Maelchar will come down from the hillock or wherever he was to have some height, and join the others? down below to meet with Horgus and receive the message. "You are most welcome... it is good to see a face from Kenebras and to know our efforts have not gone unnoticed. I'm glad you made it safely here... come, to Drezen, which is now a free city once again."
He reads the missive from Gwerm, allowing all in the party to do so as well of course, and unless it has something that would indicate otherwise, he will request the army escort the arriving host to the citadel and accompany them as well, the standard flying high.
So'rien moves to the broken down walls when it is announced that an army was approaching. When they see that it is friends however, he let's out a deep sigh and says a quick prayer to the gods, giving them a bit longer to sort themselves out before the war continues.
When Pakak hears the news, he took mutters a soft prayer of thanks (In his case to Torag) and reads the missive.
Noting Gwerm is at the forefront, Pakak mutters to his friends "I know there's some good in the man, but I certainly hope his manners have continued to improve. He was difficult."
So'rien looks at Pakak and says quietly My memory is a bit fuzzy from the torture. Can you fill me in on who he is and why he was difficult?
"It's been awhile, but he's a nobleman we helped rescue and escorted to safety. He had a snit about a tattered cloak while others were dealing with bigger problems, treated folks like the hired help,, that sort of thing. To be fair, he has aided with his wealth and apparently spoke up for us at least once... maybe he has improved."
"He was difficult, aye, but as a nobleman, I guess he felt entitled to be... I too hope that with all that's gone on, that he's realized we are all in this together. His presence here alone is a good sign. Let's hope for the best."
Having gotten permission to approach and convene a gathering of the leaders of Kenebras Gwerm clears his throat as he looks for Garith and Irabeth to stand. I have here a message from our esteemed Queen to be delivered to Sir Garith, Irabeth and company. Before I can present the message to you I must require your touch upon this stone.
Drawing forth a blood red stone he passes it over to Irabeth and Garith. As each one of them touches the stone the redness fades away leaving the stone white. Horgus takes the stone with thanks. A little security precaution should we have been deceived by demons upon our arrival.
You sense from Horgus that he is still a little arrogant and pompous but there has been a shift in his demeanor. Instead of being filled with his own ego it seems that he is more in line with the crusade. While not willing to be in the front of the fighting he seems to support it fully and is concerned for its success for all concerned. Being a noble though he still feels that he knows more than most and unfortunately may be right when it comes to matters of money and economic growth.
Taking the white stone Horgus throws it upon the ground where it shatters releasing a white cloud of smoke. The cloud take the form of Queen Galfrey's face as the Queen starts to speak to you. Words can not convey my gratitude for what you have done. I wish that I could say the worst is over but as you surely know the liberation of Drezen is but the first of many that that must be taken to ensure victory in this war. Congratulations for your achievements.
Yet we can not rest on our laurels. There is much that needs to be done here and you are poised to serve in a way that no others among the crusaders can match. Use Drezen as a base of operations to set out and explore the region of the Worldwound known as the Wounded Lands to the south and west for anything that we can use against the demons. Being on the front lines you will doubtlessly find leads to follow up on your won but if you have any questions consult those I have sent with you. I chose them for their abilities but also for their knowledge of this region.
For this reason I request that Irabeth be lord and ruler of Drezen, Sosiel be the Spritual leader, Aron First Warden, Anevia Spymaster, Aravashinal Magistrate and Horgus the financial advisor. I make this ruling to free you all up for the tasks that I know that you must endure.
Horgus looks surprised at the positions being announced as it seems he was going to be a high member of the city but perhaps not that high ranking.
Know this as well. word of your deeds is spreading like wildfire across the battle lines to the south. All along those lines crusaders are taking heart and fighting with renewed focus and determination. Sieges are being broken and even some small forays have been made to push the demons back. Yet this will not last forever as the demons will continually throw themselves at us. I will do what I can to keep the demons attention on us but I fear that I will not hold their attention for long. I would think that you will have a few months though to set Drezen up and fortify its defenses before the demonic hordes begin to descend upon you. Keep the Sword of Valor hung in the citadel. It will keep the demon armies from overwhelming and outmaneuvering you.
I have only a few minutes of time to speak with you. Do you have any questions for me at this time?
So'rien looks at Pakak and says quietly My memory is a bit fuzzy from the torture. Can you fill me in on who he is and why he was difficult?
"Yeah, me too. I've no idea who he is."
"It's been awhile, but he's a nobleman we helped rescue and escorted to safety. He had a snit about a tattered cloak while others were dealing with bigger problems, treated folks like the hired help,, that sort of thing. To be fair, he has aided with his wealth and apparently spoke up for us at least once... maybe he has improved."
"He sounds like a jerk. Let's hope you're right, brother, and hope he's improved."
Morgrym listens in as Horgus speaks and is amazed at the bit of magic that brings an image of the Queen to them. "Impressive," he murmurs, nodding.
"Well it looks like we have the management and future of Drezen laid out for us, and that, as said, frees us up to scout and secure the lands around the citadel, and help out however needed. I have no questions I can think of at present... what about the rest of you?"
Morgrym starts to shake his head but then his eyes go wide as he's just remembered something. "Yes! I have a question!" he blurts out before remembering he's talking to a Queen. "I mean, I have a question your Highness. There's a forge within this building and it's tied to the Abyss. Apparently there's a way to make it good. Would ya happen ta know how to sever its ties with the demonic world? We cannot use it until we figure out how ta do that."
The queen gives Maelchar a nod but then speaks up to give some further advice. That is true Maelchar but that is not to say that you can not still be instrumental in the develop of Drezen. I would think like to think that you would claim Drezen as your own as well and put your individual stamp on it. To that end I have sent enough supplies with Horgus here for over six months of continued survival. Yet in addition to that are raw materials for developing Drezen. As a personal boon to you all for your services I have included 50 units of goods, 10 magical units, 10 influence, and 50 units of labor for each of y to do with as you see fit. Use them to aid yourself and build Drezen to the best of you ability.
Hearing Morgrym ask a question she turns towards him. I have not had the pleasure of meeting you personally but I have heard of your prowress. That you have survived this long in enemy territory and made it through your capture to rise to such prominence speaks volumes of your abilities. As to this forge you mentioned without seeing it myself I do not know. However in other demonic items I have dealt with I have found much success in using consecrations and hollows. Even they may not be enough as they may need a specific component as well. Have you found anyone or anything that could give you a hint as to what to look for or how to proceed?
Morgrym simply shrugs. "I'm not sure ta be honest." He then looks over at Pakak. "I think Pakak or Nasira can answer that better than meself. And, um, thanks for the compliment," he says with a nod, not really comfortable with such talk. "But I've got ta give a lot of credit to the lass," he motions toward Nasira, "for keepin' me blood flowin'. She's kept me from dyin' far more than I can count."
Maelchar smiles over at Nasira and nods in agreement with Morgrym, as she's kept the lot of them of their feet when they might otherwise have faltered.
"Your Majesty, your generosity is beyond expectation... thank you. We will put these things to good use in service to the protection and restoration of Drezen."
So'rien bows at the Queen and says Truly your generosity is boundless, your Majesty. So'rien Zeru, at your service.
Nasira stands to the side, a bit awed by the presence of the queen and how she came to be among them. She remembers herself as the other 'new' members introduce themselves. With a respectful bow, she offers, "Your Highness. Nasira Yusra Abujamal, at your service and that of your Crusaders."
Pakak says, "At this stage, your majesty, our only idea was to go far afield and check the libraries of the capital, but I do not have teleportation magics. We know of no other expert to consult at this time..." He says concerned but remembers his manners, "Thank you for your assistance, your majesty." He tries to think of what he might ask
The head of Queen Galfrey bows to Nasira at the praise heaped her way. My thanks for keeping our intrepid warriors on their feet. That is no easy task in the Worldwound. Abujamal? The smake queen turns away from you all a moment and it is clear that she is conversing with someone next to her back wherever it is she is physically located. Turning back to you she smiles but it is with a slight puzzlement. I am sorry but I am not as familiar with you as I should be given your status here. Forgive me but were you one of ours that join the crusades in Kenebras? If so then I apologize for not knowing who you are.
Turning in greeting to So'rien she nods knowingly. You however I am familiar with. I have heard of your tales beneath Kenebras with the others from Anevia. I was sorry to hear that you had obligations to attend to. However it seems that fate has seen to it to bring you back into the fold. I hope that you were successful in your endeavors as we need people of your talent especially here on the front lines.
When Pakak mentions traveling without teleport the Queen frowns and pauses for a moment before responding. I have few sages that are capable of the requisite power needed to cast such a spell. However I can see your plight and I will have one sent to you by the end of the week. She will be able to remain for only 24 hours before I have need of her again. Even though I am sending her to you she will be expecting some form of payment for her services as all sages keep their spells a closely guarded secret.
"Of course, and... thank you," Pakak is overwhelmed by the generosity of the great lady.
"One last quick question, your Majesty, if allowed.... Our sister, Oriana Zeru was to have returned to Kenebras. Have you any word of her fate? or of the rest of the family?"
Of her I do not know readily. However I will send messages out looking for her. It is possible that she is with one of the armies and I just do not know about it right now.
"Thank you, your Majesty."
"No, Your Highness. I and a small army traveled from afar in an attempt to do our part, but we did not enter the Worldwound at Kenabres." A pained look crosses her face as she adds, "Your heroes found and rescued me from an army of fiends and tieflings after they overran my men and I. The Dawnflower protect me, but I suspect I know why they saved the only woman from a quick death."
"I have made a pledge to do what I can for the forces of good in this land, but I owe these men a life debt." With a firm resolve, she adds, "And I aim to see it repaid a thousand times over. I have only just begun."
Not having spoken yet, Zeriax moves forward after Nasira's words, and bows deeply - "My respect and honor to you Queen Galfrey" - lifting his eyes he continues - "We will do as you bid - our scouts and myself will make sure to move ahead into the Wounded Lands, to map and explore the region thoroughly. Despite the trials and ordeals ahead, I could ask for no better praise from your words, nor better companions than the ones I have - for a simple monk such as myself, and amidst all the chaos of our days, they are the reason my heart lifts" - the monk turns to his companions with a smile.
The queen aggrees with the assessment of Nasira in keeping her alone of all of the army. What y say is true yet perhaps you were spared for other reasons as well. While we study the enemy looking for patterns and weaknesses it would be foolish to say that we understand the inner workings of the demons mind and perspectives. While cultist may have their way with you a demon may have had other nefarious plots at work. It is possible that they kept y for information or to try and twist you to their cause. At the least they could have corrupted you or mind controlled y to serve them with your healing powers.
As Zeriax talks the queen gives a small smile in admiration of his words. Noble words yet not entirely accurate I would say. You are no longer a simple monk but a force to be reckoned with when combined with the others. While I sense great things about you all individually I must caution you to work together. This may be difficult for you especially Zeriax. As a scout you may be called upon to go alone along a path untraveled searching for the safest avenue for the rest. Follow your heart and instincts but do not be foolish in your endeavors.
My time is running out here. Is there anything else you have need of me or any last questions. If not I will depart from you for now. I may not speak to y in such a way for some time as my energies and those of my retinue will be trained elsewhere. Horgus also has something for each of you but he is more than capable of explaining them. If you have question still ask Irabeth as she knows them well.
Again Zeriax bows deeply - "Thank you for the kind words Majesty - I will hold them close" - then turns to his companions - "The scout I may be, but my companions are my shadow, never more than a few steps away. As a group we have prevailed, and will continue to do so"
Nasira nods at the wisdom of the other woman's words and bows again, her expression thoughtful.
Morgrym glances around a moment, waiting for someone else to speak up before finally doing so himself. "I'm good," he says with a raised hand and nodding.
"Thank you, your majesty... we are most obliged."
So'rien just bows again, taking in the scene.
With the he discussion with the he queen coming to a close the smoke dissipates ending the conversation. Horgus makes a motion and an assistant who was standing nearby brings forth a large flat chest with 3 locks upon it. Taking a key out of his vest pocket he unlocks the 3 locks opening the chest. Inside was 6 rows of medals on a red velvet base. Each row of medals corresponds to a particular theme. Setting the chest on a small portable table Horgus steps back to let you all take a closer look. These are righteous medals as ordered by the queen to be presented to you upon completion of specific tasks in the effort against our enemies in the Worldwound. To claim a medal and unlock its associated Righteous power you must take hold of the appropriate medal and state clearly to a general or other significant leader of the crusades the act that qualifies you for such merit. Should you speak truthfully the medal will pulse once acknowledging your claim. From that point onwards to use the benefits of the Righteous Medla yiu must wear it upon your person. The medals and their means of claiming them and their abilities are as follows.
Righteous Medal of Agility: This triangular iron medal shows a demonic face surrounded by three swords. It is awarded to a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon in combat before that demon gets a chance to act in the combat. This medal is associated with Dexterity and grants a +1 sacred bonus on Initiative checks.
Righteous Medal of Clarity: This circular blue medal depicts a pair of feminine gray eyes surrounded by a circular silver lightning bolt. It is awarded to a hero who recovers vital information of great use against the Worldwound and delivers this intelligence to the crusaders. This medal is associated with Intelligence and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against insanity or confusion effects.
Righteous Medal of Command: This circular medal depicts a leering demon head before two crossed swords. It is awarded to a hero who redeems one of the enemy and convinces the redeemed character to join the crusade. This medal is associated with Charisma and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against emotion-based effects (including fear effects).
Righteous Medal of Spirit: This rectangular medal depicts the symbol of Iomedae on a field of red. It is awarded to a hero who becomes possessed or mentally controlled by a demon but escapes from that control before he is forced to do evil. This medal is associated with Wisdom and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against charm and possession effects (including dominate effects).
Righteous Medal of Valor: This medal looks like a demonic skull, the top of which has been pierced by four red-hilted swords. It is awarded to a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon whose CR is at least 1 higher than the hero’s character level. This medal is associated with
Strength and grants a +2 sacred bonus to CMD.
Righteous Medal of Vigor: This hexagonal medal depicts a white castle on a field of red with gold trim. It is awarded to a hero who is reduced to negative hit points by a demon but survives (or alternately, is restored to life) and rejoins the battle before that demon is defeated. This medal is associated with Constitution and grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against death effects.
Looking at you all gathered around Horgus asks, Do any of you wish to lay claim to any medals now or should we store them in the citadel until such a time that 1 may claim one.
"Morgrym, don't you qualify for that last one... the medal of vigor... more than once as I recall..."
Morgrym stares at Maelchar through narrowed eyes a moment before letting out a sigh. "Yeah I guess the lad's right. I do believe there's been a time or two I've found meself in such a situation. Not so sure I wish to be wearing a medal for it but unfortunately 'tis true," he confesses with a shrug.
Morgrym will pick up and speak up on the Medal of Vigor, Medal of Valor, and the Medal of Spirit. Not too proud about the Vigor and Spirit medal but he does his best to push through it.
Picking up the Medal of Vigor, "It was just as Maelchar said: There was a time - yeah probably a couple of times or more ta be honest - that I lay near death and the lovely lass that is Nasira brought me back. There's no way I'm standin' here today without her and I'll always be indebted to her," he nods in thanks to the cleric.
He then picks up the Medal of Valor, "We've vanquished many o' demon up to this point and I'm for certain I managed to fell at least one that was tougher than meself... I think." He ponders it a moment before, "But ta be honest I'm not real sure. Although! I just remembered. The vulture demon, what was it called? Vrock I think. I felled one or two of those beasts. But I cannot be sure that they were tougher than meself."
And lastly when he picks up the Medal of Spirit, "From what I could see from within the gem, I don't think I smashed anyone with me hammer but I was a fairly good distance away so I cannot be sure. I'd have ta look to me comrades ta clarify that for me. Obviously my intent was evil considerin' it wasn't me but I feel quite good that I actually did not commit any evil."
The three medals flash as Morgrym picks them up and announces his qualifications. Irabeth comes forward and takes them from morgryma don fastens then to his clothing. While they must be worn for their effects to work that does not mean they must be displayed for all to see. Remember that should you need to perform any covert actions. Congratulations on your achievements.
Zeriax steps forward, pondering for a long time and staring at the medals - the first one he picks up is a Righteous Medal of Clarity - "For having uncovered the details in the mithral bound journal in Staunton Vhane's possession, with details on his own life and disgrace, but also the Forge of Corruption, the demon Eustoriax, the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth and the succubus Aureshalae"
Then he turns to the Medal of Agility - "For having felled a dreadful vampire spawn as he pursued me, but before he was given a chance to act against our group - I thank my monastery training, and my master Tagrin for her teachings, which allowed me timely reactions"
Last, he stares at the Medal of Valor - "We are a team, and a final blow comes only after all of us have contributed to defeat our foes. I would take this one for striking down the Tiefling enchantress we met and defeated under the Citadel, before she could finish her unholy ritual"
Zeriax takes the first medal and after announcing his qualifications it flashes once. On the second and third medal though nothing happens upon his announcement. Irabeth does not give any look of concern at the lack of flashes as se pins the first medal on Zeriax. Instead she gives some words of support and encouragement. Earning 1 medal is a noble task. Keep trying and you will earn the rest. Remember though that they are earned for deeds performed against demons.
Pakak stares at the medals as if mesmerized in surprise. My mind is completely blanking at this moment at what I might or might not have earned
The three medals flash as Morgrym picks them up and announces his qualifications. Irabeth comes forward and takes them from Morgrym and fastens them to his clothing. While they must be worn for their effects to work that does not mean they must be displayed for all to see. Remember that should you need to perform any covert actions. Congratulations on your achievements.
Pondering her words a moment, he quickly responds with, "Thanks," as he finds himself silent for a bit too long before nodding. Not sure I achieved a whole lot. It's almost like I had ta 'fail' to 'succeed' on a couple of these medals. That sounds kinda odd. Ah well, odd or not, if we can keep drivin' these demons back ta where they belong, then it's all good ta me.
Nasira quietly touches the Medal of Clarity. "The shadow demon. He possessed me when we first encountered him. He used one of my spells to bolster his allies and hinder my friends before Pakak saved me." She looks up, concerned, "Would that be considered evil?"
She then reaches for the Medal of Vigor. "I was overcome by the shadow demon's attacks, but was brought back to consciousness and continued the fight and continued aiding my friends." She nods firmly, much more confident of this one.
The smaller dwarf sighs slightly, "Ah well, something for me to strive for."
The medal of Clarity sits inert upon Nasira's hand as clearly the spellin question since it aided the demons and hindered the crusaders is apparently enough to count against her. However the Medal of Vigor flashes in the sun as it recognizes one who is worthy of wearing the medal. Irabeth pins the medal to Nasira with a smile. While you have earned this medal in your efforts I would not like to see you fall again. I have witnessed your abilities and we need you to keep Morgrym and the others upright to continue the fight. Never let one say that you did not do your part in combating our enemies. Without you many would have perished by now and we would not be here to continue this fight.
Turning to Pakak Irabeth encourages him, Worry not, you will get your chance and perhaps you will succeed where others struggle. that is the purpose of the team that we may all contribute where we can and pick those up that need help in certain areas.
One the journal was mentioned by Morgrym you remember inside was information ont he Corruption Forge. Perhaps by cross referencing the journal you will find clues to how the machine works. It also tells you in there that Staunton's brother whom you captured and is still held by you worked the forge himself.
Nasira puts the first medal back, but feels a little something when the paladin affixes the second to her robes. She gazes down at it, marveling at the energy she feels from it now that it has accepted her deed.