Verim goes and give the man a solid thump on the head as a warning and shakes his own head. " That's no excuse to attack an innocent girl and swing at another! Have you no shame as a man or a Crusader? You better learn to calm yourself, otherwise if you'll have to deal with me again, and I won't e nice like last time. No that I think about it, Why did you even try to hurt the girl.. Don't you have Cold Iron? " Verim breathing out and looking worried over to Mia "He didnt Hurt you did he? "
Looking up at Verim she shakes her head.
"No, Tallina and Tobongo got him."
She turns her head back at the man and sort of mutters
"Child molester..."
Reaching into her pocket Tallina draws out the silver dragon scale and shows it to the man.
"The dragon that saved us and left us with these scales yes? We have a few more, and with a spell of gentle repose from a cleric if there are any left there is a chance we may revive or reincarnate the dragon. Do not worry for we bring a new hope to these dark times. The remnants of the First Crusade shall come to our aid soon enough."
Verim twitches at Mia's renouncement of harm and rubs her head with his hand. " Good, because if he did I couldn't have been as composed as I was now. We have to get you to your mother remember? And I want you to be as precious as she last saw you when you meet. " Looking over to Tallina as he finally stops doting on Mia. " There is an issue with that Wild Flower, if what the man said is true.. They Killed the dragon and dragged it away.. meaning its probably in the Abyss by now. Only way we could revive the noble creature would be to go get it back.. Seems like a challenge and a LOOOONG trip. I think we might be able to eventually, but first we have to deal with the Demons on our Doorstep. "
It's bad enough we going out of our way to visit a damned library, but now you're going to stop and talk to every waif and misguided crusader? We need to get a move on before something dangerous spots us.
Turning towards the sound of Horgus' voice, Aravashnial responds, Blackwing is far more than just a library old man. The Riftwardens are not a force to be taken lightly. If anyone survived this destruction, they did.
Verim scratches his head, " Well, my father used to always compliment the mages in our company on their knowledge, because Knowledge was often the thing that made the difference in the end. Arqueros' Spear, these men tried a desperate move because of LACK of knowledge Sir Horgus. So I think Aravashnial is justified in his thinkin' don't you? Besides He's been blind, bruised and walked through the caves below, and has been patient this whole time. Even you have to admit He deserves to get to his people soon.. and is a pretty tough Elf. I couldn't imagine doing much without my eyes! Harhar! " He smiles to the Elf, though the man clearly couldnt see him.
" Every sword and spear we rally against the Demons is another demon that dies Horgus, please be at LEAST as patient as The Blind Riftwarden. I promise you'll get to your estate in top shape "
"Maybe if people would come together in a time of crisis instead of looking to their own selves we could overcome this invasion." Laris stares at Horgus.
"Or at least survive or escape at the very least."
Shrugging her shoulders at Verim's comment, Wendaug paces back and forth watching the sky, bow held at the ready. Rush into another mob like that, and I'll put an arrow in you myself. You owe me, and I don't intend to let you forget it.
Looking up from where he sits muttering, the middle aged crusader seems to be slowly coming to his senses. I've heard rumors that a few survivors made it to an inn called "The Defender's Heart. Don't put much stock in the rumor myself. I saw the power of the demons attacking. Nothing could stand against that. We were fools to even try.
Accepting Mia's help, the girl points towards a mostly intact building down the street. I live just over there. I thought I would be safe coming out for just long enough to gather some food. Less than five minutes and these idiot tried to kill me. If I could, I would just like to get back to my father. He's broken a few ribs and cannot move around much.
Mia looks at the others almost immediately.
"We'll help her get back safely won't we?"
Half questioning, half saying.
Verim blinks slowly a few times, registering what Wendaug had said. His mouth was agape for a moment, trying to figure out the words to say before he simply gave a nod and a smile. " I'll be more careful Wendaug, everyone.. I guess my blood got a little TOO HOT! " He starts laughing to himself, more to hide his awkwardness at this time than anything.
Looking to the crusaders he inspects his wounds somewhat at the same time " You should follow their example then! There is still fight left in the people. I'll let you know before we walked up here we killed TWO Demons.. and if you can cut this body, you can each kill a demon yourself.. DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! " turning to Mia and winking to the woman quickly after. " Well of course we will! I got stuck like a pig saving her, I gotta finish the job don't I? Besides we need to make sure the parents are fine too. And these Lost Crusaders have alot of atonenin' to do; They are going to help, even if they feel its useless, dying fighting is better than standin' around! "
"He's right misters crusaders. Is it not a crusader's creed to focus and fight valiantly, never to fall to superstition?"
Standing up from the man's chest Tallina offers the man a hand to get up to his feet. Hearing about the woman not having anything to eat the half-elf reaches for her pack and remembers who has her rations.
"I'm sorry ma'am, unfortunately I appear to be out of food. I wish I could help you but I'm also out of everything we've been eating for the past few days. You'd be surprised at what the underground caverns have to offer."
Snake stew........yumm..
While it only lasted for a moment, Luci made a face as she recalled some of what Tallina had cooked. It hadn't been bad, but just remembering what was in it may have spoilt the flavour somewhat.
"Verim's right," Luci said to the crusaders, trying to concentrate more on the situation and less on what she'd been eating for the last couple of days, "ever consider that half the reason the demons might be doing so well is because of people having the same idea as you and just giving up? He's not exaggerating about killing two of them before; close-quarters, narrow passages... none of us could've directly helped him under those circumstances and he still gutted two of them on his own in less than a minute. So if this bumbling flirt can do it, why can't you guys?"
Maxwell half-grins at the bumbling flirt comment. Rubbing the back of his neck, he tries to remember where the defender's heart is in the city, but doesn't think too much on it, really. "We need to keep moving. The more time we waste, the more people die. We don't have the luxury of time at the moment." he states coldly, but only because the words are most definitely true.
"Let's be off."
Slowly rising to his feet, the crusder shakes Luciana's hand. I apologize ma'm. We've seen most of our company killed by beasties our weapons simply bounced off of. It we could have our swords back, I'll try to get my lads to the Defender's Heart. I've heard it's in the northern part of the city.
After seeing the girl safely back to her house, or rather, the heavily barred basement, you continue onward to Blackwing. While there seem to large numbers of cultists and more than a few tieflings, there are only a few roaming demons.
Avoiding unnecessary conflict you manage to reach your destination without being attacked. The shattered building before you has been nearly reduced to rubble, save for the fortified great hall, whose door hangs open. Strangely, the building to either side appear nearly undamaged.
Upon hearing what has happened, Aravashnial's composure collaspes, We must search what is left. At least a few of the Riftwardens must have survived.
Verim beams at the praise Luci gave only to catch the end of it as a slight insult. " Oi! This 'flirt' is still right here... Heh " the smile turning into a smirk as he stretches once more and continues on. " Well then, The Lion is right we need t get goin.. I'm gunna need a drink or two to be a little better before heading in.. if not... Ah well I should be fine then. Lets go find some survivors! ", holding his shield tight and walking in. Halfway to his destination making an offhand comment " All this talk of of has made me hungry though... "
"Now stand still you oaf."
Her hand glows faintly blue-ish.
"Hey hey, Is that something you say to a great guy like me? First Maxwell, then Luci, and even Wendaug, who fought against me.. If I lose respect from the Little One, Ol' Verim might break mid-battle! " He fakes a distraught face.
"...yeah...but they might have meant more sarcasm.
I think i can say it, i'm small and big people call others oaf if they do something clumsy right? If that was not the word....sorry."
Turning for only a moment to see the fake face Verim was making, Maxwell rolled his eyes. "He's not serious, Mia, and more to the point, we've got this situation to worry about..." he points out, looking at the building. "Seems your cult had some traitors, Aravashniel..." he says, taking note of the 2 buildings beside it that are just fine.
Verim instantly resumes his normal face and chuckles, patting Mia on the head " The Inverted Tower is right, I was only teasing Mia; You can call me anything you feel appropriate, alright? Sometimes the shoulder and backs of adults like me get weighed down.. and its the responsibility of small ones to raise them up. Thanks for supporting me so far. You're a good girl. ", looking over the wreckage whistling " Well, I'm not sure about all that 'Lionheart' but I wouldn't put a little betrayal past the standard Demon tactics. Let's find out who's still movin' around"
Mia smiles
"Ok..i'll hold you to that."
If it weren't for the pretend, i'd consider patting on my head to be...mockery."
Laris can't help but smile at the odd relationships developing among the group.
"Come now, we need to see if we can aid any survivors."
"Alright then," Luci said, drawing her sword just in-case of trouble as she started to lead the way, "let's go."
Grabbing the scythe from her back Tallina readies herself to move in.
"I'm sorry for the loss of your library Aravashniel, but part of it seems to be holding strong. If there are any survivors they are in there. Horgrus we'll be just a little bit longer I promise."
Overcome with grief at the destruction of his home, Aravashnial slowly collapses to the ground sobbing. It's not possible, the demons could not have destroyed everything.
As you approach what is left of the Libram of Blackwing, you hear a gruff male voice inside. Stack the damm books faster woman!!!
"We'll salvage what we can and make the demons pay for the rest in blood."
"From the sounds of it, there's still some books." he points out as he walks toward the situation. "Recognize the voice? If not-" he says as he draws his Heavy Flail.
Verim moved up with Luci, injured yet still sturdy, he quirks his head to side. " Doesnt sound like anyone I drank with.. though I did just get stabbed 5 or so times, so my memories might be bad. Why you would be stacking books at this time I cant see. Maybe to make a fort or wall? That's not gunna do well against..demons. ", somewhat confused.
" Either way let's see whats goin' on first " He spins the Glaive once before gripping it near the end and walking towards the entrance. When Verim arrives, the scene before him doesn't clear much up. He looks around at all the people inside and states, " Sooooo, How's it goin' with the books I guess? "
Walking into what is left of the great hall Verim sees several groups of people. On the far side of the hall, a group of people in scholar's robes lies on the ground, hands and feet bound. Books are stacked in a circle around them. Three tieflings, armed with kukri, stand around the room. One guards the bound scholars and one prods a middle aged woman who is frantically digging books out of the rubble. Directing the tieflings is a man in blood-stained armor who looks in Verim's direction as he enters.
Readying her scythe the half elf prepares to enter the building with Tobongo in front of her.
We should save the scholars first, perhaps Tobongo and I should assault those guards first.
Verim sighs and looks at the man in charge in the bloodied armor. It didn't take much to see what was happening here and it was definitely no good. He motioned to the man with his glaive, " Oooooh, I see whats going on. Standard plunder tactics. Well, sadly for you I came along and I'd like your armor; This is a time of chaos after all and as a mercenary I gotta get what I can. Please don't hate me. ALL RIGHT KILL THE ONES WITH THE WEAPONS, THEY HAVE STUFF WORTH SOMETHIN'! " Verim starts advancing on them.
A threat to ones person generally keeps hostages as an afterthought
Maxwell, Tobongo, Luciana, Wendaug
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Chaleb
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Mia, Laris, Tallina, Verim
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Tieflings
Answering Verim's challenge with a snarl, Chaleb orders his flunkies to attack.
Tallina directs the treant towards the one with the woman.
"Tobongo, attack!"
The sapling moves in and swings wildly with a gnarled limb.
Not waiting around, Luci charged through around Verim, closing on the nearest tiefling.
Wendaug steps forward, sending an arrow towards the man giving orders.
Moving forward, Maxwell bursts through the doors as well, taking up a spot next to Luciana whilst toting his flail in hand, taking a moment to gather how many people are within the room and who was most dangerous. "Luciana, I'll cover your left!" he yells as he enters and turns to look to the west side of the room.
Chaleb grins as he slowly advances on the party with an impressive display of weapon prowess, You lot want my armor and weapons you'll have to take it from me the old fashioned way. Kill the librarians.
Tallina attempts to swing her scythe at one of the tieflings and her swing goes wide.
"Tobongo, go get the other one, I can deal with this one here."