him with ease. Readying her shield and Radiance for the battle ahead.
Bakji knocks his next arrow and sprints forwards a bit.
Nicholas moves up to stay just behind Iona and Viktor.
Aravashnial finishes casting his spell and a lantern Archon appears next to him. Right away, the Archon flies toward the group of cultists. The rest of your allies try to keep up to your advance. The cultist split in three groups and try a pincer maneuver to gain an advantage. Some of them were close enough to attack Viktor with their glaives.
Iona moved up to the left of Viktor, taking a swing at the cultist before her.
Glaive1 vs Viktor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Glaive2 vs Viktor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Glaive3 vs Viktor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Viktor steps forward, shield raised high as he barely fends off the flurry of attacks. "Do not let them close behind us, hold the back line!" He roars over the combat. He steps forward, his warhammer coming down.