Aravashinal... In preperation for the mage's arrival he does pour ver library books for information of Areelu, Minagho, and the Storm-king as well as Hulrun. information beyond what is common knowledge.
All are more than welcome to speak to the mage here, if you wish.
When Aravishainal arrives garith will ask to discuss the nature of the coming threat, gather information on the likely tactics of Areelu, and Minagho, as well as what threat the Storm King poses now that Trendev is dead and the wards are down. "We also saw, in our visions, Hulrun burning witches at the stake as the second Crusade began. I do not understand what this vision portends. The other things we say clearly show the history of the wardstone and our enemies, but this one is different."
Aravashinal walks slowly stooped over with a man leading him by the hand. He seems a bit older than you remember him to be and realize that the loss of his sight has taken a toll on him greater than you would have imagined. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Grey Garrison Aravashinallets you take his hand and lead him to a chair to sit. He listens patiently to you ask questions before slowly answering. The Storm King could at any moment wipe us off the face of Golarion now that the defenses are gone and our guardian is killed as well. Minagho I do not know much about other but Areelu is a witch of powerful skill. Do not underestimate her abilities nor her cunning. She will strike in different ways until she finds a weakness to exploit. Beware her and her guiles.
Why it would show you the past of the witch hunt I do not know unless it is to be on guard for treachery and deceit. Yet that is to be tempered as well in that not all that you accost will be guilty. Wisdom is needed to prevail where hotter heads would take action. Now if you excuse me I need to rest. I have found that without my sight I exert more energy trying to perceive the world around me through sound and smell.
As he meets Irabeth's companion, Zeriax approaches with a smile - "Well met friend Anevia - I hope your wounds have completely healed and your mobility is recovered?" - in an almost unconscious fashion he moves to hug her, the empathy derived from their ordeal underground as well after reaching the surface still very present. Yet, he keeps a disciplined, though pleasant, distance and attitude - "I know you favor the bow as your weapon of choice, and I am aware of your skill with it - even though I am not sure if you have an 'official' position in the gathered armed forces, I would offer to share my skills with any willing to learn - I have trained with the bow most of my life, and would gladly share what little I know with any that require training among the soldiers"
Anevia smiles and nods to you in a short bow as well. to as trained in such a greeting you can tell she is trying to match your custom. From what Irabeth has told me you are a fine shot and perhaps one of the best that remains in Kenebras. I would be honored to study under you and take some lessons.
She takes out her bow and hobbles to a street corner where she points at an overturned cart. See the hub of the wheel. I have learned to shoot quickly and accurately at close range.[/b[ With that she takes 2 arrows and rapid fires them into the wheel hub. [b]My biggest problems that I get nervous when others are in my way or if they are in melee. i worry too much that I am going to hit my companions and thus I do not take the shot and look for other targets even if we should be concentrating our fire on one person...perhaps that is a good place to start my training.
Zeriax and Maelchar you are able to hunt down and eliminate no less than 6 different bands of 10 tie flings or cultists in the next week. Although bruised and injure from spell and scythe and sword you are victorious and none of the men or women with you are lost. This does much for morale and word is being spread that people will follow you even if you were to take the fight from Kenebras into other areas.
Anevia smiles and nods to you in a short bow as well. to as trained in such a greeting you can tell she is trying to match your custom. From what Irabeth has told me you are a fine shot and perhaps one of the best that remains in Kenebras. I would be honored to study under you and take some lessons.
She takes out her bow and hobbles to a street corner where she points at an overturned cart. See the hub of the wheel. I have learned to shoot quickly and accurately at close range.[/b[ With that she takes 2 arrows and rapid fires them into the wheel hub. [b]My biggest problems that I get nervous when others are in my way or if they are in melee. i worry too much that I am going to hit my companions and thus I do not take the shot and look for other targets even if we should be concentrating our fire on one person...perhaps that is a good place to start my training.
Zeriax observes Anevia's movements, listening to her words with as much attention as he would have done with his master Tagrin - "I understand" - he nodded.
Taking a step away, the monk drew his bow, putting it away - "I am not a Master Anevia, so I do not possess the wisdom, or the understanding of words to impart knowledge in the best way possible, yet it is a process, a path I humbly thread, and which has made me understand that combat - swinging a sword, releasing an arrow, or striking with a fist, are as much part of this world as a flower, a river, or the sky" - he sits down cross legged, inviting her to do the same.
"My order believes in being one with all that surrounds us, in harmonizing yourself both with a summer breeze and a winter storm, a raging sea or the gentle ripples on a lake surface" - he continues - "There are things around us we do not see, but instead know or feel - if you put a blind man in a room, and another one silently in the corner of that same space, the blind one will probably know there is someone else there, maybe not exactly where, but he will feel its presence"
Pondering for a few moments, Zeriax adds - "In my monastery home, I inhabited a modest space for many years - my Master would frequently visit me for long conversations about every subject imaginable. Whenever I entered my room I would know if she was there or not - I cannot tell you if it was a smell, a ripple in the air, or simply a sense of security, but I knew she was there" - the monk seems to reminisce somewhat on his past - "When I first told her about it, she explained it meant I was well in the One way, spirit attuned to my surroundings, to the air I breathe, the sounds I listen to, the smells, everything... I am sure you have felt the same before, maybe in the presence of Dame Tirabade, maybe in a familiar place - a familiar presence, knowing your loved one is there for example, or feeling she was alive when we were still underground" - he smiles - "Or in another instance, a smell brought by the wind that reminds you of a place or a time of your life - we all have felt it before - in a way, it means we are not simply moving through the world, or Kenabres, we are part of the World, this city, and everything around us, even past the sky and our world"
The monk stands up - "I apologize for the long discourse - on the one end I miss the debates with my fellow monks and my master, but on the other there is a practical reason for me telling you this. For me and my order, combat falls into place like anything else, and succeeding or exceling at it is a part of the harmonization process - the more you are aware of what is around you amidst a fight, the more chances you have to tip the scale in the direction you want"
Picking up his bow, he strings it towards a crow, which is now hopping around the overturned cart, picking at some unknown vermin on the ground - "When you let an arrow loose, towards an opponent engaged with a companion, you are actually acting ahead of time - it is not so much a matter of predicting their movement, but of understanding it - you do not guess or know what their positioning will be when your arrow is released from the bow, you actually feel it more than anything else, as much as I would feel that my master was in the room, the blind man knows there is someone else in that space with him, and you knew that Dame Tirabade was alive" - Zeriax's arrow flies straight apparently ready to take the crows' life, but hits immediately next to it as its apparent target sidesteps at the last possible moment, its attention caught by some shiny pebble - the arrow sticking into a discarded, old and rotten grain sack as the bird flies away squawking in protest.
Amongst some further discourse about the One Way, and the philosophical considerations of physical combat, Zeriax spends the next hours in intense training with Anevia - many arrows are shot, until their fingers are numb from stringing the bows time and again. When they are done for the day, the promise remains of repeating it until her friend has mastered the necessary enlightenment.
Zeriax and Maelchar you are able to hunt down and eliminate no less than 6 different bands of 10 tieflings or cultists in the next week. Although bruised and injure from spell and scythe and sword you are victorious and none of the men or women with you are lost. This does much for morale and word is being spread that people will follow you even if you were to take the fight from Kenebras into other areas.
Zeriax is not one for effusive celebration, but both Maelchar and Samantha, who have known him for some time know, realize from the silent nods and hints at a smile how important this is for the monk - "We are recovering a meager sense of safety for these people - this is the best we can accomplish for them right now" - are the only words he offers.
As far as this Dwarf, Stauton Vhane, he used to be a crusader with us before the demons twisted him into...
Pakak looks grim, "By dwarven custom, his offspring bear great shame because of his actions... some might even bear the suffix 'slag' to their clan name forever because of this."
He tries to recall if there are kin still with the crusaders among the dwarves of Mendev that he knows of, and also considers more of the history of the Traitor Stauton Vhane.
Aravashinal walks slowly stooped over with a man leading him by the hand. He seems a bit older than you remember him to be and realize that the loss of his sight has taken a toll on him greater than you would have imagined. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Grey Garrison Aravashinallets you take his hand and lead him to a chair to sit. He listens patiently to you ask questions before slowly answering. The Storm King could at any moment wipe us off the face of Golarion now that the defenses are gone and our guardian is killed as well. Minagho I do not know much about other but Areelu is a witch of powerful skill. Do not underestimate her abilities nor her cunning. She will strike in different ways until she finds a weakness to exploit. Beware her and her guiles.
Why it would show you the past of the witch hunt I do not know unless it is to be on guard for treachery and deceit. Yet that is to be tempered as well in that not all that you accost will be guilty. Wisdom is needed to prevail where hotter heads would take action. Now if you excuse me I need to rest. I have found that without my sight I exert more energy trying to perceive the world around me through sound and smell.
"Honored Aravashinal, thank you for coming. I had hoped to discuss and trade spells with you if possible, though I know it is presumptive of me to say so normally, these are trying times when the right spell might make all the difference," He says, "And, of course, your lore and wisdom about the changes wrought by the wardstone are most welcome for I feel as a babe facing a great canyon filled with I know not what."
Anevia sits as Zeriax instructs and listens intently to his dissertation on being One with everything. She nods here head at some points, about knowing with Irabeth is in the room, or that feeling when you know the arrow is going to hit it true., but other times she seems al title lost. The time passes quickly and before you realize it it is time for her to return to Irabeth to see if Irabeth needs anything still. I will practice what you have taught me and I will tryt o come more often to talk to you and we can discuss these things that you have mentioned. I may not always be available as I still have duties to perform for Kenebras along with trying to get the house squared away in my spare time. Thank you Zeriax until we meet again.
Anevia manages to find time every third day to come and practice and learn from you Zeriax.
Pakak, when you see Aravashinal you as well think that he has fared poorly these last couple of days. He greets you in a polite manner but you can sense the despondency in the voice. Afternoon Master Pakak, I hear that you are doing well for yourself. Talk around the Heart is that you have become a powerful spellcaster in your own right. Given other circumstances I would love to have traded spells with you but all of that is beyond me right now. I have no use for spell books or other spells as I can not record them myself nor even study my own book to replenish the spells that I have used since that fateful day of the attack. I have been reduced to lower than an initiate by my blindness as all I have are a few cantrips and a single spell of summon monster I remaining to me. My spell book i believe is back at the library with my other personal belongings. If you wish to go there and look for it be my guest but until this accursed affliction is gone I shall not waste the time in searching for other tomes of arcane lore. I am better used now as a resource of knowledge. Even that Ia m afraid is no good to you as I do not know what the ramifications are of the blast from the wardstone upon yourselves. It is a unique occurrence as you well know.
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When Samantha returns to the Hearth from her trek and hears of the plight of the blind Elf Samantha wonders if with her new found power Shelyn might be willing to grant her a prayer to help the Elf. Thus one day sje seeks out Aravashinal while he is in an academic discussion the ramifications of which are far beyond what she can comprehend.
Aravashinal. My name is Samantha, I am a faithful of Shelyn and have heard of your plight and hope that perhaps my lady will grant me the power to help you. If you have the time to indulge me for a little and pray with me we will see if Shelyn will hear my request!
If you could restore my sight I would be a great debt to you Samantha. I feel like I am a taken of myself wandering around aimlessly without direction.
Samantha as you unwrap his bandages around his eyes you see that they are completely destroyed. You figure it will take a heal spell combined with a remove blindness spell.
Afternoon Master Pakak, I hear that you are doing well for yourself. Talk around the Heart is that you have become a powerful spellcaster in your own right. Given other circumstances I would love to have traded spells with you but all of that is beyond me right now. I have no use for spell books or other spells as I can not record them myself nor even study my own book to replenish the spells that I have used since that fateful day of the attack. I have been reduced to lower than an initiate by my blindness as all I have are a few cantrips and a single spell of summon monster I remaining to me. My spell book i believe is back at the library with my other personal belongings. If you wish to go there and look for it be my guest but until this accursed affliction is gone I shall not waste the time in searching for other tomes of arcane lore. I am better used now as a resource of knowledge. Even that Ia m afraid is no good to you as I do not know what the ramifications are of the blast from the wardstone upon yourselves. It is a unique occurrence as you well know.
"The talk exaggerates," Pakak says modestly, "I am progressing true, but hardly what I'd call powerful. Thank you for the offer to peruse your books. I will treat them as if they were children of my Clan. Should you like, I'll share all I learn about the wardstones with you."
....
When Samantha tries to restore Aravashial's sight, he's pleased, until, of course, it appears more powerful divine magics will be needed.
There must be a way... but none come to me that we can use.
Anevia sits as Zeriax instructs and listens intently to his dissertation on being One with everything. She nods here head at some points, about knowing with Irabeth is in the room, or that feeling when you know the arrow is going to hit it true., but other times she seems al title lost. The time passes quickly and before you realize it it is time for her to return to Irabeth to see if Irabeth needs anything still. I will practice what you have taught me and I will tryt o come more often to talk to you and we can discuss these things that you have mentioned. I may not always be available as I still have duties to perform for Kenebras along with trying to get the house squared away in my spare time. Thank you Zeriax until we meet again.
Anevia manages to find time every third day to come and practice and learn from you Zeriax.
"It is agreed then" - Zeriax agrees with the possible schedule - "If there are others who wish to train with us, make sure to have them join also" - he bids Anevia farewell with a respectful bow.
Pakak from your knowledge checks earlier...
Staunton Vhane was a paladin posted in the city of Drezen, home to the 'Sword of Valor', a mighty artifact that kept the demons from teleporting into the vicinity to attack the keep directly. Rumor holds that Staunton Vhane took the Sword of Valor out of the keep and allowed the demons to overrun the defenses which is how Drezen was originally defeated.
Anevia smiles and thanks you again Zeriax as she goes about her tasks that she has to do. When she returns though in 3 days there are 2 others that have heard of your fame and wish to watch the 'master' at work.
Pakak you are able to get Aravashinal's Spellbook with ease. Gain 1 spell of your choice of level 1-3 that is not necromantic or illusion in addition to the summon monster spells of each level 1-3. The rest of the spells are duplicates that you already have.
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The Paldan listens to the Elf's advice, and Pakak's recollections. Watching the sage, Garith's heart aches for the man, this loss he has suffered nearly incomprehensible. "Thank you for your wisdom, my friend. We shal be wary of the witch. And we shall stand against this darkness. And, be strong, you can weather this hardship. Your knowledge and wisdom still of great worth to this city. Even so, we shall see you healed, my friend." Garith says, hoping to give some measure of comfort.
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When seeing the Elf's eyes Samantha realizes that she likely will not be able to heal them she prays to Shelyn none the less but it is for naught.
I fear this is beyond my skills. It would take a cleric of far greater power than myself to restore your eyesight.
Samantha says in a soft voice as she places a hand on Tanathiels shoulder. Let me sing a song to lighten your spirit.
"The name Stauton Vhane , if rumor is true, is a disgraced name indeed," He tells the others, "The city of Drezen, now lost, was shielded by the Sword of Valor which permitted no teleportation or the like in its vicinity, or at least it stopped demons from doing so. Allegedly, Vhane, a paladin no less, betrayed all he held sacred by removing the blade. Which, of course, is how Drezen was lost."
Later, he will indeed take up the elven wizard's kind offer and look over his spell books
Anevia smiles and thanks you again Zeriax as she goes about her tasks that she has to do. When she returns though in 3 days there are 2 others that have heard of your fame and wish to watch the 'master' at work.
Zeriax greets the others that follow Anevia with a nod and a welcoming bow - "Well met friends, you are most than welcome to join us in the apprenticeship - I will pass on to you as much as I know myself, but please understand that the learning process is a continuous one - for you and me alike" - then begins with the training process, as agreed with Anevia.
"The name Stauton Vhane , if rumor is true, is a disgraced name indeed," He tells the others, "The city of Drezen, now lost, was shielded by the Sword of Valor which permitted no teleportation or the like in its vicinity, or at least it stopped demons from doing so. Allegedly, Vhane, a paladin no less, betrayed all he held sacred by removing the blade. Which, of course, is how Drezen was lost."
"Treachery and abandonment of one's values seem to be all around us Master Pakak - it seems the seeds of corruption work simply by pitting us against each other, the demons not needing to do any more than pull at ambitions of power" - the monk shakes his head, a sad look across his face - "We need to steel resolve and belief - our own and of those around us, before being able to do anything else"
Notoriety carries some privileges, Reiko notes as she gazes longingly at the full and steaming bathtub in front of her. It is the one luxury of her homeland that she affords herself, one of the two extraneous pleasures allowed in her military mind. It also took quite a bit of effort to acquire during the first week after their transformative experience at the Gray Garrison. Fortunately, their reputations among the crusaders were running high and people were eager to help for a first-hand recounting of the horrors at the Garrison. Piece by piece, Reiko gathered the resources she needed - a tub, some bath salts, and a friendly cook who was willing to heat a lot of water not for a soup.
Reiko makes sure her door is bolted and then strips off her grimy clothes, which are dumped into their own small tub of soapy water. She stands in a broad wooden bowl and ladles the near scalding water over her head, trying to liberate herself from the worst of the dirt that has accumulated over weeks of battle. Unlike those from the Inner Sea, she understands that a bath is for soaking not cleaning. She scrubs herself as clean as possible using her limited supplies then dowses herself with water again, appalled by the brown water pooling at her feet.
When the rinse water streaming from her body runs nearly clear, Reiko steps gingerly into the steaming bath, enjoying the pain/pleasure of the heat. She sinks into the bath with a sigh, enjoying the smell of the salts and the unremitting heat. Bruised muscles unknit under the ministrations of the steaming water. A portion of her awareness - never truly relaxed - glances to where Radiance rests against the tub, within reach if needed. The woman warrior fingers the scars across her upper chest and neck - fatal wounds earned in the Gray Garrison. She ponders if it was a turn of fate or the hand of Shizuru that spared her life... not that the cause would change anything. She had her duty and her mission; her course was set.
She addresses Radiance, "I offer you a pact, blade. I'll deliver you into the hands of a holy warrior that can best serve your cause, if you'll keep me alive until such a time as I can fulfill that pledge. Agreed?" She takes the weapon's silence as agreement. Contented, Reiko leans back, rests her head against the tub, and closes her eyes for a well deserved hour of comfort.
Maelchar takes some time while the others are engaged in their own activities and heads to what is left of the practice yard at the Heart, working with his hammer or an earthbreaker or great sword... beating on straw dummies and the nearest pell.
When not working up a sweat in physical endeavors, he finds his way among the survivors and spends a little time eating and drinking something a bit more savory than field rations - simply enjoying a little bit of relaxation and pleasure. When circumstance allows, he'll flirt with any young women who are among the survivors who look like they would welcome a little attention. He introduces himself to any he doesn't know, greeting all with friendly smiles and warmth.
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He sees his cousin out and about around town. "I was unaware that Mael was such a lady-killer" he comments to no-one in particular...
During this time, Garith will also check in with the Zeru siblings Oriana and Sio'ren, also wondering where that mad ronin Ryu may have got off to.
Still somewhat uncomfortable in the command room, the recent recruit tries to learn all he can of troop movements and command, as to better take up the responsibility that was bestowed upon him by the Wardstone. Irabeth, Based on the locations of nearby settlements, now that the wardstones barrier has fallen, How can we maintain our defenses?" Looking at the maps he points to locations along the way, and asks "Could a system of watchtowers at least, be of use so we can know if there is any sort of incursion? do we have troops available, or could we recruit more, perhaps initiate militia responces that will warn nearby garrisons of an attack?"
concerned that he is overstepping, "We don't know when the fiends will renew their efforts. The stones drove away all those at our boarders now, but I feel that preperations beyond regrouping will allow us to take advantage of the time it bought. I am jsut unsure of what is feasible"
Aravashinal does let Samantha sing him a song and he tries to accept it for what it is, a bit of peace in a trying time for him spiritually. To that end he does feel a bit better but still sees too many hardships in the near future.
The 2 men that Anevia brought with her look at you Zeriax with blank faces as clearly they do not understand what you are talking about. There came here to learn from you not to hear about you still learning. That is not what they expected to hear from the 'Zen Master' archer. Still they listen intently on the actual mechanics of what you are teaching them but the higher debates and talk you can have with Anevia is lost on them. (Paladins with dump stats in wis and int)
Reiko your bath carries with the fragrances of home stirring memories both good and bad. It is those memories that bring about the fact that you are still a ronin without a master. You have dedicated yourself to the elimination of your master's foes. Now you have been presented with a weapon capable of injuring them bringing your goals that much closer. As you make your pact with the blade you believe it gives a quick glimmer in the light.
Maelchar, as one of the heroes that saved the rest of Kenebras, you have no trouble finding company to talk to. A few are after the notoriety of being with such a hero as yourself but most are looking for the hope that you bring when you talk about overcoming such trials.
Garith, you search the Zeru household and find no one there. The house is slightly damaged but other than that it looks like it is still serviceable. You surmise that So'rien and Oriana have left to go find or aid their family.
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Still somewhat uncomfortable in the command room, the recent recruit tries to learn all he can of troop movements and command, as to better take up the responsibility that was bestowed upon him by the Wardstone. Irabeth, Based on the locations of nearby settlements, now that the wardstones barrier has fallen, How can we maintain our defenses?" Looking at the maps he points to locations along the way, and asks "Could a system of watchtowers at least, be of use so we can know if there is any sort of incursion? do we have troops available, or could we recruit more, perhaps initiate militia responces that will warn nearby garrisons of an attack?"concerned that he is overstepping, "We don't know when the fiends will renew their efforts. The stones drove away all those at our boarders now, but I feel that preperations beyond regrouping will allow us to take advantage of the time it bought. I am jsut unsure of what is feasible"
Pulling you aside, Irabeth confides in you when you start asking about troop movements and command. Most of what I have learned has been by experience alone. No one taught me how to lead or what to do. I trusted in my judgment and let my actions speak for themselves. There are 2 types of leaders I have found out: those that lead by example and those that lead by words alone. I judge you to be the better of the 2 and those that follow you will understand if there are times when you fail. Belive me, you will fail and deaths will be the result. Those that survive will expect you to learn and not make the mistake again. They will then look to you pull them through the current situation. Those are the only words of wisdom I can give you Garith.
As you continue talking to Irabeth a heavy sigh escapes her lips. What you say is true about the walls of this place and the truth of the matter is that there is nothing we can do if the demons should attack again. A series of watchtowers would give us some sort of advance warning at least for non-demonic troops that need to march their way here. The trumpets would sound if an army was within sight of the city. That only gives us a coupel of hours though where the watchtowers would give a few days perhaps. I will have to see if I can spare some laborers to go out and...
It is at that moment that trumpet sounds echo across Kenebras. You know from your training or familiarity with Kenebras that the trumpet sounds are to alert everyone of an approaching army within visual range of the city.
The trumpet blasts are different than the normal alert for an enemy army. These sound higher pitched and fuller making you believe that the army is perhaps friendly.
Irabeth listens to the trumpets and a smile breaks out across her face. They are here, sooner than I expected. Praise Iomedae and an answer to our prayers. Queen Galfrey has arrived. Irabeth rushes off to greet the incoming army.
Maelchar, whose dalliances and flirtations have been fairly light-hearted and hopefully uncomplicated, leads one or more young ladies up to a high vantage point at the sound of what he expects to be a friendly army. He waits and watches as they approach, hoping to identify banners or holy symbols when the are close enough to do so...
If it is indeed a friendly army, he grins and exchanges hugs with his companion(s).
"Finally, some good news! Let's go down and meet them, welcome them to Kenebras!" He'll head down to ground level to be among those who greet them.
When she isn't working at the forge, Reiko resumes her role among the crusaders - standing watches, patrolling the town, preparing arms and armor for war, and practicing with her weapons. She listens to the soldiers' talk and concerns, sprinkling encouragement when it seems like it will be well received.
Reiko is walking the perimeter of the crusaders' defenses when she hears the horn. She hastens in the direction of the sound, wondering if the short breath between the first demonic offensive and the next one is over. Unconsciously, her thumb frees Radiance a sliver for its sheath - ready to draw it - if needed.
Maelchar does a little crafting for Garith before the new army shows up, affixing spikes to his shield for added damage when fighting.
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Before Garith can give his thanks, the horns sound and he rises, moving with Irabeth. "The queen? And she brings forces with her? That is certainly welcome news, and will be a great boon to moral here!" He shouts to a messenger that he recognizes, "Oye, You there! Do you know my company? Can you make sure everyone gathers to meet Her Grace as she approaches?"
for what Garith knows of the Queen.
"This is fine work, coz," he says as he tests the shield, Cold Iron spikes gleam, thirsty for Demon Ichor.
On the way to the meet the army, Maelchar will wave to Reiko, his face split by a huge grin. He calls out to her, "We've got company!" He trots toward where the army is entering the city, weaponless and grinning like a fool.
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Samantha hears the fanfares and unaware of whether it be friend or foe storms out from the Elf's chamber and picks up her Glaive which she had left standing in front of the door.
She spots Maelchar and falls into line next to her battle companion and REiko merely a few moments later trying to make sense of Maelchar's positive vibe she inquires.
Are they our friends?
"The horns are signalling the arrival of allies... It's a wondrously great thing if it's true... I wonder who it is and where they're from..."
During the training with Anevia and her other recruits Zeriax acute senses pick up the distant, blaring sound of the trumpet - "An army approaches" - he comments to those with him - "But the trumpet sounds are distinct... A friendly army I believe" - the monk adds with some alarm still, as he picks up his gear and looks for his companions - "We will finish our training at a later time friends" - he apologizes with a respectful bow, and moves off.
Indeed all of you make your way to where the trumpets are sounding from and climb the battered ramparts of the walls. Sure enough arrayed before the city still a ways off is a mighty army in full panoply of war. Banners raised high signal the heraldry of Queen Galfrey. At the vanguard of the army rides a 100 man unit of paladins with lances flashing in the sunlight riding on their summoned steeds. You figure the vanguard will be here within 6 hours and the rest of the army the next day or so.
If what yo usay is true then I must hurry and find Irabeth as she will no doubt have need of me. Until we meet again Zeriax.
Garith, Maelchar will have finished with your spikes for your shield in the last week of downtime.
You know quite a bit about Queen Galfrey as she is a paladin of Iomedae herself. It is rumored that she is immortal as she took the crown in 4601. It has also been told that she has met and talked with Iomedae herself personally and receives visions on a regular basis from her.
Some do try to slander her as some always will in that they believe the crusade effort would long ago have succeeded unless she was secretly in league with the demons.
You have heard that she is a stern woman who has had to make many hard choices in life. She is cautious when needs to be yet willing to act at a moments notice if needs be. She is dedicated to Iomedae and has never broken the paladin code set forth for her yet.
Maelchar blinks the sunlight out of his eyes for a moment, then lets out a whoop of joy, hugs the young ladies with him. "We are relieved! And by Queen Galfrey herself!"
He watches the approach of the army for a while, impressed by the army of paladins at the front of the force. He muses that Garith could easily be one of them and pride in his cousin wells in his chest.
When he realizes how far they are from actually arriving at the city, he sighs, shakes his head a little, wonders if he's needed for anything, like helping to prepare the city for the arrival of the new army, or if he'd just be in the way. On the off-chance he can be useful, he extricates himself from his female companionship after escorting the ladies back off the ramparts (unless they want to stay and watch of course).
He makes his way to the Heart to see if there's anything he can do to help.
"The Queen?" - Zeriax comments to the others, somewhat at a loss.
"I am eager to hear news from nearby lands, know how they fare - maybe we will be able to gather some of it from her soldiers when they arrive" - he nods.
Mael nods to Garith, hugs him joyfully... "I'm going to find out what I can do to help now... Standing on the walls watching for half a day doesn't sound like much fun, so I might as well keep busy. See you later!" He heads off to escort the young ladies home and then go to the Heart to offer his aid in preparations.
Pakak has spent his time studying magic, crafting weapons to rearm remaining crusaders, and helping repair buildings...in about that order.
Through out it, he noticed two or three female dwarves were hanging around and muttering to themselves. About what he had NO idea, but he began to find it unnerving for some reason.
Indeed, when the trumpets sound, it's almost a relief.
Those that stay on the ramparts notice that as the army gets closer that a lot of the people with them are not soldiers at all but citizens of Kenebras that fled from the city when the attacks first started. Of the 4000 troops excluding the Vanguard you guess that over half are survivors. While this brings a warm feeling that many of the populace survived it means that there are that many fewer soldiers. It is also shocking to realize that even with this many survivors returning over half of the city was still lost in the attack.
Those that head to the Heart see that the place is being cleared out somewhat to accommodate the arriving hierarchy of the army, namely the queen and her advisors. Help is needed to move away tables and create a war room as well. For being the heroes of Kenebras it seems like there is a lot of cleaning and manual labor to do.
Pakak, even when the trumpets sound the 2 dwarven lasses follow behind giggling and maidens often do when they see an object of their interest.
Maelchar, disappointed slightly in the interruptions to his small bit of distraction from the recent events, nevertheless joins in to help with preparations for the arrival of the Queen and her army. He gets to work cheerfully moving furniture and doing anything else that needs doing with a smile and encouraging words to any others working with him.
Reiko silently watches the approaching army for some time, listening carefully amid the optimistic speculation to divine the few kernels of hard information. Unlike many in the audience, the ronin is reserved - tempering her hopefulness with an awareness that their opponent is an unrelenting and powerful legion of the damned that could boil out from the Worldwound like locust. She didn't doubt that an army of Paladins would fight bravely and well... but were they adaptable enough to change their tactics when needed? Depending on the forces the Abyss would bring to bear, this could very quickly become an asymmetric war. A war requiring a 'flexibility' that cut against the grain of law, and possibly good.
Reiko shakes off the ruminations as useless for the moment and sets about her duties. She heads to the Heart to assist in preparing the fortress for the dignitaries. As part of her efforts, she checks the perimeter - looking for ways an enemy, spy, or saboteur might use to penetrate the defenses.