|
I shall assist in what ways I can, Reiko. After that, battle, there will hopefully still be some kind of hidden cache here. Perhaps behind a false wall or hidden trapdoor? he suggests, briefly poking at a brick or two and looking under a nasty rug. He quickly ceases this pursuit in favor of removing bodies of the fallen from the chapel and preying over them, that their souls may find peace in spite of the perversion of their bodies.
need a few charges
When the demon falls, Nasira gathers her allies in close and calls again for her goddess' aid, this time to heal them.
She casts an expert eye over her friends' injuries, trying to judge if they need further healing.
The negative levels created from the enervation spell are temporary and will return in the morning. Those negative levels from the deaths teller gaze attack from the nabasu that hit everyone will require another DC 18 fort save for each level lost. Each morning the safe can be made again until the level is restored. Until then the max hp is reduced by 5 for each level drained.
Reiko, inside the chapel you find the hidden stash beneath the altar. The stash was inside a lead lined room to prevent magical detection. Descending a 3 ft wide opening via a ladder built inside the shaft you come to a 10ftx10ft room full of healing potions. Tere is enough healing potions inside to equip the entire army with enough healing potions for 3 uses by the army. If you choose to keep them yourself then you are looking at around 600 cure light wounds potions.
Seeing that the samurai had sustained more wounds, Nasira swaps another of her spells to heal her.
Reiko whistles to indicate she found the stash and then starts carefully pulling the potions out and handing them off to her allies for storage and carrying.
She gives the cleric a thankful pat on the shoulder as her wounds are healed.
|
|
Narisa's Healing takes Garith up to 35/46
and one LoH gets him up to his temporary full.
Excellent work Reiko! Our forces will benefit from these greatly, especially within this wretched environment. Garith says finally smiling, as these potions could likely save many of the men.
Thank you Nasira, I am feeling much better now. Still terrable but significantly less so that before your blessing Garith will make sure to finish addressing the fallen bodies.
Zeriax stands over the fallen creature for a moment, pondering what challenges may lie ahead - "The further we move along, the more pervasive demons are - why would this maleficent creature simply lay claim to a chapel, desecrate it, and remain?" - he ponders almost to himself - "What plans may have crossed its mind?"
He can feel the pain in his limbs, from the very life energy the creature stole from him as he follows Reiko to the next room to search for valuables - he does not linger there, but instead searches the other areas carefully for any hidden enemies. Once he is sure there are none, the monk climbs to the top of the building to stand guard, while the others thoroughly search the area - his eyes focused in the distance.
Nasira aids Garith in putting the remains to rest and takes extra time to pray over the men that accompanied her from their distant home.
She is quiet as they work, only answering direct questions as guilt and doubt war for attention in her mind now that the battle has paused.
I feel I am on the path I was intended for. Why did so many men have to die for me to reach this path? Were the high priests wrong - should I have come alone?
If there is time while they are in the area of the chapel, she will withdraw the scrolls that were taken from the first two dead ghoul-priests and try to identify them.
|
|
Desecrated holy sites may allow for more profane dark magics, and this chapel does overlook the path we- Garith says, pausing. . . Is there any way you can track to see if a runner was sent away from this place? The only creatures were the undead, the Demon and it's spawn, but this would be a valuable lookout point.
can we try to to any tracking, just in case?
Zeriax nods at Garith's words, searching the area looking for such signs.
Reiko are you keeping the potions then? ;)
Nasira the scrolls are scrolls of summon monster V.
Zeriax you see nothing that would alert you to a messenger being sent at lest by ground. If there was another gargoyle sent or perhaps the nabasu teleported away before returning though you don't know.
Maelchar helps with the bodies and the prayers for the well-being of their souls. When done, he finds a place to sit for a little while and contemplate. He closes his eyes, not to sleep, but to focus his thoughts on the task ahead.
The clearing of the chapel takes the remainder of the evening yet Nasira is unable to remove the desecration till the morning. With that in mind the group brings down the stash of potions to the army for disbursement in the morning.
After the potions have been brought down and are in the camp you see what seems to be the top of the lid of the crate they were placed in being lifted up but no one standing there.
The sun dawns clear, strange for the Worldwound, as the actions of the group must have appeased some god above and Nasira climbs up to cast her consecrate spell. Once she is completely a ray of golden light ascends from the army although Nasira is the only 1 that seems to have noticed it visually. The compound is vacant by the way and after the consecration there is no taint left for demons or undead to be attracted to.
The golden light is the same type of light that Radiance gives off when held by a paladin.
Following the casting of the spell, Nasira gazes at the encampment and her eye follows something up into the sky. "Fascinating. Our efforts are truly blessed, my new friends. Did you see the glow of light after the consecration was complete?"
(less minuses)
"I admit I have not seen it Nasira - but if you have, surely there is valuable meaning to it. The feeling that we are on the right path is a comforting one when we are beset in such a way by demons all around" - the monk comments, looking at the sky.
"It was like the glow of Sir Garith's sword, a beautiful golden glow."
"A good omen for sure - is this something you have seen before? What do you believe to be its meaning?" - the monk adds, curious.
She just shakes her head, still looking where the glow was visible. "I don't know. I would like to think that whatever spirit blesses the sword found favor with the consecration or with something else that someone in the army did."
She looks around. "Is there more to be done up here? Or should we rejoin the force?"
"I think it time to rejoin the forces yes" - Zeriax answers - "I would like it if we could take the steps to guarantee this chapel does not fall into the hands of demons or their allies again, but I don't think we can afford to leave a contingent here?" - he adds turning to his remaining companions.
"I don't think we can spare anyone til we finish our mission... perhaps then we can arrange to have the chapel re-staffed and protected."
Making your way to the bottom of the waterway there is quite a stir going on when you arrive. It takes only moments to hear what has created the commotion. It seems that one of the crates of healing potions that was brought down the night before was opened and all of the healing potions in that crate have been destroyed. Fully 1/3 of all of the potions are now useless.
One of the paladins is going around talking that this expedition is doomed as this is the 3rd time something has befallen the army. His name is Arles Jhestander and his vocalizations can be heard all over the camp. Garith you remember that this man was mentioned to you previously but you had other things on your mind as that is when Aron started to act strange and it was found that he had the shadow demon essence with him. Now his protesting has started to affect morale and the army is beginning to listen to him about his doomsday prophesizing. The effect is a -2 morale for the army.
|
|
Hearing of this Arles Jehestander's crying out leaves Garith seething. He calls the party together along with Irabeth the other advisorsWith the party members he paces back and forth, "We are at war, deep in enemy territory, about so engage in a siege, and this imbecile is raving about some inevitable failure. . . It only does harm. Garith says with a sigh. He pauses, Whats worse, I don't know if he's just being vocal or if there is something more insidious going on. Were there a spy in our midst, it would almost make sense to sew discontent, and yet perhaps all that they seek to let us tear ourselves apart. Their forces fall before us, and yet we are nearly helpless against this. Slipping Aaron the shadow demon essence causing suspicion to be cast upon him, now this Jhestander, is he a pawn or just playing into their hands. . .
Garith continues his pacing, not sure what to do. We need to address this, but how to approach the situation
"Perhaps we should have a chat with this fellow, with Nasira ensuring he cannot lie to us without detection. We can perhaps find out if he is just a lone troublemaker or an agent of someone or something far worse. But what is of most importance is that we counter his words with a morale boosting effort of our own... the delivery of the potions should have given the men some renewed hope, with Jehestander taking that away perhaps. We need to return hope to them. Your words, cousin, are our best weapon against this. I will do what I can, moving amongst them and reminding them of our quest and that we still have 2/3 of the healing remaining. Optimisim and hope, if they are spread quickly and with fervor, can be as strong a weapon as fear and suspicion."
"Is this attitude normal for him? Is he under the influence of some outside agency?"
He has been a stalwart soldier the entire time that I have known him. He joined the crusades when he was 17 and has been rock solid since. While this attitude is not normal for him I have seen it before in those that have suffered a traumatic injury or life change. They may have just lost faith for a time and that is what is causing his actions.
|
|
Well, we shall have to speak to him, encourage him so that he does not falter so. Garith says. The last battle with the Dretch army was painful, but we managed to defeat them, and thanks to Nasira's magic we recovered with blessed few deaths. I can understand his worry and fear, but now is not time for it.
I would speak to him before we set out to ascertain his feelings on this matter.
when Arles is brought in, Garith will address him, speaking softly, and encouraging him to be at ease and speak honestly, Sir Jhestander, it has come to out attention that you have been rather. . . vocal as to your fears regarding this expedition. I understand that there have been incidents of sabotage, and I too am concerned, but. . . with this he rises and steps closer to Arles, Sosiel speaks very highly of you, your valor and dedication to the crusade. Tell me, please, What has changed you so? Allow us to help you.
.
Mael, Will you ride with me while I speak to the men? Perhaps take a polearm and afix the Pannon to it? Every gesture counts no matter how litle it may seem. he asks his cousin. and hopefully we'll be able to get Jhestander on out side as well. . .
.
Garith will speak to the men as they are about to march out and continue along their path.
He rides to the front of the formation and calls out to the troops. We are about to delve further into this wretched wasteland, into darkness, into this scar upon the face of Golorion itself! I will not lie to you, these coming days will be dark, and the coming battles hard, but know this, Men take heart! Twice already we have crushed the demon's forces, including a company of demons, demons that outnumbered and flanked us! And yet here we stand, still strong, still at the ready to go forth and free the city of Drezen! Just last night we reclaimed yonder chapel purged the desecration upon it, and returned with a significant complement of healing potions! Garith shouts out to the men, reminding them of their victories, that they are still alive.
Our enemies have made every effort to sabotage out expedition, and yet here we are as strong as, no, Stronger than when we first set out! They set ambushes, try to sew discontent deplete out resources, and yet we remain stedfast. Garith pauses to look over the men, then shouts to them, We are Paladins of Kenebras, the Knights of the 5th crusade, You are the swords and shields of Iomadae. You are her valiant warriors. You ride into this heart of darkness and no demon can stand in your way! Try as they may, and try they will, the foul abominations spilling forth from this festering wound will fall before you, pierced by your lances and trampled by your chargers! Now we ride forth with Iomadae's blessings.
"I would be honored to ride at your side, cousin, and bear the pennant. I have been feeling a bit lacking in usefulness of late. Such would bolster my own optimism as well. Thank you."
The loss of so many potions has the normally stoic samurai angry, quite angry. She speaks with her allies. "We have a watch posted. They are vigilant men. I use the scale to confer nightvision on them to give them sharp sight even in the blackest night... And still someone has managed to get into our supplies and destroy them. We need to find this saboteur now and make an example of him, her, or it. What ways are available to detect this man, outside of vision, since that has been useless?"
Anyone willing to aid Garith at all on his diplomacy...Arles looks willing to listen but not convinced yet...or Garith could use a surge as well to help bolster his speech.
Maelchar, at Garith's side, sees Arles resistant but willing to listen, gives him an impassioned plea to "Listen to our leader's words, good man. He speaks truth. WHile we've had minor setback with the potions, most of our path has been forward and toward great success. Sure we lost a few potions, but we are ahead by 2 potions per man, which is far better off than we were. With his inspired leadership and Iomedae's favor we WILL prevail. Come, be off good cheer, my man, and spread fervor rather than fear."
,
The loss of so many potions has the normally stoic samurai angry, quite angry. She speaks with her allies. "We have a watch posted. They are vigilant men. I use the scale to confer nightvision on them to give them sharp sight even in the blackest night... And still someone has managed to get into our supplies and destroy them. We need to find this saboteur now and make an example of him, her, or it. What ways are available to detect this man, outside of vision, since that has been useless?"
"Perhaps I have been negligent, and should have thought of this solution earlier" - Zeriax comments, his semblance heavy - "But I am not fully familiar with the arcane... However I think that if we plant a ruse that would draw his or her attention - perhaps making up a story about a crate of cold iron weapons, or other magical treasure, or maybe even doing so with actual treasure - I could ward a relatively large area with a spell that would warn us if the area is trespassed. If we react quickly enough, and have adequate spells available, perhaps a capture is possible?"
--
Zeriax is not the best with words spoken to men's hearts, but he is practical. While standing guard close to Garith, Arles and the others, he adds - "What sense would it make for us to start on an endeavor such as this one, to hep so many, if we cannot help those closer to us? We need to be here for each other - there is no other way"
Reiko considers the archer's offer. "I like it. Until we can figure out a good prize that will draw him out, would you use that spell on the remaining potions and we can keep watch in addition to that?"
With Maelchar and Zeriax supporting Garith's claim Arles breaks his defiant eye contact and slumps his shoulders. Ok I admit it. I am no longer blessed by iomedae and have lost my faith for the last 2 years. I was hoping that by joining this crusade I would be able to spark the fire inside me again and see real progress being made. Yet at every turn we seem to be harassed and beset upon. We almost lost at the mouth of the river bed. That started my depression and now with the loss of so many potions of healing it is just too much for me to handle. I am ashamed at what I have become when I think back on my years of service and how I would gladly suffer for the cause to see righteousness triumph over the demons.
Now though what is to become of me? I want that passion that you have and that fire that burns within but I feel like an empty husk with nothing left for the fire to burn on. I need something to fill myself again and make me whole. Give me a task that I can accomplish and feel good about without sacrificing myself in battle. Give me something to be proud of and I feel that then I will come around. To this point I just see helplessness and despair.
Perhaps he could stay at the monastery you just cleared out. He could right the temple and clean it of the despoilment of the demons. It would be a good watch post as well and a relay for messengers.
Maelchar removes his cloak and loans it to Reiko for a night and a day (at least... whatever is needed).
He looks with sympathy at Arles... even moreso with empathy... as he is undergoing his own crisis of faith... though his is faith in himself, not faith in Iomedae. He will nod in agreement to Irabeth's suggestion and encourage Garith to accept her idea as a good one.
"Perhaps with some way of communication set up, we can relay messages as well... perhaps Nasira can memorize a sending spell daily to stay in touch with Arles and relay messages for him back to Kenabres? Or, as convoluted as it might be, I feel my connection to my medium grow stronger and soon I will be able to se long distances as a result... Perhaps Arles can simply write any messages he has on a specific wall in the chapel and I can read them? But of course that will have to wait until we advance in power a bit."
Reiko gratefully accepts the cloak and dons it, hoping that it will help eliminate the lingering blackness that has seemed to infect her soul.
|
|
Garith glances at the others to see if tey accept what he says as true, and then lets out a sigh, relaxing visibly, if the party believes Arles. While our objective is to take Drezen, for the greater war effort, we must hold it, and maintaining a position between there and Kenebras would certainly be invaluable. So Arles, what say you? Are you willing to become caretaker of the recently claimed chapel? I find that work, for the faith does by far more me, spiritually, than actual battle. Perhaps you can find the same kind of faith through peace.
What sort of contingent should be stationed here? I am hesitant to commit paladins as we need every man we can get for the coming battles, but perhaps there are a few we can afford to have stay without significantly reducing out capabilities?
add for the speech.
There is a radiant light as he shouts encouragement to the men, his voice booming across the troops, carrying over the whole of the army!
Arles looks from one to the other and you can see the weight fall off of his shoulders at your acceptance of him and the situation. Thank you so very much for giving this opportunity. I promise to you that this endeavor will not fall by the wayside. I will clean this temple that you speak of and protect it to the best of my ability. I hope that your words are true and that I find my faith again in the quiet and solitude of the temple.
I have but 1 request if allowed. Please allow a few of the followers that wish to stay here along with me to do so. I could use their help in any repairs that need to be done and I am sure that there are some followers who feel the same as I do. They would appreciate a chance to do something other than head deeper into the worldwound and still contribute to the war effort.
-------------------------------------------------------
Garith and Maelchar take a quick trip through the army. They can see that the loss of the potions has had a great detrimental effect on the army. Going from such highs to such lows was worse than if some other calamity would have befallen. The talk is that no matter what the army does the demons are there to counter it seemingly with impunity. No one noticed when the supplies were contaminated before, no one noticed now with the crate of potions. What else have the demons done that hasn't been detected yet?
Yet for every low Garith reminded them of the successes and progress made. No army in the recent past has made such progress. No army has won two consecutive battles against the demonic host and survived to tell the tale. As Garith continues to extoll the success the army quits grumbling and pays attention. The time that Garith is done and Melchar has the pennon raised the army is in a frenzy and ready to continue forward. The camp is struck and everyone is ready to continue on into the teeth of the enemy defenses.
The word also got out, from Aron, that their final destination was a day away. With good luck and no major interruptions the army will be at the city of Drezen at the end of the day. With this news, the army, already riled up from Garith's speech, bangs swords on shields and mounts their horses.