Between seeing her mother starting to get back to her old self and Tallina's food, Luci was feeling a damn-sight better than she had been, even if she'd been outwardly calm.
Irabeth's request had perked her curiosity, namely just who it was she wanted them to speak to.
Wenduag smirked at Verims comment, though not giving her usual attitude to his innuendos. She slowly rose and dusted off her leather armor before falling in line with the rest. She didn't have much else to say yet, but she let Verim know by a light touch on his elbow before they left to meet this stranger.
Irabeth tried to smile but her facade seemed to fail slightly before leading them off towards this man.
When they entered a room there was an aged man standing at the table. His features were very angular and his face adorned an eagles talon tattoo on his cheek. Irabeth cleared her throat, "This man is Quednys Orlun. But before we go any further, I wanted to thank you again for doing what you did to help the city. Also I-We can't ask you this unless your willing to do so." She took a deep breath. The aged male was now looking at the group now, his eyes looking them over casually before a thin smile that seemed weighted appeared on his lips.
"As horrific as recent events have been, we've come to realize
that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite,
the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev's murder, and the
assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits.
The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault
than we've seen since the fall of Drezen. It's fair to say the Lord
of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this
hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory.
"While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered,
those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain
concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we've heard from within the barricade they've erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you've managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we've determined what she intends to do.
"When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we've learned, they're
hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated
by the wardstones-essentially, to use our own greatest defense
as a devastating weapon.
"The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the
crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why
the demons haven't attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that
Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if
she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating
blow against us all. In effect, we've lined up for the slaughter.
"Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal
power, likely the Nahyndrian crystal mentioned in the missive
you recovered, and with it she intends to turn the source of
our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to
evacuate everyone from the border-I doubt they would give up
the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned.
But we can still stop this from happening-we just need to have
someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone
fragment, and destroy it."
"We need your help, unfortunately all of our greatest defenders of the cities are gone, perished or otherwise, and well." She looked upon the group, with hopeful eyes.
Verim's heart lept a few beats by the contact but he knew Wendaug means something significant by it. The interaction would be the only 'pleasant' thing he would feel in the coming meeting.
As they were introduced to the grizzled Quednys, he gave an appreciative nod. he could tell by his own training and experience that the man presented was not only important but wise in life. it prefaced the daunting task they would hear.
Listening intently, almost uncharacteristically so, Verim noted the tone and importance of what Irabeth had to divulge to the party and his brow furrowed as it became increasingly dire. That this issue had grown above what they feared and that somehow the party had shown the only capability to achieve whatever this task was. It reminded him of a debriefing for a suicide mission his father would relay to the Veterans of the Evanescent Brigade, the intensity of the request.
When Irabeth seemed finished and looked to the party, Verim spoke up to break the tension with his usual flair though a hint of determination and acknowledgement followed his wording.
" HARHAR! So your saying that our assault on this Gray Garrison is more than we anticipated. Well, I'm in regardless. I didn't sign up to half-ass my protection and it seems no one else is gunna be able to handle this mission. We've no choice and I rather die saving people than not. So what's the plan gang? Who else is gunna run with Ol' Verim into the Lion's maw? Though, from how you explained it, wouldnt blowing up the wardstone put us at.. y'know.. point blank range and kill us? Not that I mind I suppose, death on way or the other. Now the better question is how in the Nine Hells are we supposed to destroy it? "
Verim scratches his head and tries to figure out something though its clear he eyes Wendaug and Mia particularly long when he speaks of possible... death.
"Don't think I need to actually say I agree? I'm a paladin; agreeing to obscenely-dangerous missions like this for the greater good is somewhere near the top of the job description." Luci remarked with a smile.
"But Verim's right - and putting more thought into this than I thought he'd be capable of," it would be hard to think she was being serious with the wry grin on her face, "how are we supposed to destroy this shard of the wardstone? We can't exactly take to it with my dad's carpentry axe, after all."
Verim chuckles, " Well I've known for a while but I DO think with more than my Libido, Luci. You all sometimes forget your Verim is a bit capable at times, though even I think this is likely my most reckless feat! Dad'll be proud to hear about it afterwards... Mom won't like that I'm gone though... " The last bit said in a somber tone.
"Sure i'm in, things would be boring if i'd sit around.
Besides, somebody's got to keep you guys healthy, especially big bro here."
The bird shows its head, chirping merrily.
" Hrmmmm, Mia you do know.. this isnt even like before. There was an explosion, something that kills on contact. The same something Irabeth here is telling us they plan to be a weapon. We might not come back. "
*Eyes Verim*
"Whoa now, if it's not for me and Tallina's capability of healing, there surely won't be a chance to come back, in the fighting."
*Playful teasing smirk*
"Besides, there's someone who'd be very disappointed in you rushing in and getting killed prematurely."
*Bird chirps even more merrily*
If you didn't know better, as birds don't talk or understand proper speech, , the little bird might be laughing.
Verim gave a snicker as he got where Mia was going with that and nodded, " That's true, That's true. I am pretty death prone, but you know I can generally take care of myself Lil' Sis, its just those times I get a little .. er.. unlucky. "
He scratches the back of his neck, " I also rather not get that certain someone angry either... but this mission isnt gonna give me a choice I think. "
Verim eyed Tjip warily knowing the little bugger wasnt all birdbrain.
Bianca didn't like the sound of this mission at all.
She had only just come to Mendev, she wasn't ready to so freely throw her life away for those she had no connection to..
But she felt an immediate tinge of guilt. Had her savior not risked their own life for a stranger? What must Chaldira think of me now, shrinking from danger?
"I too will come." she announced.
"I owe a debt, and this seems as good a way as any to repay it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Wenduag showed her support of going with them. The information she caught was definitely something that sort of floored her. She wasn't expecting this. The city... she only thought it was the city but corrupting the wardstone was far more then she had in mind when she joined up with the cultist. Clearing her throat "I'm in. I believe your going to need all the help you can get." She said with a wry smile. "I didn't want to apart of a world domination plot here... But I agree with Verim, Death by the hands of demons or the explosion... I'll take an explosive blast any day."
Irabeth let out a slow and relieved sigh, a small smile creeping to her lips. "We owe you a lot. Without your help I am sure we wouldn't have the force we have now."
Quedny moved towards the group, holding a white rod out to them. "I found this in a wizards shop and I believe it to be the best way to take out the wardstone. It's a rod of cancellation. With this you should be able to drain the last vestige of power from the fragment, in so doing, it will completely sever the wardstone's connection remaining to the field. Doing so will rob Vorlesh of a crucial chink in the wardstones fields armor and prevent her from using it against the crusaders unless the demons can manage to destroy another wardstone."
Irabeth spoke up at this point, "-to which I don't think would be possible in the short term, giving how many attacks over the past years it suffered to become so vulnerable now."
Qyedny nodded to this as Irabeth continued with a wry smile, "As if the demons had planning this from day one. It will be very unfortunate for them to lose this wardstone." Shaking he head slowly, "At this point, this wardstone is useless to the crusaders and will now only be a liability to us. It has to be destroyed."
"The gray garrison is heavily guarded and heavily infested with demons. I suggest you attempt several strikes at the garrison. I do not think it would be possible to take it on in one assault. We could provide distractions in the city to lure out some of the demons. Several timed crusader uprisings in the city should do it. Though it would make us have to abandon our defensive hold here." She frowned then, "We may take heavy losses here..."
Surprisingly Wenduag spoke up suddenly, "Then don't! It's stupid to leave such a defensible position..." She suddenly was taken aback by her outburst.
"I'm in, and Wendaug is correct. Do not leave the garrison undefended. Lure cultist troops through the city here, and set up a killbox you will drag them to. The demons are smart enough to know not to come, but the cultists, not so much. Especially if you dress up some well armed crusaders as refugees. Cultists would love nothing other than to kill those who are fleeing right?"
Looking towards the rod of cancellation and any map they have Tallina nods.
"Death by explosion sounds a lot better than at the hands of demons. We can always find peace in the afterlife right?"
Verim nods as well. " Right Right! Several attacks only work in a war of attrition. We've dealt with demons and have killed quite a few more. If we can't get it in one swoop, they will recover and it'll be that much harder. Crush them now while they are still cocky and in disarray from our foray today and push this job to completion. At least thats what I've been taught. "
Verim began working over the limber movements of his shoulders, " All I ask is if you have any equipment you can part with to outfit us, this would be the time to do so. You all need to group and run interference, but safely.. at that time we rush into the place an barrel through. Afterward.. well I guess the Demons will be waiting another millennia until they can do this again... Too many heroes and mercenaries will come to Kenebres after the explosion. Another thing being.. IF we fail you are gunna need a sizable amount of forces to keep some semblance of defense.. likely we will deal a heavy blow to the base but they wont all be dead in that case. "
He sigh and places himself next to Wendaug giving her a nudge. " Hrmph.. I suppose we will get one last dance before the end.. " his face softened, " Seems my reckless behavior has grown infectious. You don't have to go. "
"Yup, a quicky by a big boom is preferable to horrible unknown stuff the demons might do."
Verim seems hesitant, " ..... I really rather you not have that happen Mia, you still have alot to live for. You wont take no for an answer though.. Will ya? " he twisted his face into a smirk. " You still need to find your Mum "
"Yup and yup ^^"
My personal goal is to get at least one party member to offer a sincere prayer, of their own free will, to a demon lord.
" Heh, figures. I hope I get sent to Hell then afterward for allowing it. "
Irabeth seemed a little surprise at the recommendation that they hold their defensive line. She had a concerned look on her face, "It's going to be dangerous.... though if you say so we might be able to save a few more survivors if we hold the line... Besides that, the Grey Garrison is located in Old Kenebres. It's going to be infested with demons and cultists."
Quedny smiled thinly, [b]"The fate of the people here are in your hands, I'm pretty sure the merchants that are still surviving here in the heart will provide you with help or assistance with items."
Irabeth nodded slowly to that "I'm not sure if they are willing to give things away for free, but I can see if I can try and talk some sense into them." She would then turn to the table with the map laid out of the city and she would motion over some of the crusaders that were in the room with them.
Wendaug sighed a little, looking to Verim as she put on a smile. "I have to. You pulled me out this far, I can't see you just go without me now. Anyway..." She paused and looked Verim in the eyes for a moment, as if she was searching for something. "I think your going to need the help. That garrison is going to be a tough fight." She rolled one of her shoulders before clearing her throat, "Let's go get ourselves some better equipment before we head off yes?"
Verim chuckled, " Don't worry about it, 10, Demons or a thousand we will complete the mission. I have to keep my streak going after all! I won't let you all down, we can't exactly afford to fail. " He scratches his chin with a finger.
" Hell Im not telling them to do it for free but maybe on loan or a discount, Hell they can just get the Armor back from my body at the end! Win-Win! "
To Wendaug he paused and met her eyes as she examined him. He had known for a while what must be happening, what she could mean and it didnt hurt the brazen woman wasnt the best at hiding things. With a knowing smile Verim placed his hand near hers, gracing her fingers and if allowed; laces them within his own to create a warm embrace of their hands. " Let's. We've had a good run. Get a nice celebration in tonight and then rush the base on the morrow. " He leans in close to Wendaug's ear, " And we have to retrieve your gift ofcourse "
Genuinely smiling.
With the plan settled, Luci went over to Irabeth.
"I don't suppose you know anything about this sword?" she asked, taking it off her belt to show her. "It was accompanied with a letter saying it was Yaniel's sword. I've been drawing a blank on the name since we got it from some cultists underground, don't suppose the name means anything to you?"
Thinking to things that the party has picked up, Tallina looks through her bag for a moment.
"And this. I have a scale of that big silver dragon that saved us. It apparently can let me walk on air. But I've never really tested it out."
Laris steps forward a little, "I think it is safe to say we are committed and I'd rather go out with a bang, than a whimper, none shall say that House D'Vagne do not step up to the breach when called."
Laris studies the map, trying to relate it to her own knowledge of the area.
Can Laris recall anything about the Grey Garrison - alternate entryways, layouts, covered approach. (Knowledge:Local +8)
Wenduag blinked at Verim's whisper, looking to him quizically and a little confused. Gift? was all she could think in response. Leaving that for another time she gave a slight smile to the man and tugged at his hand. She of course allowed him to interlace them, though she pretended as if she just didn't know it yet. "I think we need to put you in a bubble of sorts, make sure you don't get damaged."
Irabeth looked at Luciana when she approached and inquired about the sword. She seemed stunned for a minute as she looked at the sword. Then looked to Luciana once more, "Did you say Yaniel's? Yaniel and her sword... Radiance..." this has caused the older gentlemen to look at the sword as well as a few of the crusaders in the room whispered to each other in surprise. Irabeth cleared her throat as she collected her thoughts, "Radiance, is this swords name. This sword is all that remains of Yaniel's legacy. She spoke out against the Mendevian crusaders, accusing them of negligence and sloth which allowed Khorramzadeh to damage the wardstone in Kenebres before... She went into the Worldwound by herself and just her sword. Her superiors wanted to excommunicate her, but when she left everyone thought she had died..."
"Two years later she comes back with an army of crusaders she had rescued. Unfortunately in her second incursion into the Worldwound, she was assassinated by a demon only a week into her crusade. Her body was taken but the crusaders returned with her sword. It was once a mighty and powerful weapon but ever since she was slain it had become inert... It was placed in the Gray Garrison before it was stolen..."
The sword was glowing now with a soft golden light. Everyone seemed to just be flabbergasted by it. Irabeth though smiled as she looked to Luciana, "I believe, Radiance has found a new wielder. Yaniel would want it to continue striking down the demons that infest this world. Use it. It's a holy and powerful weapon that will serve you well."
Quedny looked at the scale this time as Irabeth was still admiring the sword Radiance. He held the dragon scale up with awe. "This is one of Terendelev's Scales. There are more then just this one scale, do you have any of the others? Each one has a different property, this ones allows you to levitate, essentially clouds form below you, allowing you to rise or lower. But their are a few more surely?" He returns the scale to her, "Where did you find it?" He says with awe.
Laris will note that the entrance to Old Kenebres will be difficult as the streets are a bit more chaotic. This will make avoiding roaming demons harder. Though you do note a street that will take you into the alleyways, hopefully undetected for the most part. It will take you close to the Grey Garrison but you would then have to circle around to the cathedral that is near it. The garrison is in a relative open area so sneaking up on the building would not be possible, but the alleyway you pointed out should help avoid some fights getting there.
"Hmm, if we go this way we most likely avoid most the fighting en-route. But the actual approach to the Garrison will be brutal whichever way we go."
She pauses a moment, thinking
"The only other thing I can think of is see if a disguise can get us inside the Garrision itself, I doubt anything we can throw together will work close up though."
Verim made a motion to follow him to the female mongrelfolk and went to bother the merchants about said gift. " Being damaged doesnt mean it doesnt still work. "
"Brutal or not, we've got to try, don't we?
The city is in trouble already, if you think a disguise won't help, we should try sneaking."
Wenduag was right on the heels of Verim, curious as to what this gift was pertaining to, "There is a point of being too damaged to still hold any value though..." a small wry smile twisted her lips then as she was attempting to look over his shoulder. "I'm afraid I don't have much of a gift for you though..." She glanced at him for a second before she mulled over what she could possibly do. She gave him a sudden jab in his side before scurrying off to the other end of the inn, trying to fish something up.
It would only be a moment before she was strutting her way back with a platter filled with tankards, enough for everyone. "For the road!"
Verim as well returned with his gift, though he hid it before Wendaug arrived. We a gleeful cheer he raised a tankard and knocked to his fellow allies in a raucous cry, " To my friends! For the road to Ruin! We will take Kenebres back from the DEMONS! " Downing the drink in one long guzzle.
he gave a hardy burp and wiped away the remnants with his sleeve, revealing a satisfied sigh. He gave a wink to the Mongrelwoman and pulled out his gift. And intricately woven composite longbow that seemed to have been modeled after her previous one, however, this one was clearly of superior durability, pull and usability in mind. it would have well placed grips and a matching quiver, the inscription on it saying " Welcome to the top... -Verim " The craft clearly of masterwork quality it almost shines from the finish.
He passed it to Wendaug, ceremoniously.
Luci's eyes widened as Irabeth explained the sword's history and she unconsciously found herself holding the blade a bit more delicately.
"Well, sure hope I don't let her down." she said, rather lost for words as she returned the blade to its sheath.
"I don't think you've let her memory down thus far, Luciana." says Laris reassurringly, though she's not sure the fiesty Paldin really needs reassurance.
"Nah, you're you and you've been doing great.
Thumbs up to you.", Mia smiles with a wink.
Wendaug seemed a little bit taken aback by the presentation of the gift once she had finished handing out the tankard. Though it seemed not like many were too keen on the drinks. She shrugged this off and moved to hold the bow up before her, tilting her head as she hefted it slightly and made the motion to pull back the string.
"It's... wondrous..." she said as she looked to Verim. [b]"I don't see how I'm worth this gift but its a masterpiece. She removed her quiver and old bow, setting it to the side as she hefted the new set and set it in place.
She had seen the inscription but did not say anything yet. She was a bit speechless. Almost like a child in a candy shop as she marveled the craftsmanship and the delicate care in the bow.
Irabeth smiled, "I don't think you will let her down. It will be a powerful ally in the next battle." With that she went back to taking care of getting plans set up with the other crusaders.
The older man wished them luck in the coming battle as he went about trying to help where he can.
Verim clasped his hand on Wendaug shoulder and smirked, " Now Now, you are well worth this gift, especially now. Father always said a lady deserves a gift, a nice one, at least once in her life if you care for her. I extend that to everyone to be fair, but since its likely this is going to be a suicide run; Might as well have some semblance of happiness, right? "
He rubbed the back of his neck, " So, it's yours. A symbol of a new life.. er.. choice. You don't have to feel indebted either. It's supposed to lead to greater experiences later on, assuming I didnt get myself TOO hurt. I'm glad you seem to enjoy it. Let's bask in the time we have now, so we can kill the enemy soon. " He chuckles.
"Soooo...', said with hands behind her back and rocking on her little shoed feet, looking with spirit at the others, ..are we still going to ruin demon plans?"
Unloading her trunk of the various items, Tallina sighs as she looks at the baubles and trinkets.
Everything has a use, even the silverware since we don't necessarily have a lot of it. Might as well just pack up again.
"I'm ready to head out whenever. Let me just rearrange my treasure chest."
"I have little to do, we can head out whenever everyone's ready"
"Best we get to bed early then," Luci suggested, "we'll want to be fresh for it tomorrow."
The team is now standing together outside of the grey garrison. The new day was only greeted by that familiar red haze that was often brought upon the scourge of the demons. Everyone seemed weary yet vigilant.
Irabeth stood with her defenders, giving you the final fairwell before you head towards the Grey Garrison.
Wendaug stood with the group, standing next to Verim, staring intently off into city. Her grip on her cherished bow tight. "I'm ready as I'll ever be..."
Verim grinned nudging the tense woman with his shield, " Don't wind yourself up too much. This is gunna be fun, let's see what they have in store. "
The Brazen human walking up to the front of the area after getting a lay of the land. He had to get used to having an eye again.
The half elf looked over her companions.
"We should get going, there's bound to be a fight ahead though. Tobongo, are you ready?"
Verim taps his glaive up against his new borrowed plate and older shield, "Not too much more careful than I am now eh? Got it on loan. Can't be dyin' TOO early now can we? "
The brash man gave a cheerful smile to mask the grim reality.
"Nope, don't you dare.", the little halfling says with a teasing smile. You wouldn't be easily forgiven."[/b]
"Considering who you got the armour off, he'll probably be coming after the rest of us for it or their cost," Luci remarked, "honestly; I still think that guy's a loan shark. And if not, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got a betting ring going on about our chances of survival. Every time I've seen him around town he's had these expensive clothing and so-on - but I never saw him actually working or owning any businesses.
"Was going to try and find a private investigator to look into him once I had the cash, but, well..." she gestured around, "plans change."
Since we're nearly there anyway, I imagine we wouldn't have to go too much further to drag you out of hell should you die anyway. Laris comments dryly.
Laris mentally steels herself, for all her training and confidence, she never expected to be running headlong into the darkness.
Verim chuckles as he limbers his body up checking the entrance, " The Abyss is a bit far last I remember from Hell... Wait are you saying Verim is a lost soul under all this Jovial appearance? For shame Laris, I thought you the nice one. " He flashed a grin then looking to Luciana
" That merchant's good are fine at least, I know good armor when I see it HARHAR! If it comes down to it he can only get my remains, that was the deal at least. I've known to read over contracts, that's how alot of Mercs get tricked so I learned ahead a' time. "