Na'shok shakes his head. "That's something you have to decide for yourself. If I make the choice for you, it has no meaning. The side that takes from others without consequence is who you once were and the side that helps others is who you could be."
Larissa looks at Na'shok strangely.
Is that disappointment in her eyes?
She shakes her head, as if clearing out a thought.
"As you say, master."
Nash continues his grueling training, pushing his body to its absolute limits. If he was to brave the Worldwound he'd need to be stronger than ever. He'd seen what the demons were capable of. Simple survival wasn't enough anymore.
Work on his home continues as a blistering pace and Larissa continues to contribute in her own way, delivering the lumber, nails, and other supplies the laborers needed in a timely manner.
Gorn will spend a day doing Diplomacy before he needs to grieve for his father. He grieves through strenuous strength training.
On Oathday, Sarenith 13th, Sarenith Aenthurien receives a letter by courier.
Desnus 30, 4713
Dear Aenthurien,
I’m done! I finally finished my studies at the Arcanamirium! It feels so good to finally have this diploma in my hand. My roommate Alice and I are going to hit the streets tonight and have some fun later, maybe attend the evening festival in the Petal District.
You know that airship rumor I wrote about in my last letter? Well, found out this month it’s true! Someone or some organization has created an airship. I’ve seen it flying and landing just outside Absolom this month. I managed to get fairly close to it. It looks really new. Get this. I heard it was created from technology from another planet! I’ve heard of inner-planar travel, but interplanetary! Imagine what it’s like on other planets!
Anyways, I’ll be headed home pretty soon, and likely by the time you get this message, I’ll be back at the village, setting up a small workshop and alchemist’s lab.
Take Care of yourself. Stay safe in Kenabres. Be careful out there.
Sincerely,
Tarí Mithrandír
Arcanamirium Maven
Aenthurien reads the letter, multiple times. His face turns a tinge white, as he carefully folds the letter and places it within an inner pocket, near his chest. He goes back to working, mostly uncommunicative the rest of the day.
Othirubo's Formula Book:
Barkskin, blur, protection from arrows, bomber's eye, cure light wounds, expeditious retreat, shield, true strike
Millorn's spellbook:
Blur, levitate, color spray, mage armor, magic missile, detect secret doors, fog cloud, grease, invisibility, resist energy, shocking grasp, silent image
Damaged spellbook found in library:
dismissal, dispel magic, magic circle against chaos, resist energy, versatile weapon
On Sarenith 23st, Anevia Tirabade, still hobbling around on a crutch, knocks on Gorn-rel's door early in the morning.
"Hey. Got a message for you, from Aravashnial. " Anevia says, handing Gorn-Rel a letter.
Sarenith 19, 4713
Gorn-Rel
I sent out feelers to the Pathfinder Society regarding your request. A team of pathfinder seekers has been dispatched to accompany Queen Galfrey’s army to Kenabres to make you a counteroffer. I should arrive with her army in about 1 week.
Aravashnial
On Erastus 6, 4713, news of Queen Galfrey's arrival spreads quickly through the Kenabres as her armies arrive. Thousands upon thousands of road-weary and battle-worn crusaders thankful for a place to rest, even if that place has been significantly damaged.
The crusaders set about refortifying the city even as their leader seeks out those who played such a key role in its defense, and in the transformation, however temporarily, of the wardstones into a potent defense that drove the demons back into the Worldwound, if only for a short time.
Two days later you all receive separate missives. Queen Galfrey is requesting an audience with the all of you at Defender's Heart.
When the messenger comes, Frekhi leaves the waterfall he is currently meditating under. After drying his paws off, he reads the missive. "Guess fun time is over. Tell her I'll be there. When is it?"
"My queen would like to meet you at noon in Irabeth Tirabade's quarters," The messenger replies.
"I should get dry then." Frekhi responds before shaking himself dry, the water splashing onto the poor messenger. He will bow to his sensei before he heads out.
Varda raises an eyebrow and wipes her hands from the sweat of her toil. "Very well, I'll be there."
Glancing up at the sun, she nods as if to herself. "Should just give me time to get cleaned up and finish up here. Any idea what she's wanting to discuss?"
[dice=Knowledge (Nobility)]1d20+6
Varda raises an eyebrow and wipes her hands from the sweat of her toil. "Very well, I'll be there."
Glancing up at the sun, she nods as if to herself. "Should just give me time to get cleaned up and finish up here. Any idea what she's wanting to discuss?"
"Only that she wishes to meet the Heroes of Kenabres in person, my lady."
Varda nods as if that's the answer she expected. "No matter. You serve well."
The messenger finds Gorn-Rel battering at a swiveling dummy with weights strapped to his wrists. The hobgoblin prince reads the missive carefully. The human tongue of this land was not his primary language, and in communication between rulers clear communication was key. In all honesty, the letter disappointed him. Gorn-Rel had hoped that she would have requested an audience with him as the crown prince. Nevertheless, he was pleased to have a chance to meet with the woman who would ultimately play a key role in whether there could be peace and cooperation between Namaris and Mendev. He had done some research on this paladin queen in the last week. Apparently, she was a favored follower of the goddess who had blessed him.
Gorn-Rel thought well of that goddess, and hoped that he would think well of this queen.
"I will come. After I have performed my ablutions. Thank you for doing your duty."
[dice=Diplomacy (Gather Information)]1d20+11
The messenger finds Gorn-Rel battering at a swiveling dummy with weights strapped to his wrists. The hobgoblin prince reads the missive carefully. The human tongue of this land was not his primary language, and in communication between rulers clear communication was key. In all honesty, the letter disappointed him. Gorn-Rel had hoped that she would have requested an audience with him as the crown prince. Nevertheless, he was pleased to have a chance to meet with the woman who would ultimately play a key role in whether there could be peace and cooperation between Namaris and Mendev. He had done some research on this paladin queen in the last week. Apparently, she was a favored follower of the goddess who had blessed him.
Gorn-Rel thought well of that goddess, and hoped that he would think well of this queen.
"I will come. After I have performed my ablutions. Thank you for doing your duty."
All of you arrive at Defender's Heart at the appointed time around noon. A large number of warriors dot the room. You make your way to the more quiet sections, where Irabeth greets you.
"Prince Gorn-Rel, Na'shok, Varda, Frekhi, Aenthurien," she greets you all in turn. "This way please. Queen Galfrey is awaiting you in my office."
Still not entirely happy about being surrounded by so many armed and judgmental crusaders, Na'shok still finds pleasure in Irabeth's respectful greeting. "Show us to her. It must be important for her to have summoned all of us."
Frekhi nods in agreement with Nash.
Varda nods in agreement with Na'shok's observation, her eyes roving the warriors in careful study of their gear, postures, and attentiveness. Those among them she recognizes from her classes receive nods of greeting and the occasional smile as the group makes their way to their meeting.
Irabeth leads you into her office. Queen Galfrey sits in her chair behind her desk. She stands up, and moves around the desk.
"My queen," Irabeth says as she humbly kneels in front of her, these are the people I told you about. May I introduce to you Varda Beardedheart, Frekhi, Na'shok, Prince Gorn-rel, and Aenthurien. They are the ones who destroyed the damaged wardstone."
Na'shok grunts and bows his head slightly in greeting.
Frekhi will bow politely to the queen as his sensei taught him.
Gorn-Rel bows to the queen in the Quain style to the degree that it is proper for a crown prince to bow to a ruling queen.
Larissa and the building crew continue to work while Nash continues his grueling cardio regime.
Varda bows formally to the queen as well, simultaneously trying to take in the woman's attitude toward them and her companions' attitudes toward the ruler.
Aenthuruen bows as well, following suit.
Queen Galfrey looks on all of you in turn. "Thank you for answering my summons. Please, have a seat.
She turns to Irabeth. "Irabeth, could you please summon the Pathfinder seekers here please."
Queen Galfrey returns to her Irabeth's office chair.
"While there are some narrow-minded souls among the crusade who blame you for the destruction of the wardstone border, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved entire legions of crusaders from a most vile fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of energy gave us the time we needed to regroup and prepare for what will certainly come next. But you understand the implications of what you've done, I'm sure - the wardstones are gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn't merely fade into the ether. In time, the demons will regroup and reorganize - we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it otherwise would take, but we shouldn't underestimate them. They'll be back soon enough. Already I've had reports from along the front lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border. But what intrigues me most is news from several reliable sources that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. This is fortunate for us, as it represents a unique opportunity to both strike a blow and resolve a problematic diplomacy and border dispute."
She turns to Gorn-rel. "Prince Gorn-Rel, I regretfully wish to inform you that you have established your city of Nameris on Mendevian soil. I don't know if you are aware, but Mendev has claimed all land east of the West Sellen River."
Wrong f*$#ing side of the river!?
Gorn-Rel contains his ire and keeps his face smooth. He did not expect the human queen to be an expert on hobgoblin body language, but he would give her no hold to manipulate him. I will make Father proud.
With some small warmth and greater equanimity, the hobgoblin prince returns the queen's greeting.
"Greetings Queen Galfrey on behalf of the royal family and people of Namaris. It is a pleasure to finally meet and speak with you in pursuit of peace and alliance between our two great peoples. Personally, I am pleased that my mission to Kenabres allowed Namaris to extend aid to a beleaguered people in their time of distress and to establish a friendship with the people of Neatholm, so long forgotten by their neighbors. While my current companions are not of Namaris, they too showed great valor. I am saddened to hear that there is already a dispute of borders between Mendev and Namaris. It is my sincere hope that we can work to resolve this issue in a way that creates an enduring friendship between our nations and does not weaken or distract us from our common enemy who neither respects our border nor our lives."
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Queen Galfrey politely nods. "I believe the hobgoblins of Namaris and the people of Mendev can come to some agreement. We after all, fight a common dangerous enemy. Before I can get into specifics, however, we need to wait for our last guests."
There is a knock on the door. "Speaking of our missing guest... Enter!" Queen Galfrey replies. The door opens revealing a rather short, cute, young teenager who can't be more than fourteen, wearing a green and white wizard's robe and a slightly oversized ornate wooden staff. She appears to be of a mixed Tien and Shoanti descent. Her hair is a bright cherry pink, which is topped off by a light green pointy cap that displays bright golden runes on its rim. Pinned to the cap just above the runes is a crescent moon brooch. Perched on her shoulder is a miniscule golden dragon, with butterfly-like wings.
"This is Venture Captain Sakura Knowledge of the Pathfinder Society. Don't let her apparent age fool you. She is among the most powerful wizards on the continent and was instrumental in defeating the Balor Teremthal, Ender of Worlds during the siege of Nerosyan. Sakura Knowledge, may I present Prince Gorn-Rel of Namaris, Aenthurien, Na'shok, Frekhi, and Varda Beardedheart."
The young teen smiles, holds her staff horizontally, and bows politely. "Pleased to meet all of you. This is my friend Nuku-nuku," she gestures to the creature on her shoulder. "I hope we can all work together."
Now that everyone is here, Queen Galfrey begins, I will detail to you our proposal. Sakura, if you please.
Sakura reaches into her bag and pulls out a thick scroll and unfurls it on the desk, revealing a map of the Worldwound.
”Our divinations indicate that the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosayan, Karcau, and beyond." the Queen continues, hand gesturing at a point on the map several days north of Kenabres. "Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and controls several cold iron mines. When we lost Drezen, we lost more than the mines, our kin, and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade. If Drezen could be retaken-if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade ... well, I trust I don't need to explain how well that would affect morale. But with the imminent attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen,. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place. The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well-trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I've sought all of you out.”
”Prince Gorn-Rel, your family and your people require a land to call your own that is relatively safe where they can grow and prosper. You would require trade and capital to feed and clothe your people. You also require foreign recognition as a legitimate city-state. My nation, the Church of Iommedae, and I require the Sword of Valor and a fortified advanced outpost against the demons, as well as the land the hobgoblin people are currently occupying returned. The Pathfinder Society wants access to the Sword of Valor for study as well as a bastion deep within the Worldwound to make expeditions to locate their missing Sky Citadel. I therefore propose a joint operation to retake Drezen and recover the Sword of Valor from the demons. Drezen would be an ideal place for the hobgoblins to relocate to. It is in a land which no nation has claimed its own. It has a valuable resources which the Crusade will gladly buy at a fair price once it is unearthed. Finally, with the sword of Valor placed among Iomamedae’s faithful, it would be very safe from demonic attack.”
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The proud and prickly prince considers the the queen's words.
So Mendev has people, while Namaris has hobgoblins? I see. Her plan, however, could be an excellent solution. I will ignore these petty jabs. They are a part of politicking.
Gorn-Rel calmly responds.
"This plan sounds wise and to the benefit of all. I am eager to hear the specifics. Recognition and trade are exactly what Namaris needs. While I am willing to lead the army of Namaris on this joint venture, I will not expose our non-combatant population to the rigors of the world-wound until we have secured Drezen."
"Of course, I understand, Queen Galfrey replies. I would also seek to shelter non-combatants from needless warfare."
"After this meeting, I will be taking my main force south to engage the demon horde and keep their attention there. However, I will be leaving a small task force of 100 crusaders here in Kenabres, under your combined leadership. I'd like all of you to leave immediately north to Namaris, so you can grab troops and supplies." I suggest you keep the army size small, more than 100 crusaders and 100 Namarian warriors will be sure to draw demonic attention back to Drezen.
"My pathfinder friends will accompany you to Namaris." Sakura chimes in. One of them is an Iomadean cleric of the 7th circle, so we can hopefully get your father up and running in no time. The Decemvirate provided the diamond to us, though they also want that scale you offered in return. After that, we have obligations elsewhere."
Queen Galfrey nods. "Sakura's group will be split from the army, to both look for clues to their missing fortress as well as clearing any high level demons they can locate, in preparation for the next stage."
"Assuming you capture Drezen and secure the Sword of Valor, we will benign stage two. The society has agreed to aid us with their new airship Midori's Gift. They will bring in crucial supplies and personnel needed immediately to secure Drezen, while the crusade helps Namaris secure a supply line to Mendev. Then we'll begin moving the population of Namaris to Drezen, which Gorn's government can run. A moderate number of Crusaders will stay in Drezen to both threaten offensive operations and guard the Sword of Truth; when we have finally driven back the demons, the banner will return to Mendev.
Sakura Knowledge....that name sounds familiar...an airship!?...I wonder...
Aenthurien listens intently to the proceedings, letting Gorn negotiate for his people. Even without the details, going north in already a given for the elf.
Na'shok listens in silence. The politics and war efforts meant little to him but he felt some amount of companionship toward the group and he wasn't going to let them risk their lives without him. Also, if the 'butterfly' was to be believed, the Worldwound held the shards of Larissa - the key to making her whole again.
"Once we capture Drezen, what's to keep the demons from regrouping and taking it back? Without the power of the Wardstones, it'll take the presence of a standing army to hold the city for long", the brawny orcish man finally says.
"Yes, the dragon's scale is yours when the spell has been cast. Hopefully, we will soon our mutual successes in Drezen. Queen Galfrey, will you have your scribes draw up the appropriate treaties?"
"This Pathfinder Society apparently has no rules. They let kids join?"
"So we're gonna risk our lives for some magical banner? What does it do?"
"Once we capture Drezen, what's to keep the demons from regrouping and taking it back? Without the power of the Wardstones, it'll take the presence of a standing army to hold the city for long", the brawny orcish man finally says.
"So we're gonna risk our lives for some magical banner? What does it do?"
Sakura responds, "Despite the name, it's not a sword. It's a battle standard-an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade. The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation. It is probably the magic the wardstones were based upon."
"Indeed." Queen Galfrey agrees. "Its magic will allow the Namerian army to hold Drezen indefinitely, so long as it is mounted to a wall with worshipers of Iommadae to tend to it.
"Oh, well I guess that's useful."
Nash isn't happy with the answer but it was better than nothing - a magical flag would shield them from the demonic counterattack. It wasn't the worst idea he'd heard. At least their task didn't involve bringing a king back from the dead...
He grunts and nods in understanding.