Round: 4, Initiative: 14
HP: 22/22
Weapon Equipped = Long Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 25/30 (2 misses)
Silver Blunt Arrows = 10/10
Conditions = None
Ranger Focus = 0/1 (+2 attack/damage)
Child of the Crusade = 1/1 (reroll failed save to be demonically possessed or incapacitated)
Silver Dragon Scale = 3/3
Bow Attack Mods: BAB +3, Dex +3, MW Bow +1, (Deadly Aim -1), (Rapid Shot -2)
Bow Damage Mods: (Deadly Aim +2)
Cole draws another arrow in his bow and aims in the direction of the hidden enemy.
”If you surrender, cancel this accursed darkness and show yourself. I’ll not shoot while we chat.”
If he does not drop the darkness, or if he makes any hostile action, Cole strikes.
(point blank, cover) (point blank)
"I...I can't. It doesn't work that way!" he whines, continuing to grove.
Per GM_Verdigris request...
Cole hesitates, then shoots into the darkness hoping to hit the lying SOB.
Cole's arrow streaks through the darkness as if guided by some divine hand. The tiefling gurgles, choking on a cold iron arrowhead, only revealing the poisoned blade hidden in his off hand as he falls.
Cole fumbles around in the dark gathering up his arrows.
"OK then. Damn demons..."
He looks to the remaining librarians. "You're free now. Tell us what has happened here in the last few days. We know about the big attack - but we were thrust underground and have only just surfaced. We know little about what's going on here and are keen to know the details."
Cole eyes the librarians a moment and says, more emphatically, "Speak up now! You're safe - at least from these three. So tell us what's going on."
The most courageous of the librarians speaks, tilting her chin up as if daring anymore abuse from anyone. " We have survived much, over the last several days. The... " She stops, helping the others as best she can, receiving a "bless you, Fenna" from the most upset of the others. After a moment she continues.
"Where was I? Oh, yes. The Rift Wardens are gone. Or dead, or both, having joined the fight at the first boom. None have re....Sir Aravashnyel? Oh blessed be the light that has led you back!...What...whatever is wrong with your... oh goodness." Whatever else Fenna might say is delayed, as the librarians cluster around the lone Rift Warden.
"Please come in. We will brace the doors somehow. We were safe, until we thought...he looked a knight. said the demons had killed his mount...please...." her invitation embraces all of the travelers, though one wonders if it would,had not Aravashnyel been with the party.
Spellcraft
What?
Aasimarra kicks the dagger away, even as looks shocked at the arrow protruding from the tiefling's neck. Aasimarra turns his graceful and slender neck to look at Cole...who, of course, can't see him and his fine feather hair--a gossamer weave hidden by the dark.
"You got him, Cole. Good work," Aasimarra says, stowing his starknife and gracefully leaving his soldier's dance. "The darkness should fade soon enough."
* * *
Aasimarra helps rebuild and re-fortify the doors, using graceful movements a fine complement to his glittery skin.
"Come, we shall make this place safe again...for a time."
Eli listens to the exchange between the tiefling and Cole, then jolts as the arrow lays the creature low. He stares stunned for a moment, then slowly nods as the implications set in.
He moves back closer to the group, listening to the librarians and their accounting. He fills in any bits that may try to fall between the cracks of excited conversation.
The librarian's do not talk much until the place is secured, only then answering what questions they an. "It was a horrific thing, that destroyed the Black Wing. A man, but made of worms. He had magic and demons at his command. I think he though his work done, and so left this one room habitable, of a sort. We were safe until..." the librarian breaks, beginning to sob, while another picks up the tale. "Until we let *him* in. We shouldnt have believed him, but... we were scared. And thought his skill at arms might aid us. But his only purpose was to 'get on the right side of our new demonic overlords.'
One of the others jerks from some remembered terror, but otherwise they fall quiet for a long moment.
Almost as one, they whisper, "He was going to burn the books."
Aravashnyel, never one to mingle with the non magical, none the less gathers his wits and soothes them as much as he can.
"there will be no more burning of books. They, and you, are safe now." Over their heads, he 'looks' about the place, seeing nothing. There is no one here with the power to help him, none that can bring back his sight.
And there is no sign of Lylina, so perhaps, just perhaps... she lives elsewhere.
Aasimarra keeps working, enjoying his lithe and slender form and the graceful movements.
This is so...different. It is a treat.
A treat? Well, it will be the first one what you haven't eaten a plate of, Fatso.
Aasimarra works in silence. As he stacks and move books, his golden eyes look over the book titles looking for a familiar name.
* * *
After things have quieted down and are secured, Aasimarra approaches the headiest of the librarians.
"This may seem silly...but I seek a book that would bring me much comfort. My father used to read it to me and it would mean the world to see it again. If it survived the devastation, could you help me find it if you had it? It was called The First Defense of Lastwall: A History of the Whispering Tyrant and the Heroes Who Opposed Him."
After Cole's sudden shot in the dark slices just past the holy mount's nose, Xanthos' throat rumbles with a deep growl. When the foe's collapse reveals the concealed dagger just a foot or two away from the mount and his rider, the beast's eyes widen. A little snort puffs from his nose as he ever so slightly bob's his head at the archer.
Beagan sits obviously in the dark, hearing the pleas followed by the arrow shot. "Wait! He surrendered!" Before he can complain any further, Xanthos rumbles and the Gnome becomes still and softly mumbles, "They try to be trickier than a Calistrian, don't they?"
The Gnome doesn't follow the entire conversation, but a word does catch his ears. "Fenna, is it? Did you say all the Rift Wardens are... umm... dead?"
And then hearing something about a demon killing a knight's mount, he just pats Xanthos for reassurance, mostly his own.
Aasimarra's question strikes another chord in his mind. "Defense of Lastwall? I think that's the book my knightly friend recommended for me, too. Is that right, Serra?" He turns, thinking he should easily be able to spot the sizable knight.
"Hmmm... 'Defense of Lastwall'? Most of our books have something to do with The Worldwound, or demons in general, but there are some Histories around here somewhere, if they weren't already burned. Much has already been destroyed, but there are many left." Fenna helps the graceful Aasimarra and the little gnome look through the books.
"What is this? No, this is only a spell book. With all the Rift wardens gone or or or...well, with only Aravashnyel and his sight gone, it will do us no good. Unless...." She turns to the shape changer with a smile, "Could you put it to some use?"
Aasimarra looks through the books, ever hopeful for finding the tome he seeks. The tome of his father...and the same tome what would help he and Sir Beagan be knights worthy of stories...worthy of standing in the vanguard of the defense of Mendev.
Disappointed it is not there, Aasimarra sighs and accepts the answer.
"Perhaps a copy will show up later; it was only a faint hope."
Aasimarra accepts the spellbook, thinking it might make good reading later.
Once the tieflings are well dispatched, if the librarians are hurt Grasker will channel to heal them a bit.
"What have you heard of the Gray Garrison? Does it still exist?"
Trying to understand the dynamics of the attack, Eli thinks on the Librarium, and its role in the city.
Eli pats Grasker on the shoulder as another round of healing comes forth. He looks to the librarians for storied accounts, but he can't sit still, choosing to search the fallen brute and the tieflings.
Once done sorting through their possessions, Eli turns his attention to sifting through the rubble.
"I don't know. I think it still stands, but we have not left here. We... we thought we would be safe here."
Grasker's channel heals the librarians, even the one that appeared to be dead on the floor. Though she barely breathes, she will likely live.
Aasimarra packs the book away in his backpack, looking around at all the books.
"Fenna, would you happen to have a book about the Riftwardens? They seem to be of interest in Mendev. I am newer here and would learn more," Aasimarra asks, stroking his feathered beard. He examines his skin, which shimmies in the light.
"The Riftwardens were important here, we need to understand them if we are to repair the damage here."
My father would want to love this story, no doubt.
"OH! On the Riftwardens?! I...that is...those books would be deeper. We were not allowed within the Riftwarden's private enclave below. Perhaps Master Aravashnyel could answer that better." She looks to where the elf talks quietly to the still unconscious librarian.
The Blackwing, when it stood, was the largest library in Kenabres, and was well known for it's accumulated works on the World wound and demonology.
Cole looks around the destruction and is disappointed. The whole city is like this. Ever changed. He shakes his head at the carnage of Demons.
"Serra, Eli, we best be moving on if we're to find cover this day. Anevia's house is just a few hours away I think." Cole pauses in thought a moment and continues, "Although, with the librarians permission, this may be as good a place as any to lay low for the balance of the day and a night. For my part I think waiting here until dawn is a good idea. Stretching ourselves is risky in this mess and I know some of you are hurt and others low on spells and abilities."
He repacks arrows into his quiver.
”Anevia's house is very near my own. There are some supplies there we could use, mostly rations and a few more arrows. I would check on my family as well seeing as we’ll be close. Neither place is particularly closer than the other - and they’re not situated too far apart - though there is a wall between them and in this mess it’s hard to say what that will mean.”
He looks at Avenia, ”If you’re desperate to check on your spouse we can visit your house first. But then we go to mine.” He turns to Grasker, "It occurs to me I know not where you live. Lay it out to me that we may find a way to visit your kin as well and see to their safety."
Aasimarra looks at Cole and nods, waiting to hear if they might spend the night here.
"There is much knowledge to be gained here. A night might fill our heads with ideas that could be turned into weapons against our foes," Aasimarra replies, again stroking his magnificent feather beard. He gracefully moves his slender form closer to Ara.
"What can you tell us of the Riftwardens, Ara? Were they important?"
"New to town, so I'll defer to those who need to check on others first. We really do need to check in with the military at some point, don't you think? The more I see of your city, the more I fear remaining."
"Of course you can stay here tonight. We have much work to do, but we are grateful for your help." Fenna looks at Aravashnyel, then continues, "As long as MasterWarden Aravashnyel doesn't mind. "
The elf nods slowly, "There is plenty of room and it *has* been quite the day. You must stay here and recover. I do not think it will be any less dangerous than it has been. And it has been *quite* a day already."
He looks at Avenia, ”If you’re desperate to check on your spouse we can visit your house first. But then we go to mine.”
"I... I know we have taken so long already it shouldn't matter." Anevia agrees, though her face belies her desire to see her wife one more. She settles near the door and makes small talk with Darlyn, one of the librarians.
"What can you tell us of the Riftwardens, Ara? Were they important?"
"The Rifwardens? It isn't something discussed in the open. I'm afraid our Librarian friend have a somewhat overblown sense of our importance."
The elf finds a place among the books and lowers his voice, talking to the one or two that might be near. "We seek the end of the Worldwound. We are no more or less than that. We-we are a private bunch, for there are obviously many that would see our research fouled and despoiled. I don't know how much is left."
He pauses, wishing for something to dim the edges of his memories, but there is nothing like that near.
"We thought we were important. But we were too slow."
"We seek the end of the Worldwound. We are no more or less than that. We-we are a private bunch, for there are obviously many that would see our research fouled and despoiled. I don't know how much is left."
Serra (now back to his original...uh...'overnourished' form) nods and listens to Ara. It is clear he has a lot more questions, and would love to know more, but realizes that now might not be the best time to press.
"Thank you, Ara. Maybe we'll have time to talk more at a later time."
If they are all gone, then there is no more need to keep it secret, is there?
Serra continues to work to make a safe camp for the night. He will help with the books and occasionally check on Kastor, his noble squire, to make sure the boy is helping as well.
* * *
Later that night, during his watch, he will read the book that the librarian gave him.
"We thought we were important. But we were too slow."
The information shared by Aravashnyel surprises the Gnome, causing a broad smiles, followed by deeply pensive furrows and finally determined stares. Before settling down for the evening, Beagan will address the Elf.
"महाराज. मैंने सुना है ... दरार वार्डनों. मैं भी था के बारे में कहानियों ... वे मिथकों थे बताया, लेकिन मैं मुझे बताया गया है कहानियों को सच कर रहे हैं, तो मैं शपथ लेनी चाहिए. मैं गुमराह किया जा रहा था कि अब लगता है कि मेरा सुरक्षा, जैसे यह है. मैं सहायता के हो सकता है ऐसे ही एक के रूप में अगर बिग आर ', कि है, दरार वार्डनों की सहायता के लिए ... मैं यह मेरी ... कर्तव्य है विश्वास, कहीं मुझे भेजा नहीं गया है प्रदान की."
Cole checks the space out watching for ways Demons might come at them before positioning his bedroll, such as it is. Overhearing the conversation, he adds nothing, but he does offer to take the first shift.
He spends his shift uneasily, pacing quite a bit.
In the morning, he's eager to be gone and rushes through breakfast. He does his best to try and relax as he waits for the others to be ready to move on.
Eventually, when the others seem ready as well - or at least close to it - Cole says, "Anevia, to your house then. Shall we?"
Eli takes last shift, finding his way into the back of the library for a moment to examine the contents of his chest, mending where necessary.
When the others are ready, Eli wipes his hands, and moves to the doors, hoping that Anevia's house isn't too far.
"Cole, my family lived & worked near the Wardstone. Hopefully they did not suffer when it was destroyed."
Later... to the librarians:
"We came across a text carried by the demon worshipers, a Bejeweled Book of Prayers to Baphomet. It seems too dangerous to carry and risk falling back into evil hands, but potentially useful for study in a safer time. Demonic weakness, org charts, the usual. You mentioned Master Aravashnyel has a place for securing books, that would be a good place as any to leave it."
"I'd caution against casual study.. Baphomet is a demon of mazes and there may be some trap or danger to the soul embedded in these pages."
"They are no myth, Ser Beagan. Many have given their lives in the line of duty. The Riftwardens were very real. I....I can't believe I am the last alive. Surely others must have survived, even if they felt the need to flee at the time."
The Librarians take the book from Grasker, treating it very carefully. "Of course. I'm sure with Master Aravasnhyel's help, we'll be able to lock it up tightly." the librarian nods and steps back. "At some point, the knowledge in these walls, and buried beneath us, will be needed. We'll continue to work to put things to right. Perhaps you will pass this way again."
When all are ready, Anevia gets to her feet, ready to make her way home. Aravashnyel sees them all as far as the door, stating, "My place is here. Without my sight I am more hindrance than anything else at this point. Should you find someone with the skill enough to see to my eyes, try to find some way to let me know."
Eli pats Aravashnyel on the back as goodbyes are said. "Sight is overrated. From the smell, the world is burning down around us. You should be grateful you are spared the sight."
Eli speaks no promises, and readies to leave with the others.
From the Braggart: 2 potions of cure light wounds, a suit of banded mail, a light steel shield, +1 heavy mace, 290 gp
From the tieflings: 2 smokesticks; 1 leather armor, 2 masterwork hand crossbow with 30 bolts, 2 mw longswords, bloodroot (4 doses), oil of taggit (2 dose), tindertwigs (15)
Before leaving, Serra requests a private word with Aravashynel (only Kastor is within hearing range and Serra trusts his trusty squire).
"This book? This book the librarians gave me...you should see it. I mean," Serra gets frustrated by his own choice of words and tries to explain again. He will talk about the contents (only some of which he vaguely understood), trying to describe it in detail.
"The librarian gave it to me, but it is likely that she did not understand its worth. You should keep it...to help rebuild Kenabres. And the Riftwardens. It's possible that I might be able to use some of these given a lot more time, but I am devoted to my knighthood."
"This... this does me no good right now, Serra. I can... I can feel the magic within its pages, but I cannot read them. I...I could hide it with the rest of the most special books once we reach down that far, but it may be some time.
Meanwhile, you and the others will be going forward, out in the open. If there is anything in it that might help you on your way, you should take it. Mayhap if you find a mage with some power, you may be able to use it to barter for things that might help you.
But if you leave it here, and another comes, it is possible it could fall into hands that will use it for ill. I would hope not, but I have more faith in the six of you keeping it safe than me and my Librarians, though lord knows they would give their lives in the attempt. I would rather they were not put in such a position. Once was more than enough."
Serra nods then remembers that Ara can't see and verbally agrees.
"As you wish. I do hope to find someone worthy of knowledge within," Serra says, stowing the book next to his mother's book within the waterproof bag.
"You have been a good friend and companion, Aravashynel. I doubt we have said our final words together...but if these are them, know that I wish we had more time."
Serra offers his hand in shake...but then again remembers and gives the Elf a 'man' hug.
When it is time to leave, time to follow Cole to the next stop, Serra pauses to speak with the gnome Fenna.
"Thank you for that book. I will try to find someone worthy of it. If you happen to come across a copy of The First Defense of Lastwall, I would be grateful to see it again. By the same token, if there are books that I find that might help you, should I send them here?"
* * *
When Serra finishes talking with Fenna, he will be ready to follow Cole.
After settling down for the night and currying the lupine rabbit fur, the Gnome is asleep before he misses his mount. He is very gratified when his morning oblations return Xanthos in a brief puff of fire and smoke.
Noting that Serra has a private with Aravashnyel, when convenient Beagan talks softly to the Othonic veteran.
"Serra, you seem to have developed a good relationship with the Lord Elf. His order holds special importance to... ummm, my people, as it were. I was very sad to hear most of the them are likely to have perished. If you ever think of anything that can aid Aravashnyel or his friends, I would happily lend whatever aid I can to that end."
He shrugs. "I know little of these maters myself - what might restore eyesight to a injured one, how one might fight his missing friends, or otherwise aid his cause - but in case your experience gives you some insight, please let me know if I can help."
As they prepare, he adds another thought. "Xanthos is not a large mount, but he can bear a great burden. Perhaps if we leave the rug behind, he could carry Horgus, leaving Serra free to provide a knightly escort to Anevia."
Eli observes the conversations, and chimes in after Beagan starts to plan for departure.
"Serra, I think Beagan is right. You've struck a chord with Aravashnyel. It seems perilous, don't you think, to leave him blind and amongst librarians, without protection? Perhaps you would consider remaining here with him, and continue protecting him until his sight is restored?"
Fenna bustles around, trying to help the group prepare as they get ready to go. She nods at Serra's request. "I have already spoken with the other librarians. IF there is one here, we will find it for you and reserve it for your return. If there is not, and things return to normal, I will begin seeking other places."
Aravashnyel and the librarian's see the others to the door, wishing them well, then begin shoring up the barriers. It may be awhile before they risk the open world again.
Anevia shrugs her pack up a little higher and turns her face to the north. "Let's go home."
"I'd like to see Horgus home. We travelled so far with each other, I would not want to abandon his remains so near his household, in case any might remain there."
"Serra...If you ever think of anything that can aid Aravashnyel or his friends, I would happily lend whatever aid I can to that end."
As they prepare, he adds another thought. "Xanthos is not a large mount, but he can bear a great burden. Perhaps if we leave the rug behind, he could carry Horgus, leaving Serra free to provide a knightly escort to Anevia."
Serra nods thankfully to Beagan, his dark beard shuffling up and down his chain armor.
"That is noted and appreciated, Sir Beagan. Truly, we will do what we can to aid the Aravashynel," Serra says. "And as far as Horgus goes, I'd be fine with carrying him today if your mount tires. Truthfully, he ways quite a bit and without my mother's tricks he would be too much for me." Serra rubs hhis complaining back.
* * * *
"Serra...It seems perilous, don't you think, to leave him blind and amongst librarians, without protection? Perhaps you would consider remaining here with him, and continue protecting him until his sight is restored?"
Serra looks at Ely, considering the idea. He then looks at Anevia and Horgus, his other charges. He looks at the sky and city and shakes his head.
"That is intriguing, but I would prefer to move on...there may be a use for my knightly skills ahead. I believe he will be safe here until we can reclaim the city."
Serra gathers his stuff to follow Cole.
With Horgus' remains positioned respectfully on Xanthos, the party heads out. The arrangement is a good one, as the weight of the late Master Gwerm slows Xanthos, and frees up others to help speed up Anevia.
They walk for over an hour, side stepping several times around razed buildings that now block the way. They do occasionally see people here and there, though they tend to run rather than stay to talk.
Still they pick up bits news, though how reliable the sources are is anyone's guess:
1. Nerosyan’s been completely destroyed by the demons!
2. Beware! Most of the “survivors” in the city are actually possessed by demons!
3. The Mendevian army is heading to Kenabres to save us, but who knows when they’ll get here?
4. There seem to be multiple types of demon cultists at large in the city—they’re not all worshipers of Deskari.
Finally, with the sun glaring sullenly upon the wreckage, they approach a ruined temple of Saranrae. In front of it, a small group of crusaders clusters.